Recent recipients of honorary degrees at ASU include Wu Qidi, vice minister of education of the People's Republic of China and they say that they don't award honorary degrees to sitting politicians.
Rubbish! A President gives prestige to a University when he speaks at their Commencement. President Obama should not speak there.
12 April, 2009
10 April, 2009
the new Republicans
Gates is unapologetic about cutting back on big-ticket items such as the Army's Future Combat Systems. The program's lightly armored vehicles, he notes, have 18-inch clearances and flat bottoms -- perfect targets for roadside explosives. On the other hand, Gates's missile defense cuts are relatively small.
Republicans want to polarize the budget debate. For example, the Obama administration, according to Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) is "willing to sacrifice the lives of American military men and women for the sake of domestic programs favored by President Obama."
In this case, the charge rings with irresponsibility and outright lies. While the total defense budget will be larger in a time of war, it focuses resources and attention precisely where they are most needed: on our war fighters. Eisenhower, who was my first vote for President, warned of the "military industrial complex."
Republicans want to polarize the budget debate. For example, the Obama administration, according to Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) is "willing to sacrifice the lives of American military men and women for the sake of domestic programs favored by President Obama."
In this case, the charge rings with irresponsibility and outright lies. While the total defense budget will be larger in a time of war, it focuses resources and attention precisely where they are most needed: on our war fighters. Eisenhower, who was my first vote for President, warned of the "military industrial complex."
08 April, 2009
Bush-Pres. Obama difference
It appears to me that President Obama is about first going after and isolating the Bin Laden group , the people who attached us, which is what we should have done instead of getting bogged down in Iraq killing millions of civilians and 4,000 of our troops trying to get Iraqi oil.
I believe all that was due to Cheney, the Darth Vadar of the 21st century, who saw that Iraq was weak and there was money to be made by interupting the oil flow from Iraq.
We are going to be lucky if we don't have more to pay for that. We need to attack those who attacked us. I thought this from the beginning, so did lots of people. They just got scared into it by Bush-Cheney and their lackeys spreading a fear of WMD.
That was what the Wilson/Plame affair revealed. Whoever thinks that Scooter Libby outed Wilson's wife without Cheney is a fool. It defies logic and common sense.
I believe all that was due to Cheney, the Darth Vadar of the 21st century, who saw that Iraq was weak and there was money to be made by interupting the oil flow from Iraq.
We are going to be lucky if we don't have more to pay for that. We need to attack those who attacked us. I thought this from the beginning, so did lots of people. They just got scared into it by Bush-Cheney and their lackeys spreading a fear of WMD.
That was what the Wilson/Plame affair revealed. Whoever thinks that Scooter Libby outed Wilson's wife without Cheney is a fool. It defies logic and common sense.
29 March, 2009
republicans still clinging to smoke and mirrors
Abu Zubaida's revelations after waterboarding triggered a series of alerts and sent hundreds of CIA and FBI investigators scurrying in pursuit of phantoms.
The interrogations led directly to the arrest of Jose Padilla, the man Abu Zubaida identified as heading an effort to explode a radiological "dirty bomb" in an American city.
Padilla was held in a naval brig for 3 1/2 years on the allegation but was never charged in any such plot. Every other lead ultimately dissolved into smoke and shadow, according to high-ranking former U.S. officials with access to classified reports.
"We spent millions of dollars chasing false alarms," one former intelligence official said.
Despite the poor results, Bush White House officials and CIA leaders continued to insist that the harsh measures applied against Abu Zubaida and others produced useful intelligence that disrupted terrorist plots and saved American lives.
Two weeks ago, Bush's vice president, Richard B. Cheney, renewed that assertion in an interview with CNN, saying that "the enhanced interrogation program" stopped "a great many" terrorist attacks on the level of Sept. 11.
"I've seen a report that was written, based upon the intelligence that we collected then, that itemizes the specific attacks that were stopped by virtue of what we learned through those programs," Cheney asserted, adding that the report is "still classified," and, "I can't give you the details of it without violating classification."
Since 2006, Senate intelligence committee members have pressed the CIA, in classified briefings, to provide examples of specific leads that were obtained from Abu Zubaida through the use of waterboarding and other methods, according to officials familiar with the requests.
The agency provided none, the officials said.
The interrogations led directly to the arrest of Jose Padilla, the man Abu Zubaida identified as heading an effort to explode a radiological "dirty bomb" in an American city.
Padilla was held in a naval brig for 3 1/2 years on the allegation but was never charged in any such plot. Every other lead ultimately dissolved into smoke and shadow, according to high-ranking former U.S. officials with access to classified reports.
"We spent millions of dollars chasing false alarms," one former intelligence official said.
Despite the poor results, Bush White House officials and CIA leaders continued to insist that the harsh measures applied against Abu Zubaida and others produced useful intelligence that disrupted terrorist plots and saved American lives.
Two weeks ago, Bush's vice president, Richard B. Cheney, renewed that assertion in an interview with CNN, saying that "the enhanced interrogation program" stopped "a great many" terrorist attacks on the level of Sept. 11.
"I've seen a report that was written, based upon the intelligence that we collected then, that itemizes the specific attacks that were stopped by virtue of what we learned through those programs," Cheney asserted, adding that the report is "still classified," and, "I can't give you the details of it without violating classification."
Since 2006, Senate intelligence committee members have pressed the CIA, in classified briefings, to provide examples of specific leads that were obtained from Abu Zubaida through the use of waterboarding and other methods, according to officials familiar with the requests.
The agency provided none, the officials said.
21 March, 2009
republicans buying guns in economic depression
There’s less wealth to spread around now as trillions of dollars has evaporated with increasing speed in the deepening crisis. In housing alone, more than $5 trillion has vanished. The gap between rich and poor, a gap of Third World proportions, has not changed. A full-time worker, on average, made $37,606 last year, considerably less than in 1973, adjusted for inflation.
While CEOs made 45 times as much as workers in 1973 they make more than 300 times as much today, according to Holly Sklar, author of “Raise the Floor, Wages and Policies that Work for All of US.”
To what extent those gaps will shrink under Obama remains to be seen and the outlook for swift action is not promising. There are, in fact, not many things for which the outlook is promising. Exceptions include Smith&Wesson. They expect revenue to double within the next three years.
While CEOs made 45 times as much as workers in 1973 they make more than 300 times as much today, according to Holly Sklar, author of “Raise the Floor, Wages and Policies that Work for All of US.”
To what extent those gaps will shrink under Obama remains to be seen and the outlook for swift action is not promising. There are, in fact, not many things for which the outlook is promising. Exceptions include Smith&Wesson. They expect revenue to double within the next three years.
18 March, 2009
Class warfare from the upper class
The reality is that, if the government had not stepped in to take over Fannie, Freddie and AIG; had not recapitalized Citigroup and Bank of America; had not provided the guarantees to allow for the orderly sale of Merrill Lynch and Bear Stearns; had not become the buyer of last resort for commercial paper and home mortgages, then the entire financial system would have melted down by now and taken Wells Fargo and its arrogant chairman with it.
Rather than bellyaching about how un-American it all is, Kovacevich, the chairman of Wells Fargo, ought to be thanking the government and asking what more he could do to help.
Like it or not, we're all in this together now. It's cooperation and compromise, not the usual every-man-for-himself competition, that is going to get us out of this mess. And the sooner people on Wall Street embrace that reality, the better it will be for everyone.
Rather than bellyaching about how un-American it all is, Kovacevich, the chairman of Wells Fargo, ought to be thanking the government and asking what more he could do to help.
Like it or not, we're all in this together now. It's cooperation and compromise, not the usual every-man-for-himself competition, that is going to get us out of this mess. And the sooner people on Wall Street embrace that reality, the better it will be for everyone.
17 March, 2009
Was 9/11 a hoax?
read today about the 9/11 event at:
and there is a lot more.
"Regarding Flight 77, which allegedly hit the Pentagon, Capt. Wittenberg said, ”The airplane could not have flown at those speeds which they said it did without going into what they call a high speed stall.
The airplane won’t go that fast if you start pulling those high G maneuvers at those bank angles. … To expect this alleged airplane to run these maneuvers with a total amateur at the controls is simply ludicrous ... It’s roughly a 100 ton airplane.
And an airplane that weighs 100 tons all assembled is still going to have 100 tons of disassembled trash and parts after it hits a building. There was no wreckage from a 757 at the Pentagon.
The vehicle that hit the Pentagon was not Flight 77. We think, as you may have heard before, it was a cruise missile."
"Regarding Flight 77, which allegedly hit the Pentagon, Capt. Wittenberg said, ”The airplane could not have flown at those speeds which they said it did without going into what they call a high speed stall.
The airplane won’t go that fast if you start pulling those high G maneuvers at those bank angles. … To expect this alleged airplane to run these maneuvers with a total amateur at the controls is simply ludicrous ... It’s roughly a 100 ton airplane.
And an airplane that weighs 100 tons all assembled is still going to have 100 tons of disassembled trash and parts after it hits a building. There was no wreckage from a 757 at the Pentagon.
The vehicle that hit the Pentagon was not Flight 77. We think, as you may have heard before, it was a cruise missile."
15 March, 2009
republican discipline and control
"It would be a pretty unseemly thing to launch an attack on Steele from within, that's not a Republican-style thing to do," said John Ryder, an RNC member from Tennessee. Humbug, that is exactly how they exact discipline and control in the Republican Party.
why republicans cannot solve the real economic problem
Republicans always say, "Small businesses are the job creators, they create jobs so we need to give them the breaks." Rubbish.
If that were true, why aren't they creating jobs now. Why are they laying off workers and going out of business.
The real and correct answer is that working men and women that have money to spend create the jobs, not small businesses.
Also, our big businesses are buying from and taking our jobs to overseas countries. That is the truth and it's not complicated.
If that were true, why aren't they creating jobs now. Why are they laying off workers and going out of business.
The real and correct answer is that working men and women that have money to spend create the jobs, not small businesses.
Also, our big businesses are buying from and taking our jobs to overseas countries. That is the truth and it's not complicated.
republican diplomacy
These republicans think that the only way to deal with countries is by issuing a series of maximalist demands. This is not foreign policy; it's imperial policy. And it isn't likely to work in today's world.
12 March, 2009
New drug policy-reduce demand
The White House said yesterday that it will push for treatment, rather than incarceration, of people arrested for drug-related crimes as it announced the nomination of Seattle Police Chief R. Gil Kerlikowske to oversee the nation's effort to control illegal drugs. Well, it's about time.
11 March, 2009
Republican Idol
With his private plane and his cigars, his history of drug dependency and his personal bulk, not to mention his tangled marital history, Rush Limbaugh, the leader of the Republican Party is a walking stereotype of self-indulgence – the exact oposite of Barack Obama.
And those images of crowds of CPACers cheering Rush’s every rancorous word – we will be seeing them rebroadcast for a long time.
And those images of crowds of CPACers cheering Rush’s every rancorous word – we will be seeing them rebroadcast for a long time.
08 March, 2009
Republican hypocrisy watch
Republicans need to be careful about opposing the budget that was created with and by them last year. Earmarks in excess of 40% of the total in the bill were inserted by REPUBLICANS so they could have it both ways as they knew it would pass. Talk about Republican hypocrisy.
Republican Uncle Tom
Michael Steele was suppossed to appear as a black face in the Republican Party but keep his mouth shut, so says Rush Limbaugh, now the Republican's driving force and leader. So what is the problem?
Well, Stelle also likes to talk and that is not what Limbaugh and his dittoheads wanted. They wanted what used to be called an "Uncle Tom" or a "house negro" and Michael Steele does not want to be known that way. Bravo for Michael Steele.
Well, Stelle also likes to talk and that is not what Limbaugh and his dittoheads wanted. They wanted what used to be called an "Uncle Tom" or a "house negro" and Michael Steele does not want to be known that way. Bravo for Michael Steele.
06 March, 2009
republican hypocrisy
Mark McKinnon, a top adviser in President George W. Bush's campaigns, acknowledged the value of picking a divisive opponent. "We used a similar strategy by making Michael Moore the face of the Democratic Party," he said of the documentary filmmaker. "That's why we gave him credentials to cover the 2004 convention and then turned the spotlight on him."
Republicans are hypocrites to complain too much about their "Boss Limbaugh" episode."
Republicans are hypocrites to complain too much about their "Boss Limbaugh" episode."
03 March, 2009
republicans afraid of Limbaugh
These Republicans are all afraid of Rush Limbaugh, including even Michael Steele the Chairman of the Republican National Committee who had to bow down and apologize for saying that Rush is just an entertainer after Rush chewed him out on his radio show.
So now for Republicans it is "all hail to Rush," the guy who had his maid go out on the street to buy illegally obtained drugs. How nice!
So now for Republicans it is "all hail to Rush," the guy who had his maid go out on the street to buy illegally obtained drugs. How nice!
02 March, 2009
republicans redistributed wealth upward
The central issue in American politics now is whether the country should reverse a three-decade-long trend of rising inequality in incomes and wealth.
After this moment's big spike -- necessary to get the economy moving -- federal spending will account for 22.8 percent of U.S. gross domestic product between 2010 and 2014, up from 21 percent in 2008.
Obama's opponents need to admit that increasing government's share of the economy by less than two percentage points is hardly a form of wild-eyed state socialism
And before the howling on the right gets too loud, consider that we have just gone through a long era involving a far less frank form of redistribution -- upward.
"Over the past two or three decades, the top 1 percent of Americans have experienced a dramatic increase from 10 percent to more than 20percent in the share of national income that's accruing to them," said Peter Orszag, Obama's budget director. Now, he said, was their time "to pitch in a bit more."
After this moment's big spike -- necessary to get the economy moving -- federal spending will account for 22.8 percent of U.S. gross domestic product between 2010 and 2014, up from 21 percent in 2008.
Obama's opponents need to admit that increasing government's share of the economy by less than two percentage points is hardly a form of wild-eyed state socialism
And before the howling on the right gets too loud, consider that we have just gone through a long era involving a far less frank form of redistribution -- upward.
"Over the past two or three decades, the top 1 percent of Americans have experienced a dramatic increase from 10 percent to more than 20percent in the share of national income that's accruing to them," said Peter Orszag, Obama's budget director. Now, he said, was their time "to pitch in a bit more."
28 February, 2009
remember Republican's bad economy
Gross domestic product, a measure of the goods and services produced across the nation, shrank at an annualized rate of 6.2 percent in the last quarter of 2008, according to the Commerce Department, far worse than the initial estimate of 3.8 percent and the 5 percent most analysts were expecting.
The downward revision means the economy began the year from an even weaker position than previously thought, AND these Republican hypocrites are already trying to blame President Obama with his a little over a month in office.
The downward revision means the economy began the year from an even weaker position than previously thought, AND these Republican hypocrites are already trying to blame President Obama with his a little over a month in office.
21 February, 2009
the sin of the USA
read today: San Diego County sheriff's deputies escorted the pregnant woman out of her Poway home. It didn't matter that she had no car to drive and nowhere to go. It didn't matter that her baby was due the next day. The uniformed men had no choice, the North County Times reported.
As a country, we have lost compassion which would not please any deity that you wish to recognize.
As a country, we have lost compassion which would not please any deity that you wish to recognize.
Republicans strategy
What the Republicans are doing is just obstructionism. That's a well-trodden path that could consign the GOP to minority status for a generation.
16 February, 2009
republican baloney
Their idea of a good public face for the G.O.P. is a sound-bite dispenser like the new chairman, Michael Steele, a former Maryland lieutenant governor. Steele’s argument against the stimulus package is that “in the history of mankind” no “federal, state or local” government has ever “created one job.”
As it happens, among the millions of jobs created by the government are the federal investigators now pursuing Steele for alleged financial improprieties in his failed 2006 Senate campaign.
This G.O.P., a largely white Southern male party with talking points instead of ideas and talking heads instead of leaders, is not unlike those “zombie banks” that we’re being asked to bail out. It is in too much denial to acknowledge its own insolvency and toxic assets.
Given the mess the country is in, it would be helpful to have an adult opposition that could pull its weight, but that’s not the hand America has been dealt.
As Judd Gregg flakes out and Lindsey Graham throws made-for-YouTube hissy fits on the Senate floor, Obama should stay focused on the big picture in governing as he did in campaigning. That’s the steady course he upheld when much of the political establishment was either second-guessing or ridiculing it, and there’s no reason to change it now.
The stimulus victory showed that even as president Obama can ambush Washington’s conventional wisdom as if he were still an insurgent.
As it happens, among the millions of jobs created by the government are the federal investigators now pursuing Steele for alleged financial improprieties in his failed 2006 Senate campaign.
This G.O.P., a largely white Southern male party with talking points instead of ideas and talking heads instead of leaders, is not unlike those “zombie banks” that we’re being asked to bail out. It is in too much denial to acknowledge its own insolvency and toxic assets.
Given the mess the country is in, it would be helpful to have an adult opposition that could pull its weight, but that’s not the hand America has been dealt.
As Judd Gregg flakes out and Lindsey Graham throws made-for-YouTube hissy fits on the Senate floor, Obama should stay focused on the big picture in governing as he did in campaigning. That’s the steady course he upheld when much of the political establishment was either second-guessing or ridiculing it, and there’s no reason to change it now.
The stimulus victory showed that even as president Obama can ambush Washington’s conventional wisdom as if he were still an insurgent.
Obama up, republicans down
Perhaps the stimulus held its own because the public, in defiance of Washington’s condescending assumption, was smart enough to figure out that the government can’t create jobs without spending and that Bush-era Republicans have no moral authority to lecture about deficits. Some Americans may even have ancestors saved from penury by the New Deal.
In any event, the final score was unambiguous. The stimulus package arrived with the price tag and on roughly the schedule Obama had set for it. The president’s job approval percentage now ranges from the mid 60s (Gallup, Pew) to mid 70s (CNN) — not bad for a guy who won the presidency with 52.9 percent of the vote.
In any event, the final score was unambiguous. The stimulus package arrived with the price tag and on roughly the schedule Obama had set for it. The president’s job approval percentage now ranges from the mid 60s (Gallup, Pew) to mid 70s (CNN) — not bad for a guy who won the presidency with 52.9 percent of the vote.
12 February, 2009
republican fat-cats get the goodies
Fred F. Fielding, Emmet T. Flood, William A. Burck and Daniel M. Price worked together at the White House under George W. Bush. Less than two weeks before leaving office, Bush made sure the senior aides shared a new assignment, naming them to an obscure World Bank agency called the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes.
The appointments are for six years and are potentially lucrative, paying up to $3,000 a day plus travel and other expenses if an appointee is chosen to hear a case. Bush also named two other prominent Republican lawyers to the agency, which attempts to broker international finance disagreements.
Bush made more than 100 such end-of-term appointments to a constellation of presidential boards and panels, such as the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and the U.S.-Russia Polar Bear Commission. He turned to close aides and top political supporters to fill the last-minute postings, many of which will outlast President Obama's current term.
Nearly half of Bush's appointments after Election Day were filled by donors who gave a total of nearly $1.9 million to Republicans since 2003, according to an analysis of the postings. At least 20 of the positions were filled by former Bush aides, plus others filled by old hands from the administrations of Richard M. Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. These republicans have no shame.
The appointments are for six years and are potentially lucrative, paying up to $3,000 a day plus travel and other expenses if an appointee is chosen to hear a case. Bush also named two other prominent Republican lawyers to the agency, which attempts to broker international finance disagreements.
Bush made more than 100 such end-of-term appointments to a constellation of presidential boards and panels, such as the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and the U.S.-Russia Polar Bear Commission. He turned to close aides and top political supporters to fill the last-minute postings, many of which will outlast President Obama's current term.
Nearly half of Bush's appointments after Election Day were filled by donors who gave a total of nearly $1.9 million to Republicans since 2003, according to an analysis of the postings. At least 20 of the positions were filled by former Bush aides, plus others filled by old hands from the administrations of Richard M. Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. These republicans have no shame.
11 February, 2009
do-nothing republicans
These republicans are still stuck in the shadow of President Herbert Hoover who essentially did nothing to address the republican economic mess from 1929 to 1932 which caused ten years of economic Depression.
Fortunately, the people now are better informed and will not tolerate that do-nothing republican attitude.
Fortunately, the people now are better informed and will not tolerate that do-nothing republican attitude.
09 February, 2009
republicans, America's Taliban
Republicans are relishing the opportunity to make a big statement. Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Tex.) suggested last week that "the party is learning from the disruptive tactics of the Taliban, and the GOP these days does have the bravado of an insurgent band that has pulled together." So there you have it, out of their own mouths.
07 February, 2009
Republican dirt 1-1
Michael S. Steele, the newly elected chairman of the Republican National Committee, arranged for his 2006 Senate campaign to pay a defunct company run by his sister for services that were never performed, his finance chairman from that campaign has told federal prosecutors.
04 February, 2009
republicans not likely to change
Even if Steele were inclined to try to reinvent the party, it's not clear the party would let him.
Many current Republicans like it pretty much the way it is. A new Rasmussen Reports survey found little appetite among Republicans for ideological moderation.
Indeed, 55 percent of Republican respondents said the party should be more like Sarah Palin—which means, that the GOP needs to become prettier and more belligerent.
Many current Republicans like it pretty much the way it is. A new Rasmussen Reports survey found little appetite among Republicans for ideological moderation.
Indeed, 55 percent of Republican respondents said the party should be more like Sarah Palin—which means, that the GOP needs to become prettier and more belligerent.
republicans say one thing do another
Republicans claim to be the party that America trusts on national security, but their intelligence failures and poor planning led to the fiasco in Iraq.
Republicans claim that they are the party of fiscal responsibility, but they have bankrupted our country.
Republicans were once a party of human rights and equality but now are the party of exclusion rather than inclusion. We have to watch what republicans do, not what they say. We didn't leave them, they left us.
Republicans claim that they are the party of fiscal responsibility, but they have bankrupted our country.
Republicans were once a party of human rights and equality but now are the party of exclusion rather than inclusion. We have to watch what republicans do, not what they say. We didn't leave them, they left us.
31 January, 2009
RNC fooled again
I still can not get over the STEELE DEMOCRAT bumper stickers his campaign gave out in 2006. If the RNC new Chairman was proud to be a Republican why did he try to deceive voters into thinking he was a Democrat?? These republicans must be in desperate.
republicans have destroyed our economy
"That is the height of irresponsibility. It is shameful," Obama said on Thursday, responding to news that Wall Street paid out $18.4billion in bonuses to their executives for 2008.
In the previous few days, Obama and his spokesman had weighed in against Citigroup's decision to buy a $50 million corporate jet ordered in 2005, prompting the bank to cancel the contract, and attacked former Merrill Lynch CEO John Thain for spending $1.2 million on renovating his office.
One Democratic senator on Friday even proposed a law that would prevent bank executives from making more than $400,000 a year while they receive government financial support.
Republicans re-distributed the wealth of our country upward to those who have the most when they were in power and have destroyed our economy; AND they are now crying for Obama to fix it after only a week in office. Now that is the height of hypocrisy.
In the previous few days, Obama and his spokesman had weighed in against Citigroup's decision to buy a $50 million corporate jet ordered in 2005, prompting the bank to cancel the contract, and attacked former Merrill Lynch CEO John Thain for spending $1.2 million on renovating his office.
One Democratic senator on Friday even proposed a law that would prevent bank executives from making more than $400,000 a year while they receive government financial support.
Republicans re-distributed the wealth of our country upward to those who have the most when they were in power and have destroyed our economy; AND they are now crying for Obama to fix it after only a week in office. Now that is the height of hypocrisy.
republicans stuck in the past
In truth, what really gets Republicans hot and bothered is the thought of government taking on more responsibility to fight this deepening recession, and the huge amount of public spending it will take to pull the economy out of the doldrums.
It so happened that the Republican standard-bearer in the 1920s, Herbert Hoover, felt that way, too.
Hoover's distaste for government, and his belief that business was the answer to the country's economic tailspin, got Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt elected president in 1932 and re-elected for three more terms
In their slavish devotion to Hooverism, today's Republicans are repeating the mistakes that banished their party to the political wilderness in the '30s.
It so happened that the Republican standard-bearer in the 1920s, Herbert Hoover, felt that way, too.
Hoover's distaste for government, and his belief that business was the answer to the country's economic tailspin, got Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt elected president in 1932 and re-elected for three more terms
In their slavish devotion to Hooverism, today's Republicans are repeating the mistakes that banished their party to the political wilderness in the '30s.
28 January, 2009
economics 101
Republicans keep saying, "give the recovery money to business owners." Those are the people that have been supporting the republicans for the last 15 or so years. So they keep saying, "give it to the owners because they create jobs."(trickle down theory.)
NOT TRUE. Middle class working men and women that have money to spend create the opportunity for jobs.
If these republicans don't get this message, they will "hear from all of us" at their next election.
NOT TRUE. Middle class working men and women that have money to spend create the opportunity for jobs.
If these republicans don't get this message, they will "hear from all of us" at their next election.
26 January, 2009
republicans reap defense spending
read today: The Carlyle Group, a Washington, D.C., buyout firm, is one of the nation's largest defense contractors. It has billions of dollars at its disposal and employs a few important people.
Maybe you've heard of them: former Secretary of State Jim Baker, former Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci, and former White House budget director Dick Darman. Wait, we're just getting warmed up. William Kennard, who recently headed the FCC, and Arthur Levitt, who just left the SEC, also work for Carlyle.
As do former British Prime Minister John Major and former Philippines President Fidel Ramos. Let's see, are we forgetting anyone? Oh, right, former President George Herbert Walker Bush is on the payroll too.
Maybe you've heard of them: former Secretary of State Jim Baker, former Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci, and former White House budget director Dick Darman. Wait, we're just getting warmed up. William Kennard, who recently headed the FCC, and Arthur Levitt, who just left the SEC, also work for Carlyle.
As do former British Prime Minister John Major and former Philippines President Fidel Ramos. Let's see, are we forgetting anyone? Oh, right, former President George Herbert Walker Bush is on the payroll too.
25 January, 2009
republicans threatened Iraq inspectors
A former UN chief weapons inspector says he is ready to testify about the false US allegations which led to the Iraq war before a tribunal.
Hans Blix, in a Sunday interview with Al Jazeera television said he and the Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed ElBaradei, were subjected to implicit threats from US Vice President Dick Cheney in the run-up to the Iraq war.
Hans Blix, in a Sunday interview with Al Jazeera television said he and the Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed ElBaradei, were subjected to implicit threats from US Vice President Dick Cheney in the run-up to the Iraq war.
Republicans don't want test of spying on Americans without authority
With a mere 64 minutes left in its last full day in office, the Bush administration asked a federal judge to stay enforcement of a ruling that would keep alive a lawsuit which tests whether the president can bypass the Congress and eavesdrop on Americans without warrants.
republicans hide from past deeds
Last week, leading Republican Senators including John Cornyn (Tex.)are holding up the confirmation of Eric Holder, demanding that Eric Holder commit to NOT launching criminal probes of intelligence operatives, lawyers and high-level Bush advisers who took part in debates over warrantless wiretapping and detainee interrogations.
This smells like they have a lot to hide.
This smells like they have a lot to hide.
Republicans using detainees for their own boogymen
The CIA and other intelligence agencies under Bush were reluctant to share information on suspects held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and that the Bush administration's focus on detention and interrogation made preparation of viable prosecutions a far lower priority.
Why do you suppose the data is strewn all over governmental agencies and no one knows where it is? Obviously the Republican Administration didn't want the data to be known and in one place which would be needed for prosecution.
.
Now we know. If they had intended to prosecute they would have gathered the information together.
Why do you suppose the data is strewn all over governmental agencies and no one knows where it is? Obviously the Republican Administration didn't want the data to be known and in one place which would be needed for prosecution.
.
Now we know. If they had intended to prosecute they would have gathered the information together.
21 January, 2009
republican spin
Read today: In the last eight years the party of hate held the White House, a majority of the Supreme Court and 6 years had the majority in both houses of Congress.
The financial melt down? Not our fault, blame Barney Frank (2 years in the Majority). Blame Bill Clinton, he was president 8 years ago and left a surplus not a trillion dollar deficit.
Phony evidence allowed Bush to invade Iraq. not our fault, everyone had that same evidence. Yes we were responsible for the evidence being correct but it's not our fault. The evidence came from Italy. Good enough, let's attack Iraq.
Hannity, Morris, Limbaugh, Matelin, Buchnan, Coulter, Barnes, Robertson and Delay? They don't speak for us!
Depending on and soliciting the vote of the Klan to help elect Southern Republicans? not our fault, every party has it's radicals.
Where does that leave them? Right where they belong. Smack dab where they belong, defending the indefensible.
The financial melt down? Not our fault, blame Barney Frank (2 years in the Majority). Blame Bill Clinton, he was president 8 years ago and left a surplus not a trillion dollar deficit.
Phony evidence allowed Bush to invade Iraq. not our fault, everyone had that same evidence. Yes we were responsible for the evidence being correct but it's not our fault. The evidence came from Italy. Good enough, let's attack Iraq.
Hannity, Morris, Limbaugh, Matelin, Buchnan, Coulter, Barnes, Robertson and Delay? They don't speak for us!
Depending on and soliciting the vote of the Klan to help elect Southern Republicans? not our fault, every party has it's radicals.
Where does that leave them? Right where they belong. Smack dab where they belong, defending the indefensible.
18 January, 2009
Lee's advice for republicans
While the coalition of voters that supported Obama reflected the increasing diversity of America, and while Obama made gains across almost all demographic subgroups, the majority of his support came from white voters.
Sixty-one percent of his supporters were white, 23% were African-Americans, and 11% were Hispanic. In contrast, 90% of John McCain’s supporters were white. There were fewer white voters to win or lose. This pattern is a huge and we believe it will only increase in future elections.
Note: It is not a good idea for republican candidates for the Republican National Committee Chairmanship to be circulating a CD with the cut of "Obama, the Magic Negro." on it and making funnies about it.
Sixty-one percent of his supporters were white, 23% were African-Americans, and 11% were Hispanic. In contrast, 90% of John McCain’s supporters were white. There were fewer white voters to win or lose. This pattern is a huge and we believe it will only increase in future elections.
Note: It is not a good idea for republican candidates for the Republican National Committee Chairmanship to be circulating a CD with the cut of "Obama, the Magic Negro." on it and making funnies about it.
12 January, 2009
religious condemnation
Read today: No matter what someone has done, their church should be there for them. Fundamentalist churches especially seem to be overfond of preaching Jesus Christ, and then conveniently forgetting Christ's admonition to love one another, and instead, use the Apostle Paul to punish someone who has sinned.
They'd stone people if the law in America let them get away with it. Abuse is love, they say. Separation is love, they say. God is not a God of separation; he is a God of union. What Ted Haggard did wasn't right, according to ethics or secular law, but he deserves to be forgiven. He should have been allowed to stay in church, where he could have gotten real spiritual help, instead of being tossed out to deal with things on his own.
Christ said he came to the sick, not the well, yet the church seems obsessed with keeping the sick out of the congregation in order not to spread "spiritual infection." This only forces the congregation to drive real problems underground, so they don't get thrown out too.
Churches need to stop being afraid of humanity's weaknesses, and HELP people instead of judging them. When Katrina and AIDS happened, the churches were the first ones to judge and condemn. It makes me angry to no end to see "Christians" use their religion to separate people, rather than being willing to dig in and get their hands dirty and I don't know, actually acknowledging sin as a weakness in man and HELPING people become better.
Most fundamentalist Christians are arrogant, self centered, judgmental, hard, unloving and unkind. this is the antithesis of the fruits of the spirit that Christians should be showing (not broadcasting) to the world.
Repent, Christians, and maybe more people will be moved by your example to Christ. Christ judges those Christians who discourage others away from Him by their words and actions. What does judge not, lest ye be judged mean anyway? You don't have to be part of the person's sins, but that doesn't mean you don't help them.
Helping people by booting them out of church as they did with Haggard is not help. It's condemnation, and doesn't make those who sin repent. Christ didn't boot people out--he got down and dirty and helped them on their level.
They'd stone people if the law in America let them get away with it. Abuse is love, they say. Separation is love, they say. God is not a God of separation; he is a God of union. What Ted Haggard did wasn't right, according to ethics or secular law, but he deserves to be forgiven. He should have been allowed to stay in church, where he could have gotten real spiritual help, instead of being tossed out to deal with things on his own.
Christ said he came to the sick, not the well, yet the church seems obsessed with keeping the sick out of the congregation in order not to spread "spiritual infection." This only forces the congregation to drive real problems underground, so they don't get thrown out too.
Churches need to stop being afraid of humanity's weaknesses, and HELP people instead of judging them. When Katrina and AIDS happened, the churches were the first ones to judge and condemn. It makes me angry to no end to see "Christians" use their religion to separate people, rather than being willing to dig in and get their hands dirty and I don't know, actually acknowledging sin as a weakness in man and HELPING people become better.
Most fundamentalist Christians are arrogant, self centered, judgmental, hard, unloving and unkind. this is the antithesis of the fruits of the spirit that Christians should be showing (not broadcasting) to the world.
Repent, Christians, and maybe more people will be moved by your example to Christ. Christ judges those Christians who discourage others away from Him by their words and actions. What does judge not, lest ye be judged mean anyway? You don't have to be part of the person's sins, but that doesn't mean you don't help them.
Helping people by booting them out of church as they did with Haggard is not help. It's condemnation, and doesn't make those who sin repent. Christ didn't boot people out--he got down and dirty and helped them on their level.
10 January, 2009
republican middle east policy
The Republican Bush administration argued that it had an overall approach to the middle east region: launch a war with Iraq, start up democracy there and everything would somehow come right in the peace process.
"The road to Jerusalem goes through Baghdad" was the line we heard in Bush's first republican term. It was, of course, nonsense. The idea that Palestinians who wanted their land and homes back might be pursuaded by democracy never added up. And war, by itself, only made things worse.
"The road to Jerusalem goes through Baghdad" was the line we heard in Bush's first republican term. It was, of course, nonsense. The idea that Palestinians who wanted their land and homes back might be pursuaded by democracy never added up. And war, by itself, only made things worse.
what are these republicans hiding?
A federal judge yesterday rejected the Bush administration's latest attempt to keep secret the identities of White House visitors, and he declared that the government illegally deleted Secret Service computer records.
U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth concluded that the deletions took place before October 2004, when the Secret Service transferred large numbers of entry and exit logs to the White House and then deleted copies of them.
Also,we discovered that in the spring of 2006, amid an influence-peddling scandal involving lobbyist Jack Abramoff, the White House and the Secret Service quietly signed an agreement declaring that the logs are not open to the public.
Four months later, Cheney's office told the Secret Service in a letter that visitor records for the vice president's personal residence "are and shall remain subject to the exclusive ownership, custody and control of" the office of the vice president.
U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth concluded that the deletions took place before October 2004, when the Secret Service transferred large numbers of entry and exit logs to the White House and then deleted copies of them.
Also,we discovered that in the spring of 2006, amid an influence-peddling scandal involving lobbyist Jack Abramoff, the White House and the Secret Service quietly signed an agreement declaring that the logs are not open to the public.
Four months later, Cheney's office told the Secret Service in a letter that visitor records for the vice president's personal residence "are and shall remain subject to the exclusive ownership, custody and control of" the office of the vice president.
08 January, 2009
basis of republican "morality"
Cheney said Wednesday it would be a mistake for President-elect Barack Obama to scrap the Bush administration's 'torture" policies. "It would be a tragedy if they threw over those policies simply because they had campaigned against them,"
Therein explains Republican morals. They think it is OK to campaign saying one thing and just do whatever if you get elected.
Therein explains Republican morals. They think it is OK to campaign saying one thing and just do whatever if you get elected.
07 January, 2009
annother looney republican idea
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell suggested that instead of providing aid to the states to help them meet their Medicaid and education obligations, the federal government offer them loans.
This idea was tried once before, in the depths of the Depression. In 1932, Congress appropriated $300 million to the Reconstruction Finance Corporation to send to the states for unemployment relief. (Unemployment insurance did not exist until the Social Security Act of 1935 was passed).
Unfortunately, Republican President Herbert Hoover's RFC didn't offer the funds to the states as grants but as loans. Already struggling with budgets, many states didn't take the offer. And the economy continued its plunge into the abyss.
This is the Republican idea of a policy worth reviving.
This idea was tried once before, in the depths of the Depression. In 1932, Congress appropriated $300 million to the Reconstruction Finance Corporation to send to the states for unemployment relief. (Unemployment insurance did not exist until the Social Security Act of 1935 was passed).
Unfortunately, Republican President Herbert Hoover's RFC didn't offer the funds to the states as grants but as loans. Already struggling with budgets, many states didn't take the offer. And the economy continued its plunge into the abyss.
This is the Republican idea of a policy worth reviving.
04 January, 2009
Cornyn of Texas meddles with Minnesota
Republican Senator Cornyn from Texas threatened to filibuster any effort to seat Democrat Al Franken, who holds a tiny lead over Republican incumbent Norm Coleman in the prolonged Senate recount in Minnesota. So, Republican Cornyn is interferring in a Minnesota senatorial recount.
lack of armor in Iraq
The vest armor now used by the Marines in Iraq is the Corps' third since 2001.
An initial 84,000 vests at a cost of more than $84 million were ordered in September 2006, nine months after an urgent request came in from the field for better protection. Conway, who became commandant after the contract was issued, put a hold on the last batch of 20,000 vests, questioning their design and testing.
Body armor has been an issue since the Iraq war began in 2003. The Army reportedly had a shortage of the ceramic protective plates needed to make vests effective, and lawmakers demanded answers from the Department of Defense after reports surfaced of soldiers' families buying the plates themselves and sending them to Iraq.
Our troops were sent to Iraq without proper armor for themselves or their vehicles.
An initial 84,000 vests at a cost of more than $84 million were ordered in September 2006, nine months after an urgent request came in from the field for better protection. Conway, who became commandant after the contract was issued, put a hold on the last batch of 20,000 vests, questioning their design and testing.
Body armor has been an issue since the Iraq war began in 2003. The Army reportedly had a shortage of the ceramic protective plates needed to make vests effective, and lawmakers demanded answers from the Department of Defense after reports surfaced of soldiers' families buying the plates themselves and sending them to Iraq.
Our troops were sent to Iraq without proper armor for themselves or their vehicles.
03 January, 2009
Obama, the Majic Negro , from republicans
Chip Saltsman, a candidate for Republican Party National Committee Chairman, sent party members a CD that included the song "Barack the Magic Negro." which he thinks will play well with the committee.
This says a lot about these republicans.
This says a lot about these republicans.
02 January, 2009
Republicans track record for history
Did you read this today?
Partial Republican Legacy list: Iraq war of choice, $1 trillion in cost, over 4,000 dead heroes, Abu Ghraib's stain, unrestrained mercenaries, no-bid contracts to republican bigwigs corruption including Cheney's Haliburton and republican-owned Blackwater.
Katrina-Ike failures: 1,000 citizens dead, cities destroyed and de-populated, mobile home contamination, billions wasted, hundreds of thousands still displaced.
2008 economic depression: one million jobs lost, thens of thousands of homes foreclosed, $700 billion wasted and given to
the culprits so far.
Torn constitution: illegal wiretapping on American people, torture of prisoners, illegal renditions, stains on American's reputation, and ability of exert moral influence on the world which makes us less able to get cooperation in the world which makes us less safe. (JUST FOR STARTERS)
Partial Republican Legacy list: Iraq war of choice, $1 trillion in cost, over 4,000 dead heroes, Abu Ghraib's stain, unrestrained mercenaries, no-bid contracts to republican bigwigs corruption including Cheney's Haliburton and republican-owned Blackwater.
Katrina-Ike failures: 1,000 citizens dead, cities destroyed and de-populated, mobile home contamination, billions wasted, hundreds of thousands still displaced.
2008 economic depression: one million jobs lost, thens of thousands of homes foreclosed, $700 billion wasted and given to
the culprits so far.
Torn constitution: illegal wiretapping on American people, torture of prisoners, illegal renditions, stains on American's reputation, and ability of exert moral influence on the world which makes us less able to get cooperation in the world which makes us less safe. (JUST FOR STARTERS)
01 January, 2009
Republicans failed to act, AGAIN
Under the Republicans, the regulation of regulated banks and brokerages broke down. In 2000, the Justice Department filed 69 cases of securities fraud based on Securities and Exchange Commission investigations.
In 2007, it filed nine. And this year, Bush's Office of Thrift Supervision allowed Indy Mac Bank to doctor its books so it wouldn't appear to be as insolvent as, in fact, it was.
When the American financial industry came tumbling down this year, the laissez-faire ideologues of this most ideological administration indulged their ideology just once, allowing Lehman to go under.
Thereafter, as one giant institution after another tottered under the weight of dubious deals, the administration FINALLY tossed ideology out the window and funneled money to the banks.
In 2007, it filed nine. And this year, Bush's Office of Thrift Supervision allowed Indy Mac Bank to doctor its books so it wouldn't appear to be as insolvent as, in fact, it was.
When the American financial industry came tumbling down this year, the laissez-faire ideologues of this most ideological administration indulged their ideology just once, allowing Lehman to go under.
Thereafter, as one giant institution after another tottered under the weight of dubious deals, the administration FINALLY tossed ideology out the window and funneled money to the banks.
Obamas forced to move three times
The Obamas had originally asked Bush permission to move directly into Blair House, where several recent presidents-elect have stayed, to accommodate Sasha and Malia's school schedules.
But the Obamas were told it was supposedly booked until the 15th(no word on what dignitaries are occupying Blair's 14 guest bedrooms), so they now have to move three times, first stay for two weeks in the Hay-Adams Hotel.
Then, they have to move into Blair House on Jan. 15, and then into the White House on Jan. 20, after Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th president. Sounds tacky, doesn't it.
But the Obamas were told it was supposedly booked until the 15th(no word on what dignitaries are occupying Blair's 14 guest bedrooms), so they now have to move three times, first stay for two weeks in the Hay-Adams Hotel.
Then, they have to move into Blair House on Jan. 15, and then into the White House on Jan. 20, after Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th president. Sounds tacky, doesn't it.
28 December, 2008
republicans can't resist themselves
Chip Saltsman, a Tennessee Republican who is seeking the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee, sent a CD of holiday music to committee members earlier this month. That CD contained a Rush Limbaugh song titled "Barack the Magic Negro."
When the pompous GOP, six months before the next election, promises a big tent, everyone welcome, these songs and this CD will remind everyone what the true GOP core values are ... and it ain't pretty.
Intelligent people are appalled but there are always some who are politically undereducated will try to make this sow's ear into a silk purse ... with lipstick
When the pompous GOP, six months before the next election, promises a big tent, everyone welcome, these songs and this CD will remind everyone what the true GOP core values are ... and it ain't pretty.
Intelligent people are appalled but there are always some who are politically undereducated will try to make this sow's ear into a silk purse ... with lipstick
republicans controlled by right wingers
The Senate refused to cut off a filibuster against the bill to provide bridge loans to General Motors and Chrysler. All the signs are that the stimulus spending will also be opposed by congressional Republicans, whose shrunken ranks are increasingly dominated by right-wing Southerners who care not what their stance does to harm the party's national image
No Republican House members are left in New England, and they have become ever scarcer in New York and Pennsylvania and across the Midwest.
Even though Bush later used his authority to provide the auto bridge loans, the defeat of this legislation by Republicans in Congress will not be forgotten when GOP senators run for reelection in 2010 in states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania.
All the signs are that the stimulus spending will also be opposed by congressional Republicans, whose shrunken ranks are increasingly dominated by right-wing Southerners who care not what their stance does to harm the party's national image.
It will also echo in industrial states such as Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, California, New York and New Jersey, when Republicans try to challenge for Senate and House seats.
Congressional Republicans will again sacrifice their political interest to satisfy their Southern half-baked ideology.
No Republican House members are left in New England, and they have become ever scarcer in New York and Pennsylvania and across the Midwest.
Even though Bush later used his authority to provide the auto bridge loans, the defeat of this legislation by Republicans in Congress will not be forgotten when GOP senators run for reelection in 2010 in states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania.
All the signs are that the stimulus spending will also be opposed by congressional Republicans, whose shrunken ranks are increasingly dominated by right-wing Southerners who care not what their stance does to harm the party's national image.
It will also echo in industrial states such as Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, California, New York and New Jersey, when Republicans try to challenge for Senate and House seats.
Congressional Republicans will again sacrifice their political interest to satisfy their Southern half-baked ideology.
27 December, 2008
republican mentality
Chip Saltsman, a candidate for chairman of the Republican National Committee, sent committee members this month a holiday music CD that included "Barack the Magic Negro," a parody song first aired in 2007 by talk show host Rush Limbaugh.
Another candidate to lead the GOP, South Carolina party chair Katon Dawson, drew headlines this fall by resigning his membership of 12 years in a whites-only country club, weeks before launching his run for the national job. These are the republicans that have taken over the republican party.
Another candidate to lead the GOP, South Carolina party chair Katon Dawson, drew headlines this fall by resigning his membership of 12 years in a whites-only country club, weeks before launching his run for the national job. These are the republicans that have taken over the republican party.
21 December, 2008
Obama
In addition to good specific policy decisions, Obama wants us to feel two years from now that while our government is not perfect and there are some things he does that get on our nerves; we feel like government is working for us, we feel like it is accountable, we feel like it's transparent, we feel that we are well informed about what government actions are being taken, we feel that he and his Administration admits when they make mistakes and they adapt to new circumstances and information on our behalf.
16 December, 2008
evidence needed for successful prosecution
Washington is full of people who call themselves ambassadorsand the like, and all they did was pay $200,000 or $300,000 to the Republican or Democratic Party. A prosecutor needs recorded proof or testimony that a a favor or money was solicited in exchange for and in advance of appointing a crony or anyone to a political job.
15 December, 2008
secret wiretapping of USA citizens
read the below excerpt of a shocking story of secret wiretapping of our citizens by our government:
Thomas M. Tamm was entrusted with some of the government's most important secrets. He had a Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance, a level above Top Secret. Government agents had probed Tamm's background, his friends and associates, and determined him trustworthy
In the spring of 2004, Tamm had just finished a yearlong stint at a Justice Department unit handling wiretaps of suspected terrorists and spies—a unit so sensitive that employees are required to put their hands through a biometric scanner to check their fingerprints upon entering.
While there, Tamm stumbled upon the existence of a highly classified National Security Agency program that seemed to be eavesdropping on U.S. citizens. The unit had special rules that appeared to be hiding the NSA activities from a panel of federal judges who are required to approve such surveillance.
When Tamm started asking questions, his supervisors told him to drop the subject. He says one volunteered that "the program" (as it was commonly called within the office) was "probably illegal."
Thomas M. Tamm was entrusted with some of the government's most important secrets. He had a Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance, a level above Top Secret. Government agents had probed Tamm's background, his friends and associates, and determined him trustworthy
In the spring of 2004, Tamm had just finished a yearlong stint at a Justice Department unit handling wiretaps of suspected terrorists and spies—a unit so sensitive that employees are required to put their hands through a biometric scanner to check their fingerprints upon entering.
While there, Tamm stumbled upon the existence of a highly classified National Security Agency program that seemed to be eavesdropping on U.S. citizens. The unit had special rules that appeared to be hiding the NSA activities from a panel of federal judges who are required to approve such surveillance.
When Tamm started asking questions, his supervisors told him to drop the subject. He says one volunteered that "the program" (as it was commonly called within the office) was "probably illegal."
American torture
read today:
Al-Jazeera cameraman Sami al-Haj was released from detention at Guantanamo Bay Thursday after more than six years in custody and was being repatriated to Sudan, his lawyers said.
Reprieve, the legal action charity that represents 35 Guantanamo prisoners including al-Haj, said the Sudanese cameraman was seized by Pakistani forces on December 15, 2001, apparently at the behest of the U.S. authorities who suspected he had interviewed Osama bin Laden. The group said that "supposed intelligence" turned out to be false.
"This is wonderful news, and long overdue. The U.S. administration has never had any reason for holding Mr. Al-Haj, and has, instead, spent six years shamelessly attempting to turn him against his employers at Al-Jazeera," said Clive Stafford Smith, Reprieve's Director who has represented al-Haj since 2005.
Khanfar added that al-Haj's wife and child were flying from Doha, Qatar to Khartoum immediately to see him.
Al-Haj had been on hunger strike for about 16 months and the military had been force-feeding him through a tube inserted into his nose, said attorney Zachary Katznelson, who met with al-Haj at Guantanamo on April 11.
Shortly after the meeting, Katznelson said the cameraman was "emaciated" because of his hunger strike. The lawyer also said al-Haj had recently been having problems with his liver and kidneys and had blood in his urine. "He looks really ill," Katznelson said at an interview at the base hours after their meeting.
Al-Jazeera cameraman Sami al-Haj was released from detention at Guantanamo Bay Thursday after more than six years in custody and was being repatriated to Sudan, his lawyers said.
Reprieve, the legal action charity that represents 35 Guantanamo prisoners including al-Haj, said the Sudanese cameraman was seized by Pakistani forces on December 15, 2001, apparently at the behest of the U.S. authorities who suspected he had interviewed Osama bin Laden. The group said that "supposed intelligence" turned out to be false.
"This is wonderful news, and long overdue. The U.S. administration has never had any reason for holding Mr. Al-Haj, and has, instead, spent six years shamelessly attempting to turn him against his employers at Al-Jazeera," said Clive Stafford Smith, Reprieve's Director who has represented al-Haj since 2005.
Khanfar added that al-Haj's wife and child were flying from Doha, Qatar to Khartoum immediately to see him.
Al-Haj had been on hunger strike for about 16 months and the military had been force-feeding him through a tube inserted into his nose, said attorney Zachary Katznelson, who met with al-Haj at Guantanamo on April 11.
Shortly after the meeting, Katznelson said the cameraman was "emaciated" because of his hunger strike. The lawyer also said al-Haj had recently been having problems with his liver and kidneys and had blood in his urine. "He looks really ill," Katznelson said at an interview at the base hours after their meeting.
10 December, 2008
Obama's cross to bear
In a Nov. 11 phone conversation with an aide, Blagojevich talked at length about "Candidate 1" and said he knew that Obama wanted her for the open seat but "they're not willing to give me anything except appreciation. (Expletive) them.
One day later, Jarrett, a Chicago businesswoman who is one of three co-chairmen of Obama's transition team and was a high-level adviser to his presidential campaign, made it known that she was not interested in the seat.
And, on Nov. 15, Obama announced that Jarrett would be a senior White House adviser and assistant for intergovernmental relations.
Obama has maintained a cordial but distant relationship with Blagojevich during the governor's tenure. He supported his fellow Democrat for re-election in 2006, even though the governor backed someone else over Obama in the U.S. Senate Democratic primary race in 2004.
One day later, Jarrett, a Chicago businesswoman who is one of three co-chairmen of Obama's transition team and was a high-level adviser to his presidential campaign, made it known that she was not interested in the seat.
And, on Nov. 15, Obama announced that Jarrett would be a senior White House adviser and assistant for intergovernmental relations.
Obama has maintained a cordial but distant relationship with Blagojevich during the governor's tenure. He supported his fellow Democrat for re-election in 2006, even though the governor backed someone else over Obama in the U.S. Senate Democratic primary race in 2004.
07 December, 2008
Obama, another great judgment
President-elect Barack Obama has chosen retired Gen. Eric K. Shinseki to be the next Veterans Affairs secretary, turning to a former Army chief of staff once vilified by the republican Bush administration for questioning its Iraq war strategy.
In 2003 when Shinseki testified to Congress that it might take several hundred thousand U.S. troops to control Iraq after the invasion. Republicans Rumsfeld and his deputy, Paul Wolfowitz, belittled the estimate as "wildly off the mark" and the general was marginalized and later retired from the Army. He was right, those republicans were wrong.
Again, the republican Bush administration was wrong in underestimating the amount of funding needed to treat thousands of injured veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
General Shinseki has a record of courage and honesty, and is a bold choice to lead the VA into the future. "You must love those you lead before you can be an effective leader," he said. "You can certainly command without that sense of commitment, but you cannot lead without it. And without leadership, command is a hollow experience, a vacuum often filled with mistrust and arrogance."
In 2003 when Shinseki testified to Congress that it might take several hundred thousand U.S. troops to control Iraq after the invasion. Republicans Rumsfeld and his deputy, Paul Wolfowitz, belittled the estimate as "wildly off the mark" and the general was marginalized and later retired from the Army. He was right, those republicans were wrong.
Again, the republican Bush administration was wrong in underestimating the amount of funding needed to treat thousands of injured veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
General Shinseki has a record of courage and honesty, and is a bold choice to lead the VA into the future. "You must love those you lead before you can be an effective leader," he said. "You can certainly command without that sense of commitment, but you cannot lead without it. And without leadership, command is a hollow experience, a vacuum often filled with mistrust and arrogance."
05 December, 2008
Republicans against helping homeowners
With the Bush Republican administration adamantly opposed, Congressional Democrats could take up the FDIC's plan when they return for a lame-duck session next week. Or the plan could set the stage for a new foreclosure prevention initiative once President-elect Barack Obama takes office in January.
At Friday's hearing, lawmakers complained that the Bush administration is ignoring the will of Congress and slighting homeowners on the verge of foreclosure in its latest approach to spend $700 billion in economic rescue money.
At Friday's hearing, lawmakers complained that the Bush administration is ignoring the will of Congress and slighting homeowners on the verge of foreclosure in its latest approach to spend $700 billion in economic rescue money.
Republican economics
Employers slashed 533,000 jobs in November, the most in 34 years, catapulting the unemployment rate to 6.7 percent, dramatic proof the country is careening deeper into recession, and that doesn't include those who are off the unemployment rolls.
The carnage — including the worst financial crisis since the 1930s —is hitting a wide range of companies.
The U.S. tipped into recession last December 2007, a panel of experts declared earlier this week. Since the start of the recession, the economy has lost 1.9 million jobs.
The carnage — including the worst financial crisis since the 1930s —is hitting a wide range of companies.
The U.S. tipped into recession last December 2007, a panel of experts declared earlier this week. Since the start of the recession, the economy has lost 1.9 million jobs.
30 November, 2008
better Democratic strategy for middle east
A strategy of offshore balancing would be less ambitious than President Bush's grand plan to spread democracy throughout the Middle East, but it would be much better at protecting actual U.S. interests.
The United States would station its military forces outside the region. And "balancing" would mean we'd rely on regional powers like Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia to check each other.
Washington would remain diplomatically engaged, and when necessary would assist the weaker side in a conflict. It would also use its air and naval power to respond quickly to unexpected threats. But—and this is the key point—---America would put boots on the ground only if the local balance of power seriously broke down and one country threatened to dominate the others.
Offshore balancing would protect America and Americans better than the current Republican "bring it on --crusader" behavior.
The United States would station its military forces outside the region. And "balancing" would mean we'd rely on regional powers like Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia to check each other.
Washington would remain diplomatically engaged, and when necessary would assist the weaker side in a conflict. It would also use its air and naval power to respond quickly to unexpected threats. But—and this is the key point—---America would put boots on the ground only if the local balance of power seriously broke down and one country threatened to dominate the others.
Offshore balancing would protect America and Americans better than the current Republican "bring it on --crusader" behavior.
29 November, 2008
our "friends" Saudia Arabia
Saudi Arabia's king said in an interview published Saturday in a Kuwaiti newspaper that the price of oil, now at around $54, should be $75 a barrel to stabilize the oil markets. How hypocritical since in July when oil was $147 a barrel , he was no where to be heard.
25 November, 2008
Obamaism
We had, I think, a decisive win,” Mr. Obama said. “I don’t think that there’s any question that we have a mandate to move the country in a new direction, and not continue the same old practices that have gotten us into the fix that we’re in.”
But he quickly noted that Mr. McCain, too, had won millions of votes, and he said it was important to maintain “a sense of humility and a recognition that wisdom is not the monopoly of any one party.”
“I think what the American people want more than anything is just common-sense smart government,” Mr. Obama said. “They don’t want ideology. They don’t want bickering. They don’t want sniping. They want action, and they want effectiveness.”
But he quickly noted that Mr. McCain, too, had won millions of votes, and he said it was important to maintain “a sense of humility and a recognition that wisdom is not the monopoly of any one party.”
“I think what the American people want more than anything is just common-sense smart government,” Mr. Obama said. “They don’t want ideology. They don’t want bickering. They don’t want sniping. They want action, and they want effectiveness.”
understanding our economy
Currently, the wealth effect is reversing. As stock and home values drop, Americans are scrambling to increase savings and curb spending. Down goes consumer spending. The plausible math is daunting.
Since September 2007, Americans' personal wealth has dropped about $9 trillion, says economist Nigel Gault of IHS Global Insight. A common estimate is that every dollar's change in wealth causes people to change their spending by 5 cents.
If so, the hit to consumer spending would be $450 billion ($9 trillion times .05). The effect and deflation could last over several years.
Since September 2007, Americans' personal wealth has dropped about $9 trillion, says economist Nigel Gault of IHS Global Insight. A common estimate is that every dollar's change in wealth causes people to change their spending by 5 cents.
If so, the hit to consumer spending would be $450 billion ($9 trillion times .05). The effect and deflation could last over several years.
24 November, 2008
Sen Shelby, Republican hypocrite
Read today:
It's no great mystery why Alabama politician, Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby, Republican, in the pocket of foregn care companies (Mercedes/Toyota/Honda/Hyundai) who is so against assisting the US Auto Industry, went to such dramatic anti-free-market measures to secure Mercedes Benz to locate in Alabama--they did it for the betterment of their state through job creation and increased tax revenues.
Is that so different than what would occur by providing financial aid to help rescue the domestic auto industry? Such aid would save millions of jobs and millions of dollars in lost tax revenue.
Unlike the giveaways Alabama bestowed upon the foreign automaker in question, United States taxpayers would be reimbursed with interest (as they were when Chrysler received government aid in the early 1980s) for their investment in what is clearly a critically important industry for America's present and future.
It's no great mystery why Alabama politician, Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby, Republican, in the pocket of foregn care companies (Mercedes/Toyota/Honda/Hyundai) who is so against assisting the US Auto Industry, went to such dramatic anti-free-market measures to secure Mercedes Benz to locate in Alabama--they did it for the betterment of their state through job creation and increased tax revenues.
Is that so different than what would occur by providing financial aid to help rescue the domestic auto industry? Such aid would save millions of jobs and millions of dollars in lost tax revenue.
Unlike the giveaways Alabama bestowed upon the foreign automaker in question, United States taxpayers would be reimbursed with interest (as they were when Chrysler received government aid in the early 1980s) for their investment in what is clearly a critically important industry for America's present and future.
22 November, 2008
economics 101- its China
There is a consensus forming that Washington needs to spend its way out of this recession, to ensure that it doesn't turn into a depression. Economists of both the left and right agree that a massive fiscal stimulus is needed and that for now, we shouldn't be worrying about deficits.
But in order to run up these deficits—which could total somewhere between $1 trillion and $1.5 trillion, or between 7 and 11 percent of GDP—someone has to buy American debt. The only country that has the cash to do so is China.
Holding 10 percent of all U.S. existing public debt, the government of the People's Republic of China has become Washington's largest creditor, foreign or domestic. It is America's banker.
But in order to run up these deficits—which could total somewhere between $1 trillion and $1.5 trillion, or between 7 and 11 percent of GDP—someone has to buy American debt. The only country that has the cash to do so is China.
Holding 10 percent of all U.S. existing public debt, the government of the People's Republic of China has become Washington's largest creditor, foreign or domestic. It is America's banker.
read today: on religion
Qur'an "The Koran Interpreted":
Pg 100 "marry such women as seems good to you, two, three, four..."
Pg 105-06: "Men are the managers of the affairs of women for that God has preferred in bounty one of them over another ... And those you fear may be rebellious admonish; banish them to their couches, and beat them."
Pg 130 & 139: "They are unbelievers who say, 'God is the Messiah, Mary's Son.' "
Pg 121: "take not the unbelievers as friends instead of the believers;"
Pg 136: "take not Jews and Christians as friends; they are friends of each other. Whoso of you makes them his friends is one of them. God guides not the people of the evildoers."
Pg 205: "It is not for any Prophet to have prisoners until he make wide slaughter in the land."
Pg 207: "slay the idolators wherever you find them, and take them, and confine them, and lie in wait for them at every place of ambush."
Pg 213: "So let not their possessions or their children please thee; God only desires to chastise them in the present life, and that their souls should depart while they are unbelievers."
Pg 222: "O believers, fight the unbelievers who are near you, and let them find in you a harshness;"
Pg 32: "Leave is give to those who fight because they were wronged."
Pg 128-29: "Now, if the hypocrites do not give over ... We shall assuredly urge thee against them and then they will be thy neighbors there only a little; cursed they shall be, and wheresoever they are come upon they shall be seized and slaughtered all -"
Pg 220: "When you meet the unbelievers, smite their necks, then, when you have made wide slaughter among them, tie fast the bonds; then set them free, either by grace or ransom, ... And those who are slain in the way of God ... He will admit them to Paradise,"
Pg 271: "take not my Enemy and your enemy for friends, offering them love, though they have disbelieved ... If you go forth ... secretly loving them ... whosoever of you has done that, has gone astray from the right way."
Pg 271: "between us and you enmity has shown itself, and hatred forever, until you believe in God alone."
compared to these verses:
Matthew 5:21-22 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' (22) But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.
Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Luke 6:28-29 Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. (29) To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.
Luk 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
Rom 13:10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Gal 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Pg 100 "marry such women as seems good to you, two, three, four..."
Pg 105-06: "Men are the managers of the affairs of women for that God has preferred in bounty one of them over another ... And those you fear may be rebellious admonish; banish them to their couches, and beat them."
Pg 130 & 139: "They are unbelievers who say, 'God is the Messiah, Mary's Son.' "
Pg 121: "take not the unbelievers as friends instead of the believers;"
Pg 136: "take not Jews and Christians as friends; they are friends of each other. Whoso of you makes them his friends is one of them. God guides not the people of the evildoers."
Pg 205: "It is not for any Prophet to have prisoners until he make wide slaughter in the land."
Pg 207: "slay the idolators wherever you find them, and take them, and confine them, and lie in wait for them at every place of ambush."
Pg 213: "So let not their possessions or their children please thee; God only desires to chastise them in the present life, and that their souls should depart while they are unbelievers."
Pg 222: "O believers, fight the unbelievers who are near you, and let them find in you a harshness;"
Pg 32: "Leave is give to those who fight because they were wronged."
Pg 128-29: "Now, if the hypocrites do not give over ... We shall assuredly urge thee against them and then they will be thy neighbors there only a little; cursed they shall be, and wheresoever they are come upon they shall be seized and slaughtered all -"
Pg 220: "When you meet the unbelievers, smite their necks, then, when you have made wide slaughter among them, tie fast the bonds; then set them free, either by grace or ransom, ... And those who are slain in the way of God ... He will admit them to Paradise,"
Pg 271: "take not my Enemy and your enemy for friends, offering them love, though they have disbelieved ... If you go forth ... secretly loving them ... whosoever of you has done that, has gone astray from the right way."
Pg 271: "between us and you enmity has shown itself, and hatred forever, until you believe in God alone."
compared to these verses:
Matthew 5:21-22 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' (22) But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.
Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Luke 6:28-29 Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. (29) To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.
Luk 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
Rom 13:10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Gal 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
21 November, 2008
politics: last word on what happened
McCain, with his reputation for independence, was supposed to restore the GOP's competitiveness among swing voters. But to win the GOP nomination, McCain embraced Bush's right-wing core economic and foreign policies and then selected, in Sarah Palin, a running mate who waged the culture war with a zeal that made Bush and Karl Rove look squeamish. Also in critical areas, moderate republicans bolted the party.
14 November, 2008
republicans almost destroyed our country
Never has one generation spent so much of its children's wealth in such a short period of time with so little to show for it as in the recent republican years. These republicans have foisted onto future generations a huge financial burden to finance our current tax cuts for the rich, its wars and now its need for bailouts.
Just paying off those debts will require significant sacrifices. When you add the destruction of wealth that has taken place in just the last two months in the markets to the need for more bailouts, you understand why this is not going to be a painless recovery.
We are all going to have to pay. Never before has there been such a large wealth transfer from the future to the present, thanks to these republicans.
Just paying off those debts will require significant sacrifices. When you add the destruction of wealth that has taken place in just the last two months in the markets to the need for more bailouts, you understand why this is not going to be a painless recovery.
We are all going to have to pay. Never before has there been such a large wealth transfer from the future to the present, thanks to these republicans.
08 November, 2008
Repblican Party left me years go
I read the following today and while I desagree on Reagan, it expresses my situation and observations:
"Eight years of “conservative” government has brought us a doubled national debt, ruinous expansion of entitlement programs, bridges to nowhere, poster boy Jack Abramoff and an ill-premised, ill-waged war conducted by politicians of breathtaking arrogance.
As a sideshow, it brought us a truly obscene attempt at federal intervention in the Terry Schiavo case.
So, to paraphrase a real conservative, Ronald Reagan, I haven’t left the Republican Party. It left me.
Thanks, anyway, for the memories, and here’s to happier days and with any luck, a bit less fresh hell. (written by Wm F. Buckley"s son)" Chris--what took you so long?
"Eight years of “conservative” government has brought us a doubled national debt, ruinous expansion of entitlement programs, bridges to nowhere, poster boy Jack Abramoff and an ill-premised, ill-waged war conducted by politicians of breathtaking arrogance.
As a sideshow, it brought us a truly obscene attempt at federal intervention in the Terry Schiavo case.
So, to paraphrase a real conservative, Ronald Reagan, I haven’t left the Republican Party. It left me.
Thanks, anyway, for the memories, and here’s to happier days and with any luck, a bit less fresh hell. (written by Wm F. Buckley"s son)" Chris--what took you so long?
03 November, 2008
Obama vs. McCain
In state after state during the primaries, McCain drew heavily on the votes of independents, moderates and Republicans who were unhappy with Bush.
But instead of carrying on as the un-Bush who defied conservative orthodoxy, McCain embraced the right for fear of losing it. He chose Sarah Palin as his running mate, which has finally earned him cries of approval from the GOP base but sent moderate voters scurrying Obama's way.
And as the campaign closed, the McCain tragedy became a farce starring Joe the Plumber and casting personal attacks on Obama. McCain was left hoping that a hidden cadre of voters who fear an Obama victory would defy the pollsters tomorrow and save him.
But instead of carrying on as the un-Bush who defied conservative orthodoxy, McCain embraced the right for fear of losing it. He chose Sarah Palin as his running mate, which has finally earned him cries of approval from the GOP base but sent moderate voters scurrying Obama's way.
And as the campaign closed, the McCain tragedy became a farce starring Joe the Plumber and casting personal attacks on Obama. McCain was left hoping that a hidden cadre of voters who fear an Obama victory would defy the pollsters tomorrow and save him.
rich gain more under republicans
The share of after-tax income going to the top 20 percent and the top 1 percent in 2005 was the highest on record since the Congressional Budget Office began analyzing the data in 1979.
Some of this is due to the structure of the Bush tax cuts, which -- as Mr. McCain pointed out at the time they were enacted -- disproportionately favored the wealthiest Americans.
Mr. Obama's proposal to roll back the top bracket tax cuts and to bolster the bottom with refundable credits is an effort to address this inequity.
It is patriotic, as Democratic vice presidential candidate Joseph R. Biden Jr. said, for the rich to pay more for a country that has helped them gain more.
It is"good for everybody," as Mr. Obama told Joe Wurzelbacher, when you spread the wealth around. These represent, in fact, a rather mainstream view -- and not a bad governing philosophy for the country in its current straits.
Some of this is due to the structure of the Bush tax cuts, which -- as Mr. McCain pointed out at the time they were enacted -- disproportionately favored the wealthiest Americans.
Mr. Obama's proposal to roll back the top bracket tax cuts and to bolster the bottom with refundable credits is an effort to address this inequity.
It is patriotic, as Democratic vice presidential candidate Joseph R. Biden Jr. said, for the rich to pay more for a country that has helped them gain more.
It is"good for everybody," as Mr. Obama told Joe Wurzelbacher, when you spread the wealth around. These represent, in fact, a rather mainstream view -- and not a bad governing philosophy for the country in its current straits.
02 November, 2008
observed bias by TV pundits
Have you noticed? TV pundits like Blitzer and Matthews tend to give republicans more time to espouse their views and above all, most of the time, give republicans the last word.
01 November, 2008
vote, vote and vote
If you voters don't turn out and thus give it to the Republicans for another 4 and possibly 8 years, then you deserve what you are going to get, and that is more of the same.
What republicans have done to us
Nearly one in five U.S. mortgage borrowers owe more to lenders than their homes are worth, and the rate may soon approach one in four as housing prices fall and the economy weakens, a report on Friday shows.
Seven hard-hit states -- Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada and Ohio -- had 64 percent of all "underwater" borrowers, but just 41 percent of U.S. mortgages.
Foreclosure filings rose 71 percent in the third quarter to a record 765,558, according to RealtyTrac.
Meanwhile, the Commerce Department said gross domestic product fell at a 0.3 percent rate in the third quarter. Some experts expect the worst U.S. recession since the early 1980s.
Seven hard-hit states -- Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada and Ohio -- had 64 percent of all "underwater" borrowers, but just 41 percent of U.S. mortgages.
Foreclosure filings rose 71 percent in the third quarter to a record 765,558, according to RealtyTrac.
Meanwhile, the Commerce Department said gross domestic product fell at a 0.3 percent rate in the third quarter. Some experts expect the worst U.S. recession since the early 1980s.
31 October, 2008
McCain 's republican campaign
The Republican campaign has reached a new all time low. Lies, distortions, going to a dinner makes you palling around with those
who are there, slinging mud at your opponents character, etc.
They are really down in the mud. McCain is putting his campaign before his decency, slinging mud daily in a desperate attempt to find anything sleazy that will stick. He apparently will say and do anything to win. That is the kind of President he would be.
Even republicans are denouncing him and his choice for VP. AND God help us if she EVER becomes our President.
who are there, slinging mud at your opponents character, etc.
They are really down in the mud. McCain is putting his campaign before his decency, slinging mud daily in a desperate attempt to find anything sleazy that will stick. He apparently will say and do anything to win. That is the kind of President he would be.
Even republicans are denouncing him and his choice for VP. AND God help us if she EVER becomes our President.
27 October, 2008
McCain says he voted 90% with Bush
We know that it's time for new ideas and new leadership and the change we need in the White House.
But Senator McCain voted with President Bush 90 percent of the time over the last eight years. He said it on TV--we have seen the tape. Now at the last moment, he is trying to lie his way out of it.
AND Just the other day, George Bush returned the favor and voted early for John McCain.
But Senator McCain voted with President Bush 90 percent of the time over the last eight years. He said it on TV--we have seen the tape. Now at the last moment, he is trying to lie his way out of it.
AND Just the other day, George Bush returned the favor and voted early for John McCain.
25 October, 2008
right wing republican religious groups
Although hard-edge attacks are common late in campaigns, the tenor of the strikes against Obama illustrate just how worried conservative Christian activists are about what should happen to their causes and influence if Democrats seize control of both Congress and the White House.
It looks like, walks like, talks like and smells like desperation to me," said the Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell of Houston, an Obama supporter who backed President Bush in the past two elections.
The Methodist pastor called the 2012 letter "false and ridiculous." He said it showed that some Christian conservative leaders fear that Obama's faith-based appeals to voters are working.
It looks like, walks like, talks like and smells like desperation to me," said the Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell of Houston, an Obama supporter who backed President Bush in the past two elections.
The Methodist pastor called the 2012 letter "false and ridiculous." He said it showed that some Christian conservative leaders fear that Obama's faith-based appeals to voters are working.
21 October, 2008
McCain proves he is another Bush
McCain avoided the one major break he could have made with Bush -- opposing the Wall Street rescue package. Going against Bush would have put voters on notice that McCain is a different kind of politician.
He would have helped himself immensely if he had opposed the bailout. All the elites were all arrayed against the American people. He would have been the populist champion standing up to them. He had an opportunity to be different from Bush. He wasn't because he isn't.
He would have helped himself immensely if he had opposed the bailout. All the elites were all arrayed against the American people. He would have been the populist champion standing up to them. He had an opportunity to be different from Bush. He wasn't because he isn't.
19 October, 2008
republicans keep people from voting
Republicans are trying to keep people from voting to depress the vote as they know a big turnout helps Democrats up and down the ticket. Don't let them get away with that!!!
If questions about eligibility remain on early voting or Election Day, those voters are entitled to cast a "provisional" ballot. Which of those ballots are ultimately counted depends on local and state rules.
If questions about eligibility remain on early voting or Election Day, those voters are entitled to cast a "provisional" ballot. Which of those ballots are ultimately counted depends on local and state rules.
17 October, 2008
another fraudulent gimmick by McCain
Joe the Plumber's story has sprung a few leaks. It turns out that the man held up by John McCain as the typical, hard-working American taxpayer isn't really a proper plumber and owes nearly $1,200 in back taxes. And, officially at least, he isn't even called Joe.
A bit of digging soon uncovered the fact that Mr Wurzelabacher doesn't have a plumber's licence. And then there was the matter of his taxes - according to court records, Mr Wurzelbacher owes the state of Ohio $1,182.98 in personal income tax. Last January the Ohio Department of Taxation filed a claim on his property until he pays the debt.
Even if Mr Wurzelbacher was in a position to buy the plumbing business he works for, it would be unlikely that his personal income would ever climb over $250,000. Currently he earns much less, he admits, so would probably be in line for a tax cut under Mr Obama's plans.
A bit of digging soon uncovered the fact that Mr Wurzelabacher doesn't have a plumber's licence. And then there was the matter of his taxes - according to court records, Mr Wurzelbacher owes the state of Ohio $1,182.98 in personal income tax. Last January the Ohio Department of Taxation filed a claim on his property until he pays the debt.
Even if Mr Wurzelbacher was in a position to buy the plumbing business he works for, it would be unlikely that his personal income would ever climb over $250,000. Currently he earns much less, he admits, so would probably be in line for a tax cut under Mr Obama's plans.
Analysis of McCain vs. Obama
Mr. Obama is a man of supple intelligence, with a nuanced grasp of complex issues and evident skill at conciliation and consensus-building.
The best evidence suggests that he would seek to maintain U.S. leadership and engagement, continue the fight against terrorists, and wage vigorous diplomacy on behalf of U.S. values and interests. Mr. Obama has the potential to become a great president.
Mr. McCain would draw on many of the same policymakers who have brought us to our current state. Here the choice is not a close call. Mr. McCain has little interest in economics and no apparent feel for the topic. His principal proposal, doubling down on the Bush tax cuts, would exacerbate the fiscal wreckage and the inequality simultaneously.
Mr. Obama also understands that the most important single counter to inequality, and the best way to maintain American competitiveness, is improved education, another subject of only modest interest to Mr. McCain.
A better health-care system also is crucial to bolstering U.S. competitiveness and relieving worker insecurity. Mr. Obama hopes to steer the country toward universal coverage by charting a course between government mandates and individual choice.
Overshadowing all of these policy choices may be the financial crisis and the recession it is likely to spawn. It is almost impossible to predict what policies will be called for by January, but certainly the country will want in its president a combination of nimbleness and steadfastness -- precisely the qualities Mr. Obama has displayed during the past few weeks.
Mr. Obama's temperament is unlike anything we've seen on the national stage in many years. He is deliberate but not indecisive; eloquent but a master of substance and detail; naturally confident but eager to hear opposing points of view. He has inspired millions of voters of diverse ages and races, no small thing in our often divided and cynical country. We think he is the right man for a perilous moment.
The best evidence suggests that he would seek to maintain U.S. leadership and engagement, continue the fight against terrorists, and wage vigorous diplomacy on behalf of U.S. values and interests. Mr. Obama has the potential to become a great president.
Mr. McCain would draw on many of the same policymakers who have brought us to our current state. Here the choice is not a close call. Mr. McCain has little interest in economics and no apparent feel for the topic. His principal proposal, doubling down on the Bush tax cuts, would exacerbate the fiscal wreckage and the inequality simultaneously.
Mr. Obama also understands that the most important single counter to inequality, and the best way to maintain American competitiveness, is improved education, another subject of only modest interest to Mr. McCain.
A better health-care system also is crucial to bolstering U.S. competitiveness and relieving worker insecurity. Mr. Obama hopes to steer the country toward universal coverage by charting a course between government mandates and individual choice.
Overshadowing all of these policy choices may be the financial crisis and the recession it is likely to spawn. It is almost impossible to predict what policies will be called for by January, but certainly the country will want in its president a combination of nimbleness and steadfastness -- precisely the qualities Mr. Obama has displayed during the past few weeks.
Mr. Obama's temperament is unlike anything we've seen on the national stage in many years. He is deliberate but not indecisive; eloquent but a master of substance and detail; naturally confident but eager to hear opposing points of view. He has inspired millions of voters of diverse ages and races, no small thing in our often divided and cynical country. We think he is the right man for a perilous moment.
14 October, 2008
Vote the bottom line.
The bottom line is:
Both candidates for President are responsible for what they and their campaign says and does. They can't have it both ways and the voters should not be told otherwise.
Have you seen the McCain rallies. He lets them bring in those racist, violence-suggesting signs? Obama has those kinds of signs confiscated at the doors.
If McCain is not the one responsible for his campaign, then we don't want him responsible for this country. If he is in charge of his campaign, then the direction it has taken has also proven he is not fit for the office. Either way...VOTE OBAMA for your children and grandchildren's future.
Both candidates for President are responsible for what they and their campaign says and does. They can't have it both ways and the voters should not be told otherwise.
Have you seen the McCain rallies. He lets them bring in those racist, violence-suggesting signs? Obama has those kinds of signs confiscated at the doors.
If McCain is not the one responsible for his campaign, then we don't want him responsible for this country. If he is in charge of his campaign, then the direction it has taken has also proven he is not fit for the office. Either way...VOTE OBAMA for your children and grandchildren's future.
Republican liars quote themselves
It pays to do a little research.
Andy Martin is the man who is widely credited with starting the cyberwhisper campaign about Mr. Obama.
An appearance in a documentary-style program on the Fox News Channel watched by three million people thrust the man, Andy Martin, and his past into the foreground. The program allowed Mr. Martin to assert falsely and without challenge that Mr. Obama had once trained to overthrow the government.
An examination of legal documsents and election filings, along with interviews with his acquaintances, revealed Mr. Martin, 62, to be a man with a history of scintillating if not always factual claims.
He has left a trail of animosity — some of it provoked by anti-Jewish comments — among political leaders, lawyers and judges in three states over more than 30 years.
He is a law school graduate, but his admission to the Illinois bar was blocked in the 1970s after a psychiatric finding of "moderately severe character defect manifested by well-documented ideation with a paranoid flavor and a grandiose character."
He ran as a Republican for the Florida State Senate and the United States Senate in Illinois. When running for president in 1999, he aired a television advertisement in New Hampshire that accused George W. Bush of using cocaine.
He prepared to run as a Democrat for Congress in Connecticut, where paperwork for one of his campaign committees listed as one purpose “to exterminate Jew power.” He ran as a Republican for the Florida State Senate and the United States Senate in Illinois. When running for president in 1999, he aired a television advertisement in New Hampshire that accused George W. Bush of using cocaine.
In the 1990s, Mr. Martin was jailed in a case in Florida involving a physical altercation.
Mr. Martin's general outlines have turned up in a host of works that have expounded falsely on Mr. Obama’s heritage or supposed attempts to conceal it, including “Obama Nation,” the widely discredited best seller about Mr. Obama by Jerome R. Corsi. Mr. Corsi opens the book with a quote from Mr. Martin.
These liars quote themselves trying to create the impression of good research.
Andy Martin is the man who is widely credited with starting the cyberwhisper campaign about Mr. Obama.
An appearance in a documentary-style program on the Fox News Channel watched by three million people thrust the man, Andy Martin, and his past into the foreground. The program allowed Mr. Martin to assert falsely and without challenge that Mr. Obama had once trained to overthrow the government.
An examination of legal documsents and election filings, along with interviews with his acquaintances, revealed Mr. Martin, 62, to be a man with a history of scintillating if not always factual claims.
He has left a trail of animosity — some of it provoked by anti-Jewish comments — among political leaders, lawyers and judges in three states over more than 30 years.
He is a law school graduate, but his admission to the Illinois bar was blocked in the 1970s after a psychiatric finding of "moderately severe character defect manifested by well-documented ideation with a paranoid flavor and a grandiose character."
He ran as a Republican for the Florida State Senate and the United States Senate in Illinois. When running for president in 1999, he aired a television advertisement in New Hampshire that accused George W. Bush of using cocaine.
He prepared to run as a Democrat for Congress in Connecticut, where paperwork for one of his campaign committees listed as one purpose “to exterminate Jew power.” He ran as a Republican for the Florida State Senate and the United States Senate in Illinois. When running for president in 1999, he aired a television advertisement in New Hampshire that accused George W. Bush of using cocaine.
In the 1990s, Mr. Martin was jailed in a case in Florida involving a physical altercation.
Mr. Martin's general outlines have turned up in a host of works that have expounded falsely on Mr. Obama’s heritage or supposed attempts to conceal it, including “Obama Nation,” the widely discredited best seller about Mr. Obama by Jerome R. Corsi. Mr. Corsi opens the book with a quote from Mr. Martin.
These liars quote themselves trying to create the impression of good research.
Republicans caused this economic mess
Republicans pushed new policies encouraging homeownership, like the "zero-down-payment initiative," which was much as it sounds—a government-sponsored program that allowed people to get mortgages without a down payment.
More exotic mortgages followed, including ones with no monthly payments for the first two years. Other mortgages required no documentation other than the say-so of the borrower.
Absurd though these all were, they paled in comparison to the financial innovations that grew out of the mortgages—derivatives built on other derivatives, packaged and repackaged until no one could identify what they contained and how much they were, in fact, worth.
As we know by now, these instruments have brought the global financial system, improbably, to the brink of collapse.
More exotic mortgages followed, including ones with no monthly payments for the first two years. Other mortgages required no documentation other than the say-so of the borrower.
Absurd though these all were, they paled in comparison to the financial innovations that grew out of the mortgages—derivatives built on other derivatives, packaged and repackaged until no one could identify what they contained and how much they were, in fact, worth.
As we know by now, these instruments have brought the global financial system, improbably, to the brink of collapse.
McCain, the fighter
Last week, the McCain-Palin message was ugly: that Obama "pals around" with terrorists, implying Obama is therefore a terrorist himself. This incited ugly behavior by their supporters, who openly called Obama a "terrorist." Americans recoiled in horror, and Obama surged to a commanding 8% lead in the polls, which would produce an Electoral College landslide.
McCain read the polls, freaked out, and adopted an entirely new message: he's a "fighter." This one is true! McCain has devoted his political career to fighting against everything we care about: peace, justice, jobs, education, health care, the environment, civil rights, voting rights, and honest government.
McCain read the polls, freaked out, and adopted an entirely new message: he's a "fighter." This one is true! McCain has devoted his political career to fighting against everything we care about: peace, justice, jobs, education, health care, the environment, civil rights, voting rights, and honest government.
12 October, 2008
Republicans mission
With his electoral prospects fading by the day, Senator John McCain has fallen out with his vice-presidential running mate about the direction of his White House campaign.
An investigation by the Alaska Legislature concluded that Republican Sara Palin, McCain's VP, abused her power in trying to orchestrate the firing of her former brother-in-law, a state trooper.
The public has become alarmed about the fury unleashed by Sarah Palin, the moose-hunting “pitbull in lipstick”, against Senator Barack Obama. Cries of “terrorist” and “kill him” have accompanied the tirades by the governor of Alaska against the Democratic nominee at Republican rallies.
Let's face it. George W. Bush is going to leave one hell of a mess for the next president to clean up. I don't know why anyone is surprised by this, it's just another empty hole he's drilled using other people's money and then moved on. It's the story of his life.
But the reality is that an Obama victory next month, while necessary, is not the culmination of anything. It's only the beginning of the fight to keep this nation from returning to the Dark Ages represented by the lunatic Sarah Palin and her Armies of Jehovah.
Because you know as sure as we're standing here, that as of November 5, Sarah Palin will be the frontrunner for 2012. And if there isn't significant improvement in people's lives by then, we could be faced with Governor Architect of the Apocalypse ready and waiting to take over and complete her mission.
An investigation by the Alaska Legislature concluded that Republican Sara Palin, McCain's VP, abused her power in trying to orchestrate the firing of her former brother-in-law, a state trooper.
The public has become alarmed about the fury unleashed by Sarah Palin, the moose-hunting “pitbull in lipstick”, against Senator Barack Obama. Cries of “terrorist” and “kill him” have accompanied the tirades by the governor of Alaska against the Democratic nominee at Republican rallies.
Let's face it. George W. Bush is going to leave one hell of a mess for the next president to clean up. I don't know why anyone is surprised by this, it's just another empty hole he's drilled using other people's money and then moved on. It's the story of his life.
But the reality is that an Obama victory next month, while necessary, is not the culmination of anything. It's only the beginning of the fight to keep this nation from returning to the Dark Ages represented by the lunatic Sarah Palin and her Armies of Jehovah.
Because you know as sure as we're standing here, that as of November 5, Sarah Palin will be the frontrunner for 2012. And if there isn't significant improvement in people's lives by then, we could be faced with Governor Architect of the Apocalypse ready and waiting to take over and complete her mission.
11 October, 2008
Palin's husband will be running the country.
Three is A long pattern of pressure that Sara Palin and her husband applied on state officials to try to get the trooper fired, according to an Alaska legislative report released Friday. The report said those contacts amounted to an abuse of power and a violation of the state's ethics laws, which prohibit using public office for personal benefit.
But while the condemnation of now-vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin was the conclusion, the nearly 300-page report by investigator Stephen Branchflower was more about her husband. Todd Palin, the self-described "first dude" of Alaska, had extraordinary access to his wife's office, her staff and her power.
Todd Palin spent about 50 percent of his time in the governor's office, making phone calls, participating in meetings or just hanging out, said Gary Wheeler, a member of Gov. Palin's security detail.
"He had a significant influence, in that he was always interacting with the, the employees there," Wheeler told state investigators. "Any time I needed to get information to the governor, I would always go through Todd."
But while the condemnation of now-vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin was the conclusion, the nearly 300-page report by investigator Stephen Branchflower was more about her husband. Todd Palin, the self-described "first dude" of Alaska, had extraordinary access to his wife's office, her staff and her power.
Todd Palin spent about 50 percent of his time in the governor's office, making phone calls, participating in meetings or just hanging out, said Gary Wheeler, a member of Gov. Palin's security detail.
"He had a significant influence, in that he was always interacting with the, the employees there," Wheeler told state investigators. "Any time I needed to get information to the governor, I would always go through Todd."
09 October, 2008
McCain resorts to swift boating/racism
Jerome Corsi coauthored the book "Unfit for Command:Swift Boat Veterans Speak Out against John Kerry" which turned out to be a bunch of lies. Most of his documentation refers to others of his stripe. They pass around documentation as fact. He and McCain are at it again about Obama.
Also, I read where Corsi's wife divorced him, accusing him of being a pedophile.
These neocon-republicans have captured the republican party, of which I was a member, and have all but destroyed our country. We used to be a force for good in the world.
Now look at us, we have attacked another country based on lies, killing millions that did not attack us (leaving Bin Laden alive who admitted he did). They are exporting jobs, importing cheap labor for short term gain, $5 trillion in debt when they came into office and over $10 trillion in debt now most of it to India and China.
I am surprised that so many so-called Christians would believe this swift boating after we learned about how it works. Latent racism is alive and well in America. I hear it almost every day from otherwise good people. My God is not a racist.
Also, I read where Corsi's wife divorced him, accusing him of being a pedophile.
These neocon-republicans have captured the republican party, of which I was a member, and have all but destroyed our country. We used to be a force for good in the world.
Now look at us, we have attacked another country based on lies, killing millions that did not attack us (leaving Bin Laden alive who admitted he did). They are exporting jobs, importing cheap labor for short term gain, $5 trillion in debt when they came into office and over $10 trillion in debt now most of it to India and China.
I am surprised that so many so-called Christians would believe this swift boating after we learned about how it works. Latent racism is alive and well in America. I hear it almost every day from otherwise good people. My God is not a racist.
06 October, 2008
McCain using racism
read today: Whether "intended or not" by the McCain campaign, portraying Obama as "not like us" is another potential appeal to racism. It suggests that the Hawaiian-born Christian is, at heart, un-American.
They are a lot of things, but dumb is not one of them. They know they are playing to racism for votes. Shame on McCain.
They are a lot of things, but dumb is not one of them. They know they are playing to racism for votes. Shame on McCain.
McCain's bankrupt economic philosophy
During the savings and loan crisis of the late '80s and early '90s, McCain's political favors and aggressive support for deregulation put him at the center of the fall of Lincoln Savings and Loan, one of the largest in the country.
More than 23,000 investors lost their savings. Overall, the savings and loan crisis required the federal government to bail out the savings of hundreds of thousands of families and ultimately cost American taxpayers $124 billion. Now he wants to change the subject.
Sound familiar?
In that crisis, John McCain and his political patron, Charles Keating, played central roles that ultimately landed Keating in jail for fraud and McCain in front of the Senate Ethics Committee.
The McCain campaign has tried to avoid talking about the scandal, but with so many parallels to the current crisis, McCain's Keating history is relevant and voters deserve to know the facts -- and see for themselves the pattern of poor judgment by John McCain.
Go to www.KeatingEconomics.com for the facts.
More than 23,000 investors lost their savings. Overall, the savings and loan crisis required the federal government to bail out the savings of hundreds of thousands of families and ultimately cost American taxpayers $124 billion. Now he wants to change the subject.
Sound familiar?
In that crisis, John McCain and his political patron, Charles Keating, played central roles that ultimately landed Keating in jail for fraud and McCain in front of the Senate Ethics Committee.
The McCain campaign has tried to avoid talking about the scandal, but with so many parallels to the current crisis, McCain's Keating history is relevant and voters deserve to know the facts -- and see for themselves the pattern of poor judgment by John McCain.
Go to www.KeatingEconomics.com for the facts.
05 October, 2008
where is the "media" on Palin
Palin's married to Todd Palin, a member of the party which advocates seceeding from the USA, and may even have had personal involvement in the party herself even though she was never registered as a member. There's a tape of the party leader at their convention claiming that Sara Palin was active in the party.
"bring it on" McCain'Palin
Sarah Palin: doesn't just pal around with secessionists, she is married to one and she courts the political support of others.
Bring it on McCain/Palin
The director of Division of Elections in Alaska, Gail Fenumiai, says that Todd Palin registered in October 1995 to the Alaska Independence Party, a radical group that advocates for Alaskan secession from the United States.
Besides a short period of a few months in 2000 when he changed his registration to undeclared, Todd Palin remained a registered member of AIP until July 2002 when he registered again as an undeclared voter.
Besides a short period of a few months in 2000 when he changed his registration to undeclared, Todd Palin remained a registered member of AIP until July 2002 when he registered again as an undeclared voter.
"Bring it on" to McCain
McCain wants to get dirty. We say "BRING IT ON." We will reply with the FACTS about the Keating five(and indicted co-conspirators) and the running around, having affairs on first wives.
McCain, gutter politition
Today, the McCain-Palin team took their discredited, dishonorable campaign one desperate step further, announcing that they were going to try 'turning a page on this financial crisis' by launching more personal attacks on Senator Obama.
Instead of offering solutions for working Americans and families struggling through a failing economy, they are now mired in more gutter politics and false attacks. McCain will say anything, any lie to win.
Instead of offering solutions for working Americans and families struggling through a failing economy, they are now mired in more gutter politics and false attacks. McCain will say anything, any lie to win.
The McCain we see on TV
The McCain campaign says he is going mean and personal. Viewing him, we have concluded he already is a mean old man.
04 October, 2008
Watch for McCain's smear campaign
McCain operatives are now saying that McCain will try to smear Obama as he is losing on the issues.
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