Click image for larger view.
Thanks to Dr. Demmy for the link.
Via Bye The Times
5.31.2005
If only our media weren't so irrelevant...
...we might see this front page:
Click image for larger view.
Thanks to Dr. Demmy for the link.
Via Bye The Times
Click image for larger view.
Thanks to Dr. Demmy for the link.
Via Bye The Times
The 'I' word
By Ralph Nader and Kevin Zeese | May 31, 2005
THE IMPEACHMENT of President Bush and Vice President Cheney, under Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution, should be part of mainstream political discourse.
Minutes from a summer 2002 meeting involving British Prime Minister Tony Blair reveal that the Bush administration was ''fixing" the intelligence to justify invading Iraq. US intelligence used to justify the war demonstrates repeatedly the truth of the meeting minutes -- evidence was thin and needed fixing.
President Clinton was impeached for perjury about his sexual relationships. Comparing Clinton's misbehavior to a destructive and costly war occupation launched in March 2003 under false pretenses in violation of domestic and international law certainly merits introduction of an impeachment resolution.
Eighty-nine members of Congress have asked the president whether intelligence was manipulated to lead the United States to war. The letter points to British meeting minutes that raise ''troubling new questions regarding the legal justifications for the war." Those minutes describe the case for war as ''thin" and Saddam as ''nonthreatening to his neighbors," and ''Britain and America had to create conditions to justify a war." Finally, military action was ''seen as inevitable . . . But the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy."
Indeed, there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, nor any imminent threat to the United States:
Read on...
THE IMPEACHMENT of President Bush and Vice President Cheney, under Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution, should be part of mainstream political discourse.
Minutes from a summer 2002 meeting involving British Prime Minister Tony Blair reveal that the Bush administration was ''fixing" the intelligence to justify invading Iraq. US intelligence used to justify the war demonstrates repeatedly the truth of the meeting minutes -- evidence was thin and needed fixing.
President Clinton was impeached for perjury about his sexual relationships. Comparing Clinton's misbehavior to a destructive and costly war occupation launched in March 2003 under false pretenses in violation of domestic and international law certainly merits introduction of an impeachment resolution.
Eighty-nine members of Congress have asked the president whether intelligence was manipulated to lead the United States to war. The letter points to British meeting minutes that raise ''troubling new questions regarding the legal justifications for the war." Those minutes describe the case for war as ''thin" and Saddam as ''nonthreatening to his neighbors," and ''Britain and America had to create conditions to justify a war." Finally, military action was ''seen as inevitable . . . But the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy."
Indeed, there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, nor any imminent threat to the United States:
Read on...
It looks like our boy Rove took this one as an instruction manual
Since Reagan took office neocons have been making George Orwell's 1984 into a reality. Orwell explains it best in his book when he describes the sad, perverse values of a herdlike population: " . . . films, football, beer . . . filled up the horizons of their minds."
That might explain why the media apparently finds an American Idol contest more important than Amnesty International's condemnation of the United States for its Stalin-like practices at Guantanamo. Most media outlets chose to run Carrie on the front page.
That might explain why the media apparently finds an American Idol contest more important than Amnesty International's condemnation of the United States for its Stalin-like practices at Guantanamo. Most media outlets chose to run Carrie on the front page.
Minneapolis Star Tribune slaps Dubya on Memorial Day
I'm glad to see the MSM, in whatever capacity, holding the Bushies to task for a change.
Editorial: Memorial Day/Praise bravery, seek forgiveness
Editorial: Memorial Day/Praise bravery, seek forgiveness
Letters to the Editor - AJC
From the sane...
Neocons only care about total power...to the insane.
One has to worry about the state of our republic when the majority party chastises its more moderate members for lack of guts and fortitude for not squashing and obliterating minority dissension ("No evidence of courage as Republicans flinch," @issue, May 27).
Debate and compromise mean nothing to Republicans of the neocon persuasion --- not when the opportunity for total and complete power is tantalizingly close. In their view, a 51 percent majority is a political mandate to do everything they ever wanted and minority dissent is a bug that must be squashed.
That means that in a country of 295 million people, 150 million want to tell 145 million others to shut up. Does that sound like America?
CALVIN HARRIS, Atlanta
Majority rule: Stop the stalling of minority party
Where is there any justification for allowing the minority party to hamstring judicial nominations or any other nominations ("Democrats stall vote on U.N. ambassador," News, May 27)?
There is no justification for minority rule in any area of our governmental structure. For one juror to rule the decision in criminal cases would be ridiculous. The U.S. Supreme Court approves serious matters with 5-4 decisions.
The majority should rule. If the Democrats want to rule, then let them work to win elections. It's that simple.
LEWIS STOVER JR., Lawrenceville
The Vent from the AJC
Tuesday edition:
Rumsfeld has taken a page from McNamara on how to conduct a war.
If the ex-head of the CIA can get a Medal of Freedom for bad intelligence, why not the reporter from Newsweek?
The Bush administration flushes the U.S. Constitution down the toilet pretty much every day.
A court date has been set for the runaway bride. The day before, don’t be surprised if she wants to jog near a bus station.
Ann Currie is fine… Ann Coulter is a mean, skinny, ugly guy in drag!
Rumsfeld has taken a page from McNamara on how to conduct a war.
If the ex-head of the CIA can get a Medal of Freedom for bad intelligence, why not the reporter from Newsweek?
The Bush administration flushes the U.S. Constitution down the toilet pretty much every day.
A court date has been set for the runaway bride. The day before, don’t be surprised if she wants to jog near a bus station.
Ann Currie is fine… Ann Coulter is a mean, skinny, ugly guy in drag!
5.30.2005
Campaign Against Depleted Uranium
Please take a moment to sign the International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapon's online petition by clicking on the link below.
CADU
CADU
Happy Birthday
Dear Friends,
26 years ago today, Casey was 6 hours and 49 minutes old. What a joyful day that day was. The birth of our firstborn. He was so wanted and his birth was so highly anticipated. A true bundle of joy.
One year, one month, and 25 days ago (almost to the minute) George Bush and his Crime Cabal killed Casey in Sadr City. One of them, perhaps Condi, Rummy, Bremer, or Cheney, might as well have pulled the trigger that blew off the back of Casey's sweet head.
When one embarks on the path of mourning a child, new experiences and feelings pop up constantly to suprise you. One of the feelings that I find amazing on this 2nd birthday since Casey has been in his premature grave is this: Birthdays are infinitely harder than death days. You are supposed to be sad on death days, but birthdays are supposed to be times of joy. We should be talking to Casey on the phone today, wishing him Happy Birthday. He should be thanking me for the present I sent him. Instead, we are heading to the cemetary for a Memorial Service. Then I think of the 24 Happy Birthdays we did have with him. Balloons, games, presents, cake, laughter, bar-be-ques (he was born on Memorial Day, so his parties were always bar-be-ques), pinatas, fun and love.
Bush and the Crime Cabal in power sent 26 more soldiers to their graves this week and 26 more families to lives of living hell. 26 more lives and families devastated and destroyed for absolutely nothing. We will see the hypocritical mobsters of the state at their events today and tomorrow spewing filth from their mouths, such as: "Freedom isn't Free," and "We must stay the course in Iraq to honor the sacrifices of the fallen." What was the great deceiver's course? Civil War? Because that's what it looks like our children were slaughtered for. Then the morons who killed our children will happily go back to their homes and have a nice Memorial Day dinner secure in the fact that their children will never die in a war and their children will have nice, wealthy, long lives because of the incredible riches this misadventure in Iraq has brought their fathers and mothers.
I mourn the thousands of innocent Iraqis dead for zilch and their families. Today and tomorrow, I will honor Casey and the 1656 others killed to pad some bank accounts. Not because they died to keep America safe, free, or democratized (on the contrary, quite the opposite), nor did their murders bring freedom and democracy to Iraq (on the contrary, quite the opposite); but because they were wrongfully murdered and someone needs to be held accountable. We as people of peace need to make sure that their lives and deaths were for peace, not deception and war.
Happy Birthday, Dear Son.
Love to you all,
Cindy
26 years ago today, Casey was 6 hours and 49 minutes old. What a joyful day that day was. The birth of our firstborn. He was so wanted and his birth was so highly anticipated. A true bundle of joy.
One year, one month, and 25 days ago (almost to the minute) George Bush and his Crime Cabal killed Casey in Sadr City. One of them, perhaps Condi, Rummy, Bremer, or Cheney, might as well have pulled the trigger that blew off the back of Casey's sweet head.
When one embarks on the path of mourning a child, new experiences and feelings pop up constantly to suprise you. One of the feelings that I find amazing on this 2nd birthday since Casey has been in his premature grave is this: Birthdays are infinitely harder than death days. You are supposed to be sad on death days, but birthdays are supposed to be times of joy. We should be talking to Casey on the phone today, wishing him Happy Birthday. He should be thanking me for the present I sent him. Instead, we are heading to the cemetary for a Memorial Service. Then I think of the 24 Happy Birthdays we did have with him. Balloons, games, presents, cake, laughter, bar-be-ques (he was born on Memorial Day, so his parties were always bar-be-ques), pinatas, fun and love.
Bush and the Crime Cabal in power sent 26 more soldiers to their graves this week and 26 more families to lives of living hell. 26 more lives and families devastated and destroyed for absolutely nothing. We will see the hypocritical mobsters of the state at their events today and tomorrow spewing filth from their mouths, such as: "Freedom isn't Free," and "We must stay the course in Iraq to honor the sacrifices of the fallen." What was the great deceiver's course? Civil War? Because that's what it looks like our children were slaughtered for. Then the morons who killed our children will happily go back to their homes and have a nice Memorial Day dinner secure in the fact that their children will never die in a war and their children will have nice, wealthy, long lives because of the incredible riches this misadventure in Iraq has brought their fathers and mothers.
I mourn the thousands of innocent Iraqis dead for zilch and their families. Today and tomorrow, I will honor Casey and the 1656 others killed to pad some bank accounts. Not because they died to keep America safe, free, or democratized (on the contrary, quite the opposite), nor did their murders bring freedom and democracy to Iraq (on the contrary, quite the opposite); but because they were wrongfully murdered and someone needs to be held accountable. We as people of peace need to make sure that their lives and deaths were for peace, not deception and war.
Happy Birthday, Dear Son.
Love to you all,
Cindy
Wild Sects welcomes Bangkok Bertha
Wild Sects has gone international. From time to time Bangkok Bertha will be posting some very interesting observations of American politics and Thai politics as it relates to the world. I also hope some of the posts take a musical or literary turn on occasion. Books and music are what BB knows best. Please give BB a warm welcome and enjoy the posts. I know I will.
What Comes after Kofi?
With all the recent talk about UN reform, one item has gotten short shrift: a new face will be replacing current secretary-general, Kofi Annan in the near future.
Annan's second five-year term ends in December 2006, and already speculation has begun regarding his successor. According to many sources, it is "now Asia's turn to fill the post." There has not been an Asian at the helm of the UN since Burma's U Thant, who served from 1961 until 1971. Since then, an Austrian, a Peruvian, an Egyptian, and now a Ghanaian have held the post. Previous to U-Thant, a Norwegian and a Swede served as the UN chief. No Americans have ever held the position.
Here in Thailand, the government is already campaigning for one of its own diplomats - former Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai - to succeed Annan. Surakiart has been making frequent trips abroad this year to drum up support for his candidacy, and even Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is starting to do his share of political arm-twisting while on overseas excursions.
So who is this Surakiart fellow and what makes him qualified for the UN post? Now a Deputy Prime Minister in Thaksin's cabinet, Surakiart was Foreign Minister from 2001 until earlier this year. Previous to that position he was an economic advisor to the Thai government and served briefly as Finance Minister. He graduated from Thailand's prestigious Chulalongkorn University and obtained law and economics degrees in the US from Harvard and Tufts University.
Despite those impressive credentials Surakiart is considered by many political analysts to be no more than a mediocre diplomat with a somewhat tainted track record. During Surakiart's term as Foreign Minister several disturbing incidents alarmed human rights observers. It is estimated that more than 2,600 Thais died during the government's controversial "crackdown" on drugs in 2003. Shoot first and ask questions later seemed to be the policy. Last year produced more black eyes for the Thai government. A prominent Muslim lawyer (who was representing some suspected terrorists) mysteriously "disappeared." In the country's predominantly Muslim southern provinces there have been several incidents: Thai troops fired into a mosque, killing 32 "suspected militants." A few months later, 85 protesters died in a single day while in police custody. Did they suffocate? Were they beaten? The Thai government has yet to offer a satisfactory explanation as to what happened. Meanwhile, terrorist incidents in the restive Deep South continue unabated.
The "Burma Issue" also haunts Surakiart. He has been criticized for his soft approach in dealing with the much-maligned Burmese government (who continue to hold opposition leader Aung San Sun Kyi under house arrest). One explanation for Thailand's refusal to condemn the Burmese junta (like virtually every other democracy in the world has done) is the fact that PM Thaksin has business interests in that country. Shin Corporation, a telecommunications company he founded (and still holds a 53% interest) was recently awarded a lucrative contract to install 5,000 satellite-receiving stations in Burma.
If Thailand continues to push Surakiart as a candidate, these issues will surely resurface. Will the UN elect an Asian simply because it's their turn - or will they choose the most capable candidate?
Annan's second five-year term ends in December 2006, and already speculation has begun regarding his successor. According to many sources, it is "now Asia's turn to fill the post." There has not been an Asian at the helm of the UN since Burma's U Thant, who served from 1961 until 1971. Since then, an Austrian, a Peruvian, an Egyptian, and now a Ghanaian have held the post. Previous to U-Thant, a Norwegian and a Swede served as the UN chief. No Americans have ever held the position.
Here in Thailand, the government is already campaigning for one of its own diplomats - former Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai - to succeed Annan. Surakiart has been making frequent trips abroad this year to drum up support for his candidacy, and even Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is starting to do his share of political arm-twisting while on overseas excursions.
So who is this Surakiart fellow and what makes him qualified for the UN post? Now a Deputy Prime Minister in Thaksin's cabinet, Surakiart was Foreign Minister from 2001 until earlier this year. Previous to that position he was an economic advisor to the Thai government and served briefly as Finance Minister. He graduated from Thailand's prestigious Chulalongkorn University and obtained law and economics degrees in the US from Harvard and Tufts University.
Despite those impressive credentials Surakiart is considered by many political analysts to be no more than a mediocre diplomat with a somewhat tainted track record. During Surakiart's term as Foreign Minister several disturbing incidents alarmed human rights observers. It is estimated that more than 2,600 Thais died during the government's controversial "crackdown" on drugs in 2003. Shoot first and ask questions later seemed to be the policy. Last year produced more black eyes for the Thai government. A prominent Muslim lawyer (who was representing some suspected terrorists) mysteriously "disappeared." In the country's predominantly Muslim southern provinces there have been several incidents: Thai troops fired into a mosque, killing 32 "suspected militants." A few months later, 85 protesters died in a single day while in police custody. Did they suffocate? Were they beaten? The Thai government has yet to offer a satisfactory explanation as to what happened. Meanwhile, terrorist incidents in the restive Deep South continue unabated.
The "Burma Issue" also haunts Surakiart. He has been criticized for his soft approach in dealing with the much-maligned Burmese government (who continue to hold opposition leader Aung San Sun Kyi under house arrest). One explanation for Thailand's refusal to condemn the Burmese junta (like virtually every other democracy in the world has done) is the fact that PM Thaksin has business interests in that country. Shin Corporation, a telecommunications company he founded (and still holds a 53% interest) was recently awarded a lucrative contract to install 5,000 satellite-receiving stations in Burma.
If Thailand continues to push Surakiart as a candidate, these issues will surely resurface. Will the UN elect an Asian simply because it's their turn - or will they choose the most capable candidate?
WHAT WILL IT TAKE?
How Many More Lies Will the Media Tell
Before We Stop Them?
This is why so many good people support this criminal administration. They are good people with bad information!
This is not a matter of bias in the media; it is a matter of deception.
Via TvNewsLIES.org
Before We Stop Them?
This is why so many good people support this criminal administration. They are good people with bad information!
This is not a matter of bias in the media; it is a matter of deception.
Via TvNewsLIES.org
Memorial Day Vent
The song "Dixie" was written two years before the war and has no political affiliation. It was Abraham Lincoln's favorite song! Google it.
Most of Jesus' ministry was about healing the sick. I don't recall him talking about saving embryos. If Bush is really a Christian, he needs to support stem-cell research to help heal the sick.
You're telling me my mother gets to die from Parkinson's disease so some unwanted embryo can sit in a freezer until it's flushed down the toilet?
Hey Laura Bush, Middle Eastern women want the right to be free from deadly U.S. bombing raids!
Most of Jesus' ministry was about healing the sick. I don't recall him talking about saving embryos. If Bush is really a Christian, he needs to support stem-cell research to help heal the sick.
You're telling me my mother gets to die from Parkinson's disease so some unwanted embryo can sit in a freezer until it's flushed down the toilet?
Hey Laura Bush, Middle Eastern women want the right to be free from deadly U.S. bombing raids!
5.28.2005
5.27.2005
Quote(s) of the day
"Nor do I think Bill O'Reilly is in a position to abuse families of survivors of 9/11, given his own ethical shortcomings."
-Howard Dean, Meet The Press 05/22/05
"Dean's assertion yesterday that I had done damage to the families of 9/11 victims is simply bizarre."
-Bill O'Reilly, The O'Reilly Factor 05/23/05
"Get out of my studio before I tear you to fucking pieces!"
-Bill O'Reilly to Jeremy Glick whose father died in the WTC attack, The O'Reilly Factor 02/04/03
-Howard Dean, Meet The Press 05/22/05
"Dean's assertion yesterday that I had done damage to the families of 9/11 victims is simply bizarre."
-Bill O'Reilly, The O'Reilly Factor 05/23/05
"Get out of my studio before I tear you to fucking pieces!"
-Bill O'Reilly to Jeremy Glick whose father died in the WTC attack, The O'Reilly Factor 02/04/03
Dubya sez...
"See, in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda."
—George W. Bush, Greece, N.Y., May 24, 2005
Case in point: During a news conference a week or so ago I watched Bill Frisr say "up or down vote" at least 30 times. As with the smears on Kerry during the election they figure if they say something enough it will become the truth. Well, their version of the truth anyway which is usually a big fat lie.
Dubya sez...
"I believe that the use of federal monies that end up destroying life is not - is not positive, it's not good."
-Dubya speaking about stem cell research
Too bad he won't follow this standard for ALL federal spending.
Not so sad trip after all
Mary Foreman was such a fun loving, generous and caring person. Especially fun loving. She liked nothing more than a big family get together with lots of food, fun and laughter. After the Memorial Service on Wednesday we did just that. We gathered at my mother-in-law's home and had a wing ding. Grandma Foreman would have loved it. The gathering would have been right up her alley. It's much better to celebrate one's life than to mourn their death. I hope my friends and family party all night when I bite the big one. Don't be sad because I'm dead. Be sad because I can't be there to beat you in Bocce Ball.
5.24.2005
We've been found!
Wild Sects has finally caught the attention of a couple of right-wing wackos. I suppose it's a sign that we're on the right track. I encourage healthy debate and viewpoints from all sides but some of the recent comments are straight from the neo-con playbook with lengthy tirades and illogical rantings. Any one care to respond to these anonymous comments?
Sad trip
Wild Sects will be on a short hiatus until Friday. We're driving down to Orlando for a memorial service for my wife's grandmother.
Mary Foreman was one remarkable woman. She was the epitome of kindly grandmothers. She was a happy soul with a wonderful sense of humor. I will always remember her for her gentle manner and sweet laugh. Her cooking was heavenly and she always made sure you were full to the gills. Most of all I will remember her generosity and will to see others happy. She lived a long, wonderful life full of love and joy. She will truly be missed by those of us who loved and adored her.
Mary Foreman was one remarkable woman. She was the epitome of kindly grandmothers. She was a happy soul with a wonderful sense of humor. I will always remember her for her gentle manner and sweet laugh. Her cooking was heavenly and she always made sure you were full to the gills. Most of all I will remember her generosity and will to see others happy. She lived a long, wonderful life full of love and joy. She will truly be missed by those of us who loved and adored her.
Senate Dems rollover and play dead
I was genuinely optimistic that Senate Dems appeared to have grown a pair until I read the headline Senators reach filibuster deal:
Centrists reach deal to allow some votes, keep filibuster rules. I think we would have been better served had they stood up to the Republicans and force their hand. Killing the filibuster was hugely unpopular and would have damaged Senate Republicans.
We still have no guarantees. Shortly after the agreement was reached, Frist, who had joined with party conservatives in pressing for an end to judicial filibusters, stressed that he was not a party to the agreement. He said he hoped it would end a "miserable chapter in the history of the Senate," but said that what he called the "constitutional option" was still on the table. He said he "will monitor this agreement closely."
If the nuclear option is still on the table, how was this a good deal for the Dems? The only thing the deal accomplished was to assure the nominations of Priscilla Owen and Janice Rogers Brown. Two of the most polarizing figures to ever be considered for the Court of Appeals.
Looks like the Dems need to tend their cajones garden. Sad.
Centrists reach deal to allow some votes, keep filibuster rules. I think we would have been better served had they stood up to the Republicans and force their hand. Killing the filibuster was hugely unpopular and would have damaged Senate Republicans.
We still have no guarantees. Shortly after the agreement was reached, Frist, who had joined with party conservatives in pressing for an end to judicial filibusters, stressed that he was not a party to the agreement. He said he hoped it would end a "miserable chapter in the history of the Senate," but said that what he called the "constitutional option" was still on the table. He said he "will monitor this agreement closely."
If the nuclear option is still on the table, how was this a good deal for the Dems? The only thing the deal accomplished was to assure the nominations of Priscilla Owen and Janice Rogers Brown. Two of the most polarizing figures to ever be considered for the Court of Appeals.
Looks like the Dems need to tend their cajones garden. Sad.
The Vent from the AJC
Tuesday edition:
And here I always figured Saddam Hussein was more a boxers than a briefs kinda despot.
Peace, that brief moment in history where everyone stands around reloading.
While Dubya has been beating the Bible, chopping down forests and wasting money and lives in the Iraqi sand trap, North Korea developed the bomb, South Korea became the stem-cell research leader and the dollar plummeted to an all-time low. Now that's leadership!
Ever seen the old lady panhandling at North Druid Hills and I -85? At the end of her "work day," she walks down to the Krystal and gets in her Cadillac to go home. Suckers!
I'm going to hold my breath until this state turns blue.
Atlanta: Where it is considered impolite not to return fire.
And here I always figured Saddam Hussein was more a boxers than a briefs kinda despot.
Peace, that brief moment in history where everyone stands around reloading.
While Dubya has been beating the Bible, chopping down forests and wasting money and lives in the Iraqi sand trap, North Korea developed the bomb, South Korea became the stem-cell research leader and the dollar plummeted to an all-time low. Now that's leadership!
Ever seen the old lady panhandling at North Druid Hills and I -85? At the end of her "work day," she walks down to the Krystal and gets in her Cadillac to go home. Suckers!
I'm going to hold my breath until this state turns blue.
Atlanta: Where it is considered impolite not to return fire.
5.23.2005
Quote of the day
"Maybe it's something in the water in Washington, or maybe it's all the expensive whiskey the lobbyists are paying for. I have a 72-hour rule. If I stay in Washington for more than 72 hours, I have to bathe myself in the same stuff I use when one of my dogs gets into a fight with a skunk — stuff to get the smell out."
- Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D)
- Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D)
Tillman's Parents Are Critical Of Army
As soon as it happened the troops knew. The commanding officers knew. The Bush administration knew. They still chose to cover it up to protect their fragile recruitment numbers and to hoodwink the American public. They milked this tragedy for all it was worth. Remember the "rescue" of Jessica Lynch? And they expect us to trust this government?
More than a year after their son was shot several times by his fellow Army Rangers on a craggy hillside near the Pakistani border, Tillman's mother and father said in interviews that they believe the military and the government created a heroic tale about how their son died to foster a patriotic response across the country. They say the Army's "lies" about what happened have made them suspicious, and that they are certain they will never get the full story.Via The Washington Post
Once a Sharecropper's Daughter, Always a Sharecropper's Daughter
Now, for a moment of racial enlightenment, we turn to Rush Limbaugh:
Via Wonkette
I was on the first cup of coffee and we were talking about this incredible sight yesterday of Barbara Boxer lecturing Judge Janice Rogers Brown. Here's this white, wealthy, elitist liberal from San Francisco -- I think she's actually from Marin -- lecturing a black daughter of sharecroppers who has risen on her own to become a member of the California Supreme Court, Janice Rogers Brown.See, Rush doesn't judges people on the color of their color. He judges people on the content of their color. Or something like that. Just for the record, though, Boxer grew up in a "lower-middle-class" neighborhood in that part of Marin also known as Brooklyn, New York. And at some point in Rogers Brown's youth -- details are sketchy -- her dad joined the Air Force. Then, in 1977, Rogers Brown graduated from law school and became a deputy counsel for the California State Legislature. So presumably she's been living a middle-class life or better for at least, oh, thirty years or so. Still, you've gotta hand it to Rush. A vision of America where a 56-year-old woman who's held important, high-powered jobs for nearly three decades can grow up to become "a black daughter of sharecroppers"? That's pretty inspiring.
Via Wonkette
Vote "disagree" in this poll
My sorry excuse for a Senator, Saxby Chambliss, published an online poll asking whether or not you believe Bush's judicial nominees deserve a fair, up-or-down vote before the United States Senate. No doubt Chambliss hoped to hear only from "his constituents" on the matter, but I believe he needs to hear from all Americans.
The poll question is deceptively simple and without explanation. The answer Senator Chambliss hopes to elicit from "his constituents" is Agree. I strongly Disagree and urge you to:
Go now and take the online poll (page right).
Make your voice heard and Disagree with the Republican threat to exercise the "Nuclear Option" (which is the real meaning behind this deceptive poll). Note: this is a "one click" poll and no personal information is required.
The poll question is deceptively simple and without explanation. The answer Senator Chambliss hopes to elicit from "his constituents" is Agree. I strongly Disagree and urge you to:
Go now and take the online poll (page right).
Make your voice heard and Disagree with the Republican threat to exercise the "Nuclear Option" (which is the real meaning behind this deceptive poll). Note: this is a "one click" poll and no personal information is required.
5.22.2005
Don't Go Nuclear
On Tuesday May 24th, the Senate will vote on a motion to end debate on judicial nominations, and when that motion fails Senator Bill Frist will launch the "nuclear option" — an unprecedented parliamentary maneuver to break the rules of the Senate and seize absolute control over lifetime appointments to the highest courts in the land. The vote is going to be incredibly close, and there are as many as 6 votes still up in the air — more than enough to win. We must act now.
Click here
Click here
5.21.2005
I SEE LONDON, I SEE FRANCE, I STILL SEE A KORAN IN THE TOILET
Desperate to end the Koran in the toilet conversation, the US defends Saddam's right to privacy and George W. Bush wants a full probe--nothing could be more important.
Delta: "We love to die and it shows?"
John Aravosis over at AMERICAblog has a story about an incident that happened on his recent trip from Paris. It should concern you if you are a frequent flier. And even if you aren't.
So a Delta Airlines representative told me tonight that Delta routinely ignores the FAA's anti-terrorism regulations. And the reason they violate it is that a lot of their passengers are foreigners. Oh, well THAT explains it. I mean, we wouldn't want a FOREIGNER to have to comply with our anti-terrorism regulations, I mean, who would want to do something crazy like that.Delta Airlines employee says Delta routinely violates FAA anti-terrorism regulations
Wild Sects Vent
For the benefit of those who don't live in the Atlanta area, I'm thinking of starting a blog version of The Vent. First we need a name for it. Something like "What's Eating Me" or "WTF?". All the comments would act as the submissions. What do you all think? Any ideas?
The Vent from the AJC
Saturday edition
Things were going so well in Iraq until Newsweek messed it up.
Thanks, Time magazine, for providing the free Ann Coulter dartboard on your cover.
It's the one-year anniversary of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts, and there is no evidence of a single straight couple falling apart because of this legislation.
If Ralph Reed doesn't know casino money was used to help fight gambling initiatives in Alabama, then I sure don't want him anywhere near my tax dollars.
What a great vent. Putting the IRS and Terrorist’s in the same sentence. Therer’s really not much difference between them, is there?
I opened the paper and surprise….yet another image burned into my memory that I could have done without. Saddam in his whitey tighties.
If Republicans were half the Christans they claim to be we would have Universal Health Care, no hunger, no poverty, and no deaths due to the cold or heat.
Is Ann Coulter the one with the gorgeous long blond hair…and the Adams apple?
Now a celebrity death match I would pay to see: Nancy Grace vs. Ann Coulter. I m pretty sure Ann(man) Coulter would take Nancy out, but Nancy is awfully snarly when challenged she looks like a biter and a hair-puller…
Oh, Oh, Ann Coulter is definitely more repulsive…and I don’t even know who Grace is!
Nancy Grace may have her faults, but please, don’t compare her (or anyone) to Ann Coulter.
Things were going so well in Iraq until Newsweek messed it up.
Thanks, Time magazine, for providing the free Ann Coulter dartboard on your cover.
It's the one-year anniversary of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts, and there is no evidence of a single straight couple falling apart because of this legislation.
If Ralph Reed doesn't know casino money was used to help fight gambling initiatives in Alabama, then I sure don't want him anywhere near my tax dollars.
What a great vent. Putting the IRS and Terrorist’s in the same sentence. Therer’s really not much difference between them, is there?
I opened the paper and surprise….yet another image burned into my memory that I could have done without. Saddam in his whitey tighties.
If Republicans were half the Christans they claim to be we would have Universal Health Care, no hunger, no poverty, and no deaths due to the cold or heat.
Is Ann Coulter the one with the gorgeous long blond hair…and the Adams apple?
Now a celebrity death match I would pay to see: Nancy Grace vs. Ann Coulter. I m pretty sure Ann(man) Coulter would take Nancy out, but Nancy is awfully snarly when challenged she looks like a biter and a hair-puller…
Oh, Oh, Ann Coulter is definitely more repulsive…and I don’t even know who Grace is!
Nancy Grace may have her faults, but please, don’t compare her (or anyone) to Ann Coulter.
5.20.2005
Public hasn't been this disgusted with Congress since 1994...
...when voters threw the Democrats out.
Normally it would make me deliriously happy to hear that. Then reality (or pessimism) rears it's ugly head I start thinking that since the Republicans rule with a rigged voting machine, what chance do we really have to take back Congress next year? Will there be more of the same? I sincerely hope that the watchdogs are serious about keeping an eye on the irregularities this time. And there will be irregularities unless we insist on paper trails or paper ballots. I, for one, refuse to use the machines. Being a poll worker I get to use an absentee ballot. I urge everyone else who has the slightest suspicion with their local elections board to use absentee ballots as well.
Approval of Congress
Erodes in Survey
Normally it would make me deliriously happy to hear that. Then reality (or pessimism) rears it's ugly head I start thinking that since the Republicans rule with a rigged voting machine, what chance do we really have to take back Congress next year? Will there be more of the same? I sincerely hope that the watchdogs are serious about keeping an eye on the irregularities this time. And there will be irregularities unless we insist on paper trails or paper ballots. I, for one, refuse to use the machines. Being a poll worker I get to use an absentee ballot. I urge everyone else who has the slightest suspicion with their local elections board to use absentee ballots as well.
Approval of Congress
Erodes in Survey
Sickening
The interrogators in this story are no longer Americans in my view. This is the kind of thing that causes people to spit on our troops. It also makes the previous post a little easier to understand.
In U.S. Report, Brutal Details of 2 Afghan Inmates' Deaths
Username: wildsects
Password: 12345
In U.S. Report, Brutal Details of 2 Afghan Inmates' Deaths
Username: wildsects
Password: 12345
5.19.2005
Pepsi's Nooyi points finger at US, draws ire
WASHINGTON: Students graduating from the Columbia Business school MBA class of 2005 may have expected some fizz in a commencement speech by Pepsico President Indra Nooyi, an Indian-American acclaimed as one of the most powerful corporate executives in America and a putative CEO of the soft drink giant.
But a political critique of the United States in course of her remarks has left some conservatives frothing and stoked anti-immigrant sentiments.
Read more...
$1.5M Bus Stop in Alaska
Medicare is in trouble and programs such as Head Start are being eviscerated but Anchorage gets 1.5 million dollars for a bus stop thanks to their Republican "Uncle Ted". It's great that Alaska didn't have a more immediate need for the money. Everything must be peachy keen there. City administrator Tom Wilson said "It is going to be a showpiece stop" complete with better lighting and seating. He also likes the idea of heated sidewalks that would remain free of snow and ice. And he thinks electronic signs would be nice.
I think feeding starving children would be nice too, Tom.
Here's the article
I think feeding starving children would be nice too, Tom.
Here's the article
Quote of the day part II
"To be accused of a lack of moral character by Senator Norm Coleman is a bit like being told to sit up straight by the Hunchback of Notre Dame."
-British MP George Galloway, on MSNBC's Hardball
-British MP George Galloway, on MSNBC's Hardball
Quote of the day
"We blew them away...I did a bit of sanction busting. I smoked a Havana cigar just like this one. I smoked it inside the Capitol building, I even blew the smoke at the White House."
-George Galloway, back in England, talking about how he punked Capitol Hill
-George Galloway, back in England, talking about how he punked Capitol Hill
Rockers pour out 'Spinal Tap' stories
My favorite:
As the Rolling Stones get ready to head out again on the road, Ron Wood can laugh about it - the night he and the lads thought they were all going to be busted.
"We were doing drugs in the dressing room," says Wood, remembering a concert in the early '80s. "Suddenly the tour manager stuck his head around the door and said, 'The police are here!' We all panicked and threw our drugs in the toilet.
"Then Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland walked in."
More...
Thanks to Benjie for the link.
As the Rolling Stones get ready to head out again on the road, Ron Wood can laugh about it - the night he and the lads thought they were all going to be busted.
"We were doing drugs in the dressing room," says Wood, remembering a concert in the early '80s. "Suddenly the tour manager stuck his head around the door and said, 'The police are here!' We all panicked and threw our drugs in the toilet.
"Then Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland walked in."
More...
Thanks to Benjie for the link.
The Vent from the AJC
I will believe Iraq is a success when the U.S. leaders can make an announced visit.
George W. Bush: The President Quayle we never had.
Some people can think for themselves. The others we call Republicans.
Operation Matador is an appropriate name for the new mission in Iraq. It is definitely time to kill the bull.
Newsweek was given faulty information and they acted on it. Kinda like another guy did with the weapons of mass destruction fabrication.
You can lead a Fox News viewer to the truth, but you can’t make them believe it.
George W. Bush: The President Quayle we never had.
Some people can think for themselves. The others we call Republicans.
Operation Matador is an appropriate name for the new mission in Iraq. It is definitely time to kill the bull.
Newsweek was given faulty information and they acted on it. Kinda like another guy did with the weapons of mass destruction fabrication.
You can lead a Fox News viewer to the truth, but you can’t make them believe it.
Journalism students censored
Co-editor Rebekah Martin
Here in good 'ol conservative Cobb County a high school principal is attempting to stop a school newspaper. Why? Because the journalism students are daring to print stories about what really happens on their campus. Things like reporting the hardships facing teen mothers at the school and reporting the vandalism that takes place in the parking lot.
This lousy excuse for a school administrator is following in the Bush administration's footsteps by demanding that only a rosey picture of the school be presented. Reminds me of the reporting that we get out of Iraq. The journalism class has been cut by the principal citing a teacher shortage and the need to keep more popular courses like cosmetology.
The students have started a blog in order to get their message out about the censorship. Check it out at Speaking Underground. Send them your encouraging comments.
Read the article here.
5.18.2005
The United States of Argentina
Almost Unnoticed, Bipartisan Budget Anxiety
By Dana Milbank
Wednesday, May 18, 2005; Page A04
The timing could not have been more apt. On the eve of a titanic partisan clash in the Senate, eggheads of the left and right got together yesterday to warn both parties that they are ignoring the country's most pressing problem: that the United States is turning into Argentina.
While Washington plunged into a procedural fight over a pair of judicial nominees, Stuart Butler, head of domestic policy at the conservative Heritage Foundation, and Isabel Sawhill, director of the left-leaning Brookings Institution's economic studies program, sat down with Comptroller General David M. Walker to bemoan what they jointly called the budget "nightmare."
More via The Washington Post
By Dana Milbank
Wednesday, May 18, 2005; Page A04
The timing could not have been more apt. On the eve of a titanic partisan clash in the Senate, eggheads of the left and right got together yesterday to warn both parties that they are ignoring the country's most pressing problem: that the United States is turning into Argentina.
While Washington plunged into a procedural fight over a pair of judicial nominees, Stuart Butler, head of domestic policy at the conservative Heritage Foundation, and Isabel Sawhill, director of the left-leaning Brookings Institution's economic studies program, sat down with Comptroller General David M. Walker to bemoan what they jointly called the budget "nightmare."
More via The Washington Post
We Come Not to Praise Newsweek...
Via Wonkette
We're not going to try to defend Newsweek -- Mark Whitaker cocking that up nicely on his own. But we do wonder if the administration should be piling on like a bunch of naked prisoners. If you're the one that soaked the field in gasoline, is it a good idea to draw a lot of attention to the guy who walked by smoking a cigarette?Priceless!
Quote(s) of the day
"I was naïve, I guess. I simply never imagined that any CPB chairman, Democrat or Republican, would cross the line from resisting White House pressure to carrying it out for the White House. But that’s what Kenneth Tomlinson has done."
"The more compelling our journalism, the angrier the radical right of the Republican Party became. That’s because the one thing they loathe more than liberals is the truth. And the quickest way to be damned by them as liberal is to tell the truth."
"This is the point of my story: Ideologues don’t want you to go beyond the typical labels of left and right. They embrace a world view that can’t be proven wrong because they will admit no evidence to the contrary. They want your reporting to validate their belief system and when it doesn’t, God forbid."
-Bill Moyers
"The more compelling our journalism, the angrier the radical right of the Republican Party became. That’s because the one thing they loathe more than liberals is the truth. And the quickest way to be damned by them as liberal is to tell the truth."
"This is the point of my story: Ideologues don’t want you to go beyond the typical labels of left and right. They embrace a world view that can’t be proven wrong because they will admit no evidence to the contrary. They want your reporting to validate their belief system and when it doesn’t, God forbid."
-Bill Moyers
Humpday Funny
From my friend Suzy:
Three Texas surgeons were playing golf together and discussing surgeries they had performed.
One of them said, "I'm the best surgeon in Texas. A concert pianist lost 7 fingers in an accident. I reattached them, and 8 months later he performed a private concert for the Queen of England."
One of the others said, "That's nothing. A young man lost both arms and legs in an accident. I reattached them, and 2 years later he won a gold medal in field events in the Olympics."
The third surgeon said, "You guys are amateurs. Several years ago a cowboy who was high on cocaine and alcohol rode a horse head-on into a train travelling 80 miles an hour. All I had left to work with was the horse's ass and a cowboy hat. Now he's president of the United States.
Three Texas surgeons were playing golf together and discussing surgeries they had performed.
One of them said, "I'm the best surgeon in Texas. A concert pianist lost 7 fingers in an accident. I reattached them, and 8 months later he performed a private concert for the Queen of England."
One of the others said, "That's nothing. A young man lost both arms and legs in an accident. I reattached them, and 2 years later he won a gold medal in field events in the Olympics."
The third surgeon said, "You guys are amateurs. Several years ago a cowboy who was high on cocaine and alcohol rode a horse head-on into a train travelling 80 miles an hour. All I had left to work with was the horse's ass and a cowboy hat. Now he's president of the United States.
Double Header
The AJC also printed my vent. I realize the subject is water under the bridge but I just had to respond to this moron:
Ironic that after Terri Schivao’s ‘loving’ husband denied his wife treatment that could have made her better two people whose real loving families allowed them the same treatments have come out of their comas.My response:
Terri Schiavo wasn’t in a coma. She was in a persistent vegetative state from which there is no return. Her cerebral cortex had liquefied. Kind of like yours.
Letters to the Editor - AJC
Yesterday I posted two Letters to the Editor that lambasted Newsweek for their story on the US interrogators who flushed the Koran down the toilet. Today they printed my response along with many others. Mine is the first one.
Selective outrage comes from the rightNote: When the editor called to verify my letter he said that the first two letters he received were the only ones critical of Newsweek so he printed them both. He went on to say that he received so many more, in rebuttal, that he wasn't able to print them all. We may me a red state overall but at least we're civilized here in the Metro Atlanta area.
Sometimes I feel as if I'm living in an alternate universe.
People are going ballistic over Newsweek's flawed article about the alleged desecration of the Quran by U.S. interrogators. They decry the fact that 17 people were killed in riots that took place as a result of that story.
Where is their outrage over the 1,700 American deaths caused by President Bush's embracing flawed intelligence? As it turns out, he lied to make the intelligence fit his purpose. The right is adept at ignoring their own liars and then shouting at the top of their voices when the other side doesn't check their facts.
JOHN Xxxxx, Marietta
Scenario sounds familiar
President Bush took this country to war, basing his decision on information he thought was credible about Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction. Newsweek published a short article about religious desecrations at Guantanamo Bay, basing its decision on information it thought was credible.
Newsweek gave the Pentagon an opportunity to review and challenge the story, and it chose not to challenge the desecration allegation. In both scenarios, precious lives were lost --- vastly more as a result of Bush's bad information. The White House is now sharply critical of Newsweek's editors and reporters for their bad information. Something about living in glass houses and throwing stones comes to mind.
HARRELL LAWSON, Sparta
Administration guilty of hypocrisy
How many lives have been lost in an ongoing war predicated on false intelligence and political subterfuge?
While it does not exonerate Newsweek's shoddy journalism, the Bush administration's admonishment of the magazine's muckraking is the pot calling the kettle black.
What dog wags this tale?
ALEX LEVY, Atlanta
Set higher standards for government
It is ludicrous that the White House was sharply critical of Newsweek for its misguided and irresponsible article, while the Bush administration refuses to take responsibility for the deaths of hundreds of American troops, thousands of Iraqi civilians and countless civilian contractors in its misguided and irresponsible war.
It's appalling that we, the public, hold a magazine to higher standards and levels of responsibility than we hold our government.
VALERIE WATTS, Duluth
Lies, deceit led to many deaths in Iraq
The Bush administration has reached a new low in chastising Newsweek for disseminating false information that led to riots and fatalities.
Perhaps the administration should do some self-examination: Weren't they the ones who falsely claimed that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and links to al-Qaida --- accusations that have resulted in the loss of life for thousands of Iraqi civilians and American soldiers?
If Newsweek should be running and hiding for printing a story based on hearsay (one assumes the editors thought the story was true), shouldn't this administration be resigning over the lies and deceit that led to the miserable failure that is the war in Iraq? The hypocrisy of this group of thugs is appalling.
TIM TODD, Conyers
5.17.2005
Galloway is my current hero
Galloway attacks Senate for 'mother of all smokescreens'
George Galloway, the Respect MP, attacked a US Senate committee today for its "schoolboy errors" over claims that Saddam Hussein awarded him lucrative contracts under the UN Oil-for-Food programme.
In a defiant performance on Capitol Hill, the new MP for Bethnal Green and Bow accused the committee of traducing his own reputation and mounting "the mother of all smokescreens" to hide the real scandal - that Americans had plundered billions of dollars of Iraqi wealth.
This is a good read...
George Galloway, the Respect MP, attacked a US Senate committee today for its "schoolboy errors" over claims that Saddam Hussein awarded him lucrative contracts under the UN Oil-for-Food programme.
In a defiant performance on Capitol Hill, the new MP for Bethnal Green and Bow accused the committee of traducing his own reputation and mounting "the mother of all smokescreens" to hide the real scandal - that Americans had plundered billions of dollars of Iraqi wealth.
This is a good read...
I did not see this one coming!
College ad to protest Bush visit
By Julia Duin
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
One-third of the professors at an evangelical Christian college in Grand Rapids, Mich., are taking out a large ad in a local newspaper Saturday to protest President Bush's commencement speech.
"As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and to initiate war only as a last resort," the ad will say. "We believe your administration has launched an unjust and unjustified war in Iraq."
Read on...
By Julia Duin
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
One-third of the professors at an evangelical Christian college in Grand Rapids, Mich., are taking out a large ad in a local newspaper Saturday to protest President Bush's commencement speech.
"As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and to initiate war only as a last resort," the ad will say. "We believe your administration has launched an unjust and unjustified war in Iraq."
Read on...
While we're on a Star Wars kick...
Update: The link has been fixed - thanks for the heads up Tom.
...check out Store Wars featuring Cuke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Cannoli. Presented by Organic Trade Association. This is great!
...check out Store Wars featuring Cuke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Cannoli. Presented by Organic Trade Association. This is great!
For Your Listening Pleasure
From "Got No Breeding" by Jules and the Polar Bears
Convict (3.2mb)
Following Every Finger (3.9mb)
Acoustic version of Following Every Finger (4.7mb) from "Unplug This"
Not so fast
My post entitled "There's a civics lessons in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith" mentions that "Some film critics suggest it could be the biggest anti-Bush blockbuster since "Fahrenheit 9/11." Michael in New York who saw it at the Cannes Film Festival begs to differ. Via AMERICAblog
"Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" -- it doesn't completely suck, but it certainly isn't good. By the way, the attempt by some to turn it into a dig at Bush (political figure uses fear to seize power and end democracy) has fallen apart under its own silliness. Really, Lucas is about as political as an Ewok.LOL!
Personal ad
I saw this on Wonkette and thought I'd share it with the class.
If your boyfriend's a Republican I want you. Now. - 35
Reply to: anon-73770448@craigslist.org
Date: 2005-05-16, 9:12PM PDT
I don’t care how old you are, how much you weigh or what you look like. I don’t care if you like cuddling by the fire or being slathered in mayonnaise with a clown mask on. So long as you have a significant other who cares for you deeply and voted for Bush, I can promise you without hesitation the very best sex you will ever, ever have: brain-scrambling, soul-shattering, scream-to-the-heavens sex that will leave you not only walking funny, but mumbling incoherently for days. And believe me, it’ll be nowhere near as good for you as it will be for me.
This offer not valid to married or underage women or those with boyfriends currently serving in Iraq. They’ve been screwed enough.
Tit for tat
White House/tat:
"It's puzzling that while Newsweek now acknowledges that they got the facts wrong, they refused to retract the story," White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters. "I think there's a certain journalistic standard that should be met and in this instance it was not...The report has had serious consequences. People have lost their lives. The image of the United States abroad has been damaged."
Patriotic Americans/tit:
"It's puzzling that while the White House now acknowledged that they haven't found WMD or a link between Al Queda and Iraq, they have refused to retract their claims. I think there's a certain standard of governing that should be met and in this instance has not. The claims the administration used to send this nation to war has had serious consequences. People have lost their lives. The image of the United States abroad has been damaged."
"It's puzzling that while Newsweek now acknowledges that they got the facts wrong, they refused to retract the story," White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters. "I think there's a certain journalistic standard that should be met and in this instance it was not...The report has had serious consequences. People have lost their lives. The image of the United States abroad has been damaged."
Patriotic Americans/tit:
"It's puzzling that while the White House now acknowledged that they haven't found WMD or a link between Al Queda and Iraq, they have refused to retract their claims. I think there's a certain standard of governing that should be met and in this instance has not. The claims the administration used to send this nation to war has had serious consequences. People have lost their lives. The image of the United States abroad has been damaged."
Bill Maher's Kool-Aid Stand
Don't get me wrong. I think Bill is spot on about 99% of the time but his recent opinion that, despite the reasons that were force fed to us, Iraq may come out smelling like a rose and it will all be worth it in the long run. BULLSHIT! It's obvious that this guy has been drinking from the same pitcher of Kool-Aid as Bill.
As a longtime critic of the Iraqi war, I've been having some second thoughts.Doing what the Busheviks did to get their war ball rolling was reprehensible and, no matter what the end result is, it will never be worth the toll in lives and having the world view us as invaders. This occupation should have never happened. We should have kept our sites firmly on Bin Laden until he was either captured or killed. It is now quite obvious that 9-11 gave them the opportunity to do what they had planned all along. It makes me wonder what justification they would have manufactured if 9-11 had never happened.
The administration's recent change of emphasis from preventing something (WMD, terrorist attacks, etc.) to promoting something (worldwide democracy and freedom) may warrant a new look at our invasion of Iraq. If toppling one oppressive middle eastern country can give heart and hope to other oppressed peoples in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Iran and Lebanon, then invading Iraq might not have been a bad idea.
My lingering concern is with how we went about it -- this business of "pre-emptive war." To achieve a noble goal like the spread of regional democracy abroad, is it acceptable to attack another nation, destroy its infrastructure, cause the death of innocent civilians, break international treaties, risk misleading our own nation, even allow torture?
The administration's current position seems to be that all this 'bad stuff' may turn out to have been worth it in the end. There is a case to be made for this view. Years from now we may look back to see that our attack of Iraq was the precipitating factor in improving the political and social life of the Middle East (or we may see it as a tragic mistake that further promoted world-wide terrorism).
The question is, does the end ever justify the means? Does liberating oppressed peoples make it alright that we attacked and crippled one country to do it? Are these `means' morally justified in light of our hope for a good outcome?
Ancient wisdom, the experience of nations and the moral codes of most great religions would answer "No." Good ends never justify questionable means. But could the U.S. be an exception?
It was Chairman Mao who said that his ideal society (communism) grew out of the barrel of a gun. Is it possible that our ideal society (democracy) can also grow out of the barrel of a gun?
David C. Duncombe
White Salmon
Current Events for Dummies part 2
By Bernard Weiner,The Crisis Papers
"FIXING" INTELLIGENCE AROUND POLICY
Q. Blair and Bush made a secret deal in mid-2002 to attack Iraq the following year and to use the interim period in which to "fix" the "intelligence and facts" around that policy; the secret memo surfaced just recently in the Times of London. But virtually none of the major American media reported in a timely way on this memo substantiating that Bush and Blair lied through their teeth in taking our respective countries to war. Why the U.S. media reticence?
A. You must be the same dim bulb who asked about pensions, right? The corporate American media, especially TV and cable but also the major newspapers, are and long have been in lockstep with the Bush Administration: they do what they can to hype the Bush spin and to keep embarrassing stories out of the public eye, or they delay running anything them until the interest dies down; whether this is because the media are ideologically in bed with Bush & Co. or because they are afraid of Roveian retribution doesn't matter, since the result is the same.
But sometimes a story is simply too important to be ignored totally, and even the corporate media feel obliged to run something. So the UK memo story is now starting to appear in a few spots, two weeks late and usually buried somewhere by the editors; we shall see if the story, and its implications, break through into the mass-media, especially on TV, in a major way. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for that to happen.
In general, as you no doubt have figured out, in order to learn what's really going on in the news requires you to seek out journalistic sources less controlled, which means smaller publications, independent radio networks, a few liberal talk-show radio hosts, and, especially, progressive writers on the Internet.
"FIXING" INTELLIGENCE AROUND POLICY
Q. Blair and Bush made a secret deal in mid-2002 to attack Iraq the following year and to use the interim period in which to "fix" the "intelligence and facts" around that policy; the secret memo surfaced just recently in the Times of London. But virtually none of the major American media reported in a timely way on this memo substantiating that Bush and Blair lied through their teeth in taking our respective countries to war. Why the U.S. media reticence?
A. You must be the same dim bulb who asked about pensions, right? The corporate American media, especially TV and cable but also the major newspapers, are and long have been in lockstep with the Bush Administration: they do what they can to hype the Bush spin and to keep embarrassing stories out of the public eye, or they delay running anything them until the interest dies down; whether this is because the media are ideologically in bed with Bush & Co. or because they are afraid of Roveian retribution doesn't matter, since the result is the same.
But sometimes a story is simply too important to be ignored totally, and even the corporate media feel obliged to run something. So the UK memo story is now starting to appear in a few spots, two weeks late and usually buried somewhere by the editors; we shall see if the story, and its implications, break through into the mass-media, especially on TV, in a major way. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for that to happen.
In general, as you no doubt have figured out, in order to learn what's really going on in the news requires you to seek out journalistic sources less controlled, which means smaller publications, independent radio networks, a few liberal talk-show radio hosts, and, especially, progressive writers on the Internet.
Current Events for Dummies part 1
By Bernard Weiner,The Crisis Papers
HELPING CORPORATIONS, HURTING WORKERS
Q. I don't get it. The government makes it harder for individuals to file for bankruptcy, but United Airlines is permitted to declare bankruptcy and to refuse promised pensions to its employees. Isn't that a bit hypocritical?
A. The Bush Administration is not hypocritical. It has been very open about its priorities, and they don't include ordinary workers. Everything is geared to protecting big business and those already wealthy, such as in the huge tax breaks and refunds granted to that narrow strata of society. Those who complain are accused of "class warfare." (Note: It's only "class warfare" if liberals talk about it; conservatives don't talk about it, they just wage it.)
Better face up to it: until Bush & Co. are sent packing - either by impeachment or when another party takes control in 2008 - there will be no hope of economic justice in this country. If you're unable to pay your credit card bill, be prepared to face jail-time; if you don't pay your employees their pensions, you're a savvy businessman and you'll get federal assistance.
By the way, if you're still wanting a prime example of Bush's hypocrisy, check out his firm support for the brutal government of Uzbekistan's Karimov. Bush talks big about expanding freedom and democracy all around the globe, but because the Uzbek strongman is our guy in the Caucuses - he's helpful with oil, and the U.S. sends him terrorist suspects to torture - the Administration puts him on its good-guys list. (Note: Karimov has few scruples; he's even had recalcitrant prisoners boiled to death.)
HELPING CORPORATIONS, HURTING WORKERS
Q. I don't get it. The government makes it harder for individuals to file for bankruptcy, but United Airlines is permitted to declare bankruptcy and to refuse promised pensions to its employees. Isn't that a bit hypocritical?
A. The Bush Administration is not hypocritical. It has been very open about its priorities, and they don't include ordinary workers. Everything is geared to protecting big business and those already wealthy, such as in the huge tax breaks and refunds granted to that narrow strata of society. Those who complain are accused of "class warfare." (Note: It's only "class warfare" if liberals talk about it; conservatives don't talk about it, they just wage it.)
Better face up to it: until Bush & Co. are sent packing - either by impeachment or when another party takes control in 2008 - there will be no hope of economic justice in this country. If you're unable to pay your credit card bill, be prepared to face jail-time; if you don't pay your employees their pensions, you're a savvy businessman and you'll get federal assistance.
By the way, if you're still wanting a prime example of Bush's hypocrisy, check out his firm support for the brutal government of Uzbekistan's Karimov. Bush talks big about expanding freedom and democracy all around the globe, but because the Uzbek strongman is our guy in the Caucuses - he's helpful with oil, and the U.S. sends him terrorist suspects to torture - the Administration puts him on its good-guys list. (Note: Karimov has few scruples; he's even had recalcitrant prisoners boiled to death.)
Thomas Paine
A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right.
-Thomas Paine
I just joined Thomas Paine Friends.
"Chartered in 2002, this national and international organization strives to renew public recognition of the great Patriot-Author-Humanitarian and Political Philosopher as a founder of America, advocate of equal rights, justice, human rights, social welfare and free expression."
He was truly ahead of his time. I would have loved to hear his take on Dubya and the current raping of America at the hands of Dubya's minions.
-Thomas Paine
I just joined Thomas Paine Friends.
"Chartered in 2002, this national and international organization strives to renew public recognition of the great Patriot-Author-Humanitarian and Political Philosopher as a founder of America, advocate of equal rights, justice, human rights, social welfare and free expression."
He was truly ahead of his time. I would have loved to hear his take on Dubya and the current raping of America at the hands of Dubya's minions.
Will George Bush issue apology for poorly sourced reporting?
''I applaud the Pakistani government for their strong cooperation in the war on terror. I applaud them for acting on solid intelligence and bringing this man to justice,'' Bush said.
''He was a major facilitator and a chief planner for the Al Qaeda network. His arrest removes a dangerous enemy who was a direct threat to America and to those who love freedom.'' from: Bush hails capture of Al Qaeda leader.
This was George Bush's report on the capture of Abu Faraj al Libbi, the third-in-command in the Al Qaeda hierarchy.
Problem?
George Bush's story was incorrect. The man captured was NOT a ''major facilitator and a chief planner for the Al Qaeda network.'' In light of the current standards being applied to Newsweek, nothing less than a complete retraction by George Bush in the same venue as his original statement will suffice to fix this greivous error.
Newsweek has already apologized for its possible error(note that Newsweek's report hasn't been DISPROVED, just not substantiated in a strong enough manner), do we hold our President to a LESSER STANDARD THAN THE PRESS?
Via Big Time Patriot
''He was a major facilitator and a chief planner for the Al Qaeda network. His arrest removes a dangerous enemy who was a direct threat to America and to those who love freedom.'' from: Bush hails capture of Al Qaeda leader.
This was George Bush's report on the capture of Abu Faraj al Libbi, the third-in-command in the Al Qaeda hierarchy.
Problem?
George Bush's story was incorrect. The man captured was NOT a ''major facilitator and a chief planner for the Al Qaeda network.'' In light of the current standards being applied to Newsweek, nothing less than a complete retraction by George Bush in the same venue as his original statement will suffice to fix this greivous error.
Newsweek has already apologized for its possible error(note that Newsweek's report hasn't been DISPROVED, just not substantiated in a strong enough manner), do we hold our President to a LESSER STANDARD THAN THE PRESS?
Via Big Time Patriot
Paul Krugman 05/17/2005
Staying What Course?
By PAUL KRUGMAN
Published: May 16, 2005
Is there any point, now that November's election is behind us, in revisiting the history of the Iraq war? Yes: any path out of the quagmire will be blocked by people who call their opponents weak on national security, and portray themselves as tough guys who will keep America safe. So it's important to understand how the tough guys made America weak.
There has been notably little U.S. coverage of the "Downing Street memo" - actually the minutes of a British prime minister's meeting on July 23, 2002, during which officials reported on talks with the Bush administration about Iraq. But the memo, which was leaked to The Times of London during the British election campaign, confirms what apologists for the war have always denied: the Bush administration cooked up a case for a war it wanted.
Here's a sample: "Military action was now seen as inevitable. Bush wanted to remove Saddam, through military action, justified by the conjunction of terrorism and W.M.D. But the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy."
(You can read the whole thing at www.downingstreetmemo.com.)
Read on...
Username: wildsects
Password: 12345
By PAUL KRUGMAN
Published: May 16, 2005
Is there any point, now that November's election is behind us, in revisiting the history of the Iraq war? Yes: any path out of the quagmire will be blocked by people who call their opponents weak on national security, and portray themselves as tough guys who will keep America safe. So it's important to understand how the tough guys made America weak.
There has been notably little U.S. coverage of the "Downing Street memo" - actually the minutes of a British prime minister's meeting on July 23, 2002, during which officials reported on talks with the Bush administration about Iraq. But the memo, which was leaked to The Times of London during the British election campaign, confirms what apologists for the war have always denied: the Bush administration cooked up a case for a war it wanted.
Here's a sample: "Military action was now seen as inevitable. Bush wanted to remove Saddam, through military action, justified by the conjunction of terrorism and W.M.D. But the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy."
(You can read the whole thing at www.downingstreetmemo.com.)
Read on...
Username: wildsects
Password: 12345
Quote of the day
"When the autopsy of our democracy is performed, it is my belief that media silence will be given as the primary cause of death."
-Jonathan Simon, exit-poll analyst
-Jonathan Simon, exit-poll analyst
Letters to the Editor - AJC
From the left...
Beware activist clergy...and from the Dark Side
Anyone claiming to be a Christian knows that Jesus didn't walk with the politically correct or the kings of the land, but with the common people, many of whom held beliefs that differed from his ("Supporters of gays denied Communion," News, May 16). Jesus was sure to feed and care for these people, never once denying anyone from partaking in his graciousness.
Now a priest in Minnesota has denied parishioners Communion because they chose to show love and support for their gay friends. Does this priest really think that he is doing Jesus' work? How self-righteous he is to claim to know who God would or would not want to come to his table. No religion has the right to keep anyone from God because of outdated beliefs that choose to persecute rather than love.
Our country needs to worry less about "activist judges" and more about "activist clergymen" who claim to hold our souls in the palms of their hands.
KEITH MICHAUD, Clarkston
Magazine the cause of too much death, griefI responded to these last two with my own Letter to the Editor. I failed to save it so I can't include it in this post as I had planned. If they decide to print it I'll post it here.
Nine years ago this week, one of the United States' finest naval officers, Jeremy Michael Boorda, committed suicide because of Newsweek's harassment over a trivial issue of the wearing of a certain ribbon on his uniform. Now we have more deaths and embarrassment because of the policies of that magazine.
Enough of causing terror and death because of journalism that causes anger, frustration, fury and outcries for vengeance.
Newsweek should be flushed itself, or at least closed, and its editors and policy-makers sent back to jobs where their only responsibilities would be to ask, "Will you have fries with that?"
CLINT BEACH, Dunwoody
Readers should boycott till editors quit
After Newsweek reported that U.S. interrogators had flushed a copy of the Quran down the toilet in an effort to make detainees talk, riots in Afghanistan and other countries left 17 people dead and more than 100 hurt. The actions of the American interrogators were condemned across the Middle East and U.S. prestige took another blow throughout the Muslim world.
Now we learn that the single source for the story is recanting. People are dead because of the sloppy reporting. Newsweek editors should resign, and I will not buy or read the magazine until they do.
JEFF FISHER, Atlanta
The Vent from the AJC
Tuesday vents:
Don't feel bad: Only oil-rich political families from Texas can afford private schools and cocaine.
You know Sen. Saxby Chambliss is worthless when his own Armed Services Committee ignores him on base closings.
Oprah, the Anti-Christ?? Nah, try George “Dubya” Bush.
Props to the “damn you Walmart” ventor. That chain is EVIL with a D!
Yes, Fox News is balanced. Balanced somewhere right of Bush and left of Falwell…
Fox News Channel is as fair and balanced as professional wrestling is tasteful and un-scripted.
The ventor who thinks that Fox News is successful because it’s “fair and balanced” probably also believes that there really were WMDs in Iraq, that Saddam really did kick the inspectors out, and that George Bush did everything he could to avoid war. Drink the Kool-aid, baby!
I had jury duty the other day and the judge asked if anybody had a problem awarding the “undocumented immigrant” back pay for loss wages due to injury sustained. Your darn skippy I raised my hand.
Don't feel bad: Only oil-rich political families from Texas can afford private schools and cocaine.
You know Sen. Saxby Chambliss is worthless when his own Armed Services Committee ignores him on base closings.
Oprah, the Anti-Christ?? Nah, try George “Dubya” Bush.
Props to the “damn you Walmart” ventor. That chain is EVIL with a D!
Yes, Fox News is balanced. Balanced somewhere right of Bush and left of Falwell…
Fox News Channel is as fair and balanced as professional wrestling is tasteful and un-scripted.
The ventor who thinks that Fox News is successful because it’s “fair and balanced” probably also believes that there really were WMDs in Iraq, that Saddam really did kick the inspectors out, and that George Bush did everything he could to avoid war. Drink the Kool-aid, baby!
I had jury duty the other day and the judge asked if anybody had a problem awarding the “undocumented immigrant” back pay for loss wages due to injury sustained. Your darn skippy I raised my hand.
5.16.2005
Scott McClellan says Newsweek lied and people have died as a result
But not the lies or the people you think. There are a bunch of right-wing morons who are using a familiar line in regard to the desecrated Koran debacle. "Newsweek Lied, People Died."
It's supposed to be humorous because it's making fun of what all us anti-war people said when 1,700 Americans were killed based on Bush's lies.
This isn't even not caring. It's beyond not caring. It's about the right taking pride in not caring.
To act as if our soldiers were being treated as beloved liberators until Newsweek screwed it all up is ludicrous. Why don't they just go up to an American serviceman and kick him in the balls? That's the amount of respect they are displaying for the troops to try and pass that one off. American soldiers aren't dying in Iraq because Newsweek printed a bad article. American soldiers are dying in Iraq because Bush lied. Plain and simple.
Bush's excuse maker, Scott McClellan, indignantly complained that the story was "based on a single anonymous source who could not personally substantiate the allegation that was made. The report has had serious consequences," he said. "People have lost their lives. The image of the United States abroad has been damaged."
Sounds to me like he's talking about the reasons we went to war in Iraq instead of the aftermath of rioting in Afghanistan.
There is absolutely no way McClellan doesn't know what he's saying. A faulty report. Unreliable sources. People have died. And who do they want to resign? The editors of Newsweek.
How is that excusable? How is that even forgivable?
It's supposed to be humorous because it's making fun of what all us anti-war people said when 1,700 Americans were killed based on Bush's lies.
This isn't even not caring. It's beyond not caring. It's about the right taking pride in not caring.
To act as if our soldiers were being treated as beloved liberators until Newsweek screwed it all up is ludicrous. Why don't they just go up to an American serviceman and kick him in the balls? That's the amount of respect they are displaying for the troops to try and pass that one off. American soldiers aren't dying in Iraq because Newsweek printed a bad article. American soldiers are dying in Iraq because Bush lied. Plain and simple.
Bush's excuse maker, Scott McClellan, indignantly complained that the story was "based on a single anonymous source who could not personally substantiate the allegation that was made. The report has had serious consequences," he said. "People have lost their lives. The image of the United States abroad has been damaged."
Sounds to me like he's talking about the reasons we went to war in Iraq instead of the aftermath of rioting in Afghanistan.
There is absolutely no way McClellan doesn't know what he's saying. A faulty report. Unreliable sources. People have died. And who do they want to resign? The editors of Newsweek.
How is that excusable? How is that even forgivable?
Another canned response from my dipshit Senator
I suppose that after so many letters, Republican Senators just get fed up and give a token response so they can say they responded. Tell me how this, in any way, addresses any concern I may have had? They call this representative government?
May 16, 2005
Mr. John Xxxxx
XXX Xxxxx Dr
Xxxxxxxx, Georgia XXXXX
Dear Mr. Xxxxx:
Thank you for contacting my office and sharing your concerns.
As your United States Senator, I look forward to hearing from all of my constituents from the State of Georgia, especially when they have concerns or problems, need guidance or information, or want to share any other matters of interest with me.
If I can ever be of assistance to you or your family, please don't hesitate to contact me. I appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Saxby Chambliss
United States Senate
There's a civics lessons in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
Via This Modern World
"Revenge of the Sith," it turns out, can also be seen as a cautionary tale for our time -- a blistering critique of the war in Iraq, a reminder of how democracies can give up their freedoms too easily, and an admonition about the seduction of good people by absolute power.
Some film critics suggest it could be the biggest anti-Bush blockbuster since "Fahrenheit 9/11."
New York Times movie critic A.O. Scott gives "Sith" a rave, and notes that Lucas "grounds it in a cogent and (for the first time) comprehensible political context.
" 'Revenge of the Sith' is about how a republic dismantles its own democratic principles, about how politics becomes militarized, about how a Manichaean ideology undermines the rational exercise of power. Mr. Lucas is clearly jabbing his light saber in the direction of some real-world political leaders. At one point, Darth Vader, already deep in the thrall of the dark side and echoing the words of George W. Bush, hisses at Obi-Wan, 'If you're not with me, you're my enemy.' Obi-Wan's response is likely to surface as a bumper sticker during the next election campaign: 'Only a Sith thinks in absolutes.' "
AFP reports that the movie delivers "a galactic jab to US President George W. Bush."
So where does Lucas stand in this political polemic? "I'm more on the liberal side of things," he says. "I grew up in San Francisco in the '60s, and my positions are sort of shaped by that ... If you look back 30 years ago, there were certain issues with the Kennedys, with Richard Nixon, that focused my interest." Lucas' own geopolitics can sound pretty bleak: "All democracies turn into dictatorships—but not by coup. The people give their democracy to a dictator, whether it's Julius Caesar or Napoleon or Adolf Hitler. Ultimately, the general population goes along with the idea ... What kinds of things push people and institutions into this direction?"
In Clones, Lucas goes a way toward answering that question. "That's the issue that I've been exploring: How did the Republic turn into the Empire? That's paralleled with: How did Anakin turn into Darth Vader? How does a good person go bad, and how does a democracy become a dictatorship? It isn't that the Empire conquered the Republic, it's that the Empire is the Republic." Lucas' comments clarify the connection between the Anakin trilogy and the Luke trilogy: that the Empire was created out of the corruption of the Republic, and that somebody had to fight it. "One day Princess Leia and her friends woke up and said, 'This isn't the Republic anymore, it's the Empire. We are the bad guys. Well, we don't agree with this. This democracy is a sham, it's all wrong.'"
Thanks skippy!
Not long ago Jon Stewart mentioned skippy the bush kangaroo on The Daily Show in a segment about how CNN, among other "news" outlets, turn to blogs for material. Stewart said: "When I want news, I turn to CNN...and they turn...to...skippy...the bush kangaroo." I almost fell out of my chair when I heard that. I read skippy just about every day so you can imagine how thrilled I was to see this today:
____________________________________________________
say hello
to i like *nice* men and wild sects and floridablues.
2 Comments | posted by skippy | 9:08 AM Link Cosmos
_____________________________________________________
Note: I tried to link directly to the post but Link Cosmos kept malfunctioning. If you got to skippy via the link to the right, scroll down to the bottom.
skippy will now be permanantly link under A FEW GOOD PLACES TO LAND.
____________________________________________________
say hello
to i like *nice* men and wild sects and floridablues.
2 Comments | posted by skippy | 9:08 AM Link Cosmos
_____________________________________________________
Note: I tried to link directly to the post but Link Cosmos kept malfunctioning. If you got to skippy via the link to the right, scroll down to the bottom.
skippy will now be permanantly link under A FEW GOOD PLACES TO LAND.
Smokescreen anyone?
It occurs to me that all the chest thumping being done by the Republicans regarding the nomination of judges is merely a smokescreen. The issues of abortion and gay rights are batted about to solidify the support of their religious base.
If you look beyond these religious-based issues you'll see that the Senate Republicans do not want the American people to focus on them because the real issue is corporate-friendly judges. With corporate-friendly judges, it is more likely that more decisions like the one breaking the contract between United Airlines and its employees, will come down.
We need to start looking beyond the rhetoric and start looking at the entire Republican agenda of which religion may be only a small part. We need to ensure that religious extremism does not dictate the law of the land but we also need to be aware that corporate-friendly judges may more of a threat than we ever imagined.
If you look beyond these religious-based issues you'll see that the Senate Republicans do not want the American people to focus on them because the real issue is corporate-friendly judges. With corporate-friendly judges, it is more likely that more decisions like the one breaking the contract between United Airlines and its employees, will come down.
We need to start looking beyond the rhetoric and start looking at the entire Republican agenda of which religion may be only a small part. We need to ensure that religious extremism does not dictate the law of the land but we also need to be aware that corporate-friendly judges may more of a threat than we ever imagined.
Bureaucracy at a snail's pace
The Defense Department's March 30 progress report on the post 9-11 upgrading of its needs for foreign language professionals showed the Pentagon (41 months after the attacks) just now getting around to learning how many of its people already speak a foreign language. According to the document's chronology (reported in April by Slate.com), it was not until May 2004 that a formal decision was made to "assess foreign language needs" and form a "steering committee." By July 2005, the Pentagon is to issue "guidance" for how to manage a stepped-up program, and by December 2005 to create a database of personnel with foreign language skills. The management system for how to run such a program is to be in place by September 2007, after which, presumably, attention to the actual upgrading of skills can begin.
Quote of the day
"...and if you get expelled from that school, then you're going to military school, where you'll be sent to the next war quagmire. What will it be next? North Korea? Iran? Who knows? Anything's possible with Mr. Cuckoobananas in charge!"
-Homer Simpson on Bart getting expelled from school
-Homer Simpson on Bart getting expelled from school
Welcome to Nazi Amerika
Between 1929 an 1974 some 65,000 American men and women were sterilized without their knowledge or against their will. This sounds like something straight out of a Nazi concentration camp.
State Secret: Thousands Secretly Sterilized
State Secret: Thousands Secretly Sterilized
5.15.2005
Create a caption
1. Since it was determined to be too difficult for Bush to use his ubiquitous wire he resorted to using a personal satellite dish to keep in contact with his brain, Karl Rove.
2. The Secret Service fails to provide Bush with the instructions for his umbrella.
5.14.2005
Vicente Fox gets his panties in a twist over tough U.S. law on illegals
Two words for Vicente Fox...
TOUGH SHIT!
I am not anti-immigrant - I'm anti-illegal immigrant. All I ask is that they go through the process that millions of other immigrants have gone through.
Mexico's Fox toughens talk on U.S. immigration law
TOUGH SHIT!
I am not anti-immigrant - I'm anti-illegal immigrant. All I ask is that they go through the process that millions of other immigrants have gone through.
Mexico's Fox toughens talk on U.S. immigration law
5.13.2005
cowinkydink?
skippy the bush kangaroo hits the nail on the head with this observation...
bush: build oil refineries at ex-military bases
president bush proposed allowing oil companies to build new refineries at abandoned military bases and encouraging new nuclear power plants in steps that critics said would do nothing to address america's immediate problem of high gasoline prices. - abc news (27 april 05)
180 u.s. military bases targeted for closure by pentagon
the pentagon today proposed shutting about 180 military installations from maine to hawaii including 33 major bases, triggering the first round of base closures in a decade and an intense struggle by communities to save their facilities. - houston chronicle (13 may 05)
things that make you go.....hmmmmmm.....
Quote of the day
In (dis)honor of DeLay's ass-kiss fest last night...
"The louder he talked of his honor, the faster we counted our spoons."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
"The louder he talked of his honor, the faster we counted our spoons."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!
I AM PISSED!
U.S. Border Patrol agents have been ordered not to arrest illegal aliens along the section of the Arizona border where protesters patrolled last month because an increase in apprehensions there would prove the effectiveness of Minuteman volunteers, The Washington Times has learned.
Read on...
U.S. Border Patrol agents have been ordered not to arrest illegal aliens along the section of the Arizona border where protesters patrolled last month because an increase in apprehensions there would prove the effectiveness of Minuteman volunteers, The Washington Times has learned.
Read on...
Sen. Byrd Schools Sen. Frist on the Constitution
Looks like the Republicans need to go and re-read the Constitution. Actually any American who falls for the right's disingenuous lies needs to read the Constitution so they'll realize when the wool is being pulled over their eyes.
Via Think Progress:
For months Majority Leader Bill Frist has claimed that the judicial filibuster is unconstitutional and all judicial nominees have a right to an up-or-down vote. For example, here is what Frist told the Federalist Society in November 2004:
Via Think Progress:
For months Majority Leader Bill Frist has claimed that the judicial filibuster is unconstitutional and all judicial nominees have a right to an up-or-down vote. For example, here is what Frist told the Federalist Society in November 2004:
This filibuster is nothing less than a formula for tyranny by the minority. If this is allowed to stand, the Minority will have effectively seized from the President the power to appoint judges. Never mind the Constitution.Today on the Senate floor Sen. Byrd asked Frist about his claim:
SEN. BYRD: I ask the Senator from Tennessee, I ask any Senator to respond to that question. Does this Constitution accord to each nominee an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor?The really sad part is, Frist will keep saying the same thing anyway. Never mind the Constitution.
SEN. FRIST: The question: Does the Constitution say that every nominee of the President deserves an up-or-down vote. And the ABC is - the answer is: no, the language is not there.
The Vent from the AJC
Friday's best...
Why can illegal immigrants get assistance with their medical bills but my mentally handicapped son doesn't qualify?
Lithonia is just another example of government idiots spending more money than they take in. This country is going to hell in a handbasket because of the stupidity of the government at all levels.
Note from JFA: Lithonia recently had to park all city vehicles (police cars, etc.) indefinitely because their liabiblity insurance lapsed. Nice way to handle government business!
United Airlines has gone from financial bankruptcy to moral bankruptcy. The executives get bonuses and retirees get the shaft.
Disabled veterans in this country do not receive free medical care, but illegal immigrants do. It's obvious something is very wrong with America.
I am not psychic, but I will predict the runaway bride eventually lives alone with lots of cats.
Wow! United got to dump billions in debt on taxpayers. Can the feds handle about $8,000 of my credit card debt?
How can anyone not be stupefied by the fact that the top headline on the front page of AJC.com is the American Idol results?
Why can illegal immigrants get assistance with their medical bills but my mentally handicapped son doesn't qualify?
Lithonia is just another example of government idiots spending more money than they take in. This country is going to hell in a handbasket because of the stupidity of the government at all levels.
Note from JFA: Lithonia recently had to park all city vehicles (police cars, etc.) indefinitely because their liabiblity insurance lapsed. Nice way to handle government business!
United Airlines has gone from financial bankruptcy to moral bankruptcy. The executives get bonuses and retirees get the shaft.
Disabled veterans in this country do not receive free medical care, but illegal immigrants do. It's obvious something is very wrong with America.
I am not psychic, but I will predict the runaway bride eventually lives alone with lots of cats.
Wow! United got to dump billions in debt on taxpayers. Can the feds handle about $8,000 of my credit card debt?
How can anyone not be stupefied by the fact that the top headline on the front page of AJC.com is the American Idol results?
5.12.2005
Classic Hate Mail Makes a Comeback
Via Ted Rall's web site...
rjstrah@msn.com writes:
I know smart gays, I know dumb gays. I sincerely doubt that homosexuality is related to intelligence. Oh, and I'm not saying whether or not I'm gay because to even address the question is to accept the premise that being called gay is an insult--which I don't consider it to be. What I will say, however, is that anyone who can find proof that I advocate "surrender" (to whom?) or pacificism would surprise me. One of my greatest criticisms of Bush's GWOT is that it has yet to begin. The 9/11 perps are still out there in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan--and Bush raised their allowance.
Everything else is just bullshit distraction.
rjstrah@msn.com writes:
Finally saw you on TV. I had no idea you were a homo. That explains your limp-wristed, pre-emptive surrender, foriegn policy,....... but most gays I know are bright. You're ignorance is somewhat unique.Ted replies:
You don't think swallowing man-juice can affect intelligence?........do you?
I know smart gays, I know dumb gays. I sincerely doubt that homosexuality is related to intelligence. Oh, and I'm not saying whether or not I'm gay because to even address the question is to accept the premise that being called gay is an insult--which I don't consider it to be. What I will say, however, is that anyone who can find proof that I advocate "surrender" (to whom?) or pacificism would surprise me. One of my greatest criticisms of Bush's GWOT is that it has yet to begin. The 9/11 perps are still out there in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan--and Bush raised their allowance.
Everything else is just bullshit distraction.
Did Dwight D. Eisenhower fortell the future?
Let's hope so.
"Should any political party attempt to abolish social security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political history. There is a tiny splinter group, of course, that believes you can do these things. Among them are [a] few other Texas oil millionaires, and an occasional politician or business man from other areas. Their number is negligible and they are stupid."Since Dubya, a Texas oil man, is trying to abolish social security as we know it, starve unemployment programs, weaken labor laws, and decimate rural/farm programs, let's hope Ike was right about the future of the GOP.
- President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 11/8/54
I've watched my last ABC Newscast
From ABC News - The Note: The New Abnormal
Apparently ABC no longer finds the death and carnage in Iraq to be newsworthy enough for a "breakthrough" to interrupt the normal flow of their other "news" such as runaway brides and small planes that veer off course.
Apparently ABC no longer finds the death and carnage in Iraq to be newsworthy enough for a "breakthrough" to interrupt the normal flow of their other "news" such as runaway brides and small planes that veer off course.
NEWS SUMMARY
Brides gotta run, planes gotta stray, and cable news networks gotta find a way to fill a lot of programming hours as cheaply as possible. (CNBC gets to talk about the booming April retail sales numbers, and the NRA's television network will replay the Secretary of State on Larry King over and over.)
We say with all the genuine apolitical and non-partisan human concern that we can muster that the death and carnage in Iraq is truly staggering.
And/but we are sort of resigned to the Notion that it simply isn't going to break through to American news organizations, or, for the most part, Americans.
Democrats are so thoroughly spooked by John Kerry's loss —- and Republicans so inspired by their stay-the-course Commander in Chief —- that what is hands down the biggest story every day in the world will get almost no coverage. No conflict at home = no coverage.
Dubya sez...
"I want to thank you for taking time out of your day to come and witness my hanging." —George W. Bush, at the dedication of his portrait, Austin, Texas, Jan. 4, 2002
5.11.2005
To Iraq, With Love
Kurt Vonnegut sent this post card to Dan Perkins aka Tom Tomorrow over at This Modern World. It's a hoot all the way down to the stamp he used.
Who needs this dumb 'ol planet anyway?
Amazing video by Ben of Ben & Jerry's fame illustrating the obscene amount of money we spend on our "nucular" armaments. We currently hold enough weaponry to destroy the Earth many, many times over.
See it here then fill out the form and send a message.
See it here then fill out the form and send a message.
Bill O'Lielly lashes out at Angelina Jolie and Don Cheadle
Their sins? Angelina won't come on his show and neither will Don. O'Lielly also bashes Don for using the starving people of Dafur to...well, draw attention to the starving people of Dafur
Via Think Progress
Via Think Progress
More military recruitment shenanigans
Chris Monarch wanted to join the Army so he made an appointment with a local Army recruiter, Sgt. Kelt. When a new baby came along, Chris changed his mind. Apparently he hung up on the recruiter when he called to confirm the appointment. Kelt told Chris that he would face arrest if he didn't keep his appointment. here's a transcript of the message Monarch received:
Sgt. Kelt: "Hey Chris, this is Sgt. Kelt at the army, man, I think we got disconnected. Ok, I know you're on your cell, probably, and, uh you just had bad reception, connection or something like that. I know you didn't hang up on me. Anyway, uh, by, by uh, federal law you've got an appointment with me at two o'clock this afternoon at Greenpoint Mall, ok? That's the Greenpoint Mall army recruiting station at two o'clock. Fail to appear, and, uh, we'll have a warrant, ok? Give me a call back (phone number given) bye."See the scumbag in action. Click here and then click Video: Desperate Army Recruiters.
In fear, Monarch called the recruiter back. Chris recounted that Kelt said, "Oh Chris, don't worry about that. That's just a marketing technique I use."
Lefty Bloggers Unite!
Since the election, our side of the blogosphere has done an excellent job at nationalizing issues. We will continue to refine nationalization, but now we need to localize.
In light of the impending "Frist Nuclear Option", BlogPAC is developing a regional infrastructure of Democratic bloggers.
This is a general call to sign up and unite to wage politics online. Who knows? You might meet a friend right in your own neighborhood.
In light of the impending "Frist Nuclear Option", BlogPAC is developing a regional infrastructure of Democratic bloggers.
This is a general call to sign up and unite to wage politics online. Who knows? You might meet a friend right in your own neighborhood.
Good 'ol Iraqi freedom - thanks Dubya!
It looks as though prostitution is once again legal in Iraq. If the woman gets pregnant she can have an abortion as long as she pays a fine to a cleric. I am so not making this up. I wonder how long it will take for the religious wrong to get their panties in a wad over this. Of course that will never happen since FAUX News won't cover it.
Read all about it
Read all about it
A Chicken in Every Plot
Eternally linked: Lynndie England, chicken-stomping, human-stomping, predatory lending, Bush campaign cash, the Dobsons, and the National Day of Prayer.
Via The Village Voice
Thanks to Benjie for the link.
Via The Village Voice
Thanks to Benjie for the link.
Letter to the Editor - The Orlando Sentinel
Ya just gotta love this guy. Sounds like a letter I would have written. Except that I do not support a draft. I don't want my son to be sent into this massive failure some call a war.
Opportunity to serve
I was encouraged to read in Saturday's "New Voices" feature that young Matthew Melone is so pleased with the changes occurring in the Middle East due to our foray into Iraq, even as the original mission of securing our country from the threat of WMDs has morphed into creating a democracy for the Iraqis.
After all, his generation and many to follow will be footing the bill.
I only wish that our administration would institute a policy of compulsive military service so that Melone and other like-thinking young people could have the opportunity actually to serve our country in its new nation-building role, instead of sitting comfortably in their dorm rooms watching Fox News.
Jon Wyse
Merritt Island
Opportunity to serve
I was encouraged to read in Saturday's "New Voices" feature that young Matthew Melone is so pleased with the changes occurring in the Middle East due to our foray into Iraq, even as the original mission of securing our country from the threat of WMDs has morphed into creating a democracy for the Iraqis.
After all, his generation and many to follow will be footing the bill.
I only wish that our administration would institute a policy of compulsive military service so that Melone and other like-thinking young people could have the opportunity actually to serve our country in its new nation-building role, instead of sitting comfortably in their dorm rooms watching Fox News.
Jon Wyse
Merritt Island
Another ex-Bushie spills the beans
It looks like the terror alerts we endured during the election were actually politically motivated and not based on actual intelligence. As if those of us with a brain didn't already know that. How many have you seen since last November? Yeah me either.
Tom Ridge says that he often disagreed with administration officials who wanted to elevate the threat level to orange, or "high" risk of terrorist attack, but was overruled. I wonder if the administation officials he referred to were Ashcroft and Rove. Probably both with a little Cheney mixed in for good measure. The asses of evil.
So all the Dubya voters who thought he would keep them safe got played by the GOP. The propoganda of fear was, and is, alive and well. Somewhere Joseph Goebbels is smiling.
Ridge reveals clashes on alerts
Tom Ridge says that he often disagreed with administration officials who wanted to elevate the threat level to orange, or "high" risk of terrorist attack, but was overruled. I wonder if the administation officials he referred to were Ashcroft and Rove. Probably both with a little Cheney mixed in for good measure. The asses of evil.
So all the Dubya voters who thought he would keep them safe got played by the GOP. The propoganda of fear was, and is, alive and well. Somewhere Joseph Goebbels is smiling.
Ridge reveals clashes on alerts
Photography
I thought it might be fun to share one of my passions. I've always loved viewing and creating interesting photographs. Here is one I took about 6 years ago in Warm Springs, GA. Winter home of FDR. I remember it was a very cold December day but this scene seemed warm to me. I hope you enjoy it.
Red Door
Red Door
Am I missing something?
I just read an article about a Senate bill that just passed that bars illegal immigrants from getting a driver's license. The bill would require anyone applying for a driver's license to confirm his or her legal status in the United States.
In the article Senator Ted Kennedy, who I've always admired, said the measures were pushed by "anti-immigrant extremists" and were "highly controversial, harmful and unnecessary." Why do I find myself on the conservative side of this issue? I don't have a conservative bone in my body. Since when do we embrace people who sneak into our country illegally?
I have no qualms about legal immigration. If we didn't allow legal immigration, most of us wouldn't be here today. It's what our country does best. We've always opened our collective arms to welcome people who want to come here for a better life. I fully agree with "Give Us Your Tired, Your Poor, Your Huddled Masses..." as long as they go through the process like my grandparents and great granparents did. Otherwise what's the point of having borders?
In the article Senator Ted Kennedy, who I've always admired, said the measures were pushed by "anti-immigrant extremists" and were "highly controversial, harmful and unnecessary." Why do I find myself on the conservative side of this issue? I don't have a conservative bone in my body. Since when do we embrace people who sneak into our country illegally?
I have no qualms about legal immigration. If we didn't allow legal immigration, most of us wouldn't be here today. It's what our country does best. We've always opened our collective arms to welcome people who want to come here for a better life. I fully agree with "Give Us Your Tired, Your Poor, Your Huddled Masses..." as long as they go through the process like my grandparents and great granparents did. Otherwise what's the point of having borders?
5.10.2005
Military service becoming increasingly unpopular
It's no wonder people are staying away in droves what with Dubya's illegal and unjust war. Not to mention the sleazy tactics being used by some recruiters lately. I wouldn't be suprised if they don't start using the shanghai method of recruitment. If recruiters don't start making their quotas soon, can the draft be far behind? Of course not. Dubya campaigned on the promise that he would never reinstate the draft. If you have kids in their mid to late teens the last link should be of particular interest to you.
Army Recruitee Tells Of False Promises
Army, Marines miss recruiting goals again
Name Withheld Pending Notification
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The Dems finally point out the hypocrisy
One thing is for certain: On the filibuster, Democrats aren't taking it lying down.
As Sen. Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) works to negotiate with Republican Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN), Democrats circulated a document Monday detailing each of the Republican senators who had ever filibustered or blocked a nominee.
The filibuster is a process by which 40 senators can veto a bill or nominee. Democrats have 44 members in the Senate, and are thereby able—when unified—to prevent a Bush judicial nominee from being confirmed.
Some senators, like Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), have filibustered as many as 13 nominees.
Republicans contend that Democrats have sought to block nominees based on their faith. Democrats have allowed for the confirmation of more than 200 of about 240 nominees put forth by President Bush.
The document follows.
Read more...
As Sen. Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) works to negotiate with Republican Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN), Democrats circulated a document Monday detailing each of the Republican senators who had ever filibustered or blocked a nominee.
The filibuster is a process by which 40 senators can veto a bill or nominee. Democrats have 44 members in the Senate, and are thereby able—when unified—to prevent a Bush judicial nominee from being confirmed.
Some senators, like Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), have filibustered as many as 13 nominees.
Republicans contend that Democrats have sought to block nominees based on their faith. Democrats have allowed for the confirmation of more than 200 of about 240 nominees put forth by President Bush.
The document follows.
Read more...
Bush in 30 years
Winner of the MoveOn Social Security "Bush in 30 Years" Flash animation contest
"If It Ain't Broke, Don't Privatize It"
"If It Ain't Broke, Don't Privatize It"
A GOP Plan to 'Fix' the Democrats
In this case they mean "fix" as in neuter. This is a great column that illustrates just why the current Democratic leadership is becoming increasingly uncomfortable in their minority status and why they are reluctant to bend over and accept the buggering from the right.
E.J. Dionne Jr. via The Washington Post
Username: wildsects@gmail.com
Password: 12345
E.J. Dionne Jr. via The Washington Post
Username: wildsects@gmail.com
Password: 12345
5.09.2005
Pat Robertson: Watch This Clip
You probably won't be shocked or even surprised at what you see in this video. It just illustrates just how christian-like the religious wrong really is. I wish they would have broadcast this segment.
Via Crooks and Liars
Via Crooks and Liars
From the "Why Do I Bother?" Department Part II
I had almost forgotten that I wrote to my slimey Senator regarding the national ID system the Republicans want to put in place. Not one mention of my concern for the hemorraging of illegals across our southern border. I suppose it's ok for terrorists to come in as long as we identify them at the DMV. Note the Freudian misspelling of United States. Don't our senators have spell check?
Saxby's latest response:
May 9, 2005
Mr. John Xxxxx
XXX Xxxxx Drive
Xxxxxxxx, Georgia XXXXX
Dear Mr. Xxxxx:
Thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts on the creation of a national identification card. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
In the wake of the tragedies of September 11, 2001, renewed debate has arisen regarding the effectiveness and the legal implications of a national identification card, a form of identification that would be more comprehensive than a driver's license, a Social Security card or a passport.
The idea of a national identification system with centralized repositories and tracking capabilities has long stirred controversy. I believe we must seek an appropriate balance between maintaining personal freedom and protecting national security. Those who oppose a national identification card cite the loss of privacy and fear of misuse, and others argue that a national identification card is unnecessary as citizens already have de facto identification cards in the form of social security cards and driver's licenses or state identification cards. They believe that these cards could be used as national identification cards with modification.
Conversely, advocates of a national identification system assert that such a system would serve as an invaluable tool to track the movement of known or potential terrorists, thus thwarting a terrorist attack. They also argue that such a system would facilitate the tracking of immigrants as they move in and out of the Untied States and would facilitate more accurate accountability of the number of immigrants in the U.S. Importantly, a national identification system would help ensure whether a person applying for a job is a legal visa holder, resident or American citizen rather than an illegal alien.
You may be interested to know that the recently passed S. 2845, the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004," did indicate that States would have to follow uniform national standards for what documents they accept in issuing driver's licenses and determining who is eligible to receive a license. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind should such legislation come before the United States Senate in the 109th Congress.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. As always, I appreciate hearing from you. In the meantime, if you would like to receive timely e-mail alerts regarding the latest congressional actions and my weekly e-newsletter, please sign up via my web site at: www.chambliss.senate.gov.
Sincerely,
Saxby Chambliss
United States Senate
Saxby's latest response:
May 9, 2005
Mr. John Xxxxx
XXX Xxxxx Drive
Xxxxxxxx, Georgia XXXXX
Dear Mr. Xxxxx:
Thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts on the creation of a national identification card. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
In the wake of the tragedies of September 11, 2001, renewed debate has arisen regarding the effectiveness and the legal implications of a national identification card, a form of identification that would be more comprehensive than a driver's license, a Social Security card or a passport.
The idea of a national identification system with centralized repositories and tracking capabilities has long stirred controversy. I believe we must seek an appropriate balance between maintaining personal freedom and protecting national security. Those who oppose a national identification card cite the loss of privacy and fear of misuse, and others argue that a national identification card is unnecessary as citizens already have de facto identification cards in the form of social security cards and driver's licenses or state identification cards. They believe that these cards could be used as national identification cards with modification.
Conversely, advocates of a national identification system assert that such a system would serve as an invaluable tool to track the movement of known or potential terrorists, thus thwarting a terrorist attack. They also argue that such a system would facilitate the tracking of immigrants as they move in and out of the Untied States and would facilitate more accurate accountability of the number of immigrants in the U.S. Importantly, a national identification system would help ensure whether a person applying for a job is a legal visa holder, resident or American citizen rather than an illegal alien.
You may be interested to know that the recently passed S. 2845, the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004," did indicate that States would have to follow uniform national standards for what documents they accept in issuing driver's licenses and determining who is eligible to receive a license. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind should such legislation come before the United States Senate in the 109th Congress.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. As always, I appreciate hearing from you. In the meantime, if you would like to receive timely e-mail alerts regarding the latest congressional actions and my weekly e-newsletter, please sign up via my web site at: www.chambliss.senate.gov.
Sincerely,
Saxby Chambliss
United States Senate
From the "Why Do I Bother?" Department
Growing up I always heard "write to your representatives if you want something done". I've made a habit of doing just that. I estimate that I write AT LEAST 10 or 15 letters a year. Some of my favorite responses in terms of double talk and gobbledygook were from Newt Gingrich.
Recently I've had several occasions to write to Sen. Saxby Chambliss, Sen. Johnny Isakson and Rep. Phil Gingrey. Chambliss is the guy who never served in the military but won his election by trashing a true military hero, Max Cleland, as being in line with Bin Laden. Yes Saxby is truly scum.
My most recent letter urged Sen. Chambliss to refuse the nomination of John Bolton. Saxby always writes back but it's always the same. In short he says "It really doesn't matter what your opinion is. I'm in Washington now an I know what's best." If you've never had the pleasure of receiving a response from a slimey southern red state politician, I'm sharing mine with you.
Here is his response:
Recently I've had several occasions to write to Sen. Saxby Chambliss, Sen. Johnny Isakson and Rep. Phil Gingrey. Chambliss is the guy who never served in the military but won his election by trashing a true military hero, Max Cleland, as being in line with Bin Laden. Yes Saxby is truly scum.
My most recent letter urged Sen. Chambliss to refuse the nomination of John Bolton. Saxby always writes back but it's always the same. In short he says "It really doesn't matter what your opinion is. I'm in Washington now an I know what's best." If you've never had the pleasure of receiving a response from a slimey southern red state politician, I'm sharing mine with you.
Here is his response:
May 6, 2005
Mr. John Xxxxx
XXX Xxxxx Drive
Xxxxxxxx, Georgia xxxxx
Dear Mr. Xxxxx:
Thank you for your letter of concern regarding President Bush's nomination of John Bolton to be the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (U.N.). I appreciate hearing from you.
On March 7, 2005, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced the nomination of John Bolton to be the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan expressed his congratulations and has said he looks forward to working with him. Mr. Bolton's nomination awaits confirmation by the Senate.
I support Mr. Bolton for several reasons. First, Mr. Bolton believes in a strong and more effective U.N., and has consistently argued that the U.S. must take the lead in helping to reform the U.N. I believe this is the only way the U.N. can fulfill its original promise of promoting international peace and security. Second, Mr. Bolton has promoted effective multilateral solutions to real world problems. He was President Bush's point person in designing the Proliferation Security Initiative. He also served as the principal U.S. negotiator for the Treaty of Moscow, and was a pioneer in helping to construct the G-8 Global Partnership to secure dangerous technologies and stop the spread of dangerous weapons. Finally, John Bolton believes in frank and honest diplomacy. He has not shied away from naming rogue states that violate their international commitments to treaties -- not calling attention to these violators is too dangerous in a post 9-11 world.
In an organization that has been riddled in scandal and corruption, John Bolton will help reform the U.N. and make its mission more effective. I am confident John Bolton is the right man for the job.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. If you would like to receive timely email alerts regarding the latest congressional actions and my weekly e-newsletter, please sign up via my web site at: www.chambliss.senate.gov. Please do not hesitate to be in touch if I may ever be of assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Saxby Chambliss
United States Senate
Bizarre sex habits of ultra-conservatives
Anti-abortion extremist Neal Horsley (not making this up) was a guest on The Alan Colmes Show on FOX News radio. The topic was an interesting one - whether or not an internet service provider should allow Horsley to post the names of abortion doctors on his website. Horsley does that as a way of targeting them and one doctor has been killed. In the course of the interview, however, Colmes asked Horsley about his background, including a statement that he had admitted to engaging in homosexual and bestiality sex.
At first, Horsley laughed and said, "Just because it's printed in the media, people jump to believe it."
"Is it true?" Colmes asked.
"Hey, Alan, if you want to accuse me of having sex when I was a fool, I did everything that crossed my mind that looked like I..."
AC: "You had sex with animals?"
NH: "Absolutely. I was a fool. When you grow up on a farm in Georgia, your first girlfriend is a mule."
AC: "I'm not so sure that that is so."
NH: "You didn't grow up on a farm in Georgia, did you?"
AC: "Are you suggesting that everybody who grows up on a farm in Georgia has a mule as a girlfriend?"
NH: It has historically been the case. You people are so far removed from the reality... Welcome to domestic life on the farm..."
Colmes said he thought there were a lot of people in the audience who grew up on farms, are living on farms now, raising kids on farms and "and I don't think they are dating Elsie right now. You know what I'm saying?"
Horsley said, "You experiment with anything that moves when you are growing up sexually. You're naive. You know better than that... If it's warm and it's damp and it vibrates you might in fact have sex with it."
In addition to Horsley, Colmes has recently interviewed Randall Terry another radical anti-abortionist and anti-gay activist. In the middle of an otherwise serious interview, Terry began joking that he and Colmes were ex-lovers.
Another extremist interviewed by Colmes not too long ago was Rev. Fred Phelps who stated on the show that he thought the death penalty should be given for those who engage in "sodomy." When Colmes asked Phelps if he had ever engaged in gay sex, Phelps blustered but never said no.
I'm beginning to sense a pattern here. Come to think of it,Ann Coulter the shrill blonde harpy is reputed to have an unusually wide-ranging sex life, too, though as far as I know it's just confined to men. Still, it doesn't exactly match the profile of an ultra-conservative.
At first, Horsley laughed and said, "Just because it's printed in the media, people jump to believe it."
"Is it true?" Colmes asked.
"Hey, Alan, if you want to accuse me of having sex when I was a fool, I did everything that crossed my mind that looked like I..."
AC: "You had sex with animals?"
NH: "Absolutely. I was a fool. When you grow up on a farm in Georgia, your first girlfriend is a mule."
AC: "I'm not so sure that that is so."
NH: "You didn't grow up on a farm in Georgia, did you?"
AC: "Are you suggesting that everybody who grows up on a farm in Georgia has a mule as a girlfriend?"
NH: It has historically been the case. You people are so far removed from the reality... Welcome to domestic life on the farm..."
Colmes said he thought there were a lot of people in the audience who grew up on farms, are living on farms now, raising kids on farms and "and I don't think they are dating Elsie right now. You know what I'm saying?"
Horsley said, "You experiment with anything that moves when you are growing up sexually. You're naive. You know better than that... If it's warm and it's damp and it vibrates you might in fact have sex with it."
In addition to Horsley, Colmes has recently interviewed Randall Terry another radical anti-abortionist and anti-gay activist. In the middle of an otherwise serious interview, Terry began joking that he and Colmes were ex-lovers.
Another extremist interviewed by Colmes not too long ago was Rev. Fred Phelps who stated on the show that he thought the death penalty should be given for those who engage in "sodomy." When Colmes asked Phelps if he had ever engaged in gay sex, Phelps blustered but never said no.
I'm beginning to sense a pattern here. Come to think of it,
Quote of the day
"With an alternative paper there's another voice - an alternative voice - for the community to partake of. With the consolidation of mass media today by vast corporate interests, these independent voices are all the more necessary if real knowledge and accurate information is to flourish. Without them, the world would be a poorer place."
-Steve Moss 1948-2005, publisher of the San Luis Obispo New Times
-Steve Moss 1948-2005, publisher of the San Luis Obispo New Times
I 
Maureen
What Rough Beasts?
By MAUREEN DOWD
Published: May 7, 2005
WASHINGTON
I love chimeras.
I've seen just about every werewolf, Dracula and mermaid movie ever made, I have a Medusa magnet on my refrigerator, and the Sphinx of Greek mythology is a role model for her lethal brand of mystery.
Read on...
Username: wildsects
Password: 12345
The Final Insult
By PAUL KRUGMAN
Published: May 9, 2005
Hell hath no fury like a scammer foiled. The card shark caught marking the deck, the auto dealer caught resetting a used car's odometer, is rarely contrite. On the contrary, they're usually angry, and they lash out at their intended marks, crying hypocrisy.
And so it is with those who would privatize Social Security. They didn't get away with scare tactics, or claims to offer something for nothing. Now they're accusing their opponents of coddling the rich and not caring about the poor.
Read on...
Username: wildsects
Password: 12345
Published: May 9, 2005
Hell hath no fury like a scammer foiled. The card shark caught marking the deck, the auto dealer caught resetting a used car's odometer, is rarely contrite. On the contrary, they're usually angry, and they lash out at their intended marks, crying hypocrisy.
And so it is with those who would privatize Social Security. They didn't get away with scare tactics, or claims to offer something for nothing. Now they're accusing their opponents of coddling the rich and not caring about the poor.
Read on...
Username: wildsects
Password: 12345
Imagine the uproar...
...that would occur if, while questioning Eric Robert Rudolph, they had flushed a bible down the toilet. But it's ok to flush the Koran 'cause they ain't like us. I'm beginning to believe that them not being like us is a good thing.
Dismay at US Koran 'desecration'
Dismay at US Koran 'desecration'
Church signs
I'm sure many of you have seen this. If you haven't, you're in for a treat.
Try it here: Church Sign Generator
Try it here: Church Sign Generator
Dubya's fiscal irresponsibility
The Republican promise of smaller, less-intrusive government is getting harder and harder to believe.
A report just released by the libertarian Cato Institute that relates just how out-of-control spending has gotten under The Horse Wanker.
Cato finds that:
* Bush has presided over the largest increase in federal spending since Lyndon Johnson.
* Even excluding defense and homeland security spending, Bush is the biggest-spending president in 30 years.
* The federal budget grew from 18.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product on President Bill Clinton's last day in office to 20.3 percent at the end of Bush's first term.
* Add to that Bush's massive Medicare prescription-drug benefit, expected to cost $720 billion-plus over the next 10 years. (The money for that new entitlement, the first created by a president in a generation, will start flowing this year.)
Bush may have cut taxes, but that's not the same thing as shrinking government.
A report just released by the libertarian Cato Institute that relates just how out-of-control spending has gotten under The Horse Wanker.
Cato finds that:
* Bush has presided over the largest increase in federal spending since Lyndon Johnson.
* Even excluding defense and homeland security spending, Bush is the biggest-spending president in 30 years.
* The federal budget grew from 18.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product on President Bill Clinton's last day in office to 20.3 percent at the end of Bush's first term.
* Add to that Bush's massive Medicare prescription-drug benefit, expected to cost $720 billion-plus over the next 10 years. (The money for that new entitlement, the first created by a president in a generation, will start flowing this year.)
Bush may have cut taxes, but that's not the same thing as shrinking government.
Top 10 Conservative Idiots
It's not surprising that the number 1 spot is filled by Chan Chandler, the NC pastor who decided to rid his church of all the "sinners" who voted for John Kerry in 2004. The rest of the slots are taken by the usual gang of idiots.
Via Democratic Underground
Via Democratic Underground
USA based on Christianity, not science
"We can't ignore that our nation is based on Christianity — not science."
- Kathy Martin, a member of the Kansas state board of education
Simply amazing that in this day and age superstition reigns.
Evolution Isn't a Natural Selection Here
- Kathy Martin, a member of the Kansas state board of education
Simply amazing that in this day and age superstition reigns.
Evolution Isn't a Natural Selection Here
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