Ford Abandons Hybrid Vehicle Market - Breaks Promise

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

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

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

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

400 British Companies Compete In Carbon Emission Clean-Up Challenge

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

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

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

Sweden To End Oil Dependency

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

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

Orin Hatch Believes Flag Burning Most Pressing Issue Before Congress

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

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

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

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

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

Oklahoma Judge Uses Sex Toys Behind Bench In Murder Trial

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

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

Bipartisan Criticism For Bush Signing Statements

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

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

And So Begins The Hype For Rice Nomination

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Warren Buffet The Philanthropist - Really!

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

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

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

Times Spouts - Cheney Pouts

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

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

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

Government Plans To Draft Medical Personnel

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

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

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

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

Tony Snow Calls Helen Thomas A Heckler

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

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

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

Santorum Dresses Up For Gay Pride

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

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

Ann Coulter Makes Death Threat Against John Murtha

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

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

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

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

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

Some disturbing facts about US health care:

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

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

No WMD In Iraq? Make Some Up

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

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

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

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

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

George Bush Defaces Flag

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

More on AmericaBlog.com.

ATT Will Track Your Viewing Habits And Share That Info

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

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

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

Taliban Makes Full Recovery - Evil Doers May Be Winning

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

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