So let me get this straight. McCain is alleged to have and affair with a hot female lobbyist and the press gives him a pass. Obama’s pastor starts rattling like a teapot and it’s the story that won’t go away. Just how does that mean the press has a liberal bias?
Reverend Wright is certainly fun to watch and makes a great sound bite, but he has absolutely no bearing on the real issues of the campaign. Meanwhile, John McCain has been making statements that directly contradict statements he made previously about the war, taxes, campaign financing and that is just not so interesting.
Over in the Hillary camp, they are chortling at having pushed the YouTube clip of Wright and ignighting the whole thing, while she continues to insist on special treatment in regard to the Michigan and Florida delegates. Hillary lies about her experiences on the tarmac in Bosnia and it dies in a day or two. It just makes me wonder.
Not to be cynical or anything, but I have to wonder if he politics as usual crowd is systematically trying to pull the Democratic party back into the smoke filled room. After all, so many new voters have cast ballots for Democrats recently, it must be upsetting for the party old guard who still want to control everything and reinstate a Clinton dynasty. My hope is that their old school tactics won’t alienate all the healthy new blood that Obama has attracted to the party.
As for the press. Well they will always take the easy route. A story about a wild eyed ranting pastor is much easier to do than something requiring real investigative reporting. Unfortunately the press in this country has become a lapdog for PR agents. Press releases become uncontested stories and research is something there is just no time for in the 24 hour news cycle. Ben Franklin must be rolling in the grave!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Bush Speaks Yet Says Nothing
I keep hearing “lalalalalala” when I listen to Bush speak. His news conference today in the Rose Garden showed how little he cares for the American people. His proposals to help lower gas prices are laughable and too little too late. Drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge will have absolutely no effect on the oil situation today and it will take 10 years before a drop of that oil reaches the market.
His administration and his presidency has lost the confidence of the American people. At a time when the economy is going south really quickly, he hums and haws and refuses to see the recession that has overtaken the country.
Someone needs to sit him down and explain to him that he has no allies anymore and he needs to just go away! I sometimes wish we had the British system where once confidence fails there is an election and a new government. In our case that might be every few weeks at this rate.
His administration and his presidency has lost the confidence of the American people. At a time when the economy is going south really quickly, he hums and haws and refuses to see the recession that has overtaken the country.
Someone needs to sit him down and explain to him that he has no allies anymore and he needs to just go away! I sometimes wish we had the British system where once confidence fails there is an election and a new government. In our case that might be every few weeks at this rate.
The Myth Of Clean Coal
Every time I see one of those “clean coal” ads on TV I have to wonder how it is that big companies can bend the truth with impunity to the American public. The statistics quoted in the ads are used to confuse people and make them think that coal is not a part of the pollution problem. When they speak about reductions of emissions they are not talking about greenhouse gasses. Coal-fired power plants belch tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every minute.
The ads also side step the issue of mountaintop removal and the environmental damage caused by this highly destructive mining technique. Additionally coal mining pollutes water and destroys streams. According to the EPA environmental impact statement, more than 1,000 miles of Appalachian streams were permitted to be buried as of 2001.
Coal has to be moved as well. Most of the power plants are far from the coal fields and that means thousands of rail trips to bring it to the generating plants. Rail traffic in American runs on diesel, a fossil fuel that contributes to the pollution and greenhouse gasses.
The Clean Coal campaign is a sham designed to put a happy face on the dirty business of coal mining and burning. We must expand our use of renewable energy such as solar and wind power or we will kill our planet.
I made the switch from an electrical provider who uses coal to one who relies on wind, hydro and solar to generate the power it feeds into the grid. In time, my partner and I hope to equip our house with our own solar panels and wean ourselves off the grid as much as possible. I urge you to learn more and take action to change the way power is generated in this country.
The ads also side step the issue of mountaintop removal and the environmental damage caused by this highly destructive mining technique. Additionally coal mining pollutes water and destroys streams. According to the EPA environmental impact statement, more than 1,000 miles of Appalachian streams were permitted to be buried as of 2001.
Coal has to be moved as well. Most of the power plants are far from the coal fields and that means thousands of rail trips to bring it to the generating plants. Rail traffic in American runs on diesel, a fossil fuel that contributes to the pollution and greenhouse gasses.
The Clean Coal campaign is a sham designed to put a happy face on the dirty business of coal mining and burning. We must expand our use of renewable energy such as solar and wind power or we will kill our planet.
I made the switch from an electrical provider who uses coal to one who relies on wind, hydro and solar to generate the power it feeds into the grid. In time, my partner and I hope to equip our house with our own solar panels and wean ourselves off the grid as much as possible. I urge you to learn more and take action to change the way power is generated in this country.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Scalia - Nut Case & Supreme Court Justice
Anton Scalia is not just a far-right nut case, he’s a Supreme Court justice and that’s a dangerous combination. Scalia seems to make his decisions based on a coin toss with very little clear reasoning. He claims he is a strict Constitutionalist and in a recent interview he stated that the “Constitution is not a living document” but dead. He interprets it, supposedly, just as the framers intended.
So Scalia can read minds and channel the Founding Fathers? What is this guy on?
When pressed about whether torture was cruel and unusual punishments he parses his words about as much as George Bush. Someone needs to figure a way to pull him off the court, or offer him a nice big job in the private sector and get him out of public office.
So Scalia can read minds and channel the Founding Fathers? What is this guy on?
When pressed about whether torture was cruel and unusual punishments he parses his words about as much as George Bush. Someone needs to figure a way to pull him off the court, or offer him a nice big job in the private sector and get him out of public office.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Global Food Crisis - The Story You Might Have Missed
Here in our country we see a limit to the number of bags of rice we can buy at Cosco and it’s big news. Elsewhere in the world there is no limit on rice, there simply is none! The world stands on the brink of a gigantic food shortage.
Drought, pollution and floods have all caused problems in the world food supply and grains are the canary in the coal mine. Add to that the misguided push for ethanol based fuels, where food is converted to fuel and burned and the crisis gets an extra nudge. It is all driving prices through the roof for food.
The Washington Post reports on the global crisis saying,
Meanwhile, we in this country see gas prices rising to record levels and those will soon be followed by higher food prices. The hike will be a result of not only the increased cost in transportation, but a genuine shortage of food worldwide.
This is a problem the next administration will have to seriously take a look at, and the answers will no doubt be as difficult as the questions raised by the crisis.
Drought, pollution and floods have all caused problems in the world food supply and grains are the canary in the coal mine. Add to that the misguided push for ethanol based fuels, where food is converted to fuel and burned and the crisis gets an extra nudge. It is all driving prices through the roof for food.
The Washington Post reports on the global crisis saying,
Food was becoming the new gold. Investors fleeing Wall Street's mortgage-related strife plowed hundreds of millions of dollars into grain futures, driving prices up even more. By Christmas, a global panic was building. With fewer places to turn, and tempted by the weaker dollar, nations staged a run on the American wheat harvest.The high prices are throwing the world food supply seriously out of kilter and that is leading to political unrest in many countries. Governments from Haiti to Malaysia are teetering because of the food shortage.
Foreign buyers, who typically seek to purchase one or two months' supply of wheat at a time, suddenly began to stockpile. They put in orders on U.S. grain exchanges two to three times larger than normal as food riots began to erupt worldwide. This led major domestic U.S. mills to jump into the fray with their own massive orders,
fearing that there would soon be no wheat left at any price.
Meanwhile, we in this country see gas prices rising to record levels and those will soon be followed by higher food prices. The hike will be a result of not only the increased cost in transportation, but a genuine shortage of food worldwide.
This is a problem the next administration will have to seriously take a look at, and the answers will no doubt be as difficult as the questions raised by the crisis.
Gas Will Hit $4.00 Per Gallon In Dallas In 2 Weeks
I heard an interesting tidbit today. A friend of mine in church told me he was speaking with an acquaintance who worked for a local gas/convenience store franchise. They had just gotten new training on how to deal with irate customers who will undoubtedly crop up when gas reaches $4.00 per gallon in the next 2 weeks.
Right now it’s at $3.55 a gallon. That means they are planning to raise it almost 50 cents in the next two weeks. And President Bush says there is no recession? Consider also that Exxon-Mobil posted the largest profits for any company ever! Something is very wrong here when energy companies carefully plan for a massive hike even as they are rolling in dough.
Sure am glad at least one of our cars is a Prius!
Right now it’s at $3.55 a gallon. That means they are planning to raise it almost 50 cents in the next two weeks. And President Bush says there is no recession? Consider also that Exxon-Mobil posted the largest profits for any company ever! Something is very wrong here when energy companies carefully plan for a massive hike even as they are rolling in dough.
Sure am glad at least one of our cars is a Prius!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Reality Check: Time For Hillary To Bow Out!
The kinds of attacks that have been coming from the Clinton camp are more what I would expect from McCain. Her insistence on running a mud-slinging-old-school-style campaign really expose the Democratic party to a real threat.
Though Hillary has proven herself as a trench warfare fighter, she has also succeeded in causing a lot of potential voters to step back to the sidelines. These voters who were at first attracted to eiher her or Obama as a viable alternative to the GOP candidate are now considering if this might not turn into another “lesser of two evils” race that is more typical politics as usual.
Obama continues to try to remain above the fray, but at some point he will be dragged into it if the campaign continues going the way it is. Hillary cannot win without some sort of Deus Ex Machina . That would be the seating of the delegates from Michigan and Florida, breaking all the Democratic rules and angering the other 48 states, or a back room deal with the super-delegates to overturn the popular vote.
Either way it would leave all of the Obama supporters with more than a little bitter aftertaste and the remaining undecided voters with a healthy dose of cynicism. Hillary would be left with her core supporters and little else. The huge African-American turnout as well as what is being categorized as the “wealthy white” vote might decide to stay home and that would put John McCain in the White House.
This year is one for the Democrats to lose. American’s are fed up with the GOP and especially the Bush administration. It could not be a better year for a Democratic victory and yet that may not happen. If Hillary refuses to see the futility of her campaign and carries the fight all the way to the convention, I fear the ensuing chaos will snatch an all but certain Democratic victory from the party.
That scenario would be bad for the party and bad for the country. McCain is yet another tool of the big corporations and will continue the Bush doctrine of spending and tax cuts that will bankrupt the country.
It’s time the Democratic leadership did what it would have done for any other candidate had her name not been Clinton. Tell her it is time to quit for the good of the party.
Though Hillary has proven herself as a trench warfare fighter, she has also succeeded in causing a lot of potential voters to step back to the sidelines. These voters who were at first attracted to eiher her or Obama as a viable alternative to the GOP candidate are now considering if this might not turn into another “lesser of two evils” race that is more typical politics as usual.
Obama continues to try to remain above the fray, but at some point he will be dragged into it if the campaign continues going the way it is. Hillary cannot win without some sort of Deus Ex Machina . That would be the seating of the delegates from Michigan and Florida, breaking all the Democratic rules and angering the other 48 states, or a back room deal with the super-delegates to overturn the popular vote.
Either way it would leave all of the Obama supporters with more than a little bitter aftertaste and the remaining undecided voters with a healthy dose of cynicism. Hillary would be left with her core supporters and little else. The huge African-American turnout as well as what is being categorized as the “wealthy white” vote might decide to stay home and that would put John McCain in the White House.
This year is one for the Democrats to lose. American’s are fed up with the GOP and especially the Bush administration. It could not be a better year for a Democratic victory and yet that may not happen. If Hillary refuses to see the futility of her campaign and carries the fight all the way to the convention, I fear the ensuing chaos will snatch an all but certain Democratic victory from the party.
That scenario would be bad for the party and bad for the country. McCain is yet another tool of the big corporations and will continue the Bush doctrine of spending and tax cuts that will bankrupt the country.
It’s time the Democratic leadership did what it would have done for any other candidate had her name not been Clinton. Tell her it is time to quit for the good of the party.
Dying For Lack Of Health Insurance
Once again I am struck at how bad or health care system is in this country. Take the story of Mark Windsor. He’s a self-employed photographer who at 52 has now been living with bone cancer for 25 years. Because he didn’t have insurance, he could not get treatment for the condition that is treatable if caught soon enough. Instead he is slowly dying and getting whatever treatment he can afford or get for free.
If he were poor he could have gotten treatment through Medicaid, but because he make $30,000 is too much to qualify he is screwed. He has sought surgeons to help for free, and a couple have responded. But it’s now too little too late.
Read the full story on CNN.com and consider how incredibly flawed our health care system is. It’s way past time for a change!
If he were poor he could have gotten treatment through Medicaid, but because he make $30,000 is too much to qualify he is screwed. He has sought surgeons to help for free, and a couple have responded. But it’s now too little too late.
Read the full story on CNN.com and consider how incredibly flawed our health care system is. It’s way past time for a change!
Friday, April 25, 2008
GOP Candidate - Jews Behind Pornography & Prostitution
Yes Tony Zirkle, a GOP candidate for Congress from Indiana is an anti-semite. Want proof, just take a gander at this transcript from a talk he gave to the American National Socialist Workers Party (NAZI’s) and tell me what you think. Tony was ranting against pornography.
“I’ve been getting a flood of e-mails and phone calls, some of which include death threats, about my attempt to raise awareness of how the great porn dragon inspires Jews into pornography and prostitution and then, like the snake he is, turns the public against the Jews. Some have questioned whether there is any link to Jews and porn-prostitution.”Oh puleeze! This guy is a certifiable wacko and needs to be locked up. I guess that puts him in good company in the Republican party!
Iowa Retired Vets "Burned Up" Over Smoking Ban
Sometimes it takes a veteran to know what life is like for other veterans. That’s why William Meyers, candidate for the US House of Representative from Iowa’s 4th congressional district is so concerned about how America treats its veterans. As a former Marine, Meyers knows what kinds of sacrifiecs our men and women serving in the military make on a daily basis. Now as he runs for Congress, he has been trying to stay in touch with other veterans, not just of the Iraq war, but any conflict where our fighting men and women have been called to serve.Recently he visited the Iowa Veterans' Home in Marshalltown. He got a chance to chat with some of the residents and find out their concerns. Surprisingly, the latest problem has been the smoking ban. Since the state enacted an outdoor smoking ban on the grounds of public buildings the vets who live in the retirement home have been forced to do any smoking in a tiny room rather than outdoors.
I am no fan of cigarettes, but these folks are caught in a catch 22 of sorts. The Veteran’s Home is their “home” yet because it is a public building they are included in the ban. Now had they been living in a private residence, they could walk outside and smoke in their own backyard without a problem, but here it’s different.
It’s a sticky situation, and though it seems like a small thing, to the residents of the home who smoke, it’s a big thing. Meyers listened to them at the recent visit and is proposing a group of Iowa State Senators and State Representatives meet with him at the Vets' home to discuss this issue further.
It may be a little thing, but it’s important to the vets and Meyers is listening. Another fighting Dem for US Congress!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Gay Kiss On CBS Soap Opera - Finally!
Finally Luke and Noah on the soap opera As The World Turns locked lips! CBS has taken a lot of flack for not showing them kiss in previous episodes, but Wednesday the smooched and daytime TV will never be the same.
My criticism is that they didn't seem like very good kissers. No tongues! Oh well.
My criticism is that they didn't seem like very good kissers. No tongues! Oh well.
The Reality Of Torture - Watch It!
For anyone who has ever heard of stress positions, and thought they sounded like some pretty mild stuff, think again. As someone who has experimented with these "Enhanced Interrogation Techniques" in a consensual BDSM setting, I can tell you they are anything but mild. The difference in what my friends and I do when we play with this stuff is simple. The person receiving the torture can stop at any time by using their "safe-word". For prisoners in the hands of our government, there is no such thing.
This film by Amnesty International shows what it is really like. Watch it and realize that the prisoner is being forced to assume this position for up to 6 hours at a time!
This film by Amnesty International shows what it is really like. Watch it and realize that the prisoner is being forced to assume this position for up to 6 hours at a time!
Indiana GOP Candidate Speaks To Nazi Group!
If you ever needed proof that some of the Republican’s running for office in this country are willing to do anything to win, look no further than Tony Zirkle. He’s running for Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District and on Sunday delivered a speech to the American National Socialist Workers Party (ANSWP) on the 119th anniversary of Adolf Hitler’s birth. If you don’t recognize the group, here’s a clue…they are American Nazis!
Yup a Republican candidate spoke to a group of Nazi’s and when asked why by the press, he responded, “I’ll speak before any group that invites me”. Nice to know he has absolute no prejudices at all, or any morals. Just for flair, his speech was delivered in front of a painting of Hitler.
Watch a video story here on ThinkProgress.org.
Yup a Republican candidate spoke to a group of Nazi’s and when asked why by the press, he responded, “I’ll speak before any group that invites me”. Nice to know he has absolute no prejudices at all, or any morals. Just for flair, his speech was delivered in front of a painting of Hitler.
Watch a video story here on ThinkProgress.org.
Singapore - Nice Place To Visit As Long As You Are Not Gay
The island nation of Singapore, the place made famous for their lovely legal punishment of "caning" now is fining TV stations that air anything that might remotely be considered advocating or even depicting a Gay or Lesbian relationship.
A Singapore station that aired a show where two gay men were having their nursery redecorated for their adopted child drew a hefty $11,000 fine. No free speech in Singapore apparently.
Consider that when making travel plans!
A Singapore station that aired a show where two gay men were having their nursery redecorated for their adopted child drew a hefty $11,000 fine. No free speech in Singapore apparently.
Consider that when making travel plans!
Happy Birthday Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope is 18 years old today and in honor of its birthday, NASA has released some astounding photos of what it calls “peculiar galaxies”. The photos are striking in their clarity, especially considering some of the images are as much as 350 million light years away.These images not only arouse my scientific curiosity but they fill me with a sense of wonder that I remember as a child when looking at the night sky through my telescope in the backyard. Seeing objects hundreds of millions of light years away really puts my place in the universe in perspective.
The image here is of two spiral galaxies in the first stages of collision.
"Abstinence Only" More Dangerous Than No Sex Education At All
So let’s get this straight. The United States spends vast sums of money on so-called “abstinence only education” for young people. The decision to go that route was completely ideological and without any sound research as to the efficacy of the program.
Now experts are testifying before Congress that it was not only a waste of funds, but it may have even been worse than doing nothing.
Dr. Margaret Blythe of the American Academy of Pediatrics told the committee, “in fact, there is evidence to suggest that some of these programs are even harmful and have negative consequences by not providing adequate information for those teens who do become sexually active.”
Faced with that kind of evidence, why is our government continuing to promote these ineffective and perhaps dangerous programs? Ideology! The Bush administration is not guided by facts or reality, only a blind allegiance to a warped ideology that has brought our country to the brink of disaster. And yet Congress refuses to do anything about it.
So I ask the question again, when are we going to remove these idiots from office? There are plenty of reasons to impeach the entire executive branch yet Congress sits on its thumbs and does nothing. November seems like an eternity away.
Now experts are testifying before Congress that it was not only a waste of funds, but it may have even been worse than doing nothing.
Dr. Margaret Blythe of the American Academy of Pediatrics told the committee, “in fact, there is evidence to suggest that some of these programs are even harmful and have negative consequences by not providing adequate information for those teens who do become sexually active.”
Faced with that kind of evidence, why is our government continuing to promote these ineffective and perhaps dangerous programs? Ideology! The Bush administration is not guided by facts or reality, only a blind allegiance to a warped ideology that has brought our country to the brink of disaster. And yet Congress refuses to do anything about it.
So I ask the question again, when are we going to remove these idiots from office? There are plenty of reasons to impeach the entire executive branch yet Congress sits on its thumbs and does nothing. November seems like an eternity away.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
New GOP TV Ad In North Carolina - Vintage Sleaze!
How sleazy can you get? Pretty sleazy if your are the North Carolina Republican Party. Their latest ad, which is a blatant attack on Obama is tagged with a disclaimer stating that it is actually an ad against the Democrats running for Governor. It is a rehash of the whole "Reverend Wright" controversy.
If you remember the whole Reverend Wright thing was started by a Hillary Clinton operative. And there is another reason she needs to bow out!
If you remember the whole Reverend Wright thing was started by a Hillary Clinton operative. And there is another reason she needs to bow out!
Helen Thomas Pops The Big Question, "Why Did Bush Lie About Torture?"
From Thinkprogress.org comes this astounding video of the press actually doing its job! Way to go Helen Thomas!
Watch it here!
Watch it here!
Hillary's 9.2% Win - Hardly A Landslide
Clinton is claiming a 10% lead in Pennsylvania, and says the tide is turning. Well to be accurate the lead was 9.2% and considering she was ahead by 20 points in the polls a couple of weeks ago, it sounds like the tide may be going out.
OK, to be fair I am an Obama supporter, and I didn’t figure he would win Pennsylvania, however I was hoping that Clinton’s margin would be just a little smaller so she would give up her imitation of Don Quixote and do the party a favor. Instead she feels the wind in her sails and vows to continue.
Time for a reality check. Without some kind of back-room deal with the Super-delegates or a massive scandal by seating the Michigan and Florida delegates, she is toast. She obviously has no love for the party and figures if she can’t have the nomination than no Democrat should. Her continued attacks have even drawn the ire of the New York Times.
OK, to be fair I am an Obama supporter, and I didn’t figure he would win Pennsylvania, however I was hoping that Clinton’s margin would be just a little smaller so she would give up her imitation of Don Quixote and do the party a favor. Instead she feels the wind in her sails and vows to continue.
Time for a reality check. Without some kind of back-room deal with the Super-delegates or a massive scandal by seating the Michigan and Florida delegates, she is toast. She obviously has no love for the party and figures if she can’t have the nomination than no Democrat should. Her continued attacks have even drawn the ire of the New York Times.
Note to Hillary,
You ran a good race until recently and now you are starting to sound like a typical Washington political operative. You not only went negative, but you have been trying to even throw the specter of Osama Bin Laden at the Obama camp. You are willing to do anything to get the nomination and in that scramble, you will not only loose the nomination but you just might lose the election for any Democrat at a time when our country desperately needs it.
Concede the race. Be gracious and act like a Democrat who really wants to see change. Otherwise you will just be another example of “how the Democrats end up shooting themselves in the foot”. It’s time to end this charade.
FBI Director Admits CIA Torture Was Covered Up
It seems that our country has been fundamentally changed by the Bush administration. It used to be that federal agencies exhibited a modicum of responsibility when it came to carrying out their missions as stated by law. For example, the FBI, Federal Bureau if Investigation would “investigate” when it found something illegal was going on.
Not any more. Apparently nothing gets investigated or done without approval from the Executive branch. Take this case in point.
Today in a House Judiciary Committee Hearing, Robert Wexler questioned Robert Mueller, Director of the FBI. In his questioning, he pointedly asked about the recent revelation that FBI agents alerted the agency that the CIA was engaging in illegal and immoral practices. That’s TORTURE for those who don’t speak “bureaucrat”.
Here is the exchange. It is chillingly reminiscent of something from Catch 22.
RW: Alright, Mr. Director. An LA Times article from October, 2007 quotes one senior federal enforcement official as saying quote “the CIA determined they were going to torture people, and we made the decision not to be involved” end quote. The article goes on to say that some FBI officials went to you and that you quote “pulled many of the agents back from playing even a supporting role in the investigations to avoid exposing them to legal jeopardy” end quote.
RW: My question Mr. Director, I congratulate you for pulling the FBI agents back, but why did you not take more substantial steps to stop the interrogation techniques that your own FBI agents were telling you were illegal? Why did you not initiate criminal investigations when your agents told you the CIA and the Department of Defense were engaging in illegal interrogation techniques, and rather than simply pulling your agents out, shouldn’t you have directed them to prevent any illegal interrogations from taking place?
RM: I can go so far sir as to tell you that a protocol in the FBI is not to use coercion in any of our interrogations or our questioning and we have abided by our protocol.
RW: I appreciate that. What is the protocol say when the FBI knows that the CIA is engaging or the Department of Defense is engaging in an illegal technique? What does the protocol say in that circumstance?
RM: We would bring it up to appropriate authorities and determine whether the techniques were legal or illegal.
RW: Did you bring it up to appropriate authorities?
RM: All I can tell you is that we followed our own protocols.
RW: So you can’t tell us whether you brought it; when your own FBI agents came to you and said the CIA is doing something illegal which caused you to say don’t you get involved; you can’t tell us whether you then went to whatever authority?
RM: I’ll tell you we followed our own protocols.
RW: And what was the result?
RM: We followed our own protocols. We followed our protocols. We did not use coercion. We did not participate in any instance where coercion was used to my knowledge.
RW: Did the CIA use techniques that were illegal?
RM: I can’t comment on what has been done by another agency and under what authorities the other agency may have taken actions.
RW: Why can’t you comment on the actions of another agency?
RM: I leave that up to the other agency to answer questions with regard to the actions taken by that agency and the legal authorities that may apply to them.
RW: Are you the chief legal law enforcement agency in the United States?
RM: I am the Director of the FBI.
RW: And you do not have authority with respect to any other governmental agency in the United States? Is that what you’re saying?
RM: My authority is given to me to investigate. Yes we do.
RW: Did somebody take away that authority with respect to the CIA?
RM: Nobody has taken away the authority. I can tell you what our protocol was, and how we followed that protocol.
RW: Did anybody take away the authority with respect to the Department of Defense?
RM: I’m not certain what you mean.
RW: Your authority to investigate an illegal torture technique.
RM: There has to be a legal basis for us to investigate, and generally that legal basis is given to us by the Department of Justice. Any interpretations of the laws given to us by the Department of Justice….(talking over each other)
RW: But apparently your own agents made a determination that the actions by the CIA and the Department of Defense were illegal, so much so that you authorized, ordered, your agents not to participate. But that’s it.
RM: I’ve told you what our protocol was, and I’ve indicated that we’ve adhered to our protocol throughout.
RW: My time is up. Thank you very much Mr. Director.
If that exchange doesn't chill your blood, you need to read it again!
Not any more. Apparently nothing gets investigated or done without approval from the Executive branch. Take this case in point.
Today in a House Judiciary Committee Hearing, Robert Wexler questioned Robert Mueller, Director of the FBI. In his questioning, he pointedly asked about the recent revelation that FBI agents alerted the agency that the CIA was engaging in illegal and immoral practices. That’s TORTURE for those who don’t speak “bureaucrat”.
Here is the exchange. It is chillingly reminiscent of something from Catch 22.
RW: Alright, Mr. Director. An LA Times article from October, 2007 quotes one senior federal enforcement official as saying quote “the CIA determined they were going to torture people, and we made the decision not to be involved” end quote. The article goes on to say that some FBI officials went to you and that you quote “pulled many of the agents back from playing even a supporting role in the investigations to avoid exposing them to legal jeopardy” end quote.
RW: My question Mr. Director, I congratulate you for pulling the FBI agents back, but why did you not take more substantial steps to stop the interrogation techniques that your own FBI agents were telling you were illegal? Why did you not initiate criminal investigations when your agents told you the CIA and the Department of Defense were engaging in illegal interrogation techniques, and rather than simply pulling your agents out, shouldn’t you have directed them to prevent any illegal interrogations from taking place?
RM: I can go so far sir as to tell you that a protocol in the FBI is not to use coercion in any of our interrogations or our questioning and we have abided by our protocol.
RW: I appreciate that. What is the protocol say when the FBI knows that the CIA is engaging or the Department of Defense is engaging in an illegal technique? What does the protocol say in that circumstance?
RM: We would bring it up to appropriate authorities and determine whether the techniques were legal or illegal.
RW: Did you bring it up to appropriate authorities?
RM: All I can tell you is that we followed our own protocols.
RW: So you can’t tell us whether you brought it; when your own FBI agents came to you and said the CIA is doing something illegal which caused you to say don’t you get involved; you can’t tell us whether you then went to whatever authority?
RM: I’ll tell you we followed our own protocols.
RW: And what was the result?
RM: We followed our own protocols. We followed our protocols. We did not use coercion. We did not participate in any instance where coercion was used to my knowledge.
RW: Did the CIA use techniques that were illegal?
RM: I can’t comment on what has been done by another agency and under what authorities the other agency may have taken actions.
RW: Why can’t you comment on the actions of another agency?
RM: I leave that up to the other agency to answer questions with regard to the actions taken by that agency and the legal authorities that may apply to them.
RW: Are you the chief legal law enforcement agency in the United States?
RM: I am the Director of the FBI.
RW: And you do not have authority with respect to any other governmental agency in the United States? Is that what you’re saying?
RM: My authority is given to me to investigate. Yes we do.
RW: Did somebody take away that authority with respect to the CIA?
RM: Nobody has taken away the authority. I can tell you what our protocol was, and how we followed that protocol.
RW: Did anybody take away the authority with respect to the Department of Defense?
RM: I’m not certain what you mean.
RW: Your authority to investigate an illegal torture technique.
RM: There has to be a legal basis for us to investigate, and generally that legal basis is given to us by the Department of Justice. Any interpretations of the laws given to us by the Department of Justice….(talking over each other)
RW: But apparently your own agents made a determination that the actions by the CIA and the Department of Defense were illegal, so much so that you authorized, ordered, your agents not to participate. But that’s it.
RM: I’ve told you what our protocol was, and I’ve indicated that we’ve adhered to our protocol throughout.
RW: My time is up. Thank you very much Mr. Director.
If that exchange doesn't chill your blood, you need to read it again!
McCain's Tax Cut Proposal - Bad News For Poor & Middle Class
While all the hubbub has been over the Obama-Clinton race, John McCain has been busy, too. He has been proposing an economic program that sounds like it came from the Bush playbook. Cut taxes!
He proposed to pay for these tax cuts by cutting spending but with a $300 billion tax cut that will require a LOT of spending cuts and so far McCain has been silent on where the money would come from. It is a safe bet it won’t be coming from cuts in military budgets. Most likely it will come from social programs and welfare monies.
In other words, McCain may balance the budget on the backs of the poorest Americans. That means Pell Grants will dwindle, Head Start will cut money and jobs, WIC will be underfunded and more. Not a good start for a “maverick”.
McCain seems to be playing to the rich base that has always supported the GOP and he is turning his back on the middle class and the poor. The Straight Talk Express needs to do a little more talking to explain this one.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Bush Delusional Again - "We Are Not In A Recession?
And so as his disastrous presidency winds down, George Bush continues his slide into delusion. Need proof that he has lost all touch with reality, check this quote from a press conference today with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Bush actually says when questioned about the current recession, “first of all, we’re not in a recession…we’re in a slowdown.”
Banks failing, investment houses being bailed out, mortgage companies going bankrupt, jobs disappearing and the economy at a standstill. We are not in recession?
Won’t any brave Senator or Representative stand up and call for the impeachment of this clown if only to make the point that the American people are not idiots. Of course the American people elected Bush, so maybe…..
Banks failing, investment houses being bailed out, mortgage companies going bankrupt, jobs disappearing and the economy at a standstill. We are not in recession?
Won’t any brave Senator or Representative stand up and call for the impeachment of this clown if only to make the point that the American people are not idiots. Of course the American people elected Bush, so maybe…..
$40 Billion+ Profits For Exxon-Mobil! Oh Boy!
As I filled up my partner’s Prius this week, I watched the numbers on the pump go higher and higher and I felt proud. Proud that I could help America, or at least one of America’s companies become number one.
As I paid for the $3.55 per gallon gas, I was almost moved to tears as I realized I was playing my part in helping to make America, or at least one of America’s companies great.
It makes an American proud when his country is recognized, or at least one of America’s companies is recognized as number one in the world! And as I drove away I shivered in pride knowing that Exxon-Mobil ranked the #1 company in profitability in the world for the fifth year in a row!
OK, so beyond that little exercise in irony the story of Exxon-Mobil’s record profits for yet a fifth year reminds me just how much corporate greed affects every American. High gas prices have made those record profits for Exxon and speculators in the oil futures market have driven prices up precipitously. Everyone is making a fast and big buck on the gas crunch except the American consumers. We, the consumers, don’t even get the price of fuel figured in the government’s economic statistics about us. Too volatile, they say.
Volatile enough for Exxon to make over $40 billion in 2007. Wonder when any of that record profit will trickle down to the average American and help him or her fill up their tank?
As I paid for the $3.55 per gallon gas, I was almost moved to tears as I realized I was playing my part in helping to make America, or at least one of America’s companies great.
It makes an American proud when his country is recognized, or at least one of America’s companies is recognized as number one in the world! And as I drove away I shivered in pride knowing that Exxon-Mobil ranked the #1 company in profitability in the world for the fifth year in a row!
OK, so beyond that little exercise in irony the story of Exxon-Mobil’s record profits for yet a fifth year reminds me just how much corporate greed affects every American. High gas prices have made those record profits for Exxon and speculators in the oil futures market have driven prices up precipitously. Everyone is making a fast and big buck on the gas crunch except the American consumers. We, the consumers, don’t even get the price of fuel figured in the government’s economic statistics about us. Too volatile, they say.
Volatile enough for Exxon to make over $40 billion in 2007. Wonder when any of that record profit will trickle down to the average American and help him or her fill up their tank?
Monday, April 21, 2008
Bill Clinton Criticizes Hillary's Scare Tactics
Hillary has hit rock bottom. Her new ad features Osama Bin Laden as well as just about every scary image she can conjure. She is trying the fear card and it’s a bad idea. In fact here is her husband, President Bill Clinton telling an audience how bad an idea appealing to fear is.
Why isn’t Hillary listening to her husband?
Why isn’t Hillary listening to her husband?
Have You Driven A "Tata" Lately?
Being in the market for new wheels I have found the lowest price vehicle around. The Tata Nano, an Indian car that retails for $2500. The problem? Not available in the US because it does not meet emissions and safety standards. Of course there is the slightly more costly Chery QQ at $4500. The problem? It’s made in China and the manufacturing defects are usually visible to the untrained eye. Door panels that meet at odd angles and peeling paint on a brand new car.
I have not seriously considered these Asian cars mainly because of their incredibly poor safety records and emission problems. They are harbingers of what is to come though. A flood of cheap Asian cars is moving into world markets in countries where emissions controls are a joke and safety concerns are non-existent. Because of this China is managing to flood markets in South America and other developing countries.
Car and driver recently tested a Chinese model, the Brilliance BS6. According to their report, “an ice cube stands a better chance of survival in the Sahara than the driver of a BS6 does in a severe front or side impact". Strong words! BMW is partnering in the venture and it is doubtful whether they will risk their reputation on importing such a car into the US, however the Chinese have big dreams. One auto manufacturer flatly states that in 5 years Chinese cars will be known for quality as well as price in the US.
Now if they could just get the lead paint out of the toys they make!
Here is video of a crash test of the Chinese car!
I have not seriously considered these Asian cars mainly because of their incredibly poor safety records and emission problems. They are harbingers of what is to come though. A flood of cheap Asian cars is moving into world markets in countries where emissions controls are a joke and safety concerns are non-existent. Because of this China is managing to flood markets in South America and other developing countries.
Car and driver recently tested a Chinese model, the Brilliance BS6. According to their report, “an ice cube stands a better chance of survival in the Sahara than the driver of a BS6 does in a severe front or side impact". Strong words! BMW is partnering in the venture and it is doubtful whether they will risk their reputation on importing such a car into the US, however the Chinese have big dreams. One auto manufacturer flatly states that in 5 years Chinese cars will be known for quality as well as price in the US.
Now if they could just get the lead paint out of the toys they make!
Here is video of a crash test of the Chinese car!
Getting Honest About Health Care
Let’s talk about health care. This issue is top of mind for me right now as I am awaiting a Doctor’s appointment. The problem is I have no insurance.
That means I will have to pay cash for the appointment and cash for any procedures and cash for any prescriptions, etc. What this means is I wait until I absolutely cannot delay medical care any longer before seeking a doctor’s advice. Let me tell you, this really sucks.
For a large number of American’s this is a familiar scenario. Unable to get health coverage because of a pre-existing condition and being self-employed is a double whammy when it comes to insurance. As Elizabeth Edwards noted in a recent column on ThinkProgress.org, 9 out of every 10 people seeking private health insurance don’t get it. Insurers disqualify you for practically anything from your medications to “pre-existing conditions”. In Texas I can get insurance through what is called the “high risk pool”, a special program set up to clear the consciences of the insurance companies. The coverage available is priced far too high for anyone to afford. For me, it’s over $1500 a month. Oh come on! At that rate it would be better to just deposit $1500 in a savings account each month and pray you don’t get sick. That is if you have a spare $1500 lying around each month!
McCain has proposed an alleged “health car program” but it would not cover folks like me ot Elizabeth Edwards. Clinton and Obama both have better solutions, yet neither addresses the issue of someone who cannot afford even the minimal cost of insurance.
Why are we beating around the bush? What this country really needs is a single payer health insurance or socialized medicine like every other civilized country in the world. Having traveled extensively, I can assure you that these programs work in other countries and they can work here. What it will take is a Congress and President who are willing to stand up to the big money of the health care insurers and deliver the bad news. They need to either make insurance available a reasonable rates to everyone or they need to find another line of business.
That means I will have to pay cash for the appointment and cash for any procedures and cash for any prescriptions, etc. What this means is I wait until I absolutely cannot delay medical care any longer before seeking a doctor’s advice. Let me tell you, this really sucks.
For a large number of American’s this is a familiar scenario. Unable to get health coverage because of a pre-existing condition and being self-employed is a double whammy when it comes to insurance. As Elizabeth Edwards noted in a recent column on ThinkProgress.org, 9 out of every 10 people seeking private health insurance don’t get it. Insurers disqualify you for practically anything from your medications to “pre-existing conditions”. In Texas I can get insurance through what is called the “high risk pool”, a special program set up to clear the consciences of the insurance companies. The coverage available is priced far too high for anyone to afford. For me, it’s over $1500 a month. Oh come on! At that rate it would be better to just deposit $1500 in a savings account each month and pray you don’t get sick. That is if you have a spare $1500 lying around each month!
McCain has proposed an alleged “health car program” but it would not cover folks like me ot Elizabeth Edwards. Clinton and Obama both have better solutions, yet neither addresses the issue of someone who cannot afford even the minimal cost of insurance.
Why are we beating around the bush? What this country really needs is a single payer health insurance or socialized medicine like every other civilized country in the world. Having traveled extensively, I can assure you that these programs work in other countries and they can work here. What it will take is a Congress and President who are willing to stand up to the big money of the health care insurers and deliver the bad news. They need to either make insurance available a reasonable rates to everyone or they need to find another line of business.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Pentagon Feeds "Analysts" Talking Points
In the quest to fill up the 24 hour news cycle, networks often turn to analysts. These talking heads fill time by pontificating on the topic at hand while allegedly giving viewers more insight into the events of the day.
In the case of military analysts I have long suspected a bias toward the “military talking points” and now there is proof. Seems the Pentagon regularly seduces these analysts with special briefings and access to classified information in order to generate favorable stories.
The New York Times details the arrangement.
In the case of military analysts I have long suspected a bias toward the “military talking points” and now there is proof. Seems the Pentagon regularly seduces these analysts with special briefings and access to classified information in order to generate favorable stories.
The New York Times details the arrangement.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Joyous Passover!
Tonight is the first Seder. That is the first night of Passover for Jewish people and for me it is a fond memory. I was raised in a Jewish household. My father was Jewish and my mother was a Christian who converted. Passover was always a very special time and one of my favorite celebrations.
The service, unlike other high holy days is conducted in the home. It is in effect a celebration of family and tradition as well as the deliverance from bondage in Egypt. The evening meal is framed by a ceremonial meal and service conducted by family members and because of that I got to play my own part in the festivities. I got to ask the “4 questions”, the pivotal moment in the meal when the Passover story is explained and the tale of the Jews and the Exodus is told year after year.
Today, I am a Christian, but I still love Passover. I even tend to buy matzoh and gefeltifish this time of year just because of the memories it brings back. It is not too strange that I became a Christian, since our family always celebrated Christmas and Easter with the relatives on my mother’s side of the clan. My father even helped put up a Christmas tree every year at our home, he loved the tradition and knew I would be exposed to the secular part of Christmas anyway.
For me, Christianity is not that far removed from my Judiasm. After all, Jesus was a Jewish teacher and his audience were Jews. The message of Christianity resonates with me just as it much have for those early followers and the transition seemed natural. More importantly, because of my Jewish religious education I understand much about the stories in the gospel and how to interpret them. They are Jewish stories after all, and like the stories of the Old Testament they hold great truths even though they are not meant to be historical accounts. That is a hurdle many people who were raised in the Christian faith have trouble with.
So though I will not celebrate the Passover this year, I still will recall the story of liberation it represents, and I will embrace the new freedom the Exodus gave our ancestors. It was not so much a liberation from Pharaoh, but a liberation from the oppression of idolatry and prejudice. A journey to a new life with God’s promise. That journey is one we are still taking. May your first Seder be filled with the love of your family and the joy of the freedom the festive season brings.
The service, unlike other high holy days is conducted in the home. It is in effect a celebration of family and tradition as well as the deliverance from bondage in Egypt. The evening meal is framed by a ceremonial meal and service conducted by family members and because of that I got to play my own part in the festivities. I got to ask the “4 questions”, the pivotal moment in the meal when the Passover story is explained and the tale of the Jews and the Exodus is told year after year.
Today, I am a Christian, but I still love Passover. I even tend to buy matzoh and gefeltifish this time of year just because of the memories it brings back. It is not too strange that I became a Christian, since our family always celebrated Christmas and Easter with the relatives on my mother’s side of the clan. My father even helped put up a Christmas tree every year at our home, he loved the tradition and knew I would be exposed to the secular part of Christmas anyway.
For me, Christianity is not that far removed from my Judiasm. After all, Jesus was a Jewish teacher and his audience were Jews. The message of Christianity resonates with me just as it much have for those early followers and the transition seemed natural. More importantly, because of my Jewish religious education I understand much about the stories in the gospel and how to interpret them. They are Jewish stories after all, and like the stories of the Old Testament they hold great truths even though they are not meant to be historical accounts. That is a hurdle many people who were raised in the Christian faith have trouble with.
So though I will not celebrate the Passover this year, I still will recall the story of liberation it represents, and I will embrace the new freedom the Exodus gave our ancestors. It was not so much a liberation from Pharaoh, but a liberation from the oppression of idolatry and prejudice. A journey to a new life with God’s promise. That journey is one we are still taking. May your first Seder be filled with the love of your family and the joy of the freedom the festive season brings.
Obama Draws Record Crowd In Philadelphia
Facing the largest crowd in his campaign, Barack Obama stood before 35,000 people who crowded into Independence Park in Philadelphia. He spoke of the events that brought our country into existence over 200 years ago in the same place, then he turned to the presidential race.
He spoke of his opponent, Hillary Clinton and her tenacious challenge for the Democratic nomination. In doing so he painted her as part of the politics of the 1990’s. Then he said it was time to move beyond that kind of politics.
"Her message comes down to this: We can't really change the say-anything, do-anything, special interest-driven game in Washington, so we might as well choose a candidate who really knows how to play it," Obama said.
Well said and the exact reason I support Obama over Clinton.
He spoke of his opponent, Hillary Clinton and her tenacious challenge for the Democratic nomination. In doing so he painted her as part of the politics of the 1990’s. Then he said it was time to move beyond that kind of politics.
"Her message comes down to this: We can't really change the say-anything, do-anything, special interest-driven game in Washington, so we might as well choose a candidate who really knows how to play it," Obama said.
Well said and the exact reason I support Obama over Clinton.
Bush, The Environment & A Great New Theory
Sometimes a columnist hits the nail on the head so firmly that there is no better way to state the issue. Such is the case with the op-ed column in the New York Times by writer Gail Collins. Her piece entitled “Fat Bush Theory” is must read material for anyone interested in the environment and our failed public policy towards it.
Read it here.
Read it here.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Bush Appoints Another Cronie - Loyal, But Clueless
OK, so why is this news? Bush has appointed another loyalist, Steven Preston as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. No surprise, it’s what he has always done and he always will. Bush in incapable of finding anything good in a person if they are not loyal to him first. That flaw in his character is exactly why our country is in such a mess.
It’s why “Brownie” screwed up in New Orleans after Katrina, it’s why the war in Iraq is a debacle and it is why his administration will go down as the worst on record.
Want proof of Bush incompetence in selecting major cabinet level appointees? Well Preston is a classic case. He replaces Alphonso Jackson the previous Secretary who left in disgrace for fixing contracts and other malfeasance. Preston has absolutely no experience in public housing and was an executive at Servicemaster prior to his appointment. His company is also legendary as a bully when it comes to small businesses. Look it up!
November cannot come soon enough!
It’s why “Brownie” screwed up in New Orleans after Katrina, it’s why the war in Iraq is a debacle and it is why his administration will go down as the worst on record.
Want proof of Bush incompetence in selecting major cabinet level appointees? Well Preston is a classic case. He replaces Alphonso Jackson the previous Secretary who left in disgrace for fixing contracts and other malfeasance. Preston has absolutely no experience in public housing and was an executive at Servicemaster prior to his appointment. His company is also legendary as a bully when it comes to small businesses. Look it up!
November cannot come soon enough!
The Debate About The Debate - Enough Already!
I have waited to weigh in on the ABC TV debate between Hillary and Barack until today. I was disgusted by this debate in general and by the moderators in particular. They made little attempt to remain objective. For proof look at Charlie Gibson “lecture” question about capital gains taxes and supply side economics. And George Stephanopoulos is hardly an impartial moderator. He served in the Clinton White House! Even the audience jeered the moderators a few times as they should have!
Both candidates were questioned endlessly on matters of their campaigning style and not on issues. Why? Because there is little need for any more debates. We know the candidates stand on issues and the press is trying to “sell newspapers” by creating controversies that are non-existent. The whole kerfuffle surrounding “bittergate” is as ludicrous as digging back into Hillary’s past and showing how her previous positions have now changed just in time for the Pennsylvania primary.
I think Obama sums up the whole thing nicely in this clip.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Texas Winds, Pollen & The Myth Of Clean Coal
As I woke up this morning and began coughing and wheezing, I began wondering about the recent growth in asthma. When I was a child, my asthma was an anomaly. I was the weird kid with the inhaler who couldn’t play in PE because he would start wheezing and turn blue.
Today, seeing a kid with an inhaler is commonplace, and in fact seeing adults with them is common as well. Older Americans develop asthma-like symptoms in record numbers and childhood asthma is growing in epidemic proportions. So why isn’t anyone upset?
Well, here’s my take. Asthma is a chronic disease that can be pretty much controlled with the right medication. That means there is a multi-million dollar market for asthma drugs and since there is no cure, it’s a money machine for pharmaceutical companies. Steriod inhalers, with patented formulas sell for $150 a pop and last the average patient about a month and a half. That makes the yearly cost somewhere around $1200. Now if you have an insurance plan that covers it, no problem, but if you live without medical insurance or have no drug plan, too bad!
Why the rise in asthma? There are a few explanations and most involve the environment both indoors and out. Allergens cause the majority of asthma and pollution from fossil fuel burning is a major contributor. In specific coal burning power plants really add to the toxic brew we breathe every day.
While I was in East Texas last week, I drove through several miles of hill country with row upon row of majestic wind turbans spinning in the persistent Texas breeze. They looked graceful and otherworldly and even more attractive because they emit no pollution. Scattered among them were a few oil wells slowly pumping the last drops of oil from the West Texas fields. The contrast was interesting.
Wind power has been a source of energy since men first sailed ships using cloth sails. It cost nothing but the infrastructure to harvest it and when properly used has a minimal environmental impact. Oil on the other hand requires a lot more investment and leaves a huge environmental footprint on the land and in the air.
Why am I going on about the air? Well, I keep seeing the oxymoronic phrase “Clean Coal” being bandied about on various TV ads and as I take another hit off my inhaler, I have to wonder how much my breath is worth. Aside from the drug companies who are reaping a windfall, pardon the pun, there is little reason to continue to pollute our skies, land and lungs with the byproducts of any fossil fuel.
With so many companies standing to make a profit from the suffering of our citizens it is understandable why it has taken so long to recognize the problem. Business controls the media and they have a vested interest in keeping us ignorant. The change is that some businesses have found ways to make a profit generating power without adding to the pollution. My hope is that they will prevail and the need for my inhaler will become a necessity only when the Texas winds blow pollen my direction.
Today, seeing a kid with an inhaler is commonplace, and in fact seeing adults with them is common as well. Older Americans develop asthma-like symptoms in record numbers and childhood asthma is growing in epidemic proportions. So why isn’t anyone upset?
Well, here’s my take. Asthma is a chronic disease that can be pretty much controlled with the right medication. That means there is a multi-million dollar market for asthma drugs and since there is no cure, it’s a money machine for pharmaceutical companies. Steriod inhalers, with patented formulas sell for $150 a pop and last the average patient about a month and a half. That makes the yearly cost somewhere around $1200. Now if you have an insurance plan that covers it, no problem, but if you live without medical insurance or have no drug plan, too bad!
Why the rise in asthma? There are a few explanations and most involve the environment both indoors and out. Allergens cause the majority of asthma and pollution from fossil fuel burning is a major contributor. In specific coal burning power plants really add to the toxic brew we breathe every day.
While I was in East Texas last week, I drove through several miles of hill country with row upon row of majestic wind turbans spinning in the persistent Texas breeze. They looked graceful and otherworldly and even more attractive because they emit no pollution. Scattered among them were a few oil wells slowly pumping the last drops of oil from the West Texas fields. The contrast was interesting.
Wind power has been a source of energy since men first sailed ships using cloth sails. It cost nothing but the infrastructure to harvest it and when properly used has a minimal environmental impact. Oil on the other hand requires a lot more investment and leaves a huge environmental footprint on the land and in the air.
Why am I going on about the air? Well, I keep seeing the oxymoronic phrase “Clean Coal” being bandied about on various TV ads and as I take another hit off my inhaler, I have to wonder how much my breath is worth. Aside from the drug companies who are reaping a windfall, pardon the pun, there is little reason to continue to pollute our skies, land and lungs with the byproducts of any fossil fuel.
With so many companies standing to make a profit from the suffering of our citizens it is understandable why it has taken so long to recognize the problem. Business controls the media and they have a vested interest in keeping us ignorant. The change is that some businesses have found ways to make a profit generating power without adding to the pollution. My hope is that they will prevail and the need for my inhaler will become a necessity only when the Texas winds blow pollen my direction.
Monday, April 14, 2008
AFA Hate Video Warns ‘Gay Activists’ Are Plotting To ‘Take Over The Cities Of America’
Fear is the only weapon the right-wing has remaining. They warn us of the terrorists, the Iranians, the North Koreans, and now…THE GAYS!
The right wing hate group the American Family Association has begun distributing a DVD titled, “They’re Coming to Your Town”. The promotional material depicts a neighborhood with a rainbow sky flowing downward toward the unsuspecting citizens.
The video according to the trailer, “tells the tale of an uncharacteristically diverse resort town’s government infiltrated by a handful of homosexual activists and bent to their will through the enactment of the town’s domestic partner registry on June 22, 2007.”
Oh the humanity! Run for the hills the GAYS are coming.
This is what Sally Kerns apparently had been watching prior to her hate-filled speech in Oklahoma a few weeks ago. What the AFA missed was the fact that studies show property values actually rise when gays move into a neighborhood. If anything the small towns like Eureka Springs, Arkansas (the subject of the video) should welcome GLBT people with open arms. Gay and Lesbians have shown consistently they have a knack for finding neighborhoods that can be revitalized, “fixer-uppers” if you will.
The right wing hate group the American Family Association has begun distributing a DVD titled, “They’re Coming to Your Town”. The promotional material depicts a neighborhood with a rainbow sky flowing downward toward the unsuspecting citizens.
The video according to the trailer, “tells the tale of an uncharacteristically diverse resort town’s government infiltrated by a handful of homosexual activists and bent to their will through the enactment of the town’s domestic partner registry on June 22, 2007.”
Oh the humanity! Run for the hills the GAYS are coming.
This is what Sally Kerns apparently had been watching prior to her hate-filled speech in Oklahoma a few weeks ago. What the AFA missed was the fact that studies show property values actually rise when gays move into a neighborhood. If anything the small towns like Eureka Springs, Arkansas (the subject of the video) should welcome GLBT people with open arms. Gay and Lesbians have shown consistently they have a knack for finding neighborhoods that can be revitalized, “fixer-uppers” if you will.
Obama Is Right, Americans Are Bitter
What is all the brouhaha about? Barack Obama actually points out that people in America feel powerless and disenfranchised and yes, “bitter” and he gets jumped. First he has the right-wing talk show hosts clamoring after him and then Hillary calls him “elitist”. This coming from rich media figures and a former First Lady/multimillionaire!
Well here is the truth. Americans do feel bitter. They feel like nobody listens to them they are cynical and in many cases rightfully so. Politics today is about big money and media. Most people do not have the time or inclination to actually listen to the candidates positions and compare them in a rational manner. They may be simply too busy trying to put food on their family’s table or they may feel like it doesn’t matter. More than once I have heard people say we have to “choose the lesser of the evils” with the candidates. Can there be a more cynical view of our political system?
According to some polls about 81% of Americans feel our country is headed in the wrong direction. They feel powerless. When our Vice President says he doesn’t care what people think, he confirms this. No wonder people are bitter.
Well, here is the deal. We can succumb to the cynicism and just ignore the political system. “Let McCain or Hillary or whoever get elected, it won’t make any difference.” And if we take that attitude, it really won’t make a difference. People without hope tend to let things stay the same. After all, “why bother”, they say, “it’s Washington politics as usual.”
That is the attitude that has kept the real elitists in Washington and has kept the status quo. That kind of hopelessness is what has kept Bush in office and prevented any attempt to call into question potentially illegal activities by this administration. “After all, he won’t be impeached, nothing will change.”
The secret is that as long as we believe things won’t change, they will not disappoint us. Washington will only move to change if we make our representatives change. That requires work and, more importantly, hope. That is why the people who are in power are trying to kill that hope with massive doses of cynicism.
Barack Obama speaks the truth and they call him “elitist”. Why? Because that word will play well with people who feel hopeless. After all “elitists’ are what people used to refer to as “high-hat”. That term was used to smear Franklin Roosevelt. He indeed did wear a high hat and smoked cigarettes with a gold cigarette holder. Yet Roosevelt challenged the cynics of the day with a populist agenda that helped end the Great Depression and assure the security of generations of retirees. Now that doesn’t sound like an elitist to me.
Obama, though well educated and prosperous worked as a civil rights lawyer and community organizer to actually make a change on the streets of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods. Doesn’t sound so elitist now does he?
I suspect that if enough people can get beyond the semantic game that is being played out by the Clinton campaign, they will agree with Obama’s point of view. After all, people who feel they have no control try to gain at least some control over their lives. In some cases that is reflected in rigid defense of the right to bare arms or the seeking of solace in a religion that comforts them with clear and simple answers. They are not foolish or ignorant, they are merely tired of feeling like they have no voice.
Powerlessness is a bitter pill, and washed down with a healthy dose of cynicism it leads to numbness. If anything Obama was soft peddling the truth. The right-wing and the Clinton campaign know this and are exploiting it. If they succeed, the people whose senses are numbed by the clatter of the cynics cannot taste the sweet possibilities of hope.
Well here is the truth. Americans do feel bitter. They feel like nobody listens to them they are cynical and in many cases rightfully so. Politics today is about big money and media. Most people do not have the time or inclination to actually listen to the candidates positions and compare them in a rational manner. They may be simply too busy trying to put food on their family’s table or they may feel like it doesn’t matter. More than once I have heard people say we have to “choose the lesser of the evils” with the candidates. Can there be a more cynical view of our political system?
According to some polls about 81% of Americans feel our country is headed in the wrong direction. They feel powerless. When our Vice President says he doesn’t care what people think, he confirms this. No wonder people are bitter.
Well, here is the deal. We can succumb to the cynicism and just ignore the political system. “Let McCain or Hillary or whoever get elected, it won’t make any difference.” And if we take that attitude, it really won’t make a difference. People without hope tend to let things stay the same. After all, “why bother”, they say, “it’s Washington politics as usual.”
That is the attitude that has kept the real elitists in Washington and has kept the status quo. That kind of hopelessness is what has kept Bush in office and prevented any attempt to call into question potentially illegal activities by this administration. “After all, he won’t be impeached, nothing will change.”
The secret is that as long as we believe things won’t change, they will not disappoint us. Washington will only move to change if we make our representatives change. That requires work and, more importantly, hope. That is why the people who are in power are trying to kill that hope with massive doses of cynicism.
Barack Obama speaks the truth and they call him “elitist”. Why? Because that word will play well with people who feel hopeless. After all “elitists’ are what people used to refer to as “high-hat”. That term was used to smear Franklin Roosevelt. He indeed did wear a high hat and smoked cigarettes with a gold cigarette holder. Yet Roosevelt challenged the cynics of the day with a populist agenda that helped end the Great Depression and assure the security of generations of retirees. Now that doesn’t sound like an elitist to me.
Obama, though well educated and prosperous worked as a civil rights lawyer and community organizer to actually make a change on the streets of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods. Doesn’t sound so elitist now does he?
I suspect that if enough people can get beyond the semantic game that is being played out by the Clinton campaign, they will agree with Obama’s point of view. After all, people who feel they have no control try to gain at least some control over their lives. In some cases that is reflected in rigid defense of the right to bare arms or the seeking of solace in a religion that comforts them with clear and simple answers. They are not foolish or ignorant, they are merely tired of feeling like they have no voice.
Powerlessness is a bitter pill, and washed down with a healthy dose of cynicism it leads to numbness. If anything Obama was soft peddling the truth. The right-wing and the Clinton campaign know this and are exploiting it. If they succeed, the people whose senses are numbed by the clatter of the cynics cannot taste the sweet possibilities of hope.
IRS Audits Of Big Business Plummets
If you ever needed proof that the Bush administration has made the government an adjunct of big business, just look at the recent study by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse.
The study speaks of “a historic collapse in audits” of big companies, defined as those with over $250 million in assets. Big companies have only a one is four chance of being audited this year. In 1990 that was a three in four chance of an audit.
The study reports that the focus of IRS audits has shifted from big companies to small ones, private partnerships and smaller entities. To be fair, part of the shift is due to large corporations forming small partnerships to shield scrutiny by the IRS, yet the shift has brought surprise from tax professionals.
To ignore the “big boys” and go after easier to intimidate small companies may boost the bottom line for the IRS, but it is far from fair. Big companies like Exxon-Mobil have made record profits in recent years and I have to wonder what intricate accounting schemes they are using to shield them from the IRS. I suspect having the President on the metaphoric payroll might be a start. Bush and Cheney are both oil men first and foremost, and anyone who believes otherwise is living in “their own reality” as the Neo-cons were fond of saying.
The study speaks of “a historic collapse in audits” of big companies, defined as those with over $250 million in assets. Big companies have only a one is four chance of being audited this year. In 1990 that was a three in four chance of an audit.
The study reports that the focus of IRS audits has shifted from big companies to small ones, private partnerships and smaller entities. To be fair, part of the shift is due to large corporations forming small partnerships to shield scrutiny by the IRS, yet the shift has brought surprise from tax professionals.
To ignore the “big boys” and go after easier to intimidate small companies may boost the bottom line for the IRS, but it is far from fair. Big companies like Exxon-Mobil have made record profits in recent years and I have to wonder what intricate accounting schemes they are using to shield them from the IRS. I suspect having the President on the metaphoric payroll might be a start. Bush and Cheney are both oil men first and foremost, and anyone who believes otherwise is living in “their own reality” as the Neo-cons were fond of saying.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Michael Savage - Scumbag, Liar, Talk Show Host
Radio talk show host Michael Savage is a scum bag. Want proof? Media Matters posted a clip from his April 3rd broadcast where he hauls out the lie that Obama is actually a stealth Muslim. This guy is too much!
Savage is known for his ridiculous statements and is surpassed only by Ann Coulter as a lying gasbag, but to bring up this lie again after it has been not only proven to be false, but traced to GOP operatives trying to smear Obama with an e-mail whisper campaign is beyond belief.
Here is a quote from this jerk.
Savage is known for his ridiculous statements and is surpassed only by Ann Coulter as a lying gasbag, but to bring up this lie again after it has been not only proven to be false, but traced to GOP operatives trying to smear Obama with an e-mail whisper campaign is beyond belief.
Here is a quote from this jerk.
SAVAGE: Doesn't it bring back beautiful feelings, compared to the filth that they play now? They're simple. Who would put on a white sportscoat today? He'd get his head stomped. Look who we inherited in this country, from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Barack Hussein Obama, in one generation. A war hero to -- a war hero who commanded the Allied operations against Nazi Germany was running for the presidency then. Now we have an unknown stealth candidate who went to a madrassas in Indonesia and, in fact, was a Muslim despite what Straw Hair will tell you on Softball. Yes, check it out.
GLBT Athletes Should Boycott China Olympics
Could you think of a worse place to host an event meant to celebrate the achievements of athletes and harmony of the world community? My short list would have China at the top. Their record for human rights violations is so long it cannot be listed here. Their record on totalitarian control is staggering.
Gay rights advocates in China face extreme problems. Though the government has changed the legal status of gays and lesbians, they still routinely oppress the community with raids and harassment. Arrests are made for “solicitation” in lieu of “homosexuality” but the intent of the arrest and the Chinese legal system are stacked against LGBT people.
I remember years ago listening to a speaker who said that capitalism would democratize China. I guess he is having to eat his words now. Capitalism can exist quite well with a fascist regime, and in fact often thrives under one. China is a shining example of how well a countries economy can flourish while its people are oppressed.
All things considered, a boycott of the Olympics not only makes sense, but is inevitable. It’s time GLBT athletes forgo the lust for gold medals and stand with their Chinese brothers and sisters.
Gay rights advocates in China face extreme problems. Though the government has changed the legal status of gays and lesbians, they still routinely oppress the community with raids and harassment. Arrests are made for “solicitation” in lieu of “homosexuality” but the intent of the arrest and the Chinese legal system are stacked against LGBT people.
I remember years ago listening to a speaker who said that capitalism would democratize China. I guess he is having to eat his words now. Capitalism can exist quite well with a fascist regime, and in fact often thrives under one. China is a shining example of how well a countries economy can flourish while its people are oppressed.
All things considered, a boycott of the Olympics not only makes sense, but is inevitable. It’s time GLBT athletes forgo the lust for gold medals and stand with their Chinese brothers and sisters.
Egypt Convicts 5 Men Of Homosexuality
Add Egypt to the list of countries I will never set foot in. There a court recently sentenced 5 men to prison for “habitual debauchery” the Egyptian euphemism for homosexuality. Though a lot more lenient than some Middle-Eastern countries, Egypt still has a legal system that is steeped in the middle ages.
Four of the five were arrested when they were forced to undergo blood tests for HIV. They tested positive.
According to a report in the New York Times,
Time for Egypt to shake off the sand and join the 21st century!
Four of the five were arrested when they were forced to undergo blood tests for HIV. They tested positive.
According to a report in the New York Times,
Ramadan, a lawyer with the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, said the five men were abused and tortured over the past several months to ''extract confessions'' from them.
Time for Egypt to shake off the sand and join the 21st century!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
So Much For My Truck!
I am off to Florida today for the premier edition of Beyond Leather. The new event promises to be a great contribution to the Florida leather scene and the organizers, Sir Top and slave bonnie are wonderful people!
The good news was we went storm chasing yesterday. We were on the storm that produced all the tornadoes, but we couldn’t keep up with it because of the roads in that part of Texas.
The bad news is that after we returned home last night our neighborhood was hit by severe weather and a huge tree fell in front of our house, crushing my truck! Luckily we were both indoors at 4:05am when it happened and are OK. The tree is blocking the entire street and my truck looks like it’s a gonner. Both doors crushed in and all the windows broken.
And I am leaving town this morning! Great timing.
I will be back to blogging later next week when I return.
The good news was we went storm chasing yesterday. We were on the storm that produced all the tornadoes, but we couldn’t keep up with it because of the roads in that part of Texas.
The bad news is that after we returned home last night our neighborhood was hit by severe weather and a huge tree fell in front of our house, crushing my truck! Luckily we were both indoors at 4:05am when it happened and are OK. The tree is blocking the entire street and my truck looks like it’s a gonner. Both doors crushed in and all the windows broken.
And I am leaving town this morning! Great timing.
I will be back to blogging later next week when I return.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Canadian Court To Decide If BDSM Is Covered By Non-Discrimination Laws
Looks like someone in Canada is finally getting his day in court to decide if his sexual orientation ground for protection under Canadian non-discrimination laws. The twist (pun intended) is that his sexual orientation is BDSM!
Peter Hayes, who claims he was discriminated against as a pagan who practices a form of sadomasochism will get to take his complaint to a human rights tribunal. Hayes complained to British Columbia's Human Rights Tribunal that he was discriminated against because he is a pagan who practices a "BDSM lifestyle" and deserves protection under the human rights code, based on sexual orientation.
So far the courts are willing to hear the case. The tribunal will decide if the BDSM lifestyle is covered by the country’s non-discrimination laws.
Anyone who knows me will immediately see why I am interested in this case. Though it is in Canada, it would be a major milestone in recognition of the Leather/BDSM/Fetish community. It would also go a long way toward a more tolerant attitude for kinky folk in this country.
Peter Hayes, who claims he was discriminated against as a pagan who practices a form of sadomasochism will get to take his complaint to a human rights tribunal. Hayes complained to British Columbia's Human Rights Tribunal that he was discriminated against because he is a pagan who practices a "BDSM lifestyle" and deserves protection under the human rights code, based on sexual orientation.
So far the courts are willing to hear the case. The tribunal will decide if the BDSM lifestyle is covered by the country’s non-discrimination laws.
Anyone who knows me will immediately see why I am interested in this case. Though it is in Canada, it would be a major milestone in recognition of the Leather/BDSM/Fetish community. It would also go a long way toward a more tolerant attitude for kinky folk in this country.
Denmark Most Networked Country In The World
One of my favorite EU countries has become the “most networked” country in the world. Denmark finished first with the highest average broadband-Internet speed and penetration rate of any country. In fact the top ten places are dominated by the Nordic countries.
The United States comes in at number 4, which means it has risen 3 places from last year.
The United States comes in at number 4, which means it has risen 3 places from last year.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Patraeus Testifies - Says Nothing!
Watching CNN this afternoon I saw Senator Barack Obama question General Patraeus and Ambassador Crocker. He asked what I consider the big question, which is to define the achievable goal for Iraq. He asked if the status quo, given the problems that still exist and the messy business of creating a democracy, could be considered a successful outcome in Iraq.
Crocker reiterated that the process is still in progress, etc. and basically did not answer the question. Obama wanted a definition of what it would take to get us out of Iraq and Patraeus and Crocker responded with nothing. The answer is that there is no answer because the Bush strategy is not to ever leave.
My opinion is that Bush and his business partners are making far too much money on the war to end it. A quagmire has been amazingly profitable for the defense industries and by driving oil prices to new records gives the energy companies a phenomenal profit boost. Of course this is what Bush was elected to do. As a tool of these business interests he has paid dividends in spades!
Meanwhile, Baghdad is under a lockdown to stem violence.
Crocker reiterated that the process is still in progress, etc. and basically did not answer the question. Obama wanted a definition of what it would take to get us out of Iraq and Patraeus and Crocker responded with nothing. The answer is that there is no answer because the Bush strategy is not to ever leave.
My opinion is that Bush and his business partners are making far too much money on the war to end it. A quagmire has been amazingly profitable for the defense industries and by driving oil prices to new records gives the energy companies a phenomenal profit boost. Of course this is what Bush was elected to do. As a tool of these business interests he has paid dividends in spades!
Meanwhile, Baghdad is under a lockdown to stem violence.
She's Back! Dr. Laura On Fox News, Where Else Would She Be?
Just when you thought Fox News couldn’t get any worse, they hire Dr. Laura! Yes, our old friend Laura Schlessinger of the failed TV talk show is back on a weekly segment of Hanity’s show. So the non-licensed therapist/physiologist will be dispensing her hate-filled brand of advice on Fox soon. I can’t wait!
Laura makes her money giving advice to families. Her family is far from model. Her son’s MySpace page was recently pulled off line for disturbing images of soldiers with guns in their mouths and underage kids in suggestive poses. Great parenting Dr. Laura!
Laura makes her money giving advice to families. Her family is far from model. Her son’s MySpace page was recently pulled off line for disturbing images of soldiers with guns in their mouths and underage kids in suggestive poses. Great parenting Dr. Laura!
Monday, April 07, 2008
The Real McCain? Hair Trigger Temper & A Filthy Mouth
John McCain is apparently pretty quick to anger, this according to a new book by Cliff Schecter entitled, The Real McCain. Now a hair trigger temper might be OK for a Senator but for a President it cold be disasterous. Worse his temper apparently knows few limits, even when it comes to his own wife. RawStory.com reprinted a paragraph from the book.
Three reporters from Arizona, on the condition of anonymity, also let me in on another incident involving McCain’s intemperateness. In his 1992 Senate bid, McCain was joined on the campaign trail by his wife, Cindy, as well as campaign aide Doug Cole and consultant Wes Gullett. At one point, Cindy playfully twirled McCain’s hair and said, ‘You’re getting a little thin up there.’ McCain’s face reddened, and he responded, ‘At least I don’t plaster on the makeup like a trollop, you cunt.’ McCain’s excuse was that it had been a long day. If elected president of the United States, McCain would have many long days.I would hate to see him on a really tense day make some kind of inexcusable comment like that to a foreign diplomat. Welcome to international incident!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Clinton Campaign Loses Another Top Aide - Was A Paid Lobbyist For Columbian Government
Another Hillary Clinton advisor has left her campaign. According to a Reuters report, the top aide to Sen. Clinton, under fire for meeting with a Colombian diplomat to discuss a free trade deal that the presidential candidate opposes, quit his post on Sunday, the campaign said.
"After the events of the last few days, Mark Penn has asked to give up his role as chief strategist of the Clinton campaign," Clinton's campaign manager Maggie Williams said in a statement.
News of the meeting surfaced Friday. Penn said he held the meeting with the Columbians in his separate role as chief executive officer of Burson-Marsteller Worldwide, a lobbying firm hired by the South American country to help win the approval by the U.S. Congress of a free trade agreement with the United States.
Many have questioned Hillary’s ability to oppose the unpopular trade agreement when one of her top aides was a paid lobbyist for the country. Again it raises the issue of Clinton’s ties and support from lobbying firms and big business.
"After the events of the last few days, Mark Penn has asked to give up his role as chief strategist of the Clinton campaign," Clinton's campaign manager Maggie Williams said in a statement.
News of the meeting surfaced Friday. Penn said he held the meeting with the Columbians in his separate role as chief executive officer of Burson-Marsteller Worldwide, a lobbying firm hired by the South American country to help win the approval by the U.S. Congress of a free trade agreement with the United States.
Many have questioned Hillary’s ability to oppose the unpopular trade agreement when one of her top aides was a paid lobbyist for the country. Again it raises the issue of Clinton’s ties and support from lobbying firms and big business.
"Bush Officials Will Be Indicted For War Crimes" - Says Andrew Sullivan
How long will it take before someone in the media mentions the obvious, that people in the Bush administration are guilty of war crime? Well, he answer came today as The Atlantic’s Andrew Sullivan appeared on Chris Mathew’s show and dropped the bomb.
SULLIVAN: The latest revelations on the torture front show the memo from John Yoo...means that Don Rumsfeld, David Addington and John Yoo should not leave the United States any time soon. They will be, at some point, indicted for war crimes.It’s about damned time someone says what everyone is thinking. Now if we can just get the next administration to do something about it!
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Hillary's Health Care Horror Story False - Hospital Says It Didn't Happen
I remember President Regan telling a story about a “welfare queen” on all his stump speeches. The tale made the whole welfare system seem out of kilter and made poor people sound like conniving cheaters. Interesting story, in fact Regan often supplied details like, “80 names, 30 addresses, 12 Social Security cards.” Problem is it wasn’t true. It may have been based on a case of welfare fraud, but the real story would have been much less sensationalistic.
Now Hillary Clinton, following in the footsteps of Regan is telling the “health care horror story”. An uninsured pregnant woman who lost her baby and died herself after being denied care by an Ohio hospital because she could not come up with a $100 fee. Funny thing, turns out its only partially true as well.
The woman did die at the hospital, but was under an obstetricians care and was insured. Just not nearly as dramatic that way, so why not embellish it a little?
Well the Ohio Hospital in the story is calling her out on it and asking her to stop telling the false version of the story.
“We implore the Clinton campaign to immediately desist from repeating this story,” said Rick Castrop, CEO of the O’Bleness Health System, the hospital in the story.
My big problem is that our nation’s healthcare system is indeed screwed up, but you don’t have to lie to prove it. Just ask a few real people about their experiences and you can find plenty of good stories that don’t require embellishing.
Now Hillary Clinton, following in the footsteps of Regan is telling the “health care horror story”. An uninsured pregnant woman who lost her baby and died herself after being denied care by an Ohio hospital because she could not come up with a $100 fee. Funny thing, turns out its only partially true as well.
The woman did die at the hospital, but was under an obstetricians care and was insured. Just not nearly as dramatic that way, so why not embellish it a little?
Well the Ohio Hospital in the story is calling her out on it and asking her to stop telling the false version of the story.
“We implore the Clinton campaign to immediately desist from repeating this story,” said Rick Castrop, CEO of the O’Bleness Health System, the hospital in the story.
My big problem is that our nation’s healthcare system is indeed screwed up, but you don’t have to lie to prove it. Just ask a few real people about their experiences and you can find plenty of good stories that don’t require embellishing.
GOP Congressman Calls American Soldier in Iraq “Two-Bit Security Guard”
If you are going to be gung ho about the war, then you damn well better respect the men and women you ship over there to fight.
Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC) spent the night at one of Sadaam's palaces. When he wanted to go to the gym the next day, and a soldier asked him for ID, McHenry referred to him as "a two-bit security guard."
And these are the same jerks who will question our patriotism for questioning their actions!
Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC) spent the night at one of Sadaam's palaces. When he wanted to go to the gym the next day, and a soldier asked him for ID, McHenry referred to him as "a two-bit security guard."
And these are the same jerks who will question our patriotism for questioning their actions!
Friday, April 04, 2008
Chinese Troops Kill 8 Including Monks In Tibet Protests
The Chinese have stepped up their battle against protesters seeking autonomy for Tibet the Chinese province of Sichuan. Today, TimesOnline reports that troops, last night, opened fire on protesters and several Tibetan monks, killing at least eight. This comes after they searched a monastery and destroyed photos and desecrating other materials.
The attack coming as the Olympic Torch is scheduled to travel through London will undoubtedly stir emotions and trigger protests in the UK. Chinese authorities are trying to open the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, to tourists by May 1. Their efforts to squelch protests and any activity that could embarrass the Chinese government during the upcoming games has drawn worldwide attention.
Personally, I think a boycott of the games would be in order. China has no business hosting them to begin with. Their dismal human rights record would seem to run counter to the spirit of the games. Of course the Olympic sponsors most likely have business interests in China and so the games will go on.
The attack coming as the Olympic Torch is scheduled to travel through London will undoubtedly stir emotions and trigger protests in the UK. Chinese authorities are trying to open the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, to tourists by May 1. Their efforts to squelch protests and any activity that could embarrass the Chinese government during the upcoming games has drawn worldwide attention.
Personally, I think a boycott of the games would be in order. China has no business hosting them to begin with. Their dismal human rights record would seem to run counter to the spirit of the games. Of course the Olympic sponsors most likely have business interests in China and so the games will go on.
Dallas County Democratic Runoff Election - Vote!
Runoff elections are not glamorous. They don’t have the sizzle of the “big fight” and especially when they are part of a primary election, however there are several good reasons to vote in Saturday’s Democratic Runoff.
The first is to put a candidate who actually understands what the position is about. When it comes to Texas Railroad Commissioner that position is about oil and gas, not trains. That is why the choice is clear. Dale Henry come from a petroleum background. Henry was a petroleum engineer and he understands the business as well as the environmental problems it can cause. He has pushed for better pipeline safety and has the public’s interest rather than big oil at heart.
The second reason is Diana Lackey. She is running for County Tax Assessor Collector and has 24 years experience in tax assessment and collections. She has the endorsement of numerous groups including Stonewall Democrats of Dallas and Dallas County Young Democrats. Check her web site for more info.
The first is to put a candidate who actually understands what the position is about. When it comes to Texas Railroad Commissioner that position is about oil and gas, not trains. That is why the choice is clear. Dale Henry come from a petroleum background. Henry was a petroleum engineer and he understands the business as well as the environmental problems it can cause. He has pushed for better pipeline safety and has the public’s interest rather than big oil at heart.
The second reason is Diana Lackey. She is running for County Tax Assessor Collector and has 24 years experience in tax assessment and collections. She has the endorsement of numerous groups including Stonewall Democrats of Dallas and Dallas County Young Democrats. Check her web site for more info.
Dr. King's America, 40 Years Later
Occasionally I go back and listen to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s recorded speeches. I have long loved the most famous “I have a dream” speech, but there are many more that bear witness to the voices of one of the 20th century’s great prophets.
One of my favorites is the acceptance speech he made upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. As he listed the reasons he accepted the award he made several bold statements about why non-violence was the path to justice and why he could continue to struggle for equality in an unjust world.
He found in America something called hope. With all its problems, oppression, violence and injustice he still believed in the goodness of mankind and our ability to rise from the base instincts to find an enlightened path.
Today, on the anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination, it is fitting to look at our country and wonder how he would have reacted to where we are now. We still are fighting unjust wars. We still battle our own prejudices. We still watch great portions our own population dragged down by the chains of poverty. And yet we still have hope. Hope that has brought us beyond the brink of nuclear annihilation we faced during the cold war. Hope that sees a woman and a black man both running for the highest office in our land. Hope that lets us face the problems of racism, homophobia and still believe we can overcome. Hope that lets us face the millions of people without adequate health care and believe that we can remedy the problem. Hope that we can end an unjust war and bring home our soldiers who fought so valiantly.
It is that hope I still have. It is that hope I get from reading and listening to Dr. King’s speeches. It is that hope that I try to carry to others in my life and my work.
Heady stuff? Yes, but the things that are really worthwhile in life usually are.
One of my favorites is the acceptance speech he made upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. As he listed the reasons he accepted the award he made several bold statements about why non-violence was the path to justice and why he could continue to struggle for equality in an unjust world.
“I accept this award today with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind. I refuse to accept despair as the final response to the ambiguities of history.”
He found in America something called hope. With all its problems, oppression, violence and injustice he still believed in the goodness of mankind and our ability to rise from the base instincts to find an enlightened path.
Today, on the anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination, it is fitting to look at our country and wonder how he would have reacted to where we are now. We still are fighting unjust wars. We still battle our own prejudices. We still watch great portions our own population dragged down by the chains of poverty. And yet we still have hope. Hope that has brought us beyond the brink of nuclear annihilation we faced during the cold war. Hope that sees a woman and a black man both running for the highest office in our land. Hope that lets us face the problems of racism, homophobia and still believe we can overcome. Hope that lets us face the millions of people without adequate health care and believe that we can remedy the problem. Hope that we can end an unjust war and bring home our soldiers who fought so valiantly.
It is that hope I still have. It is that hope I get from reading and listening to Dr. King’s speeches. It is that hope that I try to carry to others in my life and my work.
Heady stuff? Yes, but the things that are really worthwhile in life usually are.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
President Carter Makes Veiled Obama Endorsement
Though he is still playing it close to the vest, former President Jimmy Carter was quoted in a Nigerian Newspaper as saying:
"We are very interested in the primaries. Don’t forget that Obama won in my state of Georgia. My town, which is home to 625 people, is for Obama, my children and their spouses are pro-Obama. My grandchildren are also pro-Obama. As a superdelegate, I would not disclose who I am rooting for but I leave you to make that guess."
Ashcroft Smears Obama With "Accidental" Osama Remark
I won’t be blogging much today. Storm chasing with my partner in southern Oklahoma. If we get video or pics, I’ll post them tonight.
Just saw a report where our old friend, John Ashcroft made an alleged mistake at a speech at Skidmore College. He called Senator Barack Obama, “Osama”. This is a purposeful mistake being done by conservatives to subliminally make the connections with not only the terrorist but with the notion that Obama is somehow “foreign”.
The trick was recognized by the audience at the college and they jeered Ashcroft when he did it. Glad students are not fooled by these stealth attacks!
Just saw a report where our old friend, John Ashcroft made an alleged mistake at a speech at Skidmore College. He called Senator Barack Obama, “Osama”. This is a purposeful mistake being done by conservatives to subliminally make the connections with not only the terrorist but with the notion that Obama is somehow “foreign”.
The trick was recognized by the audience at the college and they jeered Ashcroft when he did it. Glad students are not fooled by these stealth attacks!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Bill Clinton Blows A Gasket At Super-delegate Meeting
So the usual mild mannered Bill Clinton was replaced by Mr. Hyde at a recent meeting of California’s super-delegates. He was soft spoken and convivial until someone mentioned the recent endorsement of Bill Richardson for Barack Obama.
Clinton burst into a tirade, turning red in the face and wagging his finger. He then went on to rant about unfair media treatment of Hillary. Before it was over one super-delegate called the meeting, “one of the worst political meetings I have ever attended."
The outburst showed the increasing strain the Clinton campaign is under and its toll on the former President. Later in the meeting Clinton called for delegates to just “chill out” and wait before making any decision. Many wondered if he wasn’t speaking to himself.
Clinton burst into a tirade, turning red in the face and wagging his finger. He then went on to rant about unfair media treatment of Hillary. Before it was over one super-delegate called the meeting, “one of the worst political meetings I have ever attended."
The outburst showed the increasing strain the Clinton campaign is under and its toll on the former President. Later in the meeting Clinton called for delegates to just “chill out” and wait before making any decision. Many wondered if he wasn’t speaking to himself.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Wal-Mart Sues Brain Damaged Employee! Outrageous.
Wal-Mart used to be a really interesting home-grown company that had a lot to recommend it. Its founder Sam Walton supported numerous American companies and sincerely tried to give people the best value for their money.
Now Sam was no saint, and indeed his business plan squashed lots of mom and pop stores and left many small towns in this country with only one shopping option, Wal-Mart. So fast forward to today.
Wal-Mart is a huge operation with little or no soul left. It buys almost everything from China and regularly pressures American firms to ship production jobs overseas to meet the “guaranteed low price” pledge of the store.
Wal-Mart is notorious for unfair labor practices and has been targeted by unions across the country for refusing to allow employees to unionize. Not a very nice place to work from the reports I have heard from ex-Wal-Mart employees.
Further proof comes in the story of Wal-Mart employee Debbie Shank. She was hit by a truck eight years ago and left brain damaged stuck in a wheelchair. She then lost her son in Iraq, killed in a battle while serving his country. How much worse could it get?
Pretty bad! Debbie’s medical expenses were paid for by Wal-Mart until she won a judgment against the trucking firm. Now Wal-Mart wants everything back. The problem is after her legal fees, she was left with only $417,000 and the suit is for $470,000. This act of amazing greed comes from a company that posted an $11 billion profit last year!
The action has caused such a moral outrage that Keith Olbermann has decided Wal-Mart ranks as “Worst Person in the World” for 4 straight nights. When contacted for comment, Wal-Mart spokesman said, “Wal-Mart’s plan is bound by very specific rules. … We wish it could be more flexible in Mrs. Shank’s case since her circumstances are clearly extraordinary, but this is done out of fairness to all associates who contribute to, and benefit from, the plan”
Bulls*#t! That is the kind of response a person makes when they do not want to admit that they are acting in a greedy and soulless manner. “I was only following orders” was no defense during the WW2 Nurnberg trials and it won’t work for Wal-Mart either. I already avoid the place but now I will never shop in a Wal-Mart again and I encourage everyone else to refrain from shopping there either. It’s a freedom to shop issue!
Now Sam was no saint, and indeed his business plan squashed lots of mom and pop stores and left many small towns in this country with only one shopping option, Wal-Mart. So fast forward to today.
Wal-Mart is a huge operation with little or no soul left. It buys almost everything from China and regularly pressures American firms to ship production jobs overseas to meet the “guaranteed low price” pledge of the store.
Wal-Mart is notorious for unfair labor practices and has been targeted by unions across the country for refusing to allow employees to unionize. Not a very nice place to work from the reports I have heard from ex-Wal-Mart employees.
Further proof comes in the story of Wal-Mart employee Debbie Shank. She was hit by a truck eight years ago and left brain damaged stuck in a wheelchair. She then lost her son in Iraq, killed in a battle while serving his country. How much worse could it get?
Pretty bad! Debbie’s medical expenses were paid for by Wal-Mart until she won a judgment against the trucking firm. Now Wal-Mart wants everything back. The problem is after her legal fees, she was left with only $417,000 and the suit is for $470,000. This act of amazing greed comes from a company that posted an $11 billion profit last year!
The action has caused such a moral outrage that Keith Olbermann has decided Wal-Mart ranks as “Worst Person in the World” for 4 straight nights. When contacted for comment, Wal-Mart spokesman said, “Wal-Mart’s plan is bound by very specific rules. … We wish it could be more flexible in Mrs. Shank’s case since her circumstances are clearly extraordinary, but this is done out of fairness to all associates who contribute to, and benefit from, the plan”
Bulls*#t! That is the kind of response a person makes when they do not want to admit that they are acting in a greedy and soulless manner. “I was only following orders” was no defense during the WW2 Nurnberg trials and it won’t work for Wal-Mart either. I already avoid the place but now I will never shop in a Wal-Mart again and I encourage everyone else to refrain from shopping there either. It’s a freedom to shop issue!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Clinton Campaign Getting "Deadbeat" Reputation
Need further proof that Hillary’s campaign is coughing up blood? Suppliers and vendors to the Clinton campaign are reporting that they are not being paid. According to Politico’s Kenneth P. Vogel her campaigns record of late or delayed payments is “earning the campaign a reputation of a deadbeat in some small-business circles.”
He goes on to say, “A pair of Ohio companies owed more than $25,000 by Clinton for staging events for her campaign are warning others in the tight-knit event production community — and anyone else who will listen — to get their cash upfront when doing business with her,”
Up front money is typical for media buys in political campaigns, but other suppliers are usually willing to give credit. Losing that vital credit could hamstring the Clinton campaign, especially when it comes to the rapid response needed on the campaign trail.
Part of the problem is a large amount of cash that cannot be used for the primary, only for the general campaign in November should she win the nomination. The Obama campaign by contrast still has plenty of cash in its war chest and is more than willing to use it.
Hillary may decide to end her campaign both because she cannot win a majority of delegates needed as well as being in the red.
He goes on to say, “A pair of Ohio companies owed more than $25,000 by Clinton for staging events for her campaign are warning others in the tight-knit event production community — and anyone else who will listen — to get their cash upfront when doing business with her,”
Up front money is typical for media buys in political campaigns, but other suppliers are usually willing to give credit. Losing that vital credit could hamstring the Clinton campaign, especially when it comes to the rapid response needed on the campaign trail.
Part of the problem is a large amount of cash that cannot be used for the primary, only for the general campaign in November should she win the nomination. The Obama campaign by contrast still has plenty of cash in its war chest and is more than willing to use it.
Hillary may decide to end her campaign both because she cannot win a majority of delegates needed as well as being in the red.
Bush Jeered As He Throws First Pitch
Talk about no joy in Mudville! President Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Washington National's game to a chorus of lound and resounding "boos".
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Muqtada Al-Sadr Calls For Cease Fire - Will The Iraq Government Respond?
It seems that Muqtada Al-Sadr wants to end the bloodshed, even though Al-Maliki may not. A little background may be necessary. Muqtada Al-Sadr was part of the Iraq government coalition but pulled out when Prime Minister Al-Maliki refused to set a deadline for US troop withdrawal.
Today Al-Sadr is calling for a cease fire to end the fighting. I suspect he sees no good outcome of the conflict and genuinely wants the killing of his countrymen to stop. I sincerely hope the Iraq government will respond in kind. If not , they will continue the slide into anarchy that began a week ago when the fighting in Basra broke out.
In an interview by Reuters, Joost Hiltermann, of the International Crisis Group think tank said, "The key question now is what the United States is going to do, If it allows (the crackdown) to go forward the ceasefire will unravel and the U.S. will face the Sadr movement in its full power.""This will be bad for both sides. Sadr will lose men and the United States will lose the gains of the surge".
I have to agree. Should the US unleash its power on the militias there would be not just devastation, but a complete end to any good will we might have earned. We would be seen as absolute occupiers and our troops might never get out.
Today Al-Sadr is calling for a cease fire to end the fighting. I suspect he sees no good outcome of the conflict and genuinely wants the killing of his countrymen to stop. I sincerely hope the Iraq government will respond in kind. If not , they will continue the slide into anarchy that began a week ago when the fighting in Basra broke out.
In an interview by Reuters, Joost Hiltermann, of the International Crisis Group think tank said, "The key question now is what the United States is going to do, If it allows (the crackdown) to go forward the ceasefire will unravel and the U.S. will face the Sadr movement in its full power.""This will be bad for both sides. Sadr will lose men and the United States will lose the gains of the surge".
I have to agree. Should the US unleash its power on the militias there would be not just devastation, but a complete end to any good will we might have earned. We would be seen as absolute occupiers and our troops might never get out.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Iraq Government Powerless To Stop Malitias.
So here is a good idea of the problem in Iraq, Muqtada Al-Sadr, in an interview aired Saturday by Al-Jazeera television, said his Mahdi Army was capable of "liberating Iraq" and maintained al-Maliki's government was as "distant" from the people as Saddam Hussein's.
Now before you go assuming that Al-Jazeera is the problem, they are only the messenger. The message is that the major factions of the resistance in Iraq believes that the Al-Maliki government is impotent and not in touch with the Iraqi people. That is a signal that the government will have a big problem regaining any sense of authority in the country.
Al-Maliki’s threats against the Mahdi Army had no teeth. Fighting continues and in fact much of Baghdad and Basra are under Mahdi Army or other militia control. The prime minister’s threats aside, there seems to be no real plan other than to resist the militias with force.
Now the original 72 hour ultimatum has been extended to April 8. IN other words, the government is admitting they cannot stop things, so they change the ultimatum. That is a sign of weakness and what I suspect will end in failure.
Now before you go assuming that Al-Jazeera is the problem, they are only the messenger. The message is that the major factions of the resistance in Iraq believes that the Al-Maliki government is impotent and not in touch with the Iraqi people. That is a signal that the government will have a big problem regaining any sense of authority in the country.
Al-Maliki’s threats against the Mahdi Army had no teeth. Fighting continues and in fact much of Baghdad and Basra are under Mahdi Army or other militia control. The prime minister’s threats aside, there seems to be no real plan other than to resist the militias with force.
Now the original 72 hour ultimatum has been extended to April 8. IN other words, the government is admitting they cannot stop things, so they change the ultimatum. That is a sign of weakness and what I suspect will end in failure.
Blogging From 16th Democratic Senatorial Convention In Dallas
The convention continued without a hitch until the reports from the credentials committee regarding several challenges to delegate counts. Most of the specific cases involved either a miscount or someone voting in the wrong precinct caucus. Some precincts shared a caucus location and that led to confusion.
The real problem came from the credentials committee trying to explain the majority report of a challenge. The majority report found that the delegate count for a particular precinct was off by 2 delegates, though in the end it still wouldn’t change the overall total. Then a minority report was read and people misinterpreted the minority report as a continued challenge. The hall erupted in boos and cheers.
After several minutes a few of us managed to get the chair to explain exactly what the reports meant, and once they were explained, most people voted to accept the reports as read.
BY now unrest had permeated the hall and the crowd had to be silenced by the sergeant at arms several times. Finally someone moved to adopt the recommendations of the bipartisan credentials committee and after a few parliamentary maneuvers that made no difference at all, the motion carried and we could begin the business of the convention.
Now the precincts held caucuses and signed in for each candidate. We elected delegates for the state convention and then waited for the various committees to report.
After a couple of hours of eating bad nachos and waiting, we heard the resolutions submitted by the resolutions committee at 5:45pm just 15 minutes before we had to clear the hall. Since there were 42 different resolutions a movement was made to at least read the titles of the resolutions. Most were cheered, but a few were vague and objections were raised. After SMU agreeing to allow us to continue in the main coliseum, the resolutions were clarified. I had another appointment and had to leave, but I assume they passed with minimal drama since most would be debated again at the State Convention.
After the long day I have to agree with Otto von Bismarck who said there are two things you don’t want to see made, sausage and laws. Well in my lifetime I have seen both and I would still prefer seeing laws made to sausage!
The real problem came from the credentials committee trying to explain the majority report of a challenge. The majority report found that the delegate count for a particular precinct was off by 2 delegates, though in the end it still wouldn’t change the overall total. Then a minority report was read and people misinterpreted the minority report as a continued challenge. The hall erupted in boos and cheers.
After several minutes a few of us managed to get the chair to explain exactly what the reports meant, and once they were explained, most people voted to accept the reports as read.
BY now unrest had permeated the hall and the crowd had to be silenced by the sergeant at arms several times. Finally someone moved to adopt the recommendations of the bipartisan credentials committee and after a few parliamentary maneuvers that made no difference at all, the motion carried and we could begin the business of the convention.
Now the precincts held caucuses and signed in for each candidate. We elected delegates for the state convention and then waited for the various committees to report.
After a couple of hours of eating bad nachos and waiting, we heard the resolutions submitted by the resolutions committee at 5:45pm just 15 minutes before we had to clear the hall. Since there were 42 different resolutions a movement was made to at least read the titles of the resolutions. Most were cheered, but a few were vague and objections were raised. After SMU agreeing to allow us to continue in the main coliseum, the resolutions were clarified. I had another appointment and had to leave, but I assume they passed with minimal drama since most would be debated again at the State Convention.
After the long day I have to agree with Otto von Bismarck who said there are two things you don’t want to see made, sausage and laws. Well in my lifetime I have seen both and I would still prefer seeing laws made to sausage!
Live Blogging From 16th DIstrict State Senatorial Convention - Speeches and More Speeches
Things at the 16th District State Senatorial convention are a bit scattered, but not much more than any other convention. There have been a few speeches including a number of local officials who advocated one or the other presidential candidates. Both Obama and Clinton have had people speak for them.
The opening invocation and first speaker was Shannon Bailey. Shannon was a controversial figure after his arrest in White Rock Park last year for lewd behavior. He still maintains his innocence and has yet to be prosecuted. In his opening remarks he took time to give a personal note.
Shannon addressed his arrest and the issues surrounding it. He also stated that he was innocent of any lewd behavior, yet he admitted his intentions may have been less than admirable. It took a lot of strength to stand in front of the convention , some 3000+ people and state that, and I applaud him for his candor.
Right now the speeches are continuing and I am hoping for some progress toward the precinct caucuses where we will actual elect delegates and do the business of the convention.
More later.
The opening invocation and first speaker was Shannon Bailey. Shannon was a controversial figure after his arrest in White Rock Park last year for lewd behavior. He still maintains his innocence and has yet to be prosecuted. In his opening remarks he took time to give a personal note.
Shannon addressed his arrest and the issues surrounding it. He also stated that he was innocent of any lewd behavior, yet he admitted his intentions may have been less than admirable. It took a lot of strength to stand in front of the convention , some 3000+ people and state that, and I applaud him for his candor.
Right now the speeches are continuing and I am hoping for some progress toward the precinct caucuses where we will actual elect delegates and do the business of the convention.
More later.
Maliki Calls Sadr Followers "Worse Than Al Qaeda"
So now Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is trying to demonize the militias by calling them “worse than Al Qaeda." For a man whose strategy to win the country has been stubborn resistance, and a prime minister whose credentials are questionable, since he is primarily a US puppet, this incendiary rhetoric makes no sense. I would think a great leader would be trying to unify the country not alienate huge sections of the population.
His intransigence and inability to govern really speaks volumes about the team we have decided to back in Iraq. Now, I don’t approve of any violence, but to resist negotiations and dismiss a very powerful enemy as “worse than Al Qaeda” is nonsense.
Basra is a mess, the battle there is not going wel for the Iraq government and most of Baghdad is still under a curfew. Now would seem to be the time to try to make peace, noty stir the already angry hornets nest.
His intransigence and inability to govern really speaks volumes about the team we have decided to back in Iraq. Now, I don’t approve of any violence, but to resist negotiations and dismiss a very powerful enemy as “worse than Al Qaeda” is nonsense.
Basra is a mess, the battle there is not going wel for the Iraq government and most of Baghdad is still under a curfew. Now would seem to be the time to try to make peace, noty stir the already angry hornets nest.
Live Blogging From 16th State Senatorial District Convention in Dallas
I am sitting in the bleachers in Moody Coliseum in the SMU campus here in Dallas. The building is slowly filling with excited and already weary Democrats for the 16th District Convention.
For most of us it is a new experience, and that makes it fun, though I suspect in a few hours it will be getting a bit old. Waiting outside for a couple of hours just to clear the credentials check was frustrating but the camaraderie was high.
I am here with the Obama delegates from my precinct and hope to be blogging throughout the day of the goings on. More later.
For most of us it is a new experience, and that makes it fun, though I suspect in a few hours it will be getting a bit old. Waiting outside for a couple of hours just to clear the credentials check was frustrating but the camaraderie was high.
I am here with the Obama delegates from my precinct and hope to be blogging throughout the day of the goings on. More later.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Breasts Dominate The News - Where Was Iraq?
The news was full of stories about breasts today instead of the chaos in Iraq. Breasts?
First was the tale of a woman who was forced to remove her nipple rings before boarding a plane. According to CNN reports the woman, Mandi Hamlin, was forced to remove the rings in Houston Texas by a TSA agent. The problem is that there is no requirement to remove jewelry before boarding a plane. Additionally the rings required a pliers to replace. Well that is certainly more important that the war going south in Iraq.
Then there was the story about the other woman tossed off a plane for breast feeding. The problem is that it is legal and besides she was in the rear of the plane sitting next to her husband. Oh yea that’s definitely more important than chaos in Iraq.
Our news organizations suck!
First was the tale of a woman who was forced to remove her nipple rings before boarding a plane. According to CNN reports the woman, Mandi Hamlin, was forced to remove the rings in Houston Texas by a TSA agent. The problem is that there is no requirement to remove jewelry before boarding a plane. Additionally the rings required a pliers to replace. Well that is certainly more important that the war going south in Iraq.
Then there was the story about the other woman tossed off a plane for breast feeding. The problem is that it is legal and besides she was in the rear of the plane sitting next to her husband. Oh yea that’s definitely more important than chaos in Iraq.
Our news organizations suck!
More Video From Iraq Today
Here is some of the video you won't see on CNN. (From LiveLeak) It is raw footage of militia members fighting and celebrating.
Pentagon Defrauded By 21 Year Old Arms Dealer!
So here’s a funny story. This 21 year dude in Miami gets a $300 million contract from the Pentagon to provide Hungarian-made ammunitions to Afghani troops. And here’s the really funny part. Turns out the stuff is really made in China! Ain’t that a knee slapper?How the f#*k does a 21 year old get a $300 million contract? More importantly, his company had a web site that was selling this stuff to anyone who signed on. The site called AmmoWorks is no longer online after the news blog, RawStory.com began investigating it. The fraud case is still under investigation by the Pentagon.
So here is a little advice Pentagon guys, at least do a little research before you throw money around. You could have Googled the guys company and found enough suspicious crap that you would have run in terror. Geez!
It's Time For Hillary To Concede!
Someone has finally had the guts to say it, and not just one person, quite a few. This time has come for Hillary Clinton to concede and help the Democratic Party win in November. Her insistence in continuing a no-win battle through the summer is hurting the party . The latest voices calling for her to bow out are Patrick Leahy of Vermont and Chris Dodd of Connecticut. Even Howard Dean says the contest has gotten way too personal and should be settled before July and I couldn’t agree more. She has no chance of gaining the nomination in a fair manner, and can only hope for a trick or back room deal.
That kind of win would alienate so many voters that the Democrats would hand the Presidency to McCain in November and kill any enthusiasm and momentum for change. If she is picked through machinations of the system, through gaining delegates in Florida and Michigan, where the state parties broke the rules, the American public will see that she is just another Washington politician willing to do anything to win.
Personally I think an Obama-Clinton ticket would be unbeatable, but I doubt if Ms. Clintons ego would allow that. Barring that, she could really help the party by moving to the sidelines and helping defeat McCain and the faltering GOP machine.
Come on Hillary! Step up to the plate and do something for the team not just yourself!
That kind of win would alienate so many voters that the Democrats would hand the Presidency to McCain in November and kill any enthusiasm and momentum for change. If she is picked through machinations of the system, through gaining delegates in Florida and Michigan, where the state parties broke the rules, the American public will see that she is just another Washington politician willing to do anything to win.
Personally I think an Obama-Clinton ticket would be unbeatable, but I doubt if Ms. Clintons ego would allow that. Barring that, she could really help the party by moving to the sidelines and helping defeat McCain and the faltering GOP machine.
Come on Hillary! Step up to the plate and do something for the team not just yourself!
Video Glimpse Of Baghdad
From an Iraqi blogger, this video was made back in June of last year. Seeing the destruction and desolation I can only imagine what it is like today.
Parts Of Baghdad Under Militia Control - Basra In Flames
Get ready for the big thud, the sound of the other shoe dropping in Iraq.
Nouri al-Maliki’s bluster sounds a bit muted now as his push-back in Basra has stalled and areas of the capitol, Baghdad are under militia control. Al-Maliki gambled everything on the success of Operation Saulat al-Fursan, or Charge of the Knights, to sweep illegal militias out of Basra. That operation, even with US assistance seems hopelessly stalled right now.
Meanwhile in Baghdad the Mahdi Army took over neighborhoods of the city one by one. In some areas resistance was so mild that the militia simply ordered police to leave and they complied. According to one report, a witness saw Iraqi Shia policemen rip off their uniform shirts and run for shelter with local Sunni neighborhood patrols, most of them made up of former insurgents wooed by the US military into fighting al-Qaeda.
The developments continue to be virtually ignored by the US press. I have to wonder why? Are they affraid to report on how badly things are going or are they being bullied by the Bush administration to censor the news?
Nouri al-Maliki’s bluster sounds a bit muted now as his push-back in Basra has stalled and areas of the capitol, Baghdad are under militia control. Al-Maliki gambled everything on the success of Operation Saulat al-Fursan, or Charge of the Knights, to sweep illegal militias out of Basra. That operation, even with US assistance seems hopelessly stalled right now.
Meanwhile in Baghdad the Mahdi Army took over neighborhoods of the city one by one. In some areas resistance was so mild that the militia simply ordered police to leave and they complied. According to one report, a witness saw Iraqi Shia policemen rip off their uniform shirts and run for shelter with local Sunni neighborhood patrols, most of them made up of former insurgents wooed by the US military into fighting al-Qaeda.
The developments continue to be virtually ignored by the US press. I have to wonder why? Are they affraid to report on how badly things are going or are they being bullied by the Bush administration to censor the news?
US Forces Bomb Basra - Fighting Escalates Throughout Iraq
And so it begins, again! US forces bombed sites in Basra overnight. We are bombing Shiite militias or at least that is the idea. The problem with this is we are enforcing the Iraq Prime Ministers threat of "no retreat" in the fight against militias in Basra. The other problem is a growing anger among followers of radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and his Mahdi Army. Now we are backing one side in what is fast becoming a civil war.
Unlike conventional civil wars, there are three factions here. The Shiites lead by Muqtada al-Sadr, the Badir brigade under Al Hakeem and the Iraqi government forces. We are siding with the government, even though we have been trying to build coalitions to end the violence and that will destroy any good will.
For the average Iraqi, their world has become chaos. Baghdad is under a curfew, yet fighting continues and other cities such as Basra and Nasiriya have erupted in pitched battles. The Green Zone in Baghdad is not even immune to attack and has become the focus of repeated rocket fire and mortars. US Embassy personnel are being told to stay in shelters and wear protective clothing when traveling outside.
In a vain attempt to quell the violence the Prime Minister is offering a cash for weapons trade, but with things being so volatile, it seems to be an impotent deal.
The press in this country is preoccupied with the election and has under reported the whole mess. They are simply saying there are some clashes, but it is much worse than that. If you remember the scenes in Vietnam just prior to the fall of Saigon, you might have an idea of the scene in Baghdad. From the messages of bloggers there, it sounds pretty hopeless. I will keep them in my prayers.
Unlike conventional civil wars, there are three factions here. The Shiites lead by Muqtada al-Sadr, the Badir brigade under Al Hakeem and the Iraqi government forces. We are siding with the government, even though we have been trying to build coalitions to end the violence and that will destroy any good will.
For the average Iraqi, their world has become chaos. Baghdad is under a curfew, yet fighting continues and other cities such as Basra and Nasiriya have erupted in pitched battles. The Green Zone in Baghdad is not even immune to attack and has become the focus of repeated rocket fire and mortars. US Embassy personnel are being told to stay in shelters and wear protective clothing when traveling outside.
In a vain attempt to quell the violence the Prime Minister is offering a cash for weapons trade, but with things being so volatile, it seems to be an impotent deal.
The press in this country is preoccupied with the election and has under reported the whole mess. They are simply saying there are some clashes, but it is much worse than that. If you remember the scenes in Vietnam just prior to the fall of Saigon, you might have an idea of the scene in Baghdad. From the messages of bloggers there, it sounds pretty hopeless. I will keep them in my prayers.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Iraq In Meltdown - News From Iraqi Bloggers And It's Not Good
I received this information from a friend and blogger in Iraq. I have posted his information several ties here and will continue to do so whenever possible. He is a dentist in Baghdad and blogs irregularly whenever there is power and an available phone line or computer.
It is Friday in Iraq and by morning here in the United States I fear things will have changed greatly. At the end of his post he state the same fear and frustration.
I was getting in my car to get home from the clinic when I saw one of the clinic's guards running toward me…"Doc. Leave now and try to get home as fast as you can…it's getting really dangerous" he said. I was so surprised and I asked him "what's wrong? What happened?" he said" It has gone really bad in Sadir City, it has really gone out of control… and it's spreading everywhere and it's spreading pretty fast…there are fierce confrontations between AlMahdy army and Badir brigade".He was witnessing the beginning of the Iraq meltdown that is happening as I write. In Sadir City the confrontations are taking a bloody turn. Factions loyal to Muqtada are fighting other factions and the Iraqi government troops are fighting both. Our troops are caught in the middle of the whole mess trying to maintain order as chaos spreads.
AlMahdi Army have taken control over the police and army checkpoints and they are using their tanks and armored vehicles!! AlMaliki in Basrah leading the battle against AlMahdi Army announced from his position that anyone who will not attend his work will be considered with and loyal to AlMahdi Army.
While Muqtada ordered his followers to distribute copies of Quran with olive branches to every police or army checkpoint they meet!!! What a controversy with the civil disobedience! But that was what he said in public and god knows what his real orders were.
It is Friday in Iraq and by morning here in the United States I fear things will have changed greatly. At the end of his post he state the same fear and frustration.
I'm so sad that these things happened; I knew it was coming but I hoped that it will not or it will at least be delayed.
Only god knows what will happen next…I'm sure there are so many things coming on the way…And we have AlMaliki saying that who will not go to work will be considered loyal to AlMahdi army…what could the civilians do? Go to their work and get killed by AlMahdi army…or put themselves in big troubles and might be killed if they don't go to work? It's a real mess.
"Green Zone" Target Of Continued Attacks - Emergency Session Of Iraq Congress Called
The Green Zone in Baghdad has come under such intense fire today that diplomats in the US embassy have been told to stay in reinforced structures or wear protective gear outside. At night they are warned to sleep in underground shelters.
This renewed attack is coming from factions of Shiite militias loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr. According to some reports some of the weapons came from Iran, but there is no confirmation as of now. It would not be a surprise since Iranians have encouraged the Shiite factions in the past.
The attacks are targeted at the Green Zone for a reason. That’s where the Iraqi Government is and that’s where the US operations are based. That shows the real enemies of the militias are not Sunnis but us! The Iraqi government is perceived rightly or wrongly as a puppet administration manipulated by the United States. I had previously characterized this as a civil war, but I may have to eat those words.
Our presence and the bolstering of the Iraqi government is exacerbating the conflict, and though it may have elements of a civil war, it also has elements of a populist movement trying to drive invaders out of the country. I am reminded of Vichy France and how that government ran for cover as soon as the invasion of D-Day began. I suspect if things go very bad, the present government will be looked upon as collaborators.
My sincere hope is that things will improve, but I feel that our government has no clue as to how to solve the problems caused by our invasion.
UPDATE: As I post this the Iraqi Government is calling a special emergency session to figure out how to end the problem. According to Reuters:
U.S.-backed Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki vowed on Thursday that security forces would battle Shi'ite militia in Basra "to the end" despite huge demonstrations to demand his resignation.
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