But far from being the heartfelt opinion of an Iraqi writer, as its language implied, the article was prepared by the United States military as part of a multimillion-dollar covert campaign to plant paid propaganda in the Iraqi news media and pay friendly Iraqi journalists monthly stipends, military contractors and officials said.
The article was one of several in a storyboard, the military's term for a list of articles, that was delivered Tuesday to the Lincoln Group, a Washington-based public relations firm paid by the Pentagon, documents from the Pentagon show.
The contractor's job is to translate the articles into Arabic and submit them to Iraqi newspapers or advertising agencies without revealing the Pentagon's role. Documents show that the intended target of the article on a democratic Iraq was Azzaman, a leading independent newspaper, but it is not known whether it was published there or anywhere else.
30 November, 2005
abuses as bad as under Saddam?
After Saddam's alleged weapons of mass destruction were never found, the Bush administration defended the war in part as a move to introduce democracy and human rights in Iraq.
But photographs showing U.S. guards abusing Iraqi detainees in Iraq's infamous Abu Ghraib prison and what Iraqis see as the heavy-handed manner of American troops have made many Iraqis skeptical of Washington's goals.
Last weekend, former interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, a secular Shiite, was quoted by the British newspaper The Observer as saying that human rights abuses in Iraq were as bad as under Saddam and could get worse.
"We are hearing about secret police, secret bunkers where people are being interrogated," he said. "A lot of Iraqis are being tortured or killed in the course of interrogations."
But photographs showing U.S. guards abusing Iraqi detainees in Iraq's infamous Abu Ghraib prison and what Iraqis see as the heavy-handed manner of American troops have made many Iraqis skeptical of Washington's goals.
Last weekend, former interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, a secular Shiite, was quoted by the British newspaper The Observer as saying that human rights abuses in Iraq were as bad as under Saddam and could get worse.
"We are hearing about secret police, secret bunkers where people are being interrogated," he said. "A lot of Iraqis are being tortured or killed in the course of interrogations."
29 November, 2005
useful wars?
Those of us that fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars believed and to this day believe in the causes which so many died and were maimed for life, either physically and/or emotionally. Don't anyone be against our having fought in those wars. We did not fight, get wounded, and die in useless wars.
The other day I bought a laptop computer carrying bag, a Samsonite. The tag reads,"Made in Vietnam". The bottom of my HP computer reads,"Made in China"
The other day I bought a laptop computer carrying bag, a Samsonite. The tag reads,"Made in Vietnam". The bottom of my HP computer reads,"Made in China"
a litle crack into reality
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell's chief of staff says President Bush was "too aloof, too distant from the details" of post-war planning, allowing underlings to exploit Bush's detachment and make bad decisions.
The handling of foreign detainees after Sept. 11 arose from a coterie of White House and Pentagon aides who argued that "the president of the United States is all-powerful," and that the Geneva Conventions were irrelevant.
He said he has almost, but not quite, concluded that Cheney and others in the administration deliberately ignored evidence of bad intelligence and looked only at what supported their case for war.
Abuse of prisoners, and even the deaths of some who had been interrogated in Afghanistan and elsewhere, have bruised the U.S. image abroad and undermined fragile support for the Iraq war that followed.
Cheney's office, Rumsfeld aides and others argued "that the president of the United States is all-powerful, that as commander in chief the president of the United States can do anything he damn well pleases," Wilkerson said.
The handling of foreign detainees after Sept. 11 arose from a coterie of White House and Pentagon aides who argued that "the president of the United States is all-powerful," and that the Geneva Conventions were irrelevant.
He said he has almost, but not quite, concluded that Cheney and others in the administration deliberately ignored evidence of bad intelligence and looked only at what supported their case for war.
Abuse of prisoners, and even the deaths of some who had been interrogated in Afghanistan and elsewhere, have bruised the U.S. image abroad and undermined fragile support for the Iraq war that followed.
Cheney's office, Rumsfeld aides and others argued "that the president of the United States is all-powerful, that as commander in chief the president of the United States can do anything he damn well pleases," Wilkerson said.
the tip of the iceberg?
Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas: Indicted in Texas on conspiracy and money laundering charges, accused of funneling corporate donations to GOP candidates for the Texas Legislature. DeLay, who has denied any wrongdoing, was forced to step down as House majority leader.
Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif.: Resigned his seat after pleading guilty Monday in U.S. District Court in San Diego to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail and wire fraud, and tax evasion.
Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Administration Committee: According to court papers filed in lobbyist Michael Scanlon's guilty plea to conspiracy to bribe public officials, Ney received trips, tickets and campaign donations, allegedly in exchange for official acts. Ney has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.: The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department are investigating Frist's sale of millions of dollars worth of stock in HCA, the Nashville-based hospital chain founded by his father and brother.
Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif.: Resigned his seat after pleading guilty Monday in U.S. District Court in San Diego to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail and wire fraud, and tax evasion.
Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Administration Committee: According to court papers filed in lobbyist Michael Scanlon's guilty plea to conspiracy to bribe public officials, Ney received trips, tickets and campaign donations, allegedly in exchange for official acts. Ney has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.: The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department are investigating Frist's sale of millions of dollars worth of stock in HCA, the Nashville-based hospital chain founded by his father and brother.
28 November, 2005
which society is more ethical?
Stem cell researchers hope to create replacement tissues to treat diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's. Opponents assail the destruction of embryos involved in gathering the cells. President Bush has restricted research money.
"I would hate to see the United States get on an ethics high horse as if we are moral and other countries such as Korea are not," says the Rev. Ronald Cole-Turner of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
"Which society is the more ethical?" he asks. "The one that at least has a standard or the one that can't find a reasonable degree of compromise to create a standard?"
"I would hate to see the United States get on an ethics high horse as if we are moral and other countries such as Korea are not," says the Rev. Ronald Cole-Turner of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
"Which society is the more ethical?" he asks. "The one that at least has a standard or the one that can't find a reasonable degree of compromise to create a standard?"
are we really for democracy?
How would we feel if they were occupying our country? Do we know how they really feel about us invading and occupying theirs? Well, maybe we ought to find out. We, who loudy proclaim democracy, should let them vote in a real and fair referendum which would clarify the issue once and for all.
The Republicans don't want to do this as it might show that the Iraqi people, like half of the Americans, now believe enough is enough.
If we truly seek democracy in Iraq, then the decision about whether to stay or not should be theirs, not ours.
The Republicans don't want to do this as it might show that the Iraqi people, like half of the Americans, now believe enough is enough.
If we truly seek democracy in Iraq, then the decision about whether to stay or not should be theirs, not ours.
27 November, 2005
lies and half-truths
The investigations so far only looked at if the Intelligence community was pressured, they have not looked at did the Administrations manipulate the intelligence they received. Here is what we didn't know, that we know now:
1. The State Department was convinced that the Niger uranium claim
was bogus yet it was in Bush's speech anyway. (they claimed they
didn't know how it got in there--a lie.)
2. The source for claims about biological weapons was a questionable
character named "Curveball" who had a drinking problem and was
distrusted by German intelligence.
3. We were told that Saddam had drones that could deliver weapons, but
the Air Force thought that was a joke.
4. The Dept of Energy never believed the famous aluminum tubes had anything
to do with a nuclear program.
5. Colin Powell's warnings about mobile weapons labs were not based on
solid information.
The UN inspectors could never find WMD but were successfully bad-mouthed in a media campaign, and Rumsfeld maintained we knew where they were being stored--a lie.
1. The State Department was convinced that the Niger uranium claim
was bogus yet it was in Bush's speech anyway. (they claimed they
didn't know how it got in there--a lie.)
2. The source for claims about biological weapons was a questionable
character named "Curveball" who had a drinking problem and was
distrusted by German intelligence.
3. We were told that Saddam had drones that could deliver weapons, but
the Air Force thought that was a joke.
4. The Dept of Energy never believed the famous aluminum tubes had anything
to do with a nuclear program.
5. Colin Powell's warnings about mobile weapons labs were not based on
solid information.
The UN inspectors could never find WMD but were successfully bad-mouthed in a media campaign, and Rumsfeld maintained we knew where they were being stored--a lie.
25 November, 2005
Are the Republicans supporting our troops?
Often, when people ask us to support our troops, they are asking us to support the Bush Administration's decisions in Iraq.
But is the Administration supporting our troops by sending them into a war based on lies? By sending them into one battle after another with inadequate body armor, inadequately armored vehicles?
By bringing home the wounded in the dead of night so we can pretend they don't exist? By cutting veteran's benefits upon their return, so they have to struggle to pay for their housing, their groceries, their medical care?
By making young men and women fight an unwinnable war, a war that no longer has the backing of the American people?
But is the Administration supporting our troops by sending them into a war based on lies? By sending them into one battle after another with inadequate body armor, inadequately armored vehicles?
By bringing home the wounded in the dead of night so we can pretend they don't exist? By cutting veteran's benefits upon their return, so they have to struggle to pay for their housing, their groceries, their medical care?
By making young men and women fight an unwinnable war, a war that no longer has the backing of the American people?
what are we?
Without our ideals, what are we? The USA is not united by blood,or history, or geography of origin. It's our ideals that hold us together and make us a nation.
Starving,beating and waterboarding our enemies in secret gulags is not what this country is about. If we continue these shameful abuses, it will make us weaker, not stronger.
Starving,beating and waterboarding our enemies in secret gulags is not what this country is about. If we continue these shameful abuses, it will make us weaker, not stronger.
stupidity
The mistake made by Democrats who voted to authorize Bush to do whatever he wanted to Iraq, was gravely overestimating his competence.
Iraq-Vietnam
Thousands dead, body counts used to describe progress in the war, a government brainwashing the people into "staying the course", going to war without adequate equipment or exit plans, misjudging the enemy, the war being pushed by those, by and large, never having served, and blaming the media.
Sounds like Iraq and Vietnam have a lot in common. Support our Troops, Oppose the war.
Sounds like Iraq and Vietnam have a lot in common. Support our Troops, Oppose the war.
why can't our government
China's government defended its handling of a chemical plant explosion that sent a 50-mile-long toxic slick of river water coursing through a major city Thursday and blamed the disaster on a subsidiary of a state-owned oil company.
One shop owner, who would give only her surname, Jiang, said her sales had doubled to 25,000 bottles a day at 12 cents a piece.
Authorities froze prices to prevent overcharging. Why can't our government freeze when we have a disaster?
One shop owner, who would give only her surname, Jiang, said her sales had doubled to 25,000 bottles a day at 12 cents a piece.
Authorities froze prices to prevent overcharging. Why can't our government freeze when we have a disaster?
another one at the trough
Former FEMA, and still Republican crony, Director Michael ("Brownie, you are doing a heck of a job") Brown, heavily criticized for his agency's slow response to Hurricane Katrina, is starting a disaster preparedness consulting firm to help clients avoid the sort of errors that cost him his job.
No doubt, he will be contracting or sub-contracting to those who are contracting with the federal government. These Republicans really have their hooks into our money.
No doubt, he will be contracting or sub-contracting to those who are contracting with the federal government. These Republicans really have their hooks into our money.
they are wrong again
Today, scientists directly measure levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which accumulate in the atmosphere as a result of fuel-burning and other processes. Those gases help trap solar heat, like the greenhouses for which they are named, resulting in a gradual warming of the planet.
Those measurements are disturbing: Levels of carbon dioxide have climbed from 280 parts per million two centuries ago to 380 ppm today. Earth's average temperature, meanwhile, increased about 1 degree Fahrenheit in recent decades, a relatively rapid rise. Many climate specialists warn that continued warming could have severe impacts, such as rising sea levels and changing rainfall patterns.
Republicans sometimes dismiss the rise in greenhouse gases as part of a naturally fluctuating cycle. The new study provides ever-more definitive evidence countering that view, however.
Deep Antarctic ice encases tiny air bubbles formed when snowflakes fell over hundreds of thousands of years. Extracting the air allows a direct measurement of the atmosphere at past points in time, to determine the naturally fluctuating range.
A previous ice-core sample had traced greenhouse gases back about 440,000 years. This new sample, from East Antarctica, goes 210,000 years further back in time.
Today's still rising level of carbon dioxide already is 27% higher than its peak during all those millennia, said lead researcher Thomas Stocker of the University of Bern, Switzerland.
Those measurements are disturbing: Levels of carbon dioxide have climbed from 280 parts per million two centuries ago to 380 ppm today. Earth's average temperature, meanwhile, increased about 1 degree Fahrenheit in recent decades, a relatively rapid rise. Many climate specialists warn that continued warming could have severe impacts, such as rising sea levels and changing rainfall patterns.
Republicans sometimes dismiss the rise in greenhouse gases as part of a naturally fluctuating cycle. The new study provides ever-more definitive evidence countering that view, however.
Deep Antarctic ice encases tiny air bubbles formed when snowflakes fell over hundreds of thousands of years. Extracting the air allows a direct measurement of the atmosphere at past points in time, to determine the naturally fluctuating range.
A previous ice-core sample had traced greenhouse gases back about 440,000 years. This new sample, from East Antarctica, goes 210,000 years further back in time.
Today's still rising level of carbon dioxide already is 27% higher than its peak during all those millennia, said lead researcher Thomas Stocker of the University of Bern, Switzerland.
Social Security cure
The truth is the Social Security Fund needs to hold some kind of investments, just like my nest egg does.
It holds investments in Treasury Securities just like my investments do.
At my age, they are the safest investment and thus don't pay much, as income is proportional to safety.
Their safety depends largely on the Feds ability to print money. Using taxation in the near term is not viable because we are incurring huge debts to pay for (1) Iraq and (2) tax breaks to those who have the most.
Our children will be stuck with the bills,resulting declining wages and maybe less Social Security if we don't stop them. Your next vote will be critical
It holds investments in Treasury Securities just like my investments do.
At my age, they are the safest investment and thus don't pay much, as income is proportional to safety.
Their safety depends largely on the Feds ability to print money. Using taxation in the near term is not viable because we are incurring huge debts to pay for (1) Iraq and (2) tax breaks to those who have the most.
Our children will be stuck with the bills,resulting declining wages and maybe less Social Security if we don't stop them. Your next vote will be critical
24 November, 2005
are we killing innocent people?
In at least two cases, questions are being raised about whether an innocent person was put to death. In St. Louis, Larry Griffin was convicted for the 1980 fatal shooting of a 19-year-old drug dealer, Quintin Moss. He was executed in 1995. His conviction largely rested on the testimony of a career criminal who was in the Federal Witness Protection Program. Now, a policeman whose testimony backed up the criminal's story says the man was lying, and Moss' own family thinks Griffin was innocent.
In Texas, the case of Ruben Cantu, who was executed in 1993, is receiving attention. Cantu was convicted in 1985 of killing a man and wounding another during a robbery attempt that happened the previous year, when he was 17. A decade after his execution, however, the only witness in the case and Cantu's co-defendant have both come forward to say he was innocent.
In Texas, the case of Ruben Cantu, who was executed in 1993, is receiving attention. Cantu was convicted in 1985 of killing a man and wounding another during a robbery attempt that happened the previous year, when he was 17. A decade after his execution, however, the only witness in the case and Cantu's co-defendant have both come forward to say he was innocent.
US uses chemical weapons
read today:
A year ago, the US military denied using chemical weapons in the Fallujah offensive. The Pentagon quietly last week admitted that it used WP (white phosphorus) against insurgents but not against civilians. I have seen it used, it burns and suffocates. Shame on us.
A year ago, the US military denied using chemical weapons in the Fallujah offensive. The Pentagon quietly last week admitted that it used WP (white phosphorus) against insurgents but not against civilians. I have seen it used, it burns and suffocates. Shame on us.
see website"chickenhawks" they're all there
quoted from Rep. Murtha, Democrat of Pennsylvania;
"I like guys who got five deferments and never been there and send people to war and then don't like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done." on Cheney's lack of service in Vietnam.
"I like guys who got five deferments and never been there and send people to war and then don't like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done." on Cheney's lack of service in Vietnam.
23 November, 2005
patriots
Ellsberg, the former Defense Department official who leaked the Pentagon Papers during the Vietnam war, estimated it was his 70th arrest for various protests since the 1970s.
"Those of us who finally saw through the Vietnam war saw through this war, and all the actions that were necessary to end the Vietnam war will be necessary here," Ellsberg said Wednesday before his arrest. "I think the American people will get us out of this (war)."
Ellsberg became famous for his release of the secret documents, which indicated the government had deceived the public about whether the Vietnam war could be won and the extent of casualties.
Also arrested Wednesday was Ann Wright, who resigned her post as a senior diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Mongolia in 2003 in protest of the war with Iraq.
"Those of us who finally saw through the Vietnam war saw through this war, and all the actions that were necessary to end the Vietnam war will be necessary here," Ellsberg said Wednesday before his arrest. "I think the American people will get us out of this (war)."
Ellsberg became famous for his release of the secret documents, which indicated the government had deceived the public about whether the Vietnam war could be won and the extent of casualties.
Also arrested Wednesday was Ann Wright, who resigned her post as a senior diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Mongolia in 2003 in protest of the war with Iraq.
I could not believe it
I could not believe it, when I read this:
In the wake of the FDA's religion-not-science-based decision to stall women's access to pregnancy-preventing emergency contraception, Republicans are now deciding whether to force women who dare have The Sex to get not only pregnant, but cancer.
You see, there's a promising vaccine that would prevent cervical cancer. But until they realized they couldn't get away with it, the Republican Family Research Council came out against such a vaccine, saying that not getting cancer would turn women into brazen whores.
In the wake of the FDA's religion-not-science-based decision to stall women's access to pregnancy-preventing emergency contraception, Republicans are now deciding whether to force women who dare have The Sex to get not only pregnant, but cancer.
You see, there's a promising vaccine that would prevent cervical cancer. But until they realized they couldn't get away with it, the Republican Family Research Council came out against such a vaccine, saying that not getting cancer would turn women into brazen whores.
21 November, 2005
tip of the iceberg
Michael Scanlon, a former partner to lobbyist Jack Abramoff, pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to bribe public officials, a charge growing out of the government investigation of attempts to defraud Indian tribes and corrupt a member of Congress.
Scanlon, a former aide to Rep. Tom DeLay, entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle and agreed to pay restitution totaling more than $19 million to the tribes(apparently they got more than $80 million--not a bad deal.
Scanlon, who is expected to cooperate in the investigation of Abramoff and members of Congress, could face up to five years in prison.
DeLay is among those facing scrutiny for his associations with Abramoff, including a trip to Scotland and use of Abramoff's skybox at a Washington sports arena.
DeLay, who relinquished his post as House minority leader after a separate indictment in Texas, is due in court in Austin Tuesday for a hearing seeking dismissal of conspiracy and money laundering charges. NO DOUBT THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG.
Scanlon, a former aide to Rep. Tom DeLay, entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle and agreed to pay restitution totaling more than $19 million to the tribes(apparently they got more than $80 million--not a bad deal.
Scanlon, who is expected to cooperate in the investigation of Abramoff and members of Congress, could face up to five years in prison.
DeLay is among those facing scrutiny for his associations with Abramoff, including a trip to Scotland and use of Abramoff's skybox at a Washington sports arena.
DeLay, who relinquished his post as House minority leader after a separate indictment in Texas, is due in court in Austin Tuesday for a hearing seeking dismissal of conspiracy and money laundering charges. NO DOUBT THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG.
what do you call this??
read this from Jami:
But what exactly do Republican-apologists call this:
...an Iraqi defector code-named Curveball, never claimed to produce germ weapons and never saw anyone else do so.
According to the Germans, President Bush mischaracterized Curveball’s information when he warned before the war that Iraq had at least seven mobile factories brewing biological poisons.
Then-Secretary of State Colin L. Powell also misstated Curveball’s accounts in his prewar presentation to the United Nations on Feb. 5, 2003...Fine, don't call it lying. lol
But what exactly do Republican-apologists call this:
...an Iraqi defector code-named Curveball, never claimed to produce germ weapons and never saw anyone else do so.
According to the Germans, President Bush mischaracterized Curveball’s information when he warned before the war that Iraq had at least seven mobile factories brewing biological poisons.
Then-Secretary of State Colin L. Powell also misstated Curveball’s accounts in his prewar presentation to the United Nations on Feb. 5, 2003...Fine, don't call it lying. lol
you are going to pay the price
The Republicans are promoting "free" trade. It is not free.
What is really happening is they are "downsizing, reshaping,restructuring" our country, AND taking our jobs to other countries for the benefit of wealthy corporate officers, managers and investors. all of which will be relatively short term.
In return, we the people, get a government that is bought and paid for, and our country will become a third world, third rate country.
Here comes GM,the latest to downsize "at least 30,000 employees" men and women that were loyal to the company and did their best. GM's problem
by their own admission made the following mistakes:
1. bad investments in Fiat, Fuji Industries,and Delphi
2. bad management decisions of too many brands and too heavy into fuel guzzling
vehicles
None of these errors came from the working folks but they will pay the heaviest personal price. Sound familiar??????
What is really happening is they are "downsizing, reshaping,restructuring" our country, AND taking our jobs to other countries for the benefit of wealthy corporate officers, managers and investors. all of which will be relatively short term.
In return, we the people, get a government that is bought and paid for, and our country will become a third world, third rate country.
Here comes GM,the latest to downsize "at least 30,000 employees" men and women that were loyal to the company and did their best. GM's problem
by their own admission made the following mistakes:
1. bad investments in Fiat, Fuji Industries,and Delphi
2. bad management decisions of too many brands and too heavy into fuel guzzling
vehicles
None of these errors came from the working folks but they will pay the heaviest personal price. Sound familiar??????
fooling the people
The administration has been toning down its criticism of Murtha since White House spokesman Scott McClellan derided him last week as an ultraliberal, likening him to activist far-left filmmaker Michael Moore.
The Iraq debate turned more vitriolic in recent days, with the Senate voting overwhelmingly to require fuller reporting by the administration on progress, and by Murtha's proposal.
The smear and sneer tactics by the Republicans, for once, hasn't worked. So they now are changing their tune.
Bush, who was returning Monday from a tour of Asia, praised Murtha as "a fine man" and said that disagreeing with the administration was not unpatriotic. All along, those of us who disagreed were called unpatriotic and now they are changing that tune as well.
Which goes to prove, you can't fool all the people all of the time.
The Iraq debate turned more vitriolic in recent days, with the Senate voting overwhelmingly to require fuller reporting by the administration on progress, and by Murtha's proposal.
The smear and sneer tactics by the Republicans, for once, hasn't worked. So they now are changing their tune.
Bush, who was returning Monday from a tour of Asia, praised Murtha as "a fine man" and said that disagreeing with the administration was not unpatriotic. All along, those of us who disagreed were called unpatriotic and now they are changing that tune as well.
Which goes to prove, you can't fool all the people all of the time.
20 November, 2005
the smell
Exposure of allied cooperation with the CIA has already prompted several European governments to launch investigations into alleged CIA activities in their territories. Such diplomatic complications are among the reasons Goss is pressing for the CIA to improve its ability to operate on its own overseas.
"Sometimes other sovereign nations have somewhat divergent views or opinions, and so it's a good idea — even with your best friends ... to have a secret," Goss said.
What does this smell like to you????????
"Sometimes other sovereign nations have somewhat divergent views or opinions, and so it's a good idea — even with your best friends ... to have a secret," Goss said.
What does this smell like to you????????
literal interpretation of the bible
read this today, it's long but worth it
Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a radio personality who dispenses advice to people
who call in to her radio show. As an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstance.
The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a east coast resident. It's funny, as well as, might apply to others who quote the bible on other issues as never changing and always should be taken literally.
Dear Dr. Laura Schlessinger:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have
learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as
many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle,
for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to
be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however,
regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing
odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors.
They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7.
In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period
of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19- 24. The problem is, how do I tell? I
have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female,
provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine
claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify?
Why can't I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly
states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination -
Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree.
Can you settle this?
Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a
defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses.
Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around
their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.
19:27. How should they die?
I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me
unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops
in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two
different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse
and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of
getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we
just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people
who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can
help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and
unchanging.
Your devoted fan,
Jim
Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a radio personality who dispenses advice to people
who call in to her radio show. As an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstance.
The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a east coast resident. It's funny, as well as, might apply to others who quote the bible on other issues as never changing and always should be taken literally.
Dear Dr. Laura Schlessinger:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have
learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as
many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle,
for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to
be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however,
regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing
odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors.
They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7.
In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period
of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19- 24. The problem is, how do I tell? I
have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female,
provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine
claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify?
Why can't I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly
states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination -
Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree.
Can you settle this?
Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a
defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses.
Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around
their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.
19:27. How should they die?
I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me
unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops
in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two
different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse
and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of
getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we
just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people
who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can
help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and
unchanging.
Your devoted fan,
Jim
19 November, 2005
no end in sight
The five American soldiers — assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division — died in a pair of roadside bombings near Beiji, 155 miles north of Baghdad, the U.S. command said in a statement. Five others from the same unit were wounded.
Another soldier from the 101st died in a U.S. hospital in Germany of injuries suffered two days ago when his vehicle was deliberately rammed by an Iraqi car near Beiji, the U.S. command said Saturday.
At least 2,090 members of the U.S. military have died since the war began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press
Another soldier from the 101st died in a U.S. hospital in Germany of injuries suffered two days ago when his vehicle was deliberately rammed by an Iraqi car near Beiji, the U.S. command said Saturday.
At least 2,090 members of the U.S. military have died since the war began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press
another Republican political stunt
Democrats accused Republicans of orchestrating a political stunt that prohibited thoughtful debate on the issue, and nearly all voted against the measure.
That included Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania, the Democratic hawk whose call Thursday for pulling out troops immediately set off a nasty, personal debate over the war.
"Our military is suffering. The future of our country is at risk. We cannot continue on our present course," Murtha said. He said the GOP resolution was not the thoughtful approach he had suggested to bring the troops safely home in six months.
That included Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania, the Democratic hawk whose call Thursday for pulling out troops immediately set off a nasty, personal debate over the war.
"Our military is suffering. The future of our country is at risk. We cannot continue on our present course," Murtha said. He said the GOP resolution was not the thoughtful approach he had suggested to bring the troops safely home in six months.
18 November, 2005
Why they want to use torture
According to the sources, CIA officers who subjected themselves to the water boarding technique lasted an average of 14 seconds before caving in. They said al Qaeda's toughest prisoner, Khalid Sheik Mohammed, won the admiration of interrogators when he was able to last between two and two-and-a-half minutes before begging to confess.
"The person believes they are being killed, and as such, it really amounts to a mock execution, which is illegal under international law," said John Sifton of Human Rights Watch.
According to CIA sources, Ibn al Shaykh al Libbi, after two weeks of enhanced interrogation, made statements that were designed to tell the interrogators what they wanted to hear. Sources say Al Libbi had been subjected to each of the progressively harsher techniques in turn and finally broke after being water boarded and then left to stand naked in his cold cell overnight where he was doused with cold water at regular intervals.
His statements became part of the basis for the Bush administration claims that Iraq trained al Qaeda members to use biochemical weapons. Sources tell ABC that it was later established that al Libbi had no knowledge of such training or weapons and fabricated the statements because he was terrified of further harsh treatment.
"This is the problem with using the waterboard. They get so desperate that they begin telling you what they think you want to hear," one source said.
Ah,but there was a reason why they wanted that particular answer.They used the "techiques" to get the desired result so they can use the info to justify the war. Nice and neat, wasn't it?
"The person believes they are being killed, and as such, it really amounts to a mock execution, which is illegal under international law," said John Sifton of Human Rights Watch.
According to CIA sources, Ibn al Shaykh al Libbi, after two weeks of enhanced interrogation, made statements that were designed to tell the interrogators what they wanted to hear. Sources say Al Libbi had been subjected to each of the progressively harsher techniques in turn and finally broke after being water boarded and then left to stand naked in his cold cell overnight where he was doused with cold water at regular intervals.
His statements became part of the basis for the Bush administration claims that Iraq trained al Qaeda members to use biochemical weapons. Sources tell ABC that it was later established that al Libbi had no knowledge of such training or weapons and fabricated the statements because he was terrified of further harsh treatment.
"This is the problem with using the waterboard. They get so desperate that they begin telling you what they think you want to hear," one source said.
Ah,but there was a reason why they wanted that particular answer.They used the "techiques" to get the desired result so they can use the info to justify the war. Nice and neat, wasn't it?
why deny and lie that we don't
1. The Attention Grab: The interrogator forcefully grabs the shirt front of the prisoner and shakes him.
2. Attention Slap: An open-handed slap aimed at causing pain and triggering fear.
3. The Belly Slap: A hard open-handed slap to the stomach. The aim is to cause pain, but not internal injury. Doctors consulted advised against using a punch, which could cause lasting internal damage.
4. Long Time Standing: This technique is described as among the most effective. Prisoners are forced to stand, handcuffed and with their feet shackled to an eye bolt in the floor for more than 40 hours. Exhaustion and sleep deprivation are effective in yielding confessions.
5. The Cold Cell: The prisoner is left to stand naked in a cell kept near 50 degrees. Throughout the time in the cell the prisoner is doused with cold water.
6. Water Boarding: The prisoner is bound to an inclined board, feet raised and head slightly below the feet. Cellophane is wrapped over the prisoner's face and water is poured over him. Unavoidably, the gag reflex kicks in and a terrifying fear of drowning leads to almost instant pleas to bring the treatment to a halt.
Why don't we just admit that we do these things and get on with it? Why deny?
2. Attention Slap: An open-handed slap aimed at causing pain and triggering fear.
3. The Belly Slap: A hard open-handed slap to the stomach. The aim is to cause pain, but not internal injury. Doctors consulted advised against using a punch, which could cause lasting internal damage.
4. Long Time Standing: This technique is described as among the most effective. Prisoners are forced to stand, handcuffed and with their feet shackled to an eye bolt in the floor for more than 40 hours. Exhaustion and sleep deprivation are effective in yielding confessions.
5. The Cold Cell: The prisoner is left to stand naked in a cell kept near 50 degrees. Throughout the time in the cell the prisoner is doused with cold water.
6. Water Boarding: The prisoner is bound to an inclined board, feet raised and head slightly below the feet. Cellophane is wrapped over the prisoner's face and water is poured over him. Unavoidably, the gag reflex kicks in and a terrifying fear of drowning leads to almost instant pleas to bring the treatment to a halt.
Why don't we just admit that we do these things and get on with it? Why deny?
whoever disagrees, act now
Yesterday, an extraordinary congressman, former Marine Drill Sergeant and decorated Vietnam veteran, spoke out on the war in Iraq. He didn't come to that moment lightly. He spoke his mind and spoke his heart out of love for his country and support for our troops. No sooner had the words left his lips than the vicious assault on his character and patriotism began.
He is a brave American hero that the Republican attack machine has set their sights on.
Whether you agree or disagree with Jack Murtha is irrelevant. These despicable attacks by Republicans on Jack Murtha's patriotism and courage must be met with an enormous public outcry. Call your local talk radio show, write a letter to the editor, phone your members of Congress - act now to reject these vicious and cowardly attacks on Jack Murtha.
Those Republicans who have never put on the uniform of their country have aimed their venom at a marine who served America heroically in Vietnam and has been serving heroically in Congress ever since. There is no sterner stuff than the backbone and courage that defines Jack Murtha's character and conscience.
Dennis Hastert -- the Speaker of the House who never served -- accused Jack Murtha of being a coward. Jack Murtha wasn't a coward when he put himself in harm's way for his country in Vietnam and earned two purple hearts -- he was a patriot then, and he is a patriot today. Jack Murtha's courage in combat earned him a Bronze Star, and his voice should be heard, not silenced by those who still today cut and run from the truth.
Instead of letting his cronies run their mouths, the President for once should stop his allies from doing to Jack Murtha what he set them loose to do to John McCain in South Carolina and Max Cleland in Georgia.
The President should finally find the courage to debate the real issue instead of destroying anyone who speaks truth to power as they see it. It's time for Americans to stand up, fight back, and make it clear it's unacceptable to do this to any leader of any party anywhere in our country.
Whoever dares to disagree with George W. Bush's aimless "stay for as long as it takes" policy on Iraq, please act now.
Call and email your elected officials. Flood talk radio with calls rejecting these vicious smear tactics. Send a letter to the editor. Express your outrage about the tired old Rovian style attacks on Jack Murtha.
He is a brave American hero that the Republican attack machine has set their sights on.
Whether you agree or disagree with Jack Murtha is irrelevant. These despicable attacks by Republicans on Jack Murtha's patriotism and courage must be met with an enormous public outcry. Call your local talk radio show, write a letter to the editor, phone your members of Congress - act now to reject these vicious and cowardly attacks on Jack Murtha.
Those Republicans who have never put on the uniform of their country have aimed their venom at a marine who served America heroically in Vietnam and has been serving heroically in Congress ever since. There is no sterner stuff than the backbone and courage that defines Jack Murtha's character and conscience.
Dennis Hastert -- the Speaker of the House who never served -- accused Jack Murtha of being a coward. Jack Murtha wasn't a coward when he put himself in harm's way for his country in Vietnam and earned two purple hearts -- he was a patriot then, and he is a patriot today. Jack Murtha's courage in combat earned him a Bronze Star, and his voice should be heard, not silenced by those who still today cut and run from the truth.
Instead of letting his cronies run their mouths, the President for once should stop his allies from doing to Jack Murtha what he set them loose to do to John McCain in South Carolina and Max Cleland in Georgia.
The President should finally find the courage to debate the real issue instead of destroying anyone who speaks truth to power as they see it. It's time for Americans to stand up, fight back, and make it clear it's unacceptable to do this to any leader of any party anywhere in our country.
Whoever dares to disagree with George W. Bush's aimless "stay for as long as it takes" policy on Iraq, please act now.
Call and email your elected officials. Flood talk radio with calls rejecting these vicious smear tactics. Send a letter to the editor. Express your outrage about the tired old Rovian style attacks on Jack Murtha.
quagmire
Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., offered the resolution demanding a pullout. The GOP-run House was expected to reject it — and make a prominent statement about where Congress stands on Iraq — as the chamber scurried toward a Thanksgiving break.
Murtha, a well-respected Vietnam veteran who voted for the Iraq war, called for the immediate withdrawal of troops Thursday, intensifying the already red-hot debate on Capitol Hill over President Bush's war policies.
Murtha's resolution would force the president to withdrawal the nearly 160,000 troops in Iraq "at the earliest predictable date."
Most Republicans oppose Murtha's plan. Some members of the House and Senate, looking ahead to off-year elections next November, are publicly worrying about a quagmire there. They have been staking out new positions on the war that has grown increasingly unpopular with the American public, resulted in more than 2,000 U.S. military deaths and cost more than $200 billion..
"Our troops have become the primary target of the insurgency," Murtha, a longtime hawk on foreign and military affairs issues, said Thursday. "They are united against U.S. forces and we have become a catalyst for violence. The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion."
With a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts, Murtha retired from the Marine Corps reserves as a colonel in 1990 after 37 years as a Marine, only a few years longer than he's been in Congress. Elected in 1974, Murtha has become known as an authority on national security whose advice was sought out by Republican and Democratic administrations alike.
Murtha, a well-respected Vietnam veteran who voted for the Iraq war, called for the immediate withdrawal of troops Thursday, intensifying the already red-hot debate on Capitol Hill over President Bush's war policies.
Murtha's resolution would force the president to withdrawal the nearly 160,000 troops in Iraq "at the earliest predictable date."
Most Republicans oppose Murtha's plan. Some members of the House and Senate, looking ahead to off-year elections next November, are publicly worrying about a quagmire there. They have been staking out new positions on the war that has grown increasingly unpopular with the American public, resulted in more than 2,000 U.S. military deaths and cost more than $200 billion..
"Our troops have become the primary target of the insurgency," Murtha, a longtime hawk on foreign and military affairs issues, said Thursday. "They are united against U.S. forces and we have become a catalyst for violence. The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion."
With a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts, Murtha retired from the Marine Corps reserves as a colonel in 1990 after 37 years as a Marine, only a few years longer than he's been in Congress. Elected in 1974, Murtha has become known as an authority on national security whose advice was sought out by Republican and Democratic administrations alike.
16 November, 2005
yes men
Even the president's own allies and colleagues have come out against the use of torture by U.S. servicemen and women.
"If we are viewed as a country that engages in torture ... any possible information we might be able to gain is far counterbalanced by (the negative) effect of public opinion... This battle we're in is about the things we stand for and believe in and practice. And that is an observance of human rights, no matter how terrible our adversaries may be."
-- Senator John McCain (R-AZ)
"I think the administration is making a terrible mistake in opposing John McCain's amendment on detainees and torture."
-- Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE)
"I'm a strong supporter of Senator McCain's amendment. I don't think the White House should veto it."
-- Former Secretary of State Colin Powell
"The United States can win the war on terrorism without sacrificing our values."
-- Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
Instead of trying to shut his critics up, he should try to listen to them for a change and get rid of the yes men around him.
"If we are viewed as a country that engages in torture ... any possible information we might be able to gain is far counterbalanced by (the negative) effect of public opinion... This battle we're in is about the things we stand for and believe in and practice. And that is an observance of human rights, no matter how terrible our adversaries may be."
-- Senator John McCain (R-AZ)
"I think the administration is making a terrible mistake in opposing John McCain's amendment on detainees and torture."
-- Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE)
"I'm a strong supporter of Senator McCain's amendment. I don't think the White House should veto it."
-- Former Secretary of State Colin Powell
"The United States can win the war on terrorism without sacrificing our values."
-- Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
Instead of trying to shut his critics up, he should try to listen to them for a change and get rid of the yes men around him.
secret prisons?
read today:
The president failed to conduct a full investigation of how we as a country were misled in the run up to the war in Iraq.
The vice president and his staff continue to stonewall an investigation into how a covert CIA agent was revealed just to discredit her husband and why it was so important to discredit his revelations about faulty intelligence.
And unbelievably, the Republican leadership in Congress defends torture and secret prisons, the same type of human rights violations that we sent our young people into Iraq to stop, even though we know torture yields untrustworthy intelligence, smears our reputation around the world, and, above all, is wrong.
The president failed to conduct a full investigation of how we as a country were misled in the run up to the war in Iraq.
The vice president and his staff continue to stonewall an investigation into how a covert CIA agent was revealed just to discredit her husband and why it was so important to discredit his revelations about faulty intelligence.
And unbelievably, the Republican leadership in Congress defends torture and secret prisons, the same type of human rights violations that we sent our young people into Iraq to stop, even though we know torture yields untrustworthy intelligence, smears our reputation around the world, and, above all, is wrong.
body counts
The response from Republicans is,"You can't compare Iraq with Vietnam." Then why have they revived body counts as a way of claiming progress?
why exemptions from torture laws
Iraq's main Sunni Arab political party on Wednesday demanded an international investigation into allegations that security forces illegally detained and tortured suspected insurgents at secret jails in Baghdad.
I was informed that there were 173 detainees held at an Interior Ministry prison and they appear to be malnourished. There is also some talk that they were subjected to some kind of torture," al-Jaafari told reporters.
Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said U.S. and Iraqi forces went into the facility in Baghdad suspecting that individuals there might not have been appropriately handled or managed, and "they found things that concerned them."
Tariq al-Hashimi, the secretary-general of the Iraqi Islamic Party, held up photos of the bodies of people who appear to have been subjected to torture and said: "This is what your Sunni brothers are being subjected too."
"We told them that if you don't have information, then where are our brothers who were kidnapped by people wearing your uniforms, using your telecommunication equipment and driving your cars," he said.
Why do you suppose VP Cheney wants the CIA exempt from anti-torture legisation?
I was informed that there were 173 detainees held at an Interior Ministry prison and they appear to be malnourished. There is also some talk that they were subjected to some kind of torture," al-Jaafari told reporters.
Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said U.S. and Iraqi forces went into the facility in Baghdad suspecting that individuals there might not have been appropriately handled or managed, and "they found things that concerned them."
Tariq al-Hashimi, the secretary-general of the Iraqi Islamic Party, held up photos of the bodies of people who appear to have been subjected to torture and said: "This is what your Sunni brothers are being subjected too."
"We told them that if you don't have information, then where are our brothers who were kidnapped by people wearing your uniforms, using your telecommunication equipment and driving your cars," he said.
Why do you suppose VP Cheney wants the CIA exempt from anti-torture legisation?
15 November, 2005
there is no greater crime
There is no graver crime than to mislead a country into war, and then lie to cover it up.
The case of who disclosed the identity of Valerie Plame, a CIA covert operative working to stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction, reaches into the highest levels of the White House. Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has now indicted Assistant to the President and Vice Presidential Chief of Staff Scooter Libby. Senior Advisor to the President Karl Rove has yet to be indicted but is still under investigation.
President Bush, who has already broken his public promise to fire anyone involved in the leak, is probably considering pardoning those involved before any trial, just as his father did more than a decade ago in pardoning six high-level officials who broke the law in providing arms to Iran and the Nicaraguan contras.
This case has always been about the Bush Administration's efforts to mislead the American public into supporting the invasion of Iraq. With the nation in mourning for our 2000 slain soldiers, nothing could be more offensive than to pardon those who misled us, covered it up, and then endangered the lives of undercover CIA agents in order to intimidate those who stood up for the truth.
This isn't a failed real estate deal or a stained blue dress -- this is the national security of the United States. Thousands have already died, with more to come. Regrettably, we cannot be sure that justice will be served in this case. President Bush has the unilateral power to pardon Libby, Rove and anyone else who might be accused of a crime, even before their trial. Can't you just hear the conversations that must be going on in the White House. No wonder he blasts his critics and leaves the country.
The case of who disclosed the identity of Valerie Plame, a CIA covert operative working to stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction, reaches into the highest levels of the White House. Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has now indicted Assistant to the President and Vice Presidential Chief of Staff Scooter Libby. Senior Advisor to the President Karl Rove has yet to be indicted but is still under investigation.
President Bush, who has already broken his public promise to fire anyone involved in the leak, is probably considering pardoning those involved before any trial, just as his father did more than a decade ago in pardoning six high-level officials who broke the law in providing arms to Iran and the Nicaraguan contras.
This case has always been about the Bush Administration's efforts to mislead the American public into supporting the invasion of Iraq. With the nation in mourning for our 2000 slain soldiers, nothing could be more offensive than to pardon those who misled us, covered it up, and then endangered the lives of undercover CIA agents in order to intimidate those who stood up for the truth.
This isn't a failed real estate deal or a stained blue dress -- this is the national security of the United States. Thousands have already died, with more to come. Regrettably, we cannot be sure that justice will be served in this case. President Bush has the unilateral power to pardon Libby, Rove and anyone else who might be accused of a crime, even before their trial. Can't you just hear the conversations that must be going on in the White House. No wonder he blasts his critics and leaves the country.
Jones over McCain??
It is rare to see a popular politician mimicking a president with much lower approval ratings. (Bush has crashed into the 30s in several major polls.) Yet as McCain continues his Bushification to win the Republican base, he may alienate the very Americans he needs to win a general election.
Moderate voters were supposedly attracted to McCain's reputation for integrity and independence. If they discover that independence is nothing but a disposable sales pitch from another politician, they may oppose him. McCain must stop pandering to the radical right if he wants to hold the center.
That is why the Bushification strategy is doomed to fail -- you cannot posture a firm ideology for political advantage. You either have one or you don't. And Americans can tell. Be Careful John!!!
Moderate voters were supposedly attracted to McCain's reputation for integrity and independence. If they discover that independence is nothing but a disposable sales pitch from another politician, they may oppose him. McCain must stop pandering to the radical right if he wants to hold the center.
That is why the Bushification strategy is doomed to fail -- you cannot posture a firm ideology for political advantage. You either have one or you don't. And Americans can tell. Be Careful John!!!
those who have guts have glory
it seems so obvious to many of us, and has for more than two years, that this was an ill-advised misadventure. So we must wonder which of the nationally audible hawks are cynical liars and even sociopaths. What fraction are sincere and which are knowingly working with disregard for the principles and values that traditional Americans cherish.
Additionally, we wonder if the sincere hawks can ever see the light, and if so, can they muster the personal courage and strength of character to say so publically and forcefully.
I am glad to know that at least one example of this phenomenon has occurred in a US Congressman, one who happens to be on a militarily relevant congressional committee and representing a very militarily relevant district.
I would love to be optimistic here, but I cannot be so and remain honest to myself. I see this as only a small blip in the radar, not the beginning of a larger trend. I fear that this will cost Congressman Jones his political future and in so doing reaffirm the suspicion that other conservatives who would consider taking a similar public stance would have that such a move is tantamount to political suicide.
I hope that I am wrong, but I fear that few of the hawks, especially the most vociferous, have the conscience or the character to both face the Republican smear and hate machine, and the willingness to subsequently and ignominiously suffer a painful and costly political defeat with probable political extinction to follow.
Time will tell. But whatever happens, Representative Jones deserves our praise and our admiration.
Although the majority of conservatives march in lockstep as a single pernicious organism like the Borg of Star Trek, some conservatives not surprisingly are good and decent people.
Additionally, we wonder if the sincere hawks can ever see the light, and if so, can they muster the personal courage and strength of character to say so publically and forcefully.
I am glad to know that at least one example of this phenomenon has occurred in a US Congressman, one who happens to be on a militarily relevant congressional committee and representing a very militarily relevant district.
I would love to be optimistic here, but I cannot be so and remain honest to myself. I see this as only a small blip in the radar, not the beginning of a larger trend. I fear that this will cost Congressman Jones his political future and in so doing reaffirm the suspicion that other conservatives who would consider taking a similar public stance would have that such a move is tantamount to political suicide.
I hope that I am wrong, but I fear that few of the hawks, especially the most vociferous, have the conscience or the character to both face the Republican smear and hate machine, and the willingness to subsequently and ignominiously suffer a painful and costly political defeat with probable political extinction to follow.
Time will tell. But whatever happens, Representative Jones deserves our praise and our admiration.
Although the majority of conservatives march in lockstep as a single pernicious organism like the Borg of Star Trek, some conservatives not surprisingly are good and decent people.
Jones, a man's man
The Raleigh News and Observer article that broke the story in May about Jones' switch on Iraq also reveals that he "is quicker to tears than to laughter" and that he's been trying to build a memorial to the dogs that have helped U.S. servicemen in war:
He flips through a book dog handlers gave him, leafing past stylized drawings of animals leading their masters through danger. He starts to read, then catches himself. "I better not read this now," he says. "I never get through it without crying."
It isn't just the book about war dogs, it's anything at all. This isn't about politics; it's personal, and utterly emotional. Walter Jones can't lie about Iraq anymore. He's worked in the beating heart of this rotten American war effort for almost three years, and he's complicit in all of it. It's enough to make a congressman cry.
He flips through a book dog handlers gave him, leafing past stylized drawings of animals leading their masters through danger. He starts to read, then catches himself. "I better not read this now," he says. "I never get through it without crying."
It isn't just the book about war dogs, it's anything at all. This isn't about politics; it's personal, and utterly emotional. Walter Jones can't lie about Iraq anymore. He's worked in the beating heart of this rotten American war effort for almost three years, and he's complicit in all of it. It's enough to make a congressman cry.
the chickenhawks
A timetable for withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq is just the first step. Beyond that, what is needed is a comprehensive investigation that will examine, without fear or favor, the falsification of "intelligence" by ad hoc neocon-controlled government agencies.
We need a thorough examination of what role the office of the Vice President played in vetting and shaping the "evidence" for Iraq's WMD and alleged links to al-Qaeda.
What part did the "Office of Special Plans," AKA "The Cabal," play – and why was Dick Cheney tootling over to Langley and standing over analysts as they wrote their reports?
Who are the Pied Pipers of Washington, who lured Congress and the American people down the path and over the cliff into the quagmire?
My bets are on those listed on the "chickenhawks" website.
We need a thorough examination of what role the office of the Vice President played in vetting and shaping the "evidence" for Iraq's WMD and alleged links to al-Qaeda.
What part did the "Office of Special Plans," AKA "The Cabal," play – and why was Dick Cheney tootling over to Langley and standing over analysts as they wrote their reports?
Who are the Pied Pipers of Washington, who lured Congress and the American people down the path and over the cliff into the quagmire?
My bets are on those listed on the "chickenhawks" website.
Bush's folly
"Things aren't getting better," says Senator Hagel, "they're getting worse. The White House is completely disconnected from reality. It's like they're just making it up as they go along. The reality is that we're losing in Iraq."
The neocons who sold us this bill of goods don't care about reality: they don't even recognize the validity of the concept. In his interview with ABC's This Week, Jones pinpointed his own personal tipping point:
"I went down to a Sergeant Michael Bitz's funeral, down in Camp Lejeune. Michael Bitz left a wife and three children, twins that he never saw. He was killed at Nasiriya.
"And when she attended the funeral, I remember vividly – I can see it right now in my mind – the situation, when she read the last letter she received from him – he left a wife and three children, twins he never saw, that were born two months after he was deployed – and that really has been on my mind and my heart ever since. That's two years ago."
This account of a directionless Bitz, who found a purpose when he joined the Marines and turned his life around, hints at the larger tragedy that Jones has glimpsed, and the enormity of our folly in Iraq. Moreover, it diveted resources from the hunt for the real enemies of the USA.
The neocons who sold us this bill of goods don't care about reality: they don't even recognize the validity of the concept. In his interview with ABC's This Week, Jones pinpointed his own personal tipping point:
"I went down to a Sergeant Michael Bitz's funeral, down in Camp Lejeune. Michael Bitz left a wife and three children, twins that he never saw. He was killed at Nasiriya.
"And when she attended the funeral, I remember vividly – I can see it right now in my mind – the situation, when she read the last letter she received from him – he left a wife and three children, twins he never saw, that were born two months after he was deployed – and that really has been on my mind and my heart ever since. That's two years ago."
This account of a directionless Bitz, who found a purpose when he joined the Marines and turned his life around, hints at the larger tragedy that Jones has glimpsed, and the enormity of our folly in Iraq. Moreover, it diveted resources from the hunt for the real enemies of the USA.
Jones for President
A Congressional Staffer who works closely with Walter Jones', Republican Representative from North Carolina, office right now stated that Jones changed his mind about Iraq after some "difficult soul searching," and that the "growing gap" between the truth about Iraq that plays out in his district and the Republican party line he's supposed to toe in committee hearings has taken a "terrible toll on him."
When I asked Jones' press secretary what led to the shift, she told me it was a combination of "the top-secret briefings, researching the issues, and talking to families."
I heard Jones say on TV today that"GW Bush had stated when he was Govenor of Texas that the then President Clinton should explain an exit strategy for Bosnia to the American people" How interesting.
When I asked Jones' press secretary what led to the shift, she told me it was a combination of "the top-secret briefings, researching the issues, and talking to families."
I heard Jones say on TV today that"GW Bush had stated when he was Govenor of Texas that the then President Clinton should explain an exit strategy for Bosnia to the American people" How interesting.
13 November, 2005
all in the family
A U.S.-backed summit meant to promote political freedom and economic change in the Middle East ended Saturday without agreement, a blow to President Bush's goals for the troubled region.
American officials seemed startled that an ally, Egypt, threw up a roadblock.
Egypt receives nearly $2 billion annually in U.S. aid, second only to Israel.
The disappointing outcome at the conference followed a rocky summit a week ago in Argentina, when Bush got a cold shoulder from some Latin American leaders, failed to win consensus on a free trading bloc for the Western Hemisphere and endured biting criticism from anti-U.S. protesters and Venezuela's leftist president, Hugo Chavez.
Many Middle East nations are wary of Bush's second-term democracy agenda for the region. Some organizations that the administration has tried to engage are reluctant to take money from the U.S.
The conference also started a $50 million foundation aimed at promoting democracy and political change in the Middle East.
Both initiatives were shepherded by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Liz Cheney, the vice president's daughter. She accompanied Rice on a Mideast trip to Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and the West Bank.
It looks like "all in the family."
American officials seemed startled that an ally, Egypt, threw up a roadblock.
Egypt receives nearly $2 billion annually in U.S. aid, second only to Israel.
The disappointing outcome at the conference followed a rocky summit a week ago in Argentina, when Bush got a cold shoulder from some Latin American leaders, failed to win consensus on a free trading bloc for the Western Hemisphere and endured biting criticism from anti-U.S. protesters and Venezuela's leftist president, Hugo Chavez.
Many Middle East nations are wary of Bush's second-term democracy agenda for the region. Some organizations that the administration has tried to engage are reluctant to take money from the U.S.
The conference also started a $50 million foundation aimed at promoting democracy and political change in the Middle East.
Both initiatives were shepherded by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Liz Cheney, the vice president's daughter. She accompanied Rice on a Mideast trip to Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and the West Bank.
It looks like "all in the family."
good ally
Did you know that in Saudia Arabia, women are not even allowed to drive cars? Now that's a good ally to have, isn't it???
something to hide?
read today:
The Plame matter has exposed the lengths this administration went to hide its "fictional" rationales for war.
Invading Iraq never made any sense in the context of the war on terrorism; but the White House believed that keeping the country at war would help Republicans and hurt Democrats.
So it launched a marketing campaign to convince Americans that Saddam was linked to 9/11, and that he posed an imminent threat.
In challenging a small part of that line, Wilson was only a "bit player' Yet, he "scared them silly. He did so because they had something to hide."
The Plame matter has exposed the lengths this administration went to hide its "fictional" rationales for war.
Invading Iraq never made any sense in the context of the war on terrorism; but the White House believed that keeping the country at war would help Republicans and hurt Democrats.
So it launched a marketing campaign to convince Americans that Saddam was linked to 9/11, and that he posed an imminent threat.
In challenging a small part of that line, Wilson was only a "bit player' Yet, he "scared them silly. He did so because they had something to hide."
who said this?
who said this?
George Bush won't accept responsibility for his mistakes. Along with Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld, he has made horrible mistakes at almost every step: twisting intelligence to fit their pre-conceived views about Iraq's threat; failed diplomacy; not going in with enough troops; not giving our forces the equipment they need; not having a plan for peace.
Because of these failures, Iraq is a mess and has become a far greater threat than it actually ever was. It is now a haven for terrorists, and our presence there is draining the goodwill that our country once enjoyed, diminishing our global standing. It has made fighting the global war against terrorist organizations more difficult, not less.
The urgent question isn't how we got here, but what we do now. We have to give our troops a way to end their mission honorably. That means leaving behind a success, not a failure.
What is success? I don't think it is Iraq as a Jeffersonian democracy. I think it is an Iraq that is relatively stable, largely self-sufficient, comparatively open and free, and in control of its own destiny.
A plan for success needs to focus on three interlocking objectives: reducing American presence; building Iraq's capacity; and getting other countries to meet their responsibilities to help.
First, we need to remove the image of the imperialist America from the landscape of Iraq. American contractors who have taken unfair advantage of the turmoil in Iraq need to leave Iraq. If that means Halliburton subsidiary, KBR, then KBR should go. Such departures, and the return of the work to Iraqi businesses, would be a real statement about our hopes for the new nation.
We also need to show Iraq and the world that we will not stay there forever. We've reached the point where the large number of our troops in Iraq hurts, not helps, our goals. Therefore, early next year, after the Iraqi elections and a new government has been created, we should begin the redeployment of a significant number of troops out of Iraq. This should be the beginning of a gradual process to reduce our presence and change the shape of our military's deployment in Iraq.
We can't continue to act like a macho teenager, clinging to past bad decisions like we clung to fautly intelligence.
George Bush won't accept responsibility for his mistakes. Along with Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld, he has made horrible mistakes at almost every step: twisting intelligence to fit their pre-conceived views about Iraq's threat; failed diplomacy; not going in with enough troops; not giving our forces the equipment they need; not having a plan for peace.
Because of these failures, Iraq is a mess and has become a far greater threat than it actually ever was. It is now a haven for terrorists, and our presence there is draining the goodwill that our country once enjoyed, diminishing our global standing. It has made fighting the global war against terrorist organizations more difficult, not less.
The urgent question isn't how we got here, but what we do now. We have to give our troops a way to end their mission honorably. That means leaving behind a success, not a failure.
What is success? I don't think it is Iraq as a Jeffersonian democracy. I think it is an Iraq that is relatively stable, largely self-sufficient, comparatively open and free, and in control of its own destiny.
A plan for success needs to focus on three interlocking objectives: reducing American presence; building Iraq's capacity; and getting other countries to meet their responsibilities to help.
First, we need to remove the image of the imperialist America from the landscape of Iraq. American contractors who have taken unfair advantage of the turmoil in Iraq need to leave Iraq. If that means Halliburton subsidiary, KBR, then KBR should go. Such departures, and the return of the work to Iraqi businesses, would be a real statement about our hopes for the new nation.
We also need to show Iraq and the world that we will not stay there forever. We've reached the point where the large number of our troops in Iraq hurts, not helps, our goals. Therefore, early next year, after the Iraqi elections and a new government has been created, we should begin the redeployment of a significant number of troops out of Iraq. This should be the beginning of a gradual process to reduce our presence and change the shape of our military's deployment in Iraq.
We can't continue to act like a macho teenager, clinging to past bad decisions like we clung to fautly intelligence.
12 November, 2005
pigs at the trough
After the big stock market decline of October 1987, Drucker said he had expected it, "and not for economic reasons, but for aesthetic and moral reasons."
"The last two years were just too disgusting a spectacle," Drucker said. "Pigs gorging themselves at the trough are always a disgusting spectacle, and you know it won't last long." May he rest in peace.
Well, isn't it happening today?
"The last two years were just too disgusting a spectacle," Drucker said. "Pigs gorging themselves at the trough are always a disgusting spectacle, and you know it won't last long." May he rest in peace.
Well, isn't it happening today?
and counting
Five more American service members were reported killed Friday, The deaths brought the number of U.S. service members killed in Iraq since the war began in 2003 to 2,061, according to an Associated Press count. This doesn't include so-called US "contractors",or US civilians and innocent Iraqi women and children.
10 November, 2005
ouch
A drop in exports helped push the U.S. trade deficit to a record $66.1 billion in September, shattering the previous high of $60.4 billion set in February, the government said Thursday.
The gap was much wider than a mid-point forecast of $61 billion made by economists. The 11.4% widening since August was the largest month-to-month increase since June 2004.
Economists had expected import prices to be flat in October after September's 2.3% surge, which was the largest monthly advance in almost 15 years. Over the past 12 months, U.S. import prices have gained 8.1%.
U.S. exports tumbled 2.6% to $105.2 billion, the biggest setback since the September 2001 attacks on the United States.
By the time Republicans are out of control of our government, we may be bankrupt and our children and grandchildren will suffer.
The gap was much wider than a mid-point forecast of $61 billion made by economists. The 11.4% widening since August was the largest month-to-month increase since June 2004.
Economists had expected import prices to be flat in October after September's 2.3% surge, which was the largest monthly advance in almost 15 years. Over the past 12 months, U.S. import prices have gained 8.1%.
U.S. exports tumbled 2.6% to $105.2 billion, the biggest setback since the September 2001 attacks on the United States.
By the time Republicans are out of control of our government, we may be bankrupt and our children and grandchildren will suffer.
laying it on the line
read today"
Republicans have let the Bush Administration make one mind-boggling mistake after another in Iraq with hardly a word of protest.
As investigations and indictments mount, they pretend they can't see the corruption. As the bullying tactics of the extreme right wing dictate the Republican agenda, they pretend they can't see the danger.
And, as a White House hamstrung by a dizzying array of failed policies, botched decisions, and corrupt practices reels out of control, they pretend they can't see their own responsibility to act.
If they're not willing to lead, they need to get out of the way. We've got to get them out of the way so that we can roll up our sleeves and move America forward again. That's what the most critical legislative and electoral contests of the next twelve months are going to be all about. We're going to get "do nothing to offend the President" Republicans out of the way, so that we can move America in the right direction again." Wow.
Republicans have let the Bush Administration make one mind-boggling mistake after another in Iraq with hardly a word of protest.
As investigations and indictments mount, they pretend they can't see the corruption. As the bullying tactics of the extreme right wing dictate the Republican agenda, they pretend they can't see the danger.
And, as a White House hamstrung by a dizzying array of failed policies, botched decisions, and corrupt practices reels out of control, they pretend they can't see their own responsibility to act.
If they're not willing to lead, they need to get out of the way. We've got to get them out of the way so that we can roll up our sleeves and move America forward again. That's what the most critical legislative and electoral contests of the next twelve months are going to be all about. We're going to get "do nothing to offend the President" Republicans out of the way, so that we can move America in the right direction again." Wow.
09 November, 2005
coming propaganda
The troop rotation announcement identified only six combat brigades, including one from the National Guard, that will deploy over a two-year period beginning in mid-2006. Currently there are about 17 brigades in Iraq. Monday's announcement did not include any Marine Corps units, although they apparently will be added later.
This anouncement only speculates on rotation, not troop totals in Iraq. Isn't mid-2006 just before the 2006 congressional elections??? How convenient???
This anouncement only speculates on rotation, not troop totals in Iraq. Isn't mid-2006 just before the 2006 congressional elections??? How convenient???
throw the bums out
Lawmakers, especially on the Republican side, "need some cover in the face of record-breaking profits," says Christine Tezak, an energy analyst for Stanford Washington Research Group. "Expect a lot of criticism ... but there is far more rhetoric than votes in support of windfall profits taxes."
Together the five companies — ExxonMobil Corp., Chevron, ConocoPhillips, BPAmerica and Shell Oil USA — reported more than $25 billion in profits in the July-September quarter as the price of crude oil hit $70 a barrel and gasoline surged to record levels after the disruptions of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
ExxonMobil chairman Lee Raymond said Tuesday on CNBC, showing no sign of being defensive about his company's nearly $10 billion in earnings, on revenue of $100 billion, during the third quarter.
Once again it will be all talk and no action. Let's throw the bums out at the next election.
Together the five companies — ExxonMobil Corp., Chevron, ConocoPhillips, BPAmerica and Shell Oil USA — reported more than $25 billion in profits in the July-September quarter as the price of crude oil hit $70 a barrel and gasoline surged to record levels after the disruptions of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
ExxonMobil chairman Lee Raymond said Tuesday on CNBC, showing no sign of being defensive about his company's nearly $10 billion in earnings, on revenue of $100 billion, during the third quarter.
Once again it will be all talk and no action. Let's throw the bums out at the next election.
secret prisons with no torture
The Post's story of a week ago said the CIA has been hiding and interrogating some of its most important al-Qaeda captives at a Soviet-era compound in Eastern Europe, part of a covert prison system set up by the agency four years ago that at various times has included sites in eight countries. Those countries, said the story, include several democracies.
Linked to this story is , VP Cheney's request to expempt the CIA from the Senate passed torture ban and the statement by Bush that we don't torture prisoners (alias detainees or enemy combatants.) Do you detect the smell of fish here?
If we must also win this "war" on the political front, does the above make sense to you? McCain said it is not about them, but about us, who we are.
Linked to this story is , VP Cheney's request to expempt the CIA from the Senate passed torture ban and the statement by Bush that we don't torture prisoners (alias detainees or enemy combatants.) Do you detect the smell of fish here?
If we must also win this "war" on the political front, does the above make sense to you? McCain said it is not about them, but about us, who we are.
chalk another one for Senator McCain
In October Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and long-time reform opponent Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) conspired to insert a tiny provision in the completely unrelated transportation appropriations bill – a provision that would have allowed members of Congress to give unlimited amounts of money from their Leadership PACs to national party committees… which could then in turn give the money right back to the member of Congress for the election campaign. (It is illegal for Congresspersons to use Leadership PAC money directly for their election campaigns, as it is supposed to be for basic office functions.)
This maneuver was caught by sharp-eyed staff at the office of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), and once again, after many activist calls and emails, Frist and McConnell were forced to back off and withdraw the provision. McConnell then refused to even admit he had anything to do with it!
This maneuver was caught by sharp-eyed staff at the office of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), and once again, after many activist calls and emails, Frist and McConnell were forced to back off and withdraw the provision. McConnell then refused to even admit he had anything to do with it!
08 November, 2005
Scooter
They knew the story about Saddam attempting to buy nuclear parts in Africa was untrue because Joe Wilson told them so before they used it as part of the justification to invade Iraq.
Now they blame faulty intelligence. They then outed Joe Wilson's wife respecting her undercover status with the CIA. Legal or not, that's a fact.
Does anyone still believe "Scooter" did that on his own?????? I have a bridge in the dessert to sell you, if you do.
Now they blame faulty intelligence. They then outed Joe Wilson's wife respecting her undercover status with the CIA. Legal or not, that's a fact.
Does anyone still believe "Scooter" did that on his own?????? I have a bridge in the dessert to sell you, if you do.
what a mess
Saddam's defense team, which includes some 1,500 lawyers who act as advisers, is led by al-Dulaimi and Abdel Haq Alani, an Iraqi-born lawyer based in Britain. Alani is the top legal consultant to Saddam's daughter, Raghad, and believed to be backbone of defense team.
Alani said the latest killing confirmed defense fears that defense lawyers were being systematically targeted.
"How do they expect a trial to proceed if the lawyers fear for their lives? How can we call witnesses to take the stand in court?" he told The Associated Press by telephone. "This is a sham, not a trial."
Alani blamed the Bush administration for the turmoil in Iraq, including Tuesday's assassination.
"The whole trial, the bloodshed in Iraq, the killings, the violence and everything else wouldn't have happened, had the Americans not invaded Iraq," Alani said. "After invasion and occupation, the occupying power is responsible for protecting the lives of the people under occupation."
Alani said the latest killing confirmed defense fears that defense lawyers were being systematically targeted.
"How do they expect a trial to proceed if the lawyers fear for their lives? How can we call witnesses to take the stand in court?" he told The Associated Press by telephone. "This is a sham, not a trial."
Alani blamed the Bush administration for the turmoil in Iraq, including Tuesday's assassination.
"The whole trial, the bloodshed in Iraq, the killings, the violence and everything else wouldn't have happened, had the Americans not invaded Iraq," Alani said. "After invasion and occupation, the occupying power is responsible for protecting the lives of the people under occupation."
telling us how to vote
I couldn't believe it. I received a recorded phone message from a man representig himself as a Catholic Bishop, telling me how to vote on a ballot propoposition. I am not a Catholic.
If he really is who he said he was, the Catholic Church ought to clean up its own act and quit telling other people how to vote. Some of us might resent their attempt to control others.
If he really is who he said he was, the Catholic Church ought to clean up its own act and quit telling other people how to vote. Some of us might resent their attempt to control others.
07 November, 2005
rape of country
Watch the counters to the right of these messages to understand why the Republicans want to (1) do away with your mortgage interest tax deductions(2) reduce medical and medicad coverages, (2)not increase the minumum wages and, (3) send our jobs to cheap labor countries and sell the products back here at hefty profits. How do you think the Waltons are billionaires??
The reason is they are pouring money down that rat hole, Iraq, and giving huge tax breaks to those who have the most in our country. Where are they going to get the money?? The answer is from you and me, the working middle class and retirees of our once prosperous country.
The reason is they are pouring money down that rat hole, Iraq, and giving huge tax breaks to those who have the most in our country. Where are they going to get the money?? The answer is from you and me, the working middle class and retirees of our once prosperous country.
read blogs
Average weekday circulation at U.S. newspapers fell 2.6% in the six month-period ending in September, the latest sign of trouble in the newspaper business, an industry group reported Monday.
In my own newspaper, the Chief was appointed to a State Board by the Republican administration and, presto, no objective critical comment on the editorial page. Articles critical of Republicans that are in news are more than often on page 58, buried in the back pages.
Newspapers and radio depend on the big advertisers. Corporations have bought and paid for this government, sooooooo, what should we expect.
I have a suggestion. Read a broad point of view in the blogs if you want to read the free expression of the people. Of course, read this blog. lol
In my own newspaper, the Chief was appointed to a State Board by the Republican administration and, presto, no objective critical comment on the editorial page. Articles critical of Republicans that are in news are more than often on page 58, buried in the back pages.
Newspapers and radio depend on the big advertisers. Corporations have bought and paid for this government, sooooooo, what should we expect.
I have a suggestion. Read a broad point of view in the blogs if you want to read the free expression of the people. Of course, read this blog. lol
why
Big names, including American, United, Delta and US Airways, didn't wing into the 2005 top 10. "Many airlines are in deep trouble, and they're nickel and diming everything — cutting everything they could possibly cut," Zagat says. Fliers "are being treated badly as human beings. ... I've never surveyed an industry where there's this much biting commentary. (Fliers) are really mad."
Of course, we are mad. Our tax dollars are bailing out the mis-managers and executives. By the way, why am I being treated like a potential terroist. I have lived in this country for over 60 years, born, worked and retired here. I don't look like a terroist, I don't act like a terroist, and I am not a terroist.
So, why can't the airlines and the government figure that out and act accordingly.? Do you suppose our political leaders are trying to continually scare us?? Why would that be true? Who would benefit? He has made a mess of everything else.
Of course, we are mad. Our tax dollars are bailing out the mis-managers and executives. By the way, why am I being treated like a potential terroist. I have lived in this country for over 60 years, born, worked and retired here. I don't look like a terroist, I don't act like a terroist, and I am not a terroist.
So, why can't the airlines and the government figure that out and act accordingly.? Do you suppose our political leaders are trying to continually scare us?? Why would that be true? Who would benefit? He has made a mess of everything else.
and we don't even enjoy it
Howard Pien, the CEO in charge when Chiron (CHIR) failed to deliver half the USA's flu vaccine last year, stands to collect up to $12.3 million in severance if he is dismissed by the company's new owner, regulatory filings show.
Hodgson compared Pien's possible payout with controversial severance packages given this year to CEOs Philip Purcell at Morgan Stanley and James Kilts at Gillette. Purcell got $113 million in cash and stock after he resigned under pressure.
Kilts got $164 million after Gillette's sale to Procter & Gamble. They do it to us almost every day with a "look the other way" from the Republicans.
Hodgson compared Pien's possible payout with controversial severance packages given this year to CEOs Philip Purcell at Morgan Stanley and James Kilts at Gillette. Purcell got $113 million in cash and stock after he resigned under pressure.
Kilts got $164 million after Gillette's sale to Procter & Gamble. They do it to us almost every day with a "look the other way" from the Republicans.
06 November, 2005
watch out S. Americal
Bush's five-day trip, which concludes with a visit to Panama Sunday and Monday, comes as there is growing mistrust in Latin America about the United States.
The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq revived memories of the "gunboat diplomacy" era of U.S.-Latin American relations of a century ago. There also has been deep concern about the failure to find the weapons of mass destruction that Bush alleged Iraq had. Disclosures of prisoner abuse by U.S. soldiers in Iraq and elsewhere added strains.
The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq revived memories of the "gunboat diplomacy" era of U.S.-Latin American relations of a century ago. There also has been deep concern about the failure to find the weapons of mass destruction that Bush alleged Iraq had. Disclosures of prisoner abuse by U.S. soldiers in Iraq and elsewhere added strains.
fed up with democratic leaders
I am just fed up with you Democrats. Do you want to know why or do you even care?
Here is why:
1. You let the Republicans attack and attack and you just take it. They call you names and when you use the existing Senate rules to raise objections they call it a stunt, even while they threaten to change the rules. On the issues that we middle class care about, you act with timidity and fear.
2. You let the Republicans define the issues. for God's sake, stand up once in awhile I realize that curently the Republicans control everything including the money flow from contributions.
3. You let the Republicans demean you by generalizing. Some crackpot Democrat says or does something stupid and you let them tarnish all Democrats. When some crackpot Republicans do likewise, oh well he/she is a right winger or he/she is a crackpot.
4. You let Republicans define terms also. For example, My dictionary says the word "democrat" is a noun. and "democratic" is an adjective AND DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS A POLITICAL PARTY. So how is it that they and the media get away with saying "DEMOCRAT PARTY". Even some of you democrats use that term. For God's sake, DEMOCRATIC LEADERS HAD BETTER START PAYING ATTENTION AND DOING SOMETHING. otherwise, I may go back to the Republican Party. Heaven forbid.
Here is why:
1. You let the Republicans attack and attack and you just take it. They call you names and when you use the existing Senate rules to raise objections they call it a stunt, even while they threaten to change the rules. On the issues that we middle class care about, you act with timidity and fear.
2. You let the Republicans define the issues. for God's sake, stand up once in awhile I realize that curently the Republicans control everything including the money flow from contributions.
3. You let the Republicans demean you by generalizing. Some crackpot Democrat says or does something stupid and you let them tarnish all Democrats. When some crackpot Republicans do likewise, oh well he/she is a right winger or he/she is a crackpot.
4. You let Republicans define terms also. For example, My dictionary says the word "democrat" is a noun. and "democratic" is an adjective AND DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS A POLITICAL PARTY. So how is it that they and the media get away with saying "DEMOCRAT PARTY". Even some of you democrats use that term. For God's sake, DEMOCRATIC LEADERS HAD BETTER START PAYING ATTENTION AND DOING SOMETHING. otherwise, I may go back to the Republican Party. Heaven forbid.
wristband required
Actors Warren Beatty and wife Annette Bening tried to crash a campaign appearance Saturday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger as the governor sought to drum up last-minute support for a group of statewide ballot measures.
The Hollywood couple strode side-by-side to the entrance of an airport hangar where several hundred of the governor's supporters had gathered.
A Schwarzenegger aide told the "Bulworth" star he was not on the guest list and did not have the appropriate wristband to get inside.
"You have to have a wristband to listen to the governor?" Bening asked. "He represents all of us, right?"
The Hollywood couple strode side-by-side to the entrance of an airport hangar where several hundred of the governor's supporters had gathered.
A Schwarzenegger aide told the "Bulworth" star he was not on the guest list and did not have the appropriate wristband to get inside.
"You have to have a wristband to listen to the governor?" Bening asked. "He represents all of us, right?"
05 November, 2005
another blunder
Iraq is one vast archaeological site, resting on the remains of some of the earliest human civilizations, says archaeologist Elizabeth Stone of Stony Brook University in New York. Empire-ruling cities such as Ur, Nineveh and Babylon lie beneath its soil.
The museum holds the fruits of a century of archaeological investigation into the uniquely preserved ancient cultures, captured in cuneiform tablets and seals, along with statuary, pottery and city walls, Stone says.
Exploring these civilizations only had scratched the surface when the war opened the door to thieves at the museum and at archaeological sites across the country. "Frankly, those who have argued that U.S. forces should have done more to protect the museum present a compelling argument
Archaeologists agree it will take decades to recover all the stolen treasures, and some of them may never be seen again
In World War II, by contrast, the U.S. Military's Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section worked with art historians to preserve cultural treasures.
Another blunder by the "blunderer-in-chief".
The museum holds the fruits of a century of archaeological investigation into the uniquely preserved ancient cultures, captured in cuneiform tablets and seals, along with statuary, pottery and city walls, Stone says.
Exploring these civilizations only had scratched the surface when the war opened the door to thieves at the museum and at archaeological sites across the country. "Frankly, those who have argued that U.S. forces should have done more to protect the museum present a compelling argument
Archaeologists agree it will take decades to recover all the stolen treasures, and some of them may never be seen again
In World War II, by contrast, the U.S. Military's Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section worked with art historians to preserve cultural treasures.
Another blunder by the "blunderer-in-chief".
while they can?
That most sacred of tax breaks, the mortgage interest deduction that has helped millions buy homes, could vanish if President Bush and Congress follow the recommendations of his tax advisory board.
The National Association of Realtors estimated that housing prices could decline 15%, bad news for owners who have seen the value of their homes increase.
"You're going to be taking away from Middle America," said David Lereah, the association's chief economist. "Everyone, whether you use the mortgage interest deduction or not, the value goes down. You've just reduced the retirement nest egg for everyone." Sure why not it while they can?
The National Association of Realtors estimated that housing prices could decline 15%, bad news for owners who have seen the value of their homes increase.
"You're going to be taking away from Middle America," said David Lereah, the association's chief economist. "Everyone, whether you use the mortgage interest deduction or not, the value goes down. You've just reduced the retirement nest egg for everyone." Sure why not it while they can?
04 November, 2005
Lies and the liars who tell them
The sixteen words in the President's speech were false and he knew it. He can't blame the CIA for those words, now they say they don't know how the words got in there. Lies and the liars who tell them
God Bless Senator McCain
Vice President Dick Cheney made an unusual personal appeal to Republican senators this week to allow CIA exemptions to a proposed ban on the torture of terror suspects in U.S. custody, according to participants in a closed-door session.
Cheney told his audience the United States doesn't engage in torture, these participants added, even though he said the administration needed an exemption from any legislation banning "cruel, inhuman or degrading" treatment in case the president decided one was necessary to prevent a terrorist attack.
The vice president drew support from at least one lawmaker, Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, while Arizona Sen. John McCain dissented, officials said.
McCain, who was tortured while held as a prisoner during the Vietnam War, is the chief Senate sponsor of an anti-torture provision that has twice cleared the Senate and triggered veto threats from the White House.
Well, excuse me. These current Republicans don't torture prisoners but want an exepmtion for a no torture bill. It's no wonder we have lost respect in the world. God Bless Senator McCain.
Cheney told his audience the United States doesn't engage in torture, these participants added, even though he said the administration needed an exemption from any legislation banning "cruel, inhuman or degrading" treatment in case the president decided one was necessary to prevent a terrorist attack.
The vice president drew support from at least one lawmaker, Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, while Arizona Sen. John McCain dissented, officials said.
McCain, who was tortured while held as a prisoner during the Vietnam War, is the chief Senate sponsor of an anti-torture provision that has twice cleared the Senate and triggered veto threats from the White House.
Well, excuse me. These current Republicans don't torture prisoners but want an exepmtion for a no torture bill. It's no wonder we have lost respect in the world. God Bless Senator McCain.
63% disapprove
The latest jobs picture comes as President Bush is confronted with sagging job ratings. President Bush's job approval is at the lowest level of his presidency.
A new AP-Ipsos poll showed Bush's approval rating dipped to 37%, compared with 39% just a month ago.
A new AP-Ipsos poll showed Bush's approval rating dipped to 37%, compared with 39% just a month ago.
Perot was right-on
Payrolls grew a smaller-than-expected 56,000 in October despite the fading impact of Hurricane Katrina, and total job growth over the two prior months was revised lower, a Labor Department report Friday showed.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Kathleen Utgoff said the relatively weak increase in jobs last month could not be blamed on Hurricane Katrina, the storm that devastated the Gulf Coast region in late August. "Rather, job growth in the remainder of the country appeared to be below trend in October," Utgoff said.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Kathleen Utgoff said the relatively weak increase in jobs last month could not be blamed on Hurricane Katrina, the storm that devastated the Gulf Coast region in late August. "Rather, job growth in the remainder of the country appeared to be below trend in October," Utgoff said.
finally, someone is going to stand up
read today:
"Let Republican Senators bristle at our demands for a full investigation of pre-war intelligence. Let the Bush administration cower in fear that Karl Rove will be indicted for his role in trying to intimidate those who dared to speak the truth. Let Dick Cheney try to explain away his four-year-long campaign of deception, bullying, and misdirection.
But don't let America's brave armed forces serve another day without a clear, concrete plan for achieving America's goals in Iraq and bringing the majority of our troops home by the end of 2006.
Next week, we'll be turning up the heat on Republican leaders in dramatic fashion. We won't let them hide from the truth any longer. The reality is: George W. Bush doesn't have a plan for Iraq. And misleading rhetoric about "staying as long as it takes" will never add up to a plan."
"Let Republican Senators bristle at our demands for a full investigation of pre-war intelligence. Let the Bush administration cower in fear that Karl Rove will be indicted for his role in trying to intimidate those who dared to speak the truth. Let Dick Cheney try to explain away his four-year-long campaign of deception, bullying, and misdirection.
But don't let America's brave armed forces serve another day without a clear, concrete plan for achieving America's goals in Iraq and bringing the majority of our troops home by the end of 2006.
Next week, we'll be turning up the heat on Republican leaders in dramatic fashion. We won't let them hide from the truth any longer. The reality is: George W. Bush doesn't have a plan for Iraq. And misleading rhetoric about "staying as long as it takes" will never add up to a plan."
03 November, 2005
who can blame them?
The number of black enlisted troops has declined significantly in three military branches from 2000 through 2004 — by 15% in the Army, 23% in the Marines and 11% in the Air Force. The Navy's number fell only slightly. The overall size of all four branches has stayed roughly the same.
A major reason for the trend is a sharp drop in blacks joining the military, according to a Pentagon analysis conducted in response to questions from USA TODAY. During the four-year period, African-American recruits in all four services fell nearly a third, from 38,034 in 2000 to 26,170 in 2004.
A major reason for the trend is a sharp drop in blacks joining the military, according to a Pentagon analysis conducted in response to questions from USA TODAY. During the four-year period, African-American recruits in all four services fell nearly a third, from 38,034 in 2000 to 26,170 in 2004.
budget bill wrecks our budgets
The budget reconciliation bill now being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives is terrible for Texas because:
• Texans could be turned down for nursing home and long-term care 5 years down the road for donating to hurricane victims and other charities today.
• It punishes the generosity of Texans by shifting the financial burden of caring for hurricane evacuees directly to Texas and away from the federal government.
• It could force Texans who need long-term care services to sell the homes they have lived in for years because their home equity was driven up by skyrocketing real estate prices.
• Texans could be turned down for nursing home and long-term care 5 years down the road for donating to hurricane victims and other charities today.
• It punishes the generosity of Texans by shifting the financial burden of caring for hurricane evacuees directly to Texas and away from the federal government.
• It could force Texans who need long-term care services to sell the homes they have lived in for years because their home equity was driven up by skyrocketing real estate prices.
dodged the draft
Alito, 55, has served for 15 years on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals based in Philadelphia after being a government lawyer and U.S. attorney, and has a clear conservative paper trail on the bench.
But some people are looking at a young Alito to try to find indicators of how he'd vote on certain issues.
For example, Alito joined the Army reserves while he was a college student because his draft lottery number made it likely he would be taken for the Vietnam War, his college roommates said. DO A WEB SEARCH ON "CHICKENHAWKS" AND YOU WILL SEE THE REST OF THEM.
Well there you have it. You Vietnam Vets ought to be happy about this
But some people are looking at a young Alito to try to find indicators of how he'd vote on certain issues.
For example, Alito joined the Army reserves while he was a college student because his draft lottery number made it likely he would be taken for the Vietnam War, his college roommates said. DO A WEB SEARCH ON "CHICKENHAWKS" AND YOU WILL SEE THE REST OF THEM.
Well there you have it. You Vietnam Vets ought to be happy about this
diverting your attention
Read the previous post, and you will understand why Republicans are so upset at the Democrats who are demanding answers by invoking rule 21(they didn't change the rules of the Senate).
Finally, someone is standing up and the Republicans are on the attack. The first thing they do is call names and try to divert attention away from the substance of the issue. They are very good at that.
Finally, someone is standing up and the Republicans are on the attack. The first thing they do is call names and try to divert attention away from the substance of the issue. They are very good at that.
shutting people up
The indictment says Libby got information about Plame's identity in June of 2003 from Cheney, the State Department and the CIA, then spread it to New York Times reporter Judith Miller and Time magazine reporter Matt Cooper. Libby told FBI agents and a federal grand jury that his information had come from NBC reporter Tim Russert.
Russert says he and Libby never discussed Wilson or his wife.
Miller, who never wrote a story, said Libby told her about the CIA connection of Wilson's wife. Cooper said Libby was one of his sources for a story identifying the CIA connection of Wilson's wife.
the CIA identity of the wife of Bush administration critic Joseph Wilson. Valerie Plame's name was published by conservative columnist Robert Novak after Wilson accused the administration of twisting intelligence in the run-up to the war to exaggerate the IraLibby was charged with lying to investigators and the grand jury about leaking to reporters qi threat from weapons of mass destruction.
Looks like they wanted to shut some people up.
Russert says he and Libby never discussed Wilson or his wife.
Miller, who never wrote a story, said Libby told her about the CIA connection of Wilson's wife. Cooper said Libby was one of his sources for a story identifying the CIA connection of Wilson's wife.
the CIA identity of the wife of Bush administration critic Joseph Wilson. Valerie Plame's name was published by conservative columnist Robert Novak after Wilson accused the administration of twisting intelligence in the run-up to the war to exaggerate the IraLibby was charged with lying to investigators and the grand jury about leaking to reporters qi threat from weapons of mass destruction.
Looks like they wanted to shut some people up.
02 November, 2005
we weren't like the nazis to defeat them
Led by Vice President Dick Cheney, the Bush administration is floating a proposal that would allow the president to exempt covert agents outside the Defense Department from a Senate-approved ban on torturing detainees in U.S. custody or weakening the prohibition.
In a statement Wednesday, Sen. Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, reiterated his call for a detailed congressional review of the "fundamental legal and operational questions" surrounding terror suspects in U.S. custody.
"Once again, it appears to me that the White House has dictated that the Republican-controlled Congress not conduct oversight of an important national security matter," Rockefeller said. "They have made it clear that anyone who suggests that oversight is needed should be labeled as unpatriotic."
Do we need to be like them to defeat them??
In a statement Wednesday, Sen. Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, reiterated his call for a detailed congressional review of the "fundamental legal and operational questions" surrounding terror suspects in U.S. custody.
"Once again, it appears to me that the White House has dictated that the Republican-controlled Congress not conduct oversight of an important national security matter," Rockefeller said. "They have made it clear that anyone who suggests that oversight is needed should be labeled as unpatriotic."
Do we need to be like them to defeat them??
foul calling fowl
For their part, Reid and Sen. Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, claimed that Republicans have repeatedly rebuffed Democratic pleas for a thorough investigation.
Some Democrats have accused the White House of twisting intelligence to exaggerate the threat posed by Iraq.
Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, was indicted last Friday for lying during an investigation that touched on the war — a probe of the leak of the identity of a CIA official married to a critic of the administration's Iraq policy.
"The Libby indictment provides a window into what this is really all about, how this administration manufactured and manipulated intelligence in order to sell the war in Iraq and attempted to destroy those who dared to challenge its actions," Reid said.
Libby resigned from his White House post after being indicted on charges of obstruction of justice, making false statements and perjury.
. The last closed session was in 1999 to consider the impeachment of President Clinton.
Some Democrats have accused the White House of twisting intelligence to exaggerate the threat posed by Iraq.
Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, was indicted last Friday for lying during an investigation that touched on the war — a probe of the leak of the identity of a CIA official married to a critic of the administration's Iraq policy.
"The Libby indictment provides a window into what this is really all about, how this administration manufactured and manipulated intelligence in order to sell the war in Iraq and attempted to destroy those who dared to challenge its actions," Reid said.
Libby resigned from his White House post after being indicted on charges of obstruction of justice, making false statements and perjury.
. The last closed session was in 1999 to consider the impeachment of President Clinton.
01 November, 2005
KIA
As of Tuesday, the U.S. military death toll for October was at least 93, bringing the total number of military deaths to at least 2,026 since the war in Iraq began.
why am I not surprised?
Conflict of Interest: DeLay’s Legal Defense Firm Lobbies for Major Corporate Interests on Capitol Hill
Third Quarter Contributions to Legal Defense Fund Show a Gusher from Energy Interests After DeLay Helped Usher Through the Energy Bill
Third Quarter Contributions to Legal Defense Fund Show a Gusher from Energy Interests After DeLay Helped Usher Through the Energy Bill
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