The White House has begun closing the Enviromental Protection Agency's research libraries to the public and to its own staff, cementing Bush's reputation as usher of a new dark age.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Annita O'Day Dead at 87
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Anita O'Day, whose sassy renditions of "Honeysuckle Rose," "Sweet Georgia Brown" and other song standards that made her one of the most respected jazz vocalists of the 1940s and '50s, has died. She was 87.
No one wants to talk to Bush
And even Bob Novak started to slam this presidency!
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is threatening to withdraw support from Iraq's government if Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki meets President Bush next week, an al-Sadr representative said Friday.
Such a move could jeopardize the stability of the administration of al-Maliki who has relied on the support of both the United States and his fellow Shiites.
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is threatening to withdraw support from Iraq's government if Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki meets President Bush next week, an al-Sadr representative said Friday.
Such a move could jeopardize the stability of the administration of al-Maliki who has relied on the support of both the United States and his fellow Shiites.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Daily charity...
"daily" should be in quotes... bad blogger... But considering it's Thanksgiving... This, for thinking persons, should speak for itself: www.narf.org.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Blogger lite... again.
I seriously need a blogger partner to keep up the pace when I'm busy like I was today. Comments? What's going on in the world?
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
What do ya wanna bet
... that this bit of economic data was available before the election?
White House cuts economic growth forecast
Council of Economic Advisers says GDP to slow for remainder of year and in 2007, blaming weakness on housing.
November 21 2006: 3:03 PM EST
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The U.S. economy should experience slower growth than originally anticipated for the remainder of the year and in 2007, the White House said Tuesday.
White House cuts economic growth forecast
Council of Economic Advisers says GDP to slow for remainder of year and in 2007, blaming weakness on housing.
November 21 2006: 3:03 PM EST
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The U.S. economy should experience slower growth than originally anticipated for the remainder of the year and in 2007, the White House said Tuesday.
And That's That.
Only one in four Americans believe President Bush is a better president than his father, George H. W. Bush, a new CNN poll has foundCNN - Nancy Grace sued.
Well it was just a matter of time. Nancy is a bitch on wheels.
TAVARES, Florida (CNN) -- Relatives of a missing boy's mother who committed suicide after taping an interview for Headline News' "Nancy Grace" show sued CNN and Grace on Tuesday, claiming the former prosecutor's questioning of the woman contributed to her death.
The wrongful-death suit was filed in Lake County, Florida by Bethann and Jerry Eubank, the parents of Melinda Duckett and the representatives of her estate. It seeks unspecified damages and funeral costs.
TAVARES, Florida (CNN) -- Relatives of a missing boy's mother who committed suicide after taping an interview for Headline News' "Nancy Grace" show sued CNN and Grace on Tuesday, claiming the former prosecutor's questioning of the woman contributed to her death.
The wrongful-death suit was filed in Lake County, Florida by Bethann and Jerry Eubank, the parents of Melinda Duckett and the representatives of her estate. It seeks unspecified damages and funeral costs.
Pandemic
This is scary:
GENEVA - HIV infection is rising in every region of the world and most worryingly in countries like Uganda and Thailand, which had been heralded as success stories in the fight against AIDS, the United Nations said on Tuesday.
GENEVA - HIV infection is rising in every region of the world and most worryingly in countries like Uganda and Thailand, which had been heralded as success stories in the fight against AIDS, the United Nations said on Tuesday.
Obama says get out in '07
I can't wait to see a plan behind this! Let's here for our next President:
CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) -- Sen. Barack Obama called Monday for U.S. troops to start leaving Iraq in 2007, arguing that the threat of an American pullout is the best leverage Washington has left in the conflict.
"The time for waiting in Iraq is over. It is time to change our policy," said Obama, a freshman Democrat from Illinois touted as a possible national candidate in 2008.
CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) -- Sen. Barack Obama called Monday for U.S. troops to start leaving Iraq in 2007, arguing that the threat of an American pullout is the best leverage Washington has left in the conflict.
"The time for waiting in Iraq is over. It is time to change our policy," said Obama, a freshman Democrat from Illinois touted as a possible national candidate in 2008.
Monday, November 20, 2006
FOX says I'm sorry...
For the OJ book deal. Here's an idea. Appologize for everything else you've done you lying liars!
No Sh@$
Imagine that the court system in Iraq is viewed as unfair in the international eyes? Well why the hell should that system work when nothing else in the country works and, fine, call my a cynic but the fact that a death sentence came down for Hussein days before the mid-terms is a bit beyond suspect...
Nov. 20, 2006 - For more than a decade, numerous human-rights organizations have forcefully made the case that Saddam Hussein is guilty of crimes against humanity. So when his case was the first to be brought before the Iraqi High Tribunal, the court set up to try those considered responsible for decades of rights violations, it was no surprise the trial itself was considered a victory for rights advocates. So why then, when the former dictator was found guilty Nov. 5, would any of these same groups object?
Nov. 20, 2006 - For more than a decade, numerous human-rights organizations have forcefully made the case that Saddam Hussein is guilty of crimes against humanity. So when his case was the first to be brought before the Iraqi High Tribunal, the court set up to try those considered responsible for decades of rights violations, it was no surprise the trial itself was considered a victory for rights advocates. So why then, when the former dictator was found guilty Nov. 5, would any of these same groups object?
For Bloggers...
This may have broader implications for bloggers... and not bad...
SAN JOSE, California (AP) -- Web sites that publish inflammatory information written by other parties cannot be sued for libel, the California Supreme Court ruled Monday.
The ruling in favor of free online expression was a victory for a San Diego woman who was sued by two doctors for posting an allegedly libelous e-mail on two Web sites.
Some of the Internet's biggest names, including Amazon.com, America Online Inc., eBay Inc., Google Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Yahoo Inc., took the defendant's side out of concern that a ruling against her would expose them to liability.
SAN JOSE, California (AP) -- Web sites that publish inflammatory information written by other parties cannot be sued for libel, the California Supreme Court ruled Monday.
The ruling in favor of free online expression was a victory for a San Diego woman who was sued by two doctors for posting an allegedly libelous e-mail on two Web sites.
Some of the Internet's biggest names, including Amazon.com, America Online Inc., eBay Inc., Google Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Yahoo Inc., took the defendant's side out of concern that a ruling against her would expose them to liability.
Who's leading the Dems in '08?
Mixed feelings on this because while I respect Hillary I just don't think we can win with her in 2008. I'm in favor of Rahmbo tactics and get us a candidate that can pull off a win. Right now, and I venture to say, in 2008, she'll still be too polarizing.
(CNN) -- Recently re-elected Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York is twice as popular as her nearest Democratic rivals in the 2008 presidential race, according to a new CNN poll.
Clinton was favored by 33 percent of people asked who they were "most likely to support for the Democratic nomination for president in the year 2008."
(CNN) -- Recently re-elected Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York is twice as popular as her nearest Democratic rivals in the 2008 presidential race, according to a new CNN poll.
Clinton was favored by 33 percent of people asked who they were "most likely to support for the Democratic nomination for president in the year 2008."
It happens in nature...
It's not like it's homosexual recruitment!
A picture book about two male penguins raising a baby penguin is getting a chilly reception among some parents in Shiloh, Illinois, who worry about the book's availability to children--and the reluctance of school administrators to restrict access to it.
A picture book about two male penguins raising a baby penguin is getting a chilly reception among some parents in Shiloh, Illinois, who worry about the book's availability to children--and the reluctance of school administrators to restrict access to it.
47 more killed in Iraq.
And even Kissinger says it's unwinnable.
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Assassins killed a popular TV comedian and a college professor but failed in attempts to kill two Iraqi government officials as the country’s leader met with Syria’s foreign minister about improving security and reopening diplomatic relations.
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Assassins killed a popular TV comedian and a college professor but failed in attempts to kill two Iraqi government officials as the country’s leader met with Syria’s foreign minister about improving security and reopening diplomatic relations.
Here's An Idea!
Maybe WE should participate in these talks??? Ya think? Anyone? Hello, anyone there?
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iran has invited the Iraqi and Syrian presidents to Tehran for a weekend summit with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to hash out ways to cooperate in curbing the runaway violence that has taken Iraq to the verge of civil war and threatens to spread through the region, four key lawmakers told The Associated Press on Monday.
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iran has invited the Iraqi and Syrian presidents to Tehran for a weekend summit with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to hash out ways to cooperate in curbing the runaway violence that has taken Iraq to the verge of civil war and threatens to spread through the region, four key lawmakers told The Associated Press on Monday.
Dear Nancy,
Thank you. I am tired of being squeezed and I don't mean being squeezed in a good way!
WASHINGTON - House Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi said Monday her new Democratic majority will extend a hand to Republicans in moving the agenda of relieving the "middle-class squeeze." She said restoring the military draft will not be part of that agenda when Democrats take over the House in January.
Pelosi, following a strategy meeting with the next House majority leader, Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said she will meet with incoming House Minority Leader John Boehner and "we'll find our common ground for the American people."
WASHINGTON - House Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi said Monday her new Democratic majority will extend a hand to Republicans in moving the agenda of relieving the "middle-class squeeze." She said restoring the military draft will not be part of that agenda when Democrats take over the House in January.
Pelosi, following a strategy meeting with the next House majority leader, Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said she will meet with incoming House Minority Leader John Boehner and "we'll find our common ground for the American people."
Mitt says Gay bashing is the new Pink...
What an ass. Obsess much Mitt?
Romney, an opponent of same-sex marriage, made his announcement to the cheers of hundreds of same-sex-marriage opponents at a rally on the Statehouse steps. A counter-protest was held across the street.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in November 2003 that same-sex marriages are legal. Since then, more than 8,000 gay couples have tied the knot in the state.
Romney, an opponent of same-sex marriage, made his announcement to the cheers of hundreds of same-sex-marriage opponents at a rally on the Statehouse steps. A counter-protest was held across the street.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in November 2003 that same-sex marriages are legal. Since then, more than 8,000 gay couples have tied the knot in the state.
Send in the ACLU...
Uh... I'll fly whatever flag I want. What about my rainbow flag? Can I go to jail for that too? (OK, I don't own a rainbow flag but I'd consider it if I ever find myself in this town):
SAN DIEGO, California (CNN) -- This is where we've arrived in this country: You have the constitutional right to burn an American flag, but you can get into trouble for simply flying a foreign one.
At least you can in the 30,000-person town of Pahrump, Nevada, which is close to Las Vegas and even closer to stepping over the line with an idiotic, intolerant and insulting ban on foreign (read: Mexican) flags. The town council voted last week, 3-2, to approve an ordinance that makes it illegal to display a foreign flag -- unless an American flag is flown above it. Scofflaws face a $50 fine and 30 hours of community service.
SAN DIEGO, California (CNN) -- This is where we've arrived in this country: You have the constitutional right to burn an American flag, but you can get into trouble for simply flying a foreign one.
At least you can in the 30,000-person town of Pahrump, Nevada, which is close to Las Vegas and even closer to stepping over the line with an idiotic, intolerant and insulting ban on foreign (read: Mexican) flags. The town council voted last week, 3-2, to approve an ordinance that makes it illegal to display a foreign flag -- unless an American flag is flown above it. Scofflaws face a $50 fine and 30 hours of community service.
Brining back the draft...
Not that I am personally thrilled about this because I'd hate to see close friends go off to war but... Maybe with the prospect of the sons and daughters of America's elite going off to war we'd be more inclined to say... try diplomacy again! I've said it before and I'll say it again: When did diplomacy become a dirty word?
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The postelection debate over Iraq is intensifying as members of Congress from both parties pose remedies and the Bush administration hunts for answers.
Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel of New York proposed a military draft, which the administration has repeatedly said it doesn't need.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The postelection debate over Iraq is intensifying as members of Congress from both parties pose remedies and the Bush administration hunts for answers.
Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel of New York proposed a military draft, which the administration has repeatedly said it doesn't need.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Rahmbo on Cspan!
Rahm's reward: Caucus Chairman! Thanks for getting us the house Rahm! He's a freakin' pitt bull and I've said it before, the Dems need a pitt bull. Someone that can lock on neck and neck with the Repubs in a dirty dog fight! I love this guy. Yeah so he shunned some very liberal Dems and kept them out of the election... Would they have won? Probably not. Did his picks win? Yep. Go get 'em Rahmbo!
ACT NOW
Email the chancelor of UCLA - Read this story. Watch the video - John from Americablog is all over this so check the video at his blog!
chancellor@conet.ucla.edu
From Americablog:
chancellor@conet.ucla.edu
From Americablog:
The story gets a whole lot more interesting if the student is
Muslim, and he was tased for simply refusing to stand up (while
brown).
SEE THE VIDEO!
Charity of the Day...
Curtesy of Debbie...
The Inside Books Project is an all-volunteer collective and non-profit organization, providing free educational material to Texas' incarcerated population.
Based in Austin, Inside Books is the only project of its kind in the state; and of the 26 projects operating nationwide, we are one of only five offering this vital resource to Texas' indigent prisoners.
http://www.insidebooksproject.com/
The Inside Books Project is an all-volunteer collective and non-profit organization, providing free educational material to Texas' incarcerated population.
Based in Austin, Inside Books is the only project of its kind in the state; and of the 26 projects operating nationwide, we are one of only five offering this vital resource to Texas' indigent prisoners.
http://www.insidebooksproject.com/
Well this is a good idea...
Duh! By not protecting these folks against HIV and AIDS it's just ultimately going to cost us - the tax payers more money!
U.S. prisons should make condoms available to inmates and test for HIV as
part of a broader effort to curb the spread of AIDS among blacks, hit
disproportionately hard by the incurable disease, experts urged Thursday.Which brings me to my next post... Charity of the Day....
George Washington - America's First Action Hero!
I'm headed out East next month and I think I'll definitely carve out some time to see the new and improved Mount Vernan.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Flip flopper....
Abizaid says don't draw down the forces in Iraq. He also says more troops not needed. Oh yeah, he also says "staying the course is the wrong direction" - Where's plan?
As I said earlier today, will someone please listen to this guy!
As I said earlier today, will someone please listen to this guy!
Leaders are "out of time" on global warming...
Do you think that perhaps some of these comments were directed at Pesident Bush? Perhaps? We still can't get this man to admit that global warming is a man made problem!
Secretary-General Kofi Annan told the U.N. conference on climate change Wednesday that those who would deny global warming or delay taking action against it are "out of step" and "out of time." Read it.
Secretary-General Kofi Annan told the U.N. conference on climate change Wednesday that those who would deny global warming or delay taking action against it are "out of step" and "out of time." Read it.
Michael Moore's Take...
Thanks for this David.
To My Conservative Brothers and Sisters,
I know you are dismayed and disheartened at the results of last week's
election. You're worried that the country is heading toward a very bad place you
don't want it to go. Your 12-year Republican Revolution has ended with so much
yet to do, so many promises left unfulfilled. You are in a funk, and I
understand.
Dear Judith Miller,
So Judith Miller who was ultimately fired from the NYTimes and pretty much decried across the entire journalistic spectrum as being biased and in general a journalist who's facts were loose and sources skeptical at best now says that the Bush administration is trumping civil liberties and she's worried. Additionally, she goes on to say that the rights and protections of journalists need to remain intact (I agree) (and remember Judy went to jail protecting her sources) but she's "concerned" about bloggers...
And I quote:
"I'm worried about bloggers," she said. "(A post) starts as a rumor and within 24 hours it's repeated as fact."
Well Judy - Fuck you. You're a hypocrite. How many rumors as facts did you get published in the New York Freaking Times? I began my career as a professional journalist and I personally will continue to act more like a "professional" journalist in this relatively new media than you did at the NYT...
And I quote:
"I'm worried about bloggers," she said. "(A post) starts as a rumor and within 24 hours it's repeated as fact."
Well Judy - Fuck you. You're a hypocrite. How many rumors as facts did you get published in the New York Freaking Times? I began my career as a professional journalist and I personally will continue to act more like a "professional" journalist in this relatively new media than you did at the NYT...
Charity of the Day...
This one makes me feel warm and fuzzy... And Judy Shepard is a really great lady!
http://www.matthewshepard.org
OUR MISSION
To support diversity programs in education and to help youth organizations establish environments where young people can feel safe and be themselves.
OUR VISION
To educate and enlighten others on the importance of diversity, understanding, compassion, acceptance and respect. Everyone must participate in developing solutions to problems that are rooted in ignorance and hatred.
OUR GOAL
To replace hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance.
http://www.matthewshepard.org
OUR MISSION
To support diversity programs in education and to help youth organizations establish environments where young people can feel safe and be themselves.
OUR VISION
To educate and enlighten others on the importance of diversity, understanding, compassion, acceptance and respect. Everyone must participate in developing solutions to problems that are rooted in ignorance and hatred.
OUR GOAL
To replace hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance.
PAPERS! YOU CANNOT TRAVEL WITHOUT YOUR PAPERS!
Wow! This is some scary news - check out the post on Crooks and Liars:
The Department of Homeland Security proposed new rules back in July that would fundamentally undermine the right of American citizens to travel abroad. Public carriers–airlines, cruise lines, even fishing boats–will be required to submit the names of all passengers to Homeland Security prior to departure and to obtain permission from Homeland Security to board those passengers. These new rules will take effect January 14, 2007.
The Department of Homeland Security proposed new rules back in July that would fundamentally undermine the right of American citizens to travel abroad. Public carriers–airlines, cruise lines, even fishing boats–will be required to submit the names of all passengers to Homeland Security prior to departure and to obtain permission from Homeland Security to board those passengers. These new rules will take effect January 14, 2007.
Not that this is a suprise...
McCain is exploring a presidential bid. Let's not be fooled. He's no centrist. He's not a "socially liberal republican" - Remember just two weeks ago he pretty much threw his friend and fellow veteran John Kerry under a bus while campaigning against another fellow veteran who just happened to have lost two legs in Iraq!
"During the next couple of months, I will be talking with my family,
friends and supporters about whether to officially announce a run for
president," McCain said in a statement posted Wednesday on the exploratory
committee's new Web site.
Putting Racism back in a Senate Race!
Yes, that's right... Everyone's favorite racist is back in the GOP power seat. Welcome back Trent - wonder how long it will take him to trip over his own tongue this time and to what level he'll stoop to further divide our country with intolerance toward people of color, gays, and social progressive... Did these guys learn anything during the election? Maybe American's are looking for some centrist thinkers - not dividers???
Trent Lott wins election to the GOP's No. 2 post in the Senate by a single
vote, four years since he was ousted as majority leader after racially
insensitive comments. He will be the Republicans' vote-counting whip, beating
Sen. Lamar Alexander to seal a leadership comeback.
Listen to THIS guy!
OK now here's a brilliant plan from Peter Galbraith - he offers up not only a way out for the U.S. but additionally a way for Iraq to acheive stability. Policy makers need to be listening to this guy! Listen to his comments on NPR last night:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6487331
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6487331
Dear Democrats,
Please, seriously, please, let's not form a firing squad in the the shape of circle this time around...
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rep. John Murtha, the anti-war congressman who is the
likely new House speaker's pick for majority leader, fended off what he called
"swift boat-style attacks" on his ethics record Tuesday.
The Pennsylvania
Democrat also blasted his rival for majority leader, House Minority Whip Steny
Hoyer, for siding with President Bush on Iraq.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who as the
House Democratic leader is in line to be the next speaker, has backed Murtha
against Hoyer, who is currently the No. 2 Democrat in the House of
Representatives.
Democrats are slated to vote Thursday on who will take the
chamber's leadership posts when the Congress reconvenes in January.
OJ Just Keeps Getting Creepier!
Seriously... How freakin' creepy is this?
In a new TV interview and book, O.J. Simpson discusses how he would have
committed the slayings of his ex-wife and her friend "if I did it."
The
two-part television interview, titled "O.J. Simpson: If I Did It, Here's How It
Happened," will air November 27 and November 29 on Fox, the TV network said
Tuesday.
Na Na Na Naaa Hey Hey Hey... Goodbye...
Who's next?
Abramoff arrived at about 6:30 a.m. EST at a relatively secluded prison
facility in western Maryland and began to serve a nearly six-year prison
sentence for a fraudulent deal to buy a fleet of casino ships in
Florida.
Abramoff was delivered out of sight of waiting reporters and camera
crews and his arrival was announced in a two-paragraph statement by a prison
representative.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Dear Auto Execs,
If you want help with your health care policies you're talking to the wrong person. In case you missed it, a week ago Tuesday D.C. turned blue and Bush turned lame duck. March on up the hill and talk to Nancy, Hillary, Obama. They're ideas on health care are better anyway!
The auto executives stressed that despite huge losses, their companies were
not looking for loan guarantees or a federal bailout. But they did want help on
health care policy, energy and other areas that could be costly for the federal
government.
President Bush said the meeting had been a "fascinating
discussion," and praised the automakers' efforts to make cars that use
alternative fuels, which he said was in the country's "economic interests as
well as in our national security interests."
Charity of the Day... IRC's - Help Women Heal - Congo
So out of the horror from the previous post here's the IRC's Congo program... Make a donation! Don't have any money - click on the Take Action link and get involved.
http://www.theirc.org/news/latest/congo-helping-women-heal.html
http://www.theirc.org/news/latest/congo-helping-women-heal.html
Not for the faint of heart
This is a tough read from Newsweek... It details the systematic brutal rape of women in the Congo. Read with caution...
It had been no secret that nearly all sides in the Congo's complex civil
war resorted to systematic rape among civilian populations, and estimates were
as high as a quarter million victims of sexual assault during the four-year-long
conflict. But once fighting died down, victims began coming out of the jungles
and forests and their condition was worse than anyone had imagined. Thousands of
women had been raped so brutally that they had fistulas. They wandered into
hospitals soaked in their own urine and feces, rendered incontinent by their
injuries. "Pastors would say to me, 'Jo, I can't preach because the church is
too smelly," says Dr. Jo Lusi, a gynecologist and medical director at
HEAL. Read it here>
Dear Catholics,
I'm not a "disorder"! I'm not "disordered"! This is just shy of "Dr." Laura calling gay people a "biological error".
BALTIMORE (AP) -- The nation's Roman Catholic bishops overwhelmingly
approved new guidelines Tuesday on outreach to gays, trying to support gay
parishioners while strictly affirming the church stance that same-sex
relationships are ''disordered.''
Gay Catholic activists immediately judged
the document a failure that will push gay and lesbians away from the
church.
It didn't take S. Africa long to trump us in human rights
So now South Africa is more progressive than we are in arena of human rights...
JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 14 — South Africa’s Parliament overwhelmingly voted
today to legalize same-sex marriages, making the nation the first in Africa and
the fifth in the world to remove legal barriers to gay and lesbian unions,
according to activists.
We need a plan... and quickly!
Where's the plan? We've seemingly lost all control in Iraq. These kidnappings happened within a stones throw of the "Green zone" - Every level-headed government out there seems to think that we need to have a more open dialog with Syria and Iran on our Middle East policy yet the Bush administration is still saying that Iran needs to be completely "isolated". Can some please tell me when DIPOLMACY became a four letter word???
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Iraq's interior minister ordered the arrest and
interrogation of several high-ranking police officers over their handling of
security in the Baghdad area where scores of people were kidnapped from a
government research institute Tuesday.
Higher Education Minister Abed Dhiyab
al-Ajili originally said 100 to 150 people were abducted at the Ministry of
Higher Education and Scientific Research-Scholarships and Cultural Relations
Directorate building.
However an aide said fewer than 100 were kidnapped,
and 16 have been freed, most of them Shiites.
The Interior Ministry said 60
people were abducted.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Coruption hurt the GOP in Ohio
These guys just can't seem to keep their hands out of the cookie jar...
TOLEDO, Ohio - A former GOP fundraiser was convicted Monday of embezzling
from a rare-coin investment fund in a scandal that hurt Ohio’s Republican Party
on Election Day.
Tom Noe, a coin dealer and former Republican fundraiser, was
convicted of theft, money laundering, forgery and tampering with evidence.
Glad they got this guy...
But whatever happened to the real anthrax investigation? That one has seemingly completely disapeared. Some of you may have heard Keith Olberman reference this in his brilliant commentary before the election:
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- A man suspected of mailing more than a
dozen threatening letters containing white powder to Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Jon
Stewart and other high-profile figures was in custody and awaiting a court
appearance.
Prosecutors were expected to file a criminal complaint against
Chad Conrad Castagana, 39, in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Monday. He
was arrested Saturday for allegedly conveying false information and sending
threats by U.S. mail.
Preliminary tests showed the white powder was not
hazardous, officials said.
The letters, which had fake return addresses, were
received by Pelosi, a California Democrat who is in line to become speaker of
the House; comedians Stewart and David Letterman; Democratic Sen. Charles
Schumer of New York; and MSNBC host Keith Olberman.
MoveOn.org Post election layout
Check it out. Good stuff from MoveOn...
http://moveon.org/content/pac/pdfs/mo_report_2006.pdf?id=9496-3396298-fqBp5V9QedTA9E40RlOdlw&t=3
http://moveon.org/content/pac/pdfs/mo_report_2006.pdf?id=9496-3396298-fqBp5V9QedTA9E40RlOdlw&t=3
What's that about the Dems having no plan???
Hope your meeting goes well with the Iraq commission today because lo' and behold the Dems have a plan afterall... The NYTimes reports:
The Democrats — the incoming majority leader, Senator Harry
Reid of Nevada; the incoming Armed Services Committee chairman, Senator Carl
Levin of Michigan; and the incoming Foreign Relations Committee chairman,
Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware — said a phased redeployment of troops would be their top priority when the new Congress convenes in January, even before an investigation of the conduct of the war. Read it here.
Thoughts/Comments?
Here's a conversation starter... Let's have some commenting dialog on this gem from Sir Elton:
"I think religion has always tried to turn hatred toward gay people," John said in the Observer newspaper's Music Monthly Magazine. "Religion promotes the hatred and spite against gays."
"But there are so many people I know who are gay and love their religion," he said. "From my point of view, I would ban religion completely. Organized religion doesn't seem to work. It turns people into really hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate."
"I think religion has always tried to turn hatred toward gay people," John said in the Observer newspaper's Music Monthly Magazine. "Religion promotes the hatred and spite against gays."
"But there are so many people I know who are gay and love their religion," he said. "From my point of view, I would ban religion completely. Organized religion doesn't seem to work. It turns people into really hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate."
Perhaps they should talk about Afghanistan too!
While the Bush administration is FINALLY holding a meeting today to discuss a possible new direction in Iraq, maybe, just maybe they should think about a better plan for lil' ol' Afghanistan too as things seem to be on a rapidly increase decline there.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Insurgent activity in Afghanistan has risen
fourfold this year, and militants now launch more than 600 attacks a month, a
rising wave of violence that has resulted in 3,700 deaths in 2006, a bleak new
report found.
Afghanistan saw about 130 insurgent attacks a month last year,
said the report by the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board, which consists
of representatives from Afghanistan and the international community, including
the United Nations.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Daily Charity: DFW Bulldog Rescue
I spoke to the woman that runs this last night. These guys are running on a shoestring budget and they currently have 14 English Bulldog rescues! If you're interested in adopting one of these amazing dogs or if you can spare a little cash for this great organization please do:
http://www.dfwbulldogrescue.org/
http://www.dfwbulldogrescue.org/
Stay the Course in Iraq... 2800 American Lives...,
Stay the Course in Iraq... Iraqi Civil War...., Karl Rove's state of Denial... Priceless...
Talk about living in a state of denial... Nothing ceases to amaze me about this administration ability to not see the Elephant in the room (so to speak)... From the "stay the course - everything is fine in Iraq" to the latest and greatest from Karl Rove - apparently he thinks the mid-term election wasn't a smack down of the Bush administration. I pose this question to you Mr. Rove, where the hell is your permanent majority now?
Talk about living in a state of denial... Nothing ceases to amaze me about this administration ability to not see the Elephant in the room (so to speak)... From the "stay the course - everything is fine in Iraq" to the latest and greatest from Karl Rove - apparently he thinks the mid-term election wasn't a smack down of the Bush administration. I pose this question to you Mr. Rove, where the hell is your permanent majority now?
The Architect, as President Bush once called him, has a theory for why the
building fell down. "Get me the one-pager!" he cried out to an aide, who
promptly delivered a single sheet of paper that had been updated almost hourly
since the midterm elections with a series of statistics explaining that the
"thumping" Bush took was not such a thumping after all.
The theory is this:
The building's infrastructure was actually quite sound. It was bad luck and
seasonal shifts in the winds that blew out the walls -- complacent candidates,
an ill-timed Mark Foley page scandal and the predictable cycles of history. But
the foundation is fine: "The Republican philosophy is alive and well and likely
to reemerge in the majority in 2008."
It's fascinating!
Castro's Decline is on the Horizon...
AP is reporting Castro has cancer... Does anyone in this country actually believe that Cuba and the Communist government there is anyway a threat to the safety and security of America? Post Castro let's hope we have a government that will engage Cuba in a dialog and get it back to a place where Cubans won't want to flee to America and Americans will want to once again hangout and spend our tourist dollars down there. Personally, I want to have a drink in some of the old haunts where Hemingway used to hangout.
WASHINGTON - The government believes Fidel Castro’s health is
deteriorating and that the Cuban dictator is unlikely to live through
2007.
Litte Wins... One BIG Loss
Washington Post has an interesting report on the major failure of Iraqi reconstruction. Violence, mis-handled funds, corruption... Pretty much par for the course considering the way this adminstration has handled this war... Mission Nothing Accomplished.
Thousands of successes in Iraq may add up to a single failure.
‘Overwhelmed by ... violence’"We accomplished a significant amount of
work. But it was just overwhelmed by the overlay of violence," said Clifford G.
Mumm, who has spent much of the past three years in Iraq managing projects for
Bechtel Corp. "It's hard to be very optimistic."
Read the story here.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
OK... So since it's Day 1: One more Charity...
Well on day one of my blog and the daily charity feature my bone head self neglected to realize that it's Vetran's Day so check out this group:
http://www.vfw.org/
Considering we're about to have a lot more vetrans in this country it's a great way to support these brave young men and women who go through absolute hell to defend us whether the fight is to literally save the world as it was in WWI and WWII or for folly as it is now. Without question they deserve our support!
Here's a bit about them:
http://www.vfw.org/
Considering we're about to have a lot more vetrans in this country it's a great way to support these brave young men and women who go through absolute hell to defend us whether the fight is to literally save the world as it was in WWI and WWII or for folly as it is now. Without question they deserve our support!
Here's a bit about them:
Direct community involvement always has been and will continue to be a VFW
priority.The benevolence of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Auxiliaries
extends well beyond the realm of veterans helping veterans.Annually, VFW and
Auxiliaries donate more than 13 million volunteer hours of community service.
VFW members are mentoring youth groups, helping in community food kitchens,
volunteering in blood drives and visiting hospitalized veterans. Others are
helping veterans file compensation claims or are "voicing their vote" with
elected officials.Check them out http://www.vfw.org/
Travis County a Blue Island in a Sea of Red Texas
I'm so glad I moved to Austin!
HD 47: Turning Travis Blue
It took until nearly midnight, but with all 46 precincts finally reported
by the Travis Co. clerk, Democrat Valinda Bolton beat out Bill Welch in state
House District 47, at one stroke replacing retiring incumbent GOP Rep. Terry
Keel and turning the Travis Co. House delegation Democratic solid blue. "People
are so hungry for change," Bolton told the Chronicle a few hours earlier at the
Democratic Party election celebration at the Stephen F. Austin hotel. Reached
again by phone just after the final returns were released at about 11:30pm,
Bolton said, "I'm excited, I'm enthusiastic, and I'm just beginning to realize
that a whole new phase of my life is about to begin."
Daily Feature...
So I'm going to include a daily feature called Charity of the Day on my blog. I'll give you a bit of history or mission statement on the charity and their web site. So if it's something you like check them out, make a donation, sign up for their newsletter, become a volunteer etc etc... It's amazing what a simple thing like forwarding an email to a congressman can do to help these organizations. I'll probably repeat from time to time when the need is there or when there's something cool going on. Some you will have heard of and others probably not... So let's get the ball rolling with this group:
Audubon Nature Institute - These guys are amazing. They got freakin' hammered by Katrina and lost a lot of their precious animals - now don't fault them... They really did have a solid disaster plan in place for hurricanes but no one really knew what a calamity Katrina was going to be (especially President Bush and FEMA chief Brown - and let's not ever forget the sheer impotence they displayed in the face of that disaster).
Here's a little bit of info about the ANI:
http://www.auduboninstitute.org/
So check them out, go for a visit if you find yourself in N. O., support them!
Audubon Nature Institute - These guys are amazing. They got freakin' hammered by Katrina and lost a lot of their precious animals - now don't fault them... They really did have a solid disaster plan in place for hurricanes but no one really knew what a calamity Katrina was going to be (especially President Bush and FEMA chief Brown - and let's not ever forget the sheer impotence they displayed in the face of that disaster).
Here's a little bit of info about the ANI:
Audubon Nature Institute's purpose of Celebrating the Wonders of Nature
guides it's mission to:
Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality
Exhibit the diversity of wildlife
Preserve native Louisiana habitats
Educate our diverse audience about the natural world
Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through research and conservation
Provide opportunities for recreation in natural settings
Operate a financially self-sufficient collection of museum and parks
Weave quality entertainment through the guest experience
http://www.auduboninstitute.org/
So check them out, go for a visit if you find yourself in N. O., support them!
Even Republicans Should Support THIS!
The Democratic party was given a mandate when it won on Tuesday. Part of that mandate is to restore some fiscal responsibility in this country and fiscal responsibility is something that Republicans should get behind. Now when I say Republicans I mean those self proclaimed fiscal conservatives among the voting public. Republicans currently holding office are going to be quaking in their boots about this bit of legislation...
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 — Congressional Democrats
say they will press new legislation next week to restore the power of a
federal agency in charge of ferreting out waste and corruption in Iraq
and greatly increase its investigative reach. The bills, the first of
what are likely to be dozens of Democratic efforts to resurrect
investigations of war profiteering and financial fraud in government
contracting, could be introduced as early as Monday morning.
Strange things still happening in Broward County
After the 2000 election you never know what might go down in Broward County...
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (AP) -- An absentee ballot was mailed with what
may have been a rare stamp worth as much as $200,000 -- the famous Inverted
Jenny -- but the envelope is in a box that by law can't be opened.
Broward County Commissioner John Rodstrom discovered the stamp while reviewing absentee ballots. There was no name on the envelope, so the vote didn't count.
Dear America, Stop being clueless...
Fascinating poll results about Bush's ever sinking approval ratings and even more fascinating is this:
Because you know our presence in Iraq is continually shaping up to be such a freakin' positive thing... As a matter of fact just today...
And that's not to mention that we're only 11 days into the month of November and 23 US service members have already been killed.
Huge majorities of those polled said they approved of the legislative
priorities cited by Democratic leaders after their party seized control of the
Senate and the House of Representatives from Republicans, the magazine
said.
But they also expressed concerns that Democrats might seek to pull U.S.
troops out of Iraq too quickly or hamper the administration's efforts to
combat terrorism, it said. Read it here.
Because you know our presence in Iraq is continually shaping up to be such a freakin' positive thing... As a matter of fact just today...
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Sunni gunmen ambushed a convoy of minibuses Saturday
night at a fake checkpoint on a highway south of Baghdad, killing 10 Shiite
passengers and kidnapping about 50.
Across the country at least 52 other people were killed in violence or were found dead, five of them decapitated Iraqi soldiers.
And that's not to mention that we're only 11 days into the month of November and 23 US service members have already been killed.
Rummy's Troubles Just Keep Coming
Well this just in... German prosecutors are preparing to file charges against Donald Rumsfeld and many others in the now deflated Republican party. Now that the Dems have the power of the subpoena standby... You'll be seeing many more headlines like this in the near future.
Just days after his resignation, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is about
to face more repercussions for his involvement in the troubled wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan. New legal documents, to be filed next week with Germany's top
prosecutor, will seek a criminal investigation and prosecution of Rumsfeld,
along with Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, former CIA director George Tenet
and other senior U.S. civilian and military officers, for their alleged roles in
abuses committed at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison and at the U.S. detention facility
at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Read the story here.
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