Fox News, the network that brings you’re the hate mongering Bill O’Riley has taken a nosedive in the ratings. Their rating dropped a whopping 28% among all viewers, and 20% in the 24-55 demographic, the folks with money!
Fox may be suffering the same fate as the President whose approval continues to plumb the depths. I wonder how long Rupert will continue to follow the party line, when he starts hemorrhaging money from the exodus of advertisers and lowered revenue?
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Rumsfeld Lies Again
I guess it’s hard being the Secretary of Defense who oversaw the baseless attacks on Iraq, but now he’s just making stuff up. In a speech before the American Legion, he likened critics of the war to those who tried to appease the Nazi’s during WWII.
It is shameful when the Secretary of Defense starts spewing these kind of nonsensical allegations. He fails to name anyone in Congress who favors appeasement of terrorists, yet makes bold claims that a new kind of fascism is loose in the world.
I have news for Mr. Rumsfeld, a new fascism is loose in the world and it’s seat of power is in Washington, DC in the White House. A president who is unchecked by Congress and seeks more and more power looks pretty much like a fascist to me. But enough of the name calling, let’s see your facts Mr. Rumsfeld. Name one Senator or Congressman that has advocated appeasing the terrorists.
(Ominous silence)
It is shameful when the Secretary of Defense starts spewing these kind of nonsensical allegations. He fails to name anyone in Congress who favors appeasement of terrorists, yet makes bold claims that a new kind of fascism is loose in the world.
I have news for Mr. Rumsfeld, a new fascism is loose in the world and it’s seat of power is in Washington, DC in the White House. A president who is unchecked by Congress and seeks more and more power looks pretty much like a fascist to me. But enough of the name calling, let’s see your facts Mr. Rumsfeld. Name one Senator or Congressman that has advocated appeasing the terrorists.
(Ominous silence)
Return Of The Dust Bowl?
In the 1930’s the southern Great Plains became a big mass of swirling dust. Over tilling the soil and poor land management as well as a continued drought led to huge quantities of topsoil being swept away by high winds. Dust storms made conditions intolerable and many were forced from their farms by bankruptcy and just plain old despair.
Well, thanks to he recent continued drought the northern Great Plains now face a similar fate. Cattle ranchers have had to sell their cattle early because the grazing is so poor. Even hay is at a premium because of the drought.
The effects of global warming? No one knows for sure, but if this is a persistent pattern, the Great Plains may become the Great American Desert again. My suggestion is similar to the Governor of South Dakota, pray for rain. Meanwhile, we need to start taking steps to reverse the global warming trend. If not now, we may not have another opportunity.
Well, thanks to he recent continued drought the northern Great Plains now face a similar fate. Cattle ranchers have had to sell their cattle early because the grazing is so poor. Even hay is at a premium because of the drought.
The effects of global warming? No one knows for sure, but if this is a persistent pattern, the Great Plains may become the Great American Desert again. My suggestion is similar to the Governor of South Dakota, pray for rain. Meanwhile, we need to start taking steps to reverse the global warming trend. If not now, we may not have another opportunity.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Archbishop Of Canterbury Says Gays Not Welcome In Church
The concept of grace and God’s love for all his children, a concept which Jesus preached relentlessly has apparently not reached the Anglican Church. The archbishop of Canterbury has told gays that they need to change their behavior if they are to be welcomed into the church.
It seems that God only loves those who his earthly servants judge. The God of the Archbishop is a servant to church proclamations and not the omnipotent and all-loving God I worship. I guess as a Christian who tries to follow Jesus I will have to look elsewhere for spiritual guidance. Again, I am grateful for denominations like the United Church of Christ and other liberal Christian churches that let God speak for himself through whomever hears his call.
It seems that God only loves those who his earthly servants judge. The God of the Archbishop is a servant to church proclamations and not the omnipotent and all-loving God I worship. I guess as a Christian who tries to follow Jesus I will have to look elsewhere for spiritual guidance. Again, I am grateful for denominations like the United Church of Christ and other liberal Christian churches that let God speak for himself through whomever hears his call.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Quote For The Day
What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty and democracy? - Mohandas Ghandi
Hundreds Protest At Presidential Vacation To Maine
Bush seems to be dogged by protesters wherever he goes these days, and that’s a good thing. As Bush has said, "you have to keep repeating yourself to catapult the propaganda." Well, a group of 700+ were on hand outside the Kennebunkport compound of his father to let Bush know that the US needs to get out of Iraq.
We have Camp Casey in Crawford, this group on Maine, next we need a group camped outside the White House doing the same thing, except that group needs to be several hundred thousand strong. A mass protest in Washington to call attention to the unjust and illegal war might just catapult not only the propaganda, but Bush from office.
We have Camp Casey in Crawford, this group on Maine, next we need a group camped outside the White House doing the same thing, except that group needs to be several hundred thousand strong. A mass protest in Washington to call attention to the unjust and illegal war might just catapult not only the propaganda, but Bush from office.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Katrina + 1 And State Farm Accused Of Dodging Claims
Investigators say State Farm Insurance buried or altered Katrina damage reports to avoid paying claims. Two whistleblowers who worked for the company for 8 years have turned over thousands of documents to the FBI. If I had any State Farm Stock I would sell it now, cause they are gonna take a really hard fall unless Bush and company come in and save them.
I have heard from friends along the gulf coast that have battled with their insurance companies for over a year and still have nothing. If we had a real government, hey would come in and cut through all this crap and make the insurance companies pay off. Funny how they are always fast with a collection notice when a premium is late, but have a claim? Good luck sucker!
Something is very, very wrong with this system and it must be changed soon.
I have heard from friends along the gulf coast that have battled with their insurance companies for over a year and still have nothing. If we had a real government, hey would come in and cut through all this crap and make the insurance companies pay off. Funny how they are always fast with a collection notice when a premium is late, but have a claim? Good luck sucker!
Something is very, very wrong with this system and it must be changed soon.
Did Israel Uses Cluster Bombs In Civilian Areas?
About 10 years ago I visited a factory in Kansas. I was making an industrial documentary about the plant that made explosives and cluster bombs for the US Army. It so happened that I was there on the same day Bob Dole visited, and I watched the seasoned politician schmooze his way through the crowds of employees eager to shake his hand. He had come to assure them that another fat government contract was in the bag and they would be in business for a long time to come.
The cluster bombs they made gave me shivers. I shot tests of the individual bomblets and saw Army film of the full device in use. These were called "smart weapons" because they have a computer to guide them toward their target, however my first thought was how dumb they were. They scatter hundreds of bright yellow bomblets that look more like cans of tuna fish than weapons. These explode using a specially shaped explosive that sends a high powered stream of vaporized copper plasma out capable of burning through inches of armor. What they didn’t say in any of their explanations was that these bomblets often do not fully deploy and explode. They can litter the battlefield like unexploded land mines, which can later go off unexpectedly and burn holes through anyone unfortunate enough to be nearby.
These are the kind of weapons we have sold to the Israelis with the caveat that they not be used against civilians. Now we are investigating just that kind of use. It seems that Israel used these weapons in civilian areas of Lebanon, which violates the Geneva Convention. What I expect will come from these investigations will be the same thing that always comes from any problem with Israel. We will sweep it under the rug and nothing will come from it.
Israel and the US are allies, and I have no problem with that. However, repeatedly ignoring violations of UN sanctions, covert spying on the US and human rights violations makes this allegiance a problem. We must treat Israel like we would any other country and not like they were a favorite child. Our favoritism sends the wrong message to the other countries in the Middle-East. Israel as well as its neighbors must be held accountable for their actions, and while we are at it, so should we.
The cluster bombs they made gave me shivers. I shot tests of the individual bomblets and saw Army film of the full device in use. These were called "smart weapons" because they have a computer to guide them toward their target, however my first thought was how dumb they were. They scatter hundreds of bright yellow bomblets that look more like cans of tuna fish than weapons. These explode using a specially shaped explosive that sends a high powered stream of vaporized copper plasma out capable of burning through inches of armor. What they didn’t say in any of their explanations was that these bomblets often do not fully deploy and explode. They can litter the battlefield like unexploded land mines, which can later go off unexpectedly and burn holes through anyone unfortunate enough to be nearby.
These are the kind of weapons we have sold to the Israelis with the caveat that they not be used against civilians. Now we are investigating just that kind of use. It seems that Israel used these weapons in civilian areas of Lebanon, which violates the Geneva Convention. What I expect will come from these investigations will be the same thing that always comes from any problem with Israel. We will sweep it under the rug and nothing will come from it.
Israel and the US are allies, and I have no problem with that. However, repeatedly ignoring violations of UN sanctions, covert spying on the US and human rights violations makes this allegiance a problem. We must treat Israel like we would any other country and not like they were a favorite child. Our favoritism sends the wrong message to the other countries in the Middle-East. Israel as well as its neighbors must be held accountable for their actions, and while we are at it, so should we.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
GOP Wants Scarier Take On Iran Intelligence From CIA
Well apparently the news on Iran is not scary enough for the GOP. Some in that party are complaining that the threat is being downplayed by the CIA. The reality is that they want the country scared SH*%LESS. That is the only way they can increase their poll numbers and their chances of keeping control of congress in November. The real news is that people are not falling for it anymore.
They really want to cook the books again on the intelligence like last time, except we already fell for that lie and won’t be fooled again. Remember what Bush said, "fool me once, shame on me. Fool me …we won’t be fooled again!"
For once I agree wholeheartedly with the president.
They really want to cook the books again on the intelligence like last time, except we already fell for that lie and won’t be fooled again. Remember what Bush said, "fool me once, shame on me. Fool me …we won’t be fooled again!"
For once I agree wholeheartedly with the president.
What’s That Sound? Rosa Parks Spinning In Her Grave.
First a reminder, it’s 2006. Next the story, a bus driver in Coushatta, Louisana asked 9 black children attending Red River Elementary to relinquish their seats to white children and move to the back of the bus.
Again, it’s 2006! If this is not a reason for outrage I don’t know what is.
Again, it’s 2006! If this is not a reason for outrage I don’t know what is.
Pluto Demoted, Now A Dwarf Planet
In the second grade I won a blue ribbon in the city-wide Science Fair with a model of the solar system. At the time it included Pluto, but even then you could tell it was very different from the other planets. It’s orbit intersected that of Neptune, and it was so far from the sun that it took 247.7 Earth years to complete a cycle and it was tilted 17.5° from the plane of the other planets. Quite an odd-ball, little Pluto, but since it was named after one of my favorite Disney characters I loved it. Later I found its name came from Pluto ruler of the underworld, a name given it back in 1930.
For years there has been a question as to whether Pluto is a planet or something else, and finally the International Astronomical Union made the call. Pluto, along with its moon Charon as well as Ceres and Xena are "Dwarf Planets". Guess I will have to give the blue ribbon back.
The strange thing is that there is a public cry against demoting Pluto. Rather than accept the wisdom of people who make their living studying the universe, people want Pluto a planet because they like it. And least you think this is the product of too many home-schooled Americans, it’s worldwide. What difference does it make? Pluto is still there, in fact NASA has a spacecraft traveling there right now. It’s still a very interesting object and better to spend time studying it than debating its status in our definition of a planet.
My hope is that perhaps this will get a few more kids interested in astronomy, if for no other reason than to learn enough to prove Pluto deserves planethood after all.
For years there has been a question as to whether Pluto is a planet or something else, and finally the International Astronomical Union made the call. Pluto, along with its moon Charon as well as Ceres and Xena are "Dwarf Planets". Guess I will have to give the blue ribbon back.
The strange thing is that there is a public cry against demoting Pluto. Rather than accept the wisdom of people who make their living studying the universe, people want Pluto a planet because they like it. And least you think this is the product of too many home-schooled Americans, it’s worldwide. What difference does it make? Pluto is still there, in fact NASA has a spacecraft traveling there right now. It’s still a very interesting object and better to spend time studying it than debating its status in our definition of a planet.
My hope is that perhaps this will get a few more kids interested in astronomy, if for no other reason than to learn enough to prove Pluto deserves planethood after all.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Former CIA Security Unit Head Says US More Vulnerable To Attack Than Prior To 9/11
Michael Scheuer headed up the CIA’s Bin Laden task force and had a 22-year career in the organization. He resigned in 2004. In a recent interview in Harper’s, Michael sees the United States less secure now than before 9/11. He concedes that legal entry points have been fortified, but almost every other entry to the country remains unprotected.
As regard to terrorist organizations:
The interview is very revealing and depressing. It shows the ineffectiveness of the Bush administration in their alleged "War on Terror" and how little real security it provides. I would be tempted to call Bush incompetent, but in reality I think he has done no more that lead us down the path that his conservatism logically points. An ideologically driven dictatorship by a strong paternal power figure is the end result of the Neocon agenda. The big problem is that is not what Democracy should be. Bush, I suspect would agree with John Adams when he said that monarchy was the most stable form of government. Maybe so, but the only monarchies left have been stripped of their power and the few that still function like Saudi Arabia are despotic. That’s not the kind of country I want.
As regard to terrorist organizations:
"We can't capture them one by one and bring them to justice. There are too many
of them, and more now than before September 11. In official Western rhetoric
these are finite organizations, but every time we interfere in Muslim countries
they get more support."
The interview is very revealing and depressing. It shows the ineffectiveness of the Bush administration in their alleged "War on Terror" and how little real security it provides. I would be tempted to call Bush incompetent, but in reality I think he has done no more that lead us down the path that his conservatism logically points. An ideologically driven dictatorship by a strong paternal power figure is the end result of the Neocon agenda. The big problem is that is not what Democracy should be. Bush, I suspect would agree with John Adams when he said that monarchy was the most stable form of government. Maybe so, but the only monarchies left have been stripped of their power and the few that still function like Saudi Arabia are despotic. That’s not the kind of country I want.
Baggy Pants Big Issue For Dallas City Council
The Dallas City Council, apparently not too busy today is debating an ordinance to ban droopy pants. The low-rider pants, a style popular among many young people may have actually started in jails where they confiscate belts as a security precaution. The trend apparently is so disruptive, the city council has to chime in.
Already limited in schools, this ban would extend to the city limits. I suspect the ACLU will join the fray sooner or later and well they should. Granted, the fashion looks not only ghetto, but downright goofy. Yet, my generation faced the same challenge with bell-bottoms in the 1960’s. Seems people just can’t get over allowing someone else to look silly without trying to pass an ordinance against it.
Already limited in schools, this ban would extend to the city limits. I suspect the ACLU will join the fray sooner or later and well they should. Granted, the fashion looks not only ghetto, but downright goofy. Yet, my generation faced the same challenge with bell-bottoms in the 1960’s. Seems people just can’t get over allowing someone else to look silly without trying to pass an ordinance against it.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
43,443 Americans Killed In 2005 And No War On Traffic Deaths
Where is the outrage? 43,443 Americans dead and no word from the president? Whyh no war on traffic deaths, a war we can actually win with education and enforcement, without causing any more damage or death. Not macho enough for our government I guess. Now if we could stage a photo op with Bush roaring up to the cameras on a police Harley with a bulging crotch, well that might work.
This figure puts the deaths at the hands of terrorists in perspective. Most of those killed were innocent victims and yet nobody even writes one editorial. As a country we really have our priorities screwed up.
This figure puts the deaths at the hands of terrorists in perspective. Most of those killed were innocent victims and yet nobody even writes one editorial. As a country we really have our priorities screwed up.
August 23 And The World Didn't End
Well, at the risk of tempting fate, it’s past midnight in the Middle East and the world didn’t end. ABC news ran a ridiculous story about clerics predicting the battle of Armageddon on August 22. Well it’s the 23 and no battle. Guess this one will go down like the "Great Disappointment" back in 1844 when a preacher named Miller had so many people convinced the world would end that they gave up their jobs and followed him to a place where they would be whisked up to heaven. That day was October 22. Funny how that number crops up.
Well, so many of Millers followers were disappointed that they formed their own religion, Seventh Day Adventists. Maybe a new religion will start tomorrow, who knows. The truth is that the fear campaign goes on. Keep playing that fear card GOP it will get you nowhere.
Well, so many of Millers followers were disappointed that they formed their own religion, Seventh Day Adventists. Maybe a new religion will start tomorrow, who knows. The truth is that the fear campaign goes on. Keep playing that fear card GOP it will get you nowhere.
Homeland Security Wants Unprecedented Access To Personal Data
Would you feel safer if the Government had unlimited access to all your personal information? Credit card info, banking, telephone, Internet, mail, library records and more? The typical response is, "well if I am not doing anything wrong why not?" Why not changes to why do you need that when the motives behind the snooping is questionable.
Remember that the Bush administration claimed that they had evidence of WMD in Iraq. That Iraq and Al Qaeda were linked. That Iraq was seeking yellow cake uranium from Niger. The list of lies by Bush and company grows longer every day, and that should make you a bit skeptical about them seeking more power and information about your private life.
Certhoff now wants an unprecedented amount of data about travelers. Will this make us safer? I doubt it. This is the same department that let New Orleans drown and still refuses to screen containers for possible bombs. Why do they need this info? Well, enough of the questions. Personally, I sincerely believe they will either not be able to process so much new information, or will use it to find political enemies rather than terrorists. Remember that these guys had no problem compromising our security and outing a CIA operative just to destroy a political career of a whistleblower.
Vermont Town Wants To Ban Nudity
Coming from Texas, this is a really weird story to me. You see, here in the Bible Belt, not wearing clothes is something akin to murder, maybe worse. I suspect there are Bible thumpers who take baths in bathing suits and have never seen another human being naked. The straight-laced zanies here would explode during Brattleboro Vermont’s "Breast Fest" where thousands of women paraded topless down main street.
Seems that there is no ordinance against public nudity in Vermont, and consequently sunny days bring a number of nude sunbathers to local parks and parking lots. It sounds very European to me. In many European countries the rare sunny day is a time to soak up any rays you can . Topless sunbathers are common, even in city parks.
Now someone got their panties in a wad and want nudity banned. What a pity. Before this nobody thought sun bathing nude was wrong. It was just natural. Now that we have moralists trying to impose their views on the public it’s become a "sin".
Seems that there is no ordinance against public nudity in Vermont, and consequently sunny days bring a number of nude sunbathers to local parks and parking lots. It sounds very European to me. In many European countries the rare sunny day is a time to soak up any rays you can . Topless sunbathers are common, even in city parks.
Now someone got their panties in a wad and want nudity banned. What a pity. Before this nobody thought sun bathing nude was wrong. It was just natural. Now that we have moralists trying to impose their views on the public it’s become a "sin".
Monday, August 21, 2006
Republican Pundit Asks, "Is Bush An Idiot?" Naw, He's Probably Just Drunk.
Sounding at times delusional in the news conference, it seems that Bush is even having trouble with his Neocon stooges. Joe Scarborough, former Republican congressman and staunch supporter hosted a segment on MSNBC titles, "Is Bush an Idiot?"
Not exactly the kind of stuff you want to hear from the right when you are under fire from the left already. What’s more worrisome is the ad-lib remarks made earlier to the press where Bush could not even finish a sentence coherently.
If I were a betting man, I would say Bush needs a meeting really bad, and probably should consider treatment. On the good side, he admitted today that Iraq never had anything to do with Al-Queda or 9/11. Maybe this is part of his 4h step. There but for the grace of God go I.
Not exactly the kind of stuff you want to hear from the right when you are under fire from the left already. What’s more worrisome is the ad-lib remarks made earlier to the press where Bush could not even finish a sentence coherently.
If I were a betting man, I would say Bush needs a meeting really bad, and probably should consider treatment. On the good side, he admitted today that Iraq never had anything to do with Al-Queda or 9/11. Maybe this is part of his 4h step. There but for the grace of God go I.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
CNN Features Really Scary Graphics! Are You Afraid Now?
Booga, booga, booga! There are you afraid now? No? How about this? Terror, terrorists, living in your neighborhood, on your street, NEXT DOOR!!!! Afraid now?
No? Then you are like most Americans. You aren't buying it anymore. Yes there are terrorists out there and they are probably in the country already, they were on 9/11 and the will be in the future. Should we cower in fear and let the Bush administration take away more rights? Hell no.
That is the opinion of most people in this country and it shows in the lack of gain in Bush’s approval ratings after the British terror plot was foiled. Even after the spate of non-news reports of planes stopping to unload delusional passengers, and mistaken bomb sniffing dogs in Italy. There will be terrorists until our policies change and most folks know that.
Now CNN joins Faux News in trying to scare people. Their new TERROR 2.0 banners are almost ludicrous in their obvious pandering to fear. You have to wonder who is feeding them this crap.
No? Then you are like most Americans. You aren't buying it anymore. Yes there are terrorists out there and they are probably in the country already, they were on 9/11 and the will be in the future. Should we cower in fear and let the Bush administration take away more rights? Hell no.
That is the opinion of most people in this country and it shows in the lack of gain in Bush’s approval ratings after the British terror plot was foiled. Even after the spate of non-news reports of planes stopping to unload delusional passengers, and mistaken bomb sniffing dogs in Italy. There will be terrorists until our policies change and most folks know that.
Now CNN joins Faux News in trying to scare people. Their new TERROR 2.0 banners are almost ludicrous in their obvious pandering to fear. You have to wonder who is feeding them this crap.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Cheney And Friends Cooking The Books On Iranian Uranium Claims
So if you were Vice President, who would you turn to for matters of intelligence. The CIA, NSA, FBI? Not if you are Dick Cheney, you ask your friend Abram Shulsky, former director of the Office of Special Plans in the Defense Department. Former, you ask? Yep, now he’s a consultant, and member of the Neocon Project for a New American Century.
I guess it’s not surprising, since this administration is guided by their ideals and beliefs rather than fact. If the facts don’t fit, make them up. And that is apparently what’s happening with the intelligence on the nuclear programs of Iran. According to a story printed today in "Raw Story":
The ID is the Iran Directorate, a spin off from the OSP and an organization that has Shulsky as a consultant.
If this all sounds familiar, it is. Remember the Niger Yellow Cake Uranium crap? Looks like this "special" intelligence division, which has earned the skepticism of real intelligence organizations like the CIA is feeding Cheney and Bush what they want to hear and more importantly, what they can use to keep our country afraid. Read a little Machiavelli, and you’ll find how useful fear is in controlling a population.
I guess it’s not surprising, since this administration is guided by their ideals and beliefs rather than fact. If the facts don’t fit, make them up. And that is apparently what’s happening with the intelligence on the nuclear programs of Iran. According to a story printed today in "Raw Story":
"Several foreign policy experts, who wish to remain anonymous, have expressed
serious concern that much like the OSP, the ID is manipulating, cherry picking,
and perhaps even -- as some suspect -- cooking intelligence to lead the U.S.
into another conflict, this time with Iran."
The ID is the Iran Directorate, a spin off from the OSP and an organization that has Shulsky as a consultant.
If this all sounds familiar, it is. Remember the Niger Yellow Cake Uranium crap? Looks like this "special" intelligence division, which has earned the skepticism of real intelligence organizations like the CIA is feeding Cheney and Bush what they want to hear and more importantly, what they can use to keep our country afraid. Read a little Machiavelli, and you’ll find how useful fear is in controlling a population.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Yet Another Flaw In Diebold Voting Machines
Diebold electronic voting machines are back in the news. Seems a study released yesterday by Election Science Institute of San Francisco, Calif., shows the machines did not keep accurate matching records to a paper backup of the votes. Needless to say the fine folks at Diebold, heavy contributors to the Republican Party, claim the study is flawed.
This should add yet another bullet to the ammunition targeted at these electronic machines. The previous flaw found that the machines could easily be tampered with and votes changes with the simple flick of a switch.
What’s wrong with a paper ballot? So what if we can’t get results instantaneously? At least you can have a fair recount with paper.
This should add yet another bullet to the ammunition targeted at these electronic machines. The previous flaw found that the machines could easily be tampered with and votes changes with the simple flick of a switch.
What’s wrong with a paper ballot? So what if we can’t get results instantaneously? At least you can have a fair recount with paper.
Need A Job? Send Gov. Rick Perry A Bushel Of Bucks.
Rick Perry must have gone to the Jack Abramoff School of Politics. He has given 10 of his top donors plum contracts or choice appointments with the state of Texas. Though Perry denies a pay-for-play scenario, it doesn’t take a genius to figure this scam out. Case in point, even the right-wing rag The Dallas Morning News calls this action questionable. And in an election year, the Dallas News running any negative stuff on a Republican is very unusual.
Though personally I find Kinky Friedman appealing, I am going to vote for Chris Bell this year. We need all the registered Democrats we can in Austin. The "ledge" has been out of control for long enough. Time to reign them in.
Though personally I find Kinky Friedman appealing, I am going to vote for Chris Bell this year. We need all the registered Democrats we can in Austin. The "ledge" has been out of control for long enough. Time to reign them in.
Free Market Works, Afghanistan Opium Production Hits Record High
Under the Taliban, opium production was eliminated, but now under the benevolent gaze of the free market, it's back and bigger than ever! The production is up over 40% since 2005 hitting a record high, accounting for over 90% of the world’s supply. And for Afghanistan? Well opium now makes up over 52% of the country's gross national product.
Congratulations to all the people in the Bush administration for creating another narco-state! Wonder how bad we can screw up Iraq?
And for those folks who think I am glorifying the Taliban, here’s my answer. They were a bunch of religious zealots and extremists. I have little sympathy for them and pity the Afghan people who had to live under such a repressive regime. Theocracies are always a bad thing; not one has ever worked out well, and most end up committing atrocities in the name of their God. Something to remember here in this country as well.
Congratulations to all the people in the Bush administration for creating another narco-state! Wonder how bad we can screw up Iraq?
And for those folks who think I am glorifying the Taliban, here’s my answer. They were a bunch of religious zealots and extremists. I have little sympathy for them and pity the Afghan people who had to live under such a repressive regime. Theocracies are always a bad thing; not one has ever worked out well, and most end up committing atrocities in the name of their God. Something to remember here in this country as well.
Homeland Security Chairman Calls For Ethnic & Religious Profiling
Well, yesterday it was a trial balloon on Faux News, today it’s for real. The chairman of the House Homeland Security Commission is calling for extra screening for people of Middle East or South Asian descent. Peter King (R-NY) made the suggestion even though most law enforcement agencies dismiss such and idea.
I suspect the Neocon think tanks have issued this new call in one of their talking point faxes and being a good Republican clone, King is just marching in goose-step with the party line. Coming up next, resettlement communities also known as concentration camps.
I suspect the Neocon think tanks have issued this new call in one of their talking point faxes and being a good Republican clone, King is just marching in goose-step with the party line. Coming up next, resettlement communities also known as concentration camps.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Fox News Pundit Calls For "Muslim Only" Line At Airports
The NeoCons have a test site for their wacky ideas to see if hey have any merit at least with possible voters and more importantly campaign contributors. It’s called FOX News. More than once I have seen wacky far right ideas floated by FOX pundits. Some eventually reach the mainstream, while others dies as quickly as they were born.
The latest trial balloon comes from right-wing radio host Mike Gallagher, a guest on "Dayside". He proposed "Muslim Only" lines at airports to assure the screening of Muslims while traveling. Furthermore he said, "most Americans want prejudice. Let’s be prejudiced against those who want to slaughter innocent American men, women and children. It’s time we start exercising some prejudice and stop these bloody terrorists."
To be fair, something FOX rarely does, the host seemed dismayed at his suggestion, but as most people who follow the media know, FOX News does almost nothing that is not carefully scripted or influenced by the Republican spin machine. Was his remark a fluke? Not a chance. This was the old tactic of running it up the flag pole and seeing who salutes. My hope is that America will not fall for this ploy. It’s ultimate extension would be internment and perhaps worse, and that would be about as un-American as things could get.
The latest trial balloon comes from right-wing radio host Mike Gallagher, a guest on "Dayside". He proposed "Muslim Only" lines at airports to assure the screening of Muslims while traveling. Furthermore he said, "most Americans want prejudice. Let’s be prejudiced against those who want to slaughter innocent American men, women and children. It’s time we start exercising some prejudice and stop these bloody terrorists."
To be fair, something FOX rarely does, the host seemed dismayed at his suggestion, but as most people who follow the media know, FOX News does almost nothing that is not carefully scripted or influenced by the Republican spin machine. Was his remark a fluke? Not a chance. This was the old tactic of running it up the flag pole and seeing who salutes. My hope is that America will not fall for this ploy. It’s ultimate extension would be internment and perhaps worse, and that would be about as un-American as things could get.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Bush Cuts Back Presence at World AIDS Conference - Affraid Of Dissent
With the biggest AIDS conference ever in Toronto, in typical Bush fashion, our government cut back out presence from 230 to 50 attendees from the HHS department. The reason? Well seems like Tommy Thompson, HHS director in 2002 was booed by critics because of the meager contributions of the US to the Global AIDS Fund. Guess they don’t like appearing in front of an audience that isn’t hand picked by the GOP to eliminate dissenters.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Lie Detector Tests To Sceen Passengers At US Airports
The Transportation Safety Administration is testing automatic lie-detector booths for possible use in airports. The booths designed in Israel are being tested in the Knoxville, TN airport. I am reminded of the movie "Minority Report" and have to wonder when the psychics will be put into play to detect intent of possible terrorists. Who hates freedom? Funny, looks like the US is behaving that way.
FBI Clears Men Michigan Says Are Terrorists.
So who is telling the truth? Well the FBI now says the 3 Texas men arrested in Michigan with 1000 cell phones have no ties to terrorism. Local prosecutors in Michigan have charged them with terror related activities. Gonna be a hard case to prove with the FBI ringing in like that. Of course they could be held as "enemy combatants" forever and then no one could say anything. Wonder if local folks in Michigan know about that little loophole?
Wonder how many free minutes they have?
Wonder how many free minutes they have?
Bigots Loose attempt To Get Anti-Gay Initiative On Illinois Ballot
It seems like a small thing, but maybe it’s the beginning of a change in the political wind. Illinois neocons failed to get an initiative banning gay marriage on the November ballot in that state. Of the signatures raised, only 91% proved to be valid and failed to meet requirements for the election.
Ultra right-wing activists with the so called Illinois Family Institute have filed suit against the state saying the process is burdensome and unconstitutional, however observers say getting this discriminatory initiative on the ballot will be impossible this time around.
Now I admit, Illinois is already a pretty blue state, but the radical right insists on beating the God, gays and guns drum for every election. I suspect the nation is starting to march to a different beat, one that wants real issues, like health care, education and real homeland security. Let’s hope real American values win out. Values like tolerance, honesty and fair mindedness.
Ultra right-wing activists with the so called Illinois Family Institute have filed suit against the state saying the process is burdensome and unconstitutional, however observers say getting this discriminatory initiative on the ballot will be impossible this time around.
Now I admit, Illinois is already a pretty blue state, but the radical right insists on beating the God, gays and guns drum for every election. I suspect the nation is starting to march to a different beat, one that wants real issues, like health care, education and real homeland security. Let’s hope real American values win out. Values like tolerance, honesty and fair mindedness.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Bush Approval Back In The Low 30's
Looks like the president has failed to boost his numbers this summer. I hope he thinks about what he has done over his vacation in Crawford. According to a new AP poll he is back down to 33% approval rating, matching his low rating in May of this year. This and his continued poor judgement on almost every international issue has caused many even in his own party to shy away from him.
Guess Joe Lieberman must be feeling a little lonely right now as well.
Guess Joe Lieberman must be feeling a little lonely right now as well.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
30% Of Americans Are Brain Dead
OK, so our country is hopelessly stupid. I rarely like to generalize, but when a recent poll showed 30% of Americans can’t remember the year 9/11 happened, we are in big trouble. The attention span of Americans is apparently only a few minutes, so no wonder our leaders lie, cheat and commit war crimes and no one seems to hold them responsible. The awful truth is: THEY CAN’T REMEMBER!
I have to ask myself, is this the result of home schooling, or has the government been putting something in the water?
I have to ask myself, is this the result of home schooling, or has the government been putting something in the water?
Justice Kennedy, "The Freedom Of The Next Generation Hangs In The Balance"
When a Supreme Court Justice makes statements like, "the freedom of the next generation hangs in the balance"; my ears automatically perk up. What’s more, when he is speaking to the American Bar Association he is not just using rhetoric.
Justice Kennedy further stated, "We are at another turning point in the history of the law," discussing the independence of the Judiciary branch of government. Sounds to me like we should be concerned.
You can view a video of the speech here.
Justice Kennedy further stated, "We are at another turning point in the history of the law," discussing the independence of the Judiciary branch of government. Sounds to me like we should be concerned.
You can view a video of the speech here.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
A New Mexican Revolution?
During the early eighties, I lived in Mexico City. I worked for the a television network, the largest media conglomerate in Mexico at the time. I fell in love with the city and it’s people. Mexico City is like Hollywood, New York Paris and Washington, DC all rolled into one, with no parking and wall to wall pollution. It is like no other city on earth and even though it has monumental problems, it’s still an incredible place.
The reason I left was two-fold. One, my partner at the time lived in Texas and commuting was really putting a strain on our relationship. Two, I saw the incredible poverty and inequity in a frantic economy that left millions to live in cardboard shacks with no water, sewers or electricity. All this in the world’s biggest city in what was touted as a burgeoning first world country.
The truth of Mexico is less romantic than the images we see in tourist publications. If you are well off in Mexico, life is pretty good. You have access to cultural institutions, world class cusine, fabulous housing and all the luxuries life can offer. If you are poor in Mexico, it's a different story.
Every upper class house has a second family living there, they live out back and take care of the house and grounds. They are called housekeepers or gardeners, but they are almost indentured servants who owe the very roof over their head to the houses owner. We even had them at our offices, living in a small building behind the main office.
If you are rich, and there are those who are fabulously wealthy in Mexico, you live like royalty. You never get a traffic ticket, police bribe easily. You drive 8-cylinder gas guzzling cars that are illegal to import, but for the rich nothing is forbidden. And politics? Well, as long as you support the government, at that time the PRI, you could do no wrong.
I found myself on pins and needles waiting for the next revolution that I was sure to come any day. That was over 20 years ago and today it looks like that revolution might just happen. The recent highly disputer election is threatening to wake Mexico from it’s slumber and unleash the millions of ordinary folks who are being used by the corrupt system.
According to an article in Truthout, presidential candidate "Lopez Obrador vowed to defend Mexico's democracy by transforming the country's institutions, which he said have always been subjugated by "money and power." He urged supporters to keep the acts of civil disobedience he began on July 30 peaceful." They are starting to turn ugly, and that will bear watching.
I am torn by all this. On one had I want to cheer on the protests, but on the other hand I know they could tear the country apart. I only pray the Mexico can work through this rough patch and become a true democracy. They have the potential for real greatness, and I will always love the land and people living to my state’s south.
The reason I left was two-fold. One, my partner at the time lived in Texas and commuting was really putting a strain on our relationship. Two, I saw the incredible poverty and inequity in a frantic economy that left millions to live in cardboard shacks with no water, sewers or electricity. All this in the world’s biggest city in what was touted as a burgeoning first world country.
The truth of Mexico is less romantic than the images we see in tourist publications. If you are well off in Mexico, life is pretty good. You have access to cultural institutions, world class cusine, fabulous housing and all the luxuries life can offer. If you are poor in Mexico, it's a different story.
Every upper class house has a second family living there, they live out back and take care of the house and grounds. They are called housekeepers or gardeners, but they are almost indentured servants who owe the very roof over their head to the houses owner. We even had them at our offices, living in a small building behind the main office.
If you are rich, and there are those who are fabulously wealthy in Mexico, you live like royalty. You never get a traffic ticket, police bribe easily. You drive 8-cylinder gas guzzling cars that are illegal to import, but for the rich nothing is forbidden. And politics? Well, as long as you support the government, at that time the PRI, you could do no wrong.
I found myself on pins and needles waiting for the next revolution that I was sure to come any day. That was over 20 years ago and today it looks like that revolution might just happen. The recent highly disputer election is threatening to wake Mexico from it’s slumber and unleash the millions of ordinary folks who are being used by the corrupt system.
According to an article in Truthout, presidential candidate "Lopez Obrador vowed to defend Mexico's democracy by transforming the country's institutions, which he said have always been subjugated by "money and power." He urged supporters to keep the acts of civil disobedience he began on July 30 peaceful." They are starting to turn ugly, and that will bear watching.
I am torn by all this. On one had I want to cheer on the protests, but on the other hand I know they could tear the country apart. I only pray the Mexico can work through this rough patch and become a true democracy. They have the potential for real greatness, and I will always love the land and people living to my state’s south.
Bob Ney Says Nay To Reelection
I rarely quote scripture, but today seems like a good day for it. Romans 6:23 – "For the wages of sin is death…" Well, at least political death for Bob Ney. The man who got a standing ovation from fellow Republicans when he refused to resign even if indicted in the Abramoff scandal. Well today, 90 days later he has withdraw from the reelection race in Ohio.
Wonder if Conrad Burns of Montana is thinking the same way? He took over $150,000 from Abramoff, more than any other congressperson. "Vengeance is mine," sayeth the voters.
Wonder if Conrad Burns of Montana is thinking the same way? He took over $150,000 from Abramoff, more than any other congressperson. "Vengeance is mine," sayeth the voters.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
New Survey Shows 50% Of Americans Believe Anything They are Told
Let’s cut to the chase: THERE WERE NO WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION IN IRAQ. So for those 50% of Americans who just can’t seem to figure out the difference between the lies spouted by right-wing talk shows and the lies spouted by our President, the deceiver here it is again. The US, that would be you and me, Americans, funded a 16-month, $900-million-plus investigation. The U.S. weapons hunters known as the Iraq Survey Group declared that Iraq had dismantled its chemical, biological and nuclear arms programs in 1991 under U.N. oversight.
Get it? We searched for 16 months and found ZIP! So screw your head back on straight, (not a sexual reference) and repeat after me, "There were no WMDs".
I guess it’s true, that no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people.
Get it? We searched for 16 months and found ZIP! So screw your head back on straight, (not a sexual reference) and repeat after me, "There were no WMDs".
I guess it’s true, that no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Santorum Signs Gay Rights Pledge - Hell Freezes Over
Rick " Mad Dog" Santorum (R-PA) signed a pro-gay rights pledge today affirming that his office does not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. As the lake of fire fizzled under the advancing sheets of ice, Satan mused, "Well I guess we all knew this day would come, I just hope global warming will have an effect down here."On a serious note, it is amazing that Santorum so willing signed the document that assures a basic right his state denies. One has to wonder if he intends to really stick by this statement or is he just doing it to get the advocates off his back so he can really discriminate against gays. Remember this is the same Rick Santorum that compared homosexuality to incest, bigamy and adultery.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Bush Seeks Military Courts For Any Offense He Sees Fit
In a move that is suspiciously open-ended, the White House is floating a bill to include more than just international terrorists in its special military courts. The bill as envisioned lets the Attorney General decide what offenses would fall under this rule, basically short circuit the due process on any case they see fit.
This smacks of another attempt to grab absolute power, something the Bush administration seems determined to do. Comparisons to Nazis, though politically charged, are certainly in order. Bush continues to try to assert his authority as a dictator and the rubber stamp congress continues to let him do it. Write your congressperson and tell them to start doing their job!
This smacks of another attempt to grab absolute power, something the Bush administration seems determined to do. Comparisons to Nazis, though politically charged, are certainly in order. Bush continues to try to assert his authority as a dictator and the rubber stamp congress continues to let him do it. Write your congressperson and tell them to start doing their job!
Evolution Might Survive Kansas Board Of Education
So the state which contains the oximoronic cities such as Liberal, Kansas may have actually moved into the 21st century. Moderates are once again in the majority on the Kansas State Board of Education. This victory in the elections may translate into a more serious curriculum for Kansas students who are now taught the laughable myth of Intelligent Design as though it were real science.
For the sake of the country and our future, I sincerely hope the change happens. Faith driven zealots pushing fake science such as "Intelligent Design" are trying to move our country toward a theocratic society. Take a look at past Christian theocracies. They have never turned out for the good. Theocracies in general become authoritarian repressive states and our founding fathers sought to escape their grip, not create another.
Time for real education and teaching critical thinking.
For the sake of the country and our future, I sincerely hope the change happens. Faith driven zealots pushing fake science such as "Intelligent Design" are trying to move our country toward a theocratic society. Take a look at past Christian theocracies. They have never turned out for the good. Theocracies in general become authoritarian repressive states and our founding fathers sought to escape their grip, not create another.
Time for real education and teaching critical thinking.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Mel Gibson Booted From Holocaust Mini-Series
ABC television came to it’s senses and pulled the mini-series on the Holocaust from anti-Semite director Mel Gibson’s production company. They say his arrest and rant about the "f&*king Jews" had nothing to do with it, but you have to believe that the thousands of blogs like this one who picked up the hypocrisy of the project were the real cause. In Hollywood, they hate to be seen as stupid.
Additionally the project seemed really far-fetched, seeing as how Gibson is a devout Catholic and has a father who is a holocaust denier. Go figure.
Additionally the project seemed really far-fetched, seeing as how Gibson is a devout Catholic and has a father who is a holocaust denier. Go figure.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Latest Bug In Electronic Voting Machines Makes Election Rigging A Snap
Diebold voting machines apparently have a switch that can make them operate in a completely different manner than intended. The hidden switch allows anyone with a screwdriver to tamper with the machines and potentially rig an election circumventing any procedures examined in the certification process for the machines. In other words, any geek with a pocket protector can rig the election.
This should put the nail in the coffin of electronic voting, but only if enough Americans refuse to be led down the path of crooked elections that the GOP and legislators are leading us.
Again, what is wrong with paper ballots and scanners? They are reliable and can provide an accurate paper trail for a recount. Enough election tampering by these folks, call or write your congressperson and alert them to this latest in a series of flaws in the Diebold machines.
Anti-Semitic Director To Film Holocaust Mini-Series
Mel "Mad Max" Gibson, notably arrested while driving under the influence of alcohol, will still helm the upcoming mini-series about the Holocaust. Strange that the man who screamed "the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world", during his arrest and who directed the "Passion of the Christ" a largely anti-Semitic account of Jesus’ last hours would take on this project. Apparently ABC TV sees no problem with the dichotomy and is plugging ahead with the show.
So to all those right-wing pundits who claim that the Jews run the media...what gives? Would Jews hire this drunk to do such a project? I gotta think not.
So to all those right-wing pundits who claim that the Jews run the media...what gives? Would Jews hire this drunk to do such a project? I gotta think not.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Bush Submits New Bill Giving Him Police State Powers
Welcome to the real police state! Bush Administration officials are floating a new bill to give the government authority to throw anyone suspected of terrorist activity in jail without trial indefinitely. No courts, no trial, no rights, no constitution. Sounds like fiction but it is REAL.
This is an attempt to sidestep the Supreme Court ruling about fair trials for detainees, and it should be very alarming to every American. This is real police state stuff right out of the old Soviet Union and has to be stopped. Write, call and alert your sleeping Congressperson that this is afoot and demand that it be stopped.
This is an attempt to sidestep the Supreme Court ruling about fair trials for detainees, and it should be very alarming to every American. This is real police state stuff right out of the old Soviet Union and has to be stopped. Write, call and alert your sleeping Congressperson that this is afoot and demand that it be stopped.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Coal Industry Tries To Smear Global Warming Science
No surprise that the Coal fired Electrical Power industry has tried its durndest to discredit the scientific proof of global warming. In a leaked memo the Intermountain Rural Electric Association asserts that Global Warming is a myth and quotes among other questionable sources, Russian Scientists" as it’s proof.
Could those be the same Russian Scientists that had Psychic Weapons during the cold war?
OK, that was a cheap shot, but it’s the same kind of fog facts that the coal folks are trying to propagate. The science on Global Warming is pretty conclusive and only those with vested interests in CO2 emissions seem to think otherwise. Enough of this, it’s time to start doing something to reduce the CO2 before it’s too late.
Could those be the same Russian Scientists that had Psychic Weapons during the cold war?
OK, that was a cheap shot, but it’s the same kind of fog facts that the coal folks are trying to propagate. The science on Global Warming is pretty conclusive and only those with vested interests in CO2 emissions seem to think otherwise. Enough of this, it’s time to start doing something to reduce the CO2 before it’s too late.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Amateur Hour At The CIA
Imagine you are trying to do something in secret, say travel throughout Europe kidnapping suspected terrorists. First rule of thumb would be not to use frequent flyer programs that track your movements, and equally important would be not using a cell phone, which would give away your location.
Guess what? Not if you work for the CIA. Agents used their frequent flyer program to gain points from their travels and it allowed the Italian government to track them back to the CIA. That little piece of info got 25 CIA agents arrested in Italy. That’s a-some spicy meatball!
This confirms for me that the CIA under Porter Goss became amateur hour for spies. Makes me wish George Tenent was back.
Guess what? Not if you work for the CIA. Agents used their frequent flyer program to gain points from their travels and it allowed the Italian government to track them back to the CIA. That little piece of info got 25 CIA agents arrested in Italy. That’s a-some spicy meatball!
This confirms for me that the CIA under Porter Goss became amateur hour for spies. Makes me wish George Tenent was back.
GOP Family Values Include Public Sex?
Apparently Republican "Family Values" start at home. Hopefully his son won’t replicate the sins of the father. Republican Senator Norm Coleman’s father was arrested for having sex in public outside a pizzeria in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was engaging in an unspecified sex act with 38 year-old Patrizia Marie Schrag. Norm Coleman, Sr. the Senator’s 81 year old father was a constant companion during his campaign against the late Paul Wellstone.
"Family Values" was a recurring theme in his campaign for Senate, so it is fitting that this information be made public, besides it just supports my premise that Heterosexuals are dangerous sex-crazed predators, even at 81!
"Family Values" was a recurring theme in his campaign for Senate, so it is fitting that this information be made public, besides it just supports my premise that Heterosexuals are dangerous sex-crazed predators, even at 81!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Yet Another Pedophile Heterosexual Teacher
Yet another case of a dangerous heterosexual being allowed to teach our children. A high school teacher in Minnesota hid a camera in his bathroom and videotaped his daughter’s friends when they visited and took showers. The camera was discovered when his wife was channel surfing and came across a live feed from the couple’s bathroom. Later police discovered child pornography in his possession.
Again wen will people learn not to allow predatory heterosexuals to teach children. Heterosexuals have a proven record of child molestation and abuse far higher than the Gay or lesbian population.
I guess people just never learn.
Again wen will people learn not to allow predatory heterosexuals to teach children. Heterosexuals have a proven record of child molestation and abuse far higher than the Gay or lesbian population.
I guess people just never learn.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Pentagon Squanders Another $11 Billion On Usless Jet
$11 Billion isn’t chump change, unless you are the Department of Defense. They are squandering that amount on the F-22 Stealth Fighter. The warplane was designed in 1985 to fight a Soviet jet that was never built. It’s good to know that the US is still fighting the cold war, especially when the alleged "war on terror" is going so well for us in Iraq.
Irony aside, the think tank that recommended the fighter, the Institute for Defense Analysis is conveniently headed by Dennis Blair, a member of the board of the company building the plane. This is another outrageously egregious move by the Bush lead cronies to line their pockets at the expense of not only taxpayers but the lives of soldiers who could use the body armor that money could provide.
Irony aside, the think tank that recommended the fighter, the Institute for Defense Analysis is conveniently headed by Dennis Blair, a member of the board of the company building the plane. This is another outrageously egregious move by the Bush lead cronies to line their pockets at the expense of not only taxpayers but the lives of soldiers who could use the body armor that money could provide.
Department of Defense Spamming Blogs
In a move that would make Joseph Goebbels proud the US propaganda machine has churned out its latest idea, attack blogs. Department of Defense is feeding fake comments to blogs across the Internet, spaming them with "happy talk" about the great job the US is doing in Iraq.
CENTCOM is actively adding links to their site and cluttering up the discourse with their fake messages. Time to turn on the filters and keep this kind of spam off your blog.
CENTCOM is actively adding links to their site and cluttering up the discourse with their fake messages. Time to turn on the filters and keep this kind of spam off your blog.
Monday, July 24, 2006
American Bar Association - Bush Undermining Constitution
The American Bar Association, you have no doubt heard of them, has stated in a bipartisan report that President Bush is undermining the Constitution. They were referring to his "signing statements" that were designed to give Bush a de facto line item veto over any provision of a bill he decides he does not want to obey. In other countries, this is called dictatorship, but here with out rubber stamp Congress it’s business as usual.
The report should stand as a powerful statement that Bush has blatantly disregarded his oath of office and is seeking to destroy the Constitution. That would be an impeachable offense if there ever were one. Now if Congress will wake from their lobbyist-funded slumber and take action we could save our country before it’s too late.
The report should stand as a powerful statement that Bush has blatantly disregarded his oath of office and is seeking to destroy the Constitution. That would be an impeachable offense if there ever were one. Now if Congress will wake from their lobbyist-funded slumber and take action we could save our country before it’s too late.
American Bar Association Report - Bush Undermining Constitution
The American Bar Association, you have no doubt heard of them, has stated in a bipartisan report that President Bush is undermining the Constitution. They were referring to his "signing statements" that were designed to give Bush a de facto line item veto over any provision of a bill he decides he does not want to obey. In other countries, this is called dictatorship, but here with out rubber stamp Congress it’s business as usual.
The report should stand as a powerful statement that Bush has blatantly disregarded his oath of office and is seeking to destroy the Constitution. That would be an impeachable offense if there ever were one. Now if Congress will wake from their lobbyist-funded slumber and take action we could save our country before it’s too late.
The report should stand as a powerful statement that Bush has blatantly disregarded his oath of office and is seeking to destroy the Constitution. That would be an impeachable offense if there ever were one. Now if Congress will wake from their lobbyist-funded slumber and take action we could save our country before it’s too late.
Friday, July 21, 2006
"Christian" Products – Cashing In On God
A story in the Los Angeles Times gives insight into the growing market segment for Christian Products. With everything from "Virtuous Woman" perfume to Gospel Golf Balls, the International Christian Retail Show has everything you need to buy to be "Christian".
In today’s, bottom line society it is no wonder that faith is being merchandised like a NFL team. People today don’t want to think about their faith; they just want to get it in instant form complete with bumper sticker slogans. To me, this is really a revealing aspect of what some people call Christianity.
Forgive me if I draw comparisons to the moneychangers in the Temple, but the huge multi-million dollar Christian Products Industry seems a bit blasphemous. The sale of "Scripture Candy" with bible verses printed on the wrapper cheapens the Word into a Joe Bazooka gimmick. Low cut tight fitting T-shirts for girls with catchy Jesus slogans would seem to send a mixed message at best.
Where does it lead? Well the problem with the current Christian phenomenon is summed up well by Political Scientist Alan Wolfe who sees the Christian merchandising trend as a way for believers to "create a parallel universe, one that allows Christians to withdraw from the world instead of engaging it as Christ commanded."
Maybe I am a little more cynical. I see it as a way for marketers to cash in on yet another fad. I suspect if there was a sudden upsurge in interest in the teachings of Buddha, they would be selling "Inner Peace" mood rings instead of crosses.
Having a few things around to remind you of the message of Christ is not a bad thing, but turning that message into he latest version of a Pet Rock seems less than faithful to Jesus’ teachings.
In today’s, bottom line society it is no wonder that faith is being merchandised like a NFL team. People today don’t want to think about their faith; they just want to get it in instant form complete with bumper sticker slogans. To me, this is really a revealing aspect of what some people call Christianity.
Forgive me if I draw comparisons to the moneychangers in the Temple, but the huge multi-million dollar Christian Products Industry seems a bit blasphemous. The sale of "Scripture Candy" with bible verses printed on the wrapper cheapens the Word into a Joe Bazooka gimmick. Low cut tight fitting T-shirts for girls with catchy Jesus slogans would seem to send a mixed message at best.
Where does it lead? Well the problem with the current Christian phenomenon is summed up well by Political Scientist Alan Wolfe who sees the Christian merchandising trend as a way for believers to "create a parallel universe, one that allows Christians to withdraw from the world instead of engaging it as Christ commanded."
Maybe I am a little more cynical. I see it as a way for marketers to cash in on yet another fad. I suspect if there was a sudden upsurge in interest in the teachings of Buddha, they would be selling "Inner Peace" mood rings instead of crosses.
Having a few things around to remind you of the message of Christ is not a bad thing, but turning that message into he latest version of a Pet Rock seems less than faithful to Jesus’ teachings.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Senate Leaves All Children Behind
In a stunning move coinciding with President Bush speaking at the NAACP, the Senate Appropriations Committee froze funds for the popular and effective Project Head Start . Additionally, the No Child Left Behind funding which was scheduled for $25 billion received only half that ammount.
What can I say? This is so ridiculous a move it defies comment. My only thought is that this is part of what would appear to be a systematic gutting of public education in America by the Neo-cons.
Why? Well my guess is so that rich people can send their kids to private schools on voucher money and the rest of the common rabble will receive what amounts to “Bantu Education”. That infamous system was set up by the former South African regime to assure a class of semi-educated laborers who would know just enough to do their job without questioning authority.
Ok, so it does not defy comment.
What can I say? This is so ridiculous a move it defies comment. My only thought is that this is part of what would appear to be a systematic gutting of public education in America by the Neo-cons.
Why? Well my guess is so that rich people can send their kids to private schools on voucher money and the rest of the common rabble will receive what amounts to “Bantu Education”. That infamous system was set up by the former South African regime to assure a class of semi-educated laborers who would know just enough to do their job without questioning authority.
Ok, so it does not defy comment.
Bush Sexually Harasses German Leader
In a move that could be construed as sexual harassment in the workplace, President Bush showed his lack of tack and diplomatic savvy by giving German Chancellor Merkle an uninvited shoulder rub. Though this kind of activity may seem harmless, it sends a clear message to other countries. The United States considers you under our care. When you’re tired from all that diplomatic work, we can sooth you. Far from a comforting message it tells other leaders and countries the patriarchic attitude President Bush has toward them. He is "daddy" and they are in effect "children".
That is not the kind of message that builds coalitions or confidence in our leadership and attitude toward other countries. The patriarchal attitude is one that permeated US foreign policy for decades and pretty much ended after the Spanish American War. It is an attitude born of the old European colonial days where white people brought "civilization" to the "lesser races." It is the same attitude that the current administration has and demonstrates so well in the Middle East. And we wonder why other countries hate us?
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Ann Coulter Threatens NYT With Fake Anthrax - Why No Arrest?
I guess that if you are a neo-con wacko like Ann Coulter you can do just about anything in this country. Last time I checked, sending stuff through the mail that was designed to appear like Anthrax was just about as illegal as sending the real thing. Ann "widow bashing" Coulter now claims responsibility for sending the NYT an envelope of white powder which caused a bit of a panic for the paper and law enforcement. Coulter has made statements in the past that would get any other us Citizen locked up for terroristic threats, but since she is the darling of the neo-cons, no dice for Ann.
Enough of this crap! Coulter is not just a loose cannon; she is encouraging the wack-jobs that listen to her to commit criminal acts. Where is the Justice Department or Homeland Security? Arrest her and do a little interrogation to find out what she really knows. Of course that would be futile, since she is full of hot air.
Enough of this crap! Coulter is not just a loose cannon; she is encouraging the wack-jobs that listen to her to commit criminal acts. Where is the Justice Department or Homeland Security? Arrest her and do a little interrogation to find out what she really knows. Of course that would be futile, since she is full of hot air.
Smokey Joe Barton Tells A Pack Of Lies Again
Once again Smokey Joe, the man with so many ties to the pollution industries presents the Congress with a pack of lies in the form of a "report" that supposedly discredits global warming. In reality it is a document compiled by a statistician whose work has not been peer-reviewed and has been previously discredited.
Joe Barton (R-TX) believes in Bush’s doctrine of, "you gotta keep repeating things over and over again… to catapult the propaganda". It’s time to catapult these Bozo’s out of Washington.
One has to wonder what they think they can do by continuing to lie to the American people. I guess they don’t live in the same reality and feel that global warming can be avoided with enough power and money. Or maybe they are planning a long space voyage to another world where they can pollute and destroy for another few thousand years.
Joe Barton (R-TX) believes in Bush’s doctrine of, "you gotta keep repeating things over and over again… to catapult the propaganda". It’s time to catapult these Bozo’s out of Washington.
One has to wonder what they think they can do by continuing to lie to the American people. I guess they don’t live in the same reality and feel that global warming can be avoided with enough power and money. Or maybe they are planning a long space voyage to another world where they can pollute and destroy for another few thousand years.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Bush Proposes Cutting Medicare Payments
How would you define compassion? Would it be to cut 20 to 30% of payments for complex medical procedures for Medicare patients? But of course, those old people need to learn to stretch a dollar. As long as we keep coddling them with assistance for medical expenses they will just keep getting sick. So in a move typical of compassionate conservatism the Bush administration is seeking to cut payments to hospitals under Medicare by 20 to 30%.
Hospital administrators and doctors say it will have a devastating effect on the care and wellbeing of the elderly. The government claims its all ni the name of being more accurate. Who do you believe? Well since just about everything else this administration has said has turned out to be a lie, I think for once I trust the doctors.
Cutting Medicare costs before an election? Did these guys have a stroke or are they trying to loose?
Either way, I sincerely hope the Democrats make a point of this and can use it for political gain. We must regain the House and Senate and stop this neo-con leviathan from destroying our country.
Hospital administrators and doctors say it will have a devastating effect on the care and wellbeing of the elderly. The government claims its all ni the name of being more accurate. Who do you believe? Well since just about everything else this administration has said has turned out to be a lie, I think for once I trust the doctors.
Cutting Medicare costs before an election? Did these guys have a stroke or are they trying to loose?
Either way, I sincerely hope the Democrats make a point of this and can use it for political gain. We must regain the House and Senate and stop this neo-con leviathan from destroying our country.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Hezbollah Declares Open War On Israel
Hezbollah has now declared open war on Israel. No surprise, since Israel has been waging war on the group for years, however the surprise is that it looks like other Arab states may join this war and that means big problems in the Middle East.
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the chief of Hezbollah group was quoted after Israel rockets destroyed his home, "You wanted an open war. You will get an open war." In a telephone interview.
Related news stories report that as many as 15 Lebanese were killed in a rocket attack yesterday including women and children.
Why do I get the feeling that this is going to go far beyond the usual border skirmishes we’ve seen in the past? Again both sides, with the encouragement of the world community need to calm down and take a time out. They are behaving like bratty children. Bratty children with very deadly weapons and the potential to drag the world into a very ugly and foolish war.
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the chief of Hezbollah group was quoted after Israel rockets destroyed his home, "You wanted an open war. You will get an open war." In a telephone interview.
Related news stories report that as many as 15 Lebanese were killed in a rocket attack yesterday including women and children.
Why do I get the feeling that this is going to go far beyond the usual border skirmishes we’ve seen in the past? Again both sides, with the encouragement of the world community need to calm down and take a time out. They are behaving like bratty children. Bratty children with very deadly weapons and the potential to drag the world into a very ugly and foolish war.
Friday, July 14, 2006
US and Israel - Worshiping The God Of War
As the US and Israel bow before the statue of Mars I wonder where the commandment about "having no other gods before me" went. We share many things in common with the people of Israel, our faith among them. Unfortunately few Jews or Christians in power seem to be taking the teaching of their faiths very seriously, instead we worship the God of War.
Beyond the imperialist dreams of American politicians, our current war has much of its roots (or at least its justification) in vengeance. The burning desire for revenge is the same motivation for the Israeli’s attacks on Lebanon. Using force to settle differences comes up short on success when examined closely, yet we and our Israeli brethren continue to try it over and over again.
As a member of a 12-step program, I was often reminded that the definition of insanity is "trying the same thing over and over again expecting different results". It’s time the US and Israel and the rest of the Middle East stepped up and took a sobriety chip. They are drunk on the intoxicating spirit of revenge and until they put it down, there will never be peace.
Unfortunately, the opportunists have every reason to keep the wars going. They make billions of dollars on the death and destruction. Until we can find a way to make war unprofitable, I suspect we will continue down this long road of self-destruction. It is a slow motion death, because the war profiteers don’t want total annihilation, they just want "controlled conflicts" where they can sell their bombs and guns. The sad truth is that this is really death by a thousand cuts. Little by little we loose our ability to bring the world back from the brink, and unless we do something soon, Mars, God of War, will be the only idol left.
My hope is that people of faith can persuade our leaders and the leaders in the middle east to give up this suicidal activity and sit down to real peace talks. Everyone knows what needs to happen. Israel needs to assure the Palestinians that they will have a sovereign country. The Palestinians must assure the Israelis that they understand the reality of the situation and Israel has a right to exist. The last one will be tough, but people of faith and conscience can do it, and that is to make Jerusalem an "international city", governed by a coalition of religious and political leaders from around the world.
Will it happen? I hope so, but it will only be possible when we put down our guns and missiles and start to talk to each other like equal human beings. A Jewish Rabbi once said, "blessed are the peacemakers." Time to listen to that message before it is too late.
Beyond the imperialist dreams of American politicians, our current war has much of its roots (or at least its justification) in vengeance. The burning desire for revenge is the same motivation for the Israeli’s attacks on Lebanon. Using force to settle differences comes up short on success when examined closely, yet we and our Israeli brethren continue to try it over and over again.
As a member of a 12-step program, I was often reminded that the definition of insanity is "trying the same thing over and over again expecting different results". It’s time the US and Israel and the rest of the Middle East stepped up and took a sobriety chip. They are drunk on the intoxicating spirit of revenge and until they put it down, there will never be peace.
Unfortunately, the opportunists have every reason to keep the wars going. They make billions of dollars on the death and destruction. Until we can find a way to make war unprofitable, I suspect we will continue down this long road of self-destruction. It is a slow motion death, because the war profiteers don’t want total annihilation, they just want "controlled conflicts" where they can sell their bombs and guns. The sad truth is that this is really death by a thousand cuts. Little by little we loose our ability to bring the world back from the brink, and unless we do something soon, Mars, God of War, will be the only idol left.
My hope is that people of faith can persuade our leaders and the leaders in the middle east to give up this suicidal activity and sit down to real peace talks. Everyone knows what needs to happen. Israel needs to assure the Palestinians that they will have a sovereign country. The Palestinians must assure the Israelis that they understand the reality of the situation and Israel has a right to exist. The last one will be tough, but people of faith and conscience can do it, and that is to make Jerusalem an "international city", governed by a coalition of religious and political leaders from around the world.
Will it happen? I hope so, but it will only be possible when we put down our guns and missiles and start to talk to each other like equal human beings. A Jewish Rabbi once said, "blessed are the peacemakers." Time to listen to that message before it is too late.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Lewis Black Demands End To The "Crawl" on CNN
The vein-popping anger of one of my favorite humorists, Lewis Black got directed at CNN yesterday in an interview with Miles O’Brien. He directed his comments directly at the management of CNN and said, "…you guys have got have got to…take the thing off the bottom of the page. Take the words off the bottom of the screen! There are people talking here." Amazingly the banner and crawl disappeared for the remainder of the interview.
Black voices the frustrations that many American’s feel in his commentary, myself included. The barrage of sound bites, crawling half-sentences and numbers scrolling onscreen convince us that we are getting lots of real news. What we are getting is crap. Edited, censored, distilled crap that will raise our blood pressure and convince us that we need to stay glued to the screen incase something really important happens and we miss it.
Here’s the news. We won’t miss it. In this age of home video, 24-hour news and more no event goes undocumented and it will eventually reach our eager eyes soon enough. Just because we missed the first bomb falling on Baghdad during the first Gulf War, we didn’t miss seeing the anti-aircraft rockets replayed millions of times on the news channels for the next 14 years.
In reality it really doesn’t make any difference. Our power to stop things like the current crazy war is not dependent on seeing it happen sooner than anyone else. Though "breaking news" may offer a distraction, it rarely offers anything useful unless it concerns eminent danger such as an approaching tornado. Real news needs to be analyzed and considered to be useful. To see events in perspective and to see the bigger picture we need time to think critically. Critical thinking is the antithesis of the modern 24-hour news machine. Critical thinking requires that we actually do some of our own research to form a cohesive and valid opinion on unfolding events. Sound bites and press releases are not news; they are tools of marketing departments.
We have commoditized our information and treat it like buying gas. We go to where we can get it fastest and cheapest with as little time spent understanding it as possible. That is why our nation is in such a mess. The kind of stuff Lewis Black rants about is precisely what we need to be examining closely. Otherwise we are just buying whatever is fed to us without question and are nothing more than a nation of sheep.
Thanks Lewis for getting CNN to drop the crap for at least a few minutes. Lets hope your voice is heard on a higher level and real journalism and news returns to the airwaves someday.
Black voices the frustrations that many American’s feel in his commentary, myself included. The barrage of sound bites, crawling half-sentences and numbers scrolling onscreen convince us that we are getting lots of real news. What we are getting is crap. Edited, censored, distilled crap that will raise our blood pressure and convince us that we need to stay glued to the screen incase something really important happens and we miss it.
Here’s the news. We won’t miss it. In this age of home video, 24-hour news and more no event goes undocumented and it will eventually reach our eager eyes soon enough. Just because we missed the first bomb falling on Baghdad during the first Gulf War, we didn’t miss seeing the anti-aircraft rockets replayed millions of times on the news channels for the next 14 years.
In reality it really doesn’t make any difference. Our power to stop things like the current crazy war is not dependent on seeing it happen sooner than anyone else. Though "breaking news" may offer a distraction, it rarely offers anything useful unless it concerns eminent danger such as an approaching tornado. Real news needs to be analyzed and considered to be useful. To see events in perspective and to see the bigger picture we need time to think critically. Critical thinking is the antithesis of the modern 24-hour news machine. Critical thinking requires that we actually do some of our own research to form a cohesive and valid opinion on unfolding events. Sound bites and press releases are not news; they are tools of marketing departments.
We have commoditized our information and treat it like buying gas. We go to where we can get it fastest and cheapest with as little time spent understanding it as possible. That is why our nation is in such a mess. The kind of stuff Lewis Black rants about is precisely what we need to be examining closely. Otherwise we are just buying whatever is fed to us without question and are nothing more than a nation of sheep.
Thanks Lewis for getting CNN to drop the crap for at least a few minutes. Lets hope your voice is heard on a higher level and real journalism and news returns to the airwaves someday.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
FCC Seeks To End Live Broadcasts
Today the FCC has started requesting tapes of live broadcasts in order to comb them for "dirty words". For example, a spectator shouts something at a ball game and the network would become liable for broadcasting obscenity.
"It looks like they want to end live broadcast TV," said one executive, who spoke only on the condition of anonymity. "We already know that they aren't afraid to go after news."
This could effectively end live TV and make everything broadcast subject to scrupulous censorship. The effect on the industry will be appalling. I suspect many networks, seeking to avoid fines and censure by the government may stifle political dissention as well just in case.
Upon hearing this I screamed at the top of my lungs, "ENOUGH"! I pledge to devote as much time and money as possible to defeating these "Big Brother" thugs who have taken control of our country in November. If you understand the draconian implications of this latest move, you will do the same. Otherwise, just shut up, hide and wait until they come for you for not marching in goose-step with them.
Cost Of War Just Went Up Another $110 Billion
Buried in the mid-session budget review, the White House requested an additional $110 billion for the war in Iraq. Having proudly trumpet the deficit reduction, actually the 4th highest deficit in history, Bush now wants even more money next year to continue the futile war.
As Iraq descends into full-scale civil war, Rumsfeld pops in for a surprise visit and to rally the troops. Another photo-op in the battle of photo-ops that this administration seems to be waging.
Where will this leave us? Deeper in debt, further embroiled in the Middle East and less safe than before. More importantly, where will this leave the people of Iraq? In even worse shape than us, with little infrastructure, more dead and wounded and no stable government. Anybody trying to plan and end game for this? Probably not with elections here coming up soon. In the end I guess we are left to pray for the troops, the Iraqis and ourselves, because no one in Washington seems to be listening.
As Iraq descends into full-scale civil war, Rumsfeld pops in for a surprise visit and to rally the troops. Another photo-op in the battle of photo-ops that this administration seems to be waging.
Where will this leave us? Deeper in debt, further embroiled in the Middle East and less safe than before. More importantly, where will this leave the people of Iraq? In even worse shape than us, with little infrastructure, more dead and wounded and no stable government. Anybody trying to plan and end game for this? Probably not with elections here coming up soon. In the end I guess we are left to pray for the troops, the Iraqis and ourselves, because no one in Washington seems to be listening.
Welcome Pentagon Folks!
Dungeon Diary got an unexpected visit from the Pentagon this morning researching Donald Rumsfelds recent statements that he was surprised the law applied to him. (Click log image at left to see full sized.)Welcome folks, take your time and look around a little more next time. You might find something more interesting than the same old propaganda memos you get from the brass.
So I guess this means someone at the Pentagon is surfing in their spare time, or they are looking for terrorists. Sorry, no terrorists here, just an average American who wants to keep the rights of the Constitution intact. I do know that the folks over at the Project for a New American Century might qualify. They have big plans for American world domination and that sounds pretty terrifying to me.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Israel Hate Groups Offer Bounty For Killing Gays
Flyers being distributed in Jerusalem offer a NIS20,000 reward for killing gays marching in the International Gay Pride Parade scheduled there next month. The flyers even go so far as to suggest fire bombs and give detailed instructions of how to build them. The parade has generated much opposition from radical religious groups in the city and police may block the event if they deem it a security risk.
How convenient? The radical Jewish groups anonymously pass out leaflets to insight violence then show them to the police. The police deem it a security risk and bingo, no parade! I hope this tactic doesn’t become popular with Christian hate groups in this country. Strange how radical fundamentalists all look very much the same when you take away the crosses or stars of David or crescents.
Pioneer In Gender Reassignment Dies
The renowned and sometimes controversial doctor who coined the terms "gender identity" and "gender role" died from complications of Parkinson’s Disease last Friday. He was 84.
Dr. John Money conducted research at John Hopkins Hospital for almost 50 years, where he was a professor of Medical Psychology. He was a pioneer in work with gender reassignment and gender dysphoria.
The controversy surrounding him came from his work with parents of intersexed children (sometimes referred to as hermaphrodites). He often suggested parents raise their child as one sex or another. The most notable case was of David Reimer, who Dr Money suggested be raised as a girl after a botched circumcision. At age 15 Reimer discovered his true identity and rejected any further treatment and lived the remainder of his life as a man. He died of suicide at age 38 after several failed investments.
As with all pioneers, there is good with the bad, but for the field of gender studies, Dr. Money opened many doors on a previously hidden aspect of human sexuality.
Dr. John Money conducted research at John Hopkins Hospital for almost 50 years, where he was a professor of Medical Psychology. He was a pioneer in work with gender reassignment and gender dysphoria.
The controversy surrounding him came from his work with parents of intersexed children (sometimes referred to as hermaphrodites). He often suggested parents raise their child as one sex or another. The most notable case was of David Reimer, who Dr Money suggested be raised as a girl after a botched circumcision. At age 15 Reimer discovered his true identity and rejected any further treatment and lived the remainder of his life as a man. He died of suicide at age 38 after several failed investments.
As with all pioneers, there is good with the bad, but for the field of gender studies, Dr. Money opened many doors on a previously hidden aspect of human sexuality.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Republican Hoekstra Says Bush May Be Guilty
Peter Hoekstra, Republican Congressman and chairman of the House Intelligence Committee wrote a scathing letter to President Bush in May in which he states that the Administration may have broken the law with it’s spying activities. Specifically the failure to brief congress on the spying was mentioned.
The letter obtained by the New York Times includes the following tersely worded summation:
"The U.S. Congress simply should not have to play Twenty Questions to get the information that it deserves under our Constitution."
His evident anger suggests that the once lock-step support Bush had in Congress may be faltering. Or it may simply be Hoekstra trying to distance himself from a President with such low approval ratings. Either was it is obvious that not only Democrats think Bush may be guilty of illegal activities.
If so, let the impeachment hearings begin!
The letter obtained by the New York Times includes the following tersely worded summation:
"The U.S. Congress simply should not have to play Twenty Questions to get the information that it deserves under our Constitution."
His evident anger suggests that the once lock-step support Bush had in Congress may be faltering. Or it may simply be Hoekstra trying to distance himself from a President with such low approval ratings. Either was it is obvious that not only Democrats think Bush may be guilty of illegal activities.
If so, let the impeachment hearings begin!
Friday, July 07, 2006
Memphis Church Defaces Statue Of Liberty
A Memphis church has decided to defame one of our great national symbols. The World Overcomers Outreach Ministry Church is erecting a 72-foot tall replica of the Statue of Liberty with a few modifications. Lady Liberty’s torch is being replaced by a cross and the Emma Lazarus poem about "Giving me your tired, your poor" is being replaced with the Ten Commandments.
If there was ever a frightening symbol of the growing theocracy in this country it’s being built in Memphis, Tennessee. It doesn’t take a genius to figure this travesty out. According to one news report, 11 year-old Evelyn Douglas said, " It's not right that they are mixing the two." (Referring to the cross representing a specific religion and the statue representing the United States.)
We are moving closer and closer to a theocratic dictatorship in this country, and for Christians like myself, I am very worried. I see the fundamentalists brand of Christianity and it bears no resemblance to the teachings of Jesus. This must be what Muslims in Saudi Arabia felt when the Wahabists began hijacking Islam.
The answer? For one thing we can vote the neo-cons who have aligned themselves with these extremists out of office in November. Don’t believe the cynics who say there is no difference between the parties. It’s a lie. The Democratic Party has many faults, but intolerance and bigotry is not one of them. Stop this growing state religion and vote in November like your freedom depended on it. It does!
If there was ever a frightening symbol of the growing theocracy in this country it’s being built in Memphis, Tennessee. It doesn’t take a genius to figure this travesty out. According to one news report, 11 year-old Evelyn Douglas said, " It's not right that they are mixing the two." (Referring to the cross representing a specific religion and the statue representing the United States.)
We are moving closer and closer to a theocratic dictatorship in this country, and for Christians like myself, I am very worried. I see the fundamentalists brand of Christianity and it bears no resemblance to the teachings of Jesus. This must be what Muslims in Saudi Arabia felt when the Wahabists began hijacking Islam.
The answer? For one thing we can vote the neo-cons who have aligned themselves with these extremists out of office in November. Don’t believe the cynics who say there is no difference between the parties. It’s a lie. The Democratic Party has many faults, but intolerance and bigotry is not one of them. Stop this growing state religion and vote in November like your freedom depended on it. It does!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
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.
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.
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.
Monday, July 03, 2006
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
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.
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.
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.
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."
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
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.
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.
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.
Monday, June 26, 2006
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.
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.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
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.
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.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
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?
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?
Friday, June 23, 2006
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".
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.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
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.
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:
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.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
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:
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.
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".
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".
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monday, June 19, 2006
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.
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.
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