Politiblogs

Malkin: Wrong Again # 4,567

2006-08-14T20:36:00.000-05:00

I have two words for the Wal-Mart clerk who notified cops in Michigan after three young Arab men purchased 80 cell phones at 1:00am on August 11 in cash:

Thank you.
....
This was not solely about the suspects' ethnicity. It was about their behavior. Now, law enforcement officials say a plot to bomb the Mackinac Bridge may have been in the works. Lots of troubling details

Oh, but if you wish really really reeeeealllly hard, could magically make it true. Oh whoops- my magical fairy dust isn't working.

Daniel Roberts, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Detroit office, issued a statement that said "there is no information to indicate that the individuals arrested have any direct nexus to terrorism."

Poll: 4% of Americans support Mel's Drunk Driving, Slurs, and Abusive Actions Toward Police

2006-08-14T15:37:00.000-05:00

Much interest is being paid to this new poll that shows 58% of Americans want the troops home within a year. Great news, I know...

But then there's this, question 50:

Which do you think is worse about the Mel Gibson incident?
1. That he was driving while drunk
2. That he was argumentative with the police who stopped him
3. That he made negative comments about Jewish people
4. (All equally bad)
5. (None)
6. (DonÂt know)

4% answered 'None'... that's 1 out of 25 people who think Driving Drunk and claiming the cop is involved in a Jewish Conspiracy against you and calling a female officer 'Sugar Tits' and going on a racist tirade are not 'bad' things. Who are these people?

Sidenote: In the previous question, 1% said his comments would make them 'more likely' to go see his movies in the future.

Funny coincidental advertising

2006-08-13T13:29:00.000-05:00

So, watching CNN cover the latest head-on-fire story, that annoying sierra mist came on... only this time it had new meaning:

Can we finally send Kathy Griffin to Gitmo, pleeeease?

File Under 'Not From The Onion

2006-08-07T16:48:00.000-05:00

I thought the Librul Media and Democrats were going to be the reason the terrorists would win- not due to a lack of power to keep up this illegal domestic data-mining spy program...

The demand for electricity to operate its expanding intelligence systems has left the high-tech eavesdropping agency [NSA] on the verge of exceeding its power supply, the lifeblood of its sprawling 350-acre Fort Meade headquarters, according to current and former intelligence officials.

...

The NSA is already unable to install some costly and sophisticated new equipment, including two new supercomputers, for fear of blowing out the electrical infrastructure, they said.

What a tradgedy:

NSA officials "claim they will not be able to operate more than a month or two longer unless something is done," said a former senior NSA official familiar with the problem, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Bush's Historical Knowledge

2006-08-05T14:02:00.000-05:00

Speaking on immigration, Bush says:

"By passing comprehensive immigration reform, we will uphold our laws, meet the needs of our economy and keep America what she has always been - an open door to the future, a blessed and promised land, one nation under God,"

Yes, Mr. Bush- as we have 'always been' since 1954... moron.

Abortion and Iraq

2006-08-03T11:27:00.000-05:00

Well, not quite... Rumsfeld says:

"If we left Iraq prematurely as the terrorists demand, the enemy would tell us to leave Afghanistan and then withdraw from the Middle East,"

Prematurely? We are now on day 1,232. Longest gestation period? 630-660 days.

Too bad I can't trust wikipedia's Elephants article anymore...

If this is true...

2006-08-03T11:22:00.000-05:00

If this is true... wow.

Of course, false accusations of listerv postings has bitten people before, so we may want to withhold judgement for a while.

Of course, the next logical question is... who would be on the YR Princeton list that sent this to Kos?

Failure

2006-07-30T17:56:00.000-05:00

Utter Failure.

Any power the U.S. had to mitigate disaster has been wasted by this president. We are irrelevant due to misguided leadership of George Bush and his failed war and failed diplomacy.

Give it to 'em...

2006-07-29T15:50:00.000-05:00

So, the House Republicans want to pull some slight of hand shit? Fine.

They want to exempt $5 million of an individual's estate and $10 million of a couples in exchange for a minimum wage hike? Fine.

Unfortunately, I had to read this:

Democrats were left in the uncomfortable position of going on record voting against the minimum wage increase and the estate tax cut.

Give it to them. Think about how many more people will be helped by the minimum wage increase and how few people will be helped by cutting this outrageously high estate tax.

Will the government lose some money without the estate tax? Yes... but we will all benefit in the end if people earn a living wage... even if it will take until 2009 to get there.

And once it is out there, the dems can just go out and point out that they compromised because of how important the minimum wage was and if you look at the past 4 years, this is the first thing done in congress to better the lives of Americans- and it was all because they forced the Repubs to debate it, vote on it, and compromised with them. Seems simple enough...

Raise Minimum Wage? Where?

2006-07-28T11:35:00.000-05:00

So, the wonderful meme that the Dems don't have any plans or ideas or positions or balls or blah blah blah.... Oh wait, what's this: Minimum Wage Incraese by $2?

But how is this played in the librul meedia?

NY Times: G.O.P. Nears Vote to Increase U.S. Wage

Google News has this wonderful array of articles:

So, apparently, raising the minimum wage is the GOP's issue. And giving people a living wage hurts people... unlike the $10,712 Gross pay for 52 40-hour weeks of work at the current level.

Oh, and for those who want to say '...but it will raise our prices!' I say: 431.

Why Couldn't we do this to Bush?

2006-07-19T11:41:00.000-05:00

Why couldn't we do this to President Potty-mouth?

Neo-Nazis in the Military?

2006-07-07T10:59:00.000-05:00

Building of Atrios' post regarding the Army's recruiting White Supremacists to serve in Iraq, I'd like to draw attention to this quote from a DoD spokesman:

Mr. Barfield said Army recruiters struggled last year to meet goals. "They don't want to make a big deal again about neo-Nazis in the military," he said, "because then parents who are already worried about their kids signing up and dying in Iraq are going to be even more reluctant about their kids enlisting if they feel they'll be exposed to gangs and white supremacists."

If you, as a parent of a soldier in Iraq, are worried about gangs and white supremacists in Iraq, you need to consider some other options such as, but not limited to: IEDs, Sunni Militias, Shi'ite Militias, Snipers, beheadings, Iraqi soldiers turning on U.S. soldiers, and Suicide Bombers.

This is the justification for not kicking out known Neo-Nazis? That it might hurt recruiting goals? I know that it is probably pretty difficult to convince kids to risk their life for a war based on lies where the leaders have no plans on how to get out, but are Neo-Nazis and White Supremacists really how low the bar has to go?

We've already got:

Autistic Boys being tricked into enlisting.

The enlistment age raised to 42.

Lowered standards for mental aptitude tests.

As I said before, 'I thought we were trying to win this...'

Now, everyone in the coffee shop thinks I'm crazy...

2006-07-06T20:38:00.000-05:00

I walked in the coffee shop, and opened to Google News to see this:

A country who has:
1) An ongoing nuclear program
2) Threatened the United States with nuclear weapons

So, we invaded Iraq based on faulty intelligence which Bush knew was false, but these missile launches are 'hard to read'?

I know he has trouble reading, so how about this picture? Clear enough?

ACTIVIST JUDGES KILL AGAIN

2006-07-05T11:13:00.000-05:00

Yet again, activist judges have taken another life, this time it was the great American Capitalist Hero, Ken Lay.

R.I.P. you wonderful money-grubbing bastard.

Next time it may be you! Stop Activists Judges before they strike again!

*****UPDATE*****

(Insert Drudge Siren)

Alternate title: BREAKING: Ken Lay Has A Heart! Who knew?

The extinction of a DINO...

2006-07-03T15:53:00.000-05:00

Today, yet another DINO has become extinct.

So long, Joe!... I'm sure the Republicans will take you, you vote like one...

This is what the Democrat Party needs- you don't vote with the party, you are out of the party- that's how it's supposed to be done.

Official Lamont Blog hits it on the head:

What is a "petitioning democrat?"

Wikipedia has no idea either

Losing a primary doesn't mean you get to leave your party- that's like when you try and breakup with someone after they already told you to leave. We left you, Joe. You don't get to run as some sham title.. hopefully the DSCC will have the courage to tell him that.

One more reason to hate the oil Industry

2006-07-02T15:02:00.000-05:00

One more reason to hate the oil industry: they are hedging bets on a large earthquake so they can get oil easier...

Scientists found that earthquakes make underground soil more permeable, which could in turn make oil extraction easier...Over two decades they noticed that earthquakes may cause destruction above ground but below they could be a blessing for the oil industry.

Wouldn't a mass extinction of the human race create large carbon deposits which turn to oil in a few thousand years?

A headline I'd like to see:

"Research: Wide-spread Bird Flu Deaths Could Improve Oil Extraction"

Would someone please explain...

2006-06-30T23:43:00.000-05:00

Would someone please explain how and why this quote 1) makes sense and 2) made it into a mainstream news article...

Nancy Pelosi: ...the court decision "affirms the American ideal that all are entitled to the basic guarantees of our justice system."

Well, that seems rather reasonable, and yet, the Washington Post allows this horse-shit:

House Majority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio)[criticized]... That statement, Boehner said, amounted to Pelosi's advocating "special privileges for terrorists."

Ummm.. except for that 'all' part...

The Wa Po continues:

Similar views ricocheted around conservative talk radio -- Rush Limbaugh called Pelosi's comments "deranged" on his show Thursday..."It would be good politics to have a debate about this if Democrats are going to argue for additional rights for terrorists," said Terry Nelson, a prominent GOP political strategist who was political director for Bush's reelection campaign in 2004.

Yes, I'm sure that would be 'good politics' buddy... except that no one, including Pelosi's quote, are advocating for 'special' or 'additional' rights for terrorists.. just that we use a transparent and fair system to justify holding the 450+ people held in Guantanamo, still without charge...

Special, indeed.

Spying on Terror Financing? SURPRISE!!!

2006-06-26T17:19:00.000-05:00

Why is it that the Right Wing is so bat shit crazy frenzied over the NY Times publishing information about financial spying?

For those who don't know, they are accusing the NY Times of 'espionage' (their word- click any of the 4 above) and 'aiding and abetting the enemy' by publishing information that I, and a majority of people, are well aware of.

Remember when Sami Al-Arian was convicted this year?
How did we catch Moussaoui, who was part of the Hamburg cell?
Remember Cat Stevens being deported for donating to Hamas?

How about this State Department release from 2003 which states:

Another very important actor in international efforts to combat terrorist financing has been the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a multilateral organization of 33 members individually and collectively devoted to combating money laundering that has adopted 40 recommendations on the elimination of money laundering and an additional, complementary eight special recommendations on combating terrorist finance. FATF is monitoring compliance with its recommendations in coordination with regional bodies, the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee, and the G-8-initiated Counter-terrorism Action Group. FATF is planning assessments of country needs for technical assistance to improve local ability to combat terrorist financing.

With a strategy for Saudi Arabia including:

"...presenting packages of usable information to the Saudis to help them take action against individuals and organizations involved in the funding and support of terrorism..."

What could that 'usable information' be other than international financial records?

How about Ari Fleishcer discussing the plan shortly after 9/11?

What is the big deal? Did these people really think that Al Qaeda didn't know that we were monitoring financial transactions and now, the NY Times has 'blown the cover'? C'mon...

Even Press Secretary Tony Snow has erupted in bonkerdom.

This reminds me of this great exchange regarding the warrantless spying testimony:

BIDEN: Thank you very much.

General, how has this revelation damaged the program?

I'm almost confused by it but, I mean, it seems to presuppose that these very sophisticated Al Qaida folks didn't think we were intercepting their phone calls.

I mean, I'm a little confused. How did it damage this?

GONZALES: Well, Senator, I would first refer to the experts in the Intel Committee who are making that statement, first of all. I'm just the lawyer.

And so, when the director of the CIA says this should really damage our intel capabilities, I would defer to that statement. I think, based on my experience, it is true -- you would assume that the enemy is presuming that we are engaged in some kind of surveillance.

But if they're not reminded about it all the time in the newspapers and in stories, they sometimes forget.

(LAUGHTER)

O'Reilly: "Right Wing Kooks aren't visible...are they on the cover of Time Magazine?"

2006-05-24T22:57:00.000-05:00

Why, yes Bill. They are on the cover of Time Magazine:

The same person who stated:

We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity. We weren't punctilious about locating and punishing only Hitler and his top officers. We carpet-bombed German cities; we killed civilians. That's war. And this is war.

And:

"God gave us the earth. We have dominion over the plants, the animals, the trees. God said, 'Earth is yours. Take it. Rape it. It's yours.'"

And:

"My only regret with Timothy McVeigh is he did not go to the New York Times Building."

Oh, and Bill- exactly what have the Dixie Chicks done that has affected the public? That's what a Republican-led Congress is for...

Hastert: Jefferson FBI Raid 'unconstitutional' ... Under Investigation?

2006-05-24T22:41:00.000-05:00

Speaker Hastert surprised everyone by coming down on the side of Congressman Jefferson, a Democrat, today. He stated:

"The Justice Department must immediately return the papers it unconstitutionally seized,"

And then, a few hours later, ABC News ran this:

Federal officials say the Congressional bribery investigation now includes Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, based on information from convicted lobbyists who are now cooperating with the government.

Sur-fucking-prise. It's Washington- rarely does a politician stand up for something (especially across the aisle) unless they have something to gain. Meanwhile, Hastert's office is denying it and calling for a redaction, but:

ABC is standing by its story, saying Hastert is very much in the mix of the corruption investigation.

How much 'in the mix,' you ask? Hastert: No. 1 Recipient of Abramoff Money.

For the record: Congressman Jefferson has not been charged with a crime. He has not been indicted (unlike DeLay, Abramoff, Libby, Cunningham). If he is indicted and pleads/is found guilty, he should resign. Just like the rest of them, D or R. This is the general consensus of both liberal bloggers and Democrat Party Leaders.

Bush's Speech: Numbers Don't Add Up....

2006-05-15T23:23:00.000-05:00

While the wire-tapping of journalists and citizens is important and shameful (which is exactly why Bush spoke on immigration tonight)...

Let's look at this quote from tonight's speech (all quotes from official transcript- emphasis mine):

"The men and women of our Border Patrol are doing a fine job in difficult circumstances, and over the past five years, they have apprehended and sent home about six million people entering America illegally."

Really, six million? Over five years?

Let's do some math:

5 (years) X 365 (days) = 1,825 (days)

Six million in 1,825 days? Some more math:

6,000,000 (sent home) / 1,825 (days) = 3,287.67 (apprehended and sent home' EACH DAY) = 136 (sent home each hour)

Really? These numbers sound unrealistically high.

But not when you compare them to Bush's claim that:

Since I became President, we've increased funding for border security by 66 percent, and expanded the Border Patrol from about 9,000 to 12,000 agents.

Let's now assume that each of these Border Patrol people work an average of 40 hours per week. Some more math:

12,000 (total number of border patrol) X 40 (hours worked) = 480,000 ((wo)man-power hours each week)

Divide that by total hours per week (168) and you get: 2,857.14 Border Patrol working at any given hour.

That means that it takes a staff of 2,857 to catch 136 people an hour? That's saying it takes 21 trained Border Patrol people to catch a single individual crossing the border.

Originally, when I started writing this post, I thought Bush's numbers of captures sounded over-inflated. I finished with inefficiency.

Let's now assume that all supposed 12 million illegal immigrants currently living in the U.S. came in over the past five years. Obviously, not true or realistic, but that's what blogs are for.

With 18,000,000 over five years, that would be an average of 410.96 an hour- a seemingly high number, again. But with 2,857 Border Patrol people remaining stable, that now works out to 6.95 agents to catch a single person each hour- and that's counting EVERY SINGLE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT- caught in the past five years OR not caught over the average human lifespan.

Other than 'border security theatre,' how exactly does sending an additional 6,000 National Guard to the border help in any way?

Why Goss Matters

2006-05-07T17:53:00.000-05:00

For the sake of argument, I'm going to assume that Porter Goss and Mr. Foggo are guilty of the poker-prostitute parties, which wonkette predicted a week early.

The issue here isn't the hookers. It isn't that the right wing likes to pretend they are devout, religious people. It isn't that the right hates sex (in fact, it fits right in with their strong desire to subjugate women).

This is about Bush giving the big 'fuck you' to everyone in this country and the world. It's about his brazen 'bring em on' or declaring the U.N. 'irrelevant' or breaking international law by invading Iraq, torturing the prisoners, barring human rights workers from meeting with detainees, and secret prisons in Russia. It's about illegal spying. It's about nominating an unqualified sycophant to the Supreme Court, irresponsibly cutting taxes when we are in a huge deficit, and openly calling the war on terror 'World War III.' It's about Tom Delay's staff working with Abramoff to fix the books to avoid bribery laws.

It's about claiming the authority to break over 750 laws in just over 5 years (that's almost THREE A WEEK!)

It's about Porter Goss and Duke Cunningham and whoever else might have been at those parties saying 'fuck you' to the American people. They are saying 'we can do whatever the fuck we want.'

These people have controlled Washington for a very, very long time and they think they are exempt from the laws they are charged with maintaining. These people are immoral and they will go down. If not now, in November 2006.

A Progressive Solution to the Undocumented Worker Problem

2006-05-06T12:00:00.000-05:00

Regular commentator, Matt of Strikes & Gutters, has asked for my plan for resolving the issue of illegal immigration/undocumented workers in response to my previous post about republican hypocrisy in the language debate.

People illegally immigrate to this country in order to get jobs. Employers hire them because they will work for lower wages than citizens and legal immigrants.

The claims that 'Americans won't do those jobs' are insincere and nonsensical- we get people to go to war, work in mines, and pick up trash because those jobs pay more than $5.00 an hour. So, a more accurate statement would be 'Americans won't do those jobs for that salary.'

Here are four simple steps:

Increase the pressure on businesses to hire only documented workers
Less job opportunities unincentivizes illegal immigration
Businesses will be forced to pay a living wage for 'those jobs Americans won't do for that salary'
More jobs for citizens means lower unemployment, better economy

So, how do we do it? Rather than having Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spend their time arresting individuals trying to get jobs on the streets, we re-direct the focus of ICE to investigative work with a focus on employers- not employees.

If a business is found to knowingly hire an undocumented worker, we fine them a reasonable amount (say, the equivalent of a year's salary per undocumented worker). ICE also increases scrutiny and implements random checks of employee roles for 5 years (or a reasonable time period, as defined in the law). An additional fine equivalent to the cost of such an extended investigation would also be levied, so as to not burden the tax system/ICE budget.

If that business is found to violate the law after the initial fine (and within those 5 years or other time TBD), the cost of the fine will increase dramatically (say, 15% of the company's previous years profits, or other amount TBD) and required firing of those who knowingly committed the offense. A fine that large will send a clear message to the entire company, especially the leadership.

A third offense (relatively unlikely after those harsh penalties) results in all hiring-related employees and CEOs, board members, etc. being indicted for violation of federal law with possibilities of jail time. Federal Law already provides punishments for knowingly employing an undocumented worker; however the maximum fine for repeat offenders is $3,000 (U.S.C. 1324a (e) ). I propose making this a felony offense, with possible mandatory minimums.

Since businesses are required by law to send identifying information of new employees, such as Social Secuirty Numbers to child support databases, this could be extended to fake or incorrect information, which are sometimes used by employers to hide their illegal hiring practices.

To appease the minuteman crowd, ICE could set up a tip-line for citizens to report businesses that they believe are employing illegal immigrants. In Maryland, minutemen are already recording the activities at known day labor sites and publishing the names of companies who hire the workers there. (They want to volunteer, and this is an opportunity to be more productive instead of setting off motion sensors and distracting the Border Patrol.)

So, if we increase the pressure on businesses, there will be less job opportunities. This means there is less reason for people to immigrate illegally. This will decrease illegal border crossings and reduce the total number of undocumented immigrants.

By reducing the number of undocumented workers, you are reducing the pool of cheap labor. Using simple supply/demand, this means that the average salary would increase. (Note: A guest worker program would undermine this goal.)

With a higher pay, more citizens and legal immigrants would be more willing to do these jobs. This would reduce unemployment rates and help the economy. Often, illegal immigrants send a portion of their salary back to their native land as remittances for their families, so this would mean more money staying in the U.S. economy while simultaneously increasing jobs and Living Standards for low-educated/low-skill workers.

All numbers are approximate and this is by no means a comprehensive plan, just a thought exercise in difficult public policy on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

I am open to any suggestions or criticisms about this plan (or job offers in the San Francisco area).

Principal Bans Anti-Bush Song in Talent Show

2006-05-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

South Florida Sun-Sentinel:

A 10 year old student wants to sing Pink's "Mr. President" which criticizes the Bush Administration's policies in a touching and emotional way.

If you would like to see the artist, Pink, sing it click here. It is a well-written song with a powerful message.

Unfortunately, principal Camille Pontillo of Park Springs Elementary is banning the performance in the school's talent show.

While first amendment rights do not apply in public schools, discrimination based on non-vulgar/offensive content is inappropriate.

The student's mother says it best: "If this was a student singing a pro-administration song, no one would quibble with it..."

The School Board's code of conduct lays out what guidelines principals should follow when censoring student speech: only if the material is obscene, slanderous, likely to disrupt, profane or sells a commercial product. (See page 23 of this document)

The principal, Camille Pontillo, was not available for comment in the Sun-Sentinel story, but may be reached at the school's main number: 754-322-7750 or by email: Camille Pontillo or her assistant, Liebe Rice. I called and received a polite 'we will let the principal know.'

'Business Leaders' Killed $100 Gas Refund?

2006-05-02T21:21:00.000-05:00

While I thought the $100 refund for gas was a stupid idea, you have to wonder about this graf in the NYTimes:

The retreat came after a torrent of objections from business leaders and their advocates, who typically view Republicans in Congress as allies. They said they had been blindsided by the inclusion of the proposal as a central element of the Republican leadership's energy package late last week.

What 'business leaders' would oppose this?

The State Department, 1919's "La Bandera De Las Estrallas" and Racist Republican Manufactured Outrage

2006-05-02T19:23:00.000-05:00

Click photo for campaign video of George W. Bush waving a Mexican Flag (via Think Progress):

April 28th:

Q Mr. President, a cultural question for you. There is a version of the National Anthem in Spanish now. Do you believe it will hold the same value if sung in Spanish as in English?

THE PRESIDENT: No I don't, because I think the National Anthem ought to be sung in English. And I think people who want to be a citizen of this country ought to learn English, and they ought to learn to sing the National Anthem in English.

The State Department created the web-page "Himno nacional - La Bandera de Estrellas - Departamento de Estado de Estados Unidos" on October 5, 2005 which lists FOUR different versions of the song in Spanish. (Hat tip: State of the Qusan)

And in 1919 this was published:

Click here to look inside. (Hat tip: Boing Boing)

Bush:

"I think the National Anthem ought to be sung in English. And I think people who want to be a citizen of this country ought to learn English, and they ought to learn to sing the National Anthem in English. "

This is just another example of manufactured Republican Outrage.

...Only 2 months and 2 days until the "War on Fourth of July"
...and only 8 more months 'til the "War on Christams"!

Personal Story on Immigration

2006-04-30T23:23:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine posted this on myspace:

I'm an Immigrant, to be honest, and those who know me know this, I was ILLEGAL not long ago. I received my Green card in 2002. My Mom brought me to this country, not because we were living out of a box, but because this country does offer a million of opportunities I wouldn't have in Honduras. I've been here since I was 10 years old. And I love it.

My Mother was also illegal until 2002, a head nurse at a hospital before she got here. And guess what? Contraire to popular belief, not all immigrants cross the border, we came here with legal visas. And my mom was forced to work at any job she could get, from factories, to laundry mats; I remember living on Palm ave and 20th when I first got here, in VERY SMALL efficiency behind a house with my Mom her husband and my brother who was a baby at the time. NEVER and I REPEAT, NEVER did my mom ask for the governments help. We never received food stamps, any welfare, NO HANDOUTS. How many Americans can say they have done the same? My family has worked so hard for what they have. And going from a lil efficiency to a humble apartment to buying a $380,000 House, it aint bad, if I say so myself. And doing it on their own.

I know there are many immigrants that come here because they believe that everything will be handed to them, and when they realize that isnt the deal, they turn to making money the quick and wrong way. But there are more families here like mine, immigrants that come here only to better their lives and those of their children. Not to mention to help their family members back in their countries. I think that raiding construction places and other stores for illegal immigrants is not only cruel but unnecessary, if youre going to deport immigrants, deport those who are doing absolutely nothing and are living off the government, and Im not only talking about Latin America here, there are immigrants from all over the globe living here.. Why break families, who are working illegally not because they want to, but because they have no other choice. Immigration laws are sooo fucked up its SAD. If you are a contributing member of society why should you be punished??? Specially; since there are many illegal families who have had children here in the United States.

Itll be interesting to see what happens when the deport all those people working in the orange groves, all the buss boys in restaurants, all the people picking your motherfucking lettuce for pennies an hour. Lets see if anyone takes those jobs. Its plain and simple, people who come here with medical degrees come to this country to clean up toilets and work from the ground up. And thats the great thing about immigrants who come here, they come with a dream, a vision of the life they didnt have and want. And they are willing to work so hard to obtain the American dream. Jesus, when I was canvassing around Miami, I spoke to sooooooo many people who are born here, pure Americans who didnt give a shit about anything, and there I was walking in the fucking sun, being proactive, not sitting on my ass complaining, AND I CAN T EVEN VOTE. But I live here, I pay taxes. I feel a sense of patriotism to this country that many American Citizens dont have. Maybe its because I have SEEN what real poverty is like. And I see the wonderful potential this country has. And now I have a huge headache.

My point is, people who come here deserve a chance to make it. My parents did, and it kills me to know that there is someones mother, someones brother, someones sister in a detention center as we speak, getting ready to be sent back. My family here in the United States consists of my mom, her asshole husband, and my brother. We are the first to come to this country and I feel extremely proud of what we have accomplished. Not all immigrants come here to deal blow, and to live off welfare. Hell, maybe someone needs to go over immigration laws, make them fair, and make them WORK. Oh thats right I forgot. Bush administration, you would think he would give a shit huh? His brother is married to a Mexican immigrant. I need coffee before my head explodes.

Ann Coulter: Blame The Victim, Repeat Lies

2006-04-20T23:39:00.000-05:00

Ann Coulter's latest word-vomit is available at townhall and it's pretty bad...

On the Duke Rape Case:

You can severely reduce your chances of being raped if you do not go to strange men's houses and take your clothes off for money.

Into the Aruba missing girl:

And if you are a girl in Aruba or New York City, among the best ways to avoid being the victim of a horrible crime is to not get drunk in public or go off in a car with men you just met. [...] Everyone makes mistakes, especially young people...

BUT...

...but the outpouring of support for the victims and their families is obscuring what ought to be a flashing neon warning for potential future victims.

So, sympathy for victims of rape or murder causes rape or murder.

And just so you know, she isn't a terrible person.

I have always been unabashedly anti-murder, anti-rape and anti-false accusation -- and I don't care who knows about it!

Thanks for clearing that up, Ms. Coulter.

Apparently, Liberals are defending the stripper, since they believe they would feel like hypocrites for having witnessed a strip show...

The liberal charge of "hypocrisy" has so permeated the public consciousness that no one is willing to condemn any behavior anymore, no matter how seedy. The unstated rule is: If you've done it, you can't ever criticize it...

And

Every woman who has had an abortion feels compelled to defend abortion for all women...

Except for those women the anti-choice crowd drags out for their events to talk about the 'horrible repercussions' and 'permanent psychological damage' caused by abortions.

And, like usual, she references the "Democratic fund-raisers at the Playboy Mansion" which never happened. Ms. Coulter fails to mention that the candidate, who was a woman, was 'told she would lose her speaking role at next week's Democrat national convention and might have her credentials revoked' because 'senior members of the Democratic Party took exception, saying that the Playboy image was at odds with the party's values...'

She also failed to mention Mary Carey, the porn star Bush invited to the White House.

Hindrocket Has Revelation, Only He Doesn't Realize it

2006-04-20T23:25:00.000-05:00

Hindrocket at Powerline:

The latest translation from jveritas indicates that during the Iraq war, Saddam paid the "Arab Fedayeen" volunteers--i.e., terrorists--just as he paid members of Iraq's own military.

Without saying much, Hindrocket has indicated that Saddam's army was actually very weak, and he reached out to anyone that would support his failing military defense against the U.S.

OK... and that proves what, exactly?

To me, it says that Saddam's military was extremely weak and performed poorly- something which is obvious based on the quick defeat of Saddam's army. It also shows that Saddam's military was so weak that he posed no threat to the United States.

Way to go, butt missile. To quote him:

This isn't a big surprise...

KS State Education Board Member Orders FSM Pic Removed

2006-04-19T23:57:00.000-05:00

Witchita Eagle:

State Board of Education member Connie Morris took exception Wednesday to a picture of a made-up creature that satirizes the state's new science standards hanging on a Stucky Middle School teacher's door.

If you don't know, now you know.

Board chairman Steve Abrams, who voted for the new standards, didn't see the picture but said he thinks that the Flying Spaghetti Monster is silly.

"Personally, I think it's juvenile," he said.

Well, you believe some unknown person's (from 4,000+ years ago) claim that the Earth is only about 5,700 years old and
dinosaurs were made by the devil to trick you.

You think the Flying Spaghetti Monster is silly? Your beliefs are fucking idiotic.

Iraq The Model Feels the Sting of This Failed War

2006-04-19T19:49:00.000-05:00

While I want to express my condolences for the tragic loss, I cannot believe that when a family-member is killed, they still support the failed policy that led to the death.

I would like to pose this question to Mohammed of ITM: Would you have ever expected this to happen before the U.S. invasion of your country?

Why would you, then, continue to believe that the invasion and occupation was a good idea? Why would you continue to support such a terrible mistake that has now led to a personal tragedy in your life?

Again, I have not felt the personal loss of a loved one due to war, and for that I cannot (nor imply) that I can understand your loss. But I can ask why in the world you would not see the obvious link between enablers of this war like yourself and the death of your brother-in-law.

Less Than Half of Articles Cite Convicted Gov Ryan's Republican Ties

2006-04-18T22:35:00.000-05:00

Building off Atrios and Media Matters:

Media ignored convicted Illinois governor's Republican affiliation

On April 17, numerous news outlets -- including NBC, CBS, NPR, and Fox News -- covering former Illinois governor George Ryan's conviction on corruption charges failed to mention that he is a Republican.

I'll one-up it...

Google News search as of 11:35PM Tuesday:
about 841 for governor Ryan convicted
about 389 for governor Ryan convicted republican

That's less than half....

Screenshot (click to enlarge):

Assclownopolis Trading In Tin Foil Hat...

2006-04-09T22:55:00.000-05:00

Worth the read:

Assclownopolis writes:

I have seen the light. I have had an epiphany that has helped me get my mind right, as they say. No longer will I subscribe to loony conspiracy theories in political and economic matters.

It is a finely crafted piece of sarcasm. Read it.

To Anyone Who Wanted To Invade Iraq

2006-04-08T15:09:00.000-05:00

To Anyone Who Wanted To Invade Iraq:

If you supported this war effort and are not on the battlefield, you are a scumbag.

If you want to say you 'support the troops' with a magnetic ribbon your car, you are a scumbag. (Apparently, it isn't even important enough to have to worry about using a razor-blade to remove the sticker gunk!)

If you really 'support the troops' and supported this misled, mis-managed war, then watch this video clip and see what you did to these young people.

(There is no violence or death, but there is profanity. If you are offended by profanity, then imagine getting shot at.)

Tome Delay: "Nothing worse than a woman know-it-all"

2006-04-05T18:49:00.000-05:00

CAUGHT ON VIDEO:

Tom Delay on Hillary Clinton:

"...Nothing worse than a woman know-it-all"

When will people finally realize that the conservative movement wants us to live like it is 1006 AD?

These people are barbarians.

Anti-Immigration Folks? Hello? Anyone Home?

2006-04-05T14:08:00.000-05:00

AP:

Twenty-two Chinese nationals were in custody Wednesday after they apparently let themselves out of a 40-foot cargo container that had been used to smuggle them from China, officials said.

Ms. Malkin? Weren't you saying something about illegal immigration?

No?

Oh, that's right- you use 'illegal immigration' as a code for 'I hate brown people'...

Rightwinged: Flying In Circles, Again...

2006-04-04T23:53:00.000-05:00

I have nothing particular against this site, but I just find the name and asinine comments funny:

...if the allegations are true, how could someone working for DHS be so stupid, especially when the left says that Bush and Cheney are sitting in their offices spying on all of our calls trying to take away our rights.... don't you think Doyle would have been more careful?

Maybe I just want to start a flame war, but I don't think Mr. Doyle was thinking rationally or all too concerned with the possible ramifications.

My bigger question: 'The left says that Bush and Cheney are sitting in their offices spying on all of our calls trying to take away our rights..' Ummm... first of all, they illegally wire-tapped international calls. Second, there has been no mention of domestic internet usage in the spying issue. Third, I don't see how/why this partisan rhetoric relates. If you wanted to say that the Bush administration is reckless and, thus, has led to recklessness in other sub-divisions such as Homeland Security hiring practices, I'll give you that.

Brian J. Doyle Donated To Child Assault Prevention Group

2006-04-04T22:20:00.000-05:00

We all are aware of Brian J. Doyle, Deputy Press Secretary for Department of Homeland Security getting busted trying to lure a 14 year old girl over the internet.

BUT...

A Brian J. Doyle donated up to $249 to the Maryland-based Metropolitan Center for Assault Prevention (METROCAP).

MetroCap provides classroom-based and community-based violence prevention training to preschool, elementary and middle school children as well as the adults who play important roles in children's lives. In the children's workshops, our certified facilitators guide discussion and role-play to demonstrate specific strategies to use in situations involving bullying, physical violence and sexual approaches by a known adult.

Check the last page for a "Brian J. Doyle"

Is this the same Mr. Doyle? I can't verify that.

Of course, Molester/DHS employee Brian J. Doyle does live in Maryland, which is where this organization is based.

*****UPDATE 12:08 AM*****
ABC is reporting that the Molester/DHS Brian J. Doyle is from Silver Spring, MD.

Using the address provided by Whitepages.com, Mr. Brian J. Doyle of Silver Spring, MD lives 1.7 miles from METROCAP's Offices.

Bush on Spring Break? Not the First Time...

2006-03-30T10:24:00.000-05:00

So, Bush made a cute little quip about not wearing a speedo while in Cancun during Spring Break... yeah.

Yes- he's meeting with the Mexican President and Canadian Prime Minister too discuss the topic du jour, immigration.

This is of course, not his first time partying on the beach.

April 26, 2005, Galveston, TX:

"Do you still have Splash Day?"

The crowd laughed...

Splash Day once marked the end of school and the beginning of summertime fun. The city backed off from it many years ago when it turned a little too wild. It later became a party day for gays and lesbians.

Drawing another round of laughter, Bush said: "I'm not saying whether I came or not on Splash Day. I'm just saying, 'Do you have Splash Day?'

*****UPDATE****
Apparently, this myspacer is in the same hotel...

Domenech Lying To Cover Racist Commentary

2006-03-24T11:14:00.000-05:00

To jump in the fray a bit on the Domenech Plagarism Scandal (see here, if you don't know):

Ben defends his 'we should kill black babies' commentary with this:

In regards to another old post where I referenced something written by Father Richard John Neuhaus regarding the book "Freakonomics", I suggest that people actually take the time to read what is said. Neuhaus is setting up in blunt terms the logical consequences of the argument made in "Freakonomics" that hey, abortion may be icky, but at least it deters crime by eliminating people who may become criminals -- in this case, minority children in urban areas.

(Before the wingnuts go crazy, I am aware that those are not his words, but a full post with a quote and no commentary certainly implies endorsement.)

The book does not discuss race in that discussion- it is Economic Status... so why did it automatically turn to this?

The first 2 sentences:

People who are poor and black are a drag on society. We would all be better off if there were fewer of them.

Bush Finds Iraq's Secret Trap Door

2006-03-16T12:56:00.000-05:00

Talk about a trapdoor fucking exit (subtle indie reference)...

U.S. forces, joined by Iraqi troops, on Thursday launched the largest air assault since the U.S.-led invasion, targeting insurgent strongholds north of the capital, the military said.
...
The military termed the operation the largest air assault since the 2003 invasion...

Digby ties in the March 2006 NY Times articles with Sy Hersh's December 2005 correct prediction.

Bush will be perceived as correct when he saw, so long ago, that Iraq was really 'get ing better'- more air raids means less troops needed and less U.S. Troop deaths (Win-Win). See? He was right, after all!

And it all makes poltical sense. What better way to boost poll approval ratings hovering at 33% (way, way, too high imo) than to bring the troops home? Airstrikes'll do that. Nevermind it will make the situation far worse than it already is (hard to believe, but true). It will be an Iraqi problem; a large American presence will be history. And Bush's poll numbers will rise.

Typical Bush... make it look better without making it actually better.

Wal-Mart Courting Media in 2-day PR Blitz- Why?

2006-03-12T13:31:00.000-05:00

Why waste your energy when you have articles like this?

CNN Money article 'Under fire, Wal-Mart prepares schmooze fest.'

Wal-Mart has sent out "save-the-date" announcements to members of the media, inviting them for an exclusive face-to-face with its spin squad back at home next month.
...
Some industry observers speculate that Wal-Mart's efforts to get warm and fuzzy with the media are not purely altruistic but mainly because it must protect its image especially as the damaging public relations setbacks keep coming.

Really? It took some 'industry observers' to figure out that 'an exclusive face-to-face with its spin squad' was 'not purely altruistic'?

Wal-Mart PR Consultant Howard Davidowitz:

...said it's a burden Wal-Mart will have to bear because its size and industry leader status will always make it a bull's eye for watchdog groups like WalMart Watch and WakeUpWalMart, who criticize Wal-Mart for its employment and benefits policies.

Scott, referring to both groups, has repeatedly acknowledged that Wal-Mart is confronted by one of the most well-financed and well-organized corporate campaigns the company has ever seen.

"When you're as big as Wal-Mart, everybody's going to be after you," but Wal-Mart needs to get its story out too, Davidowitz said.

Watchdog groups have seen some success in tarnishing Wal-Mart's image, however, he said. "But who's funding these groups? It's the labor unions. Labor unions have their own agenda. They're trying to get more members at a time when their membership is dropping," Davidowitz said.

"Wal-Mart will never be unionized. I don't think Wal-Mart has to worry about that," he added. "What it need to be worried about is what happened in Maryland with the healthcare bill. Businesses don't want the government to get involved."

With 'one of the most well-financed and well-organized corporate campaigns' CNN will surely be able to get a counterpoint quote from Wal-Mart Watch, right?

Burt Flickinger, an independent retail analyst, agreed with Davidowitz that the Maryland "healthcare bill," which passed in January, could have substantial implications for the world's largest retailer.

Wal-Mart has been a lightning rod for criticism about its wage, labor and benefits policies. Critics allege the retailer's high healthcare premiums tilt workers toward opting for taxpayer-funded public healthcare options, such as Medicaid, for their healthcare needs.

Flickinger worries that the Maryland vote could eventually result in more states to follow suit.

...

"I don't think the union-based special interest groups and the government are two separate issues. I think they're tied together," said retail consultant George Whalin. "Now more than ever Wal-Mart is facing a lot of pressure coming from so many different directions. I think that's why Wal-Mart is putting more effort into communicating with the media."

(emphasis added)

OK... so, where's the counterpoint? The closer paragraph? Nope!

"Wal-Mart's making consumers happy," said Rist. "In an era where gas prices, heating bills are rising and credit card companies are doubling payments, people can count on Wal-Mart on low prices all the time."

Any more 'warm and fuzzy' would be a flaming teddy-bear...

Wingnuts accuse Reuters of Photoshopping

2006-03-11T19:23:00.000-05:00

The Right-Wing got all puffed up at a photo that said the words 'retire' over Cheney's head.... It was the typical Bush backdrop with the staggered 'positive' message. You know the ones I'm talking about... like 'Strategy for Victory' or 'Mission Accomplished'.

So, Randy at 'Rightwinged' in typical fashion (i.e. flying in a circle), couldn't find the word 'retire' in the other pictures.

So, like every good wingnut, he decried 'Liberal Media' and raked some muck...

Then, he found ‘retire’ right where the photo showed it: above Cheney’s head.

So, the accusation quickly changed to trick photography.

Of course, the shot was similar to 'Mission Accomplished,' but I didn't hear accusations of 'Right Wing Bias' about that photo...

And, it was all bullshit and he later updated to concede his stupidity and we all lived happily ever after.

Ponies for all!

2006-03-10T11:48:00.000-05:00

Ouch!

Nearly four out of five Americans, including 70 percent of Republicans, believe civil war will break out in Iraq
...
Nearly 70 percent of people say the U.S. is on the wrong track, a 6-point jump since February.
...
Bush's job approval among Republicans plummeted from 82 percent in February to 74 percent
...
Bush's approval rating declined from 39 percent to 36 percent for his handling of domestic affairs and from 47 percent to 43 percent on foreign policy and terrorism.

And the good news:

By a 47-36 margin, people favor Democrats over Republicans when they are asked who should control Congress.

MoE: 3

Meanwhile, Vice President Cheney is less popular than OJ Simpson after he was accused of murdering his wife.

This proves that the Bush Administration is outside the American Mainstream.

Blogging from the South Pole...

2006-03-08T13:33:00.000-05:00

Not really political.. Just really cool:

Nowhere to Go But Up blog.

The first sentence of the first post says it all:

"Tomorrow afternoon I'm going to head off to Antarctica to spend one day and one night at the south pole. Of course, the day is six months long as is the night."

They have parties, and 'a race around the world':

"An annual tradition at the South Pole on Christmas Day is the Race Around the World. Essentially, the race makes two laps around a one-mile course that encircles the South Pole marker."

Check it out. He's been there since December. Yes, Blogging from the South Pole... Technology is wonderful.

The Names of Detainees

2006-03-04T11:38:00.000-05:00

Forbes:

The Defense Department had argued that releasing the identities of detainees could subject their families, friends and associates to embarrassment and retaliation.

Really? I've always gotten the impression that there was a 'culture of martyrdom' in the Islamic Middle-East.

Those DoD guys, so nice... not wanting to embarrass old Grandma Talibani about her grandson being captured by the invaders.

Bush: 'Pakistanis Are Arab'

2006-03-03T18:10:00.000-05:00

As we all know, George W. Bush knows little about Islam or geography.

His latest via atrios:

I believe that a prosperous, democratic Pakistan will be a steadfast partner for America, a peaceful neighbor for India, and a force for freedom and moderation in the Arab world.

Yes, there are many Muslims in Pakistan. No, that does not make them Arab. Most Muslims live in the Philippines (Call home, Michelle!) but that does not make them Arab.

Of course, we should not be overly surprised. He thinks Africa is a Nation:

Africa is a nation that suffers from incredible disease, and it suffers from poverty, as well.

Photo from Reuters:

Why We Must Hold People indefinitely Without Charge....

2006-03-02T18:20:00.000-05:00

Or at least not allow the public to see them on trial...

Newly released court documents show that Khalid Sheik Mohammed may be in the Guantanamo Bay prison run by the United States.

A captive facing conspiracy charges before a Military Commission raised the possibility during pre-trial hearings here Wednesday when, during questioning of a judge's competence to serve, the captive asked to be moved to a cell alongside the man known by his acronym ``KSM.''

Those damned Activist Judges!!!

The Defense Department had earlier blacked out captives' names on reports from their 2004-2005 status review hearings. A federal judge in New York gave the Bush administration until Friday to re-release the forms, with captives' names visible.

If the New York Times publishing information regarding warrantless wire-tapping can compromise the war on terror, then surely publishing the whereabouts of Khalid Sheik Mohammed must, as well. Right?

*This article is sarcastic.
**It is worth noting that the word 'warrantless' is not in MS Word or Blogger dictionary. Why? Because we shouldn't have to be talking about the concept of warrantless wire-tapping in the first place.

Poll of Troops: 'We Want to Go Home!'

2006-03-01T15:49:00.000-05:00

If you think support for the war is low at home, take a look at this survey of troops in Iraq:

...a Zogby International/Le Moyne College poll found that only 23 per cent of US troops believed they should stay 'as long as they are needed'.

Seventy-two per cent said the US should withdraw within 12 months, and 29 per cent said they should pull out immediately.

This poll was completed BEFORE the shit really hit the fan with the bombing of the Golden Mosque. Double-Ouch.

Oh, and remember Crazy Jean Schmidt's statement that 'Only cowards cut and run' during the immediate redeployment debate?

49 per cent of reservists and 43 per cent of the National Guard said the US should pull out immediately, against 9 per cent of marines.

This is really bad. It was already un-winnable, but now with almost 4 out 10 Active-Duty Reservists/NGs opposing their mission, we're totally screwed.

hat tip: sploid

Outsourcing Port Authority

2006-02-21T17:49:00.000-05:00

Regardless of the country, a foreign company should not be managing a port. Especially not a foreign company owned by a foreign government.

I don't care if it is UK or UAE, there are plenty of companies in the United States that could do the job just as well and probably for the same price. Why outsource a port authority?

Why not keep our government contract money in U.S. companies and employ U.S. workers who can spend the money in the U.S.? That would help lower the deficit more than outsourcing and shipping our money overseas.

I just hope the dems pick up on this...

Fukuyama Declares 'After Neoconservatism', Disavows Ties

2006-02-20T12:53:00.000-05:00

Francis Fukuyama, author of 'The End of History' and rather preeminent Neo-Conservative Theorist says, "Neoconservatism, as both a political symbol and a body of thought, has evolved into something I can no longer support."

Yowza... NY Times Op/Ed here.

He stays on theme with 'After Neoconservativism' and continues to claim he can either predict the future, or is much smarter than you are and can, therefore, tell you what will happen next in meta world events. Almost like that 'film student' who can 'always predict' the next plot twist in the 'hollywood movie' you're watching.

Keep in mind this isn't Howard Zinn or Chomsky- this is a Neo-Con's statements.

How much of a neo-con is he? The article tells you: "I was a student of Strauss's protege Allan Bloom, who wrote the bestseller "The Closing of the American Mind"; worked at Rand and with Wohlstetter on Persian Gulf issues; and worked also on two occasions for Wolfowitz."

Here's the meat:

The idea that the United States is a hegemon more benevolent than most is not an absurd one, but there were warning signs that things had changed in America's relationship to the world long before the start of the Iraq war. The structural imbalance in global power had grown enormous. America surpassed the rest of the world in every dimension of power by an unprecedented margin, with its defense spending nearly equal to that of the rest of the world combined. Already during the Clinton years, American economic hegemony had generated enormous hostility to an American-dominated process of globalization, frequently on the part of close democratic allies who thought the United States was seeking to impose its antistatist social model on them.

There were other reasons as well why the world did not accept American benevolent hegemony. In the first place, it was premised on American exceptionalism, the idea that America could use its power in instances where others could not because it was more virtuous than other countries. The doctrine of pre-emption against terrorist threats contained in the 2002 National Security Strategy was one that could not safely be generalized through the international system; America would be the first country to object if Russia, China, India or France declared a similar right of unilateral action. The United States was seeking to pass judgment on others while being unwilling to have its own conduct questioned in places like the International Criminal Court.

Another problem with benevolent hegemony was domestic. There are sharp limits to the American people's attention to foreign affairs and willingness to finance projects overseas that do not have clear benefits to American interests. Sept. 11 changed that calculus in many ways, providing popular support for two wars in the Middle East and large increases in defense spending. But the durability of the support is uncertain: although most Americans want to do what is necessary to make the project of rebuilding Iraq succeed, the aftermath of the invasion did not increase the public appetite for further costly interventions. Americans are not, at heart, an imperial people. Even benevolent hegemons sometimes have to act ruthlessly, and they need a staying power that does not come easily to people who are reasonably content with their own lives and society.

"Sorry"??? Look at your face!?!?

2006-02-19T11:21:00.000-05:00

Picture of the man Dick Cheney, Vice President shot in the face....

Why is he the one apologizing?

I thought it was a pellet gun...

Photo from Herald Sun here.

Dems Applause In the Official Transcript

2006-02-01T14:43:00.000-05:00

Whichever speech writer put this phrase in is in trouble...
"Congress did not act last year on my proposal to save Social Security..."

And the Democrats took perfect advantage of it.

Think Progress has the video.

But, what is surprising is that the White House actually put it in the official transcript.

Congress did not act last year on my proposal to save Social Security -- (applause) -- yet the rising cost of....

Human-Animal Hybrid? Bush Reading Habits Exposed!

2006-02-01T09:45:00.000-05:00

I think Bush's declaration of war against Human Animal Hybrids shows his reading habits...

I know R. L. Stein is scary, but do you have to declare it on National Television?

On the miner story and Iraq Part 2

2006-01-05T22:09:00.000-05:00

So, 137 dead in Iraq.

And these elections, just like all the others before it, were supposed to usher in a victory and progress. Then 130 people are killed in terrorist attacks.

Why the outrage against the media that they reported the good news before finding out it wasn't true?

Isn't that what Mr. Bush is doing? The day before the elections, though a little more subdued than Iraqi election eves past, said "Democracies yield the peace. That's what history has shown us"

Why the outrage that Anderson Cooper 'lied' to you while your President is, basically, pissing on you and the rest of the world?

'Outrage' on Miner Story Media Failure- WHY?

2006-01-05T10:57:00.000-05:00

At my usual breakfast shop, I listened to the outrage on the media's failures in the West Virginia miner story.

There was the typical 'think of the families' and 'why would they have said they were alive?' questions. I just don't see it.

The rescue workers mis-heard that there were 12 survivors. They called the families of the miners who were, most likely, their friends (it's a small town). The media heard it from there and reported it.

So,
1) It was not the media who gave false hope to the families- it was reversed.
2) There was no 'lying' by the mining company- the initial 'happy' news wasn't reported by the company. The first official statement said there were 12 dead.
3) Where is the outrage for the 'Can you tell the nation how sad you are?' media-exploitation.

There are plenty of other failures in fact-checking which are much more significant. Remember those pesky WMDs? What about the Saddam/Bin Laden link? The Plame leak being ignored for 2 years? The Abramoff corruption scandal FINALLY making it to the TV news?

Why are we so worked up on these miners and how the media didn't fact-check?

Compare:
The mine: 13 people trapped in a horrible life-threatening situation.
Iraq: 100,000+ in a horrible life-threatening situation.

The mine: What they were looking for was actually there.
Iraq: The media led us all to believe what we were looking for was there. It wasn't.

The mine: Miners know their job is a difficult, life-threatening position which requires training, no contact and often older workers.
Iraq: 18 year olds in the National Guard who were promised they would not see combat tied in by contract.

The mine: Media coverage wall-to-wall of people standing on grass.
Iraq: 'Freedom is on the march.' No dead soldiers. No amputees.

The mine: Private Company profiting hugely off low labor standards and dangerous work conditions and huge tax breaks thanks to political contributions so we can 'maintain our way of life'.
Iraq: Oh... umm... yeah...

Malkin: Pro-Spying? How about yourself?

2005-12-26T17:22:00.000-05:00

Michelle Malkin has a long-winded post defending Bush's domestic spying. Summary: "It's OK to spy on a U.S. Citizen if they call someone who lives near where a terrorist might live."

She offers a few ways to 'get around' the FISA laws (based on her non-expert interpretation) including these helpful tips: do the spying on foreign soil, give the information to a non-U.S. intel agency, and with impeccable logic, if the U.S. government spies on more people, they can avoid being illegal. Wow.

The kicker though is this:

If the NSA surveillance program tracks all international communications (or all international communications to al Qaeda hotspots such as Afghanistan), it does not target specific individuals as required by 1801(f)(1).

Ms. Malkin is of Philippine descent. That makes her 'South Asian' which is home to over 30% of the globe's Islamic population. Indonesia is the most populous country with a Muslim majority.*

So, I pose this question to Ms. Malkin: Assuming you have family in South Asia, would you find it acceptable for the U.S. government to capture your conversations, render them to a foreign government (say, France?) and allow them to keep records of your calling habits including who and when you call? Could they use 'a computer to check for names, numbers, and words that have been identified as suspicious' in your conversations with your Aunts and Uncles?

----------

* I am in no way implying that all or some of Indonesian Muslims should be targets of spying based solely on their religion. I am basing my logic on Ms. MalkinÂs support for racial/religious profiling as defined in her book, ÂIn defense of IntermentÂ where she advocates the U.S. government imprisoning Muslims of Arab ancestry in response to 9/11 similar to what was done to Japanese-Americans after Pearl Harbor.

Leaders a) Work Around the Law, or b) Work to Change It?

2005-12-19T23:29:00.000-05:00

As Political Animal points out, there is a 'single thread' emerging from Bush and AG Gonzalez's talking points. While Kevin's idea is correct, I see a different pattern.

The latest talking point imply that, somehow, FISA was unable to gather the information they were seeking and were thus forced to pursue an NSA wire-tap. At no point have they provided any example of how an NSA wire-tap would accomplish whatever it is a FISA couldn't. If this is the case, a leader would work to change the rules.

If Bush and Gonzalez had found a flaw in FISA which would leave our country vulnerable, as leaders they should have worked to fix this 'loophole'- not broken the rules.

Bush sold a war on 9/11 and, for all intensive purposes, was re-elected through his manipulation of it. If Bush cried 9/11, with the concurrent Senate and House, he could have easily used some of his 'political capital' to change the law. He could have been seen as a leader in doing so- he would be 'making the country safer'.

But he didn't.

Rather than choosing the more difficult way and work to 'correct' the laws, he chose the easy path and tried to go around them and got caught. Gonzalez said:

"We've had discussions with members of Congress, certain members of Congress, about whether or not we could get an amendment to FISA, and we were advised that that was not likely to be Â that was not something we could likely get..."

Well, sorry buddy- you and Bush could have worked to convince your sympathetic buddies in the Congress to see the same flaws you see. You could have all 'fixed' it together and been heroes for protecting the country. We could have all said, "Yay! The Republicans are making me safer!"

This line of thought is all well and good, unless of course, there wasn't anything actually wrong with the law in the first place and they just didn't want to play by the rules. Which seems to be the case. If not, we as U.S. Citizens should expect them to make the case why a FISA would not have sufficed and explain how they plan to fix it. Until that is done, they just broke the rules for the hell of it.

CoIntelPro Redux. Despicable. Shame.

2005-12-17T19:30:00.000-05:00

So, we find ourselves once again facing the issues of CoIntelPro. If you aren't familiar with this, just know that the FBI was investigating MLK as a terrorist threat. (wiki)

Sadly, our government has been spying on many Americans (up to 500 at any given time), including those in the anti-war movements including Quakers. Sorry, but there is NO WAY that a Quaker House could have a 'clear link' to Al-Qaeda, as Bush claimed today. Somehow a partnership between a radical fundamentalist Islamic group and the Quakers just doesn't seem too likely...

I would like to, however, point out how ridiculous it is that the media and the Left blogosphere are pretending to be 'shocked' by this revelation. C'mon guys- we all knew this was happening, now we have proof. No need to feign surprise. Let's use this information for a bi-partisan independent investigation and bust these fuckers.

At some point in my past, I might have taken joy in this revelation. Today, however, I feel only two thing- outrage and shame.

Outrage that this has gone on for over 3 years and the NYT chose not to report it when they found out over a year ago.

Shame that I live in a country where this violation is being defended by any single political leader. This is illegal and it deserves a very severe punishment, with mandatory jail time. This is the kind of violation that allows us to embargo Cuba, condemn Iran, Egypt and Syria, and justify military intervention throughout South America. Despicable.

Posting will be light

2005-11-30T16:27:00.000-05:00

Added work-load and no Internet at home = Light Blogging

Sen. Specter: Football more important that trust in government

2005-11-30T16:00:00.000-05:00

AP:

Sen. Arlen Specter accused the National Football League and the Philadelphia Eagles of treating Terrell Owens unfairly and said he might refer the matter to the antitrust subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which he chairs.

Umm, Senator- Randy "Duke" Cunningham gave out over $200 million in contracts which are still being honored by our government. He was bribed with $2.2 million dollars.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Prime Minister was sacked for diverting $1.1 million of public funds for campaign funds. The 'Duke-Stir' got twice as much, and he's getting off lightly.

Sheehan's Poor Choice of Words, DKos deletes

2005-11-26T20:06:00.000-05:00

To begin, I have never been a huge fan of Cindy Sheehan. While I am sympathetic to her loss, I don't believe she is the best representative for the anti-Iraq-War Movement.

In her Thanksgiving blog post (now edited), she used the phrase 'Trail of Tears' to describe her feelings on this Thanksgiving.

Daily Kos's starkravinglunaticradical had a post titled 'How Dare you, Cindy Sheehan?'. This poster, a Native American, took issue with her usage of this phrase and said:

I'm sorry, but I read that "trail of tears" and I said to myself: How dare you? How dare you presume to put the loss of one son--even if it is the only one--one child, one life--on a par with the losses sustained not only by the Cherokee people, but by every nation of American Indians in this country--some of whom have been wiped out entirely.

The post's comments got so out of hand that accusations of the author being a 'freeper plant' and accusing the author 'driving Ms. Sheehan from the site permanently' were everywhere.

It got to the point that Cindy, herself, joined in:

i would not ever cause anyone pain!!!
it was not my intention
i wish none of us were on a trail of tears!!!
please, don't cry, it makes me cry!!
love and peace
cindy

i am also sorry for accusing you of overreacting...i have not been in your shoes.
but, please understand the immense grief that my family is going through.
we all share in the collective grief.
love and peace
cindy

and have a great 2 days off of work.
i am heading back to the ranch to confront george again.

have i ever said that i am the only one in pain in this world?
i didn't go off on anyone but bush and the other war criminals
nor will i ever...
i made an innocent mistake
now the lead diary is
How dare you, Cindy Sheehan?
I won't make that mistake again.
Peace

my family has set off on a trail of tears.
i know the (but can't understand) pain that my government has caused your people. it has caused me and mine enough, too.

i often cite how our country started in violence, almost exterminating the indigenous people.

i can't believe that you are the only one that has been harmed by this government or can be on a trail of tears.

i majored in american history and am ashamed of my country for doing what it did to our native americans.

i am sorry for your pain, my pain, my family's pain, and the pain of our nation.

our country has to stop killing people, no matter what color they are.

i didn't mean to offend you, or anyone.
you over-reacted.
peace

i also apologized for saying you were over reacting
did you see that?
I AM SORRY!!!!!
support me, or don't...it is about ending the war.
again
i have been chastised
how dare me?? i will never use that terminology again.
I AM SORRY!!!
peace to you
believe me, i will be in mourning today for all of our losses.

thanks
i didn't have any idea, or i wouldn't have used the phrase
believe me!

but i do apologize for offending nice people
it wasn't my intention
i am crucified by the left, by the right, by the center...
(oops, i said crucified!!)
i guess i can't win, but i just keep on plugging away anyway

bring the troops home, now!!!

Then, Atrios obscurely referenced a page about this story, without much explanation.

The problem, though arises here: Daily Kos deleted the post. According to the author, it was not her who removed it. Strangely, Cindy titled a post 'Diary Removed' about it.

Cindy Sheehan made an inappropriate remark. Starkravinglunaticradical called her out on her insensitivity. Then a shitstorm of commentators acted like idiots. Then a DKos administrator deleted it- and that's unacceptable.

Blogs are meant to start discussions, and sometimes, they aren't the most popular of topics. If the DKos community can't handle some criticism of Ms. Sheehan's remarks, that is their own problem- but removing a post without permission? Inexcusable. We, as liberals are supposed to remain open to ideas and look at ways to increase our understanding of others. It isn't too common for the blogosphere to discuss Native-American culture and this should have been taken as an opportunity to learn. It wasn't. It was a big rally-round-the-Sheehan and bash anyone that criticized her. The problem with a poster-child, is they can screw up. If you want all the good that goes along with the individual that embodies your movement, sometimes you have to take the bad.

A saved version of the post with commentary is available here.

Bush Back on the Bottle with Fermented Mare Milk

2005-11-21T23:16:00.000-05:00

AP is reporting that Bush is back on the bottle.

As a Alcoholics Anonymous Bangladore site says:

"They may even "go on the wagon" for a period of time. But one sip of alcohol and the chain reaction starts all over again."

Here's another testimonial from step12.com:

"...right before I gave her the can, I took a sip. I didn't get falling-down drunk from that one sip. But very soon after that sip, I ended up drinking for about two weeks without being cognizant that I was drinking."

And now we have Bush in a Mongolian Ger drinking Fermented Milk from a Mare.

Bush entered the first of the wood-and-felt homes, made warm by one of the wood-burning stoves that are a staple of Mongolian living.

He drank fermented mare's milk - sometimes likened to a mix of warm beer and buttermilk - sipped tea and nibbled cheese curd, a White House official said. Reporters were kept outside and could not watch.
(emphasis mine.)

Reporters couldn't watch? Ashamed, W? You should be. You had 'a charge to keep' to Billy Graham and you failed. Back to step one for you: admit you have a problem.

Iranian Sucide Bombing Cartoon: Of Archetypes and Self-Reflection

2005-11-21T21:01:00.000-05:00

O'rielly's show with John Kasich as substitute covered a 'terrifying' new Iranian cartoon promoting suicide bombing.

The host and guest claimed the show is intended to instill a pro-suicide bombing value in the kids. The only guest was an 'expert' (his field was not specified) who accused the author(s) of choosing the death of the family of the main character as impetus for bombing, 'manipulative'.

Well, buddy: there is something called an 'archetype' and this is one of the most obvious: the child-turned-avenger. It can be seen in Star Wars, the Greek Tragedy Heracles, Dante's Inferno or Lucy Liu's character in Kill Bill. It's a 'literary tool'.

The only valid point made was that the soldiers were Israeli and the child-turned-avenger killed soldiers. Of course, in Israel and Palestine it is rare that soldiers are targeted in suicide bombings. Too bad for that Iraq thing, though, or you might have a valid point. (See previous post on Female bomber in Jordan)

And as for trying to vilify using child-oriented cartoons as recruitment for a war-campaign, Captain America and Superman primarily fought whichever group we were at war with at the time.

ironically, 'G.I. Joe Sigma Six' premiered on Fox September 10, 2005. It airs at 11:00 AM Saturday mornings, a time generally reserved for children's programming.

How are these two images different?

Bill Kristol at the Miami Book Fair

2005-11-19T14:39:00.000-05:00

Here's some live blogging on the Weekly Standard's war-mongers Bill Kristol and Stephen Hadley at the Miami Book Fair on C-Span.

Not too interesting, but a few choice quotes.

Some highlights from the speeches:
Mr Kristol: We love ourselves. We are a great paper.
Mr. Hadley: Saddam was bad. He killed people. Our war is good. Still believes Saddam had WMDs.

Q&A:
The lights just went out and Mr. Kristol said 'Neo-cons work better in the dark'

Mr. Kristol: "I don't believe we'll see a dramatic shift to the right in the next three years"

Mr. Kristol: "I don't think gay people are a threat to American families." Does not believe gay marriage should be on the same level of heterosexula marriages. 'It seems to be a mistake to impose gay marriage through the courts.' (Basically saying it should be up to the voters.)

Mr. Kristol: "Bush is defining the party in some good ways and some bad." 'Condi is the only possible candidate from the Bush Administration.'

"Are we better off now because of the Bush Administration?"
Mr. Kristol: "I think we are."
(crowd groans loudly)
Mr. Kristol claims that Miami-Dade County is a 'Democratic Stronghold' - too bad it went red in 2004.
Mr. Kristol: "We worried what we would do with the budget surplus- the Bush Administration took care of that."

Republicans call for 'Cut and Run' Strategy, Back Down

2005-11-18T23:54:00.000-05:00

After Harry Reid's shutting down of the senate to debate pre-war intelligence, I said that another more important issue needed to be debated- the (mis)handling of the war.

Well, tonight I got my wish. Unfortunately, it was a bigger 'stunt' than Reid's move and it was perpetrated by the Republicans. After a Democratic Congressman's call for immediate withdrawal, Republican leadership suspended the rules and convinced Rep. Hunter (R-California) to pose a non-binding resolution 'Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the deployment of United States forces in Iraq be terminated immediately'

Of course, this was insincere resolution but, worse, it is also absurd. Rarely does a resolution go straight to a floor vote. They are normally assigned to committees and debated. However, these clowns decided to 'call the bluff' and force a roll call vote on the resolution to show the unpopularity of immediate troop removal. It was a political stunt, pure and simple. But the sad part is that is was missing any true meaning.

What does this say about the war? Nothing. What does this say about the Democrats? Nothing. What does this say about the Republicans? A lot.

During judicial confirmations, the threats of the Democrat's filibuster and the Republican's power-grab dubbed 'the nuclear option' both sides were accused of abuses of power. Tonight's charade was not only an abuse of power, but a waste of time and money. We watched the House Republicans spend the final hours before Thanksgiving break regurgitating talking points and making false claims about Iraq, the Democrats, and the political process.

Republicans claimed that this debate, called for by the Republicans, was undermining the troops. Republicans repeatedly claimed that the bill was a Democrat resolution only admitting their lies after substantial opposition. A Republican congresswoman, on the floor of the Congress, called a Democrat Congressman a 'coward.' This spectacle was a disgrace to the Congress, the soldiers and the citizens of the United States.

The resolution and its vote were inconsequential. Anyone who claims that we should withdraw troops immediately is, albeit passionate, not thinking clearly. We have not trained the Iraqi forces to protect the citizens. We have not trained the Iraqi leadership how to hold a truly democratic process. Without these basic necessities, there would be a 'power-vacuum' which often leads to the rise of dictators or murderers. For example, the Taliban or Bin Laden rose to power after Afghanistan was left with no infrastructure after Russia's exit in 1992.

Fearing high death rates, they never wanted to commit as many troops as needed. Fearing a high price-tag, they never wanted to commit sufficient funds for armor, weapons, or reconstruction. Fearing exposure of their failures, they never wanted independent oversight of the process. And for these reasons, Iraq has been a failure.

The war has accomplished few things- namely, removing Saddam, creating permanent U.S. military bases in the Middle East, destabilizing Iran and other neighboring countries and, most importantly, offered solace and a rallying point to a nation embarrassed and angered by the government failures causing 9/11. The only problem, is that it wasn't meant to take this long.

Polls for Bush and his handling of the war are so low that the media has no choice but to give the people what they want- accountability. This is the one thing Republicans don't want. This is evident by Bush's continued assertion that Democrats also voted for the war (when actually voting for the President to go to the U.N. Security Council to authorize the war) and that they based their decision on the same intelligence. (debunked here)

Though tonight's debate offered little new insight into how the Iraq War has been a failure or success, one thing is clear. Today's Republicans are the party of no morals. Today's Republicans are willing to sink to the lowest of the low, offering a faux-resolution in order to try to embarrass the Democrats and fail. There was only one group embarrassed by tonight's pageant of arrogance- the American People.

Futher Iraq Torture Info

2005-11-17T23:05:00.000-05:00

Thanks to commenter, elendil, I found this list of news articles detailing Iraqi torture against Iraqis via Rummys Diaries

I've bookmarked it for the next time the Bush Administration claims that we have created Iraq as a beacon of freedom and ended torture.

Techincally, though, is it illegal?

Without a human rights provision in the Iraqi Constitution, I'm not too sure. Of course, if they continue to take after their older brother, legality isn't too important- you can always play some calvinball with morality...

Informative list of Iraqi torture news articles.

CNN Woodward Article Full of Crap

2005-11-17T22:20:00.000-05:00

This CNN article on the Woodward story is, basically, full of crap.

First, it compares Woodward's leak source to 'Deep Throat' which is simply a baseless comparison. It claims that Mr. Woodward 'has a solid track record of keeping his sources confidential' but chooses to ignore a large distinction. 'Deep Throat' leaked non-classified information about an illegal act. This leaker committed an illegal act through their leak.

It continues:

Legal experts have speculated that Woodward's source in the Plame affair came from within the White House, State Department or CIA, but White House officials have ruled out President Bush; his Chief of Staff Andrew Card; Bush's counselor, Dan Bartlett; and National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley.

Well, shit- the White House also denied that Rove leaked a name and we know that was a lie. Here's a tip for CNN: Sometimes, the White House doesn't tell the truth.

Here's another great piece of bad journalism:

Woodward, too, has said it wasn't Card. It wasn't Libby, either, he said. (Full story)

Oh yeah? The 'Full Story' link goes to another CNN article, but, too bad that link doesn't even contain the word 'Card'. I may have missed it, but I have not seen any reports of Woodward saying it wasn't Card. He has, in a written report, said that he does not remember to speaking to Card about Plame in a specific conversation and that is not the same thing.

How about a jab at Fitzgerald?

....said Fitzgerald, who already has orchestrated the indictment of Lewis "Scooter" Libby...

'Orchestrated'? That sounds like 'Fabricated' or 'Concocted'. That sentence should read, "...said Fitzgerald, who already has incited Lewis "Scooter" Libby..." or maybe "...has filed an indictment..."

There is absolutely no need for the word 'orchestrated' other than to cast doubt on the authenticity or legailty of the indicetment.

What happened to Woodward?

2005-11-16T01:03:00.000-05:00

I remember a time when Woodward was a respected name...

Now, his ties to the Bush White House are leading him to act like a partisan hack.

Woodward has been on Larry King defending Judy and Libby while attacking Patrick Fitzgerald and Joe Wilson. (key words highlighted in link)

On the show was this startlingly asinine remark:

WOODWARD: And it doesn't leak and I think it's quite possible that though probably unlikely that he will say, you know, there was no malice or criminal intent at the start of this. Some people kind of had convenient memories before the grand jury. Technically they might be able to be charged with perjury.

But I don't see an underlying crime here and the absence of the underlying crime may cause somebody who is a really thoughtful prosecutor to say, you know, maybe this is not one to go to the court with.

Just when you thought he couldn't get anymore ridiculous:

WOODWARD: I agree but there is some factual problems here. When Wilson went to Niger before all this blew up, in fact before there was a war, he came back and reported and Michael and others who have read the Senate Intelligence Committee on this know his report was very ambiguous.

In fact, most of the analysts at the CIA said that Wilson's findings when he went to Niger supported the conclusion that there was some deal with Iraq. Now that's, I mean the Democrats -- the Democrats and the Republicans all signed that report. That is a fact. And, you know, there are other facts and speculation.

DODD: That report didn't go into all of that. The report was about other issues. I mean...

WOODWARD: No, but it did. I've got it in my pocket. I'll read it if you want.

DODD: (INAUDIBLE) the mood here was to sell this and we now know because it was false. The information was false and to suggest that there weren't weapons of mass destruction on the nuclear program there was going to be a major blow to that argument. It's a very important issue.

KING: You walk around with this in your pocket?

WOODWARD: Yes, yes, I do because I knew I might be challenged.

ISIKOFF: Actually, we don't know exactly what Joe Wilson said when he came back because he didn't actually write a written report. You know it was an oral debriefing so you have CIA analysts who might have interpreted it in different ways.
(emphasis mine)

But then...

WOODWARD: No, no. And this is not even a firecracker, but it's true. They did a damage assessment within the CIA, looking at what this did that Joe Wilson's wife was outed. And turned out it was quite minimal damage. They did not have to pull anyone out undercover abroad. They didn't have to resettle anyone. There was no physical danger to anyone and there was just some embarrassment.

Too bad. The following day, Washington Post ran this story:
"CIA Yet to Assess Harm From Plame's Exposure"

I had initially thought, 'Ehh, he's a little old. Deep Throat is out. He's losing his edge.' But, I was wrong.

So, we've got Woodward wandering around trying to use his name to discredit a story that it turns out he was involved in.

Yes, the WaPo, Woodward's own paper is running this headline:
"Woodward Was Told of Plame More Than Two Years Ago"

Ouch.

Chew on these nuggets:

Editor Bob Woodward testified under oath Monday in the CIA leak case that a senior administration official told him about CIA operative Valerie Plame and her position at the agency nearly a month before her identity was disclosed. [...]

Citing a confidentiality agreement in which the source freed Woodward to testify but would not allow him to discuss their conversations publicly [...]

Woodward did not share the information with Washington Post Executive Editor Leonard Downie Jr. until last month...

Yeah- that's what Judy Miller got fired for. A duty of the reporter is to alert the editor to possible problems and fill them in before you get subpoenaed.

Waiting until its in the courts is already too late- you have violated the trust of those who entrust you to report the news fairly and legally. Without that, you are just writing stories. If you fulfill your end of the bargain, they'll be there to help you when you need it.

It's time for the WaPo to burn Woodward. He burned them.

-------------------
I have a chance to meet Bernstein shortly. Any questions you want me to ask? It will have to be cordial and I'll probably only get one, so pick it well.

They grow up so fast...

2005-11-15T20:38:00.000-05:00

I feel like it was just yesterday when we destroyed the infrastructure, dissolved the police and army, and began anew with our rebellious kid sister, Iraq.

It took us over 200 years to get to this low point, and they learned how in under 3 years. They grow up so fast...

What a great day, when Iraq is truly like us- holding un-charged prisoners and denying them basic necessities in secret prisons.

Maybe I've been too hasty to give praise- the Iraqi leaders chose to back down rather than stand their ground and defend their immoral actions.

Talk about a political blunder! Rather than call for an investigation to find out who leaked the information and exposed the illegal "black site" torture chambers, these wusses chose to actually invstigate the problem rather than the leak:

"I was informed that there were 173 detainees held at an Interior Ministry prison and they appear to be malnourished. There is also some talk that they were subjected to some kind of torture," al-Jaafari told reporters.

Al-Jaafari said said an investigation had been launched. [...]

Al-Jaafari said the detainees were moved into a better location and "medical care will be given to them".

Oh, and I doubt that the VP of Iraq has still remained steadfast in support of torture, too.

Well, I guess they still have a lot to learn from us.

Vat19.com ...I don't get it...

2005-11-15T00:20:00.000-05:00

For those of you who watch the Daily Show and the Colbert Report and don't have Tivo, you may have noticed these ads for 'ambient fireplaces' from vat19.com. Well, I checked out their web-site, and I can't seem to find the joke...

I thought it was a faux ad for whatever Sony TV they show in the ad, but there are many different TV's on the site.

This post is less informative than a 'WTF'?

In the same vein, apparently knockedupandguntoting.org was purchased by a Ryan Davis of Maine within 2 minutes of the show's end. (For those who missed the show, Colbert mentioned it in closing.)

Apparently, there are already a SPlog about it and the site is registered to a studio in Missouri.

If you work for the company, notice I'm the first to post on it... maybe you can pay me. At minimum, fill me in on the joke.

Female Bomber Avenging Deaths Caused by Iraq War

2005-11-14T19:08:00.000-05:00

Times UK reports that the female bomber in Jordan was "apparently seeking to avenge three close relatives who were killed by American forces in Iraq over the past year."

Jordanian officials report that her two brothers and brother-in-law were killed in Iraq for their roles in supporting Al-Zarqawi. (Of course, this in no way justifies killing or attempted killing.)

An anonymous source says "Her education is limited. She knows little about the holy Koran and the various fatwas [Islamic edicts]."

So, this woman is not an Islamic fundamentalist but wants to avenge the deaths of her family members.

Can anyone explain exactly how this war in Iraq is helping to stop terrorism?

McClellan: "Polls are snapshots in time."

2005-11-14T17:35:00.000-05:00

CNN:

Beset with an unpopular war and an American public increasingly less trusting, President Bush faces the lowest approval rating of his presidency...

Bush's 37 percent overall approval rating was two percentage points below his ranking in an October survey.

Only 9 percent said their first choice in next year's elections would be a Republican who supports Bush on almost every major issue.

How does the White House respond?

Mr. Obvious, Scott McClellen:

"Polls are snapshots in time."

Yes, Scotty.
And that snapshot looks like this:

When only 1/3 of the people you serve think you're doing a good job, it's time to quit.

"Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price"

2005-11-13T23:44:00.000-05:00

I attended an intimate preview of "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price" tonight at a local Catholic Church.

There were about 30 people there, of all ages, ethnicities and religions- but all had one thing in common. They were tired of the Wal-Mart Way. They were fed up with Wal-Mart's constant sprawl, leaving their under-paid and uninsured employees to fend for themselves- often only scraping by with the help of government-funded programs like Medicaid and WIC.

The movie is directed by documentarian Robert Greenwald of "Outfoxed" and "Unprecedented: The 2000 Elections" fame.

The Wal-Mart movie does not live up to the same level of clean, concise film-making as his previous endeavors, but it is great nonetheless. Of course, one could argue that there is so much wrong with Wal-Mart that the director does a great job keeping it coherent. There is a lot on his plate: destruction of small businesses, manipulation of local governments, the over-burdening of government healthcare systems, environmental degradation, racial and gender discrimination, anti-unionization, worker's rights in and out of the U.S., disregard for the safety of their own shoppers, the Walton Family's disregard for their employees and onto the victories against Wal-Mart in towns throughout the country.

Each of these issues is told in personal stories, often invoking a sense of patriotism. Wal-Mart's path of destruction harms Red and Blue-Stater's alike, often leaving the pinnacle of the American Dream's rugged individualist businessman hoping for, at best, to 'get out without any debt' as John Hunter of H & H Hardware says wistfully.

Of the entire movie, the stories of Missouri's Esry's Grocery and Ohio's H&H Hardware had the strongest impact. Both were family-owned businesses who had been operating for a collective 60+ years with the hopes of passing down ownership through the generations.

With over $2.1 million in government subsidies available only to Wal-Mart, Mr. Esry was unable to compete with their low-cost operation. After 43 years of business, Mr. Hunter of H&H Hardware liquidated his stock but was unable to get a fair amount for his property. The local bankers knew that the arrival of that sinister yellow smiley-face meant lots of empty buildings, so property was instantaneously de-valued.

"The High Cost of Low Price" has plenty of statistics to back up each of their claims but is still able to maintain a great snapshot of Americana juxtaposed against the terrible destruction of lives and livelihoods caused by Wal-Mart's reckless ways. State-by-state comparisons of Wal-Mart employees on government healthcare programs and Wal-Mart tax breaks compared to per-student-spending shines a bright light on where priorities fall- and where they can be fixed.

Though some may pan this movie outright as being 'just another Michael Moore movie' or 'anti-capitalist' this movie provides an in-depth look at each of the ways Wal-Mart continues to exploit their power over their employees and local and state governments for monetary profit with reckless abandonment for anything moral and ethical.

The movie does more than simply 'preach to the choir'- it helps bolster your reasons why you have been repulsed by those huge parking lots, and windowless shells of buildings full of cheap crap. You may already dislike Wal-Mart, but these one and a half hours will solidify your reasons and offer insight into many other reasons to continue this fight- and it is a fight worth fighting.

-------------------
There are plenty of showings throughout the country where you can also meet some like-minded neighbors. Go here to find a screening near you.

This review and endorsement was not paid for. This is an independent and unrequested review. (But I will take gladly take money for future endorsements or ads!)

KS Governor: Intelligent Design a "step in the wrong direction”

2005-11-13T17:55:00.000-05:00

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius said that the new Science guidelines in Kansas are a "step in the wrong direction."

She added that she is worried Kansas will be overlooked by high-tech and scientific research firms because the state could be perceived as moving "away from well-known, proven facts in science class."

She added that is 'baffled' that this topic is up for debate and included a personal view, as a Catholic. "I was taught that God created the universe. I was also taught science in science class."

She also asked all Kansas citizens to watch all the 2006 state elections closely.

4 of the 6 pro-Intelligent Design boarmembersrs are up for re-election and there are plenty of people working to unseat them.

If you live in Kansas, let's try to re-create Dover!

Kansas City Fox 4 Criticizes Pres. Carter, Adds Opinion

2005-11-12T02:03:00.000-05:00

Drudge linked to a Kansas City Fox Affiliate WDAF's story about a Jimmy Carter book signing titled "Jimmy Carter: Bush not in line with American Values"

In the article:

President Jimmy Carter says President Bush's policies conflict with American values. [...]

Reviews call the book biting political commentary, despite the fact that there's an unwritten rule in American politics that former presidents do not criticize current ones.[...]

Carter's own presidency was controversial, but since then his humanitarian efforts in the world earned him a Nobel Peace Prize.

Really? There is a rule? And how exactly was Carter's presidency 'controversial'?

Could you please provide sources for this information?

Of course, this isn't high journalism. Of the 16 sentences in the article, 9 begin with this:

President Jimmy Carter... Carter says... Carter said... He says... Carter also says... Carter, who is a born again Christian, says... Carter says... Carter hopes...

As for past president's criticizing current ones, I recommend you see Media Matters documentation of the repeated criticisms of Clinton from Bush 41.

Some highlights:
Regarding Somalia: "If you're going to put somebody else's son or daughter into harm's way, into battle, you've got to know the answer to three questions," Bush told the students. He said the president has to know what the mission is, "how they are going to do it," and "how they're going to get out of there."

"Where I find most fault in the Clinton foreign policy, the area where I find room for criticism, is this pattern of start-and-stop, start-and-stop."

Feel free to let her know about her errors. I have. Give her a call at 816-753-4567 or email her at tkoppelman@wdaftv4.com

Cliff Kincaid: being gay and writing about gay issues is a 'conflict of interest'

2005-11-11T17:00:00.000-05:00

Cliff Kincaid, author of this piece at Accuracy In Media:

In a blatant violation of journalistic ethics, Time magazine assigned a homosexual reporter, John Cloud, to write the recent Time cover story on homosexual teenagers but did not disclose his conflict of interest to its readers. The story, The Battle Over Gay Teens, was the cover story in the October 10 issue.

He goes on to explain that Mr. Cloud has received awards from pro-gay groups, as though that is vital to journalistic integrity.

Via Atrios, Oliver Willis:

So I guess now in addition to bylines, reporters are going to be required to disclose their heterosexuality or homosexuality, depending on the subject of their stories.

Mr. Kincaid- is it a violation of journalistic ethics that you did not specify that you are (presumably) 1) Not Gay and/or 2) Anti-gay?

Hey- maybe he IS gay! He seems to have his head stuck pretty far up his own ass.

I think he might be onto something- from now on, each byline should include these general tid-bits:
Race?
Date of Birth?
Gender?
Sexual Preference?
Single/Married/Divorced?
Party Affiliation?
Awards Received?
Degrees Received?
Rent/Own your own home?
Children attend Public or Private Schools?
Vegetarian or Carnivore?
What's on your ipod right now?
Mac or PC?
Windows or Linux?
What search engine did you use to find information for this article?
Who is your web-hosting service?
Who is your ISP provider?

The big question would be, should this be included in the printable version of the article...

Bush's "Strategy for Victory": Attack Dems Instead of Honor Vets

2005-11-11T13:36:00.000-05:00

Why would Bush use Veteran's Day to promote war and catapult his propaganda? Because it works. Today, Fox News spent the 12:50-1 pm segment playing a cheesy music video from country singer John Conlee claiming that the women and children of our soldiers 'Also Serve.'

While some people were feeling pride, sorrow, pity or whatever other emotion, Fox used to crawl for over 12 entries that began with "Pres Bush says..." Their intent was obvious- Bush and grieving families and soldiers are all so intertwined that criticism of Bush equals criticism of our troops and the poor, poor mommies and babies.

Right before this video, was Bush's 1,430,209th speech on Iraq.

He could have used it to bolster the troops. He could have used to lay out a plan for victory (That's what his backdrop said!). He could have used it to explain what he intends to do about lagging support for the war effort. He could have used it to promote peace and understanding in Iraq and around the world.

Instead, he stood in front of signs that read "Strategy for Victory" and attacked Democrats:

The stakes in the global war on terror are too high and the national interest is too important for politicians to throw out false charges [...]

Some Democrats and anti-war critics are now claiming we manipulated the intelligence and mislead the American people about why we went to war.

More than 100 Democrats in the House and the Senate who had access to the same intelligence voted to support removing Saddam Hussein from power.

And then, decided to claim that his critics voted for John Kerry.

Bush then attempted to tether himself to the troops. Question Bush=Question Troops. Criticize Bush=Criticize Troops.

As our troops fight a ruthless enemy determined to destroy our way of life, they deserve to know that their elected leaders who voted to send them to war continue to stand behind them. Our troops deserve to know that this support will remain firm when the going gets tough.

Meanwhile, Dick Cheney did what a good politician does: Honor the Troops.

The president's appearance came as Vice President Dick Cheney spoke at Arlington National Cemetery, where the president traditionally goes on Veterans Day.

Cheney laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and told a crowd of 6,000 at the cemetery's Memorial Amphitheatre that U.S. forces have toppled two dictatorships and liberated 50 million people.

"Difficult missions are still to come and we cannot know every turn that lies ahead," he said. "Yet we can be certain that by the resolve of our country, by the rightness of our cause...we will prevail."

Could 200 people have been involved?

2005-11-11T11:57:00.000-05:00

While I'm all for being sympathetic to the people of Jordan after this terrible act was perpetrated against them, I really don't understand how they can stand behind their government detaining over 200 people.

Fox News: "Why the Fuss About Torturing People..."

2005-11-09T13:31:00.000-05:00

Think Progress:

Creationism Defeated in Dover! Fundies lose 8 out of 8 seats!

2005-11-09T10:18:00.000-05:00

Parents and citizens stood up and said they were tired of being the laughed at.
All eight of the incumbent Republicans on the Dover, PA School Board are now out of work. All eight were replaced with pro-evolution Democrats. Ouch.

The school board was sued by 11 Parents for their attempts to undermine evolution in the schools by bringing in a school administrator to read this in biology class right before beginning the scientific study of evolution:

The Pennsylvania Academic Standards require students to learn about Darwin's Theory of Evolution and eventually to take a standardized test of which evolution is a part.

Because Darwin's Theory is a theory, it continues to be tested as new evidence is discovered. The Theory is not a fact. Gaps in the Theory exist for which there is no evidence. A theory is defined as a well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations.

Intelligent Design is an explanation of the origin of life that differs from Darwin's view. The reference book, "Of Pandas and People", is available for students who might be interested in gaining an understanding of what Intelligent design actually involves.

***Note that "Darwin's theory is a theory....theory is not a fact...theory...theory... Intelligent Design is an explanation."

***Oh, and by the way, following a 1987 court ruling, "Of Pandas and People" was revised to replace the words 'Creationism' with 'Intelligent Design' - so if anyone says they aren't the same thing, they a liar.

Oh, the bitter taste of defeat! NYTimes:

One incumbent, James Cashman, said he would contest the vote because a voting machine in one precinct recorded no votes for him, while others recorded hundreds.

But, if God... ahem, sorry, 'The Higher Power' had made humans, how could they have erred and created a faulty machine?

Thank God... ahem, sorry 'The Higher Power' for giving me a big 'ol middle finger for these ass clowns.

Good luck finding jobs!

Hat tip: Deep Thought

Rep. Brown staffer lifts words from blogger, reporter writes about it

2005-11-08T15:25:00.000-05:00

So, to pick up on the meme that Drudge and Atrios have covered, Rep. Brown wrote an open letter to Sen. DeWine regarding Judge Alito's anti-worker sentiments.

The language of the letter was, however, mostly from blog NathanNewman.org. So, Stephen Koff of Cleveland's Plain Dealer wrote an article claiming plagiarism.

Nathan Newman's response to in his words, 'Becoming Part of Sherrod Brown Campaign Story' takes issue with the reporter's failure to ask him about it:

...they created a bullshit meta-story that was of such supposed breaking news value that they couldn't wait for me to get back from my mini-honeymoon to get my reaction.

So, I decided to do the extra work and call Mr. Stephen Koff.

He answered the call himself and spoke pleasantly with me for a few minutes. Asking why he chose to write the story on an elected official using a blogger's words rather than taking issue with Alito's poor record, he said, paraphrasing, 'if he has an anti-worker record, that needs to be explored, too. But we're in November, and the hearings are in January and we have plenty of time for that. ...and I hope it is examined.'

Then, for the best part: He claims he would have covered the story if any elected official lifted someone else's words. To, again, paraphrase Mr. Koff: 'If the elected official is lifting a bloggers words, then let's get the blogger on the ballot.'

The question, here is, are you in, Nathan?

Welch's: "Welch’s Grape Juice does not provide protection against the avian flu"

2005-11-08T10:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's The Boondocks:

Today, on Welch's website:

Yes- front and center, Welch's admits: "Welch’s Grape Juice does not provide protection against the avian flu."

Click through to find this text:

Welch’s Grape Juice does not provide protection against the avian flu.

While we are aware of recent research on resveratrol and the inhibition of influenza viruses, no research has studied the effects of drinking Welch’s 100% Grape Juice made from Concord grapes on the avian flu. Because of this limited information, we cannot recommend the use of our product in this area. We do know, however, that Welch’s 100% Grape Juice is abundant in a number of natural antioxidant compounds, of which resveratrol is just one, that may contribute to good health in many ways. Decisions on how to manage conditions like the avian flu should be made in consultation with a physician.

Hat tip: Wonkette

Torture Talk

2005-11-08T09:37:00.000-05:00

With the Media finally giving the torture issue some air-time, I want to pose a questions:

Bush & friends love to be able to talk and not do anything- wouldn't this be the prefect chance?

Rather than simply say "We don't torture," why not declare "We oppose torture"?

That doesn't mean he actually has to DO anything. Hell, they can even support McCain's anti-torture amendment (previous post here) and not DO anything.

This is exactly the political situation that Bush & Friends love- all lip-service and rhetoric without action. All they have to do is say 'I oppose torture' rather than 'We don't torture.'

If 'we do not torture' why are they opposed to declaring they don't?

It sounds like a hard-headed policy to claim that 'we don't' and end it there. Until the Bush White House says they oppose torture, I and a majority of Americans will not be satisfied.

Oh, and 5 hours after Bush's declaration:

Five U.S. Army Rangers in Iraq alleged to have punched and kicked Iraqi detainees and hit them with a broomstick have been charged with assault, the military said on Monday.

Pelosi moves to condemn Iraq- Cons Grumble, Yell

2005-11-03T21:26:00.000-05:00

AP:

Democrats tried unsuccessfully Thursday to force the House to take up a measure condemning Republicans for "their refusal to conduct oversight" of the Bush administration's Iraq war policy and to order investigations into it.[...]

A smattering of Republicans on the House floor yelled objections in response. None took the floor to address her charges, and Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., who was presiding over the chamber at the time, ruled her effort out of order on procedural grounds.

Iraq? Wha!? Grrr. No! MMMMMummmmurrrrr.... Arrrrgh.

*Sound of jowls flapping incredulously*

John Timoney's son arrested for trying to buy 400 lbs of Pot

2005-11-02T17:59:00.000-05:00

John Timoney, Miami Police Chief and top cop to stifle protests was arrested for trying to purchase 400 pounds of Pot from an undercover officer.

For those unfamiliar with Timoney, he gained notoriety for his toughness at NYPD, and went on to lead the Philly police force into battle against those legally protesting the 2000 Republican National Convention. (More info on Timoney)

Fearing mass protests against the November, 2003 Free Trade Americas Agreement (FTAA) meeting, Miami hired him. His counter-protest measures have gained him international recognition and is called the architect of 'The Miami Model' (Great documentary here.)

So, after all he's done to destroy the civil liberties of law-abiding citizens who oppose the oppressive ideas of Free-Trade, Globalization, and the political party who make it possible, here's some payback:

Twenty-five-year-old Sean Timoney was arraigned in U.S. District Court in Albany Wednesday afternoon. He's accused of trying to buy 400 pounds of marijuana.

Federal agents say they busted Timoney and an associate -- Jae Seu -- in a sting operation set up at a hotel in Rockland County.

Officials say the two men brought a duffle bag filled with $450,000 in cash as partial payment for the drugs.

Libby to plead innocent, who is Hon. Reggie Walton?

2005-10-31T15:09:00.000-05:00

Reuters is reporting that Libby will plead innocent.

This is very good- it means more info and, possibly, other officials having to testify. It may mean other officials having to talk about other officials and that could (hopefully) get messy.

A public trial could expose the role played by Cheney's secretive office in the leak case, which has put a spotlight on how the administration sold the nation on the war in Iraq and aggressively countered its critics.

More importantly, it means that this story will have some legs and the new SCOTUS pick won't be able to bury this too far.

The judge is Reggie Walton and according to the Justice Policy Institute may be, literally, a killer.

...three court appearances as a kid for fighting in what he describes as the "tough little steel mill towns" dotting the Monongahela River. One of the fights the future-judge was involved in could have resulted in the victim's death, and served as a wake up call, setting him on a course for a stellar legal and political career.

He dismissed a case brought by an FBI agent because it involved too much classified data.

He gave the feds 6 extra months to prepare for trial in Steven Hatfill's defamation lawsuit over its investigation of him in the 2001 anthrax attacks. CNN says it was "with reluctance."

According to Daily Kos, of the Department of Justice leaks defaming Hatfill, Hon. Walton said,

"They're undermining what this country is supposed to be about - that is, that we treat people fairly...If you don't have enough to indict this man, then it's wrong to drag his name through the mud."

"That's not a government I want to be a part of. It's wrong, and you all need to do something about it," he added.

Daily Kos also says he's the judge responsible for stopping USA Next from using a wedding photo of a gay couple to bash the AARP. The personal photo was used without permission and insinuated that the AARP was trying legalize gay marriage instead of saving Social Security.

In a strange twist, AmericaBlog is reporting that the lawyer who represented the gay couple in the photos is now representing Joe & Valerie Wilson in their civil suit against the Bush Administration.

AP: "Homeland Security Misses Many Deadlines"

2005-10-30T14:12:00.000-05:00

AP:

A plan to defend ships and ports from attack is six months overdue. Rules to protect air cargo from infiltration by terrorists are two months late. A study on the cost of giving anti-terrorism training to federal law enforcement officers who fly commercially was supposed to be done more than three years ago. [...]

A law signed by President Bush on Nov. 25, 2002, set a July 1, 2004, deadline for ships and ports to tighten security amid fears that terrorists might smuggle nuclear weapons in a cargo container.

The Coast Guard largely accomplished the undertaking. But much still remains undone: A report on how a grant program for shippers and ports would work is more than a year late; a report on cargo container security is eight months overdue; a national security plan for marine transportation is well past its April 1 due date. [...]

TSA missed a March 17 deadline for a plan to deploy bomb-detection machines at airports.

Good spin:

"The incompetence that we recently saw with FEMA's leadership appears to exist throughout the Homeland Security Department," said Mississippi Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee. "Our nation is still vulnerable."

But here's the kicker:

Those deadlines, sometimes for minor projects, distract the department from putting in place the most important security measures, experts say. The Transportation Security Administration, for example, scrambled to try to meet a Feb. 15 deadline to ban butane lighters from airplanes, a precaution that does little to protect airliners, they said.

"You have no ability to prioritize against something like that, and it's going to take up all your time," said Dan Prieto, homeland security expert with Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. "The urgent becomes the enemy of the important."

Mr. 'homeland security expert'- can I remind you of something? There is NO WAY that a plane will be hijacked by someone with a knife, box-cutter, or other weapon since 9/11. The only way a passenger aircraft will fall victim to a terrorist act will be through a bomb or explosion.

Of course, the federal government is paying out a lot of money in 'hazardous disposal fees' for the tons of lighters confiscated each day, but I'll take over dying in a terrorist act, how about you?

What a concept! A SCOTUS who is a judge!

2005-10-29T23:28:00.000-05:00

AP: "High Court Pick Likely to Come From Bench"

Bush still believes in putting someone on the court from outside the judiciary, said a senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity to avoid being seen as publicly discussing internal deliberations.

Yet having seen the difficulty of that approach, Bush now probably will turn to someone already on the bench or with constitutional experience, the official said Saturday.

If it quacks like a lame duck....

DeLay inadvertently gives $27,500 to Katrina Survivors

2005-10-28T20:48:00.000-05:00

AP:

Rep. Steven LaTourette, who represents northeast Ohio, gave $13,000 from his re-election campaign to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Relief Fund earlier this month. That equaled the contributions his election campaigns had received from DeLay's Americans for a Republican Majority PAC since the 1994 election cycle.

He is not the first to do so, either:

Rep. Kenny Hulshof of Missouri said earlier this month that he, too, sent a check for $14,500 - the amount he had received from DeLay's committee since 1996 - to the Katrina relief fund.

Talk about 'Compassionate Conservative'! Giving illegally obtained money to the needy is exactly how you do it!

Fox Claims Libby to be indicted tomorrow

2005-10-27T23:10:00.000-05:00

Fox says Libby to be indicted...

This is like getting the Skunk-Man when you really wanted Skeletor...

I'm out for blood.

Back from the Black-Hole of Wilma

2005-10-27T09:20:00.000-05:00

While I am trying avoid identifying myself, I can say that I was in the path of Wilma. Which, sadly, does not create too much specificity.

Yesterday, I walked to get a cup of coffee (Thanks, Atlanta Bread Company!). My mother, my girlfriend, and I walked- walked... what a concept. There was a half-mile line of people waiting to fill up their cars with gas. I just don't get it.

AmericaBlog is accusing Jeb! of calling these people stupid as though it's a bad thing.

They are stupid. My house was somewhat-prepared- we could easily make it. With some semi-frozen veggie-patties, peanut butter, bread, water and a grill- what else do you need?

Here are a few suggestions:
- Make a pot of pasta with some butter before the storm
- If you have a coffee-maker with an auto-stop when you remove the pot, Bring water to near-boil on the grill, pour into filter, let stand for 5 minutes, use fork or knife or trigger pour-release.
- Buy some water
- Buy some ice- put a bag in your fridge, two in your freezer. Open it as little as necessary.
- Buy some peanut butter, morningstar products, and some bread. Maybe some soda or beer.

You don't really need ice. It's not that hot- and a warm Coke won't kill you. I got power back at about 2:30 am. My neighborhood went almost 72 hours without power, and everyone was perfectly fine. We grilled together, we shared food, we chatted, we helped each other clean.

The hardest part was not knowing if the Fitzgerald nominations came through... Beyond that, you are just a whiner.

Miers Withdraws - No Plamegate Announce

2005-10-27T09:10:00.000-05:00

AP: Miers Withdraws Under Mounting Criticism

But

No Announcement Today in CIA Leak Probe

So, I was half-right...

RUN!!! TOM DELAY IS ON THE LAM!!!

2005-10-19T20:54:00.000-05:00

(Hat tip: AMERICAblog)

I feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Yes- that's right- an arrest warrant for Mr. Tom DeLay.

!!!! PONIES FOR EVERYONE !!!!

NOAA: Warmest September on Record For World and U.S.

2005-10-19T12:04:00.000-05:00

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports: "WARMEST SEPTEMBER GLOBALLY SINCE BEGINNING OF RELIABLE INSTRUMENTS"

...the average temperature for the United States for September (based on preliminary data) was 2.6 degrees F above the mean for 1895-2004. [...]

July-September average temperatures also were the fourth warmest on record, [...]

The U.S. wildfire season through September 30 is approximately double the 10-year average acreage burned. More than 8 million acres have burned so far in 2005, approaching the record annual acreage burned, which occurred in 2000. [...]

The average global temperature anomaly for combined land and ocean surfaces for September (based on preliminary data) was 1.13 degrees F above the 1880-2004 long-term mean. This was the warmest September since 1880, the beginning of reliable instrumental records.

Could Miers withdraw to cover-up Plamegate?

2005-10-18T19:49:00.000-05:00

Harriet Miers is not qualified- we all know that.

Why would the President of the United States appoint someone like that to such a position- especially without the support of his base?

Could she withdraw her nomination at the end of the week? Maybe Monday?

Conservatives want her to. The National Review's David Frum started a petition for it- and, at this time, it is almost to 5,000.

What if shit hits the fan with Fitzgerald and Plamegate tomorrow, as predicted? (Cheney Resigns, 22 indictments, etc.)

They'll need something to bury it- and a withdrawl of a SCOTUS nominee would be enough...

Do I believe this? No... but this Bush White House has done things far sneakier...

Will I be wrong? Probably. ...but if not...

New Department of Defense Campaign aimed at Parents, Teachers, Students

2005-10-18T17:00:00.000-05:00

The Department of Defense has a New ad campaign....

...aimed at encouraging parents, and other influencers of youth, to be prepared for what can be a tough conversation, a defense official said.

The ads, part of the Defense Department's Joint Advertising Market Research and Studies program, urge parents and educators to "make it a two-way conversation" when their children or students broach the subject of military service, Air Force Maj. RenÃ© Stockwell, the program's chief of joint advertising, said. Parents can do this by brushing up on the military with the information found on the "Today's Military" Web site at www.todaysmilitary.com.[...]

"The more informed parents and influencers are about the military, the better prepared (they'll be) to have that informed discussion and encourage their children or their young people in their career choices,"

It even includes a Live Chat Room with recruiters.

The site tells parents and teachers to 'Get the Facts' when talking children about enlisting.

It does exactly what Big Tobacco lawsuits claim- they ignore the possibly harmful effects associated with the product that is advertised (enlisting). They choose to ignore and gloss-over the possibly terrible results of their product. (This idea stems from this 2003 article in "Impact".)

In the TV ad, "The children explain why military service is a good career option and are met with silence. A narrator then encourages the parent to "make it a two-way conversation" by broadening their understanding of military service through the information found on the Today's Military Web site."

Here is a list of words, in order of how many times they appear on the site:

Afghanistan: 0
Amputation: 0
Amputee: 0
Body Bag: 0
Death: 0
Human Rights: 0
Hurt: 0
K.I.A.: 0
Kill: 0
Killed : 0
M.I.A.: 0
Shoot: 0
Transport Tube: 0
Veteran: 0
Violence: 0

Conflict: 1 "Even though we are having our conflict now in Iraq, there are still students who believe they want to join the Military to do something outside of staying where they are."
Iraq: 1 - (see quote above)
Shot: 1 - "...Basketball Jump Shot..."

Bomb: 2 - "...bomb disposal..."
Dead: 2 - "...autopsies (medical examinations of the dead)..."

Fight: 4 - 2 "...fires they fight..."; 1 "...size of the fight in the dog..."; 1 "...servicemen fight for the ball..."
Gun: 4

Wounded: 6

War: 8 - 2 for war games; 1 for World War II; 1 for Prisoners of War; 4 for war

College: 112

Jobs: 370

Career: 378

Drudge edits Hurricane Wilma photo to make it, umm, 'more scary'

2005-10-18T08:52:00.000-05:00

Back in June, Drudge took a photo of Bill Clinton with a woman at a rally and added a night-vision filter and added grain to the photo in order to make it look more scandalous... (read more info at FishbowlDC)

So, today he decided to make Hurricane Wilma more ominous...

by changing this NOAA satellite image to black and white.

Between all the bad press about DeLay, Rove, Frist, Iraq, Miers, etc., he seems to be running out of stories. So, hell- why not convert color tracking graphs into black and white....

A little comparison: Germany, Japan and U.S.

2005-10-17T18:09:00.000-05:00

In Germany:

...the federal government needs in 2006 to find at least 14.5 billion euros in extra revenues or spending cuts, out of a total budget of around 250 billion euros....

So, rather than increasing taxes for large corporations and cut funding for the needy, they do the intelligent thing.

German conservatives and Social Democrats (SPD)...have agreed that they will not pass any new tax cuts in the next parliament, SPD leader Franz Muentefering said on Monday.

"There won't be any tax cuts. There's no room for that," he told reporters after a meeting with the conservatives led by Chancellor-designate Angela Merkel.

Meanwhile, in Japan:

A Japanese court today...[ruled that] Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to a controversial [Shinto] war shrine...violated Japan's Constitution, which rigorously separates religion and the state.
[snip]
...the court said his visits were a public act and therefore violated the Constitution's separation of religion and state. In the past, Mr. Koizumi had tried to sidestep the legal aspects of his visits by leaving vague whether he went as a private citizen or as a public figure.

Meanwhile, Bush admits that religion was the first reason for picking Harriet Miers to join the Supreme Court:

"People are interested to know why I picked Harriet Miers. They want to know Harriet Miers' background. They want to know as much as they possibly can before they form opinions. And part of Harriet Miers' life is her religion,"

Gephardt on Iraq: "I was wrong."

2005-10-17T11:45:00.000-05:00

Atrios already linked to this, but if you missed it, it's a great read.

On the Dems giving Bush the choice for war in Iraq:

In the national interest, in a time of crisis, our side played its cards face up -- and they held cards up their sleeves. They knew what they wanted, and they played on our patriotic idealism and earnest statesmanship to freeze us -- "the opposition" -- in untenable positions.