WHAT'S IN THAT KOOL-AID?

Support Common Dreams!

2008-12-30T21:13:00.000-08:00

As is typical, this Christmas, there wasn't really anything I needed or wanted badly in the way of presents.

I don't like collecting stuff. I dislike indiscriminate consumerism, and I think that 95% of what's out there is garbage and not worth spending a dollar on--whether it is mine, or anybody else's.

What greater gauge of wealth than to not envy or covet (more than a little-- we're human after all), and to be actually grateful for what you've got? Man, that's rich!

It also means that I, and maybe you, are in a position to help support the hardworking people, organizations and public radio stations that we rely upon.

commondreams.org is in need of your support, and well deserving of it.

Access to information is the cornerstone of democracy. Please consider supporting it!

Bush Shirks Severity of Insult

2008-12-15T19:29:00.000-08:00

That's a new tongue-twister, isn't it? Try saying "Bush Shirks Severity of Insult" three times, fast...

Okay, so most have already seen the video of the Iraqi journalist throwing his shoes at Bush during a press conference:

But to my personal brand of humor, the winning punchline does not belong to Bush, "All I can report is a size 10."

No. It belongs to my dad:
"He ducks like a man who's had things thrown at his head before."

Yes. Yes, he does...

18:25 Minutes

2008-11-18T18:54:00.000-08:00

I don't have a television, so I'm subject to my friends'--and whatever ends up streaming on the ol' interweb. Given that proclivity, I thought I'd link to Obama's recent interview on 60 Minutes:

The section with Michelle was less interesting, so I selected the shorter interview segment above out of respect for your time, dear viewer. I had no such veto powers, unfortunately, regarding the embedded Viagra commercials within the above clip. To be sure, the President-elect quietly freaked--in that noble political way--when he saw who was sponsoring the airtime. As would I.

Poor taste, CBS. That kind of sponsorship made sense during the last 8 years. But now it is time to get more...intelligent, respectful. You know--more mental...

less entitled/uneducated guttural.

Pardon Me!?

2008-11-13T19:12:00.000-08:00

This is a good petition to sign to help deter Bush from pardoning himself and his Administration from their illegal abuses of power during the their tenure in the White House.

After all, we wouldn't want them to just get away with murder, would we?

Shoot! What'd I Miss?

2008-11-06T22:20:00.001-08:00

This must be what I get for not having a television.
I somehow missed this Bush State of the Union address below:

Taxi to the Dark Side

2008-11-06T21:12:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, "anonymous" posted a comment to my blog entry about closing Guantanamo.

I responded to the comment with a comment. But having just finished watching Taxi to the Dark Side, I felt compelled to provide a few more reasons newly known to me about why we should close these detention camps--where incentives to turn people in as terrorists (even when they are not) are combined with the expectation to produce intelligence at any cost. Throw in the permissible use of harsh interrogation techniques (which, when combined, constitute torture) and a presidential self-pardon for war crimes, and what do you get?

Dead/destroyed innocent lives, ruined American soldiers who were set up to take the fall.

What else did I learn?

Only 7% of detainees were picked up by U.S. or Allied Forces.
90% were picked up/turned in by Pakistanis or Afghan warlords in exchange for bounties and cash payments. As it turns out, the film's primary subject, an Afghan civilian who died in U.S. custody, his death declared by U.S. coroner to be a "homicide," was just an innocent taxi driver who was pulled over and turned in by an actual terrorist, who the U.S. learned later had been turning in innocent civilians to cover his own tracks. Add in Bush's elimination of habeus corpus, and you have a recipe for innocent civilians being incarcerated, subject to torture, and without knowledge of why they are being held and having no access to a trial.
Oh yeah...and only 8% of detainees turn out to have any actual connections to Al Qaeda.
Having lots of people in custody is an excellent pr stunt that gives the appearance that the U.S. is actually winning the war on terror. (Except we are really just creating reasons for more Arabs to mistrust, and in some cases, hate the U.S.)

So my dear anonymous, this is why we must close Guantanamo, and any other such prison where such atrocities and injustices are perpetuated. They are fundamentally un-American, and they are also against international law.

Bush may have pardoned himself and his people from U.S. law, but they should be tried by the international community and locked up. At some point, we all, individually, have to become the bigger person. So incarcerate, but you know...stop short of torturing them. Like I said, I'm working on becoming a bigger person. ;-)

War Crimes: America's Unfinished Business

You Know How I Feel

2008-11-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

I'm Feeling Good

Yes, We Can!

2008-11-04T21:55:00.001-08:00

Barack Obama will be the next President of the United States of America. This is...unprecedented to say the least.

There is so much difficult work to do ahead, and it will require sacrifice on the part of every single one of us. But I believe the rewards will be forthcoming, and worth it.

Yes. I am--finally!--feeling optimistic that we stand poised to tackle the incredibly great immediate and impending challenges that we face. I believe that we are hard working people who aspire to what is right, and good.

I believe that today we have chosen a President-elect who truly has the country's best interest at heart. A man who will lead by, and for, the people--not just the special interests.

Bush and his cronies can start to burn the damning evidence of their corrupt Administration.
Despite the great lost of lives due to greed and criminal "ignorance" (as I believe they were), the damage of this Administration is nothing that we, collectively, cannot overcome.

So let's DO IT, together...
Let's go get our country back.

Barack the Vote!

2008-11-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

If logic alone isn't proving to be a successful method of persuading your friends and family to make the "right" decisions on election day, try humor:

Sarah Silverman Wants Jews (or anyone else) to bribe their Floridian elders to vote for Obama:

The Great Schlep from The Great Schlep on Vimeo.

Heather Gold wants Californians to vote NO on Prop 8.

The Great Hack from The Great Hack on Vimeo.

And really...don't we all?

VP Debate Flow Chart

2008-10-03T11:13:00.001-07:00

Have trouble following Palin during last night's VP Debate? You're not alone.

That's why Daily Kos has this debate flow chart to help you make sense of it all.

Wishin' and a-Hopin'

2008-09-25T18:56:00.001-07:00

Ladies and Germs, we have a special treat for you tonight:
Sarah Palin!

If you like seein' people get the wind knocked out of them, you are goin' to love watching Sarah Palin going up during her interview with Katie Couric:

I'd like to introduce Sarah to the letter "g" and the important role that it frequently plays in properly ending verbs in the English language.

That aside, the woman appears incapable of making any sense.

Not so dissimilar to another pretty beauty queen:

Sarah Palin V. Miss Teen South Carolina...Now THAT'S a debate I'd like to watch!

Eve Ensler on Sarah Palin

2008-09-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

This is a passionate op-ed from Eve Ensler on Sarah Palin. I particularly identified with this:

...everything Sarah Palin believes in and practices is antithetical to Feminism which for me is part of one story -- connected to saving the earth, ending racism, empowering women, giving young girls options, opening our minds, deepening tolerance, and ending violence and war.

I don't know anyone who has been kidded into thinking that Sarah Palin's selection is indicative of Feminism's triumphs. That is not to say that those people aren't out there, so it's good to be--and make--clear:

Sarah Palin's selection is indicative of her connections to a region with remaining oil resources and her connections to big oil companies. It's indicative of her willingness to do the wrong thing for the sake of a slick short-sighted buck.

I Did It for Sarah Palin!

2008-09-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

For those who didn't see it, this is a very fun skit from Saturday Night Live with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler doing Palin/Hillary.

Lack of qualifications and ethics aside (we're clearly no strangers to incompetent and corrupt leadership), is America ready for a pageant pretty President? Because let's face it, McCain's game is not going to get any better in the twilight years of his life (which he is, not insignificantly, in).

Speaking of Palin, below is a great idea that I got in an email from a friend this morning:

Instead of (in addition to?) us all sending around more emails about how horrible she is, let's all make a donation to Planned Parenthood. In Sarah Palin's name.

Here's the good part: when you make a donation to PP in her name, they'll send her a card telling her that the donation has been made in her honor. Click here to donate $10 to Planned Parenthood in Sarah Palin's honor. You'll need to fill in the address to let PP know where to send the "in Sarah Palin's honor" card.

Which can be sent to the McCain/Palin campaign headquarters at:

John McCain 2008
P.O. Box 16118
Arlington, VA 22215

What a great idea! I don't know who started it (could've been Planned Parenthood, for all I know), but it doesn't matter. I did it, and I'm happy as a clam that in my own small part, I get to simultaneously sock it to Palin and support a great organization.

Drill, Baby, Drill?

2008-09-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Americans are divided. I feel it: They frustrate me. It's hard for me to understand where they are coming from, and what they are thinking. It's tempting to dichotomize.

Us/Them
Republicans/Democrats
Conservatives/Liberals

Items like the video below are little taps on the mallet, incrementally widening the difference between them and me, or us. I never voted for Bush, but I recall his promises: a political moderate who would work with both sides to reach consensus. He was anti-big government.

I am dumbfounded that people who I know well--people who voted for Bush and then eventually arrived at the conclusion that he is morally incompetent and has led the U.S. profoundly astray--are onboard with the McCain/Palin ticket.

This is hard for me to be okay with. Particularly because it makes me wonder:

If a person realizes that their past votes have resulted in terrible elected officials and/or bad policy, wouldn't that give any reasonable person pause to more carefully consider their choices in the future?

But then you see clips like this:

and it reminds you how many people in this country do not think for themselves. Rather, they adopt the agendas and mantras of their affiliations, and regurgitate the prescribed message. Even when they are obviously idiotic ones, like:

Drill, Baby, Drill!

Sure, the audience was probably comprised of oil industry professionals. But if that's who the Republicans are going to pack in their house, should we really let them keep the keys to ours?

"Essentially"? Or "Literally"?

2008-09-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

So the Fed decides to spend U.S. taxpayer money to bail out AIG. I say if AIG is poised to go under, why not let them!? I'll drink to that. Besides, it's not like the Fed would extend the same courtesy to private citizens, or small business owners. No. When they go down, that's chalked up to a failing business model. Personal failure. But what about institutionalized failure?

Better luck next time!?

Something happens once you (and your shareholders) cross that magical big boy threshold: you become...untouchable.

"We're essentially continuing a system where profits are privatized and...losses socialized," says an NYU academic.

Until what point are we going to keep standing for this particular sort of crap?

Cheney's a Cheat

2008-09-04T19:37:00.000-07:00

Just as you might have suspected, wherever Cheney goes, corruption follows.

Here, Cheney's Halliburton appointee admits to bribery charges in securing Nigerian oil deals.

Sarah Palin Acceptance Speech at the RNC

2008-09-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

Part I:

Feelin' Queasy?

Part II:

If You Want to Throw Up a Little, at Least You're Not Alone

Part III:

Of course the crowd goes wild: anyone objective or otherwise thinking was arrested!

Part IV:

Gotta say, though...she's got a point about Obama authoring two memoires, but no major law during his time as Senator.

BUT...

Obama will reduce the strength of America in a dangerous world?
America needs more energy, and [Obama] is against producing it?
Victory in Iraq is within our sight, and [Obama] wants to forfeit?
Al Queda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America, and [Obama] is worried that someone won't read them their rights?

Come on, now!

Government is too big and Obama will grow it?

Wait a minute. Who claimed to be "moderate" and against big government...Bush, right? Now we have the Patriot Act and Homeland Security.

Obama will increase the tax burden?

Well, what about profiting off half a trillion tax payer dollars for an illegal and bogus war? It's been eight years of Republicans and our government doesn't seem so small, the American dollar so strong, or our "victory" so "in sight."

Part V:

Country First? I call "BULLSH*T!"

Card Carrying Member!

2008-08-28T19:50:00.001-07:00

Apparently it doesn't matter how you affiliate, or who you affiliate with: you're either in, or you are OUT.

I just L.O.V.E. all the stories cropping up about citizens constitutional rights being squashed due to the Republican/Democratic National Conventions. I guess freedom of speech (and the press) and freedom from unwarranted search and seizure are civil liberties that are justifiably taken away from average people in times of...mere political gatherings?

What are these party people so paranoid about, anyway?

Oh well, at least we've got a freedom cage.

I, for one, find it a little disconcerting when the people on the inside assume that outside people like me (and you?) are going to go crazy with illegal rage and launch some kind of offensive. Maybe if we knew what they knew--what really goes on behind the scenes--we'd see why that was an idea of reasonable merit, too.

And that reminds me of the interview that got me started on this whole blog (which I admit I've been neglecting). This interview talks about how a fascist government (yes, kind of like ours, right now) effectively closes down democracies, and how "hot" things can get at election time:

So let's not get crazy, but rather let's get strategic, get local, get organized and get each others' backs. We've been needing to, and something tells me we're gonna continue to need to.

No Really...Thank Youuuuu

2008-08-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

Now this is one "team building" event that would have been interesting to attend at the DNC!

Fortunately, Glenn Greenwald and Democracy Now! were there to get the scoop. Unfortunately, they were totally shut out of it, and the guests were also uber-secretive about who they were and why they were there and what the hell was going on...anyway...

you didn't except AT&T to waste good champagne on little lefty reporters, did ya?

Poor Little Multimillionaire

2008-08-22T06:51:00.000-07:00

I wonder what it'd be like to have so much that you couldn't even remember how many houses you own, like John McCain did, "I think - I'll have my staff get to you."

Huh? Don't know about you, but personally, I'm never not pretty sure that the answer is ZERO. Oh, and that's zero on the staff, too.

"I define rich in other ways besides income," McCain said. "Some people are wealthy and rich in their lives and their children and their ability to educate them. Others are poor if they're billionaires."

It's true. I don't have much, really--and I have a great life! But it'd feel even greater if McCain wanted to give me one of his houses. Not his primary one, of course...I'll gladly take whichever one is presently slipping his mind.

FCC No!

2008-08-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

The Senate heard the voices of the people--even though the Republican Chairman of the FCC, Kevin Martin (the boyish looking chap in the middle between the Democratic Commissioners at left and the Republican Commissioners at right), did his best to silence them. The Senate vetoed the FCC's ruling to give big corporate media the edge over local, independent media outlets. Yay!

But don't cheer just yet: victory is not quite ours. Now it now goes to the House. Will the House follow the Senate's suit? Here's your chance to tell them that you think they should!

Weekly Death Toll

2008-08-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

Last week the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,251,944.

One week later, the toll is at 1,252,595.

That means that 651 Iraqi civilians lost their lives in the last week. That's the lowest reported weekly death toll that I've seen yet.

Yay?

Paris for President?

2008-08-07T19:41:00.001-07:00

Okay, enough pictures of dead Iraq babies. Don't know about you, but I could sure use a chuckle:

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

Weekly Death Toll

2008-08-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

Last week the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,245,538.

One week later, the toll is at 1,251,944.

That means that 6,406 Iraqi civilians lost their lives in the last week.

Mum's the Word

2008-07-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

Interesting article from the Guardian UK about the environment-threatening tactics taken by the Bush Administration's version of the "Environmental Protection Agency."

Tell 'em to Stand By the 35 Articles of Impeachment Against Bush!

2008-07-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

Tell your members of Congress to stand by the 35 articles of impeachment against George Bush that Dennis Kucinich introduced several weeks back.

Last Friday, the House Judiciary Committee listened to testimony from several members of Congress. You can watch all of the videos here (a few of which are embedded, and linked to, below).

Dennis Kucinich

Robert Wexler

This is one of the very few moments in recent political history for which we can grateful.
Make sure your Representatives know that you think so.

One Step Closer

2008-07-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

...to One More War?

Congress is moving to pass legislation that will impose strict sanctions against Iran. Sanctions that, not unlike crying "Weapons of mass destruction! Seriously!," pave the way towards yet another military conflict in the region. Are you going to sit idly by and let them?

I didn't think so:

1) sign here
2) click here to see which Senators are supporting S.RES.580
3) click here to see which Representatives are supporting H.CON.RES.362.

Are your members of Congress representing YOU? If not, let them know, and demand they do.

Three other Representatives have already withdrawn their support of H.Con.Res.362--and not without good cause.

Weekly Death Toll

2008-07-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 6th the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,236,604.

Three weeks later, the toll is at 1,245,538.

That means 8,934 Iraqi civilians lost their lives in the last THREE weeks.

Kucinich Tells Judiciary Committee About The Most Impeachable Administration

2008-07-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

That's right, Dennis!

If You're Not With Us...(then how come we haven't voted you out of public office?)

2008-07-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

Even if you didn't pay attention to the news about how the Fed is going to spend billions bailing out Freddie Mac (how much did they spend helping homeowners in danger of losing the roof over their head?)

Or the fact that public taxes are being used to fund an illegal war which serves only to make rich people and the big corporations that they have a vested interest in, even richer. Even if it kills troops and innocent civilians--and nobody is held accountable for any of it.

Or the fact that unconstitutional FISA amendments passed both the House and the Senate, and of course...were voted into law by George Bush...

The message to regular American citizens is obviously clear; effectively, no one is acting on our behalf. And to that end, I think it's appropriate to quote our Prez:

If you're not with us, you're against us.

This Administration, this Congress--as a governing body which has done almost nothing to hold the Administration in check, and many big corporations (which gladly tap our public resources, and give little back after getting a leg up on the public dime) appear to be in it for themselves. Not for us.

So what are we going to do about it?

Weekly Death Toll

2008-07-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,225,898. Last Sunday, that figure hadn't been updated, so I didn't post.

Now the toll is at 1,236,604

That means 10,706 Iraqi civilians lost their lives in the last TWO weeks.

Tonight, on the freeway, I saw a family driving a big truck and they had a Bush/Cheney bumper sticker. It's really hard for me to understand the rationale for that kind of allegiance. They had American flags and other "patriotic" symbols adorning their huge rig.

I feel a BIG disconnect. Or at least, I feel totally disconnected from that kind of logic, and those kinds of people. I want to understand it/them--because as it is now, seeing those stickers makes me...angry. I think this kind of lazy blind "patriotism" excuses people from making actually thoughtful civil decisions.

But hey...it is the kind of democracy that you can pick up at Wal-Mart for a buck fifty. And...whatever's on sale. Right?

Can somebody explain how this makes SENSE? How could it be patriotic to support an Executive administration that slash burns a country's Constitution, squanders its resources and the haphazardly spills the blood of its enlisted civilians?

Yeah. I still don't get it.

Speak Now!

2008-06-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

This is a good petition to sign, urging Congress to compel Karl Rove to testify, or face the consequences.

Do you think Karl Rove, and other members of the Bush Administration, are above the Constitution and the checks and balances that keep our country...um, balanced(?)...?

I didn't think so.

So sign it! Stating your position doesn't get any easier, and I couldn't think of a better guy to go down. Well, maybe I can think of a couple others...

*Image is a work of Photoshop, originally posted on fark.com. But sometimes life imitates art...so I'm keeping my fingers crossed, y'all!

Why I Won't Impeach Bush...???

2008-06-24T20:59:00.001-07:00

I got an email today from my Representative, telling me the reasons why he wouldn't pursue impeachment against Bush:

It won't work.
It takes up valuable time in Congress that could be used to address the mortgage crisis, gas prices, and minimum wage.
Impeachment is super serious.

This was my response:

Dear Congressman,

I appreciate your deep understanding of the tremendous work to be done. I also understand that the likelihood of Bush being impeached is next to zero. However, this Administration is guilty of serious crimes and serious, repeated abuses of power. Pardon my being frank, but we are not talking about a blow job, here.

My greatest concern is that Congress has failed to hold this Administration in check. It has bowed, continually, to the pressures of this Administration, and THAT sets a terrible precedent for future stewards of the Executive Office. We need to put substantial deterrence measures in place, and the hourglass is running out. The mortgage crisis, gas prices, minimum wage...those are obviously important issues. But they are also easier political issues to focus on. Easier has gotten us into a lot of hot water.

We have seen what happens when we focus on the pervasive immediate issues at hand, and let the foundation beneath us slip away catastrophically. What Congress has FAILED to do, repeatedly, is address the big picture, the elephant in the room. Why?

It’s time to invest in, and bring focus back to, the fundamentals of this country. No more instant gratification: we need a long haul approach. And we need leadership with the courage to do the right thing, no matter how hard it is, and to focus on the critical priorities. Look how much time the Bush/Cheney illegal war has stolen from your work in the House. Spending the time to hold them accountable for that, and much more of our wasted resources, seems more than fair in my book.

Bush and Cheney are war criminals and they have severely undermined our democracy, and threatened our national interest. The blood of millions is on their hands, and they used my tax money to do it.

I want them to be held accountable. In fact, I demand it.

Thank you for all your work. I know this is a touch assignment, but these are tough times requiring hard work. We’ll get through the mortgage crisis. And there will always be some crisis. But now is the time to restore democracy, and to shore up the foundation of this country by showing that we mean business.

Best wishes to you--I wish you every success in your efforts to restore at least some of the justice and democracy that has been simply handed over to this Administration.

Did Your House Representative Sell You Out on FISA?

2008-06-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

The FISA legislation that recently passed only required 50% of House votes.

Since this legislation was positioned to be "Republican-Aye" and "Democrat-Nay," and with 235 Democrats (to the Republican 199) holding the majority seat in the House, all the "Democrats" needed to do was vote Nay, and the legislation wouldn't have passed.

So how come 101 Democrats voted in favor of this legislation that gives big telecoms immunity, and allows them to keep spying on innocent American civilians?

Who Exactly Voted AYE to the Bad FISA Legislation? (Dems on the Left, Republicans on the Right, in alpha order. Pun intended.):

Rep. Gary Ackerman [D, NY-5]
Rep. Jason Altmire [D, PA-4]
Rep. Michael Arcuri [D, NY-24]
Rep. Joe Baca [D, CA-43]
Rep. Brian Baird [D, WA-3]
Rep. John Barrow [D, GA-12]
Rep. Melissa Bean [D, IL-8]
Rep. Shelley Berkley [D, NV-1]
Rep. Howard Berman [D, CA-28]
Rep. Robert Berry [D, AR-1]
Rep. Timothy Bishop [D, NY-1]
Rep. Sanford Bishop [D, GA-2]
Rep. Dan Boren [D, OK-2]
Rep. Leonard Boswell [D, IA-3]
Rep. Frederick Boucher [D, VA-9]
Rep. F. Allen Boyd [D, FL-2]
Rep. Nancy Boyda [D, KS-2]
Rep. Corrine Brown [D, FL-3]
Rep. George Butterfield [D, NC-1]
Rep. Dennis Cardoza [D, CA-18]
Rep. Christopher Carney [D, PA-10]
Rep. Kathy Castor [D, FL-11]
Rep. Donald Cazayoux [D, LA-6]
Rep. Ben Chandler [D, KY-6]
Rep. Travis Childers [D, MS-1]
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver [D, MO-5]
Rep. James Clyburn [D, SC-6]
Rep. Jim Cooper [D, TN-5]
Rep. Jim Costa [D, CA-20]
Rep. Robert Cramer [D, AL-5]
Rep. Joseph Crowley [D, NY-7]
Rep. Henry Cuellar [D, TX-28]
Rep. Lincoln Davis [D, TN-4]
Rep. Artur Davis [D, AL-7]
Rep. Norman Dicks [D, WA-6]
Rep. Joe Donnelly [D, IN-2]
Rep. Thomas Edwards [D, TX-17]
Rep. Brad Ellsworth [D, IN-8]
Rep. Rahm Emanuel [D, IL-5]
Rep. Eliot Engel [D, NY-17]
Rep. Bob Etheridge [D, NC-2]
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords [D, AZ-8]
Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand [D, NY-20]
Rep. Barton Gordon [D, TN-6]
Rep. Raymond Green [D, TX-29]
Rep. Al Green [D, TX-9]
Rep. Luis Gutierrez [D, IL-4]
Rep. Jane Harman [D, CA-36]
Rep. Alcee Hastings [D, FL-23]
Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin [D, SD-0]
Rep. Brian Higgins [D, NY-27]
Rep. Rubén Hinojosa [D, TX-15]
Rep. Tim Holden [D, PA-17]
Rep. Steny Hoyer [D, MD-5]
Rep. Paul Kanjorski [D, PA-11]
Rep. Dale Kildee [D, MI-5]
Rep. Ronald Kind [D, WI-3]
Rep. Ron Klein [D, FL-22]
Rep. Nicholas Lampson [D, TX-22]
Rep. James Langevin [D, RI-2]
Rep. Daniel Lipinski [D, IL-3]
Rep. Nita Lowey [D, NY-18]
Rep. Tim Mahoney [D, FL-16]
Rep. James Marshall [D, GA-8]
Rep. Jim Matheson [D, UT-2]
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy [D, NY-4]
Rep. Mike McIntyre [D, NC-7]
Rep. Jerry McNerney [D, CA-11]
Rep. Gregory Meeks [D, NY-6]
Rep. Charles Melancon [D, LA-3]
Rep. Harry Mitchell [D, AZ-5]
Rep. Dennis Moore [D, KS-3]
Rep. Patrick Murphy [D, PA-8]
Rep. John Murtha [D, PA-12]
Rep. Solomon Ortiz [D, TX-27]
Rep. Nancy Pelosi [D, CA-8]
Rep. Ed Perlmutter [D, CO-7]
Rep. Collin Peterson [D, MN-7]
Rep. Earl Pomeroy [D, ND-0]
Rep. Nick Rahall [D, WV-3]
Rep. Silvestre Reyes [D, TX-16]
Rep. Laura Richardson [D, CA-37]
Rep. Ciro Rodriguez [D, TX-23]
Rep. Mike Ross [D, AR-4]
Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger [D, MD-2]
Rep. John Salazar [D, CO-3]
Rep. Adam Schiff [D, CA-29]
Rep. David Scott [D, GA-13]
Rep. Joe Sestak [D, PA-7]
Rep. Brad Sherman [D, CA-27]
Rep. Heath Shuler [D, NC-11]
Rep. Albio Sires [D, NJ-13]
Rep. Ike Skelton [D, MO-4]
Rep. Adam Smith [D, WA-9]
Rep. Victor Snyder [D, AR-2]
Rep. Zackary Space [D, OH-18]
Rep. John Spratt [D, SC-5]
Rep. Bart Stupak [D, MI-1]
Rep. John Tanner [D, TN-8]
Rep. Ellen Tauscher [D, CA-10]
Rep. Gene Taylor [D, MS-4]
Rep. Bennie Thompson [D, MS-2]
Rep. Mark Udall [D, CO-2]
Rep. Charles Wilson [D, OH-6]
Rep. John Yarmuth [D, KY-3]

Rep. Robert Aderholt [R, AL-4]
Rep. W. Todd Akin [R, MO-2]
Rep. Rodney Alexander [R, LA-5]
Rep. Michele Bachmann [R, MN-6]
Rep. Spencer Bachus [R, AL-6]
Rep. James Barrett [R, SC-3]
Rep. Roscoe Bartlett [R, MD-6]
Rep. Joe Barton [R, TX-6]
Rep. Judy Biggert [R, IL-13]
Rep. Brian Bilbray [R, CA-50]
Rep. Gus Bilirakis [R, FL-9]
Rep. Rob Bishop [R, UT-1]
Rep. Marsha Blackburn [R, TN-7]
Rep. Roy Blunt [R, MO-7]
Rep. John Boehner [R, OH-8]
Rep. Jo Bonner [R, AL-1]
Rep. Mary Bono Mack [R, CA-45]
Rep. John Boozman [R, AR-3]
Rep. Charles Boustany [R, LA-7]
Rep. Kevin Brady [R, TX-8]
Rep. Paul Broun [R, GA-10]
Rep. Henry Brown [R, SC-1]
Rep. Vern Buchanan [R, FL-13]
Rep. Michael Burgess [R, TX-26]
Rep. Dan Burton [R, IN-5]
Rep. Stephen Buyer [R, IN-4]
Rep. Ken Calvert [R, CA-44]
Rep. David Camp [R, MI-4]
Rep. John Campbell [R, CA-48]
Rep. Eric Cantor [R, VA-7]
Rep. Shelley Capito [R, WV-2]
Rep. John Carter [R, TX-31]
Rep. Michael Castle [R, DE-0]
Rep. Steven Chabot [R, OH-1]
Rep. Howard Coble [R, NC-6]
Rep. Tom Cole [R, OK-4]
Rep. K. Michael Conaway [R, TX-11]
Rep. Ander Crenshaw [R, FL-4]
Rep. Barbara Cubin [R, WY-0]
Rep. John Culberson [R, TX-7]
Rep. Thomas Davis [R, VA-11]
Rep. David Davis [R, TN-1]
Rep. Geoff Davis [R, KY-4]
Rep. Nathan Deal [R, GA-9]
Rep. Charles Dent [R, PA-15]
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart [R, FL-25]
Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart [R, FL-21]
Rep. John Doolittle [R, CA-4]
Rep. Thelma Drake [R, VA-2]
Rep. David Dreier [R, CA-26]
Rep. John Duncan [R, TN-2]
Rep. Vernon Ehlers [R, MI-3]
Rep. Jo Ann Emerson [R, MO-8]
Rep. Philip English [R, PA-3]
Rep. Terry Everett [R, AL-2]
Rep. Mary Fallin [R, OK-5]
Rep. Tom Feeney [R, FL-24]
Rep. Michael Ferguson [R, NJ-7]
Rep. Jeff Flake [R, AZ-6]
Rep. James Forbes [R, VA-4]
Rep. Jeffrey Fortenberry [R, NE-1]
Rep. Vito Fossella [R, NY-13]
Rep. Virginia Foxx [R, NC-5]
Rep. Trent Franks [R, AZ-2]
Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen [R, NJ-11]
Rep. Elton Gallegly [R, CA-24]
Rep. E. Scott Garrett [R, NJ-5]
Rep. Jim Gerlach [R, PA-6]
Rep. John Gingrey [R, GA-11]
Rep. Virgil Goode [R, VA-5]
Rep. Robert Goodlatte [R, VA-6]
Rep. Kay Granger [R, TX-12]
Rep. Samuel Graves [R, MO-6]
Rep. Ralph Hall [R, TX-4]
Rep. Doc Hastings [R, WA-4]
Rep. Robin Hayes [R, NC-8]
Rep. Dean Heller [R, NV-2]
Rep. Jeb Hensarling [R, TX-5]
Rep. Walter Herger [R, CA-2]
Rep. David Hobson [R, OH-7]
Rep. Peter Hoekstra [R, MI-2]
Rep. Kenny Hulshof [R, MO-9]
Rep. Duncan Hunter [R, CA-52]
Rep. Bob Inglis [R, SC-4]
Rep. Darrell Issa [R, CA-49]
Rep. Samuel Johnson [R, TX-3]
Rep. Jim Jordan [R, OH-4]
Rep. Ric Keller [R, FL-8]
Rep. Peter King [R, NY-3]
Rep. Steve King [R, IA-5]
Rep. Jack Kingston [R, GA-1]
Rep. Mark Kirk [R, IL-10]
Rep. John Kline [R, MN-2]
Rep. Joseph Knollenberg [R, MI-9]
Rep. John Kuhl [R, NY-29]
Rep. Ray LaHood [R, IL-18]
Rep. Doug Lamborn [R, CO-5]
Rep. Thomas Latham [R, IA-4]
Rep. Steven LaTourette [R, OH-14]
Rep. Robert Latta [R, OH-5]
Rep. Ron Lewis [R, KY-2]
Rep. Jerry Lewis [R, CA-41]
Rep. John Linder [R, GA-7]
Rep. Frank LoBiondo [R, NJ-2]
Rep. Frank Lucas [R, OK-3]
Rep. Daniel Lungren [R, CA-3]
Rep. Connie Mack [R, FL-14]
Rep. Donald Manzullo [R, IL-16]
Rep. Kenny Marchant [R, TX-24]
Rep. Kevin McCarthy [R, CA-22]
Rep. Michael McCaul [R, TX-10]
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter [R, MI-11]
Rep. James McCrery [R, LA-4]
Rep. Patrick Mchenry [R, NC-10]
Rep. John McHugh [R, NY-23]
Rep. Howard McKeon [R, CA-25]
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers [R, WA-5]
Rep. John Mica [R, FL-7]
Rep. Gary Miller [R, CA-42]
Rep. Candice Miller [R, MI-10]
Rep. Jeff Miller [R, FL-1]
Rep. Jerry Moran [R, KS-1]
Rep. Tim Murphy [R, PA-18]
Rep. Marilyn Musgrave [R, CO-4]
Rep. Sue Myrick [R, NC-9]
Rep. Randy Neugebauer [R, TX-19]
Rep. Devin Nunes [R, CA-21]
Rep. Steven Pearce [R, NM-2]
Rep. Mike Pence [R, IN-6]
Rep. Thomas Petri [R, WI-6]
Rep. Charles Pickering [R, MS-3]
Rep. Joseph Pitts [R, PA-16]
Rep. Todd Platts [R, PA-19]
Rep. Ted Poe [R, TX-2]
Rep. Jon Porter [R, NV-3]
Rep. Tom Price [R, GA-6]
Rep. Deborah Pryce [R, OH-15]
Rep. Adam Putnam [R, FL-12]
Rep. George Radanovich [R, CA-19]
Rep. James Ramstad [R, MN-3]
Rep. Ralph Regula [R, OH-16]
Rep. Dennis Rehberg [R, MT-0]
Rep. Dave Reichert [R, WA-8]
Rep. Rick Renzi [R, AZ-1]
Rep. Michael Rogers [R, MI-8]
Rep. Harold Rogers [R, KY-5]
Rep. Michael Rogers [R, AL-3]
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher [R, CA-46]
Rep. Peter Roskam [R, IL-6]
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen [R, FL-18]
Rep. Edward Royce [R, CA-40]
Rep. Paul Ryan [R, WI-1]
Rep. Bill Sali [R, ID-1]
Rep. H. James Saxton [R, NJ-3]
Rep. Steve Scalise [R, LA-1]
Rep. Jean Schmidt [R, OH-2]
Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner [R, WI-5]
Rep. Peter Sessions [R, TX-32]
Rep. John Shadegg [R, AZ-3]
Rep. Christopher Shays [R, CT-4]
Rep. John Shimkus [R, IL-19]
Rep. William Shuster [R, PA-9]
Rep. Michael Simpson [R, ID-2]
Rep. Lamar Smith [R, TX-21]
Rep. Christopher Smith [R, NJ-4]
Rep. Adrian Smith [R, NE-3]
Rep. Mark Souder [R, IN-3]
Rep. Clifford Stearns [R, FL-6]
Rep. John Sullivan [R, OK-1]
Rep. Thomas Tancredo [R, CO-6]
Rep. Lee Terry [R, NE-2]
Rep. William Thornberry [R, TX-13]
Rep. Patrick Tiberi [R, OH-12]
Rep. Michael Turner [R, OH-3]
Rep. Frederick Upton [R, MI-6]
Rep. Timothy Walberg [R, MI-7]
Rep. Greg Walden [R, OR-2]
Rep. James Walsh [R, NY-25]
Rep. Zach Wamp [R, TN-3]
Rep. David Weldon [R, FL-15]
Rep. Lynn Westmoreland [R, GA-3]
Rep. Edward Whitfield [R, KY-1]
Rep. Addison Wilson [R, SC-2]
Rep. Heather Wilson [R, NM-1]
Rep. Rob Wittman [R, VA-1]
Rep. Frank Wolf [R, VA-10]
Rep. C. W. Bill Young [R, FL-10]
Rep. Donald Young [R, AK-0]

That's who.

We, the People, Lose on FISA Legislation

2008-06-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

H.R. 6304, FISA legislation granting immunity to telecom companies that bowed to the Bush Administration and illegally spied on innocent Americans, passed in the House last Friday. The bill now moves to the Senate and is expected to pass--even though it is UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

Is anyone else getting tired of hearing the weak excuse of, "We had to vote for it, we didn't want to look like we were soft on terrorism." Because all I want to know is: who has the guts to get TOUGH on FASCISM?

So, did your representatives vote to protect your interests, or those of the big telecom giants? The only acceptable vote here is Nay. Aye means your Rep sold out, and Abstain means your Rep played it safe by not weighing in at all.

So, once again, it's up to us to be vigilant and exercise the muscle of patriotic duty:
Contact your representative and let them know what you think about the job they're doing. Here are some ideas:

Thank you for voting against H.R. 3604.
- or -
"I am disturbed by the fact that you have come out in favor of H.R. 3604 [either 'by voting for it' or 'by abstaining to vote against it'] and you have lost my future vote."

Note: I found it interesting to see a pro-Administration Washington Post editorial being quoted as though it were actual journalism during the testimony which lead up to the House vote.

Weekly Death Toll

2008-06-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

Last week the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,222,013.

Now the toll is at 1,225,898.

That means 3,885 Iraqi civilians lost their lives in the last week.

The photo at right is of Don Zirkel--the 80-year-old man who was arrested last spring during an antiwar rally at a local mall, for wearing the t-shirt you see here. Apparently, mall officials didn't want their shoppers to become preoccupied with icky thoughts of important things. I'm with Don:

ENOUGH already!

McClellan Testifies Before the House Judiciary Committee

2008-06-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

Judiciary Chairman John Conyer's opening remarks (click here if you don't see the video below):

Text of Congressman Robert Wexler interviewing Scott McClellan:

Robert Wexler: Thank you Mister Chairman, thank you Mr. McClellan, for appearing before this committee today. Your book raises many questions about the administration that is incapable of telling the truth and, in your words, avoids accountability. I want to focus on how and why Scooter Libby came to reveal the identity of covert CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson. From everything we know about this administration, it is inconceivable that Mr. Libby would have acted alone. It is essential we learn who ordered or gave permission to Mr. Libby to expose the identity of this covert agent. The president and vice president have denied ordering this illegal leak, but logic and the chain of command dictates that it must have been one of them. Mr. McClellan, in your book you state that you cannot believe President Bush authorized the leak of Valerie Plame Wilson’s status as a covert agent. It is unimaginable to you that the President, one of only two people who had the authority to give Libby the go-ahead to make this leak, actually did it. So who does that leave us? The Vice President. You do not defend Mr. Cheney in your book; in fact, the lack of faith you express in the Vice President in your book is striking. Why?

Scott McClellan: Well, he is someone who keeps things pretty close to the vest, to say the least. I do not know what his thinking is or what his involvement was in this whole episode. I think that Patrick Fitzgerald stated it well when he talked about the cloud that was remaining over the Vice President’s office because of Scooter Libby’s actions that lead to his conviction on four counts, I guess, but there’s a lot of suspicion there because there are questions that have never been answered, despite the fact that we said at some point we would address these issues.

Wexler: So this suspicion leads you to believe that Vice President Cheney could have authorized Mr. Libby’s leak?

McClellan: I can’t rule it out, and I think that Scooter Libby in his, some testimony that he’s talked about, it’s possible that he could have first learned about her from, or that the Vice President could have even asked him to get that information out.

Wexler: Well, thank you for your candor, Mr. McClellan. Your suspicion or the doubts that you raise fit in very nicely to what it is we do know. We do know Mr. Cheney has been deeply involved in the efforts to cover up the leak and exonerate Mr. Libby. We know Mr. Cheney called you to have you unknowingly lie to the American people about Libby’s involvement. We know that the Vice President wrote a note where he starts to write and then crosses out the fact that the president himself asked Libby to stick his neck into a meat grinder to protect the administration. It is clear to me that Mr. Cheney is the only one left; the only likely suspect to have ordered the leak. If Mr. Cheney really thought Libby was innocent, then his note would have likely said something like “We need to protect this man who has done nothing wrong.” But that’s not what Mr. Cheney’s note said. The Vice President’s own hand betrays him and Libby, and implicates the President of the United States.
These facts and your testimony, Mr. McClellan, are more than enough in my view to open up impeachment hearings. Furthermore, the President’s use of the pardon power to deflect an investigation into his own wrongdoing by granting a commutation to the man who may have lied for him, would constitute an abuse and crime of the highest order. And we must determine on this committee conclusively whether or not this happened. Thank you, Mr. McClellan, for exposing some of the lies that were propagated by this White House. But unfortunately, as you have said, I believe as well, others in this White House have been blocking access to the truth. It’s time we sweep away the bogus claims of executive privilege and get Karl Rove, Andy Card, and others before this judiciary committee. We have the power of inhering contempt, and if need be, we should use it. Mr. McClellan, what you have provided today for the American people is enormously important. You are the first high official in this administration to come before this Congress and offer us a glimpse into the truth. I commend you for being here today.

McClellan: Thank you Congressman. I do believe it’s important for the American people to have the truth.

More Billions For Iraq

2008-06-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

So, the House voted to give $165 billion more of your and my tax dollars to fund the Iraq and Afghanistan wars through 2009.
I'm frustrated.

I'm frustrated because we keep staying the wrong course, and also because the news articles about this vote are confusing, offering fractured pieces of the puzzle, making it hard to understand the big picture of WTF just happened?

Information that would be helpful to a reader who wants to do more than just "take it from the media" would be:

1) the bill number, so that a reader could track and read the actual legislation.

It sounds like the bill initially combined war funding with domestic veteran benefits funding. Then, apparently to appease anti-war Democrats, the funding was split, to separate war funding from the domestic benefits funding. Even so, the war funding, on its own pathetic legs, passed 268-155, with 80 democrats voting in favor of the war funding. So the second thing I want to know is:

2) WHICH DEMOCRATS voted to give billions more to fund these wars?

Sites like the Washington Post's Congressional Votes database do not yet reflect these votes.
But I'll keep a look out. And of course, I will post what I find.

Same Difference?

2008-06-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

Deep gratitude to Liberal Instincts for introducing me to this:

Remember how we thought we were sending such a clear message in 2006 when we voted a democratic majority into Congress? We quickly began to see that that didn't really matter, did it? The only thing that changed were the excuses, and it quickly became obvious that Congress was going to keep "keeping on" with the same agenda:

Nancy Pelosi refuses to consider impeachment.
Harry Reid sides with big telecom over Americans on FISA.

And what about the Iraq War? Oh, well: Today republican and democratic House leaders agreed to fund $162 billion more for Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

We sent a clear message that we wanted change, and instead we found that even if you chop off a republican head and a democratic head grows back in its place, they often answer to the same people. Which are not us.

Vote your gut. REVIEW YOUR REP's VOTING RECORD, and be very vocal in telling them what you think. They are counting on you NOT doing so...

but WE are counting on you to prove them wrong.

Take Over the World (a leaked D.I.Y. Army manual)

2008-06-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

Woah.

Ever wonder just how the U.S. manages to prop up friendly governments and death squads in U.S. "Host Nations"...like now, in Iraq? Well, the U.S. Army manual was leaked, so check it out!

Just click on one of the file links--and grab your reading glasses--to view the 219 PDF'd manual, updated in 2004.

Here's one interesting quote from the manual (note: HN = host nation, IDAD = internal defense and development , PSYOP = psychological operations, FID = foreign internal defense):

Psychological Operations:
To defeat an insurgency, the HN government must retain or regain the confidence and support of its people. The objective of an IDAD program is not to kill or even capture the insurgents. It is to convince them to abandon a hopeless or worthless cause and support the HN government. PSYOP must therefore be an integral and vital part of an IDAD program. SF soldiers may have to educate their HN counter- parts in the value and role of PSYOP in FID. They must then advise and assist HN forces in developing and implementing an effective PSYOP program.

And here I thought the trick was to just kill 'em with kindness...

Urgent FISA Petition from the ACLU

2008-06-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

I swear, this FISA retroactive immunity issue just never goes away.
VIGILANT!

Vigilant we have to be...

So my good patriots, SIGN UP (but do it soon, because the clock is ticking!) HERE.

You're Fired!

2008-06-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

I found this story, about the "ousting" of civilian senior Army official Charles M. Smith (he had a 31 year tenure), to be pretty interesting. He refused to pay $1 billion of questionable charges billed by military contractor KBR, a subsidiary of Halliburton (the company Dick Cheney helmed for five years as CEO).

After being forced from his job, the Army reversed Smith's decision and paid the questionable $1 billion KBR bill, citing that the quality of service that KBR provides to our troops would otherwise suffer.

I don't know if you've seen Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers, but it sure sounds to me like the quality of service KBR provides to our troops in Iraq would be hard pressed to get much worse.

But oh, what a little spin will do. I mean, to not pay that bill would be, unpatriotic, right?!

Weekly Death Toll

2008-06-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

Last week the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,221,154.

Now the toll is at 1,222,013.

That means 859 Iraqi civilians lost their lives in the last week.

Impeachment Is a Waste of Time

2008-06-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel posted this editorial last Thursday in response to the recent impeachment efforts brought in the House by Dennis Kucinich against George W. Bush.

In response to their editorial, I submitted this letter to the editor:

I disagree with the Sun’s June 12th editorial, Impeachment not worth another minute of anybody's time.

Letting the Bush administration off the hook for their abuse of power sets a very dangerous precedent, and dangerous political precedents are “REAL” issues.

We wouldn’t let drunk drivers off the hook, just because they didn’t intend harm. We have laws to hold individuals accountable when their pursuit of self-interest trespasses upon our collective pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. To uphold those laws, through use, is to safeguard that collective pursuit. It also suggests that the promise of America actually matters to us.

This administration has bled countless people of their lives; the earth of its health and resources; this nation, and Iraq, of its hope and treasure—and the Sun Sentinel suggests that impeachment, as a last resort for actually holding this administration accountable, is not a “REAL” issue? I disagree.

Mark Twain said it best, ”Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it.”

Someone else said, “In a democracy, people get the government they deserve.”

I don’t know about you, but I’d like to think we deserve* better.

.....

*There was another quote that I couldn't include in that letter to the editor that I am going to include/admit here, in this post:

"I know that people get the government they deserve; what bothers me is that I’m going to get the government they deserve.

Thank You, Tim Russert

2008-06-13T23:10:00.000-07:00

It's no longer news, but for a blog that speaks of the state of politics--and the often shoddy journalism that buries it--today is a sad day...

Goodbye, Tim Russert.

Russert was a journalist of the people, fully invested in politics, but not wooed by politicians. He wasn't afraid to ask difficult questions, or put people on the spot.

We need more of those.

And today, with Tim Russert's too early passing, we need a big one more.

McClellan to Testify Before the House Judiciary Committee

2008-06-10T21:35:00.000-07:00

This is fantastic news:
Scott McClellan is expected to testify about how the Bush Administration misled him (therefore leading him to mislead the country) on June 20th.

I can't wait to hear what comes out of this...more material to back Kucinich's case for impeachment of both Cheney, and now, Bush. Too bad Nancy Pelosi refuses to consider impeachment...from the youtube videos (in the post below), it looks like she can barely bring herself to use her gavel. Couldn't we have gotten a woman with more cajones to be the first female Speaker of the House? Ay carumba.

Kucinich Introduces 35 Articles of Impeachment Against BUSH!

2008-06-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

Of course, they probably won't give prominent placement to this item in the dominant corporate American media (what passes for "news" these days...), but others who have the stomach to ink real journalism, will:

DENNIS KUCINICH INTRODUCES 35 ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT AGAINST GEORGE W. BUSH!

Watch the live C-SPAN coverage below (in 5 parts):

Part 1 of 5

Part 2 of 5

Part 3 of 5

Part 4 of 5

Part 5 of 5:

Weekly Death Toll

2008-06-08T22:10:00.000-07:00

TWO WEEKS AGO the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,213,716.

Now the toll is at 1,221,154.

That means that in the last 14 days that 7,438 Iraqi civilians died.

Personally, during that time, I took a FANTASTIC vacation visiting friends that I miss dearly.

How about you?

Pentagon Pushed Back

2008-06-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

Senior Defence Department officials and the Joint Chiefs actually opposed Dick Cheney's proposal to bomb Iran?

So, people are actually starting to say "no" to Dick?

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

2008-06-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

Portugal is investing in its future, in the form of renewable energy.

Huh. I wonder what it would be like to have a government that looks forward instead of blindly backwards, down a well?

I wonder when the tipping point will be when "everyday" citizens embrace the reality upon us: that the time has come ("passed," really) to give up the gas-driven toys, and invest in a more sustainable future.

Bill Moyers TODAY at the National Conference for Media Reform

2008-06-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Weekly Death Toll

2008-05-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

Last week the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,209,263.

One week later, the toll is at 1,213,716.

That's 4,453 Iraqi civilians deaths in the last 6 days.

Weekly Death Toll

2008-05-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

Last week the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,206,950.

Eight days later, the toll is at 1,209,263.

That's 2,313 Iraqi civilians deaths in the last 8 days.

Rove Refuses to Testify

2008-05-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

I'll give them one thing: the Bush Administration is nothing if not consistent. The abuse of power continues...first Harriet Miers and Joshua Bolton, and now Karl Rove:

Polar Bears on Endangered Species List, But Don't Expect U.S. to Do Anything About It

2008-05-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

In a classic one step forward, two steps back decision:

The polar bear was placed on the endangered species list today.

And while they say that this is the first time a species has been threatened with extinction as a direct results of climate change and global warming, U.S. Interior Secretary, Dirk Kempthorne--who put the polar bears on the list--says that it would be inappropriate to use this listing as a "tool for reducing greenhouse gas." But he's not just talking. He's putting it in print:

The Interior Department ADDED stipulations that would ALLOW oil and gas exploration and development to proceed in areas where polar bears live.

And on a not-so-unrelated personal note: Today, I bought a new bike.
Go to hell, Bush/Cheney!

Love That Gavel!

2008-05-14T21:18:00.000-07:00

Some encouraging news:

US District Judge Keith Ellison has ruled that former Halliburton/KBR employee Jamie Leigh Jones, who was drugged, gang raped, and then imprisoned in a crate by her co-workers while working for Halliburton/KBR in Baghdad, can take her case against the companies, her rapists and the U.S. Government to trial.

The right to a trial--especially for someone so brutally victimized--doesn't seem like it should be a big deal, right? It seems like a given!

But if you work for a company like KBR, one that has employment contracts restricting employee claims to private arbitration--in order to keep them out of (the public) courts--it is a big deal.

For a lot of reasons.

So, go Jamie! I can't imagine the courage and conviction it would take to commit to re-living such a horrific experience, and having it encompass your life as you try to push it towards a "just" legal outcome. GO, JAMIE!

Edwards Endorses Obama

2008-05-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

With John Edwards endorsing Barack Obama, how many of his 19 pledged delegates will follow suit?

But as we all know, it's coming down to the superdelegates. Who's endorsing who? Who is undecided? When will this finally be over? Do they intentionally make the election system this tiresome to discourage people from following elections? Or is it just to sell more newspapers and have a something new--albeit, probably of little significance in the ultimate scheme of the thing--to talk about?

Point, by excruciating point.

"Enough, already!" you want to shout. The only problem is, it's not. And so we keep waiting and (probably sporadically) watching...

like you'd watch a pot boil. And then let it cool. And then watch it boil again.
35 times.

We Can't Operate Without Private Security Firms In Iraq

2008-05-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

Blackwater is back to business as usual in Iraq--without any consequences for their immoral and illegal handling (i.e. civilian slaughters) of security in the country.

The rational? We can't be there without them, according to the State Department. Which again begs the exhausted question:

"Why are we in Iraq?"

Weekly Death Toll

2008-05-11T22:02:00.000-07:00

Last week the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,205,025.

One week later, the toll is at 1,206,950.
That's 1,925 Iraqi civilians deaths in one week.

Where's the Beef (Been)?

2008-05-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

As if this weren't enough, the now there's this.

Democrats Working to Give Bush What He Wants on FISA

2008-05-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

Certain members of the House are working with the Bush Administration on a FISA "compromise" that would overturn all of the hard work that We, the People, fought so hard to achieve: "NO retroactive immunity!"

CREDO has developed a petition you can sign to send the message to Speaker Nancy Pelosi: Granting retroactive immunity to lawbreaking telecoms who spied on innocent Americans is not up for negotiation, no matter who pens the legislation.

You can sign the CREDO petition here.

Weekly Death Toll

2008-05-04T22:52:00.000-07:00

Last week the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,201,597.

One week later, the toll is at 1,205,025.
That's 3,428 Iraqi civilians deaths in one week.

Extra! Extra!

2008-05-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

Food ration crisis in Iraq affecting only Iraqi citizens, not Iraqi puppets!

Since Earth Day is "Behind" Us:
Let's read about mucking up national/natural treasures for uranium (because this time, nuclear is going to save us, y'all!
and
Let's read about why big chemical companies will keep making money even if it kills us, and get away with it.
and
Freakynomics: Hillary's ultimately whole lotta nothing gas tax "plan"

Dick Cheney, Living Up to His Name: See Dick Kill Endangered Whales

US Accuses Finally Released Guantanamo Detainee of Faking It
As if enduring torture for 6 years while being held captive--only to be released with no charges or evidence against you--weren't enough, the US Defense Dept. officials are saying that Sami al-Hajj is faking weakness and poor health as a consequence of his imprisonment. I say we put the US war criminals in Guantanamo kennels, subject them to the same treatment, and then see how zippy they feel.

And while we're on the subject of torture:
Check out Contractors Gone Wild and Senate Panel Bans Private Contractors in CIA Interrogations.

Al Jazeera Cameraman Released from Guantanamo

2008-05-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

After 6 years and much public protest to his detention, Arab journalist and Al Jazeera cameraman, Sami al-Hajj, has been released from Guantanamo Bay.

Want to See Guantanamo Closed?

2008-04-30T22:13:00.001-07:00

The ACLU has created a petition that you can sign to encourage your senators to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp.

It states:

I am writing to urge you to support and co-sponsor Senator Harkin's recently introduced Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Closure Act of 2007 (S. 1469), which would close the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba within 120 days of enactment.

This legislation cuts off funds for everything except sending charged or sentenced detainees to Fort Leavenworth and transferring the remaining detainees to their home countries or other countries that will not torture, abuse, or otherwise persecute them. Fort Leavenworth prison was specifically designated, designed, and built by the Department of Defense to hold national security prisoners.

The government has been holding nearly 400 men indefinitely and without charge at Guantanamo for long enough. Senator Harkin's bill will ensure that those inmates who the government alleges are criminals will finally be charged and tried. Due process and the rule of law are long overdue. The time to act, and set clear-cut deadlines for action by the Bush Administration is now.

What I'm asking for is simple: end indefinite detention and use a process that respects due process and the rule of law. Holding people indefinitely and without charge for years is un-American. It damages my sense of pride in this great nation.

Support for closing the legal "black hole" that is Guantanamo Bay is bipartisan, widespread, and growing by the day. The decision to use Fort Leavenworth closely tracks Senator McCain's recent statement. He said, if elected president, he "would immediately close Guantanamo Bay, move all prisoners to Fort Leavenworth and truly expedite the judicial proceedings in their cases."

As you can see, Senator Harkin's bill is a commonsense solution to a problem that has gone on damaging American values long enough.

Again, please support and co-sponsor the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Closure Act of 2007 (S. 1469).

I eagerly await your response.

Honor Killings

2008-04-29T22:22:00.000-07:00

Situations--and terrible stories--like this are not only infuriating, but make you realize what heinous propaganda it is for the U.S. to claim that it can, is and will bring "democracy" to Iraq:

Being stoned to death seems god awful. But this graphic video footage helps one see that perhaps that is exactly what it is--God, awful:

It's Not a Lie if You Believe It

2008-04-27T21:53:00.001-07:00

Interesting article today about yet another exaggerated threat--this one nuclear--from the Bush administration.

However, on a positive note: this threat's "truthiness" threaded water for only a few days before it's actual bogusness blew up in the faces of the fearmongering neo-conmen.

I don't know why they call it a "mushroom cloud"--looks a lot more like a donut to me.

Weekly Death Toll

2008-04-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

Last week the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,199,782.

One week later, the toll is at 1,201,597.
That's 1,815 Iraqi civilians deaths in one week.

"The Entire Ecosystem Had Changed"

2008-04-24T20:03:00.000-07:00

Maybe some of us sorta celebrated Earth Day, and have been committed to this month of doing better in terms of doing our part (i.e. "leaving it as we found it"). Which is, of course, a delusional joke.

So I bring you two articles which tell a sobering tale of the state of our shared habitat, Earth:

One by the San Francisco Chronicle about a town in the Andes that is suffering dire and immediate consequences of climate change.

And the other by Agente France Presse which warns that Arctic Ice is melting faster than we thought.

Not surprising, but...

Great.

A Young American on the War

2008-04-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

This is a GREAT article by an 18-year-old private school educated young man.

To accompany it, a photo sent to me recently, by a friend. Seemed fitting.

Taking it to the $treet

2008-04-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

Obama refused to honor what has apparently become a long-standing tradition: paying "street money" to secure the votes of those living in often the poorer/est districts of whatever place might be considered important enough to swing critical votes. Today? That'd be in the city of Philadelpia.

Clinton simply refused to say what she was doing about "street money." Safe!

Maybe Obama figured he had the black vote in the corner pocket...with Clinton banking on the girls? Hmmm.

This reminds me of a question my Canadian friend asked recently: the world has had "minority"(according to Americans) and women leaders in numerous countries--some 3rd world--at this point in time. Why are we feeling so progressive about the idea of electing a black man, or a female President? Unbelievable, and totally symptomatic of the disease: ignorance!

I believe that most Americans don't follow their own politics, much less those of another country's...it's easier to watch TV. So yes, to most Americans: a black or woman president is still a very big deal.

That said, I applaud Obama's decision to not pay "street money." It should be the basic right of all people to have ready access to a voting process that is both accurate and verifiable. People should vote wisely because they are aware of the value--and feel invested--in the voting process. We should vote because we see, and feel, the stakes of the election outcomes that our collective voice determines. But...will we? Do we?

Do we bother to make sure our elections are accurate?
Do we bother to turn out to vote?

How much more needs to be at stake?

Weekly Death Toll

2008-04-20T22:33:00.000-07:00

Last week the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,197,469.

One week later, the toll is at 1,199,782.
That's 2,313 Iraqi civilians deaths in one week.

Fat and Starving

2008-04-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

A lot of people have seen these images which have been forwarded widely around the internet: images of families from various countries, photographed with their week's worth of food, and how much it costs them.

So what's the deal?

Being fat used to mean you were well-fed. But big corporate control of food has changed that, hasn't it? This is an interesting article about the current state of the world food supply. Why are so many dying from obesity and its complications--while starving for nutrition? Time to get real. Not fast.

Fascism is Creepy

2008-04-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

Interesting, feisty article about the fascist shift in the United States' government -- by Stacey Ward, editor of The Rogue Voice.

Truth V. Media

2008-04-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month in DC, Bill Moyers delivered this great speech regarding truth in journalism and the interdependency of corporate media and politics.

Great insight from a veteran journalist...

How to Endure Life's Hardships (with decency): 101

2008-04-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

This is a sweet little essay I read on commondreams.org.

Good for inspiring goodness, perspective and a little grace!

Weekly Death Toll

2008-04-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

Last week the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,196,514.

One week later, the toll is at 1,197,469.
That's 955 Iraqi civilians deaths last week.

Reality TV

2008-04-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

So long, Temptation Island. Hellooooo, Garbage Island!

Oh wait...
it's all trash.

Oil Companies V. Whales

2008-04-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

The Bush administration is proposing that we open up 5.6 million acres off the Alaska coast to oil drilling--just another well-thought-out-long-term strategy for dealing with the United States' dependency on oil from the Administration. Why not just bomb Iran? Oh wait, we're going to leave that dessert for McCain.

Weekly Death Toll

2008-04-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

Last week the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,194,935.

One week later, the toll is at 1,196,514.
That's 1,579 Iraqi civilians deaths last week.

Thinking about the quote below, it looks like not much has really changed in the last 5 years of occupying Iraq:

So far, the liberators have succeeded only in freeing the souls of the Iraqis from their bodies.
- George Monbiot, The Guardian, April 1, 2003

I May Not Get There With You

2008-04-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, Democracy Now (the D.N. piece starts 7.5 minutes into the 1 hour program) and Daily Kos each published powerful pieces well worth watching (or listening to) and reading.

Dr. King was only 39 years old at the time of his murder. Merely 34 years old when he delivered his dream to the nation:

Imagine where we would be--individually, nationally, globally--had Dr. King not been murdered.
Imagine where we would be if we each sowed--and cultivated--the seeds of Dr. King's dream.
Imagine where we would be if we really put our minds to working for peace and justice.

If the Democracy Now piece gets you curious about King's "Beyond Vietnam" speech, links to the text and audio can be found here.

You're Not Alone

2008-04-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Bush met with his approval ratings (live audience) at a D.C. ball game. No love, not even from his hometown:

Why does Bush look like he's about to whiz his pants before heading out to throw the pitch? What's he afraid of? After all, he throws real good. Clearly, all that practice has paid off.

Then, of course, there's Cheney (in December of 2006):

And then there's one just for sh*ts-n-giggles:

So see? You're not alone. There're people out there who feel just like you!

Sen. Chuck Hagel on the Daily Show

2008-04-01T21:40:00.001-07:00

Hacking Democracy

2008-03-31T23:25:00.001-07:00

Wow.

If you want to see an increasingly timely and interesting documentary about the inner workings of electronic voting fraud in the United States, check out Hacking Democracy.

Then make sure that your vote counts by advocating for verifiable and secure elections -- and leaving a paper trail, if possible.

Seriously--we're paying corporations to give us democracy (but only of the kind that the people aren't allowed to verify)? Beyond ridiculous!

It's amazing to me that "average" Americans can't be bothered to think or care about this. But, I guess that's precisely how we get into these situations, isn't it?

Remembering Dith Pran

2008-03-31T21:08:00.000-07:00

This is a nice video the New York Times did on Dith Pran, the Cambodian journalist who survived the Khmer Rouge's Killing Fields (which killed 2 million Cambodians during 1975-1979) and was the subject of the film.

Dith Pran devoted the rest of his life to telling the story of his people, and what happened to his country under Pol Pot's regime, in the hopes that such an atrocity would stand less chance of being repeating in the future.

Pran died yesterday in New Jersey of pancreatic cancer. A noble man on a noble mission: how many Dith Pran's would it take to put a stop to the mass killings and genocide that still plague us today: like Darfur and Iraq? Who will carry on the good fight--and the story--if not you or me?

"Better Than Being A F*ckin' Bullet Sponge"

2008-03-30T18:10:00.000-07:00

From hurling puppies off of cliffs to raping and murdering innocent civilians--war turns people into killing machines without a conscience. It changes you whether you are armed, regardless of what side you are on, or what kind of a person you were before.

Still, it is very easy for those of us involved (i.e. funding it) but not living the daily reality of war to remain ignorant of what it means to be changed by war. So here's a little reality check, straight from one American soldier who worked Abu Ghraib:

I think we've all learned a little something here: "No F*ckin' cameras," apparently, being one of them.

Weekly Death Toll

2008-03-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

Last week the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,191,216.

One week later, the toll is at 1,194,935.

That's 3,719 Iraqi civilians deaths last week.

Al-Sadr Orders Followers to Stand Down

2008-03-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

...after six days of fighting in the southern region of Iraq leaves at least 270 Iraqis dead--reports Al Jazeera and Guardian Unlimited.

This Week in the News

2008-03-30T14:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes there's so much good content that this little blogger feels she should refrain from commentary--in an effort to conserve your time, dear reader, for the nutritious newsfeed below:

Environment
Antarctic ice shelf breaking up
“Earth Hour” Goes Global

FISA
Michael Mukasey's tearful lies

Net Neutrality
Net Neutrality's Quiet Crusader
Comcast changes tune, won't block large files

North/South Korea Pushing Buttons
North Korea sends a missile warning

Domestic Affairs (U.S.)
Helen Thomas: Cheney believes war is not the people's business
The little administration that couldn't
Police arrest anti-war protester, 80, at mall

Business America-style
Where No Fed Has Gone Before
Journal Issues Warning on Two Cholesterol Drugs

War Crimes Watch
Last week, the British Ministry of Defence admitted to "substantive breaches" of the European Convention on Human Rights for the torture and subsequent death of Baha Mousa, an Iraqi hotel receptionist. Admission of guilt: an interesting precedent. I wonder if Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld are getting nervous? Nah...I realize that's pretty unlikely. "Cover your tracks and admit nothing" works so well for them.

Al-Sadr Calls for Support Against U.S. Occupation

2008-03-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Posted to youtube yesterday by Al Jazeera (english):

Dick Cheney Thinks American Opinion Is Irrelevant

2008-03-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

Regardless of what you think about Michael Moore, I was glad he wrote this article which included this interview clip with Dick Cheney:

So...Cheney doesn't care what Americans think about the war?! Rather than check his arrogant hubris, he casually insinuates that Americans are fickle and that our opinion isn't worth considering. Which is funny: because American opinion about the war has been disapproving for quite some time. Moreover, Bush's approval ratings on have been unambiguously DISAPPROVING for close to 3 years now.

The national swing in electing democrats into Congress in 2006 was hailed as a "clear message" that Americans wanted change: purportedly with respect to the Bush Administration's war in Iraq. But nobody, except for Donald Rumsfeld, has really paid too much attention to that "clear message" since We, the People, delivered it. Have they?

I don't believe that American opinion has been fickle, though the pendulum has certainly shifted as more information and evidence has become available. No, I don't think a "fickle" citizenry is the problem. I think that arrogant, corrupt politicians--who don't give a damn what their constituents want, or how many troops have to die to make themselves and their friends beyond rich--are the problem.

Weekly Death Toll

2008-03-23T22:22:00.000-07:00

Last week the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,189,173.

One week later, the toll is at 1,191,216.

That's 2,043 Iraqi civilians deaths last week.

Have we had enough yet? Because it sure looks like these Iraqi children (who in this picture had just witnessed their parents' killings) have.

Is Eliot Spitzer the New Valerie Plame?

2008-03-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

Sure...Eliot Spitzer cheated on his wife.

He spent a remarkable wad (also remarked, on numerous occasions) on a high-priced call girl. In other words, he broke the law. Eliot Spitzer, having busted escort services as NY state Attorney General, should have known better. On several accounts.

As Attorney General, Eliot Spitzer had a track record of going after corporate swindlers and crooked financial institutions. As a democrat, he was elected Governor of New York state by a 70% landslide. Also as a democrat, he was outspoken about the Bush Administration's inexcusable "failings" (is it really "failure" if it's intentional--or at best, a result of overt disregard?) in regards to the current economic recession.

Eliot Spitzer spoke openly about an executive branch that used taxpayer money to bail corporate friends out of their economic troubles, while thrusting millions of taxpayers out of house and home.

On February 14, 2008, Eliot Spitzer had something more to say--this time in an article in the Washington Post. Spitzer points an incriminating finger at Bush one too many times and the next thing you know: Eliot Spitzer is Client #9 and everyone knows it. Interesting timing, because Valentine's Day came up a lot in the various articles written about his "Client #9" debacle:

"Still another law enforcement official said investigators found that during the tryst with Kristen on the night before Valentine's Day, Spitzer used two rooms at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington — one for himself, the other for the prostitute."

What timing, indeed. A google search for "eliot spitzer" and "valentines day" nets you over 22,000 search results. Now, I'm not going to go through them all, but the results seem more "bush" oriented than "Bush" oriented.

So Spitzer publishes an article critical of Bush, and suddenly he's the political equivalent of burnt toast. Coinky-dink, or not? Who knows. All I can make out for sure is that Humpty Dumpty fell off that wall faster than most could identify that funny sensation of deja vu.

Is Water the New Oil?

2008-03-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

We've heard it, and said it:
"No blood for oil!"

But what about blood for water?

If we thought running out of oil was bad...what's going to happen when we face the kind of water emergency that many are already facing in parts of the world?

(Gulp?)

Awfully Funny

2008-03-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks Peyton! You always know how to point out the good ones:

Army Holds Annual 'Bring Your Daughter To War' Day

Quote of the Day

2008-03-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit it: I'm inexcusably late in watching Michael Moore's Sicko.

But this quote, from one of the documentary subjects, struck me as deeply profound and painfully* obvious:

"If you can find money to kill people, you can find money to help people."

*The United States has the second highest infant mortality rate of countries in the developed world. So why do so many Americans believe the "great" American system is actually working?

Clinton and Obama Want to Save the World

2008-03-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, when their bladders need time to refuel for the next pointless political pissing match, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama get to contemplate issues of actual import, like the environment. And sometimes, when they do, there's a media outlet or two that picks up on and presents it to the public.

Click here to read a little something about the democratic presidential hopefuls' plans to save the world (or at least do something less bad for the earth).

Weekly Death Toll

2008-03-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

Last week the number of Iraqi civilians who had died since, and because of, the U.S. invasion was at 1,182,393.

One week later, the toll is at 1,189,173.

That's 6,780 Iraqi civilians deaths last week.

The photo at right was taken from a powerful (and graphic, as war is) series from Salon.com a few years ago.

Stick in the Spoke

2008-03-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

It was recently reported that Bush threw his weight around at the Environmental Protection Agency, immediately prior to the agency announcing that they would prevent California from passing tougher emissions standards. After all, we can't have states taking proactive measures to protect the environment, can we?

For those who've been following the California v. E.P.A. stand-off, you may recall that Stephen Johnson, head of the E.P.A., refuses to attend meetings or otherwise respond to requests that he explain the reasoning behind his recent decision.

Feels vaguely familiar somehow, doesn't it?

Secret House Session Precedes FISA Vote

2008-03-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

The House FISA vote last Friday was preceded the night before by a rare secret session. Since 1825, the House has only held five such secret session meetings. The last one was in 1983, to discuss U.S. support for paramilitary forces in Nicaragua. Interesante, no?

For more on the history of these secret sessions, check this out.