The events of last week -- finally -- revealed the inner self-defeating mechanism that this administration is employing.. Lewis "Scooter" Libby was indicted for his role to conceal the truth from the grand jury investigation.. As Prosecutor Scott Fitzgerald revealed - it has been incredibly difficult to reveal what was truthful about the outting of an active CIA agent.. Lewis Libby did his part to attempt to assure that the administration was insulated..
The problem being - the more you conceal the truth - the more it comes out.....
Libby resigned amidst indictments made on him by Fitzgerald.. Rove remains under investigation, and today (Sunday) there were calls from Harry Reid (D-Nevada) that Rove should step aside.. That sentiment was reiterated by Bush's own Trent Lott (R-Mississippi) believes that Rove's dismissal would invigorate "new blood, new energy, qualified staff" into the Bush administration...
Read into that a little bit more..
It's a Republican openly admitting that this administration lacks the fortitude and conviction to secure a qualified staff during this current administration.. It's the first time in a long time that I heard anyone in the Republican party openly expressing concerns about the people that Bush has surrounding him.. It's the first time that I've heard anyone openly admitting that key positions in this White House need to be re-evaluated..
Coming from within the party..
That speaks volumes..
Whether this administration heeds those calls remains an unanswered question.. But when Bush declares Rove to be "the architect," I'm inclined to believe that George will not heed the advice from Senator Trent Lott..
Clearly, it's growing apparent that Bush surrounded himself, insulated himself with people that encouraged the war in Iraq.. Up until this scandal, I've never even heard of Scooter Libby.. Now that all is said and done, it's apparent that Libby was incredibly instrumental in the role of National Security.. He also played a crucial role in the ''selling" and "implementation" of the Iraq conflict.. With Libby being Cheney's "architect" and with Rove being on the same radar screen - it's apparent that this administration reveled in its own blindness for the "sake of the nation.."
I dismiss the pundits and the belief that the current investigation is irrelevant.. That's absurd when we had a President impeached for exposing his personal life.. When we have an administration who is ultimately responsible for the deaths of so many in a conflict that was installed under false pretenses, then scrutiny is not only required, but necessary..
Keep in mind that I'm not debating the fact that Saddam is a bad man..
I am debating (again) that this administration went to war for all of the wrong reasons.. Now, more than ever - it's apparent that when there is such blindness and faulty information - it's remarkable that Bush has any credibility at all.. Finally, we're at a stage of this administration's tenure where the American people can see exactly how the insulation of this administration is seriously flawed in ways that are just coming out..
Libby was one of the major players in favor of the Iraqi invasion.. Rove can't be too far behind - especially since when so many ploys have the earmarks of Karl's ultimate design.. The name slandering, the scorn of disagreeing with this administration, the "you will fall in line with our platform" mentality.. Rove's signature can be felt..
And more importantly, the party supporting this administration is saying that Bush is in need of something new.. Wow.. That's really profound.. I don't doubt Lott's office got a phone call from someone from the White House or other "in-line" people that follow the "Bush-line".. It's my hope that Lott will continue his criticism of Rove, but my fear is he will eventually fall "back in line" and come out in support for Rove..
I can still hope though - that he stays where he is, because if anything - this signals a major policy shift in certain issues surrounding this administration.. If that happens, then it's a start..
I've said this probably 30 times before, but we do live in some very interesting times..
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Miers, gays, Richard Clarke and Ohio......
"Be careful what you wish for..."
Harriet Miers
----------------------------
Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination to become a Supreme Court Justice this morning. As much as I'm sure both sides are claiming partial victory in all this, there's no real reason why this decision really makes me warm and tingly...
The Republicans didn't trust that she would further the conservative agenda..
The Democrats didn't really understand what she brought to the table.. I think they held out for cautious optimism and little else.
Regardless, this is a victory for Bush.. How do I figure?? Because he may have put her name out there knowing she wouldn't get the nomination, but it would appease the Dems that he was really trying to find an adequate replacement for Sandra Day O'Connor.. He can now install someone else that has a more conservative basis -- and someone who can fly through the proceedings faster than she would have.. This way his is "perceived" as reaching out to the democrats while having the republicans "in the bag" with a strong conservative candidate..
It'll become the ol' bait-n-switch..
And *that* concerns me more than anything..
It's overapparent that Bush's cronyism it particularly blinding.. I don't fault him for surrounding himself with people he trusts -- but the Miers nomination was not responsible by any stretch or margin.. While I echo the words from a liberal talk show tonight, "I just don't believe she bowed out because she'd have to reveal documents exposing her tenure as White House Counsel..." It's plausible and it doesn't make a lot of sense at the same time..
Once again, we were left with this administrations overly used rubber-stamp policy that Bush expected all of the Republicans to follow his marching orders and send Miers through the process without any hangups..
And that bothers me....
But what was worse than that is when James Dobson (mis-Focus of the Family) had that little bit of "inside knowledge" working.. Clearly the President has religious beliefs of an unhealthy nature - especially when they affect his judgement and subsequent nominations.. I don't like it that this administration has melded church and state in ways that were never intended..
This administration has already imposed its will and belief structure on the American people.. But what's problematic with their basis of faith - is their basis of understanding the morality of their decisions.. Unfortunately this absence of awareness and knowledge grows each day this administration is in the White House..
The Headline
-----------------------
One such example of its imposed will and belief structure appeared in a press briefing yesterday for Mary Cheney's new role at AOL/Time Warner.. Instead of the headline reading that the VP's daughter was hired on at her new position, it read that the "daughter of the VP" was hired on... Mary Cheney is openly gay, but by the way the headline is drafted - it makes Dick Cheney look distant from his daughter.... "The Daughter Of" - is but a shining example of how this administration imposes their beliefs on us..
It's status quo for this administration - and yet no one really seems to care..
Richard Clarke
-------------------------------
Former expert on counter-terrorism, Richard Clarke - explained on Wednesday that he believed that administration officials should be exempt from prosecution whenever any criminal act occurs.. Hmmm... I don't think so.. And moreover, I think any administration official that believes that they are above the law, are the ones that should be doing hard time..
Afterall, that's the way our government was founded - and that's how it should be carried out...
Ohio
--------------------
In one of the most un-surprising news stories tonight: 'A Bush Campain fund-raiser is indicted'...".. Apparently a prominent Republican fund-raiser for President George W. Bush's campaign in Ohio has been charged with illegally funneling money to the Bush re-election campaign of 2004......
Oh, the webs we weave....
...and to think that the majority of Americans don't care....
This is the real tragedy.....
Oh MY god, we have got to get the President out that lied about an affair, but we ignore it when this President is surrounded by people who commit things like treason, illegal campaigning, etc......
Yeah - real good America.... WAKE UP....
Harriet Miers
----------------------------
Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination to become a Supreme Court Justice this morning. As much as I'm sure both sides are claiming partial victory in all this, there's no real reason why this decision really makes me warm and tingly...
The Republicans didn't trust that she would further the conservative agenda..
The Democrats didn't really understand what she brought to the table.. I think they held out for cautious optimism and little else.
Regardless, this is a victory for Bush.. How do I figure?? Because he may have put her name out there knowing she wouldn't get the nomination, but it would appease the Dems that he was really trying to find an adequate replacement for Sandra Day O'Connor.. He can now install someone else that has a more conservative basis -- and someone who can fly through the proceedings faster than she would have.. This way his is "perceived" as reaching out to the democrats while having the republicans "in the bag" with a strong conservative candidate..
It'll become the ol' bait-n-switch..
And *that* concerns me more than anything..
It's overapparent that Bush's cronyism it particularly blinding.. I don't fault him for surrounding himself with people he trusts -- but the Miers nomination was not responsible by any stretch or margin.. While I echo the words from a liberal talk show tonight, "I just don't believe she bowed out because she'd have to reveal documents exposing her tenure as White House Counsel..." It's plausible and it doesn't make a lot of sense at the same time..
Once again, we were left with this administrations overly used rubber-stamp policy that Bush expected all of the Republicans to follow his marching orders and send Miers through the process without any hangups..
And that bothers me....
But what was worse than that is when James Dobson (mis-Focus of the Family) had that little bit of "inside knowledge" working.. Clearly the President has religious beliefs of an unhealthy nature - especially when they affect his judgement and subsequent nominations.. I don't like it that this administration has melded church and state in ways that were never intended..
This administration has already imposed its will and belief structure on the American people.. But what's problematic with their basis of faith - is their basis of understanding the morality of their decisions.. Unfortunately this absence of awareness and knowledge grows each day this administration is in the White House..
The Headline
-----------------------
One such example of its imposed will and belief structure appeared in a press briefing yesterday for Mary Cheney's new role at AOL/Time Warner.. Instead of the headline reading that the VP's daughter was hired on at her new position, it read that the "daughter of the VP" was hired on... Mary Cheney is openly gay, but by the way the headline is drafted - it makes Dick Cheney look distant from his daughter.... "The Daughter Of" - is but a shining example of how this administration imposes their beliefs on us..
It's status quo for this administration - and yet no one really seems to care..
Richard Clarke
-------------------------------
Former expert on counter-terrorism, Richard Clarke - explained on Wednesday that he believed that administration officials should be exempt from prosecution whenever any criminal act occurs.. Hmmm... I don't think so.. And moreover, I think any administration official that believes that they are above the law, are the ones that should be doing hard time..
Afterall, that's the way our government was founded - and that's how it should be carried out...
Ohio
--------------------
In one of the most un-surprising news stories tonight: 'A Bush Campain fund-raiser is indicted'...".. Apparently a prominent Republican fund-raiser for President George W. Bush's campaign in Ohio has been charged with illegally funneling money to the Bush re-election campaign of 2004......
Oh, the webs we weave....
...and to think that the majority of Americans don't care....
This is the real tragedy.....
Oh MY god, we have got to get the President out that lied about an affair, but we ignore it when this President is surrounded by people who commit things like treason, illegal campaigning, etc......
Yeah - real good America.... WAKE UP....
Monday, October 24, 2005
Wake-up call
It's like watching a train wreck in slow motion....
You can't take your eyes off of it.....
You stare with morbid curiosity.....
And it's only a small sampling of the times to come....
I'm not talking about the Republican party for once... No - I'm talking about the DNC, because I have no conceivable idea where in the hell the party is... It's like watching an accident happening in slow motion because this has been the trend since 2000.. For the last 5 years, the Republicans can thank a floundering Democrat leadership for resting on its laurels while licking their wounds each time this administration called them to be anti-American..
Instead of reaching out during this unprecedented time - the Dems have failed in their ability to govern themselves enough to formulate a single policy that won't look like an inept WalMart idea.. The DNC leadership should be leading - and I'm not at all impressed with Howard Dean's attacks when there's no substance behind them..
Create a platform..
Educate the masses..
Generate interest..
And the nation will follow..
Dean has proved that he can holler, scream and criticize the NeoCons -- but there's little else to follow.. No plan, no strategy, no form - just a basic critical analysis of how this administration is corrupt.. Great.. We know that - and I think the majority of Americans can see that..
But there's no alternative, sorry Howard..
There's no voice, no leadership, no direction, nothing that separates the Democrats from the Republicans.. This lack of cohesion is devastating and now that Dean has been chair for the last year - I would've hoped he had much better ideas on how to prepare for 2006, but that has yet to happen.. So once more, voters will be asked to deal with the mediocrity of the field and likely side with the party that has ideas -- or rather -- the party that is passionate about their ideas enough to sway anyone to believe that Saddam was linked to Al Qaida....
It's factually incorrect - yet the general public doesn't mind it as long as the senator, representative or President is passionate about it because the public is incredibly persuaded on virtually anything as long as you sell it right.. And that's what the Republicans do better at than the Democrats..
It's not as though the Republicans can lead better -- hell, we are *not* better off than we were 5 years ago, but again - there's nothing that the Democrats are putting out in the field to say: "hey, we're better and here's why...." Instead, the Dems are more comfortable with sitting on their heels and complaining all the way..
The *only* thing going for the Democrats are the fact that the Republicans continue to shoot themselves in the foot.. From mis-handling Iraq, to the illegal dealings with the SEC, to committing treason by outing information about a CIA operative.. The Democrats can't ask for a better present - and yet we seem to squander the message, the path and the goal.. They do well at pointing out this administration's shortcomings, but there's virtually no activity coming from their camp.. No voice, no action, no drive..
Without those essential elements, we lose the ability to push the majority of Americans from it's teetering stage and bring them back to the Democratic party.. The Republicans know this - and have successfully employed these attributes for the last 8 years.. The only way to secure the Dems in 2006 is to establish that voice and spread it out for the masses.. Win on the popular issues and the tide will turn....
... but the clock is ticking and with a flailing administration - there's no better time than to emerge with a plan, a course and a goal... There needs to be a voice that surfaces that brings us out of this political depression we've put ourselves in for the last 5 years ...
Bush won in 2000 - get over it..
Bush won in 2004 -- get over it..
Make this about tomorrow and get back in the game..
Enough with the banter..
Enough with the Monday morning quarterback mentality..
Establish the voice and make it happen..
Democrats: Wake Up.....
You can't take your eyes off of it.....
You stare with morbid curiosity.....
And it's only a small sampling of the times to come....
I'm not talking about the Republican party for once... No - I'm talking about the DNC, because I have no conceivable idea where in the hell the party is... It's like watching an accident happening in slow motion because this has been the trend since 2000.. For the last 5 years, the Republicans can thank a floundering Democrat leadership for resting on its laurels while licking their wounds each time this administration called them to be anti-American..
Instead of reaching out during this unprecedented time - the Dems have failed in their ability to govern themselves enough to formulate a single policy that won't look like an inept WalMart idea.. The DNC leadership should be leading - and I'm not at all impressed with Howard Dean's attacks when there's no substance behind them..
Create a platform..
Educate the masses..
Generate interest..
And the nation will follow..
Dean has proved that he can holler, scream and criticize the NeoCons -- but there's little else to follow.. No plan, no strategy, no form - just a basic critical analysis of how this administration is corrupt.. Great.. We know that - and I think the majority of Americans can see that..
But there's no alternative, sorry Howard..
There's no voice, no leadership, no direction, nothing that separates the Democrats from the Republicans.. This lack of cohesion is devastating and now that Dean has been chair for the last year - I would've hoped he had much better ideas on how to prepare for 2006, but that has yet to happen.. So once more, voters will be asked to deal with the mediocrity of the field and likely side with the party that has ideas -- or rather -- the party that is passionate about their ideas enough to sway anyone to believe that Saddam was linked to Al Qaida....
It's factually incorrect - yet the general public doesn't mind it as long as the senator, representative or President is passionate about it because the public is incredibly persuaded on virtually anything as long as you sell it right.. And that's what the Republicans do better at than the Democrats..
It's not as though the Republicans can lead better -- hell, we are *not* better off than we were 5 years ago, but again - there's nothing that the Democrats are putting out in the field to say: "hey, we're better and here's why...." Instead, the Dems are more comfortable with sitting on their heels and complaining all the way..
The *only* thing going for the Democrats are the fact that the Republicans continue to shoot themselves in the foot.. From mis-handling Iraq, to the illegal dealings with the SEC, to committing treason by outing information about a CIA operative.. The Democrats can't ask for a better present - and yet we seem to squander the message, the path and the goal.. They do well at pointing out this administration's shortcomings, but there's virtually no activity coming from their camp.. No voice, no action, no drive..
Without those essential elements, we lose the ability to push the majority of Americans from it's teetering stage and bring them back to the Democratic party.. The Republicans know this - and have successfully employed these attributes for the last 8 years.. The only way to secure the Dems in 2006 is to establish that voice and spread it out for the masses.. Win on the popular issues and the tide will turn....
... but the clock is ticking and with a flailing administration - there's no better time than to emerge with a plan, a course and a goal... There needs to be a voice that surfaces that brings us out of this political depression we've put ourselves in for the last 5 years ...
Bush won in 2000 - get over it..
Bush won in 2004 -- get over it..
Make this about tomorrow and get back in the game..
Enough with the banter..
Enough with the Monday morning quarterback mentality..
Establish the voice and make it happen..
Democrats: Wake Up.....
Monday, October 10, 2005
Bush is talking to God....
Never in our times have we seen such a religious purge to be pressed upon the American people.. There is a level of disillusionment that goes beyond the likes of how some regimes were able to score victories by way of the word.. Let's not forget the history of the world - and in particular the latter half of the 20th century when world witnessed the slaughter of millions for the sake of a difference in morality, a difference in belief, a difference in religion..
Now - in today's world, we're witnessing the same thing over again.. We have a world leader who has had conversations with God..
Um..
Okay..
Let's see if I have this right: We invaded Iraq because God told him to..
No, no.. It wasn't the Weapons of Mass Destruction..
God told him to..
Now God apparently is telling George that he needs to get the Palestinian people their state while giving Israel their security "...[A]nd by God I'm gonna do it."
Okay..
Take a step back..
Breathe..
Now..
I'm not against the efforts to stabilize the Middle East region.. In fact, the security of the world may come to depend on what happens on the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea.. For this, I'm in agreement.. Yet, I still look at the last 30 years and I begin to wonder exactly how possible this is given how both sides are so incredibly weary of the other.. So part of me says: "yeah, peace is good, very good.. But not let's have a party just yet.."
Meaning: peace is fragile, takes eons to work through - and every starting point in the peace process is just as vulnerable as the other steps were before.. Still - it's a step.. How long it lasts is anyone's guess..
That's not my concern..
My concern is that we have a President who admits outright that he listens to God.. Almost as dangerous as whenever Frank Sinatra dials into my head and I start singing "New York, New York..."
Listening and otherwise talking to God..
Listening..
Talking..
Okay - now I'm worried..
The leader of the free world.. The man who has complete control of the world's largest nuclear arsenal - is saying he's having conversations with God..
Competency first comes to mind..
Because anyone who is basing a policy, a long-reaching judgment, a life-or-death decision based on conversations with a deity ... needs to be called into question.. Now I'm not trying to say that religion is bad.. I'm not suggesting that people couldn't use a little bit more morality in the world.. I'm not suggesting that having faith in a seemingly complicated story is a bad thing..
I am however, concerned when people have conversations (apparently interactive) with God.. I simply cannot understand or believe how we have the single most powerful man of the world - having conversations with someone who may or may not exist!! I took theology, philosophy, history and science in school.. I doubt very seriously even the POPE admits having interactive conversations with God..
People like the Pope - derive inspiration through message of God's word, the Bible to become the basis of their decision-making capability.. That's okay.. Deriving influence and inspiration is a healthy, moral progression in life.. That's natural.. That's understandable.. That's reasonable..
Having received word from God to invade Iraq and kill tens of thousands of people does not seem to be a word from God.. In fact, it seems like an "anti-God-like" message.. It seems pretty contradictive to the whole Bible-view way of life because I doubt it very serious if God would condemn the "sacrifice" of those that have been killed..
Especially since nothing mentions in the Bible that "America is number one" or "In America, we trust" or anything of that sort.. If we really looked back at our history - we see a lot of things we've screwed up on.. God doesn't like it when we're bombing others.. God doesn't approve of such things.. So how is it that God told George to invade Iraq??
See?? That doesn't make sense.. Why would God tell George to do something completely against the morals of God?? We keep hearing how the Iraqi people are most grateful for being liberated - yet - I don't recall God telling George that he needed to install a democracy government..
Assuming that God approves of democracy versus a monarchy versus a republic versus a socialistic, versus a oligarchy..... No where that I'm aware - does God put forth: "you will assemble and make this government..." No where does it state that we should seek representative government.. No where does the Bible refer having permission to release people from tyranny..
Therefore either:
a.) We have a delusional President -or-
b.) We have a manipulative President
Either way -
We have an administration that believes it know what's "right" for the rest of us.. Based on whether we have a delusional leader or a manipulative one - the point remains that we have an unfit leader.. Many people have come forward with the "impeachment" word - and I'm in agreement.. I've lost faith in this administration's outlook and perceptive ability..
Moreover, this Republican regime is adamant about remaining hypocritical about the need to be invasive in our personal lives - yet - preaching that the government needs to get out of our lives.... We need to be moral, according to what the government says.. According to the Bible?? According to the word of God??
Shouldn't we be concerned that the government who wants to put God into our lives is the same government who can't seem to practice what God preaches??
Now - in today's world, we're witnessing the same thing over again.. We have a world leader who has had conversations with God..
Um..
Okay..
Let's see if I have this right: We invaded Iraq because God told him to..
No, no.. It wasn't the Weapons of Mass Destruction..
God told him to..
Now God apparently is telling George that he needs to get the Palestinian people their state while giving Israel their security "...[A]nd by God I'm gonna do it."
Okay..
Take a step back..
Breathe..
Now..
I'm not against the efforts to stabilize the Middle East region.. In fact, the security of the world may come to depend on what happens on the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea.. For this, I'm in agreement.. Yet, I still look at the last 30 years and I begin to wonder exactly how possible this is given how both sides are so incredibly weary of the other.. So part of me says: "yeah, peace is good, very good.. But not let's have a party just yet.."
Meaning: peace is fragile, takes eons to work through - and every starting point in the peace process is just as vulnerable as the other steps were before.. Still - it's a step.. How long it lasts is anyone's guess..
That's not my concern..
My concern is that we have a President who admits outright that he listens to God.. Almost as dangerous as whenever Frank Sinatra dials into my head and I start singing "New York, New York..."
Listening and otherwise talking to God..
Listening..
Talking..
Okay - now I'm worried..
The leader of the free world.. The man who has complete control of the world's largest nuclear arsenal - is saying he's having conversations with God..
Competency first comes to mind..
Because anyone who is basing a policy, a long-reaching judgment, a life-or-death decision based on conversations with a deity ... needs to be called into question.. Now I'm not trying to say that religion is bad.. I'm not suggesting that people couldn't use a little bit more morality in the world.. I'm not suggesting that having faith in a seemingly complicated story is a bad thing..
I am however, concerned when people have conversations (apparently interactive) with God.. I simply cannot understand or believe how we have the single most powerful man of the world - having conversations with someone who may or may not exist!! I took theology, philosophy, history and science in school.. I doubt very seriously even the POPE admits having interactive conversations with God..
People like the Pope - derive inspiration through message of God's word, the Bible to become the basis of their decision-making capability.. That's okay.. Deriving influence and inspiration is a healthy, moral progression in life.. That's natural.. That's understandable.. That's reasonable..
Having received word from God to invade Iraq and kill tens of thousands of people does not seem to be a word from God.. In fact, it seems like an "anti-God-like" message.. It seems pretty contradictive to the whole Bible-view way of life because I doubt it very serious if God would condemn the "sacrifice" of those that have been killed..
Especially since nothing mentions in the Bible that "America is number one" or "In America, we trust" or anything of that sort.. If we really looked back at our history - we see a lot of things we've screwed up on.. God doesn't like it when we're bombing others.. God doesn't approve of such things.. So how is it that God told George to invade Iraq??
See?? That doesn't make sense.. Why would God tell George to do something completely against the morals of God?? We keep hearing how the Iraqi people are most grateful for being liberated - yet - I don't recall God telling George that he needed to install a democracy government..
Assuming that God approves of democracy versus a monarchy versus a republic versus a socialistic, versus a oligarchy..... No where that I'm aware - does God put forth: "you will assemble and make this government..." No where does it state that we should seek representative government.. No where does the Bible refer having permission to release people from tyranny..
Therefore either:
a.) We have a delusional President -or-
b.) We have a manipulative President
Either way -
We have an administration that believes it know what's "right" for the rest of us.. Based on whether we have a delusional leader or a manipulative one - the point remains that we have an unfit leader.. Many people have come forward with the "impeachment" word - and I'm in agreement.. I've lost faith in this administration's outlook and perceptive ability..
Moreover, this Republican regime is adamant about remaining hypocritical about the need to be invasive in our personal lives - yet - preaching that the government needs to get out of our lives.... We need to be moral, according to what the government says.. According to the Bible?? According to the word of God??
Shouldn't we be concerned that the government who wants to put God into our lives is the same government who can't seem to practice what God preaches??
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