A mismanaged war, botched hurricane relief, illegal wiretaps, secret torture prisons, ethics violations. Just when I thought we had seen the worst from the Bush Administration, there is a new outrage that is down-right mean-spirited.
Big tax evaders -- mostly wealthy individuals and large corporations -- cost the government $300 billion each year in unpaid taxes. But in George Bush's America, these folks are getting off virtually scot-free.
The Internal Revenue Service is spending its limited enforcement resources on low-income taxpayers -- most of whom did nothing wrong. The IRS froze more than 120,000 taxpayers' refunds on suspicion of fraud without notifying the taxpayers or giving them a chance to respond.
The targeted taxpayers had a median income of $12,000 to $14,000. Many of them claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit, and count on their tax refunds to pay for home heating costs, school books for their kids, or to open a bank account and begin to build savings. The IRS has been holding up the refunds for an average of eight months -- but some people wait for years.
We've heard a lot over the years about racial profiling. Now it seems the Bush Administration has invented "poverty profiling." It's the cruel assumption that if you are poor, you must also be a tax cheat. Remember your vote has consequences.
31 January, 2006
wages for you and me a threat
Worker compensation falls behind inflation in '05. While increases in the number of people working is good for the country, the concern at the Fed is that the economy could be growing so strongly that wage pressures will mount and trigger a rise in inflation.
There you have it. Those who are currently running our country believe that wages for the working people are a threat to our economy rather than a benefit.
No wonder they are outsourcing our jobs to India and China as fast as they can. Here again, they believe in "giving the most to those that have the most."
There you have it. Those who are currently running our country believe that wages for the working people are a threat to our economy rather than a benefit.
No wonder they are outsourcing our jobs to India and China as fast as they can. Here again, they believe in "giving the most to those that have the most."
30 January, 2006
the Manchurian Candidate became President
The Republican administration showcases Bush's bungling meddling rhetoric about spreading liberty even in unlikely places but the reality is that self-determination can yield results that appear counter to U.S. interests.
That's a challenge the United States may have to confront someday in other places as well, including Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Central Asia, the Balkans and — closer to home — South America.
Still, the success of religious-based candidates or parties, many of whom are hostile to Bush and opposed to American ideas, is sobering.
Empowered by the U.S.-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein, Iraqi Shiite voters could one day tilt their nation toward Iran.
The Muslim Brotherhood increased its power in Egypt's parliament nearly sixfold last year. Open elections there would replace a government friendly to the United States with one dominated by radical Islamic politics.
Bolivian President Evo Morales, a leftist leader of coca growers has vowed to be "Washington's nightmare." Republican progrss in the world.
That's a challenge the United States may have to confront someday in other places as well, including Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Central Asia, the Balkans and — closer to home — South America.
Still, the success of religious-based candidates or parties, many of whom are hostile to Bush and opposed to American ideas, is sobering.
Empowered by the U.S.-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein, Iraqi Shiite voters could one day tilt their nation toward Iran.
The Muslim Brotherhood increased its power in Egypt's parliament nearly sixfold last year. Open elections there would replace a government friendly to the United States with one dominated by radical Islamic politics.
Bolivian President Evo Morales, a leftist leader of coca growers has vowed to be "Washington's nightmare." Republican progrss in the world.
oil profits out of your pocket
ExxonMobil posted a record quarterly profit for a U.S. company Monday — $10.71 billion in the fourth quarter For the full year, net income surged 43% to $36.13 billion, bigger than the economies of 125 of the 184 countries ranked by the World Bank
And why not? the Bushes and Cheneys are heavily into oil and related industries. They are also getting huge tax breaks (corporate welfare) which your children and grandchildren will pay for.
Your vote or your not voting counts from the Supreme Court to huge profits and tax breaks for " those that have the most should get the most" is the MO of these Republicans which in the long term will make our country a third worl country.
And why not? the Bushes and Cheneys are heavily into oil and related industries. They are also getting huge tax breaks (corporate welfare) which your children and grandchildren will pay for.
Your vote or your not voting counts from the Supreme Court to huge profits and tax breaks for " those that have the most should get the most" is the MO of these Republicans which in the long term will make our country a third worl country.
28 January, 2006
Republicans making the world more safe??
A U.S. command spokesman in Baghdad, Lt. Col. Barry Johnson, said only Iraqis who pose an "imperative threat" are held in U.S.-run detention facilities.
But documents describing two 2004 episodes tell a different story as far as short-term detentions by local U.S. units. The documents are among hundreds the Pentagon has released periodically under U.S. court order to meet an American Civil Liberties Union request for information on detention practices.
"The 28-year-old woman had three young children at the house, one being as young as six months and still nursing," the intelligence officer wrote. She was held for two days and was released after he complained, he said.
During the pre-operation brief it was recommended by TF personnel that if the wife were present, she be detained and held in order to leverage the primary target's surrender," wrote the 14-year veteran officer.
And our current government says they are making the world more safe for us by winning the hearts and minds of the people in the islamic world??????
.
But documents describing two 2004 episodes tell a different story as far as short-term detentions by local U.S. units. The documents are among hundreds the Pentagon has released periodically under U.S. court order to meet an American Civil Liberties Union request for information on detention practices.
"The 28-year-old woman had three young children at the house, one being as young as six months and still nursing," the intelligence officer wrote. She was held for two days and was released after he complained, he said.
During the pre-operation brief it was recommended by TF personnel that if the wife were present, she be detained and held in order to leverage the primary target's surrender," wrote the 14-year veteran officer.
And our current government says they are making the world more safe for us by winning the hearts and minds of the people in the islamic world??????
.
poor funding the rich
The United States is currently seeing huge inflows of capital from the developing world, notably China, that are financing its current account deficit, bolstering the dollar and keeping long-term interest rates low though bond purchases.
There are potential triggers that could create serious consequences for the global economy. The first is a southward movement of the dollar, the second is an unexpected increase in U.S. interest rates ... Thirdly, (a spiral in) energy prices... will lead to inflationary expectations,"
Poor funding of rich is seen as unsustainable, risky. It is happening within our country, as well.
There are potential triggers that could create serious consequences for the global economy. The first is a southward movement of the dollar, the second is an unexpected increase in U.S. interest rates ... Thirdly, (a spiral in) energy prices... will lead to inflationary expectations,"
Poor funding of rich is seen as unsustainable, risky. It is happening within our country, as well.
27 January, 2006
Republican drug plan ripoff
Almost one-third of the 6.2 million Medicaid beneficiaries who were automatically switched to the new Medicare prescription drug program on Jan. 1 were put in plans that cover fewer drugs than commonly used under Medicaid, a new study shows. Only 18% of those beneficiaries were assigned to plans that cover all of the 178 commonly used drugs.
Concern grows over the fate of those low-income Medicaid patients. They lost their drug coverage through the state-administered Medicaid programs, which some advocates say was a better benefit.
And why not, this plan was written by the health industry.
Concern grows over the fate of those low-income Medicaid patients. They lost their drug coverage through the state-administered Medicaid programs, which some advocates say was a better benefit.
And why not, this plan was written by the health industry.
backward on the Supreme Court
Democrats contended anew that Alito's confirmation would put individual rights and liberties in danger. Dianne Feinstein of California, the only woman on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he would join justices Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia in the court's conservative wing and apply "originalist" interpretations to court decisions.
"If an originalist analysis was applied to the Fourteenth Amendment, women would not be provided equal protection under the Constitution, interracial marriages could be outlawed, schools could still be segregated and the principle of one man, one vote would not govern the way we elect our representatives," Feinstein said
"If an originalist analysis was applied to the Fourteenth Amendment, women would not be provided equal protection under the Constitution, interracial marriages could be outlawed, schools could still be segregated and the principle of one man, one vote would not govern the way we elect our representatives," Feinstein said
national debt and your children
Do you know that our government gave the Palestinian Authority $400 million of our money in direct aid last year and several million more through U.N. charities, Walles said. Some of the money was handed directly to Palestinian ministries
Since we are over $8 TRILLION in debt, your children and grandchildren will be forced to pay for it. Isn't that lovely.
Since we are over $8 TRILLION in debt, your children and grandchildren will be forced to pay for it. Isn't that lovely.
Republicans economic policy
WASHINGTON (Reuters) — Economic growth slowed sharply in the fourth quarter to the weakest pace in three years as consumers spent less robustly, growth in homebuilding eased and businesses were less eager to boost investments, a government report Friday showed.
Gross domestic product, the broadest measure of economic activity within U.S. borders, advanced at a 1.1% annual rate in the October-December period — little more than a quarter of the third quarter's 4.1% rate and the weakest for any three months since 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2002.
Republicans theory of "give the most to those who have the most" and taking middle class jobs overseas is beginning to show up as it is the middle class that spends the money in our economy.
Gross domestic product, the broadest measure of economic activity within U.S. borders, advanced at a 1.1% annual rate in the October-December period — little more than a quarter of the third quarter's 4.1% rate and the weakest for any three months since 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2002.
Republicans theory of "give the most to those who have the most" and taking middle class jobs overseas is beginning to show up as it is the middle class that spends the money in our economy.
26 January, 2006
Republicans arrogant meddling
United States has pressured Egypt, Iraq and the Palestinian territories to hold free elections"The pro-democracy effort has had the actual effect of strengthening fundamentalist movements," Katzman says.
In Egypt, he says, the Muslim Brotherhood was the most organized opposition to longtime President Hosni Mubarak, so it was ideally positioned to do well in the elections.
Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, Hezbollah in Lebanon and several Iraqi religious groups oppose U.S. support for Israel and back policies that could restrict social freedoms.
Recent elections in South America show much the same and are a result of the Republicans arrogant meddling in other countries internal affairs.
In Egypt, he says, the Muslim Brotherhood was the most organized opposition to longtime President Hosni Mubarak, so it was ideally positioned to do well in the elections.
Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, Hezbollah in Lebanon and several Iraqi religious groups oppose U.S. support for Israel and back policies that could restrict social freedoms.
Recent elections in South America show much the same and are a result of the Republicans arrogant meddling in other countries internal affairs.
Republicans arrogance
Palestinian legislator Hanan Ashrawi, who apparently was re-elected on a moderate platform, said the Hamas victory was a dramatic turning point.
Washington miscalculated in pushing for the vote, as part of its pro-democracy campaign in the Arab world, she said. "The Americans insisted on having the election now, so they have to respect the results of the election, as we all do," she said.
There you have it, Republicans interfering in other countries with their " we know what's best for you" attitude. It's the same way they act with us here in the US.
Washington miscalculated in pushing for the vote, as part of its pro-democracy campaign in the Arab world, she said. "The Americans insisted on having the election now, so they have to respect the results of the election, as we all do," she said.
There you have it, Republicans interfering in other countries with their " we know what's best for you" attitude. It's the same way they act with us here in the US.
Republicans "winning" the hearts and minds
When questioned about the lack of victory in Iraq, Republican apologists say, "Well,this war on terror cannot be won militarily, but must be won in the hearts and minds in the islamic world."
In a democratically held election, the Islamic militant Hamas Party just won a landslide victory in Palestinian parliamentary elections, winning 76 seats in the 132-member legislature, election officials said Thursday.
So much for the Republicans,"winning the hearts and minds" excuse.
In a democratically held election, the Islamic militant Hamas Party just won a landslide victory in Palestinian parliamentary elections, winning 76 seats in the 132-member legislature, election officials said Thursday.
So much for the Republicans,"winning the hearts and minds" excuse.
dead only in Iraq
At least 2,388 members of the U.S. military have died, not counting "contractors" and Iraqi civilians. They are not telling us how many have been wounded.
25 January, 2006
another corporate management ripoff
American Airlines' main union have filed grievancstock-based executive payouts that could total about $70 million and have roiled the No. 1 U.S.es over carrier's bid to forge a consensus with labor.
Unions representing American's pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and other workers said late Tuesday that they had filed "presidential grievances" over the bonuses, which are slated to go to about 1,000 management employees.
Another example of management of big corporations ripping us off, and why not get it while they can. With this republican party controlling all branches of government, it's open season on the workers and retirees.
Unions representing American's pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and other workers said late Tuesday that they had filed "presidential grievances" over the bonuses, which are slated to go to about 1,000 management employees.
Another example of management of big corporations ripping us off, and why not get it while they can. With this republican party controlling all branches of government, it's open season on the workers and retirees.
23 January, 2006
dead in Iraq
The number of U.S. military personnel killed since the war in Iraq began in March 2003 is at least 2,227,not including Iraqi civilians, and other U.S. "contractors" and assorted U.S. civilians, And the beat goes on.
Corporations ripping off the public
Nike, the world's largest athletic-shoe company, said Monday that CEO William Perez, who just joined the company in 2004, resigned over differences with company founder and Chairman Philip Knight and was replaced by Mark Parker, co-president of the Nike brand
Nike said in a regulatory filing that Perez, after being with the company only one year, will be paid two years' salary at $1.4 million a year as part of his severance package. Perez will also be paid a bonus of at least $1.75 million for 2006. The company added that it will buy Perez's house for $3.6 million, which covers remodeling, etc.
Another example of Corporations that taking our jobs overseas and ripping the public off at the same time. How long are we going to put up with it???
Nike said in a regulatory filing that Perez, after being with the company only one year, will be paid two years' salary at $1.4 million a year as part of his severance package. Perez will also be paid a bonus of at least $1.75 million for 2006. The company added that it will buy Perez's house for $3.6 million, which covers remodeling, etc.
Another example of Corporations that taking our jobs overseas and ripping the public off at the same time. How long are we going to put up with it???
22 January, 2006
who defines terroism and the terroist?
"We've come to this dark time in which the new Gestapo of Homeland Security lurks here, where citizens are having their rights suspended," Belafonte said in a speech to the annual meeting of the Arts Presenters Members Conference.
"You can be arrested and not charged. You can be arrested and have no right to counsel," said Belafonte. Fascism is fascism. Terrorism is terrorism. Oppression is oppression," said Belafonte, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Bush, he said, rose to power "somewhat dubiously and ... then lies to the people of this nation, misleads them, misinstructs, and then sends off hundreds of thousands of our own boys and girls to a foreign land that has not aggressed against us."
"You can be arrested and not charged. You can be arrested and have no right to counsel," said Belafonte. Fascism is fascism. Terrorism is terrorism. Oppression is oppression," said Belafonte, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Bush, he said, rose to power "somewhat dubiously and ... then lies to the people of this nation, misleads them, misinstructs, and then sends off hundreds of thousands of our own boys and girls to a foreign land that has not aggressed against us."
20 January, 2006
Republicans won't quit spying on us
President Bush has admitted that he personally authorized thousands of apparently illegal wiretaps and he doesn't plan to stop. Even the non-partisan Congressional Research Service released a report indicating that the White House program "conflicts with existing law.
No one disagrees that our government must be able to track terrorists. They had full Constitutional authority to legally spy on terrorists. We need to know why they chose to go around it?
No one disagrees that our government must be able to track terrorists. They had full Constitutional authority to legally spy on terrorists. We need to know why they chose to go around it?
Republicans spying on you
Republicans want to see what internet sites we are searching. Google (GOOG) on Thursday rebuffed the Bush administration's attempt in federal court to force it to hand over search-engine data on millions of customers.
Do you know about the government software, "Carnivore" and the other secret spying on you?
Do you know about the government software, "Carnivore" and the other secret spying on you?
using torture
Interrogation rules were being flouted "every day" in Iraq, a witness testified late Wednesday at the officer's court-martial.
The witness, who testified from behind a screen to cloak his identity, said he spoke with Chief Warrant Officer Lewis Welshofer Jr. on Nov. 25, 2003, the day before Maj. Gen. Abed Hamed Mowhoush's death at an Iraqi detention camp.
The dramatic testimony was opened to the public at the request of media organizations, though the judge did allow another witness to testify behind closed doors. Two witnesses also testified in secret on Tuesday.
Prosecutors said Mowhoush was placed head first in a sleeping bag and bound with an electrical cord for interrogation. They say he died while Welshofer sat on his chest and occasionally used his hands to cover Mowhoush's mouth.
The witness, who testified from behind a screen to cloak his identity, said he spoke with Chief Warrant Officer Lewis Welshofer Jr. on Nov. 25, 2003, the day before Maj. Gen. Abed Hamed Mowhoush's death at an Iraqi detention camp.
The dramatic testimony was opened to the public at the request of media organizations, though the judge did allow another witness to testify behind closed doors. Two witnesses also testified in secret on Tuesday.
Prosecutors said Mowhoush was placed head first in a sleeping bag and bound with an electrical cord for interrogation. They say he died while Welshofer sat on his chest and occasionally used his hands to cover Mowhoush's mouth.
19 January, 2006
republican lobbyist
The Republican response? Pretend this is about something else.
Initially, Republican members were asked whether they would return contributions from Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Their response: to point the finger at Democrats and say that they too received contributions from Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff or his clients.
This obviously dishonest phrasing is nonetheless suited to cable news and Sunday talk shows where there is little opportunity for rebuttal or critical questioning.
As every reader of this blog is no doubt aware, Jack Abramoff did not give a single dime to any Democratic Member of Congress. Nor did he direct a single dime from his clients to any Democrat. Period.
Initially, Republican members were asked whether they would return contributions from Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Their response: to point the finger at Democrats and say that they too received contributions from Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff or his clients.
This obviously dishonest phrasing is nonetheless suited to cable news and Sunday talk shows where there is little opportunity for rebuttal or critical questioning.
As every reader of this blog is no doubt aware, Jack Abramoff did not give a single dime to any Democratic Member of Congress. Nor did he direct a single dime from his clients to any Democrat. Period.
lax enforcement of even lax rules
The nation's coal mines have been required to pay only a fraction of the federal fines imposed after deadly accidents since 1999, a USA TODAY analysis shows
18 January, 2006
republicans not for the working man
A Republican representative from a coal-mining region in Pennsylvania, told Labor Secretary Elaine Chao in March that higher fines "would put most of my people out of business."
example of raping of America
A U.S. bankruptcy judge overruled objections on Wednesday to plans by United Airlines to offer an estimated $115 million in equity incentives to certain management personnel. The plan, which was fiercely opposed by unions as excessive after they took steep wage and benefit and pension cuts is okay with republicans.
Republicans are silent on the raping of America because they believe in "giving the most to those that have the most"
Republicans are silent on the raping of America because they believe in "giving the most to those that have the most"
17 January, 2006
raping the economy
Recent academic studies have shown dizzying leaps in top executives' salaries, bonuses and stock benefits in recent years, as well as big increases in executive compensation as a percentage of company earnings — money that otherwise would go to shareholders. At the same time, critics of corporate conduct see a disconnect between company officials' pay and their performance.
"It has been a very long time since the (SEC) has revised these rules," agency Chairman Christopher Cox told reporters last week. The tighter rules are needed "to eliminate the surprise of hidden payments" to executives and to ensure that shareholders are fully informed, he said.
Still, some critics of corporate conduct don't believe fuller disclosure of compensation goes far enough because it won't rein in runaway pay and may even create competitive pressure among companies that will push up executive compensation.
"It has been a very long time since the (SEC) has revised these rules," agency Chairman Christopher Cox told reporters last week. The tighter rules are needed "to eliminate the surprise of hidden payments" to executives and to ensure that shareholders are fully informed, he said.
Still, some critics of corporate conduct don't believe fuller disclosure of compensation goes far enough because it won't rein in runaway pay and may even create competitive pressure among companies that will push up executive compensation.
Bush supports the troops?
Nearly three years after rolling into Iraq in trucks covered in many instances only by canvas roofs, the 101st Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade is adding extra layers of armor to its Humvees.
The upgrades are being done by individual soldiers and units as the Pentagon decides how Humvees should be changed, and follow public criticism of the Bush administration for not armoring all Humvees ahead of the war.
Drawing on the part-time soldiers' backgrounds as mechanics, electricians and carpenters, the 126th Armor Battalion based in suburban Grand Rapids, Mich., added thermal imaging cameras and a 6-foot boom that can be lowered in front of the Humvee. Dangling chains and an infrared countermeasure on the boom can help trigger explosives before the Humvee is directly over them, said Lt. John Caras.
U.S. troops in the past have hardened soft-skin Humvees by using upgrade kits or by whacking spare steel onto their vehicles. assembly line the brigade created at Camp Speicher in Tikrit.
The National Guard unit's Humvee improvements also have been passed up the chain of command, but it's not clear if the military plans to make the changes on more vehicles. How Bush can make speeches saying he supports the troops three years after we invaded Iraqi is beyond me?
The upgrades are being done by individual soldiers and units as the Pentagon decides how Humvees should be changed, and follow public criticism of the Bush administration for not armoring all Humvees ahead of the war.
Drawing on the part-time soldiers' backgrounds as mechanics, electricians and carpenters, the 126th Armor Battalion based in suburban Grand Rapids, Mich., added thermal imaging cameras and a 6-foot boom that can be lowered in front of the Humvee. Dangling chains and an infrared countermeasure on the boom can help trigger explosives before the Humvee is directly over them, said Lt. John Caras.
U.S. troops in the past have hardened soft-skin Humvees by using upgrade kits or by whacking spare steel onto their vehicles. assembly line the brigade created at Camp Speicher in Tikrit.
The National Guard unit's Humvee improvements also have been passed up the chain of command, but it's not clear if the military plans to make the changes on more vehicles. How Bush can make speeches saying he supports the troops three years after we invaded Iraqi is beyond me?
12 January, 2006
votes make a difference for a lifetime
It's no wonder the radical right is ecstatic that President Bush bowed to their demands, ditched Harriet Miers, and picked Samuel Alito. On nearly every front -- privacy, reproductive rights, corporate responsibility, environmental regulation, and others -- Alito would clearly steer the Supreme Court in radical new conservative directions. However, given the current Republican control of all three branches of government, it is a forgone conclusion that he will be confirmed.
The importance of this process is that voting and the votes you cast do make a difference, even beyond the applicabe terms. In this case, THEY COUNT FOR THE LIFE OF MR. ALITO AS THIS IS A LIFETIME APPOINTMENT.
The importance of this process is that voting and the votes you cast do make a difference, even beyond the applicabe terms. In this case, THEY COUNT FOR THE LIFE OF MR. ALITO AS THIS IS A LIFETIME APPOINTMENT.
11 January, 2006
Republican"s medicare law
In 2003 under a cloud of corruption, Congress enacted a new Medicare law to provide prescription drug coverage—but it was a giant giveaway to the insurance and drug companies. The companies hired 952 lobbyists, spent $141 million on lobbying and contributed more than $30 million to campaigns. Drug profits rose $182 billion. Millions of seniors confused or hurt by the new law.
Democrats on Republican Drug Plan
Democrats fought against this Medicare sham at the time, and now they are offering three important solutions that could be implemented NOW: 1) Extend enrollment by six months to allow America's seniors to make sense of the confusing options before they have to select the option that works best for them, 2) Allow re-importation of safe FDA approved drugs from Canada, which should bring down the costs of drugs in this country, and 3) Allow Medicare to bargain for lower prices on behalf of all Americans. It is particularly offensive that this Republican drug-company written Medicare prescription drug law actually prohibits the government from negotiating with those companies for lower prices
09 January, 2006
republican Abramoff--pleads guilty
Dean: There are no Democrats who took money from Jack Abramoff. Not one. Not one single Democrat. Every person named in this scandal is a Republican, every person under investigation is a Republican, every person indicted is a Republican, this is a Republican finance scandal, there's no evidence that Jack Abramoff ever gave any Democrat any money and we've looked through all those FEC reports to make sure that's true.
Blitzer: But there... but... but... through various Abramoff-related organizations and outfits a bunch of Democrats did take money that presumably originated with Jack Abramoff.
Dean: ...There's no evidence for that either... they took money from Indian tribes, but they aren't agents of Jack Abramoff... I know the Republican National Committee would like to get the Democrats involved in this. They're scared, they should be scared. They haven't told the truth, they have misled the American people and now it appears they're stealing from Indian tribes. The Democrats are not involved in this."
Blitzer: Unfortunately, Mr. Chairman, we've got to leave it right there...
Blitzer: But there... but... but... through various Abramoff-related organizations and outfits a bunch of Democrats did take money that presumably originated with Jack Abramoff.
Dean: ...There's no evidence for that either... they took money from Indian tribes, but they aren't agents of Jack Abramoff... I know the Republican National Committee would like to get the Democrats involved in this. They're scared, they should be scared. They haven't told the truth, they have misled the American people and now it appears they're stealing from Indian tribes. The Democrats are not involved in this."
Blitzer: Unfortunately, Mr. Chairman, we've got to leave it right there...
05 January, 2006
continuing Iraqi death toll
At least 2,188 members of the U.S. military have died, not counting "contractors" and Iraqi civilians.
Abramoff is Bush "Pioneer"
Public Citizen called on President Bush today to provide a full accounting of the sources of the $100,000 or more that disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff raised for his 2004 presidential campaign. The campaign gave Abramoff the title of a Bush “Pioneer” in 2004 for raising at least $100,000 in amounts of up to $2,000 from his friends and associates.
Republicans on safety
Compared with three other similar-sized mines in West Virginia, the Sago Mine had far more violations during that period, a USA TODAY analysis found. The Argus Energy Deep Mine No. 8 in Wayne County, for instance, had 156 violations, 120 fewer than Sago. The three other mines also had fewer accidents, according to MHSA data. Sago had 40 accidents in 2005. The most at any of the other mines was 12, records show.
The United Mine Workers union contends that the federal government has lessened its enforcement of mining safety regulations in recent years. And despite problems at the mine, the highest proposed fine issued by the government last year was $440 for one of the ventilation violations. Many of the violations prompted $60 fines.
"If I go down the street in Washington, D.C., at 10 mph over the speed limit, I'm going to get much higher fine than that," union official Baker said.
Republicans care more about owners and giving the most to those that have the most.
The United Mine Workers union contends that the federal government has lessened its enforcement of mining safety regulations in recent years. And despite problems at the mine, the highest proposed fine issued by the government last year was $440 for one of the ventilation violations. Many of the violations prompted $60 fines.
"If I go down the street in Washington, D.C., at 10 mph over the speed limit, I'm going to get much higher fine than that," union official Baker said.
Republicans care more about owners and giving the most to those that have the most.
03 January, 2006
republicans and honesty
Abramoff's travels with former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay are already under criminal investigation. The lobbyist's interactions with the Texas Republican's congressional office frequently came around the time of campaign donations, golf outings or other trips provided or arranged by Abramoff for DeLay and other lawmakers.
For months, prosecutors in Washington have focused on whether Abramoff defrauded his Indian tribal clients of millions of dollars and used improper influence on members of Congress.
In a five-year span ending in early 2004, tribes represented by the lobbyist contributed millions of dollars in casino income to congressional campaigns, often routing the money through political action committees for conservative lawmakers who opposed gambling
For months, prosecutors in Washington have focused on whether Abramoff defrauded his Indian tribal clients of millions of dollars and used improper influence on members of Congress.
In a five-year span ending in early 2004, tribes represented by the lobbyist contributed millions of dollars in casino income to congressional campaigns, often routing the money through political action committees for conservative lawmakers who opposed gambling
25 December, 2005
2005 in review
2005 a year to remember:
* Pundit Payola — 2005 saw the administration hire pundits to "catapult the propaganda." GOP lobbyists were apparently inspired by the idea, and put a few conservative writers on the payroll too.
* Harriet Miers — To this day, no one's quite sure what Bush was thinking.
* Terri Schiavo — Congressional Republicans exploit a horrible personal tragedy and disgust the nation in the process.
* Social Security — The White House interpreted the 2004 election as a mandate for privatizing Social Security. It's been a long time since a president was this wrong about a signature domestic policy initiative.
* Gannon/Guckert — A male prostitute pretending to be a journalist is repeatedly given a press pass and invited to ask soft-ball questions at White House press briefings. No, seriously, this really happened.
* Jack Abramoff — The most corrupt lobbyist in recent memory got caught and may take down the Republican Congress.
* Tom DeLay — After playing fast and loose with the law and congressional ethics for years, the former bug-spray salesman is under indictment, stripped of his leadership post, and fighting for his political life.
* Plame scandal — For the first time in 130 years, a high-ranking White House official is under criminal indictment and the White House remains the subject of a criminal investigation. And Patrick Fitzgerald is a star.
* Michael Brown — It's a phrase that will live on forever, "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job."
* Randy "Duke" Cunningham — Forget the $2.4 million in bribes; the symbol for Republican excess for this decade is the 19th-century Louis-Philippe commode.
* Dems make gains — Kaine wins in Virginia; Corzine wins in New Jersey; and Paul Hackett almost pulls off a miracle in Ohio. A sign of things to come?
* "Mean Jean" Schmidt — Not long after promising to uphold dignity and decorum in the House, Schmidt attacks Rep. Paul Murtha, a former Marine and decorated war hero, as "a coward." And intra-party relations reach yet another low.
* Pat "Hit Man" Robertson — TV preacher causes international incident by calling for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Can't you just feel the Christian love?
* Cindy Sheehan — Looking back, August would have been a lot quieter if Bush had taken five minutes to chat with this woman.
* Snoopgate — Warrants? Bush doesn't need no stinkin' warrants. And the "rule of law" party slips a little further into the abyss….
I'm no doubt missing a few, so feel free to vote for a political story that's not on my list. Keep smiling we have almost three years to go.
* Pundit Payola — 2005 saw the administration hire pundits to "catapult the propaganda." GOP lobbyists were apparently inspired by the idea, and put a few conservative writers on the payroll too.
* Harriet Miers — To this day, no one's quite sure what Bush was thinking.
* Terri Schiavo — Congressional Republicans exploit a horrible personal tragedy and disgust the nation in the process.
* Social Security — The White House interpreted the 2004 election as a mandate for privatizing Social Security. It's been a long time since a president was this wrong about a signature domestic policy initiative.
* Gannon/Guckert — A male prostitute pretending to be a journalist is repeatedly given a press pass and invited to ask soft-ball questions at White House press briefings. No, seriously, this really happened.
* Jack Abramoff — The most corrupt lobbyist in recent memory got caught and may take down the Republican Congress.
* Tom DeLay — After playing fast and loose with the law and congressional ethics for years, the former bug-spray salesman is under indictment, stripped of his leadership post, and fighting for his political life.
* Plame scandal — For the first time in 130 years, a high-ranking White House official is under criminal indictment and the White House remains the subject of a criminal investigation. And Patrick Fitzgerald is a star.
* Michael Brown — It's a phrase that will live on forever, "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job."
* Randy "Duke" Cunningham — Forget the $2.4 million in bribes; the symbol for Republican excess for this decade is the 19th-century Louis-Philippe commode.
* Dems make gains — Kaine wins in Virginia; Corzine wins in New Jersey; and Paul Hackett almost pulls off a miracle in Ohio. A sign of things to come?
* "Mean Jean" Schmidt — Not long after promising to uphold dignity and decorum in the House, Schmidt attacks Rep. Paul Murtha, a former Marine and decorated war hero, as "a coward." And intra-party relations reach yet another low.
* Pat "Hit Man" Robertson — TV preacher causes international incident by calling for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Can't you just feel the Christian love?
* Cindy Sheehan — Looking back, August would have been a lot quieter if Bush had taken five minutes to chat with this woman.
* Snoopgate — Warrants? Bush doesn't need no stinkin' warrants. And the "rule of law" party slips a little further into the abyss….
I'm no doubt missing a few, so feel free to vote for a political story that's not on my list. Keep smiling we have almost three years to go.
spying on us
A senior at UMass Dartmouth was visited by federal agents two months ago, after he requested a copy of Mao Tse-Tung's tome on Communism called "The Little Red Book."
Two history professors at UMass Dartmouth, Brian Glyn Williams and Robert Pontbriand, said the student told them he requested the book through the UMass Dartmouth library's interlibrary loan program.
The student, who was completing a research paper on Communism for Professor Pontbriand's class on fascism and totalitarianism, filled out a form for the request, leaving his name, address, phone number and Social Security number. He was later visited at his parents' home in New Bedford by two agents of the Department of Homeland Security, the professors said.
The professors said the student was told by the agents that the book is on a "watch list".
Two history professors at UMass Dartmouth, Brian Glyn Williams and Robert Pontbriand, said the student told them he requested the book through the UMass Dartmouth library's interlibrary loan program.
The student, who was completing a research paper on Communism for Professor Pontbriand's class on fascism and totalitarianism, filled out a form for the request, leaving his name, address, phone number and Social Security number. He was later visited at his parents' home in New Bedford by two agents of the Department of Homeland Security, the professors said.
The professors said the student was told by the agents that the book is on a "watch list".
the new political correctness
Protests against the admin are linked with support of the terrorists (the political correctness of today). Then we see any political opposition to the Repugs and this admin as being anti-American and criminal (time to prosecute those damn Liberals). At that point, we will have a secret police state and your neighbors and your family will be turning you in to the thoughtpolice.
The revelations of the past 2 weeks (has it ONLY been 2 weeks??) have me throroughly outraged. The only thing more sad is the total indifference of the people! Turns out, they're most upset about the way some people don't say Merry Christmas anymore!!
The revelations of the past 2 weeks (has it ONLY been 2 weeks??) have me throroughly outraged. The only thing more sad is the total indifference of the people! Turns out, they're most upset about the way some people don't say Merry Christmas anymore!!
idolators
When religious folk press for dominance of their particular faith to the exclusion of others, they are really making God into their own creation - idolators all..A sobering thought that is lost on the fanatics.
why Bush didn't want warrants to spy on us
The White House wanted to go fishing, and our domestic telecoms provided the pond. When Bush described this as a limited program that target international calls of suspected terrorists, that apparently isn't … what's the word … true. BUSH LIED ABOUT THIS TOO.
As the NYT explains, the NSA eavesdropped without warrants on specific conversations, but also utilized telecom "switches" to "comb through large volumes of phone and Internet traffic in search of patterns that might point to terrorism suspects. Some officials describe the program as a large data-mining operation."
As Kevin noted, this is all a very impressive use of technology, which also appears to be illegal.
It's why Bush couldn't get and didn't want warrants for his program. FISA courts would have approved any call the administration wanted to tap, even retroactively, and Congress would have approved changes to FISA to strengthen the president's surveillance hand. But the White House had data mining, not specific conversations, on its mind.
As the NYT explains, the NSA eavesdropped without warrants on specific conversations, but also utilized telecom "switches" to "comb through large volumes of phone and Internet traffic in search of patterns that might point to terrorism suspects. Some officials describe the program as a large data-mining operation."
As Kevin noted, this is all a very impressive use of technology, which also appears to be illegal.
It's why Bush couldn't get and didn't want warrants for his program. FISA courts would have approved any call the administration wanted to tap, even retroactively, and Congress would have approved changes to FISA to strengthen the president's surveillance hand. But the White House had data mining, not specific conversations, on its mind.
24 December, 2005
evolutionary science?
Three areas of current research are:
• The sequencing of the chimpanzee genome, allowing researchers to compare it with already sequenced human DNA. Only about 4% of the coding differs between the two close relatives.
In addition, the journal added, humans are highly susceptible to AIDS, coronary heart disease, chronic viral hepatitis and malignant malarial infections. Chimps aren't, and studying the differences between could help pin down the genetic aspects of many such diseases.
• The human haplotype map, being developed by an international team, catalogues the patterns of genetic variability among people. Researchers are looking for patterns that match with ailments such as diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular disease.
• Research into the formation of new species as they evolve to differ from others.
In 2005, scientists found a type of warbler known as the European blackcap that was separating into groups with differing migration patterns.
Another study found European cornborers in the same field dividing into two types, one of which sticks to corn while the other eats hops and mugwort. The borers have developed different pheromones, scent chemicals that help them breed with only their own group.
And formerly ocean-living stickleback fish that were left stranded in lakes at the end of the last ice age have evolved into several different species.
• The sequencing of the chimpanzee genome, allowing researchers to compare it with already sequenced human DNA. Only about 4% of the coding differs between the two close relatives.
In addition, the journal added, humans are highly susceptible to AIDS, coronary heart disease, chronic viral hepatitis and malignant malarial infections. Chimps aren't, and studying the differences between could help pin down the genetic aspects of many such diseases.
• The human haplotype map, being developed by an international team, catalogues the patterns of genetic variability among people. Researchers are looking for patterns that match with ailments such as diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular disease.
• Research into the formation of new species as they evolve to differ from others.
In 2005, scientists found a type of warbler known as the European blackcap that was separating into groups with differing migration patterns.
Another study found European cornborers in the same field dividing into two types, one of which sticks to corn while the other eats hops and mugwort. The borers have developed different pheromones, scent chemicals that help them breed with only their own group.
And formerly ocean-living stickleback fish that were left stranded in lakes at the end of the last ice age have evolved into several different species.
they are spying on you and me
The National Security Agency has conducted much broader surveillance of e-mails and phone calls — without court orders — than the Bush administration has acknowledged, The New York Times reported on its website.
The NSA, with help from American telecommunications companies, obtained access to streams of domestic and international communications, said the Times in the report late Friday, citing unidentified current and former government officials.
The story quoted a former technology manager at a major telecommunications firm as saying that companies have been storing information on calling patterns since the Sept. 11 attacks, and giving it to the federal government. Neither the manager nor the company he worked for was identified.
The volume of information harvested from telecommunications data and voice networks, without court-approved warrants, is much larger than the White House has acknowledged, the paper said, quoting an unnamed official. They are lying again.
The NSA, with help from American telecommunications companies, obtained access to streams of domestic and international communications, said the Times in the report late Friday, citing unidentified current and former government officials.
The story quoted a former technology manager at a major telecommunications firm as saying that companies have been storing information on calling patterns since the Sept. 11 attacks, and giving it to the federal government. Neither the manager nor the company he worked for was identified.
The volume of information harvested from telecommunications data and voice networks, without court-approved warrants, is much larger than the White House has acknowledged, the paper said, quoting an unnamed official. They are lying again.
23 December, 2005
the Iraq count
More than 2,100 U.S. war dead and 15,000 wounded from Iraq not including civilian "contractors" or Iraqi women and children.
be honest?
Some Senate Republicans shared Sensenbrenner's dislike for the six-month extension of the Patriot Act. "We'll be right back where we are right now," said a clearly frustrated Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. So they approved a one month extension.
Why can't the just be honest, for a change? They didn't want it to come up again in June so close to the mid-term elections.
Why can't the just be honest, for a change? They didn't want it to come up again in June so close to the mid-term elections.
21 December, 2005
just a g.d. piece of paper
read today:
Last month, Republican Congressional leaders filed into the Oval Office to meet with President George W. Bush and talk about renewing the controversial USA Patriot Act.
Several provisions of the act, passed in the shell shocked period immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, caused enough anger that liberal groups like the American Civil Liberties Union had joined forces with prominent conservatives like Phyllis Schlafly and Bob Barr to oppose renewal.
GOP leaders told Bush that his hardcore push to renew the more onerous provisions of the act could further alienate conservatives still mad at the President from his botched attempt to nominate White House Counsel Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court.
“I don’t give a goddamn,” Bush retorted. “I’m the President and the Commander-in-Chief. Do it my way.”
“Mr. President,” one aide in the meeting said. “There is a valid case that the provisions in this law undermine the Constitution.”
“Stop throwing the Constitution in my face,” Bush screamed back. “It’s just a goddamned piece of paper!”
They talked to three people present for the meeting that day and they all confirm that the President of the United States called the Constitution “a goddamned piece of paper.”
Last month, Republican Congressional leaders filed into the Oval Office to meet with President George W. Bush and talk about renewing the controversial USA Patriot Act.
Several provisions of the act, passed in the shell shocked period immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, caused enough anger that liberal groups like the American Civil Liberties Union had joined forces with prominent conservatives like Phyllis Schlafly and Bob Barr to oppose renewal.
GOP leaders told Bush that his hardcore push to renew the more onerous provisions of the act could further alienate conservatives still mad at the President from his botched attempt to nominate White House Counsel Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court.
“I don’t give a goddamn,” Bush retorted. “I’m the President and the Commander-in-Chief. Do it my way.”
“Mr. President,” one aide in the meeting said. “There is a valid case that the provisions in this law undermine the Constitution.”
“Stop throwing the Constitution in my face,” Bush screamed back. “It’s just a goddamned piece of paper!”
They talked to three people present for the meeting that day and they all confirm that the President of the United States called the Constitution “a goddamned piece of paper.”
creationism being pushed
Judge John Jones ruled that it is unconstitutional to teach the concept in public school science classes because it is "a religious view."
Jones' ruling is not binding outside the Middle District of Pennsylvania, but attorneys and outside experts say it will have broad impact on judges, lawyers and school boards
Jones, a Republican and a churchgoer appointed to the federal bench three years ago, cited Supreme Court rulings that teaching creationism — which holds that God created all life — violates the First Amendment wall between church and state. He said evidence at trial established that intelligent design is "a mere re-labeling of creationism."
Jones said "no serious alternative to God as the designer" has been proposed by ID proponents. He said evidence at trial established that intelligent design is "a mere re-labeling of creationism."
Jones admonished the board for dragging Dover residents "into this legal maelstrom, with its resulting utter waste of monetary and personal resources." Eight of the board members who adopted the policy were on the ballot last month, and all eight lost.
Jones' ruling is not binding outside the Middle District of Pennsylvania, but attorneys and outside experts say it will have broad impact on judges, lawyers and school boards
Jones, a Republican and a churchgoer appointed to the federal bench three years ago, cited Supreme Court rulings that teaching creationism — which holds that God created all life — violates the First Amendment wall between church and state. He said evidence at trial established that intelligent design is "a mere re-labeling of creationism."
Jones said "no serious alternative to God as the designer" has been proposed by ID proponents. He said evidence at trial established that intelligent design is "a mere re-labeling of creationism."
Jones admonished the board for dragging Dover residents "into this legal maelstrom, with its resulting utter waste of monetary and personal resources." Eight of the board members who adopted the policy were on the ballot last month, and all eight lost.
He lied AGAIN
I saw Bush on TV say that in today's world, they didn't have time to wait for warrants. The law that set up the secret court to approve warrants states that warrants can be obtained after the fact. He lied AGAIN. There has to be another
hidden reason???
hidden reason???
deal with Saddam's followers
Those remarks were a thinly veiled message: Vote for Shiite religious candidates who will stand firm against Saddam's loyalists.
The Sunnis, in contrast, want a guaranteed stake in the new Iraq, and thus have pushed to end the purging of former members of Saddam's Baath party from the government, military and public life.
As public support for the war ebbs in the United States, American generals increasingly see victory as achievable only through a deal with Saddam's followers.
The Sunnis, in contrast, want a guaranteed stake in the new Iraq, and thus have pushed to end the purging of former members of Saddam's Baath party from the government, military and public life.
As public support for the war ebbs in the United States, American generals increasingly see victory as achievable only through a deal with Saddam's followers.
19 December, 2005
NSA
What is the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act?
The law, created in 1978, established a secret federal court that must approve requests for the NSA and other agencies to conduct surveillance against anyone in the USA suspected of being an "agent of a foreign power."
They won't follow this law or the constitution. Smell's doesn't it.
The law, created in 1978, established a secret federal court that must approve requests for the NSA and other agencies to conduct surveillance against anyone in the USA suspected of being an "agent of a foreign power."
They won't follow this law or the constitution. Smell's doesn't it.
McCain sounds presidential
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said he would support hearings if they were organized carefully to avoid helping al-Qaeda.
"We need to know ... why they didn't go through the normal" procedure of obtaining warrants before intercepting domestic communications," McCain said on ABC's This Week.
"We need to know ... why they didn't go through the normal" procedure of obtaining warrants before intercepting domestic communications," McCain said on ABC's This Week.
our constitution be damned
Harvard Law professor Laurence Tribe, note that the Constitution's Fourth Amendment prohibits "unreasonable searches and seizures" and requires a show of probable cause before warrants are issued. Also, the Communications Act of 1934 and the U.S. Criminal Code have provisions limiting or banning the interception of electronic communications/ The secret court in Washington issues search warrants in these cases but are being bypassed. Why?
18 December, 2005
what's wrong with waterboarding?
These Republicans captured an alleged Al Queda official named Al Libi, took him to Egypt, waterboarded him to "confess" that Iraq had offered to train Al Queda in chemical and biological warfare which was not true) and used that as the centerpiece of Powell's speech to justify invading Iraq.
read today: "By allowing Libi to be tortured, US officials made a pact with the devil.That bargain has not only cost us our national soul, but has contributed indirectly but surely, to the loss of more than 2100 Americans in Iraq."
It also has increased out debt by more than $225 BILLION so far and forced us to fight them on their ground, lowering respect for us throught the world. All military commanders and most civilian leaders say we cannot win with the military alone or by being alone in the world. But,.macho still plays in Peoria.
read today: "By allowing Libi to be tortured, US officials made a pact with the devil.That bargain has not only cost us our national soul, but has contributed indirectly but surely, to the loss of more than 2100 Americans in Iraq."
It also has increased out debt by more than $225 BILLION so far and forced us to fight them on their ground, lowering respect for us throught the world. All military commanders and most civilian leaders say we cannot win with the military alone or by being alone in the world. But,.macho still plays in Peoria.
secret spy court ignored
Bush acknowledged Saturday that since October 2001 he has authorized the National Security Agency to eavesdrop on international phone calls and e-mails of people within the United States without seeking warrants from courts. Bush and other administration officials initially refused to discuss the surveillance.
Congressional leaders acknowledged that they were briefed by the administration about the surveillance program "a couple of months ago. But the program apparently has been going on for four years. The secret court set up to handle eavesdroping was ignored. Why?
These republicans are spying on you and me without search warrants. How nice.
Congressional leaders acknowledged that they were briefed by the administration about the surveillance program "a couple of months ago. But the program apparently has been going on for four years. The secret court set up to handle eavesdroping was ignored. Why?
These republicans are spying on you and me without search warrants. How nice.
17 December, 2005
republican operatives way back when
Jack Anderson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning muckraking columnist who struck fear into the hearts of corrupt or secretive politicians, inspiring Nixon's republic operatives to plot his murder, died Saturday. He was 83.
hacks, attack dogs and blind followers
Not being a Clintons fan, I notice that the "bushes" tend to involve President Clinton at every opportunity while the republican political hacks, attack dogs, and blind followers seek opportunites to trash them. Isn't that interesting!
16 December, 2005
they are watching you
Earlier this week, the Pentagon said it was reviewing its use of a classified database of information about suspicious people and activity inside the United States after a report by NBC News said the database listed activities of anti-war groups that were not a security threat to Pentagon property or personnel.
Pentagon spokesmen declined to discuss the matter on the record but issued a written statement Wednesday evening that implied — but did not explicitly acknowledge — that some information had been "handled improperly". The republicans are watching you.
Pentagon spokesmen declined to discuss the matter on the record but issued a written statement Wednesday evening that implied — but did not explicitly acknowledge — that some information had been "handled improperly". The republicans are watching you.
15 December, 2005
surpise surprise
President Bush authorized the National Security Agency to eavesdrop on Americans and others inside the United States — without getting search warrants — following the Sept. 11 attacks, the New York Times reports.
The presidential order, which Bush signed in 2002, has allowed the agency to monitor the international phone calls and international e-mails of hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of people inside the United States, according to a story posted Thursday on the Times' website
Asked about the administration's contention that the eavesdropping has disrupted terrorist attacks, Fredrickson said the ACLU couldn't comment until it seems some evidence. "They've veiled these powers in secrecy so there's no way for Congress or any independent organizations to exercise any oversight
The presidential order, which Bush signed in 2002, has allowed the agency to monitor the international phone calls and international e-mails of hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of people inside the United States, according to a story posted Thursday on the Times' website
Asked about the administration's contention that the eavesdropping has disrupted terrorist attacks, Fredrickson said the ACLU couldn't comment until it seems some evidence. "They've veiled these powers in secrecy so there's no way for Congress or any independent organizations to exercise any oversight
no military victory possible says military
American military commanders have been saying for months that no military 'victory' can be achieved in Iraq, no matter the rhetoric from Washington. Only a political solution will undercut Iraqi violence: Feuding Iraqi factions must agree on a formula to share power — and oil money. ... The forces tearing Iraq apart are gathering strength,
don't believe what you read
A $300 million Pentagon psychological warfare operation includes plans for placing pro-American messages in foreign media outlets(and probably ours) without disclosing the U.S. government as the source, one of the military officials in charge of the program says.
republicans care about you
Under the guise of making health insurance more affordable for small businesses and their employees, a big-business coalition led in part by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is pushing legislation that would create a major healthcare loophole. The misnamed "Small Business Health Fairness Act" would create a new type of federal health insurance called Association Health Plans that would be exempt from over 1,000 state consumer protection laws.
These new insurance plans would not only be able to refuse to cover services that your state requires all other insurers to cover, they would also be allowed to raise your rates at any time and would not be required to keep enough money in the bank to actually pay your bills.
These new insurance plans would not only be able to refuse to cover services that your state requires all other insurers to cover, they would also be allowed to raise your rates at any time and would not be required to keep enough money in the bank to actually pay your bills.
13 December, 2005
eroding pensions
The traditional pension, once considered a bedrock of retirement, is eroding for many American workers — and working for a financially strong company is no guarantee a full pension will be there at retirement. Companies obiously have the green light from the party in power.
shiites will control the country
At least 120 abused prisoners have been found in two detention facilities run by the Shiite-led Interior Ministry, the U.S. ambassador said Tuesday. Iraqi officials say allegations of mistreatment have been exaggerated.
Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad told reporters that "over 100" of the 173 prisoners found last month in an Interior Ministry building in Baghdad's Jadriyah district had suffered abuse.
Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad told reporters that "over 100" of the 173 prisoners found last month in an Interior Ministry building in Baghdad's Jadriyah district had suffered abuse.
10 December, 2005
the count
At least 2,140 members of the U.S. military (not including "contractors" and civilians) have died since the war began, according to an Associated Press count
another example of democrats caring about us
Prior to yesterday's crash in Chicago,Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., sponsored a measure that will require 284 U.S. airports to have at least 1,000 feet at the end of a runway by 2015. That number is based on an FAA inventory of major commercial airports that don't meet the standard.
"It should not take another deadly overrun to convince aviation officials to do something about this problem," Lautenberg said in a statement on Dec. 2.
"It should not take another deadly overrun to convince aviation officials to do something about this problem," Lautenberg said in a statement on Dec. 2.
09 December, 2005
secret prisons
The international Red Cross on Friday renewed its demand that it be allowed to visit all detainees in "undisclosed locations" after a senior State Department official confirmed the United States has yet to grant the agency access to all its terror suspects.
ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger was commenting on a remark Thursday by State Department legal adviser John B. Bellinger III, who was asked by reporters during a visit to Geneva whether the ICRC has access to all other similar prisoners held by the United States elsewhere in the world. Bellinger replied, "No," and declined to say any more.
Kellenberger noted that he has been urging top U.S. officials for at least two years to make sure the ICRC, which is assigned under the Geneva Conventions on warfare to check on conditions of detainees, gains access to all detainees held by the United States.
ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger was commenting on a remark Thursday by State Department legal adviser John B. Bellinger III, who was asked by reporters during a visit to Geneva whether the ICRC has access to all other similar prisoners held by the United States elsewhere in the world. Bellinger replied, "No," and declined to say any more.
Kellenberger noted that he has been urging top U.S. officials for at least two years to make sure the ICRC, which is assigned under the Geneva Conventions on warfare to check on conditions of detainees, gains access to all detainees held by the United States.
08 December, 2005
in control
The Republican fundraising machine, powered by special interests, corporate money, and shadowy national donors, is already poised to unleash its arsenal of attack ads and smear campaigns against any candidates who vow to stand up for working people. THey now control all three branches of government.
which political party?
Which political party is taking us in the wrong direction, drawing lines that divide our country into two different Americas? Which party stands for:
One America for those who have everything they need and one for those who struggle just to get by.
One America for those of us who do the work and one for those who reap the reward.
One America for those who pay the taxes and one for those who get the tax breaks.
One America for those who have everything they need and one for those who struggle just to get by.
One America for those of us who do the work and one for those who reap the reward.
One America for those who pay the taxes and one for those who get the tax breaks.
07 December, 2005
bombs and WP chemicals cause no destruction?
"Iraqis are beginning to see that a free life will be a better life," Bush said. "Reconstruction has not always gone as well as we had hoped, primarily because of the security challenges on the ground. Rebuilding a nation devastated by a dictator is a large undertaking." (and devastated by the invaders,and costing us, you and me, $225 billion--probably more-- which he doesn't say)
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi suggested that Bush was out of touch with reality in Iraq. "Just because he says thing are improving there, doesn't make it so," the California Democrat said.
"The president says the security situation on the ground is better. It is not," Pelosi said. "More of the same in Iraq is not making us safer
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi suggested that Bush was out of touch with reality in Iraq. "Just because he says thing are improving there, doesn't make it so," the California Democrat said.
"The president says the security situation on the ground is better. It is not," Pelosi said. "More of the same in Iraq is not making us safer
06 December, 2005
positive news
The U.S. military is looking into reports that Iraqi news media were paid to run stories generated by the U.S. military without revealing the source. At the center of the controversy is a Washington-based contractor, the Lincoln Group, which was paid by the Pentagon to promote positive news about U.S. efforts in Iraq.
They stand by their man
Read today: Congressman Tom DeLay has been an exceptional leader on Capitol Hill for the Republicans and Vice President Cheney looks forward to helping his re-election effort.
Think about that. Tonight Dick Cheney goes to a ritzy district in Houston to host a fundraiser for Tom DeLay -- in spite of DeLay's felony indictment in a Texas court. Regardless of our disgust at the wave of indictments, investigations and resignations among Republicans in the last few months, for DeLay and Cheney it's business as usual.
And what a business it is. According to the Houston Chronicle, "for $4,200, a donor gets an invitation to a VIP reception, a photograph with Cheney, and recognition at the event. For $2,100, attendees can rub elbows at a 'congressional reception' and have their photo taken with DeLay."
DeLay and Cheney make it clear that money is the only language they know
Think about that. Tonight Dick Cheney goes to a ritzy district in Houston to host a fundraiser for Tom DeLay -- in spite of DeLay's felony indictment in a Texas court. Regardless of our disgust at the wave of indictments, investigations and resignations among Republicans in the last few months, for DeLay and Cheney it's business as usual.
And what a business it is. According to the Houston Chronicle, "for $4,200, a donor gets an invitation to a VIP reception, a photograph with Cheney, and recognition at the event. For $2,100, attendees can rub elbows at a 'congressional reception' and have their photo taken with DeLay."
DeLay and Cheney make it clear that money is the only language they know
04 December, 2005
a "bring it on" crusade
Bomb the hell out of them. Torture them. Invade their countries with preemptive strikes based on lies and distortions to get our Congress to go along.
Be macho. Shout "bring it on" Call it a Crusade.
All this plays well in Peoria until we view the body bags and take the long view of history( by the way, isn't it interesting that we don't see the body bags on TV which is owned by corporate america).
Now that's the way to keep our dwindling friends in the world and keep 2+ billion people who practice the Islamic faith from a thousand year guerilla war with us. Good thinking. Have a nice day.
Be macho. Shout "bring it on" Call it a Crusade.
All this plays well in Peoria until we view the body bags and take the long view of history( by the way, isn't it interesting that we don't see the body bags on TV which is owned by corporate america).
Now that's the way to keep our dwindling friends in the world and keep 2+ billion people who practice the Islamic faith from a thousand year guerilla war with us. Good thinking. Have a nice day.
don't pick on dick
Okay, don't pick on poor "Dick" Cheney. He is just saying what they really think and thus providing us a window into their rationale. Torture, and short-term macho "bring it on" thinking, is how they approach the world and it "plays in Peoria" until you view the body bags and start thinking long-term.
Of course, no one serving their country wants to accept that it's a political war. Certainly families who lose their fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers, or children will not believe that we invaded another country, for the first time in our country's history, based on lies and distortions, nor should they.
Almost none of the neocons ever fought themselves. Search for the website "chickenhawks" and you will see them all there. They get deferments from military service or the very few that do serve, get assigned jobs where they don't have to go to the battlefields. You and me fight their wars
Of course, no one serving their country wants to accept that it's a political war. Certainly families who lose their fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers, or children will not believe that we invaded another country, for the first time in our country's history, based on lies and distortions, nor should they.
Almost none of the neocons ever fought themselves. Search for the website "chickenhawks" and you will see them all there. They get deferments from military service or the very few that do serve, get assigned jobs where they don't have to go to the battlefields. You and me fight their wars
isn't brain surgery
OK, let's try it again.
The war on terror isn't going to be won with or without me, you, the terroists or the USA. Thinking republicans, which are few, agree. It is going to be won with the 2+ billion other people who practice the Islamic faith.
The best we can hope for in Iraq, if not an all out civil war, is a people who hate the invaders more than each other, So Iraq is already lost one way or the other.
If we use torture and lose the other 2+ billion, it will be a thousand years of off and on guerilla warfare, not to mention losing the few friends we currently have left in the world. That's why those like Sen, McCain don't want torture allowed, etc.
"Geesh", it isn't brain surgery.
The war on terror isn't going to be won with or without me, you, the terroists or the USA. Thinking republicans, which are few, agree. It is going to be won with the 2+ billion other people who practice the Islamic faith.
The best we can hope for in Iraq, if not an all out civil war, is a people who hate the invaders more than each other, So Iraq is already lost one way or the other.
If we use torture and lose the other 2+ billion, it will be a thousand years of off and on guerilla warfare, not to mention losing the few friends we currently have left in the world. That's why those like Sen, McCain don't want torture allowed, etc.
"Geesh", it isn't brain surgery.
more killing
The U.S. command has released few details about the Thursday bombing that killed 10 members of the Marines' Regimental Combat Team 8.
"More than 20 troops entered there and a huge explosion happened," said the witness, Mohsen Mohammed. "Afterward, the helicopters and tanks arrived in the area."
Al-Jazeera broadcast a videotape Saturday from the Islamic Army of Iraq showing an explosion targeting a U.S. foot patrol near Fallujah. The tape did not directly link the explosion to Thursday's attack, but the Al-Jazeera announcer noted the Marine deaths as the tape aired.
"More than 20 troops entered there and a huge explosion happened," said the witness, Mohsen Mohammed. "Afterward, the helicopters and tanks arrived in the area."
Al-Jazeera broadcast a videotape Saturday from the Islamic Army of Iraq showing an explosion targeting a U.S. foot patrol near Fallujah. The tape did not directly link the explosion to Thursday's attack, but the Al-Jazeera announcer noted the Marine deaths as the tape aired.
02 December, 2005
Cheney, Delay and money
Dick Cheney has made himself the name-caller in chief, referring to critics of the forged White House case for war -- people like you and me -- as not only "dishonest and reprehensible," but also "corrupt and shameless."
He's the perfect man to say that. He knows "corrupt and shameless" personally. And on Monday he'll prove it again ... by keynoting a gala fundraiser for indicted congressman and GOP machine boss Tom DeLay.
That's the same Tom DeLay who said, "I am the federal government." Unfortunately, he wasn't far from the truth. Money talks in politics, and Tom DeLay has bankrolled 29 Republican campaigns in 2005 through his political action committee. Some of those Republicans are running Washington right now.
He's the perfect man to say that. He knows "corrupt and shameless" personally. And on Monday he'll prove it again ... by keynoting a gala fundraiser for indicted congressman and GOP machine boss Tom DeLay.
That's the same Tom DeLay who said, "I am the federal government." Unfortunately, he wasn't far from the truth. Money talks in politics, and Tom DeLay has bankrolled 29 Republican campaigns in 2005 through his political action committee. Some of those Republicans are running Washington right now.
control of the press
Manufacturing Fake News
Under Bush administration directives, at least 20 federal agencies have produced and distributed scores of "video news releases" out of a $254 million slush fund set up to manufacture taxpayer-funded propaganda.
Bribing Journalists
The administration has paid pundits to sing its praises. Earlier this year, TV commentator Armstrong Williams pocketed $240,000 in taxpayer money to laud Bush’s education policies. Three other journalists have since been discovered on the government dole; and Williams admits that he has "no doubt" that other paid Bush shills are still on the loose.
Lying about the Iraq War
Rather than admit to their lies and misinformation, the administration continues to attack those reporting the truth. The administration’s "web of half-truths and falsehoods used to sell the war did not happen by accident; it was woven by design and then foisted on the public by a P.R. operation built expressly for that purpose in the White House."
Eliminating Dissent in the Mainstream Media
Bush has all but avoided traditional press conferences, closing down a prime venue for holding the executive accountable. On those rare occasions when he deigned to meet reporters, presidential aides turned the press conferences into parodies by seating a friendly right-wing “journalist,” former male escort Jeff Gannon, amid the reporters and then steering questions to him when tough issues arose.
They have effectively silenced serious questioners, like veteran journalist Helen Thomas, by refusing to have the president or his aides call on reporters who challenge them.
Gutting the Freedom of Information Act
The administration has scrapped enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act and has made it harder for reporters to do their jobs by refusing to cooperate with even the most basic requests for comment and data from government agencies.
Consolidating Media Control. The Federal Communications Commission will announce plans to rewrite the ownership rules soon – it could happen as early as February – with aims of unleashing a new wave of media consolidation. The administration’s desired rules changes would strike a mortal blow to local reporting and further squeeze journalists. I found the above at www.freepress.net
Control of the press in Germany in the 30's was for propaganda from the third Reich.
Under Bush administration directives, at least 20 federal agencies have produced and distributed scores of "video news releases" out of a $254 million slush fund set up to manufacture taxpayer-funded propaganda.
Bribing Journalists
The administration has paid pundits to sing its praises. Earlier this year, TV commentator Armstrong Williams pocketed $240,000 in taxpayer money to laud Bush’s education policies. Three other journalists have since been discovered on the government dole; and Williams admits that he has "no doubt" that other paid Bush shills are still on the loose.
Lying about the Iraq War
Rather than admit to their lies and misinformation, the administration continues to attack those reporting the truth. The administration’s "web of half-truths and falsehoods used to sell the war did not happen by accident; it was woven by design and then foisted on the public by a P.R. operation built expressly for that purpose in the White House."
Eliminating Dissent in the Mainstream Media
Bush has all but avoided traditional press conferences, closing down a prime venue for holding the executive accountable. On those rare occasions when he deigned to meet reporters, presidential aides turned the press conferences into parodies by seating a friendly right-wing “journalist,” former male escort Jeff Gannon, amid the reporters and then steering questions to him when tough issues arose.
They have effectively silenced serious questioners, like veteran journalist Helen Thomas, by refusing to have the president or his aides call on reporters who challenge them.
Gutting the Freedom of Information Act
The administration has scrapped enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act and has made it harder for reporters to do their jobs by refusing to cooperate with even the most basic requests for comment and data from government agencies.
Consolidating Media Control. The Federal Communications Commission will announce plans to rewrite the ownership rules soon – it could happen as early as February – with aims of unleashing a new wave of media consolidation. The administration’s desired rules changes would strike a mortal blow to local reporting and further squeeze journalists. I found the above at www.freepress.net
Control of the press in Germany in the 30's was for propaganda from the third Reich.
our "friends" don't want us
Here at home Democratic and Republican politicians alike are scrambling to avoid facing the hard decisions presented by the Iraq quagmire. Meanwhile in the Middle East, the leaders of Iraq's Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish factions –- who seldom agree on anything –- have issued a clear and compelling demand for the withdrawal of U.S. occupying troops.
At an Arab League-sponsored reconciliation conference, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani was joined by Iraqi Shiite and Kurdish lawmakers along with leading Sunni politicians. This inclusive group of Iraqi leaders stunned observers by calling for the withdrawal of foreign troops.
"Virtually unprecedented" was how it was described by London's Financial Times. There was also broad agreement that opposition forces within Iraq had a "legitimate right" of resistance and shouldn't be labeled terrorists as long as civilians weren't targeted.
This means that even those leaders the U.S. is supporting have agreed that attacks on U.S. forces are legitimate! And we claim we are there just supporting those who want democracy.
At an Arab League-sponsored reconciliation conference, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani was joined by Iraqi Shiite and Kurdish lawmakers along with leading Sunni politicians. This inclusive group of Iraqi leaders stunned observers by calling for the withdrawal of foreign troops.
"Virtually unprecedented" was how it was described by London's Financial Times. There was also broad agreement that opposition forces within Iraq had a "legitimate right" of resistance and shouldn't be labeled terrorists as long as civilians weren't targeted.
This means that even those leaders the U.S. is supporting have agreed that attacks on U.S. forces are legitimate! And we claim we are there just supporting those who want democracy.
01 December, 2005
not counting "contractors" mercenaries and civilians
Two U.S. service members died of wounds suffered in combat and a Marine died in a non-hostile traffic accident, the U.S. military said Thursday. That raised the U.S. death toll for November to at least 84.
The November death toll was below the October figure of 96 — the fourth-deadliest month for U.S. forces since the U.S.-led invasion began in March 2003. But it was more than the 49 killed in September or the 54 in July. Eighty-five U.S. troops died in August.
At least 2,112 members of the U.S. military have died since the war began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count, not counting "contractors", mercenaries and Iraqi women and children.
The November death toll was below the October figure of 96 — the fourth-deadliest month for U.S. forces since the U.S.-led invasion began in March 2003. But it was more than the 49 killed in September or the 54 in July. Eighty-five U.S. troops died in August.
At least 2,112 members of the U.S. military have died since the war began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count, not counting "contractors", mercenaries and Iraqi women and children.
30 November, 2005
Paid propaganda
But far from being the heartfelt opinion of an Iraqi writer, as its language implied, the article was prepared by the United States military as part of a multimillion-dollar covert campaign to plant paid propaganda in the Iraqi news media and pay friendly Iraqi journalists monthly stipends, military contractors and officials said.
The article was one of several in a storyboard, the military's term for a list of articles, that was delivered Tuesday to the Lincoln Group, a Washington-based public relations firm paid by the Pentagon, documents from the Pentagon show.
The contractor's job is to translate the articles into Arabic and submit them to Iraqi newspapers or advertising agencies without revealing the Pentagon's role. Documents show that the intended target of the article on a democratic Iraq was Azzaman, a leading independent newspaper, but it is not known whether it was published there or anywhere else.
The article was one of several in a storyboard, the military's term for a list of articles, that was delivered Tuesday to the Lincoln Group, a Washington-based public relations firm paid by the Pentagon, documents from the Pentagon show.
The contractor's job is to translate the articles into Arabic and submit them to Iraqi newspapers or advertising agencies without revealing the Pentagon's role. Documents show that the intended target of the article on a democratic Iraq was Azzaman, a leading independent newspaper, but it is not known whether it was published there or anywhere else.
abuses as bad as under Saddam?
After Saddam's alleged weapons of mass destruction were never found, the Bush administration defended the war in part as a move to introduce democracy and human rights in Iraq.
But photographs showing U.S. guards abusing Iraqi detainees in Iraq's infamous Abu Ghraib prison and what Iraqis see as the heavy-handed manner of American troops have made many Iraqis skeptical of Washington's goals.
Last weekend, former interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, a secular Shiite, was quoted by the British newspaper The Observer as saying that human rights abuses in Iraq were as bad as under Saddam and could get worse.
"We are hearing about secret police, secret bunkers where people are being interrogated," he said. "A lot of Iraqis are being tortured or killed in the course of interrogations."
But photographs showing U.S. guards abusing Iraqi detainees in Iraq's infamous Abu Ghraib prison and what Iraqis see as the heavy-handed manner of American troops have made many Iraqis skeptical of Washington's goals.
Last weekend, former interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, a secular Shiite, was quoted by the British newspaper The Observer as saying that human rights abuses in Iraq were as bad as under Saddam and could get worse.
"We are hearing about secret police, secret bunkers where people are being interrogated," he said. "A lot of Iraqis are being tortured or killed in the course of interrogations."
29 November, 2005
useful wars?
Those of us that fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars believed and to this day believe in the causes which so many died and were maimed for life, either physically and/or emotionally. Don't anyone be against our having fought in those wars. We did not fight, get wounded, and die in useless wars.
The other day I bought a laptop computer carrying bag, a Samsonite. The tag reads,"Made in Vietnam". The bottom of my HP computer reads,"Made in China"
The other day I bought a laptop computer carrying bag, a Samsonite. The tag reads,"Made in Vietnam". The bottom of my HP computer reads,"Made in China"
a litle crack into reality
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell's chief of staff says President Bush was "too aloof, too distant from the details" of post-war planning, allowing underlings to exploit Bush's detachment and make bad decisions.
The handling of foreign detainees after Sept. 11 arose from a coterie of White House and Pentagon aides who argued that "the president of the United States is all-powerful," and that the Geneva Conventions were irrelevant.
He said he has almost, but not quite, concluded that Cheney and others in the administration deliberately ignored evidence of bad intelligence and looked only at what supported their case for war.
Abuse of prisoners, and even the deaths of some who had been interrogated in Afghanistan and elsewhere, have bruised the U.S. image abroad and undermined fragile support for the Iraq war that followed.
Cheney's office, Rumsfeld aides and others argued "that the president of the United States is all-powerful, that as commander in chief the president of the United States can do anything he damn well pleases," Wilkerson said.
The handling of foreign detainees after Sept. 11 arose from a coterie of White House and Pentagon aides who argued that "the president of the United States is all-powerful," and that the Geneva Conventions were irrelevant.
He said he has almost, but not quite, concluded that Cheney and others in the administration deliberately ignored evidence of bad intelligence and looked only at what supported their case for war.
Abuse of prisoners, and even the deaths of some who had been interrogated in Afghanistan and elsewhere, have bruised the U.S. image abroad and undermined fragile support for the Iraq war that followed.
Cheney's office, Rumsfeld aides and others argued "that the president of the United States is all-powerful, that as commander in chief the president of the United States can do anything he damn well pleases," Wilkerson said.
the tip of the iceberg?
Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas: Indicted in Texas on conspiracy and money laundering charges, accused of funneling corporate donations to GOP candidates for the Texas Legislature. DeLay, who has denied any wrongdoing, was forced to step down as House majority leader.
Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif.: Resigned his seat after pleading guilty Monday in U.S. District Court in San Diego to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail and wire fraud, and tax evasion.
Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Administration Committee: According to court papers filed in lobbyist Michael Scanlon's guilty plea to conspiracy to bribe public officials, Ney received trips, tickets and campaign donations, allegedly in exchange for official acts. Ney has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.: The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department are investigating Frist's sale of millions of dollars worth of stock in HCA, the Nashville-based hospital chain founded by his father and brother.
Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif.: Resigned his seat after pleading guilty Monday in U.S. District Court in San Diego to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail and wire fraud, and tax evasion.
Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Administration Committee: According to court papers filed in lobbyist Michael Scanlon's guilty plea to conspiracy to bribe public officials, Ney received trips, tickets and campaign donations, allegedly in exchange for official acts. Ney has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.: The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department are investigating Frist's sale of millions of dollars worth of stock in HCA, the Nashville-based hospital chain founded by his father and brother.
28 November, 2005
which society is more ethical?
Stem cell researchers hope to create replacement tissues to treat diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's. Opponents assail the destruction of embryos involved in gathering the cells. President Bush has restricted research money.
"I would hate to see the United States get on an ethics high horse as if we are moral and other countries such as Korea are not," says the Rev. Ronald Cole-Turner of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
"Which society is the more ethical?" he asks. "The one that at least has a standard or the one that can't find a reasonable degree of compromise to create a standard?"
"I would hate to see the United States get on an ethics high horse as if we are moral and other countries such as Korea are not," says the Rev. Ronald Cole-Turner of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
"Which society is the more ethical?" he asks. "The one that at least has a standard or the one that can't find a reasonable degree of compromise to create a standard?"
are we really for democracy?
How would we feel if they were occupying our country? Do we know how they really feel about us invading and occupying theirs? Well, maybe we ought to find out. We, who loudy proclaim democracy, should let them vote in a real and fair referendum which would clarify the issue once and for all.
The Republicans don't want to do this as it might show that the Iraqi people, like half of the Americans, now believe enough is enough.
If we truly seek democracy in Iraq, then the decision about whether to stay or not should be theirs, not ours.
The Republicans don't want to do this as it might show that the Iraqi people, like half of the Americans, now believe enough is enough.
If we truly seek democracy in Iraq, then the decision about whether to stay or not should be theirs, not ours.
27 November, 2005
lies and half-truths
The investigations so far only looked at if the Intelligence community was pressured, they have not looked at did the Administrations manipulate the intelligence they received. Here is what we didn't know, that we know now:
1. The State Department was convinced that the Niger uranium claim
was bogus yet it was in Bush's speech anyway. (they claimed they
didn't know how it got in there--a lie.)
2. The source for claims about biological weapons was a questionable
character named "Curveball" who had a drinking problem and was
distrusted by German intelligence.
3. We were told that Saddam had drones that could deliver weapons, but
the Air Force thought that was a joke.
4. The Dept of Energy never believed the famous aluminum tubes had anything
to do with a nuclear program.
5. Colin Powell's warnings about mobile weapons labs were not based on
solid information.
The UN inspectors could never find WMD but were successfully bad-mouthed in a media campaign, and Rumsfeld maintained we knew where they were being stored--a lie.
1. The State Department was convinced that the Niger uranium claim
was bogus yet it was in Bush's speech anyway. (they claimed they
didn't know how it got in there--a lie.)
2. The source for claims about biological weapons was a questionable
character named "Curveball" who had a drinking problem and was
distrusted by German intelligence.
3. We were told that Saddam had drones that could deliver weapons, but
the Air Force thought that was a joke.
4. The Dept of Energy never believed the famous aluminum tubes had anything
to do with a nuclear program.
5. Colin Powell's warnings about mobile weapons labs were not based on
solid information.
The UN inspectors could never find WMD but were successfully bad-mouthed in a media campaign, and Rumsfeld maintained we knew where they were being stored--a lie.
25 November, 2005
Are the Republicans supporting our troops?
Often, when people ask us to support our troops, they are asking us to support the Bush Administration's decisions in Iraq.
But is the Administration supporting our troops by sending them into a war based on lies? By sending them into one battle after another with inadequate body armor, inadequately armored vehicles?
By bringing home the wounded in the dead of night so we can pretend they don't exist? By cutting veteran's benefits upon their return, so they have to struggle to pay for their housing, their groceries, their medical care?
By making young men and women fight an unwinnable war, a war that no longer has the backing of the American people?
But is the Administration supporting our troops by sending them into a war based on lies? By sending them into one battle after another with inadequate body armor, inadequately armored vehicles?
By bringing home the wounded in the dead of night so we can pretend they don't exist? By cutting veteran's benefits upon their return, so they have to struggle to pay for their housing, their groceries, their medical care?
By making young men and women fight an unwinnable war, a war that no longer has the backing of the American people?
what are we?
Without our ideals, what are we? The USA is not united by blood,or history, or geography of origin. It's our ideals that hold us together and make us a nation.
Starving,beating and waterboarding our enemies in secret gulags is not what this country is about. If we continue these shameful abuses, it will make us weaker, not stronger.
Starving,beating and waterboarding our enemies in secret gulags is not what this country is about. If we continue these shameful abuses, it will make us weaker, not stronger.
stupidity
The mistake made by Democrats who voted to authorize Bush to do whatever he wanted to Iraq, was gravely overestimating his competence.
Iraq-Vietnam
Thousands dead, body counts used to describe progress in the war, a government brainwashing the people into "staying the course", going to war without adequate equipment or exit plans, misjudging the enemy, the war being pushed by those, by and large, never having served, and blaming the media.
Sounds like Iraq and Vietnam have a lot in common. Support our Troops, Oppose the war.
Sounds like Iraq and Vietnam have a lot in common. Support our Troops, Oppose the war.
why can't our government
China's government defended its handling of a chemical plant explosion that sent a 50-mile-long toxic slick of river water coursing through a major city Thursday and blamed the disaster on a subsidiary of a state-owned oil company.
One shop owner, who would give only her surname, Jiang, said her sales had doubled to 25,000 bottles a day at 12 cents a piece.
Authorities froze prices to prevent overcharging. Why can't our government freeze when we have a disaster?
One shop owner, who would give only her surname, Jiang, said her sales had doubled to 25,000 bottles a day at 12 cents a piece.
Authorities froze prices to prevent overcharging. Why can't our government freeze when we have a disaster?
another one at the trough
Former FEMA, and still Republican crony, Director Michael ("Brownie, you are doing a heck of a job") Brown, heavily criticized for his agency's slow response to Hurricane Katrina, is starting a disaster preparedness consulting firm to help clients avoid the sort of errors that cost him his job.
No doubt, he will be contracting or sub-contracting to those who are contracting with the federal government. These Republicans really have their hooks into our money.
No doubt, he will be contracting or sub-contracting to those who are contracting with the federal government. These Republicans really have their hooks into our money.
they are wrong again
Today, scientists directly measure levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which accumulate in the atmosphere as a result of fuel-burning and other processes. Those gases help trap solar heat, like the greenhouses for which they are named, resulting in a gradual warming of the planet.
Those measurements are disturbing: Levels of carbon dioxide have climbed from 280 parts per million two centuries ago to 380 ppm today. Earth's average temperature, meanwhile, increased about 1 degree Fahrenheit in recent decades, a relatively rapid rise. Many climate specialists warn that continued warming could have severe impacts, such as rising sea levels and changing rainfall patterns.
Republicans sometimes dismiss the rise in greenhouse gases as part of a naturally fluctuating cycle. The new study provides ever-more definitive evidence countering that view, however.
Deep Antarctic ice encases tiny air bubbles formed when snowflakes fell over hundreds of thousands of years. Extracting the air allows a direct measurement of the atmosphere at past points in time, to determine the naturally fluctuating range.
A previous ice-core sample had traced greenhouse gases back about 440,000 years. This new sample, from East Antarctica, goes 210,000 years further back in time.
Today's still rising level of carbon dioxide already is 27% higher than its peak during all those millennia, said lead researcher Thomas Stocker of the University of Bern, Switzerland.
Those measurements are disturbing: Levels of carbon dioxide have climbed from 280 parts per million two centuries ago to 380 ppm today. Earth's average temperature, meanwhile, increased about 1 degree Fahrenheit in recent decades, a relatively rapid rise. Many climate specialists warn that continued warming could have severe impacts, such as rising sea levels and changing rainfall patterns.
Republicans sometimes dismiss the rise in greenhouse gases as part of a naturally fluctuating cycle. The new study provides ever-more definitive evidence countering that view, however.
Deep Antarctic ice encases tiny air bubbles formed when snowflakes fell over hundreds of thousands of years. Extracting the air allows a direct measurement of the atmosphere at past points in time, to determine the naturally fluctuating range.
A previous ice-core sample had traced greenhouse gases back about 440,000 years. This new sample, from East Antarctica, goes 210,000 years further back in time.
Today's still rising level of carbon dioxide already is 27% higher than its peak during all those millennia, said lead researcher Thomas Stocker of the University of Bern, Switzerland.
Social Security cure
The truth is the Social Security Fund needs to hold some kind of investments, just like my nest egg does.
It holds investments in Treasury Securities just like my investments do.
At my age, they are the safest investment and thus don't pay much, as income is proportional to safety.
Their safety depends largely on the Feds ability to print money. Using taxation in the near term is not viable because we are incurring huge debts to pay for (1) Iraq and (2) tax breaks to those who have the most.
Our children will be stuck with the bills,resulting declining wages and maybe less Social Security if we don't stop them. Your next vote will be critical
It holds investments in Treasury Securities just like my investments do.
At my age, they are the safest investment and thus don't pay much, as income is proportional to safety.
Their safety depends largely on the Feds ability to print money. Using taxation in the near term is not viable because we are incurring huge debts to pay for (1) Iraq and (2) tax breaks to those who have the most.
Our children will be stuck with the bills,resulting declining wages and maybe less Social Security if we don't stop them. Your next vote will be critical
24 November, 2005
are we killing innocent people?
In at least two cases, questions are being raised about whether an innocent person was put to death. In St. Louis, Larry Griffin was convicted for the 1980 fatal shooting of a 19-year-old drug dealer, Quintin Moss. He was executed in 1995. His conviction largely rested on the testimony of a career criminal who was in the Federal Witness Protection Program. Now, a policeman whose testimony backed up the criminal's story says the man was lying, and Moss' own family thinks Griffin was innocent.
In Texas, the case of Ruben Cantu, who was executed in 1993, is receiving attention. Cantu was convicted in 1985 of killing a man and wounding another during a robbery attempt that happened the previous year, when he was 17. A decade after his execution, however, the only witness in the case and Cantu's co-defendant have both come forward to say he was innocent.
In Texas, the case of Ruben Cantu, who was executed in 1993, is receiving attention. Cantu was convicted in 1985 of killing a man and wounding another during a robbery attempt that happened the previous year, when he was 17. A decade after his execution, however, the only witness in the case and Cantu's co-defendant have both come forward to say he was innocent.
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