Southern Decadence

This is just sick. Apparently God sent Katrina to New Orleans because of the upcoming "Southern Decadence" celebration. Now that's my kind of god (tongue planted firmly in cheek). Kill hundreds of innocent people so those gay folks won't have a place to party. WHAT A BUNCH OF SICK FUCKS THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT ARE!

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition

Hurrican Katrina points to the lies and the dastardly "faith-based" words of Tom Delay and other members of the religious right following the Asian tsunami They blamed that catastrophe on the un-Christian nature of the people affected. Clearly the same logic cannot apply to the suffering people of Mississippi and Louisiana. These words, and Pat Robertson's public call for the death of Hugo Chavez last week, should serve to remind us that religious fascism is not a unique historical phenomenon. It's happened before, many times, in places like Spain under the inquisition, Afghanistan under the Taliban, and Savanarola's Florence. In each of these regimes church and state were considered one, and deviation from political or religious orthodoxy warranted some nasty punishment.

Please donate to The Red Cross

(Click logo)

I don't often donate to charities, not because I'm a tightwad, but because I'd rather donate to political action that better addresses problems in the long-term. But right now there's a number of people in New Orleans who can't wait for the long term.

Please, donate to the Red Cross today. The aftermath of Katrina is nothing short of catastophic. We can and should discuss the impact of global warming on tropical storms, the poor planning of having our National Guard and their equipment dispatched halfway around the world, or merely the incompetence of Dubya who prefers to make speeches about Social Security privatization while New Orleans drowns.

But those are debates for tomorrow. Today, people need our help. Please, offer some.

I'm in for $10. It's not much, but it's what I can afford right now. I'll donate more in the near future.

Proof positive that Hugo Chavez should be assassinated immediately

Venezuela offers fuel, food to hurricane-hit US

No word yet on what Pat Robertson is offering. Other than to tightly close his eyes in front of the camera and thank God for wiping out all those sinners.

Commander in Chief

I just may have to watch this one.

Exerpt from A Lipstick President by Maureen Dowd

Nobody wants the vice president, a political independent, to be Madame President. Not the president, who tells her before he dies to resign so his ally, the archconservative speaker of the House played by Donald Sutherland, can get the job. Not the president's chief of staff. Not her sulky, sexy conservative teenage daughter. Even her supportive (and faithful) politico husband gets skittish after East Wing staffers begin calling him "the first lady" and arrange his meetings with the White House chef.

Mr. Sutherland's Nathan Templeton condescendingly asks her, "How many Islamic states do you think would follow the edicts of a woman?"

"Well, not only that, Nathan," she replies sarcastically, "but we have that whole 'once a month will she or won't she press the button' thing."

Excellent!

Asshat Quote of the day

"Iraq would be a quagmire."
-Dick Cheney while serving under Bush 41

I never knew he was a fortune teller but that is pretty damn accurate!

Look at the REAL looters

Rita Cosby and her two guests on CNN are outraged as they watch video of people looting A Wal-Mart. They are going on and on about the need to apprehend, crack down, and punish these people, all of whom clearly live in the devastated area and who are making off with $14 pairs of pants. Meanwhile, people in New Orleans are DYING.

You want REAL looting? Look at Halliburton and their $9 billion in missing Iraq funds. Want more? Try last year's shifting of New Orleans' disaster prep funding to Bush's war in Iraq and tax cuts.

Petition

Please sign this petition. It won't amount to much but we can dream can't we?

Sign the Petition of Redress. Either the Bush Kids Put Their Lives on the Line for George's "Noble War" or the Troops Come Home.

Dubya sez...

"I guess you couldn't ask for a better way of life than giving it for something that you believe in."

Is dying now considered a "way of life" by neocons?

Ann loses another soap box

Finally, we've decided that syndicated columnist Ann Coulter has worn out her welcome. Many readers find her shrill, bombastic and mean-spirited. And those are the words used by readers who identified themselves as conservatives.
-David Stoeffler on The Arizona Daily Star's recent decision to discontinue Ann Coulter's The Shrill Blonde Harpy's column in their paper

My opinion David Stoeffler: Opinion pages get a makeover

Bush administration is making progress

The Bush administration is to be congratulated for finally succeeding in bringing American-style democracy to Iraq.

Soon, just as in this country's last election, a slim majority of voters in one or two districts will determine whether the new Iraqi government will be allowed to marginalize those in the minority, limit the rights of women and favor the interests of conservative religious groups. We're making progress - the process is moving forward.

Washington Democrats new credo...

"(Insert issue here) is unpopular with the public but taking a stand against it is risky. Let's not mention it."

"What kind of fucktarded plan have we been half-assedly executing?"

Before he died when his truck overturned during combat in Baghdad, Sgt. Thomas Strickland, 27, posted an entry on his weblog sharing his anger about the situation in Iraq.

In a weblog he fatalistically titled One Foot in the Grave, Strickland asked, "What kind of fucktarded plan have we been half-assedly executing?"
Strickland, who aspired to teach English, was recalled by friend Mark Kraft as a gifted writer and poet.

He wrote this on his weblog Aug. 13, two days before the accident:

MotherFucker.

I'm back home.

Mahmudijah.

The Mahm.

St. Michael.

What have you.

My truck, which I left here in good working order, is destroyed mostly.

The insurgency is on the rise in our area, with a most impressive coordinated assault on one of my sister FOBs (St. Joe) under their belt. Apparently they have enough folks and sophistication in my back yard where they can simultaneously place accurate mortar rounds on three seperate locations (at least 30k apart) to tie up any ground mounted quick reaction forces, as well as offer up multiple RPG strikes on the guard towers at Joe. These RPG attacks really bring out the QRF who face their own ambush as they come out the gate, at least 12 insurgents occupying buildings with an overwatch position to Joe's only entrance armed with more rpg's and small arms. The only possible responses are tanks or Apaches. Luckily we have both on call. 12 dead insurgents, destroyed buildings, a compromised FOB, sustained, accurate and unaswered indirect fire and lots o unanswered questions later... I'm here.

What the fuck has my chain of command been doing? We were winning somewhat when I left. And now we're being pinned down in our own fucking homes? Insurgents are pushing locals out of their homes and taking over my area at will? What kind of fucktarded plan have we been half-assedly executing? Obviously the kind that neglects sound contact with locals. Obviously the kind that gives further distance to unbridged gaps between soldiers and locals. Obviously the kind that has shown enough weakness when confronted by the insugency that it has been encouraged to grow.

Back home (the USA kind) I have no home, no job, and my commander in chief is on vacation (he's about 20 days behind Ronald Reagan right now in the race to become the most vacationing president ever. Hey W! we all got our fingers crossed! Here's to you and two more years of presidency...er vacationing!). Luckily pretty much everything that is important to me can fit into the back of a truck. Luckily I just paid off one of those.

In their fear to build relationships and get out of their hiding holes the FOBbits above me have fucked my friends and I.

We've just completed the first 1/4 of our tour. we've sent 4 of 24 members of this platoon home with injuries.

Thankfully we're not like another who has sent 8 home in body bags...but we got 9 months to go.

Stay true lambs, REV

The World's Shortest Personality Test

My results:
You are dependable, popular, and observant.
Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness.
In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do.

You are unique, creative, and expressive.
You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while.
And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!

Try it

OK I can die now - I've heard it all

I have no words. Just go read it.
Church: God Punishing GIs Over Gays

This is VERY disturbing!

Christian Exodus activists plan to take control of sheriff's offices, city councils and school boards. Eventually, they say, they will control South Carolina. They will pass godly legislation, defying Supreme Court rulings on the separation of church and state.

Strategizing a Christian Coup d'Etat

Iraq takes a giant step back in women's rights

Just look at all that progress! An Iraqi woman who flaunted her blue ink stained finger for Bush has recanted her story because Iraqi women will be oppressed under the new faux Constitution. "When we came back from exile, we thought we were going to improve rights and the position of women. But look what has happened! We have lost all the gains we made over the past 30 years." Nice going Dubya! Moving Iraq Backwards for Women!
Iraqi activist taken up by Bush recants her views

How do you get Dubya to get off his ass and do his job?

AMERICAblog has the answer!

Congrats to Green Day

Green Day, who arrived in the vintage green convertible from their "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" video, won best rock video for the clip — one of the eight awards they were nominated for, making them the most nominated act of the year.

"It's great to know that rock music still has a place at MTV," said lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong, speaking of hip-hop's recent takeover.

Political Mystery Tour?

Thailand isn’t on the itineraries of most touring musicians, so it’s a rare treat when a recording act makes an appearance here. But it’s an even rarer event when the tour is sponsored by the US Embassy.

Yes, in a rare non-military maneuver, the US government continues their attempts to spread “American Culture and Values” to all corners of the globe. A Texas musician named Jesse Dayton arrived in Thailand last week for a series of shows. This wasn’t the first time that the US Embassy has sponsored tours in Thailand. Last year they brought an act called the Chicago Jazz Quartet to Bangkok, and in 2000 they sponsored the Angela Hagenbach Trio (once again: who?) for a series of shows. The 2004 concerts were under the auspices of the US State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and their “Jazz Ambassadors Program.” Remember, your tax dollars are supporting these crusades. For last week’s Jesse Dayton tour, the press release from the US Embassy had this to say:

The Embassy of the United States of America proudly presents the ‘At the Right Time with Turbo-Country Jesse Dayton’ concert by Jesse Dayton from Austin, Texas. The band will offer free concerts throughout Thailand. Interested music lovers should contact local venues for ticket availability. Jesse Dayton is a new kind of country musician. Raised on a Gulf Coast musical gumbo that accepts everything from the classic heartbreak honky-tonk of George Jones to the classic rock of the Big Bopper and the blue-eyed soul of R&B standouts like Cookie and the Cupcakes, Dayton’s musical vision goes far beyond the boundaries of what we usually consider ‘country music’. He might best be described as a ‘turbo-country musician’ and definitely ‘a star waiting to happen.’

I’m an avid music listener and I try and keep up with the latest music trends and recording artists. But I’d never heard of Jesse Dayton (not to mention Cookie and the Cupcakes!) and my curiosity was aroused. Who is this guy and why is the US Embassy bringing him halfway around the world to play free shows? It turns out that Dayton has recorded four albums, one of which features some musicians that I’ve actually heard of, such as Jim Lauderdale, Doug Sahm, Johnny Gimble, and Flaco Jiminez. Judging from the favorable reviews posted on Dayton’s own website and on Amazon.com, it sounds like the sort of music I’d enjoy. Dayton is from Texas, so naturally I wondered if he was one of Dubya’s Freedom Fighting buddies, or perhaps a Christian missionary with a musical “message” for the people.

But during my web search I couldn’t find any odd political or religious alliances for Jesse Dayton. A couple of songs (“Jesus Pick Me Up” and “Ain’t Grace Amazing”) on his newest album, Country Soul Brother, might indicate a religious streak, but then again, the latter song could refer to a girl (or hooker) named Grace. I also discovered that Dayton played at one of Bill Clinton’s inauguration balls, the Dixie Chicks (noted Bush bashers) appear on one of his albums, and Dayton claims to be a fan of Steve Earle (another vehement critic of the current regime). So the guy doesn’t strike me as some sort of mindless Neo Con. In an interview on his website, Jesse says that he enjoyed playing Willie Nelson’s legendary Fourth of July picnic because it had “cold Lone Star (beer), topless girls, and plenty of Mexican lettuce.” The latter item, in case you were wondering, does not refer to an edible vegetable. In any event, those are not the sort of “American Values” that the Bushites would seem to embrace, are they?

All of this makes me even more puzzled: why did the US Embassy sponsor this guy’s tour?
http://www.jessedayton.com/tour.htm

Mercedes Buddhists

The Bangkok Post reported this week that a "revered local monk and his chauffeur" were killed when their Mercedes Benz rolled over and crashed while attempting to pass two other vehicles.

Highway carnage, Mercedes Benz ownership and Buddhist monks with Benzes are all common sights in Thailand. In fact, the luxury vehicle is so well-loved in the kingdom that it is quite common for children to be given the nickname "Benz."

Five years ago, one Thai monk made headlines - and was mildly censured - for amassing a collection of 60 cars, many of them shiny Mercedes models. The cars had either been donated to the temple or purchased with donations given by the monk's followers and disciples. The monk claimed that he "only" owned 29 of the vehicles, and that those were intended for his planned Classic Auto Museum. He further defended the large collection, saying that younger monks and novices at his temple needed the cars to learn the skills needed to work as auto mechanics after they had left the monkhood.

I don't know about you, but all of this silliness conjures up visions of Janis Joplin singing: "Oh lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz." I just don't think that she, or the song writer Kris Kristofferson, had Buddhist monks in mind when they performed the song.

I Maureen

Bike-Deep in the Big Muddy
By MAUREEN DOWD

W. has jumped the couch.

Not fallen off the couch, as he did when he choked on that pretzel.

Jumped it.

According to UrbanDictionary.com, "jump the couch" has now become slang for "a defining moment when you know someone has gone off the deep end. Inspired by Tom Cruise's recent behavior on 'Oprah.' Also see 'jump the shark.'"

The former stateside National Guardsman who was sometimes M.I.A. jumped the shark by landing on that "Mission Accomplished" carrier. (With Tom Cruise cockiness.)
Continue here

Butch and Sundance may ride again

Well, sort of. Paul Newman and Robert Redford are considering pairing up again in a new movie. No they won't portray Butch and Sundance or reprise their roles from The Sting. It will be an adaptation of Bill Bryson's travel book "A Walk in the Woods," the story of the author's hike through the American wilderness with a friend.

Ever since it's release in 1969, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid has been one of my favorite films. I was 12 when I first saw Butch and Sundance ride across the screen. That was the first movie I ever saw multiple times in the theater. They were my heroes and were the subjects of many hours of playing "Butch and Sundance". We would strap on our toy guns (they really used to sell them in the olden days) and re-enact the movie to the best of our abilities.

All these years later Paul and Robert are still my heroes in different ways. Especially Robert with his tireless work as a founder of the NRDC and other pro environmental causes such as the U.S. Green Building Council. Paul is no slouch either. He donates all his profits and royalties from Newman's Own to educational and charitable organizations. Paul has given over $150 million to thousands of charities since 1982. Pick up some of his products. They're wonderful and the product descriptions on each jar of sauce are hysterical.

Redford and Newman may pair up again on screen

Still the Sundance Kid

Newman's Own

John Bolton is proving us right

After Bush snuck him in with a recess appointment, John Bolton is busy at the U.N. editing documents. His edits to one on U.N. reform document are particuarly disturbing. He apparently doesn't like "respect for nature," "corporate responsibility and accountability," transparency in the U.N. Security Council, or the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. I can't say I'm at all surprised, can you? It's so nice to be right. Of course where Dubya is concerned we're batting 1000.

More at The Huffington Post

Luckovich 08/28/2005

Katrina and the Waves tour south Florida

And nobody heard "I'm Walkin' on Sunshine"

Hurricane Katrina punishes south Florida

Asshat Quote of the day

***WARNING***
Get out the puke bucket before reading this one.

"George W. is the most amazing president. How could anyone have imagined that such a man, who lacks all the credentials to conduct foreign policy (he hasn't traveled, he hasn't studied foreign cultures, he doesn't speak foreign languages, his knowledge of world history is skimpy, and he hasn't memorized the last decade of the New York Times) would turn out to have the best foreign-policy instincts imaginable? He reminds me more and more of Harry Truman and Ronald Reagan. He has the most important quality of a great leader: He instinctively finds the words to express what the American people believe. And his are simple words, not fancy ones."
-Micheal Ledeen

Who is Michael Ledeen?

Another funny from Thailand

I hope nobody in the Bush administration sees this story. I would hate for Dubya or Scotty McClellan to get any ideas. Do you think the Bushies would be above trying something similar? I don't. Not for a minute.

Thai PM uses buzzer on reporters

Payday!

Another payday comes and goes. Too bad I'm not "Bush rich". Then 1/3rd of my check wouldn't disappear every time I get paid. Almost exactly 1/3rd! That REALLY sucks! I wonder what percentage Dubya's base loses when they collect their dividends, etc. God knows they aren't relying on a check every other week.

Rocks Thrown at Border Patrol Chopper

Illegal immigrants threw rocks at a Border Patrol helicopter, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing when one of the rocks damaged the rotor, the agency said.

Neither the pilot nor the Border Patrol observer was injured.

The A-Star helicopter was two miles west of the U.S. Port of Entry in Andrade, Calif., on Tuesday when a group of immigrants began throwing rocks at the aircraft.

One baseball-sized rock gashed the rotor, forcing the pilot to land nearby, said Michael Gramley, spokesman for the Border Patrol sector based in Yuma, Ariz.

Gramley said he did not know how high the helicopter was hovering when it was struck, but he said it was being repaired and is expected back in service soon.

After the incident, 17 people were apprehended for illegally crossing the border, and two of them were being investigated for smuggling. Ten immigrants evaded capture.

The investigation into the rock-throwing was continuing.

Now they're trying to damage our helicopters and possibly injure or kill our citizens! Not to mention the alleged smuggling. I say it's time we return the favor and start using rubber bullets or very large water hoses on them. I wonder when Dubya and his administration will take this problem seriously. Probably about the time illegals start demanding higher wages or protesting his war. I have an idea. Let them come across the border, put them in a uniform and ship them to Iraq. It gives them a job "that Americans won't do" and solves the low recruitment problem.

Friday Bush Monkey blogging

The Vent from the AJC

Friday

Cindy's son volunteered and died. Barbara's son deserted and lied.

Bush should only be allowed to speak before veterans of Alabama's foreign wars.

"W" loves riding his bike so much, somebody should give him a paper route. That way he'd accomplish something before his term ends.

Talk radio used to be the voice of the little man. Now it's a nonstop Republican fund-raiser.

The new constitution in Iraq will give clerics rule over women. Is that what we're fighting for?

It is hard to believe that a military installation in Texas was spared from the closure list.

The 2004 election: Proof Bush supporters are slow learners.

Pat Robertson isn't a real Christian, he just plays one on TV.

If you voted for Bush, here's your chance to plant your butt where your ridiculous car magnet is, smack dab in the middle of the Sunni Triangle.

Excellent piece by Ted Rall!

Sacrifice? Count Me Out

Checkmate!

"Even pawns can put a king in check - and that, if you think about it, is what democracy, real democracy, is supposed to be about."
-John Maxwell

Bush, in Check

Another recess appointment?

Shame on Bangkok Bertha...

for not sharing this story with us :-)

Quote of the day

"It is characteristic of those who are evil to judge others as evil. Unable to acknowledge their own imperfections, they must explain away their flaws by blaming others. And, if necessary, they will even destory others in the name of righteousness."
-M. Scott Peck - People of the Lie (1998)

Bush's summer reading list

It looks like Bangkok Bertha was right in his assessment that there is NO FRIGGIN' WAY that Dubya read anything heavier than an Archie comic book over the summer. These articles are excellent.

The 'Big Lie' on Bush's Nightstand
Bush’s Summer Reading List Is Part of His Propagandists’ Big Lie Playbook

Government by Dirty Tricks

George W. Bush is the kind of guy you remember if you happen to cross his path -- at least his economics professor at Harvard Business School thinks so. Bush, you will recall, was at Harvard immediately after he left the Alabama National Guard -- if he was ever there to begin with. He openly boasted to Tsurumi about using pull to get into a champagne unit, and Tsurumi was shocked. Most people wouldn’t do that, especially back then.

Tsurumi has an even lower opinion of George Bush than Bush’s commander in the Texas Air National Guard, Lt. Col. Jerry Killian, did:

He showed pathological lying habits and was in denial when challenged on his prejudices and biases. He would even deny saying something he just said 30 seconds ago. He was famous for that. . . .

Students who challenged and embarrassed Bush in class would then become the subject of a whispering campaign by him, Tsurumi said. “In class, he couldn’t challenge them. But after class, he sometimes came up to me in the hallway and started bad-mouthing those students who had challenged him. He would complain that someone was drinking too much. It was innuendo and lies. So that’s how I knew, behind his smile and his smirk, that he was a very insecure, cunning and vengeful guy.

This past week when George W. Bush stood on the lawn of his ranch in Crawford, he declared that he supported Cindy Sheehan’s constitutional right to her strong opinion against the war in Iraq. This is America, he said. And the minute he was on the record as backing her First Amendment rights, the attack dogs went off the leash.

That’s the kind of government we have now. It’s run by people who have the mentality of 13-year-olds who repeat everything you say. Everything is carried out in the spirit of a very nasty practical joke whose very stupidity is a tremendous insult. Unfortunately, these puerile tactics do accomplish their purpose: they make us disengage.

This technique, refined, rehearsed, backed by bottomless resources, has had just that effect on the portion of the American public that might actually resist the fascist takeover we are witnessing. Many people who are on our side still cannot get past a certain level of spin without disengaging. Our retreat is a victory for Karl Rove, every single time; he just keeps racking them up.

More via Dissident Voice

FOUND IT!

Get your very own Bullshit Protector. Many styles to choose from. They even offer a GOP Bullshit Deflector. Be is style the next time you attend an event sponsored by your local politician.

Watch this

I must have one!

Bill Moyer, 73, wears a "“Bullshit Protector" while Dubya addresses the Veterans of Foreign Wars at their 106th convention Monday in Salt Lake City. Moyer served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. That's funny. The media said that everyone in the audience totally supported every utterance out of Dubya's lying gob.

I Maureen

For political reasons, the president has a history of silence on America's war dead. But he finally mentioned them on Monday because it became politically useful to use them as a rationale for war - now that all the other rationales have gone up in smoke.

My Private Idaho

Luckovich 08/24/2005

The Vent from the AJC

Wednesday

Congratulations to Ayatollah Robertson on issuing his first fatwa.

Congratulations, President Bush. In just a few years you have succeeded in forming two new Islamic republics.

A man without God is like a fish without a skateboard.

Cheap condo for sale, Gaza Strip. Call quickly!

Hey, Pat Robertson, remind me again which Bible verse endorses assassination?

I find it interesting that the majority of the vents that are published are bashing Bush, when the majority of the people in this state re-elected him.
(Maybe that's because those of us bashing him can actually read the paper)

Pat Robertson, it is the 700 Club, not 007. You do not have a license to kill!

Latest gas prices

(Thanks to Jimbob)

The 6th Commandment according to Pat Robertson

Thou shalt not kill unless it will stop the oil shipments.

Bush administration now distancing themselves from Robertson's remarks

I may have jumped the gun a bit by lumping the Bush admin in with Robertson and his call to assassinate Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. I'll bet I wasn't too far off the mark considering the fact that Republicans are nothing more than different heads on a multi-headed beast.

Open Letter to GWB from a Gold Star Mom

Read it here

"What I read on my summer vacation"

Many thanks to Bangkok Bertha for pointing this out to me. It's a column by Mark Kurlansky. Author of Salt: A World History. One of Dubya's supposed summer reading choices. It actually looks like a fascinating read. I never realized how historically important salt was. The author makes a good point that all the fuss over common salt seems a little silly today and that hopefully Dubya will realize that, in time, the fights over oil will look equally foolish. I'm not holding my breath. Looking silly seems to be the one thing in which Dubya excels.
Hope you like my book, Mr Bush

What Boneheaded Design Guides Dubya's Moves?

by Linwood Barclay

How does one explain all the misguided, unwise, sometimes outright boneheaded things the Bush administration has done since taking over nearly five years ago, and continues to do on a pretty much daily basis? How is it possible for a group of supposedly intelligent, experienced individuals to take this many wrong turns? Wouldn't you think that once in a while, even by accident, that George W. Bush and his advisers would make a decision that made sense?

Can this much mismanagement happen totally at random? Would the occupants of the Bush White House have us believe that all these things, these missteps, these miscalculations, these attempts to deceive, that they all, you know, just kind of happened?

I'm not so sure. And I'm not the only one starting to ask questions. More and more, it seems unlikely that mere human beings could make this many mistakes without some sort of misguiding force, a kind of supernatural entity that has trouble remembering where it put its car keys.

That's where unintelligent design comes in.
More...

Dubya STILL invoking 9/11 when speaking of Iraq

He just loves to beat a dead horse. I suppose he'll keep on trying to make that connection until we all come around. Looking at his latest poll numbers that seems very unlikely. The administration holds this view:

The White House says the presence in Iraq of al Qaeda-linked insurgents shows the link with terrorism, although the U.S. administration concedes many of those militants have come into Iraq from other countries since the U.S. invasion.

Yep - makes sense to me :-(

Bush: US must finish job in Iraq to honor the fallen

Luckovich 08/23/2005

More on the Pat Robertson story

The reason the Bush administration and their minions are so rabid about Venezuela? They have lots of oil. Why is it that we're only concerned with the "horrible dictators" who have lots of oil?

Televangelist Calls for Chavez' Death

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson suggested on-air that American operatives assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to stop his country from becoming "a launching pad for communist infiltration and Muslim extremism."

Bullshit! If that were a legitimate concern we would have secured our border with Mexico long before this.

"We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability," Robertson said Monday on the Christian Broadcast Network's "The 700 Club."

"We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one, you know, strong-arm dictator," he continued.

I have news for you Buckwheat - we didn't need the first $200 billion war.

"It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with."

Chavez has emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of President Bush, accusing the United States of conspiring to topple his government and possibly backing plots to assassinate him. U.S. officials have called the accusations ridiculous.

"You know, I don't know about this doctrine of assassination, but if he thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it," Robertson said.

Yeah that makes a lot of sense - IF YOU'RE A FUCKING MANIAC!

"It's a whole lot cheaper than starting a war ... and I don't think any oil shipments will stop."

There it is - the money line. I told you it was about oil!

Robertson, 75, founder of the Christian Coalition of America and a former presidential candidate, accused the United States of failing to act when Chavez was briefly overthrown in 2002.

Electronic pages and a message to a Robertson spokeswoman were not immediately returned Monday evening.

Venezuela is the fifth largest oil exporter and a major supplier of oil to the United States. The CIA estimates that U.S. markets absorb almost 59 percent of Venezuela's total exports.

Venezuela's government has demanded in the past that the United States crack down on Cuban and Venezuelan "terrorists" in Florida who they say are conspiring against Chavez.

Robertson has made controversial statements in the past. In October 2003, he suggested that the State Department be blown up with a nuclear device.

Sounds like a terrorist to me.

He has also said that feminism encourages women to "kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians."

That settles it - Robertson needs to be assassinated.

Pat Robertson is no Christian!

He just called for the assassination of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. What genuine Christian does that? It's further proof that he is nothing more than a member of the American Taliban.

Hey, War Pig!

I made a ton of compilation tapes back in the 1980s, most of the songs coming from my - at the time - extensive record collection. Even these days, amidst all the new digital formats and online downloading that has overwhelmed us, I still occasionally dust off an old tape and play it. The beauty of those tapes is that I'm always surprised by something I hear. Thinking: why don't I have that song on CD? Well, in many cases, it just doesn't exist on CD.

Today I was listening to one of my old tapes when one of those elusive classics grabbed my attention: "Hey, War Pig" by Kimberley Rew. This song came from The Bible of Bop, an obscure 1982 EP that Rew recorded just after he left the Soft Boys (Robyn Hitchcock's old band) and before he joined Katrina & The Waves (remember "Walking on Sunshine" ?). In fact, both Hitchcock and Katrina play on the record. Anyway, "Hey, War Pig" was a great, punchy, anthem of a song. The lyrics weren't much, but they were pretty damn powerful. And with the ongoing debacle in Iraq, the words seem very topical twenty-three years later:
"Hey, War Pig / Hey, War Pig / Don't Kill My Kid"
And that was it; the same lyrics over and over again, with a driving beat and ringing guitar propelling the song along. Such a cool song and I don't think anyone has ever covered it. But the good news is that the Bongo Beat label plans to re-issue Bible of Bop on CD (with bonus tracks) later this year.

Excellent piece by Paul Begala

Such is the hatred of the far right at the dawn of the 21st Century. And my how the optical worm has turned. Today it is the left invoking faith, flag and family, while the right destroys crosses. Today it is the left that honors the war dead, raises up a Gold Star Mother and publicly prays for our troops, while the right viciously attacks a woman who gave her country everything. Today it is the left that patiently and peacefully respects the Office of the Presidency, while the right diminishes the office by claiming it’s more important for the President to go bike-riding with a sports hero than comfort the mother of a war hero.

For the last two presidential elections it has been the Democratic Party whose nominee was a Vietnam War veteran, while the Republicans have sputtered out spurious defenses of their candidate’s deceitful draft-dodging.

On Thursday, Dick Cheney, who said he had “other priorities” in the Vietnam era, and so helped himself to five draft deferments, will address the 73rd Convention of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. I do not think he will express remorse for the callousness with which he explained his cowardice. Nor do I expect him to apologize for the shocking, mocking Republicans who, at their New York Convention a year ago, sported Band-Aids with tiny purple hearts to mock the blood shed by John Kerry and so many other heroes in that misbegotten war.

No, Mr. Cheney, surrounded by body guards who would gladly give their life for him, will no doubt wrap himself in the flag. A flag Larry Chad Northern wrapped around his axle on Prairie Chapel Road.

A few quotes to illustrate that Larry Northern doesn't represent the fringes of the Republican party but the very core of it:

We’re going to keep building the party until we’re hunting Democrats with dogs.
-Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX)
Mother Jones, 8/1995

I tell people don’t kill all the liberals. Leave enough so we can have two on every campus - living fossils - so we will never forget what these people stood for.
-Rush Limbaugh
Denver Post, 12/29/1995

Environmentalists are a socialist group of individuals that are the tool of the Democrat Party. I’m proud to say that they are my enemy. They are not Americans, never have been Americans, never will be Americans.
-Rep. Don Young (R-AK)
Alaska Public Radio, 8/19/1996

Get rid of the guy. Impeach him, censure him, assassinate him.
-Rep. James Hansen (R-UT) 11/1/1998

We need to execute people like John Walker in order to physically intimidate liberals, by making them realize that they can be killed, too. Otherwise, they will turn out to be outright traitors.
-Ann Coulter 2/26/2002

Bush hatred has become a defining characteristic for many liberals—so much so that they appear to identify with it more surely and swiftly than they do their American citizenship. At times, some extremist liberals seem to be rooting against their fellow Americans and in favor of those who would kill us.
-Tara Ross 2/1/2005

The Democratic leadership priority is to actively engage in the politics of division and distraction that can undermine our national security in favor of a left-wing agenda.
-Ron Bonjean 6/23/2005

Wouldn’t it be great if anybody who speaks out against this country, to kick them out of the country? Anybody that threatens this country, kick ‘em out. We’d get rid of Michael Moore, we’d get rid of half the Democratic Party if we would just import that law. That would be fabulous. The Supreme Court ought to look into this. Absolutely brilliant idea out there.
-Rush Limbaugh 8/11/2005

Unfortunatley Larry Northern is but the tip of the iceberg. There will be more violence from the right.

UPDATE: Tom asked for the entire Begala column. I meant to link to it but forgot. Here it is: Anti-War Imagery and the Iconography of Hate

McCarthyism is alive and well in Pennsylvania

Warning: this story will piss you off!

On the evening of August 10, Hannah Shaffer of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, decided to go to the nearby Barnes & Noble outside of Wilmington. She wanted to see Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, who was promoting his book, “It Takes a Family.”

The event was billed as a “book signing and discussion,” Shaffer says.

But discussion was the last thing that the Senator’s people wanted.

Shaffer, her friends, and two other young women were booted out of the store and threatened with imprisonment even before they had a chance to say a word to Santorum, as Al Mascitti first noted in the Delaware News Journal.
Continue

UPDATE: The link has been repaired. Thanks to Tom for pointing it out.

Sunday Night Music

Check out The Ditty Bops

Listen to Ooh La La (3.7mb)

The Saturday Vent

From the sane...

After you've honored the fallen with a moment of silence, it's time to break that silence so that more don't pay the ultimate price.

Getting married to have sex is like setting the house on fire to make toast.

You know your neighborhood is bad when most of your neighbors are in jail.

If you want to get rid of crack pipes in stores, just have them declared a sex toy.

George W. has no housing, food, or car bills. How can he feel our pain?

Is any conflict "honest and worthwhile?" Not if I'm the one being shot at. Get real!

Japan was defeated in 1945, and we still have troops there.

Almost 2,000 American soldiers dead, and Republicans still want to talk about interns.

Bush drove three companies into bankruptcy, and now he's doing it to us and our country.

Americans don’t really have much taste and only minimal intelligence. They DO watch “Being Bobby Brown” and elected Dubya at least once.

The problem with America is stupidity. I’m not saying there should be a capital punishment for stupidity, but why don’t we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself?

...and the insane

Finally, a positive article on what the military is doing in Iraq!

We are still in Iraq because we would rather fight the Islamic jihadists over there than in our own neighborhoods.

Memo to Drudge, et al: It's Not About Me, It's About the War

by Cindy Sheehan

Even after my repeated attempts to keep the focus of my protest on the war, the Drudge Report and others continue to try to make the issue about me. But I am not the issue. The issue is a disastrous war that's killing our sons and daughters and making our country less secure. They attack me because they can no longer defend this war.
I've come to Crawford to bring to the president's doorstep the harsh realities of a war he's been trying so hard to avoid. But no matter what they say or how many shotguns they fire or how many crosses they destroy, they're not going to stop me from speaking out about a war that needlessly killed my son.

Happy birthday to our last legitimate president

Blind ignorance is a GOP trait

Letter to the AJC editor

Blame Democrats, not the president

Many are quick to blame President Bush for the high cost of gas, but it is not entirely his fault and it did not arrive at pumps overnight.

When Bush asked Congress to allow for more drilling of domestic oil, he was fought by every Democrat and overzealous environmentalist. We are now paying for their nearsightedness.

GLENN HODGES, Nashville, Ga.

The Vent from the AJC

Friday

I suggest all you SUV drivers move to Iraq. Gas is only a nickel a gallon!

Any American administration that gives our money to a foreign government should be impeached and tried for grand larceny.

Republican ticket for 2008: John McCain, Zell Miller.
-with Zell on the ticket it would ensure a Democratic win - what a nutjob!

Democracy: Where any two idiots can outvote a genius.

Yes, our soldiers are volunteers and sign on the dotted line with assurances that their government will lead them into an honest and worthwhile conflict. Iraq is neither.

Call me an environmental wacko if you want, but I still think destroying the Alaskan wilderness so you can drive your Humvee three blocks to buy smokes is a bad trade.

Saddam was removed months ago. Why are our boys still there?

Has "what's good for big business is also good for the people" started working yet?

Sign seen at a Cobb County gas station: "Bush/Cheney bumper sticker removed with each fill-up."

Friday Bush Monkey blogging

FOX News encourages abolishing Social Security

I would ask if these people are out of their minds but we all know the answer to that already.

via Media Matters

Good question

Telnaes 08/16/2005

Dasa in the media

Bangkok Bertha's book store, Dasa, was the location of a pictorial in Lite. A Thai men's magazine. Below are some of the shots. Enjoy.





See more here

BlogSpam

I seem to be getting my fair share of it. Generally they start out complimenting the blog and then they include a link to their commercial site. Fair warning to all BlogSpammers. Your comment will be deleted immediately.

**UPDATE**
I just received 5 more BlogSpams. For the time being comments from Anonymous people will not be allowed. I hate to do that because it doesn't allow wingnuts to participate and they can be very entertaining :-)

***WARNING***

This will break your heart then it will make you very angry...

via Operation Truth

Dubya sez...

Concerning Clinton's handling of Kosovo

"Victory means exit strategy, and it's important for the President to explain to us what the exit strategy is."
-Governor George W. Bush (R-TX)

Bush supporters still holding on to the idea that things are going great in Iraq

I think they need to stop listening to Limbaugh and Hannity and listen to actual Iraqi citizens. One of whom said "Instead of Saddam we now have thousands of Saddams."

Story

Ministry of Reshelving puts 1984 in its proper place

Sounds like a great idea!

Here's how to do it at a book store near you.

Luckovich 08/18/2005

Make Free Kicks...Not War!

This week the Thai government announced a radical new plan that they hope will derail the ongoing insurgency in the country’s violence plagued southern provinces. Their idea? Providing free cable TV coverage of English Premier League soccer (known as “football” in virtually every country besides the USA) matches to local tea shops.

Regardless of the absurdity of the idea, the Thai government appears intent on going forth with their plan. The Interior Minister, Konsak Wantana, wants to give away nearly 1,000 television sets to tea and coffee shops in the three Muslim-majority provinces that border Malaysia. He believes that the televised football games will lure young men away from joining insurgent forces. Said Konsak: “Most children love watching sports on TV, but they can’t afford them at home. So we are giving them what they love, hoping it will solve the problem.”

Some local observers, however, are not so certain. Ahmed Somboon Bualuang, a member of the National Reconciliation Commission, called the scheme “child-like and a bit insulting. People here are concerned with the daily killings, not about the lack of entertainment, or football on television.” Critics have warned that the televised games will encourage gambling and “other forms of vice.” Underground betting on sports is a well-known activity among Thai men and, increasingly, among teenagers around the country, many of whom are rabid fans of UK and European football teams.

But just think; if this idea really does work, the USA could use the same strategy in Iraq (nothing else is working, so why not!). I’m sure all those militant terrorists will gladly lay down their weapons and bombs to watch David Beckham and Ronaldo scamper around the football field, don’t you? Well, I didn’t think so either.

Our local Cindy Sheehan candlelight vigil

Here are some shots from the Cindy Sheehan candlelight vigil that took place on our town square tonight. It was one of many that took place all over the country simultaneously. It was quite moving. There were quite a few positive reactions from passersby. I didn't really see or hear anything negative except for one gentleman who quietly expressed his disapproval from his car as he sat at a red light. All in all it was an excellent time. At one point the participants walked the square chanting "What do we want? PEACE! When do we want it? NOW!" I even heard a brief refrain from "Give Peace a Chance" Did anyone else attend a similar vigil in their area? If so let us know.

Welcome another good liberal blogger

..and he's from Atlanta too!

Bob Rasey dot net

Funny tidbit:

One of my favorite Larry David quotes from Curb Your Enthusiasm addresses this very issue of Christian proselytizing:

Why do Christians take everything so personally with Christ ya know? It's like not only do you have to worship him; you want everybody to. It's like I like lobster. Do I go around pushing lobster on people? Do I say you must like lobster? Eat lobster it's good it's good! It's not only where you live, you go to Africa you travel all over the world. Eat lobster, have some more lobster it's good. WE WANT YOU TO HAVE LOBSTER!!

Excellent!

One soldier's reaction to the cross incident

Posted on Democratic Underground by Qanisqineq

My husband has been a soldier for 10 years and is currently stationed in Korea. He served in Iraq from 2003-2004. He is not afraid to discuss his hatred for Bush or his hatred for this war with anyone in the army. He's been warned about his open Bush bashing.

This month he is doing some special training and they don't have access to television for the entire month. A few days ago news of Cindy Sheehan camping outside Bush's ranch reached them. They have discussed it and no one he works with is offended, their morale isn't lowered. They support her.

I have only seen my husband become emotional about this war once. Normally he talks about how much he is against it but in more of a matter-of-fact way. He tries not to let it bother him. However, during Michael Moore's "Fahreheit 9/11" he cried during a part showing the Iraq war. He had returned from Iraq probably about 4-5 months prior to that. He never cries.

This morning when I told my husband about the incident with the crosses was the second time I heard him become emotional about the war. When I told him someone had driven down the crosses erected for dead troops he became dead quiet (very unusual for him). The next time he spoke I could hear the anger dripping from his voice and it started to crack like he was tearing up. He was too angry to even discuss it and said "I have to go" and hung up. It had nothing to do with the crosses themselves as we are atheists. It had to do with the disrespect to the fallen troops.

That's how this shithead made the soldiers feel when he mowed down their crosses.

I Maureen

This exchange took place in the early days of the first Gulf war while Bush senior was on a monthlong vacation. What is it with these assholes and their long vacations during wartime?

"I just don't like taking questions on serious matters on my vacation," the usually good-natured Bush senior barked at reporters on the golf course. "So I hope you'll understand if I, when I'm recreating, will recreate." His hot-tempered oldest son, who was golfing with his father that day, was even more irritated. "Hey! Hey!" W. snapped at reporters asking questions on the first tee. "Can't you wait until we finish hitting, at least?"

Junior always had his priorities straight.

Read the entire column here

Asshat Quote of the day

"I honestly find it troubling that three Republican representatives are so quick to embrace such a radical redistributive concept. Their slogan may as well be, 'From each according to his ability, to each according to her gender.' "
-Supreme Court justice nominee John Roberts

Ladies, it's time to get sized for your burkhas

"Just do me one big favor, ok? Don't vote for Bush"

Sgt. Campbell requested that, if something happened to him, his family place this photo on his coffin.
(Photo: Family Collection)
From 'Truthout' I recalled reading this last year, and haven't forgotten it:

I found out that my brother, Sergeant Ryan M. Campbell, was dead during a graduate seminar at Emory University on April 29, 2004. Immediately after a uniformed officer knocked at my mother's door to deliver the message that broke her heart, she called me on my cell phone. She could say nothing but "He's gone." I could say nothing but "No." Over and over again we chanted this refrain to each other over the phone as I made my way across the country to hold her as she wept.

I had made the very same trip in February, cutting classes to spend my brother's two weeks' leave from Baghdad with him. Little did I know then that the next time I saw him would be at Arlington National Cemetery. During those days in February, my brother shared with me his fear, his disillusionment, and his anger. "We had all been led to believe that Iraq posed a serious threat to America as well as its surrounding nations," he said. "We invaded expecting to find weapons of mass destruction and a much more prepared and well-trained Republican Guard waiting for us. It is now a year later, and alas, no weapons of mass destruction or any other real threat, for that matter."

Ryan was scheduled to complete his one-year assignment to Iraq on April 25. But on April 11, he emailed me to let me know not to expect him in Atlanta for a May visit, because his tour of duty had been involuntarily extended. "Just do me one big favor, ok?" he wrote. "Don't vote for Bush. No. Just don't do it. I would not be happy with you."

Last night, I listened to George W. Bush's live, televised speech at the Republican National Convention. He spoke to me and my family when he announced, "I have met with parents and wives and husbands who have received a folded flag, and said a final goodbye to a soldier they loved. I am awed that so many have used those meetings to say that I am in their prayers and to offer encouragement to me. Where does strength like that come from? How can people so burdened with sorrow also feel such pride? It is because they know their loved one was last seen doing good. Because they know that liberty was precious to the one they lost. And in those military families, I have seen the character of a great nation: decent, and idealistic, and strong."

This is my reply: Mr. President, I know that you probably still "don't do body counts," so you may not know that almost one thousand U.S. troops have died doing what you told them they had to do to protect America. Ryan was Number 832. Liberty was, indeed, precious to the one I lost - so precious that he would rather have gone to prison than back to Iraq in February. Like you, I don't know where the strength for "such pride" on the part of people "so burdened with sorrow" comes from; maybe I spent it all holding my mother as she wept. I last saw my loved one at the Kansas City airport, staring after me as I walked away. I could see April 29 written on his sad, sand-chapped and sunburned face. I could see that he desperately wanted to believe that if he died, it would be while "doing good," as you put it. He wanted us to be able to be proud of him. Mr. President, you gave me and my mother a folded flag instead of the beautiful boy who called us "Moms" and "Brookster." But worse than that, you sold my little brother a bill of goods. Not only did you cheat him of a long meaningful life, but you cheated him of a meaningful death. You are in my prayers, Mr. President, because I think that you need them more than anyone on the face of the planet. But you will never get my vote.

So to whom it may concern: Don't vote for Bush. No. Just don't do it. I would not be happy with you.

Is this for real?

I saw this on Mixter's blog and had to check it out. If it's for real I have to vote for him. The problem is that I don't see his party affiliation anywhere on the site. Please let me know if you find it. I can only assume he's a liberal. After all only bad actors become Republican politicians.

The Vent from the AJC

Wednesday

Current Republican leadership is more interested in checks than balances.

Maybe Dubya's neighbor should pack himself and his shotgun over to Iraq.

You idiots elected the wrong millionaire.

The difference between an oenophile and a wino is simply one of net worth.

I am at the age and girth where you can't help but notice the Roman numerals for 40 are XL.

More than 1,800 U.S. soldiers have died in Iraq, and the new constitution will be based on Islamic fundamentalism, not Western democracy. Do your homework before invading another country, Georgie!

I'm from Poland and I demand that the NCAA change "pole vault" to "stick vault."

The gas pump might as well be wearing a mask on it and a "Stick 'em up!" sign.

Am I the only one noticing the more approval ratings go down for Bush, the more gas prices go up? Do you think he's getting back at us?

Quote of the day

"Atheism is not a religion just like being healthy is not a disease."
-unknown

Album title of the year!

Thanks to Jimbob for this one.
(Click image for web site and sample sound)

Is Bush out of control?

According to this excellent article that Mixter found, I'd say HELL YES!

Those motherfuckers!

Sorry to be so blunt.

A person, who obviously supports Dubya, has shown his distaste for Casey Sheehan and many other American troops who died in Iraq by mowing down a line of crosses that bore their names along a dusty Crawford, Texas road. With a pickup truck dragging chains. Destuction was the only thing on that asshole's mind.

It's not so much the action but the symbolism. We are supposed to blindly follow the leader or be labeled a traitor. We are supposed to support our troops, no questions asked, by agreeing to this war. Mowing down these little memorials, that were placed by relatives of the fallen, shows an utter disregard for those very troops.

The mentality required to perform such an act can only be described as moronic. Don't these people see the irony in their actions? Love the troops - spit on their graves.

I'll never understand the cult that is Bush but I am quite familiar with their motto. We Don't Care!

"We Don't Care"

...tell us something we don't already know.

Well, I think we’ve met the new Repug/RW slogan. It's been shouted at a Gold Star mother who is trying to turn the grief over the loss of her son into change. It's been shouted here by disruptors against everything we say is wrong with this administration and where it's taking our country and the world.

Hey, at least they’re finally being honest.

And, I hate to tell them, but they aren't telling us anything we didn't already know about them. We know they don't care about the environment, because they love their SUVs and any mention of trying to curb our energy dependence on oil sends them into fits. We know they don't care about the reputation of our country, because they support sending Bolton to the UN. They don't care that there are people in our country without access to health care because they work for a company that doesn’t provide insurance, because that would cut into profits.

They don't care about the civilians in Iraq, because they think the "liberal media" is doing something wrong by occasionally, when pushed to the wall by activists, reporting on some of tragedies that have been caused by the war. They don’t care about the Geneva Convention or human rights, because they ignore the abuses that have been going on in Gitmo and other places. They don't care about our soldiers, because they think it's just fine to have them fighting a war without a foreseeable end, with a lack of equipment, and anybody who suggests that maybe we should talk about bringing them home is labeled, by them, to be a traitor.

They don't care about our Constitution, because they support the PATRIOT act, which basically shreds the Bill of Rights and they act like the ACLU is somehow un-American for trying to guard some of our remaining civil rights. They don't care that their beloved Bush Administration is the most corrupt administration many of us have seen in a long time, with their secrecy, underhandedness, and war profiteering.

In everything they do, in everything they believe, in everything they are, in the way they have chosen to live their lives, they have shown us that they don't care.

How is that a rallying cry? How is that something that you want to be known for? How emotionally and morally decrepit do you have to be to make a phrase like "I don’t care" something to be shouted at a mother who has lost her son in this country’s military? How is that a stance? "I don’t care." What pride is there in that when you are talking about lives of other human beings? What pride is there in that when talking about our country? What pride is there in that when talking about our future?

If they have ever shown their true colors, it is with this phrase. They do not care – not about us, our children, our world, our environment, our rights, peace, or justice. And the remarkable thing is that, by their actions and their attitudes, they show us that THEY don’t care about their country, their children, their world.

The only thing they do care about is themselves. And to me, that makes them pretty damn horrible people.

And no, they do not need to tell me that. I already know. I just wonder why they think it’s something to be proud of.

Thanks to Lisa Lynne

Quote of the day

"I think it's also important for me to go on with my life, to keep a balanced life. I think the people want the president to be in a position to make good, crisp decisions and to stay healthy."
-Vacationing frat boy George W. Bush

You fucking prick. It's not about you and your pathetic life. It's about us. Your constituents. What a selfish piece of shit you are.

Tell me something I don't know

Election Fraud Continues in the US
New Data Shows Widespread Vote Manipulations in 2004
By Peter Phillips

In the fall of 2001, after an eight-month review of 175,000 Florida ballots never counted in the 2000 election, an analysis by the National Opinion Research Center confirmed that Al Gore actually won Florida and should have been President. However, coverage of this report was only a small blip in the corporate media as a much bigger story dominated the news after September 11, 2001.

New research compiled by Dr. Dennis Loo with the University of Cal Poly Pomona now shows that extensive manipulation of non-paper-trail voting machines occurred in several states during the 2004 election.

Continue...

Bill O'Lielly

Rall 08/11/2005

Then and now...

Day 9 at Camp Casey

by Cindy Sheehan

The ninth day ended in the most awesome way. We were out at Camp Casey and it was sprinkling a little bit and it really looked like the rain was going to start pouring down anytime. We looked over into the next cow pasture and there was a full rainbow. Rainbows are supposedley God's sign of hope. When Casey was killed on 04/04/04, I thought that all of my hope was killed, too. Being involved in the peaceful occupation of Crawford and meeting hundreds of people from all over the world has given me so much hope for the future.

We had a lovely interfaith prayer service this morning. It was truly beautiful and we were all weeping while we were singing "Amazing Grace." But, during the service, one of our neighbors fired off a shot gun. He said he was shooting at birds, but he is tired of us being there and he wants us to leave. I didn't get to talk to him, but I told the media that if he wanted us to leave so badly, why doesn't he tell his other neighbor, George, to talk to me. We are good neighbors and we are cooperating with everyone. By the way, in case I forgot to blog it last night, the Sheriff has requested that I stay down in Crawford during the night, because he is afraid for my safety after he leaves. He said he would "sleep better" himself at night if I came into town to sleep. Judging from the shooting guns, I guess he was right.

George Bush took a 2 hour bike ride on Saturday, and when he got back, he was asked how he could go for a two hour bike ride when he doesn't have time to meet with me, and he said: "I have to go on with my life." (Austin Statesman, August 14) WHAT!!!!!????? He has to get on with his life!!! I am so offended by that statement. Every person, war fan, or not, who has had a child killed in this mistake of an occupation should be highly offended by that remark. Who does he think he is? I wish I could EVER be able to get on with my life. Getting on with my life means a life without my dear, sweet boy. Getting on with my life means learning to live with a pain that is so intense that sometimes I feel like throwing up, or screaming until I pass out from sorrow. I wish a little bike ride could help me get on with my life.

I need to focus on the positive, though, and there is so much. I had so many amazing things happen today. I couldn't walk through Camp Casey or the Crawford Peace House today without hugging people and getting my picture taken. Now I know how Mickey Mouse feels at Disneyland. I had a soldier from Ft. Hood come out today and he brought me a small stone with a First Cavalry insignia painted on it and the pictures of three of his beautiful buddies who were murdered there by George's reckless policies. It was such an incredible moment for me when he said: "Keep on doing what you are doing. We are so proud of you. Casey would be so proud of you."

I just wish George had as much courage in his entire body as Casey had in his little pinky, then he would meet with me. Crawford, Tx. is beautiful prairie land, but I could think of dozens of other places I would rather be right now. However, if George or anybody else thinks I am leaving before my mission is "accomplished" they have another think coming. I will stay the course. I will finish the mission. I will take no prisoners.

By the way, we had about 7 counter protesters today and hundreds at Camp Casey...don't let the mainstream media say differently.

Asshole of the month

Letter to the editor - AJC

Tragedies aren't limited to battle

Why does the AJC spend so much space on individuals killed in battle?

To put things in the proper prospective, it should also list on Page One in large bold type the daily casualties in the United States caused by bad drivers, murders, drownings, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, party drunks, stupidity, etc.

My deepest sympathy goes to Mary Ann MacCombie for her loss, but her son was doing his duty and serving his country. His life could have been ended by someone or something among those items listed.

ED WOLAK, Moreland

Yes Ed, his life could have ended in an auto accident or a hurricane but it didn't. It was ended by the violence we caused in Iraq. What a fucking idiot you are!

Satellite of Love?

The iPSTAR satellite, owned by Thailand’s Shin Corporation, was launched this week. The US$400 million project is being hyped as the world’s largest broadband satellite. Once iPSTAR is properly in orbit, it will provide millions of customers in over 20 countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region with voice, data, video conferencing, and broadband Internet services.

But in case you think such a launch is all about high-tech wizardry and the marvels of modern science; think again. Before the launch, Shin Corp executives requested that all male guests in their private corporate viewing room remove their neckties, believing that the ties “would jinx the launch.” In fact, there was a slight glitch and the launch was postponed for two hours. And wouldn’t you know it, one of the guests in the Shin Corp crowd “remembered” that he was wearing a bow tie. After the tied-up Thai removed the offending bad luck piece, the satellite launch proceeded smoothly.

If the rest of the project goes as planned, ShinSat (the satellite arm of Shin Corp) will become the world’s largest commercial satellite operator. Much of iPSTAR’s bandwidth capacity is expected to be grabbed by the two major markets of China (25%) and India (15%). Shin Corporation was founded by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who still holds a 53% interest in the company. This fact has given fuel to critics who feel that Thaksin often uses his powerful position to influence or negotiate business deals with other countries in the region.

And what "kind of people" would that be?

Marine recruiter Staff Sgt. Jason Rivera went to a Pittsburgh home to talk to the parents of a high school student who had expressed interest in joining the Marine reserves.

It was a large home in an upscale suburb just north of the city. There were two American flags in the yard. The student's mom opened the door wearing an American flag t-shirt.

"I want you to know we support you" she gushed.

Rivera soon realized just how far her support went.

"Military service isn't for our son. It isn't for our kind of people" she said.

How much do you want to bet that there is a W sticker on her SUV?

Excellent response

Tom is a damn good writer and so eloquent. Here is his response to one of my anonymous wingnut freaks. Go read it.

Friday Bush Monkey blogging

Dubya sez...

"I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep on the soil of a friend"
-George W. Bush, on visiting Denmark, June 29, 2005

It's too bad Cindy Sheehan can't say the same

James Dobson's cure for a gender-confused child

"[The father] can even take his son with him into the shower, where the boy cannot help but notice that Dad has a penis, just like his, only bigger."
-James Dobson

War Pigs

FAUX News seems to have their collective panties in a twist over the new Stones song Sweet Neo-Con. Cavuto even suggested a possible boycott. So much for free speech. I wonder what their reaction would be if Black Sabbath had released War Pigs in this day and age.

War Pigs

Generals gathered in their masses
Just like witches at black masses
Evil minds that plot destruction
Sorcerers of death's construction
In the fields the bodies burning
As the war machine keeps turning
Death and hatred to mankind
Poisoning their brainwashed minds, oh lord yeah!
Politicians hide themselves away
They only started the war
Why should they go out to fight?
They leave that role to the poor
Time will tell on their power minds
Making war just for fun
Treating people just like pawns in chess
Wait 'till their judgement day comes, yeah!
Now in darkness, world stops turning
As the war machine keeps burning
No more war pigs of the power
Hand of god has struck the hour
Day of judgement, god is calling
On their knees, the war pigs crawling
Begging mercy for their sins
Satan, laughing, spreads his wings
ALL RIGHT NOW!

Quote of the day

"Before my son was killed, I used to think that one person could not make a difference. But one person that is surrounded and supported by millions of people can be heard."
-Cindy Sheehan

New stickers

Propaganda Central has a new line of stickers. My favorite is "NICE HUMMER - Sorry about your (little) penis".

It's about damn time!

Real Time with Bill Maher starts up again on Friday August 19th at 11pm. Be there or, well, don't be there :-)

I Maureen

Hooray! Maureen is back and she is still as good as ever in this column about Cindy Sheehan.

Another new blog

Our new buddy and fellow American anonymous has a new blog. Check it out. Be sure and leave a comment or two. He seems to crave the attention.

Another good place to land

Go visit left coaster E'l Roy over at maybe you've already heard... He has some excellent things to say. I think you'll like it unless you're "anonymous" :-)

Quote of the day

"That's typical for that fatass drug addict to come up with something like that. There's a guy ... I didn't hear this, but actually when I was on drill this weekend, I've got to tell you, he lost a lot of Republican supporters with his comments. Because they were coming up to me, telling me, "I can't believe he said that! Besides that, he called you a soldier. He doesn't know the difference between a soldier and a marine!"
-Paul Hackett talking about Rush Limbaugh on the Ed Shultz Show

This is me trying to talk sense to a Dubya supporter

Knock knock - who's there?

So why did Dubya go to Crawford for four weeks? Scotty McClellan poo pooed critics with this folksy argument:

Spending time outside of Washington always gives the president a fresh perspective of what's on the minds of the American people. It's a time, really, for him to shed the coat and tie and meet with folks out in the heartland and hear what's on their minds.

Hey Scotty! There's someone just outside the ranch who'd love see him! Unfortunately he only has until Thursday because that's when she gets arrested.

The Stones smack Dubya and Condi

In their new song "My Sweet Neocon" Mick and the boys let Dubya know how he and many Americans feel.

"You call yourself a Christian, I call you a hypocrite/ You call yourself a patriot. Well, I think your are full of shit!... How come you're so wrong, my sweet neo-con."

If it shows up on their new release it will be my first Stones CD since Tattoo You.

A College Republican Leader Shows Why He’s Too Busy to Fight in Iraq

Just like Cheney he has "other priorities".



When asked why he didn’t volunteer to fight in Iraq, which Dubya describes as “the central front in the War on Terror,” Paul Gourley said he felt compelled to stay stateside and fight in the “war of ideas.” Looks to me like he's well on his way to a DUI like Dubya and Uncle Dick.

My pledge

The first person, who is thinking of running for the Democratic nomination in 2008, to go to Crawford and stand beside Cindy Sheehan will get my total support.

Can you spot the real threat to national security?

Bob Harris poses an interesting question. Who will Dubya have arrested first? Osama Bin Forgotten or Cindy Sheehan? See his take on it here.

Letter to the Editor - AJC

Letters from the sane side of my red state:

War in Iraq: Bush, end this travesty

After reading that President Bush is experiencing a marked decline in support of his invasion of Iraq, one can only hope that his advisers sit him down and explain things on a level he might comprehend. There was a time when his limited intelligence was a source of humor, but the loss of more than 1,800 American lives rids Bush and his reckless policies of any humor.

I hope Sen. Bill Frist's opposite stance on stem-cell research will be followed by a Republican movement toward some semblance of a rational foreign policy. We are indisputably not wanted by the Iraqis. We should pray and call on our representatives to do whatever it takes to end this travesty. We are losing America's finest every day.

Gov. Sonny Perdue's tears over the loss of Georgia citizen-soldiers was powerful. Keep the momentum. While Bush enjoyed his Crawford ranch, many Georgia families prepared for funerals. It isn't right.

TOMMY CHAPMAN, Macon


Victory for the U.S. not in the cards

We would fare better if our foreign policy were left to expert poker players, who make decisions based upon facts and realities rather than on wishes and blind hope. A poker expert, realizing that the hand is lost, would fold on the Iraq war and cut his losses. He would see that his opponent has the best cards in a hand he improves with every draw. Staying with a losing hand is a waste of lives and money.

Whether you call them defenders or an insurgency, they are controlling the war while we struggle with force protection. As we take more casualties, they grow stronger. Our troop strength numbers are inadequate as their numbers grow. They are becoming more organized and more sophisticated with their tactics, and we lose our fighting forces and expensive equipment to bombs made in backyard shops. Their support comes from neighboring nations, as we are unable to seal their borders.

You cannot bluff an opponent who knows he has the cards. It is time to throw this one in and wait for the next deal.

ART HURT, Atlanta


To raise voter turnout ditch Electoral College

Attempting to get everyone to the polls on a single weekday is only part of the reason why more people do not vote ("Elections on weekend would aid democracy," @issue, Aug. 6). There's also the Electoral College.

Any "blue" person living in a "red" state feels disenfranchised. Eliminating the Electoral College would equalize the system and eliminate focusing on a single state (e.g., Florida in 2000 and Ohio in 2004) to decide a winner.

Discarding this system would make me feel as though my vote counts and that I haven't wasted my time and effort at the polls.

ESTHER K. DROEGE, Doraville

I've been an advocate of abolishing the Electoral College for years. Even before the GOP stole their first election. -John

Dubya ignores the 9-11 Commission

It's no secret that the Bush administration was dead set against the 9-11 commission from the get go. They were reluctant to providing any helpful info every step of the way. Bush fought against testifying and wouldn't even show up without Uncle Dick there to hold his hand. Then wouldn't even testify under oath preferring to just chat with the commission. Now that the 9-11 group wants to do a follow-up, they have no official standing, so Bush can tell them to take a hike.

Thomas H. Kean, the former Republican governor of New Jersey who led the bipartisan Sept. 11 commission, said he was surprised and disappointed that the White House, the Pentagon, the State Department, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and several other executive branch agencies had failed to respond to requests made two months ago for updated information on the government's antiterrorism programs.

"It's very disappointing," Mr. Kean said of the administration's failure to cooperate with the group. "All we're trying to do is make the public safer."

Mr. Kean said there had been no response of any sort to interview requests for Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld; Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; Porter J. Goss, the C.I.A. director; Robert S. Mueller III, the F.B.I. director, and Andrew H. Card Jr., the White House chief of staff, among others.

I can see them now. Holding their hands over their ears while saying "La la la la la la la I can't hear you!"

Ain't it the truth?

Thanks to JimBob for this one!

Return of the Khmer Rouge

Among the most evil world “leaders” of the past century – notable creeps such as Adolph Hitler, Adi Amin, and Saddam Hussein – Cambodia’s Pol Pot ranks as one of the most despised. Although Pol Pot died in 1998, and his much-feared Khmer Rouge (dubbed “the most lethal regime of the twentieth century”) comrades have since slithered away into obscurity, their evil deeds have not been forgotten.

It is estimated that under Khmer Rouge rule – from 1975 to 1979 – nearly two million Cambodians died due to execution, starvation or exhaustion from forced labor. By contrast, the US bombing of Cambodia from 1969 to 1972 – “collateral” from the Vietnam War - killed over 600,000 people. (For an insightful look at the role that the USA – particularly Henry Kissinger and the Nixon administration - played in the Khmer Rouge’s rise to power and the destruction of Cambodia, read the excellent Sideshow by William Shawcross.) Even after being disposed by a Vietnamese invasion in early 1979 (an occupation that lasted a decade), the Khmer Rouge kept fighting government forces and continued to hold a seat in the UN until 1991 when a truce was signed. Among the many countries that still recognized the Khmer Rouge as the official representative of Cambodia was the United States. During the Reagan era in the 1980s, the US government blocked efforts to put Khmer Rouge leaders on trial, and refused to label the KR atrocities as “genocide.”

In Cambodia today many high-ranking KR officials are still alive and well; living prosperously and securely in huge homes, driving SUVs around town, and remaining insulated from the widespread poverty that still engulfs the beautiful but dysfunctional country. Despite many years of attempts, a trial of surviving KR leaders has still not materialized. A tribunal has been authorized by both the UN and the Cambodian government, but funds will have to come from donor nations. Thus far, heavyweights such as Australia and Japan have promised money, but the United States has declined to contribute. There is serious talk of a trial commencing this year, but before that can happen many details have to be ironed out; foremost among them are which ex-Khmer Rouge officials will be put on trial. The tribunal will be comprised of both Cambodians and foreigners, with judges expected to be Cambodian.

And many see that as a big problem. In a high-profile court case last month two Cambodian men were convicted of murdering an important union leader, even though no forensic evidence was presented and no eyewitnesses testified. That verdict, say some, was unfair, and left many in the international community wondering if Cambodia is capable of holding an impartial and credible trial. The Cambodian court system has a history of being - in the words of one observer - “weak, corrupt and susceptible to political influence.” Thus, the chances of holding a legitimate and satisfactory genocide trial look very bleak indeed.

R.I.P. Robin Cook

I was saddened to read about the death of former British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook (not to be confused with the author of the same name) on Saturday. Cook collapsed after taking a walk with his wife on a mountain in Scotland.

Cook is perhaps best known for his vehement opposition to the current war in Iraq. He resigned his post in Tony Blair’s cabinet in 2003 as a protest against Britain’s involvement in the war. During his resignation speech in Parliament – which received a standing ovation – Cook declared: “Why is it now so urgent that we should take military action to disarm a military capacity that has been there for 20 years, and which we helped to create?” Cook was only 59 years old.

Trent Lott's demonic power ball seems to be diminishing of late

Republican devil

Inspired to find more pics of Republicans with their hands up for more demonic power ball fun I decided to Google "republican" Images. On page two I find this. Rather telling isn't it?

Bolton takes Bush's demonic power ball to the U.N.

Thanks to Tom for the inspiration.

Our new U.N. Ambassador

Friday monkey blogging part deux

Quote of the day

"I can't see that the President has prevented any terrorism. I think he's increased it, from everything we can see in Iraq. I have to thank the troops who put up with this idiot Commander-in-Chief that we have."
-Congressman Pete Stark

Friday monkey blogging

My apologies to Tom - I couldn't resist stealing your monkey blog.

Not Like the Others by Andrew Wahl

Click image to enlarge

Pirates Sail These Seas

We all remember reading tales about pirates when we were kids. Captain Hook and other such swashbuckling characters filled our young minds with wonder and imagination. But pirates are not a fictional creation, nor a thing of the distant past. Yes, right now in our shiny high-tech world, pirates still sail the seas, looting and shooting with reckless abandon - although it’s doubtful they’ll be sporting black eye patches or hobbling on wooden legs.

Most incidents of piracy occur in the Malacca Strait, a 970 kilometer-long passage of water between Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia’s Sumatra peninsula. The strait is the world’s busiest commercial sea lane, hosting more than a quarter of all international cargo shipments. It is estimated that about 900 commercial vessels pass through the strait each day. The Strait links the Indian and Pacific oceans, making it the shortest sea route between China, India, and Indonesia. Japan is also dependent upon the route; over 80% of its oil is shipped via the Malacca Strait.

The Malacca Strait has been dubbed a “pirate’s dream” due to its plethora of shallow reefs, narrow channels and small islands; all of which make it relatively easy for ambush and escape. In recent years piracy along the strait has soared: vessels have been burnt, crew members abducted or killed, and tons of cargo seized. Incidents of armed piracy dropped significantly in the wake of the Indian Ocean tsunami in late December, but that short period of calm appears to have dissipated, with more violent acts of piracy being reported in the past six months. Malaysian Defense Minister Najib Razak recently stated: “The reality is that we need more resources to ensure the level of security in the Straits of Malacca. The only way we do it is to engage the international community, but not at the expense of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Clearly, the sovereignty issue is a touchy one. Some parts of the strait are in Malaysian waters, others belong to Indonesia or Singapore. Recently, the three countries agreed to begin coordinated air patrols over the strait, hoping that it will help to significantly reduce pirate attacks. There is also increasing concern that ships passing through the strait may become targets for terrorists. And when it comes to “fighting terrorism” its safe to assume that the United States wants a piece of the action. The US has proposed sending troops (why is that always the US response?) to protect the strait, but that idea was strongly rejected by Malaysia and Indonesia. A plan to use private security forces to “escort” commercial vessels through the strait has also been nixed due to concerns about having armed personnel onboard, as well as jurisdictional issues.

In the meantime, expect pirate attacks to continue and the threat of terrorism to cast an ugly cloud over the waters.

Rush Limbaugh is an asshat gasbag

Rush Limbaugh, on air, called Paul Hackett a "staff puke." Repeatedly.

Paul Hackett served as a civil affairs officer in Iraq. Eleven civil affairs soldiers and marines have died in the Iraqi theater. What's more, Paul Hackett led marines in combat while in Iraq. And, it goes without saying, he faced deadly violence every day he was in the country.

Rush Limbaugh avoided military service thanks to a pilonidal cyst. Paul Hackett volunteered to serve, even though no one had asked him to.

Rush Limbaugh (to no one's surprise) joins the long list of Republicans who, rather than respect those who have honorably served in our nation's military (as should be expected), instead disgracefully spit upon them. How disgusting. What is wrong with these people?

Thanks to Swing State Project

Bolton Bomb

You know the GOP is full of hypocrites anyway so this shouldn't be surprising

"If Clinton makes a recess appointment, it's a finger in the eye of the Senate. I think you'd find there would be an awful lot of repercussions from that. I think there'll be a slowdown on a lot of things from the president. I think you're going to have difficulty getting judges through. They're going to have difficulty on the appropriations process. I think there'll be attempts by some to really let the president know you don't do this."
-Orin Hatch, December 15, 1997

"If the President recess appoints him, it would be an unfortunate elevation of politics above due respect for the Senate, its procedures and its constitutional responsibilities. It would serve as evidence, in my opinion, that this Administration does not wish to achieve consensus on this difficult issue but is instead intent on playing wedge politics. It would be taken very badly by Republicans on Capitol Hill."
-Orin Hatch, November 24, 1997

"I need respect and cooperation from the administration during the recess period if they expect to have my respect and cooperation after the first of the year. So I would not expect them to give a recess appointment. It would really poison the well for next year."
-Trent Lott, December 4, 1997

I couldn't resist adding this one. It's a real gem. Republicans talked about Clinton's disrespectful, contemptuous ways in the appointment process, but get this:

"The administration, in its eagerness to win Senate confirmation for its nominees [to regulatory agencies], has agreed to let Senate Republicans take the lead in naming candidates for Republican slots."
-Washington Post, August 02, 1997.

And we all know what Clinton got for being so accommodating.