Among the prohibited activities, the IRS examiners have found that charities and churches distributed printed material supporting a preferred candidate and assembled improper voter guides or candidate ratings.
Religious leaders had used the pulpit to endorse or oppose a particular candidate, and some groups had shown preferential treatment to candidates by letting them speak at functions.
Other charities and churches had made improper cash contributions to a candidate's political campaign.
We have been watching these activities by religious fanantics for years.
24 February, 2006
Iraq, Middle East, Hamas, Republicans
The rush to blame the United States for the shrine bombing is a sign not only of the deteriorating situation in Iraq, but the tense state of West-Mideast relations overall. From riots over the prophet drawings to the United Arab Emirates ports dispute to Hamas' election win, little is going right for the United States across the Arab world.
Even a supposed friend — a top Iraqi Shiite leader, Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, who President Bush once praised at the White House — took a poke after Wednesday's attack on the Askariya shrine in Samarra, saying the U.S. ambassador "gave a green light to terrorist groups."
The outcry, as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was on a troubled visit to the region, is a sign of just how much America's Mideast policy has unraveled in recent months. What a mess these republicans have made!
Even a supposed friend — a top Iraqi Shiite leader, Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, who President Bush once praised at the White House — took a poke after Wednesday's attack on the Askariya shrine in Samarra, saying the U.S. ambassador "gave a green light to terrorist groups."
The outcry, as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was on a troubled visit to the region, is a sign of just how much America's Mideast policy has unraveled in recent months. What a mess these republicans have made!
US made goods on the decline
Orders for U.S.-made durable goods plunged 10.2% in January, the biggest drop in 5½ years, as non-defense aircraft orders posted their largest decline since December 1998, a government report showed Friday.
Capital goods orders tumbled 23.1%, the biggest decline since July 2000, on a record 20% decline in non-defense capital goods orders and a 64.3% fall in defense capital goods orders. Non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft, seen as a proxy for business spending, edged down 0.4%, the report showed.
Aircraft is about all we manufacture in the USA, anymore, as the big corporations have taken their production jobs and facilities overseas.
Capital goods orders tumbled 23.1%, the biggest decline since July 2000, on a record 20% decline in non-defense capital goods orders and a 64.3% fall in defense capital goods orders. Non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft, seen as a proxy for business spending, edged down 0.4%, the report showed.
Aircraft is about all we manufacture in the USA, anymore, as the big corporations have taken their production jobs and facilities overseas.
23 February, 2006
corporate profits, cronyism, national security
In September 2005, the Government Accountability Office, an investigative arm of Congress, said the Treasury Department, as head of the interagency committee that reviews deals with foreign implications, had used an overly narrow definition of national security threats because it wanted to encourage foreign investment. That is what we have know all along. Corporate profits for their cronies are more important to the Republican establishment than national security.
Bush, mideast oil, carlyle group,policies
"Carlyle is as deeply wired into the current administration as they can possibly be," said Charles Lewis, executive director of the Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit public interest group based in Washington. "George Bush is getting money from private interests that have business before the government, while his son is president. And, in a really peculiar way, George W. Bush could benefit financially from his own administration's decisions, through his father's investments. The average American doesn't know that and, to me, that's a jaw-dropper."
Bushes, Sheiks,Carlyle Group connection
Critics of the deal have raised concerns about the company's status as a state-owned venture, accusing the UAE of having ties to terrorism. Two of the hijackers involved in the September 11, 2001, attacks came from the Persian Gulf country, and most of the money for the plot was funneled through the banking center of Dubai.
Critics also note that Dubai was a key transfer point for illicit nuclear technology sales to North Korea, Iran and Libya that were led by Pakistani scientist A.Q. Khan.
"At a time when we're faced with this terror threat, we should not be surrendering any port to any foreign government, let alone the UAE," said Baltimore, Maryland, Mayor Martin O'Malley, whose city is one of the ports involved in the deal.
There should be an investigation of the Bush Family ties to the oil sheiks of the middle east including a look at the Carlyle Group.
Critics also note that Dubai was a key transfer point for illicit nuclear technology sales to North Korea, Iran and Libya that were led by Pakistani scientist A.Q. Khan.
"At a time when we're faced with this terror threat, we should not be surrendering any port to any foreign government, let alone the UAE," said Baltimore, Maryland, Mayor Martin O'Malley, whose city is one of the ports involved in the deal.
There should be an investigation of the Bush Family ties to the oil sheiks of the middle east including a look at the Carlyle Group.
Republicans, middle class, wealth declines
The average income of American families, after adjusting for inflation, declined 2.3% in 2004 compared with 2001.
The percentage of Americans who owned stocks, either directly or through a mutual fund, fell 3.3 percentage points to 48.6% in 2004, down from 51.9% in 2001.
Stock ownership rates were highest in 2004 among families with higher incomes and families age 55 to 64. Overall median stock holdings fell to $24,300 in 2004.
What does all this tell us. Under the Republicans, the rich got richer and the middle class got squeezed, for their motto is, "Give the most to those that have the most."
The percentage of Americans who owned stocks, either directly or through a mutual fund, fell 3.3 percentage points to 48.6% in 2004, down from 51.9% in 2001.
Stock ownership rates were highest in 2004 among families with higher incomes and families age 55 to 64. Overall median stock holdings fell to $24,300 in 2004.
What does all this tell us. Under the Republicans, the rich got richer and the middle class got squeezed, for their motto is, "Give the most to those that have the most."
18 February, 2006
USA task force fighting in nine countries in Africa?
Did you know that the USA had a Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, set up in the former French colony in June 2002,which is responsible for fighting terrorism in nine countries in the region: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Somalia in Africa and Yemen on the southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula? I didn't.
Iraq and your cost of living
Iraq's oil industry suffered $6.25 billion in losses in 2005 as a result of oil infrastructure sabotage and lost export revenues, Oil Ministry spokesman Assem Jihad said Saturday. Who is paying the bills? YOU ARE.
Iraq update, "at least"
"At least" 2,269 members of the U.S. military have died, not counting "contractors" and Iraqi civilians AND the tens of thousands that have been wounded.
republicans, google, domestic spying
Google criticized the Bush administration's demand to examine millions of its users' Internet search requests as a misguided fishing expedition that threatens to ruin the company's credibility and reveal its closely guarded secrets.
The case has attracted widespread attention because the Justice Department's demand to peek under the hood of the Internet's most popular search engine has underscored the potential for online databases becoming tools for government surveillance.
But Google has steadfastly refused to hand over the requested information, a defiant stance that the company reaffirmed in a brief that depicts the Bush administration as heavy-handed snoops and technological rubes.
Yahoo, Microsoft's MSN and Time Warner's America Online already have provided some of the search engine information sought by the Justice Department
Does anyone believe that these republicans are already watching us and just want to make it legal to use the information?
The case has attracted widespread attention because the Justice Department's demand to peek under the hood of the Internet's most popular search engine has underscored the potential for online databases becoming tools for government surveillance.
But Google has steadfastly refused to hand over the requested information, a defiant stance that the company reaffirmed in a brief that depicts the Bush administration as heavy-handed snoops and technological rubes.
Yahoo, Microsoft's MSN and Time Warner's America Online already have provided some of the search engine information sought by the Justice Department
Does anyone believe that these republicans are already watching us and just want to make it legal to use the information?
16 February, 2006
tragedy, different stories,republicans,special treatment
Karl Rove,Republican spin doctor, called Ms. Armstrong at the ranch on 8pm Saturday night. The next day, Sunday, they had her break the news, blaming the victim for not calling out his position.(never mind that a hunter should never whirl and fire without knowing what or who is in the line of fire.--I learned that at 7 years old).
Cheney said 5 days later that they had her announce it as she was a witness and knew the most about it.
However, she was sitting in a car some 100 yards away. Also she said she thought Cheney had suffered "a heart attack" when she saw Cheney's security people running toward the scene. So much for being the witness who knew the most about it.
She also said that he was peppered,leaving the impression of a light sprinkling. After his heart attack, we learned he has at least one pellet at or in the heart, they won't say how many others and apparently will not operate.
A Sheriff's deputy went out that evening to the ranch and was turned away by a border patrol agent at the gate ( who said he didn't know anything about it). The Sheriff then made a call arranging to have another deputy go out the next morning to interview witnesses. If they had been drinking, the Sheriff wouldn't know it.
Cheney now says he had one beer at lunch. Do we smell the same smell?
Cheney said 5 days later that they had her announce it as she was a witness and knew the most about it.
However, she was sitting in a car some 100 yards away. Also she said she thought Cheney had suffered "a heart attack" when she saw Cheney's security people running toward the scene. So much for being the witness who knew the most about it.
She also said that he was peppered,leaving the impression of a light sprinkling. After his heart attack, we learned he has at least one pellet at or in the heart, they won't say how many others and apparently will not operate.
A Sheriff's deputy went out that evening to the ranch and was turned away by a border patrol agent at the gate ( who said he didn't know anything about it). The Sheriff then made a call arranging to have another deputy go out the next morning to interview witnesses. If they had been drinking, the Sheriff wouldn't know it.
Cheney now says he had one beer at lunch. Do we smell the same smell?
republicans, morality,respect, torture,hypocrisy
The United States should shut down the prison for terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay and either release all detainees being held there or bring them to trial, the United Nations said in a report released Thursday.
The report, summarizing an investigation by five U.N. experts, called on the U.S. government "to close down the Guantanamo Bay detention center and to refrain from any practice amounting to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment."
The United States is holding about 500 men at the U.S. naval base on the southeastern tip of Cuba. The detainees are accused of having links to Afghanistan's ousted Taliban regime or the al-Qaeda terror group, though only 10 have been charged since the detention camp opened in January 2001.
Hypocrisy abounds. We preach and push elections and democracy on other nations until the result is not to our liking. We preach human rights and fair trial theory but use turture and degrading treatment, and detention without trial.
We tout freedom of the press but these Reputlicans work to control it by secretly paying journalists and spending millions on covert propaganda to its own citizens. It's no wonder we are losing the respect of our friends around the world.
The report, summarizing an investigation by five U.N. experts, called on the U.S. government "to close down the Guantanamo Bay detention center and to refrain from any practice amounting to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment."
The United States is holding about 500 men at the U.S. naval base on the southeastern tip of Cuba. The detainees are accused of having links to Afghanistan's ousted Taliban regime or the al-Qaeda terror group, though only 10 have been charged since the detention camp opened in January 2001.
Hypocrisy abounds. We preach and push elections and democracy on other nations until the result is not to our liking. We preach human rights and fair trial theory but use turture and degrading treatment, and detention without trial.
We tout freedom of the press but these Reputlicans work to control it by secretly paying journalists and spending millions on covert propaganda to its own citizens. It's no wonder we are losing the respect of our friends around the world.
14 February, 2006
republicans, cheney, rove, policies
Karl Rove,the Republican spin doctor,spoke with ranch owner Armstrong. Rove reported back to Bush shortly before 8 p.m. Saturday that the vice president himself had done the shooting. It took another day for the news came out at the local scene while they obviously discussed how to spin the incident, hence the Armstrong woman's bland explanation.
However, Mark Birkhauser, president-elect of the International Hunter Education Associationm said," it's incumbent upon the shooter to assess the situation and make sure it's a safe shot. Once you squeeze that trigger, you can't bring that shot back."
It's another example of the fact that the Republicans are good at spin and public relations (spent $1.6 BILLION of your money on PR since 2000) but little else from lying and bungling in Iraq to unfair trade, sending middle class jobs to Asia, failed health care, failed education, you name it.
However, Mark Birkhauser, president-elect of the International Hunter Education Associationm said," it's incumbent upon the shooter to assess the situation and make sure it's a safe shot. Once you squeeze that trigger, you can't bring that shot back."
It's another example of the fact that the Republicans are good at spin and public relations (spent $1.6 BILLION of your money on PR since 2000) but little else from lying and bungling in Iraq to unfair trade, sending middle class jobs to Asia, failed health care, failed education, you name it.
13 February, 2006
cheney, guns, deferments, bin laden
it's a good thing Cheney got all those deferments from serving in the Vietnam War given his marksmanship skills. Bin Laden better not take up quail hunting.
katrina,waste,fraud,mismanagement
.Two reports released by the Government Accountability Office and the Homeland Security Department's office of inspector general detail a series of accounting flaws,waste, fraud or mismanagement in their initial review of how $85 billion in federal aid is being spent on Katrina. Are you surprised?
12 February, 2006
Republicans, trade deficits, job losses
The Commerce Department reported that the gap between what America sells abroad and what it imports rose to $725.8 billion last year, up by 17.5% from the previous record of $617.6 billion set in 2004.
It marked the fourth consecutive year that America's trade deficit has set a record and was certain to spark increased debate in Congress over President Bush's trade policies. Since mid-2000 the country has lost nearly 3 million manufacturing jobs and Democrats rightfully blame the administration's flawed policies of emphasizing free trade agreements.
During this time, the Republicans have controlled all three branches of government.
It marked the fourth consecutive year that America's trade deficit has set a record and was certain to spark increased debate in Congress over President Bush's trade policies. Since mid-2000 the country has lost nearly 3 million manufacturing jobs and Democrats rightfully blame the administration's flawed policies of emphasizing free trade agreements.
During this time, the Republicans have controlled all three branches of government.
11 February, 2006
bush, clinton, and hypocrisy
Laura Bush said Saturday that Hillary Rodham Clinton's criticism of her husband's administration was "out of bounds," arguing that the former first lady should show some empathy for the current White House occupants. Well, talk about hypocrisy!!!
How much empathy did republicans have for President Clinton, and that was a personal matter in which no one died?? AND notice that they don't dispute or discuss the facts, they only find some way to run down the messenger.
How much empathy did republicans have for President Clinton, and that was a personal matter in which no one died?? AND notice that they don't dispute or discuss the facts, they only find some way to run down the messenger.
10 February, 2006
medications cost and Pfizer sales
Are you having trouble paying for your medications? Well, check out the following:
Pfizer projects Lipitor sales will exceed $13 billion, indicating a growth rate for the drug of about 7% compared with 12% in 2005. Arthritis medication Celebrex is expected to post sales of more than $2 billion, up from $1.73 billion in 2005. Sales of anti-anxiety drug Lyrica are expected to exceed $900 million, up from $291 million a year earlier.
Pfizer projects Lipitor sales will exceed $13 billion, indicating a growth rate for the drug of about 7% compared with 12% in 2005. Arthritis medication Celebrex is expected to post sales of more than $2 billion, up from $1.73 billion in 2005. Sales of anti-anxiety drug Lyrica are expected to exceed $900 million, up from $291 million a year earlier.
more republican admin. lies about Katrina
Former federal disaster chief Michael Brown testified Friday that he notified top White House and Homeland Security officials on the day that Hurricane Katrina roared ashore that "we were realizing our worst nightmare" and that New Orleans was seriously flooding.
The storm slammed into New Orleans and the Gulf coast on the morning of Monday, Aug. 29. Brown said he spoke by phone to a top White House official — he said he believed it was Joe Hagin — "on at least two occasions on that day to inform him of what was going on."
Hagin was with the president, who was vacationing on his ranch in Crawford, Texas, at the time, while Brown was in Baton Rouge
"I think I told him that we were realizing our worst nightmare, that everything we had planned about, worried about, that FEMA, frankly, had worried about for 10 years was coming true," Brown said. He said he made similar comments in an e-mail message to White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card.
He insisted he provided information to White House and Homeland Security officials the day of the storm. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has said he did not know the levees were breached until the following day
The storm slammed into New Orleans and the Gulf coast on the morning of Monday, Aug. 29. Brown said he spoke by phone to a top White House official — he said he believed it was Joe Hagin — "on at least two occasions on that day to inform him of what was going on."
Hagin was with the president, who was vacationing on his ranch in Crawford, Texas, at the time, while Brown was in Baton Rouge
"I think I told him that we were realizing our worst nightmare, that everything we had planned about, worried about, that FEMA, frankly, had worried about for 10 years was coming true," Brown said. He said he made similar comments in an e-mail message to White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card.
He insisted he provided information to White House and Homeland Security officials the day of the storm. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has said he did not know the levees were breached until the following day
Iraq dead, maybe dead, and wounded?
At least 2,269 members of the U.S. military have died, not counting "contractors" and Iraqi civilians AND the tens of thousands that have been wounded.
republicans, more lies, katrina
Decisions and policies by the parent Department of Homeland Security doomed FEMA to "a path to failure" that led to the government's slow response to Hurricane Katrina, former disaster chief Michael Brown said Friday.
Brown's appearance in front of the Senate investigative panel came as new documents reveal that 28 federal, state and local agencies — including the White House — reported levee failures on Aug. 29, according to a timeline of e-mails, situation updates and weather reports.
That litany was at odds with the administration's contention that it didn't know the extent of the problem until much later. At the time, President Bush said, "I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees."
Brown's appearance in front of the Senate investigative panel came as new documents reveal that 28 federal, state and local agencies — including the White House — reported levee failures on Aug. 29, according to a timeline of e-mails, situation updates and weather reports.
That litany was at odds with the administration's contention that it didn't know the extent of the problem until much later. At the time, President Bush said, "I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees."
09 February, 2006
republicans outed Plame to shut up their critics
A former top aide to Vice President Dick Cheney told a federal grand jury that his superiors authorized him to give secret information to reporters as part of the Bush administration's defense of intelligence used to justify invading Iraq, according to court papers.
Libby, 55, was indicted late last year on charges that he lied to FBI agents and the grand jury about how he learned CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity and when he subsequently told reporters. He is not charged with leaking classified information from an intelligence estimate report.
Plame's identity was published in July 2003 by columnist Robert Novak after her husband, former U.S. Ambassador Joseph Wilson, accused the administration of twisting intelligence about Iraq's efforts to buy uranium in Niger. The year before, the CIA had sent Wilson to Niger to determine the accuracy of the uranium reports.
Libby, 55, was indicted late last year on charges that he lied to FBI agents and the grand jury about how he learned CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity and when he subsequently told reporters. He is not charged with leaking classified information from an intelligence estimate report.
Plame's identity was published in July 2003 by columnist Robert Novak after her husband, former U.S. Ambassador Joseph Wilson, accused the administration of twisting intelligence about Iraq's efforts to buy uranium in Niger. The year before, the CIA had sent Wilson to Niger to determine the accuracy of the uranium reports.
08 February, 2006
spying, evading, lying
read today: Consider these key facts:
First, the president said publicly there was no such program. He said, "Nothing has changed, by the way. When we're talking about chasing down terrorists, we're talking about getting a court order before we do so." He lied.
For weeks, Gonzales, President Bush and others have insisted that the wiretapping program was only applied to suspected terrorists. But just last Sunday, the Washington Post exposed that the program was broad and not limited to suspected terrorists. In a nutshell, it's a fishing expedition and participants are increasingly "uncomfortable with the mountain of data they have now begun to accumulate."
And yesterday, the attorney general said that he could not assure the Senate that the program did not eavesdrop on innocent Americans.
First, the president said publicly there was no such program. He said, "Nothing has changed, by the way. When we're talking about chasing down terrorists, we're talking about getting a court order before we do so." He lied.
For weeks, Gonzales, President Bush and others have insisted that the wiretapping program was only applied to suspected terrorists. But just last Sunday, the Washington Post exposed that the program was broad and not limited to suspected terrorists. In a nutshell, it's a fishing expedition and participants are increasingly "uncomfortable with the mountain of data they have now begun to accumulate."
And yesterday, the attorney general said that he could not assure the Senate that the program did not eavesdrop on innocent Americans.
07 February, 2006
06 February, 2006
medicare, pensions and Iraq
Bush is trimming spending by Medicare, the government's health care program for the elderly and disabled, by $35.9 billion over five years.
Other reductions include: $4.99 billion in farm commodity programs, and $16.7 billion in the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., the government program that backs private pensions. They are spending and wasting the money in Iraq. And is your pension going to be secure?
Other reductions include: $4.99 billion in farm commodity programs, and $16.7 billion in the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., the government program that backs private pensions. They are spending and wasting the money in Iraq. And is your pension going to be secure?
spying on you and me
The National Security Agency has secured the cooperation of large telecommunications companies, including AT&T, MCI and Sprint, in its efforts to eavesdrop without warrants on international calls by suspected terrorists, according to seven telecommunications executives.
At issue: whether the surveillance is legal, as President Bush insists, or an illegal intrusion into the lives of Americans, as lawsuits by civil libertarians contend.
The government has refused to publicly discuss the precise number of individuals targeted.
At issue: whether the surveillance is legal, as President Bush insists, or an illegal intrusion into the lives of Americans, as lawsuits by civil libertarians contend.
The government has refused to publicly discuss the precise number of individuals targeted.
05 February, 2006
free press, infidels, and us
Protesters took to the streets by the thousands in the Muslim world, a day after demonstrators in Syria charged security barriers outside the Danish and Norwegian embassies in Damascus and sent the buildings up in flames over cartoons published in a free press in a free democratic country, but it is okay for them and their Koran to call us infidels and call for our destruction.
04 February, 2006
lies about Iraq
read today:
It turns out that Bush told Prime Minister Tony Blair at a White House meeting on Jan,31, 2003, nearly two months before the invasion of Iraq, that the United States intended to go to war even if inspectors failed to find evidence of a banned weapons program, according to a memo of the meeting.
The memo also states that Bush also told Blair that military intervention was scheduled for March 2003 even without UN backing.
It turns out that Bush told Prime Minister Tony Blair at a White House meeting on Jan,31, 2003, nearly two months before the invasion of Iraq, that the United States intended to go to war even if inspectors failed to find evidence of a banned weapons program, according to a memo of the meeting.
The memo also states that Bush also told Blair that military intervention was scheduled for March 2003 even without UN backing.
needless deaths in Iraq
Top Army and Marine Corps officers said Wednesday that they are JUST NOW buying and sending the latest body armor to troops in Iraq as fast as possible, including ceramic plates to protect against bullets or shrapnel from the side.
Several members of Congress, including Sens. John Warner, R-Va., and Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., pushed the Pentagon to speed the body armor to troops after newspaper accounts said the military had delayed buying the armor despite evidence it would save lives.
Several members of Congress, including Sens. John Warner, R-Va., and Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., pushed the Pentagon to speed the body armor to troops after newspaper accounts said the military had delayed buying the armor despite evidence it would save lives.
03 February, 2006
dead in Iraq
At least 2,248 members of the U.S. military have died, not counting "contractors" and Iraqi civilians AND the tens of thousands that have been wounded.
Libby trial after elections?
A federal judge on Friday set former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby's trial date in the CIA leak case for January 2007, two months after the midterm congressional elections Isn't that interesting???
Iraq and national debt
The Bush administration will ask Congress soon for another $120 billion to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, bringing total spending to about $440 billion, AND deputy budget director Joel Kaplan and Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman acknowledged that EVEN THAT WON'T BE ENOUGH.
The war in Iraq is costing about $150 million a day, while continued fighting in Afghanistan is costing about $27 million a day.
In 2002, the White House suggested the cost could reach $200 billion, another lie. Since our national debt is over $8 Trillion,this is more debt your children and grandchildren will have to pay
The war in Iraq is costing about $150 million a day, while continued fighting in Afghanistan is costing about $27 million a day.
In 2002, the White House suggested the cost could reach $200 billion, another lie. Since our national debt is over $8 Trillion,this is more debt your children and grandchildren will have to pay
01 February, 2006
vote those republicans out
On Iraq, Bush declared that the United States must stay the course. Some Iraqis expressed anger over the long-term presence of U.S. troops while others welcomed the words, saying they believed the Americans had little choice but to stick it out to prevent civil war. In other words, we are "between a rock and a hard place."
And who got us into this mess based on lies, distortions alnd manipulations? Those Republicans that control everything, that's who. Your vote or your not voting will count.
And who got us into this mess based on lies, distortions alnd manipulations? Those Republicans that control everything, that's who. Your vote or your not voting will count.
31 January, 2006
IRS and your vote
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.
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.
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.
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