I have a bookmark file in my Firefox browser that is overflowing with things to blog about.. I don't think I'll ever get to all of them, but it's truly sad to see the state of our country dwindling like this..
No one seems that concerned about the fact that the Dollar continues to fade against other currencies -- a really bad sign that your government is taking on more water than it can pump back out.. Couple that with a sagging economy and a "no end in sight" foreign policy -- it's quite clear that Bush has been thinking for a very long time: all I need to do is not screw up and I can make it to the end..
A really sad and sorry piece of how to handle your "legacy.." But I guess that's why he has Karl Rove showing up on Fox, Newsweek and other News Corp. companies so that they can "preserve" the legacy from getting a black eye..
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I haven't blogged in awhile, but I must say that I've become impressed with Obama.. Darby and I watched this guy several months ago in an interview -- he had great ideas, but his delivery was really off.. The guy didn't know what a period was.. Oh - how times have changed.. He's gotten his Presidential voice and it's clearly convincing others that a man of change like this is a right thing..
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Hillary meanwhile continues to play the really sorry sport -- mocking Obama's speeches, getting riled up on plagiarism allegations when it's pretty apparent that everyone who has ever given a speech before -- has borrowed thoughts, ideas and muses from a wide range of sources.. How many times has JFK's "ask not what your country can do for you" speech has been borrowed, improvised, re-written and repeated?? I've lost a lot of respect for the Clintons out of all of this..
I think it's hypocritical to have your daughter campaigning for you -- but become upset at a "pimping" reference -- when clearly anyone who takes the stage in support of ANY candidate is doing the exact same thing.. It's politics.. She was raised in it.. She's 27 years old.. If she can't figure it out - then maybe she shouldn't have been up on the podium in the first place..
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There's problems in the GOP camp these days.. McCain is not reaching far enough to the right -- and that has many people thinking of not voting for him.. Which is pretty silly in a way because McCain would be trying to bridge between the differences in America without being a beacon like Bush has been or that Huckabee yearns to be.. I will say this: if Huckabee gets the nomination AND gets elected, we're in really deep crap.. This is a man who wants to re-write the Constitution to fit the biblical ideals.. Huh?? Didn't Jefferson make overtures that a policy like that wouldn't be good for the nation?? Wasn't he right??
I have a real big problem with those that want to blend religion in our government.. The two should remain apart because I adamantly do not believe that our government should favor one religion or belief over another.. It's not the foundation or intent of our forefathers -- despite the desperate attempts of the Christian Right to say that it *was* their intent.. Hogwash.. The framers would've made very easy references to a Christian God and that would've been the end of it.. Nope - they didn't do that way.. And when you chart the original reason why a lot of people came scurrying over here in the 1600-1700's -- we understand that it was mostly because of religious persecution.. So - while Huckabee wants to revert us back to the age of King Henry..
All the while we're faced by "balancing" our education structures to include the concept of "intelligent design" that ultimately is not very intelligent.. Even if science can't prove or disprove an element of the world around us, let the parents decide what is best to teach their children about faith and where those cracks are filled or explained by way of religion..
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Ultimately, I hope this country can make the changes necessary to turn America around.. We wallow in Iraq by ourselves because Britain, Spain, Japan and now Australia have all gone home.. Yet if you spend any amount of attention listening to the banging of the drums -- the conservative right wants to march into Iran, Syria and Lord knows where else.. Our economy is a mess because our President refuses to acknowledge that tax cuts ultimately hurt the value of the dollar when he continues to spend money faster than I could ever do with a no-limit Best Buy credit card.. He's isolated us from the rest of the world who really believes that we're even more pompous and arrogant.. All the while he's depleted our armed forces, we've heard cries from our Air Force that our planes are slowly failing us because they haven't been replaced.. They are virtually flying on nuts and bolts and need to be replaced, not overhauled, not reconditioned, replaced..
So when Clinton comes out and says that Obama doesn't have experience -- I think that's a star in his column.. Clearly she doesn't get the fact that America wants change -- and I'm solely convinced she's anything resembling an advocate for change..
Change is good..
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sunday, December 09, 2007
The lunacy of our reality around us....
I started something new a week or so ago -- I started saving all of the articles I collected that I wanted to blog about.. I had no idea this folder would be getting so LARGE so QUICKLY...
What's the deal with YOGA?? I couldn't believe this little diddy from my favorite television pastor Pat Robertson who actually believes that when you're engaging your body in the ritual of stretching and other manipulations - "you are actually praying to Hindu gods Vishnu and Krishna and you're not even aware of it!"
Oh you've got to be kidding me!!! When I rub my belly after a full and satisfying meal, am I also praying to Budha?? It's things like this - and the reaction from the neo-cons in the far far Christian Right that scare me to death.. Because deep down, Pat believes this.. Never mind the fact that during our daily routines we may actually be engaging in several "praying stances" to one god or another!! It's folks like Pat that spread this non-sense so that we can all go running back to the cave..
And while we're running back into the cave.....
I think Sherri Shepherd from "The View" has a really good heart.. I know she means well.. I know she is desperate to try to do the right thing.. But when she recently disavowed the entire meaning behind "B.C." - the reference of time "Before Christ" or before the Christian Era.... No.. Sherri firmly believes in the whole 7 day thing - and that Jesus was the first person in the world.. Okay - I don't even think the Bible does that because of the whole Adam and Eve story -- but when you look at what Pat is doing - and when you listen to what Sherri is saying .... then it's no stretch of the imagination to rationalize why we have developed a very peculiar sense of reality.. It's the reality brought to us by the Bush administration to re-write history and to have the "equality" of religion vs. science -- when it's the reality of science that gives us the electrons for you to SEE this posting through your electron-based COMPUTER to begin with... I don't ever recall hearing how God created Microsoft on Day 8 -- but maybe that was included somewhere else..
And the idiot of the world award goes this week to Presidential hopeful, former Republican Governor Mike Huckabee who proudly declared in 1992 that "I feel homosexuality is an aberrant, unnatural, and sinful lifestyle, and we now know it can pose a dangerous public health risk." And this little gem as well: "If the federal government is truly serious about doing something with the AIDS virus, we need to take steps that would isolate the carriers of this plague." He recently went on Fox News to reiterate his stance and not recant his statement about homosexuality..
Amazing.. All we have to do is round up all the homosexuals in the United States so that the spread of AIDS stops.. I would imagine that all of the heterosexual infected would need to be included -- as well as the children of those who were born with HIV or received HIV through a blood transfusion.. Forgive me, but the best way to combat the disease is through education, through knowledge, and through societal changes.. Simply rounding up all the Huckabee defined "queers" will not get rid of AIDS -- because when you look at its origins in Africa .... they aren't gay down there.....
But the Sherri Shepards of the world -- it's gospel.. They link to it because Huckabee says so, therefore it must be right.. But our own present history teaches us that we shouldn't necessarily believe every single thing our anointed leaders tell us -- because more than not -- they are worse than wrong as their respective view points only serve to endanger our awareness of the world around us instead of properly educating people like Sherri so that she has a better understanding in her place in life..
Have we stooped down to a very despondent layer wherein our Yoga exercises are seen as praying to someone else's deity?? Have we stooped to the point of agreeing that the earth may have been created in just 7 days like it says in the bible when there's a great deal of scientific evidence to the contrary?? Where does that line start and end??
I've had it with the head in the sand mentality that our anointed few think is necessary for us to believe in.. Because if we all need to go back into the cave - then we're in absolute denial about the way the world works.. We believe that it's "faith" stored in those weapons that protect our borders and all we need to do is pray extra hard so that no one ever does anything bad to our schools, malls, and armed forces overseas..
Was it a simple matter of not praying enough?? Was it a matter that the Omaha mall shooter was just possessed by some demon or are we going to sit back and blame our video games again?? Maybe it would be much better to take a empirical and scientific approach to resolving such issues..
Maybe a Yoga class is responsible for un-doing the Christian spectrum of prayer by inadvertently praying to the praying mantis or some other orthopod out there....
No....
Maybe we can't bring world peace by prayer alone..
Maybe we need to have balance in our lives that can rationally look at science as a means - and have our faith in whatever deity we choose to guide our morality..
Maybe we need competent leadership-type folks who aren't afraid to say to the American populace that "balance is good.."
Balance is good..
Don't follow these folks into the cave.. It's really dark in there and I'm really sure there aren't any prayers out there that can provide you light inside the cave...
What's the deal with YOGA?? I couldn't believe this little diddy from my favorite television pastor Pat Robertson who actually believes that when you're engaging your body in the ritual of stretching and other manipulations - "you are actually praying to Hindu gods Vishnu and Krishna and you're not even aware of it!"
Oh you've got to be kidding me!!! When I rub my belly after a full and satisfying meal, am I also praying to Budha?? It's things like this - and the reaction from the neo-cons in the far far Christian Right that scare me to death.. Because deep down, Pat believes this.. Never mind the fact that during our daily routines we may actually be engaging in several "praying stances" to one god or another!! It's folks like Pat that spread this non-sense so that we can all go running back to the cave..
And while we're running back into the cave.....
I think Sherri Shepherd from "The View" has a really good heart.. I know she means well.. I know she is desperate to try to do the right thing.. But when she recently disavowed the entire meaning behind "B.C." - the reference of time "Before Christ" or before the Christian Era.... No.. Sherri firmly believes in the whole 7 day thing - and that Jesus was the first person in the world.. Okay - I don't even think the Bible does that because of the whole Adam and Eve story -- but when you look at what Pat is doing - and when you listen to what Sherri is saying .... then it's no stretch of the imagination to rationalize why we have developed a very peculiar sense of reality.. It's the reality brought to us by the Bush administration to re-write history and to have the "equality" of religion vs. science -- when it's the reality of science that gives us the electrons for you to SEE this posting through your electron-based COMPUTER to begin with... I don't ever recall hearing how God created Microsoft on Day 8 -- but maybe that was included somewhere else..
And the idiot of the world award goes this week to Presidential hopeful, former Republican Governor Mike Huckabee who proudly declared in 1992 that "I feel homosexuality is an aberrant, unnatural, and sinful lifestyle, and we now know it can pose a dangerous public health risk." And this little gem as well: "If the federal government is truly serious about doing something with the AIDS virus, we need to take steps that would isolate the carriers of this plague." He recently went on Fox News to reiterate his stance and not recant his statement about homosexuality..
Amazing.. All we have to do is round up all the homosexuals in the United States so that the spread of AIDS stops.. I would imagine that all of the heterosexual infected would need to be included -- as well as the children of those who were born with HIV or received HIV through a blood transfusion.. Forgive me, but the best way to combat the disease is through education, through knowledge, and through societal changes.. Simply rounding up all the Huckabee defined "queers" will not get rid of AIDS -- because when you look at its origins in Africa .... they aren't gay down there.....
But the Sherri Shepards of the world -- it's gospel.. They link to it because Huckabee says so, therefore it must be right.. But our own present history teaches us that we shouldn't necessarily believe every single thing our anointed leaders tell us -- because more than not -- they are worse than wrong as their respective view points only serve to endanger our awareness of the world around us instead of properly educating people like Sherri so that she has a better understanding in her place in life..
Have we stooped down to a very despondent layer wherein our Yoga exercises are seen as praying to someone else's deity?? Have we stooped to the point of agreeing that the earth may have been created in just 7 days like it says in the bible when there's a great deal of scientific evidence to the contrary?? Where does that line start and end??
I've had it with the head in the sand mentality that our anointed few think is necessary for us to believe in.. Because if we all need to go back into the cave - then we're in absolute denial about the way the world works.. We believe that it's "faith" stored in those weapons that protect our borders and all we need to do is pray extra hard so that no one ever does anything bad to our schools, malls, and armed forces overseas..
Was it a simple matter of not praying enough?? Was it a matter that the Omaha mall shooter was just possessed by some demon or are we going to sit back and blame our video games again?? Maybe it would be much better to take a empirical and scientific approach to resolving such issues..
Maybe a Yoga class is responsible for un-doing the Christian spectrum of prayer by inadvertently praying to the praying mantis or some other orthopod out there....
No....
Maybe we can't bring world peace by prayer alone..
Maybe we need to have balance in our lives that can rationally look at science as a means - and have our faith in whatever deity we choose to guide our morality..
Maybe we need competent leadership-type folks who aren't afraid to say to the American populace that "balance is good.."
Balance is good..
Don't follow these folks into the cave.. It's really dark in there and I'm really sure there aren't any prayers out there that can provide you light inside the cave...
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
The Legacy
It would appear that in addition to making laws to make every situation fit for this administration - we're now vigorously re-writing the history to make it fit as well.. So imagine my "shock and awe" when I discovered this gem:
"Rove: Congress Pushed Bush to War in Iraq Prematurely" -- yet another insane performance by Bush's ex-top dog Karl Rove -- wherein he asserts that it was really CONGRESS who pushed Bush into war and how the President wanted to build a coalition, wait for weapons inspectors and let the process happen naturally..
Excuse me -- did he just say that it was Congress' fault??
The "Architect," The Man behind Bush's Brain -- came out swinging on the Charlie Rose show -- blaming a Republican-held Congress and Senate for PUSHING this administration into the war in Iraq.. Wow.. That's quite an assertion laid out by the Rover despite the mere fact that this is the FIRST time anyone has even attempted to suggest such an idiotic thing..
But what Rove doesn't really seem to understand: despite the ludicrous assertion that it was CONGRESS who pushed Bush into the war ... that either means:
a.) You just alienated your last best friend on earth by making such an unpopular suggestion like this, or....
b.) Bush has no spine to make decisions for himself and will cower in the corner until Congress tells him what to do....
Based on previous experience with this administration - I'd have to say that it's very highly unlikely that Bush is just going to "roll over" and be told by Congress what to do about Iraq.. Quite simply look at Bush's bravado and his "God save the Kingdom" speeches for further insight.. He's not a whupped Michael Vick puppy dog, okay??
But to get on a program like Charlie Rose - and continue to spout the company line when you have no further investment with this administration just seems completely insane.. I never thought I'd have to do another blog entry about the Rover - but when tries to re-write history in the way he wants this President to shine ... then something has got to be said.. Clearly the ploy of him working for Newsweek is to perhaps secure a press "beach head" for this administration when it finally leaves office.. At least that way - some plans have been laid out for Bush's legacy.....
.... and oh - how wondrous that legacy continues to look..
"Rove: Congress Pushed Bush to War in Iraq Prematurely" -- yet another insane performance by Bush's ex-top dog Karl Rove -- wherein he asserts that it was really CONGRESS who pushed Bush into war and how the President wanted to build a coalition, wait for weapons inspectors and let the process happen naturally..
Excuse me -- did he just say that it was Congress' fault??
The "Architect," The Man behind Bush's Brain -- came out swinging on the Charlie Rose show -- blaming a Republican-held Congress and Senate for PUSHING this administration into the war in Iraq.. Wow.. That's quite an assertion laid out by the Rover despite the mere fact that this is the FIRST time anyone has even attempted to suggest such an idiotic thing..
But what Rove doesn't really seem to understand: despite the ludicrous assertion that it was CONGRESS who pushed Bush into the war ... that either means:
a.) You just alienated your last best friend on earth by making such an unpopular suggestion like this, or....
b.) Bush has no spine to make decisions for himself and will cower in the corner until Congress tells him what to do....
Based on previous experience with this administration - I'd have to say that it's very highly unlikely that Bush is just going to "roll over" and be told by Congress what to do about Iraq.. Quite simply look at Bush's bravado and his "God save the Kingdom" speeches for further insight.. He's not a whupped Michael Vick puppy dog, okay??
But to get on a program like Charlie Rose - and continue to spout the company line when you have no further investment with this administration just seems completely insane.. I never thought I'd have to do another blog entry about the Rover - but when tries to re-write history in the way he wants this President to shine ... then something has got to be said.. Clearly the ploy of him working for Newsweek is to perhaps secure a press "beach head" for this administration when it finally leaves office.. At least that way - some plans have been laid out for Bush's legacy.....
.... and oh - how wondrous that legacy continues to look..
Monday, November 19, 2007
There it is....
The slogan for the 2008 Presidential election just emerged today:
"It takes a Clinton to clean up after a Bush...."
Not a fan of Hillary - but whoever thought of that gem should be given a salary increase..
"It takes a Clinton to clean up after a Bush...."
Not a fan of Hillary - but whoever thought of that gem should be given a salary increase..
Saturday, November 17, 2007
"All we need is a little more faith..."
All we need to do is trust our President..
All we need to do is trust his judgment..
All we have to do ..... is have a little more faith..
*sighs*
We blindly followed this man as he and his administration wove the most elaborate P.R. message to further their respective causes.. Where did that leave us??
- I've already blogged about the fact that Bush's unilateral policies have set forth the way science is considered in our country.. Religion is now considered an equal to science -- even though there doesn't appear to be any schematics for the electron so that we could develop electronics.. And I didn't really notice if there were any step by step instructions on how to build a gas-powered motor -- nor do I see it written anywhere that we should be justified for choosing our wars so that we protect our national interests..
- So it's no mystery that Bush once again - chose to unilaterally dismiss the U.N. demand for climate change.. After all, it's not written in the Bible that we should be worried about it -- we're not in the middle of a locust storm or anything like that, so why worry??
- And the saber rattling continues against Iran.. Bush and Cheney continue to concoct a war plan to invade Iran.. And remember, all we need is a little more faith and trusting the blind leading us into yet - another precarious regional conflict in an area WE'RE ALREADY HATED......
- But thank God we have the likes of Admiral William Fallon who honestly believes that invading Iran is a really big mistake.. "It seems to me that we don't need more problems. It astounds me that so many pundits and others are spending so much time yakking about this topic [of war against Iran]."
So please forgive me if I continue to not ride on the coat tails of faith that so many people seem to have for this administration..
I'm glad we have people of REASON and RATIONALE that are willing to address the problems we continually face.. Regardless if it's about the environment, regardless if it's about Iraq, Iran or privacy..
Are we seriously meant to believe that Jesus sat down with Bush to give him his marching orders to go into Iraq?? Do we honestly think that Jesus would be so profoundly blind about the plight of the people of the Sudan in the Darfur?? Are we expected to believe that it's in God's plan for us to invade Iran now too??
Is it really rational to believe that it's God's will for America to reign supreme -- almost in complete defiance of the teachings of the Bible to begin with the basic principle of brotherhood and thy fellow neighbor??
No -- I really don't think that's the case either..
And that's I've started to have faith in an America that continues to wake up from its slumber ... so that we can correct the extreme errant course this administration has set out for our country..
That's the faith I choose to believe in.. I just hope others follow..
All we need to do is trust his judgment..
All we have to do ..... is have a little more faith..
*sighs*
We blindly followed this man as he and his administration wove the most elaborate P.R. message to further their respective causes.. Where did that leave us??
- I've already blogged about the fact that Bush's unilateral policies have set forth the way science is considered in our country.. Religion is now considered an equal to science -- even though there doesn't appear to be any schematics for the electron so that we could develop electronics.. And I didn't really notice if there were any step by step instructions on how to build a gas-powered motor -- nor do I see it written anywhere that we should be justified for choosing our wars so that we protect our national interests..
- So it's no mystery that Bush once again - chose to unilaterally dismiss the U.N. demand for climate change.. After all, it's not written in the Bible that we should be worried about it -- we're not in the middle of a locust storm or anything like that, so why worry??
- And the saber rattling continues against Iran.. Bush and Cheney continue to concoct a war plan to invade Iran.. And remember, all we need is a little more faith and trusting the blind leading us into yet - another precarious regional conflict in an area WE'RE ALREADY HATED......
- But thank God we have the likes of Admiral William Fallon who honestly believes that invading Iran is a really big mistake.. "It seems to me that we don't need more problems. It astounds me that so many pundits and others are spending so much time yakking about this topic [of war against Iran]."
So please forgive me if I continue to not ride on the coat tails of faith that so many people seem to have for this administration..
I'm glad we have people of REASON and RATIONALE that are willing to address the problems we continually face.. Regardless if it's about the environment, regardless if it's about Iraq, Iran or privacy..
Are we seriously meant to believe that Jesus sat down with Bush to give him his marching orders to go into Iraq?? Do we honestly think that Jesus would be so profoundly blind about the plight of the people of the Sudan in the Darfur?? Are we expected to believe that it's in God's plan for us to invade Iran now too??
Is it really rational to believe that it's God's will for America to reign supreme -- almost in complete defiance of the teachings of the Bible to begin with the basic principle of brotherhood and thy fellow neighbor??
No -- I really don't think that's the case either..
And that's I've started to have faith in an America that continues to wake up from its slumber ... so that we can correct the extreme errant course this administration has set out for our country..
That's the faith I choose to believe in.. I just hope others follow..
Friday, November 16, 2007
Americans need to "redefine" what privacy is...
Donald Kerr, a rather gutsy Intelligence Official states that Americans should redefine what privacy is -- or the interpretation I take from it: cope with the fact that we're going to be watching every single thing you do.. Now - if we have to redefine what privacy is, then maybe Mr. Kerr would rather that we do away with the term altogether -- at least that's his ultra-paranoid stance on gathering intelligence procedures and process..
The mere notion of having the government be intrusive enough to be able to monitor everything you and I do -- *should* be a valid concern of us.. If Mr. Kerr has his way -- he'll want to know what you're thinking, what you dream about and whether or not chose Jiff over Skippy peanut butter and why you did that.. I'm not jesting as much as I'm calling to question why the government needs to have such access to our lives as it is.. After all, we have enough intrusion as it is when we consider that they are already monitoring our bank transactions and our telephone conversations.. It's no mystery that they've even been spying online on us for a really long time..
So my question to Mr. Kerr is simply: "to what end??"
To prevent another 9/11 from happening?? I can see that U.S. Intelligence has done so much to stop other "terrorist" entities -- insomuch that terrorists are not as dumb as Bush and Mr. Kerr would imply. That's why I've always been a strong opponent to a "carpet bombing" approach to US intelligence..
Think about it: we've existed as a country for over 200 years without the need of such intrusion-based methodology of obtaining intelligence.. The "carpet bombing" approach simply doesn't work.. Look at TSA's complete incompetence to DISCOVER bomb making material when it's PLACED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THEM.......
Bottom line: Mr. Kerr and the Bush administration has done NOTHING to even confront the most simplistic question of "exactly how effective has this 'carpet bombing' approach to intelligence gathering been??" We get the political two-step response which ultimately needs to no where..
Americans generally offer: "we have nothing to hide, let them watch me" -- but deep down, I doubt any of us would volunteer to have cameras placed in our homes with microphones knowing that someone is watching us and listening to what we're doing.. The political structure in this country under Bush has fueled a sense of paranoia on the scale that none of us have seen before..
Take a closer look at the books and movies on this type of regime process - and let's all decide if this is a rabbit hole we really want to go down..
Sorry Mr. Kerr - your quarter is up...
The mere notion of having the government be intrusive enough to be able to monitor everything you and I do -- *should* be a valid concern of us.. If Mr. Kerr has his way -- he'll want to know what you're thinking, what you dream about and whether or not chose Jiff over Skippy peanut butter and why you did that.. I'm not jesting as much as I'm calling to question why the government needs to have such access to our lives as it is.. After all, we have enough intrusion as it is when we consider that they are already monitoring our bank transactions and our telephone conversations.. It's no mystery that they've even been spying online on us for a really long time..
So my question to Mr. Kerr is simply: "to what end??"
To prevent another 9/11 from happening?? I can see that U.S. Intelligence has done so much to stop other "terrorist" entities -- insomuch that terrorists are not as dumb as Bush and Mr. Kerr would imply. That's why I've always been a strong opponent to a "carpet bombing" approach to US intelligence..
Think about it: we've existed as a country for over 200 years without the need of such intrusion-based methodology of obtaining intelligence.. The "carpet bombing" approach simply doesn't work.. Look at TSA's complete incompetence to DISCOVER bomb making material when it's PLACED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THEM.......
Bottom line: Mr. Kerr and the Bush administration has done NOTHING to even confront the most simplistic question of "exactly how effective has this 'carpet bombing' approach to intelligence gathering been??" We get the political two-step response which ultimately needs to no where..
Americans generally offer: "we have nothing to hide, let them watch me" -- but deep down, I doubt any of us would volunteer to have cameras placed in our homes with microphones knowing that someone is watching us and listening to what we're doing.. The political structure in this country under Bush has fueled a sense of paranoia on the scale that none of us have seen before..
Take a closer look at the books and movies on this type of regime process - and let's all decide if this is a rabbit hole we really want to go down..
Sorry Mr. Kerr - your quarter is up...
Saturday, November 10, 2007
"Leave my son alone!"
You'd think the above Title for this rant came from some middle America father who's son just got back from Iraq.. Or maybe it's some mother who is defending their son in the press from an unwarranted criminal charge..
Or in this case, it comes from an ex-President, speaking about his son - also a President who simply can't seem to grasp the idea that the war in Iraq was not the right answer.. It was never the right idea in the first place!! So when Bush 41 stands up to defend his son's foreign policy, it really makes Bush 43 look worse than he ever did before.. It makes him look week, incompetent and unable to defend himself..
The bad thing is: Bush 43 is weak.. Bush 43 is incompetent.. And given every possible opportunity to defend himself, he simply doesn't get the American mentality behind the war.. When the justifications for the continued war in Iraq, Bush floundered and squandered in so many ways -- it's a miracle things have been held together as long as they have already..
It's no wonder that he wants to hand this cluster over to "the next guy" so that he can dust off his jacket and continue writing the legacy he wants so that he gets painted in the most favorable light he can.. After all, when you fail so miserably in a war and by watching the country crumble with a heavily flawed economic policy the next "conflict" to be aware of is the one that's going to write about your Presidency..
So when Bush 41 stands before an audience and adamantly defends his son's myopic, distorted vision of Iraq -- I'm reminded that Saddam was not the only mad man of the world.. And if Bush 41 cared to learn the rest of the world's most atrocious leaders of the world -- he wouldn't have to play the Saddam card.. So as much as I'd like to back off and cut his son some slack -- I look at the photos of Bush's tour of a recovery unit and I shake my head..
Because there never was a viable acceptable mission that would placate the American thirst for finding those responsible for 9/11 -- only to find that Bush 43's acceptable parameters for securing Iraq had: a.) no WMD, b.) no sign of Al Qaeda, c.) no link to 9/11 (to the degree of any other middle eastern country), d.) a blow hard of a leader who liked to kill his own people -- a bad guy, true -- not unlike the slaughter happening in most of Africa or the continued purges that happen in other places like Haiti..
So - don't think that just because you can play the "Saddam is a bad guy" card when that simply doesn't apply in the grand scheme of things.. There's a lot of bad guys in the world -- and some of them a whole lot meaner and a whole lot more dangerous than Saddam could be..
Sorry - I won't leave your son alone, Mr. Bush Sr.. Not when there are over 76k Iraqi reported deaths and over 3,800 American lives -- I don't think I will ease up..
Or in this case, it comes from an ex-President, speaking about his son - also a President who simply can't seem to grasp the idea that the war in Iraq was not the right answer.. It was never the right idea in the first place!! So when Bush 41 stands up to defend his son's foreign policy, it really makes Bush 43 look worse than he ever did before.. It makes him look week, incompetent and unable to defend himself..
The bad thing is: Bush 43 is weak.. Bush 43 is incompetent.. And given every possible opportunity to defend himself, he simply doesn't get the American mentality behind the war.. When the justifications for the continued war in Iraq, Bush floundered and squandered in so many ways -- it's a miracle things have been held together as long as they have already..
It's no wonder that he wants to hand this cluster over to "the next guy" so that he can dust off his jacket and continue writing the legacy he wants so that he gets painted in the most favorable light he can.. After all, when you fail so miserably in a war and by watching the country crumble with a heavily flawed economic policy the next "conflict" to be aware of is the one that's going to write about your Presidency..
So when Bush 41 stands before an audience and adamantly defends his son's myopic, distorted vision of Iraq -- I'm reminded that Saddam was not the only mad man of the world.. And if Bush 41 cared to learn the rest of the world's most atrocious leaders of the world -- he wouldn't have to play the Saddam card.. So as much as I'd like to back off and cut his son some slack -- I look at the photos of Bush's tour of a recovery unit and I shake my head..
Because there never was a viable acceptable mission that would placate the American thirst for finding those responsible for 9/11 -- only to find that Bush 43's acceptable parameters for securing Iraq had: a.) no WMD, b.) no sign of Al Qaeda, c.) no link to 9/11 (to the degree of any other middle eastern country), d.) a blow hard of a leader who liked to kill his own people -- a bad guy, true -- not unlike the slaughter happening in most of Africa or the continued purges that happen in other places like Haiti..
So - don't think that just because you can play the "Saddam is a bad guy" card when that simply doesn't apply in the grand scheme of things.. There's a lot of bad guys in the world -- and some of them a whole lot meaner and a whole lot more dangerous than Saddam could be..
Sorry - I won't leave your son alone, Mr. Bush Sr.. Not when there are over 76k Iraqi reported deaths and over 3,800 American lives -- I don't think I will ease up..
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Imagine That: Americans want change....
It's a really bad indication for George Bush and his "legacy" when seventy-four percent (74%) of Americans think the nation needs a new direction.. Oh wow.. I thought the argument by every conservative out there is that America is just fine, we don't need any changes to the way things are ... those folks fall into the 24 percentile of those polled..
So the argument that things are just fine under Bush is gently floating away like a gentle feather on the wind.....
....a trend that I've been seeing for a very long time because Bush's incredibly thick-headed ambitions for his administration..
Now the conservatives are already rounding up the wagons (seeing that they have HUGE problems in 2008) and shaking out the same scare tactics that the Democrats want "bigger government" and "more tax money" -- which is very ironic considering we have a REPUBLICAN sitting President, supported by the very same conservatives who has expanded government, devalued the dollar while sustaining an endless overseas conflict while cutting taxes that continues to expand the national debt that continually out-paces the INTEREST on the money we've borrowed..
So - the scare tactic doesn't work anymore.. The Republicans can't even use the infamous "terrorism" monikers anymore because Americans are slow to learn -- but they are learning..
We're learning that Bush's "head in the sand" approach to the environment is much more detrimental than the "it's debatable" approach conservatives want us to believe.. I make mention of this - because NBC is starting a "Green Is Universal" awareness project that highlights the major environmental problems.. Fmr. Vice President and current Nobel laureate Al Gore will be starring on the Today show this week while the anchors report from the Arctic, the Equator and Antarctica this week..
Awareness.. Wow.. I would imagine that the Bush administration is leading the charge on this, right??
Um... No...
Because it's SCIENCE and SCIENCE needs to be thought about... Let's dismiss the fact that most scientists say: "it's a problem.." Let's dismiss the facts outlined in An Inconvenient Truth.. Let's dismiss science because it happens to disagree with your personally held belief of how the earth was created...
“In order to avoid offending religious fundamentalists, our National Park Service is under orders to suspend its belief in geology,” stated PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch. “It is disconcerting that the official position of a national park as to the geologic age of the Grand Canyon is ‘no comment.’”
I kid you not...
So while it's convenient not to "offend religious fundamentalists" by opining the approximate age of the Grand Canyon we should remain scientifically illiterate because it's better to explain the forces of the universe by way of the Bible -- while completely dismissing the complete compilation of science in general.. Consider what we'd be missing out on:
- The light bulb
- The electric motor
- Computers
- TV
- Telephones
- Medical Centers
- Preventive medicine
- The automobile
....just to name a few inventions that began with a single scientific principle.. To dismiss the science of our existence is an extreme hypocritical stance given the historical reference of such inventions to begin with..
Change is *definitely* good when one does not self-identify as being in the 21st century.. I'm just glad Americans are slowly realizing that we're better off than the days of the pony and cart.. Bush was a mistake in the making, but he was electable because Americans wanted change following Clinton's mishaps in the White House.. Blame the Democrats for being unable to effectively challenge Bush in 2004 and for continuing to lead us down this very weary path...
And to the 24% that believe we're on the right road -- I urge you to relocate to some third-world country to understand what it means to "go back in time.." Maybe then you can truly appreciate the "path" of the "right road" from your experiences..
So the argument that things are just fine under Bush is gently floating away like a gentle feather on the wind.....
....a trend that I've been seeing for a very long time because Bush's incredibly thick-headed ambitions for his administration..
Now the conservatives are already rounding up the wagons (seeing that they have HUGE problems in 2008) and shaking out the same scare tactics that the Democrats want "bigger government" and "more tax money" -- which is very ironic considering we have a REPUBLICAN sitting President, supported by the very same conservatives who has expanded government, devalued the dollar while sustaining an endless overseas conflict while cutting taxes that continues to expand the national debt that continually out-paces the INTEREST on the money we've borrowed..
So - the scare tactic doesn't work anymore.. The Republicans can't even use the infamous "terrorism" monikers anymore because Americans are slow to learn -- but they are learning..
We're learning that Bush's "head in the sand" approach to the environment is much more detrimental than the "it's debatable" approach conservatives want us to believe.. I make mention of this - because NBC is starting a "Green Is Universal" awareness project that highlights the major environmental problems.. Fmr. Vice President and current Nobel laureate Al Gore will be starring on the Today show this week while the anchors report from the Arctic, the Equator and Antarctica this week..
Awareness.. Wow.. I would imagine that the Bush administration is leading the charge on this, right??
Um... No...
Because it's SCIENCE and SCIENCE needs to be thought about... Let's dismiss the fact that most scientists say: "it's a problem.." Let's dismiss the facts outlined in An Inconvenient Truth.. Let's dismiss science because it happens to disagree with your personally held belief of how the earth was created...
“In order to avoid offending religious fundamentalists, our National Park Service is under orders to suspend its belief in geology,” stated PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch. “It is disconcerting that the official position of a national park as to the geologic age of the Grand Canyon is ‘no comment.’”
I kid you not...
So while it's convenient not to "offend religious fundamentalists" by opining the approximate age of the Grand Canyon we should remain scientifically illiterate because it's better to explain the forces of the universe by way of the Bible -- while completely dismissing the complete compilation of science in general.. Consider what we'd be missing out on:
- The light bulb
- The electric motor
- Computers
- TV
- Telephones
- Medical Centers
- Preventive medicine
- The automobile
....just to name a few inventions that began with a single scientific principle.. To dismiss the science of our existence is an extreme hypocritical stance given the historical reference of such inventions to begin with..
Change is *definitely* good when one does not self-identify as being in the 21st century.. I'm just glad Americans are slowly realizing that we're better off than the days of the pony and cart.. Bush was a mistake in the making, but he was electable because Americans wanted change following Clinton's mishaps in the White House.. Blame the Democrats for being unable to effectively challenge Bush in 2004 and for continuing to lead us down this very weary path...
And to the 24% that believe we're on the right road -- I urge you to relocate to some third-world country to understand what it means to "go back in time.." Maybe then you can truly appreciate the "path" of the "right road" from your experiences..
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The Hiatus is over....
I took a rather long break from Spoons Rant -- for a multitude of reasons, but for the most part, I needed a different venue to vent my political frustrations.. I participated in an online forums group -- and for what it's worth, very rarely did I find anyone who could challenge the facts and supposition of the arguments I presented..
In fact, one of my most favorite replies were from the folks that continued to "elevate" the debate by saying: "your logic defies intelligence, therefore no response is necessary.." This is your typical diabolical response when the said person doesn't have a viable argument on the contrary of what you've just posted.. But I continued to play with the unfortunate on a variety of issues ranging from the death penalty to the economy to the debacle in Iraq.. I've concluded that there is a very dangerous myopic condition with a selected few in the country that continues to protect its conservative base to absolutely no end..
In their eyes, the administration and the GOP can do no wrong when in reality - much of what this administration and the GOP have done absolutely wrong.. Iraq is but one example.. Our FEMA protection is all but impotent in comparison to the Clinton tenure when it was at its most effective.. Conservatives simply cannot understand and/or realize that there is a necessary investment in the society around them -- or you get what's happening in San Diego: a rather chaotic assessment of a department's recommendation for at least 150 firetrucks since the 2003 autumnal blazes -- and only 19 have been ordered .... ....to be delivered sometime next year..
So it's no surprise when I left the forum group several weeks ago that I felt a tremendous sense of relief.. I had made substantial investments of time and effort to help turn the tide for those to see exactly what it's like being on a sinking ship.. Unfortunately for those few who remain adamant that the Titanic is not sinking -- they remain destined to cling onto whatever life saving tactic to preserve the party..
...nevermind the fact that the "party" of the GOP is ultimately responsible for the events of the last 6+ years...
But a glimmer of hope remains for the Democratic party - to awaken from its slumber and begin to take charge of the parts of government it currently controls.. I'm very disappointed in the Democrats this year - as I had honestly felt that the elections of 2006 finally woke their collective rear-ends so as to finally do something about terrorism, about the environment, about education, about our failing infrastructure and the ability to protect our borders..
Unfortunately our elected populace continues to squander its opportunities and we are now faced with an equally impotent government who is unwilling and unable to make a meaningful impact for all of us..
Bush sealed off the steering room a long time ago -- and our ship continues to drift towards the iceberg which has already ripped open several lower compartments like a hot knife slicing through butter.. Bush is unwilling to admit his failures or see that the design of a new course is essential to the livelihood of America.. It's this stamp which will plague his legacy and something that will follow him through the history books..
....and that's very unfortunate for all of us....
In fact, one of my most favorite replies were from the folks that continued to "elevate" the debate by saying: "your logic defies intelligence, therefore no response is necessary.." This is your typical diabolical response when the said person doesn't have a viable argument on the contrary of what you've just posted.. But I continued to play with the unfortunate on a variety of issues ranging from the death penalty to the economy to the debacle in Iraq.. I've concluded that there is a very dangerous myopic condition with a selected few in the country that continues to protect its conservative base to absolutely no end..
In their eyes, the administration and the GOP can do no wrong when in reality - much of what this administration and the GOP have done absolutely wrong.. Iraq is but one example.. Our FEMA protection is all but impotent in comparison to the Clinton tenure when it was at its most effective.. Conservatives simply cannot understand and/or realize that there is a necessary investment in the society around them -- or you get what's happening in San Diego: a rather chaotic assessment of a department's recommendation for at least 150 firetrucks since the 2003 autumnal blazes -- and only 19 have been ordered .... ....to be delivered sometime next year..
So it's no surprise when I left the forum group several weeks ago that I felt a tremendous sense of relief.. I had made substantial investments of time and effort to help turn the tide for those to see exactly what it's like being on a sinking ship.. Unfortunately for those few who remain adamant that the Titanic is not sinking -- they remain destined to cling onto whatever life saving tactic to preserve the party..
...nevermind the fact that the "party" of the GOP is ultimately responsible for the events of the last 6+ years...
But a glimmer of hope remains for the Democratic party - to awaken from its slumber and begin to take charge of the parts of government it currently controls.. I'm very disappointed in the Democrats this year - as I had honestly felt that the elections of 2006 finally woke their collective rear-ends so as to finally do something about terrorism, about the environment, about education, about our failing infrastructure and the ability to protect our borders..
Unfortunately our elected populace continues to squander its opportunities and we are now faced with an equally impotent government who is unwilling and unable to make a meaningful impact for all of us..
Bush sealed off the steering room a long time ago -- and our ship continues to drift towards the iceberg which has already ripped open several lower compartments like a hot knife slicing through butter.. Bush is unwilling to admit his failures or see that the design of a new course is essential to the livelihood of America.. It's this stamp which will plague his legacy and something that will follow him through the history books..
....and that's very unfortunate for all of us....
Monday, June 05, 2006
Rush amok?
(I was watching a thread on a forum I subscribed to that injected a very interesting discussion about Rush Limbaugh and how so many people follow what he says with almost complete disregard and irresponsibility.. Because it turned out to be a decent rant, I'm including what I submitted here..)
Interesting responses from what I've read so far, but to suggest that Rush, Franken, O'Reilly, (or whoever you insert here) bestows truth is nothing short of laughable.. They are nothing more than forms of entertainment, which is why you see most opinion/editorial pieces tucked away separately from the "so-called" news stories of the day.. Everyone of them stands on their respective pulpits and spew the talking points of the day.. One minute it's an investigation into what the democrats are doing, the next it's attacking a statement made by Bush..
Realizing the goal of these radio-types allows us to see how each and every single one twists and turns their news stories as they see fit.. That's why I have to laugh anytime I hear O'Reilly preach to be a "spin-free zone.." An "actual" spin free zone would be reporting: who, what, when, how, where.... while leaving the "why" out of it - because it's the "why" that carries the bias bias.. Want an example??
Look at the AFC playoffs last year between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh in Indy.. We've already answered:
a.) who: Indy and Pittsburgh
b.) what: AFC playoffs
c.) where: Indianapolis
d.) when: last year
When we start discussing the "how" - we can discuss statistics of yards, turnovers, and scoring opportunities that led the game towards a Pittsburgh win.. It's when we start talking about the "why" - that we all of a sudden expose our bias: does one say that Pittsburgh got lucky, or that they were the better team?? Was it a choke by Peyton Manning or lucky tackle by Ben Rothlesberger.. The why becomes a formed opinion or analysis of the game.. Depending on who you wanted to win - weighs on your ability to provide comprehensive, well thought out analysis on the "why" the game's outcome turned out the way it did..
In examining the "why" - we can expose the bias of the writer, and that's where every talking head takes advantage of the "facts" as they want them, so that they can spin it accordingly to please the crowd their preaching to.. It's simply not a Republican/Democrat issue as much as it is a creative propaganda vehicle to further their cause - whatever that cause might be in the moment...
Interesting responses from what I've read so far, but to suggest that Rush, Franken, O'Reilly, (or whoever you insert here) bestows truth is nothing short of laughable.. They are nothing more than forms of entertainment, which is why you see most opinion/editorial pieces tucked away separately from the "so-called" news stories of the day.. Everyone of them stands on their respective pulpits and spew the talking points of the day.. One minute it's an investigation into what the democrats are doing, the next it's attacking a statement made by Bush..
Realizing the goal of these radio-types allows us to see how each and every single one twists and turns their news stories as they see fit.. That's why I have to laugh anytime I hear O'Reilly preach to be a "spin-free zone.." An "actual" spin free zone would be reporting: who, what, when, how, where.... while leaving the "why" out of it - because it's the "why" that carries the bias bias.. Want an example??
Look at the AFC playoffs last year between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh in Indy.. We've already answered:
a.) who: Indy and Pittsburgh
b.) what: AFC playoffs
c.) where: Indianapolis
d.) when: last year
When we start discussing the "how" - we can discuss statistics of yards, turnovers, and scoring opportunities that led the game towards a Pittsburgh win.. It's when we start talking about the "why" - that we all of a sudden expose our bias: does one say that Pittsburgh got lucky, or that they were the better team?? Was it a choke by Peyton Manning or lucky tackle by Ben Rothlesberger.. The why becomes a formed opinion or analysis of the game.. Depending on who you wanted to win - weighs on your ability to provide comprehensive, well thought out analysis on the "why" the game's outcome turned out the way it did..
In examining the "why" - we can expose the bias of the writer, and that's where every talking head takes advantage of the "facts" as they want them, so that they can spin it accordingly to please the crowd their preaching to.. It's simply not a Republican/Democrat issue as much as it is a creative propaganda vehicle to further their cause - whatever that cause might be in the moment...
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Memorial Day
I just finished watching Baghdad ER, a graphic, disturbing look at the realities and horrors of the casualties of war from the perspective of the 86th Combat Support Hospital in Iraq.. I'm not talking about casualties in the sense of when they count the lives that have been lost - I am talking about the 17,000+ soldiers that have been injured as a result of this "conflict," "war," "police action," whatever Bush is calling it these days..
I'm glad HBO showed it - and then re-showed it on Memorial Day..
*This* is what memorial day is supposed to be about: reflection.. How can we really reflect on something if we don't really understand the sacrifice, the pain, the anger and the blood that is shed for a "senseless conflict" (as quoted every single time the Chaplain recited the last rites for every soldier that died in the care of the 86th medical squadron..)
How can anyone wantonly throw their support for this war when they don't see it.. The Bush administration continues to block any attempt at showing images of the coffins coming back from Iraq - and if it's his position to maintain respect for those who died, then he's not doing enough to make this country aware of the horrors that are happening in Iraq and around the world..
We live in a society that is heavily buffered with "fluffy news," and we totally don't get to see the reality of it..
The documentary was a compilation of story after story of how each soldier came into the care of the 86th.. Every man and woman has a story to tell, the soldier who had his wedding ring removed before his fingers were amputated.. There was the man who suffered a small gunshot wound - who died after a valiant effort to get him in surgery and operated on.. The was the guy who suffered an I.E.D. attack merely by getting some food.. The guy that died a day after his 21st birthday.. The guy who lost his thumb who was trying to save money, pay bills so that he could build his family a house..
So why does the Bush administration want you not to see these stories?? Is it because they undermine the war effort?? When you have the soldiers coming out and saying "what in the hell" shouldn't that be the first clue here?? I deplore Bush's "we've got to stay the course" broken record diatribe.. It's sick watching this program knowing full and well that Bush has absolutely no idea what sacrifice is..
Bush should be made to watch this documentary and then personally contact everyone of those 17,000 soldiers and listen to them, talk to them.. Because these are the souls that he has personally placed into harms way.. When he conveniently disconnects himself like he has, then that's not what you want from your leader..
I strongly recommend everyone watch the program.. It's hard, but it's real.. And we all need a little bit of reality if we're going to understand what Memorial Day is really about..
Kudos HBO!!
I'm glad HBO showed it - and then re-showed it on Memorial Day..
*This* is what memorial day is supposed to be about: reflection.. How can we really reflect on something if we don't really understand the sacrifice, the pain, the anger and the blood that is shed for a "senseless conflict" (as quoted every single time the Chaplain recited the last rites for every soldier that died in the care of the 86th medical squadron..)
How can anyone wantonly throw their support for this war when they don't see it.. The Bush administration continues to block any attempt at showing images of the coffins coming back from Iraq - and if it's his position to maintain respect for those who died, then he's not doing enough to make this country aware of the horrors that are happening in Iraq and around the world..
We live in a society that is heavily buffered with "fluffy news," and we totally don't get to see the reality of it..
The documentary was a compilation of story after story of how each soldier came into the care of the 86th.. Every man and woman has a story to tell, the soldier who had his wedding ring removed before his fingers were amputated.. There was the man who suffered a small gunshot wound - who died after a valiant effort to get him in surgery and operated on.. The was the guy who suffered an I.E.D. attack merely by getting some food.. The guy that died a day after his 21st birthday.. The guy who lost his thumb who was trying to save money, pay bills so that he could build his family a house..
So why does the Bush administration want you not to see these stories?? Is it because they undermine the war effort?? When you have the soldiers coming out and saying "what in the hell" shouldn't that be the first clue here?? I deplore Bush's "we've got to stay the course" broken record diatribe.. It's sick watching this program knowing full and well that Bush has absolutely no idea what sacrifice is..
Bush should be made to watch this documentary and then personally contact everyone of those 17,000 soldiers and listen to them, talk to them.. Because these are the souls that he has personally placed into harms way.. When he conveniently disconnects himself like he has, then that's not what you want from your leader..
I strongly recommend everyone watch the program.. It's hard, but it's real.. And we all need a little bit of reality if we're going to understand what Memorial Day is really about..
Kudos HBO!!
Monday, May 22, 2006
When Solutions Get Sticky...
I've been mulling over the immigration issue for quite sometime - and every time I think I reach a point where I come out on one side or the other, something else comes up.. Before long, I realize I'm looking at a cataclysmic failure on so many different levels that it presents an almost impossible solution.. If anything, the immigration issue highlights all of the problems that have fallen absent and ignored throughout the years:
- The failure of various trade agreements has left Mexico with staggering 40% unemployment rate.. When I listened to the interviews, several Hispanics said they did not want to be in the US, but they had very little choice because there's no jobs, no income and a poverty rate that is vastly being ignored.. When they get money (as I understand it) they are sending it back to their family in Mexico.. Again, who can fault someone who is trying to support themselves and their family..
- Immigrants are coming across the border for an opportunity and on that regard, I can't fault them, after all - it is the basis for the countless millions of immigrants that flooded into New York City.. The difference, as is pointed out - is that there's a difference between legal immigration and illegal immigration.. Again, I can understand both sides of it - because on one hand we want things to be legal, yet on the other, we'd be rather hypocritical if we blocked things out *now* rather than trying to find a suitable remedy that will appease everyone involved..
- Granting amnesty and legal-immigration status is going to have a PROFOUND impact on our economy.. Because illegal immigrants will now be legal, they will also enjoy the benefit of a minimum wage and insurance requirements as dictated under law.. How that is funded largely depends on where you shop, where you stay and what services you obtain.. Fruits and vegetables will cost more.. Hotel prices may rise as will other industries which have benefited from un-documented workers.. At a time when our deficit continues to rise - and when we have a President who is dead-set on giving the top 1/2 of 1% an early Christmas present in tax cuts, the economy is going to have very difficult time absorbing a large influx of workers..
- Yet I also understand that the influx of illegal immigration has already had a PROFOUND impact our communities.. Health care, education, police, fire and other community services are feeling tremendous strains and growth issues.. With cities, counties and states already having strained budgets, the continual influx of immigrants who are not paying into the system continues to be overwhelming..
- However, if we leave the current situation "as-is" we're not protecting our borders.. And while I recognize that the early indications is that no terrorist has ever crossed over into the United States from Mexico, my point is: we don't know for certain.. Considering the reliability of our intelligence agencies, I'm more inclined to believe that they have - and know that they live amongst us, rather than living the fairy tale dream that all is okay.. Border security is vital - but then our government has proven its vulnerabilities and weaknesses in ways that a pre-schooler could figure it out..
- When you have the President of Mexico encouraging his citizens to sneak across the border and defy our laws of immigration, then I have a real big problem with how this administration is handling it's foreign policy.. It seems insane that Bush stands idly by and let's Vicente Fox continue to make recommendation and provide access routes for those illegals that cross the border.. The trade agreements haven't worked - and Bush can be held responsible for that because Mexico is our neighbor, but that shouldn't automatically mean that they should live in our house.. Bush has done nothing to repair the trade agreements to help Mexico stabilize its economy.. When we have companies relocating to India for cheaper labor, they obviously didn't give much consideration to our Mexican neighbors.. Instead, Bush turns a blind eye so that the corporate monopolies can continue to exploit this level of economic enslavement.. Mexicans may not have shackles on their feet, but when you're paid on dollars a day - then that's still criminal and immoral..
The bottom line is that there's no clear cut answer..
Our economies clearly mesh together.. To forget this fact is really stupid.. Sending all illegals home will not improve our economy any more than it would be to grant them instant legal asylum in the US.. As neighbors, we should be working together to not only protecting our borders, but to not allow our economies to falter and fail..
And to do that - means that we work together to secure our borders, while helping the Mexican economy grow so that those families that continue to live in both countries can decide what is best for them.. That's cooperation and the best way to make everyone work together for a solution..
- The failure of various trade agreements has left Mexico with staggering 40% unemployment rate.. When I listened to the interviews, several Hispanics said they did not want to be in the US, but they had very little choice because there's no jobs, no income and a poverty rate that is vastly being ignored.. When they get money (as I understand it) they are sending it back to their family in Mexico.. Again, who can fault someone who is trying to support themselves and their family..
- Immigrants are coming across the border for an opportunity and on that regard, I can't fault them, after all - it is the basis for the countless millions of immigrants that flooded into New York City.. The difference, as is pointed out - is that there's a difference between legal immigration and illegal immigration.. Again, I can understand both sides of it - because on one hand we want things to be legal, yet on the other, we'd be rather hypocritical if we blocked things out *now* rather than trying to find a suitable remedy that will appease everyone involved..
- Granting amnesty and legal-immigration status is going to have a PROFOUND impact on our economy.. Because illegal immigrants will now be legal, they will also enjoy the benefit of a minimum wage and insurance requirements as dictated under law.. How that is funded largely depends on where you shop, where you stay and what services you obtain.. Fruits and vegetables will cost more.. Hotel prices may rise as will other industries which have benefited from un-documented workers.. At a time when our deficit continues to rise - and when we have a President who is dead-set on giving the top 1/2 of 1% an early Christmas present in tax cuts, the economy is going to have very difficult time absorbing a large influx of workers..
- Yet I also understand that the influx of illegal immigration has already had a PROFOUND impact our communities.. Health care, education, police, fire and other community services are feeling tremendous strains and growth issues.. With cities, counties and states already having strained budgets, the continual influx of immigrants who are not paying into the system continues to be overwhelming..
- However, if we leave the current situation "as-is" we're not protecting our borders.. And while I recognize that the early indications is that no terrorist has ever crossed over into the United States from Mexico, my point is: we don't know for certain.. Considering the reliability of our intelligence agencies, I'm more inclined to believe that they have - and know that they live amongst us, rather than living the fairy tale dream that all is okay.. Border security is vital - but then our government has proven its vulnerabilities and weaknesses in ways that a pre-schooler could figure it out..
- When you have the President of Mexico encouraging his citizens to sneak across the border and defy our laws of immigration, then I have a real big problem with how this administration is handling it's foreign policy.. It seems insane that Bush stands idly by and let's Vicente Fox continue to make recommendation and provide access routes for those illegals that cross the border.. The trade agreements haven't worked - and Bush can be held responsible for that because Mexico is our neighbor, but that shouldn't automatically mean that they should live in our house.. Bush has done nothing to repair the trade agreements to help Mexico stabilize its economy.. When we have companies relocating to India for cheaper labor, they obviously didn't give much consideration to our Mexican neighbors.. Instead, Bush turns a blind eye so that the corporate monopolies can continue to exploit this level of economic enslavement.. Mexicans may not have shackles on their feet, but when you're paid on dollars a day - then that's still criminal and immoral..
The bottom line is that there's no clear cut answer..
Our economies clearly mesh together.. To forget this fact is really stupid.. Sending all illegals home will not improve our economy any more than it would be to grant them instant legal asylum in the US.. As neighbors, we should be working together to not only protecting our borders, but to not allow our economies to falter and fail..
And to do that - means that we work together to secure our borders, while helping the Mexican economy grow so that those families that continue to live in both countries can decide what is best for them.. That's cooperation and the best way to make everyone work together for a solution..
Sunday, May 14, 2006
A Tip of the Hat
There's been a deafening absence in mainstream media about what actually transpired at the White House Correspondents Dinner.. Traditionally this is a light-hearted event, a roast if you will that allows the press club to poke fun at the President of the United States..
...the only problem is, this President has a really limited scope of humor...
I'm not saying that Bush didn't make the attempt to have fun, but one could tell that it was rather .... forced.. Laura Bush's particular coldness after Stephen Colbert's presentation spoke volumes in not what was heard, but what was seen.....
Mainstream media spoke in the same volumes as the First Lady..
"He just wasn't funny.." I guess that largely depends on which side of America you're sitting on.. Given that Bush's approval rating has now dipped under the 30% mark - which hasn't happened since Nixon.. So - I'm assuming the majority of the 70% that disapprove of Bush's presidency would actually probably enjoy Colbert's rapport....
But Stephen's stingers weren't just aimed at the President and the cabinet.. He took the opportunity to attack the media for pursuing facts that make Bush look bad.. What's worse is that the press has chosen its fights carefully for whatever fear the administration is laying out.. Condemning Bush almost seems to be a crime..
But thankfully the majority beyond the 29% are starting to recover from their "kool-aid" fog.. Thankfully the press is starting to realize this too - and they have *finally* started doing what they should've been doing since 2001 which is to hold this President accountable for what he's done.. No more free passes.. No more excuses.. No more streamlining announcements..
Reporters are starting to awaken once again..
...except the Administration is seeking legislation to prevent any other leaks from emerging on the basis that they endanger the security of the United States...
Um...
Mr. President..
Not sure how to say this..
...but you've endangered the security of the United States in ways that we can't even begin to describe.. Whether we're talking about Katrina, Plame, Iraq or Dubai.. Take your pick.. "The Decider" has endangered this country in ways we'll have to fix for the next decade.. (assuming that it can be fixed..)
So if we can't criticize the administration, then folks like Stephen Colbert's performance matters even more because their frequency and audience.. Since the press refuses to hold the administration accountable I give you Mr. Colbert, a Tip of the Hat and a profound thank you..
...the only problem is, this President has a really limited scope of humor...
I'm not saying that Bush didn't make the attempt to have fun, but one could tell that it was rather .... forced.. Laura Bush's particular coldness after Stephen Colbert's presentation spoke volumes in not what was heard, but what was seen.....
Mainstream media spoke in the same volumes as the First Lady..
"He just wasn't funny.." I guess that largely depends on which side of America you're sitting on.. Given that Bush's approval rating has now dipped under the 30% mark - which hasn't happened since Nixon.. So - I'm assuming the majority of the 70% that disapprove of Bush's presidency would actually probably enjoy Colbert's rapport....
But Stephen's stingers weren't just aimed at the President and the cabinet.. He took the opportunity to attack the media for pursuing facts that make Bush look bad.. What's worse is that the press has chosen its fights carefully for whatever fear the administration is laying out.. Condemning Bush almost seems to be a crime..
But thankfully the majority beyond the 29% are starting to recover from their "kool-aid" fog.. Thankfully the press is starting to realize this too - and they have *finally* started doing what they should've been doing since 2001 which is to hold this President accountable for what he's done.. No more free passes.. No more excuses.. No more streamlining announcements..
Reporters are starting to awaken once again..
...except the Administration is seeking legislation to prevent any other leaks from emerging on the basis that they endanger the security of the United States...
Um...
Mr. President..
Not sure how to say this..
...but you've endangered the security of the United States in ways that we can't even begin to describe.. Whether we're talking about Katrina, Plame, Iraq or Dubai.. Take your pick.. "The Decider" has endangered this country in ways we'll have to fix for the next decade.. (assuming that it can be fixed..)
So if we can't criticize the administration, then folks like Stephen Colbert's performance matters even more because their frequency and audience.. Since the press refuses to hold the administration accountable I give you Mr. Colbert, a Tip of the Hat and a profound thank you..
Thursday, May 11, 2006
A Victory??
The administration just might have averted another conflict - in what can only be described as a game of chicken - and the other guy blinked..
The Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad - has made some really interesting overtures in the last few days about how his country is willing to negotiate.. This after a circulated letter was quickly condemned by Condi Rice and Bush as almost "much ado about nothing.."
Did Cowboy diplomacy work?? Did the threats actually convince the Iranian President to change his tune??
Historically, the general public has no idea what is said, bartered or negotiated behind the scenes of most deals.. Whether we're talking about a senate bill, a treaty, or even a contract with a company.. There's a declaration and the press takes the news and sends it on its way without pouring over the details, the back room deals.. Historically, people change their tune because something was worked out, an agreement was reached..
So while I am grateful that it looks as though we've averted another conflict, I'm really wondering what exactly happened behind the scenes that changed Ahmadinejad's mood.. The Russians and Chinese have been working out deals and potential agreements with the Iranian government - a way to keep the peace, so to speak..
I'm certain the administration is disappointed on one hand - because their foreign policy has been failing all around them.. Bombing Iran would have given them some legitimacy at a time when they needed gain respect.. Unfortunately for this administration the art of diplomacy is completely impotent and driven by pure ego.. The cowboy mentality of "shoot first, ask questions later" couldn't be more true than what has happened in Iraq..
I'm hopeful the ego on Pennsylvania Ave. wakes up and realizes exactly how difficult the world is to govern.. We've been isolated long enough - and we need international support if we're going to have any success in combatting world-wide terror..
There's a reason why Bush is not respected - and there's a reason why this administration can't see the forest for the trees because it's incapable of getting of it's high horse and look around.. Get off the horse, George.. See what world-wide cooperation is all about...
The Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad - has made some really interesting overtures in the last few days about how his country is willing to negotiate.. This after a circulated letter was quickly condemned by Condi Rice and Bush as almost "much ado about nothing.."
Did Cowboy diplomacy work?? Did the threats actually convince the Iranian President to change his tune??
Historically, the general public has no idea what is said, bartered or negotiated behind the scenes of most deals.. Whether we're talking about a senate bill, a treaty, or even a contract with a company.. There's a declaration and the press takes the news and sends it on its way without pouring over the details, the back room deals.. Historically, people change their tune because something was worked out, an agreement was reached..
So while I am grateful that it looks as though we've averted another conflict, I'm really wondering what exactly happened behind the scenes that changed Ahmadinejad's mood.. The Russians and Chinese have been working out deals and potential agreements with the Iranian government - a way to keep the peace, so to speak..
I'm certain the administration is disappointed on one hand - because their foreign policy has been failing all around them.. Bombing Iran would have given them some legitimacy at a time when they needed gain respect.. Unfortunately for this administration the art of diplomacy is completely impotent and driven by pure ego.. The cowboy mentality of "shoot first, ask questions later" couldn't be more true than what has happened in Iraq..
I'm hopeful the ego on Pennsylvania Ave. wakes up and realizes exactly how difficult the world is to govern.. We've been isolated long enough - and we need international support if we're going to have any success in combatting world-wide terror..
There's a reason why Bush is not respected - and there's a reason why this administration can't see the forest for the trees because it's incapable of getting of it's high horse and look around.. Get off the horse, George.. See what world-wide cooperation is all about...
Sunday, May 07, 2006
The Report...
I really get a kick out of the Drudge Report.. It's part of my daily routine because I just get a kick out of reading how someone like the Drudge Report can spin any given story..
They have some of the most incredulous headlines including: "Dems Plot House Takeover.."
Well, DUH...
Of course the Democrats are plotting a House takeover because it's the exact same thing Republicans did in 1998 and 2000.. Plotting to take the House over?? Would Matt Drudge rest easier knowing that the Democrats had NO intention of taking the House back?? *laughs*
But moreover, anytime there is anything negative happening to any Republican or Conservative, Matt Drudge puts out a "FLASHBACK" that exposes what some Democrat or Liberal has done in their past......
It's laughable because it's tragic..
It's tragic because the Republicans had a GENUINE opportunity to improve things for Americans and they have failed miserably.. Even with all of the control - there is more corruption, a divisive wedge between the social strata and the erosion of the middle class.. The church controls the White House and if they had their way, we'd truly be reaching the End of Days as it is written in the Bible..
So when there's reports of how bad things are - I tune into Drudge because I know there will be some different light, some different spin to the story that I hadn't considered.. Because *FLASHBACK* FDR may have experienced something similar to what Bush is going through today and it's always self-evident when they always want to move forward by focusing on the rear view mirror..
Good job Matt - keep the spin cycle on medium!!
They have some of the most incredulous headlines including: "Dems Plot House Takeover.."
Well, DUH...
Of course the Democrats are plotting a House takeover because it's the exact same thing Republicans did in 1998 and 2000.. Plotting to take the House over?? Would Matt Drudge rest easier knowing that the Democrats had NO intention of taking the House back?? *laughs*
But moreover, anytime there is anything negative happening to any Republican or Conservative, Matt Drudge puts out a "FLASHBACK" that exposes what some Democrat or Liberal has done in their past......
It's laughable because it's tragic..
It's tragic because the Republicans had a GENUINE opportunity to improve things for Americans and they have failed miserably.. Even with all of the control - there is more corruption, a divisive wedge between the social strata and the erosion of the middle class.. The church controls the White House and if they had their way, we'd truly be reaching the End of Days as it is written in the Bible..
So when there's reports of how bad things are - I tune into Drudge because I know there will be some different light, some different spin to the story that I hadn't considered.. Because *FLASHBACK* FDR may have experienced something similar to what Bush is going through today and it's always self-evident when they always want to move forward by focusing on the rear view mirror..
Good job Matt - keep the spin cycle on medium!!
Saturday, April 29, 2006
The Actual Quote
On the April 21st episode of Bill Maher, there was a Congressional guest Rep. RAHM EMANUEL, (D) Illinois who had one of the most staggering quotes that was simply astounding:
EMANUEL: Well, you’d better come out here to the north side of Chicago. Let me just lay out a couple points to you. One, 40% -- education costs are up 40% for the American people. Energy prices are up 80% for the American people. Health care costs are up 58% for the American people, and their incomes are down 2.3%. You know, the American people have got a cut in pay, and all the expenses that come along with building and sustaining a middle-class life have actually gone up. I know the economy for the people who live from a paycheck on the first all the way to the 30th, that paycheck ends its value on the 26th, and they’ve got figure out how to make ends meet for that last week.
EMANUEL: Well, you’d better come out here to the north side of Chicago. Let me just lay out a couple points to you. One, 40% -- education costs are up 40% for the American people. Energy prices are up 80% for the American people. Health care costs are up 58% for the American people, and their incomes are down 2.3%. You know, the American people have got a cut in pay, and all the expenses that come along with building and sustaining a middle-class life have actually gone up. I know the economy for the people who live from a paycheck on the first all the way to the 30th, that paycheck ends its value on the 26th, and they’ve got figure out how to make ends meet for that last week.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Tough Summer?
I caught the following headline today:
"Bush warns of 'tough summer' with higher petrol prices"
I simply can't be so dismissive -- especially in-light of the Exxon executive that received a very handsome retirement settlement and there's a lot of people protecting this guy because of the BILLIONS he has made for Exxon.....
How nice for him..
No regret..
No sympathy..
No questions..
No inquiry..
No nothing..
Simply accepting that this is what it's like being an American..
So what is it like being an American??
-Energy prices have risen 58% in the last year..
-Medical care prices continue to rise above 40% this year..
-Housing costs have risen another 40%
-This along with the 8 trillion dollar debt, the 1 billion dollars a day spent in Iraq, and the college program being ripped apart to shreds..
It wasn't until I watched Bill Maher's program this week that I realize that the middle class is splitting apart.. If you're upper middle class - you might be okay because there are tax breaks that are helping you get by.. If you're mid to lower middle class - I'm sorry, the outlook doesn't seem very bright for you..
What's ironic here is the Republican party is heading into the November elections - a very decisive moment if they are to secure the House and Senate.. The irony is that they are *reporting* a generally better range of numbers for the economy: more people working for instance, but when you look at how much the cost of living has become - then that's not a really telling sign of just how well it is.. Yes, people are working, but wages have not increased since the 90's.. Let's do a little bit of math:
$5.15 an hour x 21 days a month x 8 hours a day: $824
After taxes: $648 and some change
$648 a month..
You need to pay rent, utilities and you have to pay for food..
You need transportation, clothing, and medical insurance..
You need gas for your car, insurance..
If you have children - your life is even more complicated..
Rent is at least $600 in most places..
Leaving you $48 remaining for utilities, food, insurance and gas..
So when the price of gas goes up a dollar - for most cars that's $10.00 at the very least.. How long does that last?? A week maybe?? $40 a month.. $480 a year.. Yeah - that's right.. Almost a full month's salary gone - just to keep up with the price of gas..
So this is what it means for it to be a "tough summer.." It's also what it means to be "uniquely American," that now infamous quote Bush told a working mother who had 3 jobs just to try and make ends meet.. No Mr. President.. I'm sorry.. That's not uniquely American..
What's uniquely American is how an Exxon executive can make $400 million just by retiring, while a divorced mother of three is forced to work three jobs to keep up with paying her bills..
So I guess if you support this President, you support his idea of cannibalistic capitalism.. And if you support this type of capitalism then you're supporting the fact that the Exxon executive should just walk freely out the door while the mother is unable to keep up because he needs to maintain the fuel expenses for the company jet that is being leased to him..
No, no.. Maybe you're right, George.. This is a much, much better situation for everyone..
"Bush warns of 'tough summer' with higher petrol prices"
I simply can't be so dismissive -- especially in-light of the Exxon executive that received a very handsome retirement settlement and there's a lot of people protecting this guy because of the BILLIONS he has made for Exxon.....
How nice for him..
No regret..
No sympathy..
No questions..
No inquiry..
No nothing..
Simply accepting that this is what it's like being an American..
So what is it like being an American??
-Energy prices have risen 58% in the last year..
-Medical care prices continue to rise above 40% this year..
-Housing costs have risen another 40%
-This along with the 8 trillion dollar debt, the 1 billion dollars a day spent in Iraq, and the college program being ripped apart to shreds..
It wasn't until I watched Bill Maher's program this week that I realize that the middle class is splitting apart.. If you're upper middle class - you might be okay because there are tax breaks that are helping you get by.. If you're mid to lower middle class - I'm sorry, the outlook doesn't seem very bright for you..
What's ironic here is the Republican party is heading into the November elections - a very decisive moment if they are to secure the House and Senate.. The irony is that they are *reporting* a generally better range of numbers for the economy: more people working for instance, but when you look at how much the cost of living has become - then that's not a really telling sign of just how well it is.. Yes, people are working, but wages have not increased since the 90's.. Let's do a little bit of math:
$5.15 an hour x 21 days a month x 8 hours a day: $824
After taxes: $648 and some change
$648 a month..
You need to pay rent, utilities and you have to pay for food..
You need transportation, clothing, and medical insurance..
You need gas for your car, insurance..
If you have children - your life is even more complicated..
Rent is at least $600 in most places..
Leaving you $48 remaining for utilities, food, insurance and gas..
So when the price of gas goes up a dollar - for most cars that's $10.00 at the very least.. How long does that last?? A week maybe?? $40 a month.. $480 a year.. Yeah - that's right.. Almost a full month's salary gone - just to keep up with the price of gas..
So this is what it means for it to be a "tough summer.." It's also what it means to be "uniquely American," that now infamous quote Bush told a working mother who had 3 jobs just to try and make ends meet.. No Mr. President.. I'm sorry.. That's not uniquely American..
What's uniquely American is how an Exxon executive can make $400 million just by retiring, while a divorced mother of three is forced to work three jobs to keep up with paying her bills..
So I guess if you support this President, you support his idea of cannibalistic capitalism.. And if you support this type of capitalism then you're supporting the fact that the Exxon executive should just walk freely out the door while the mother is unable to keep up because he needs to maintain the fuel expenses for the company jet that is being leased to him..
No, no.. Maybe you're right, George.. This is a much, much better situation for everyone..
Monday, April 10, 2006
Wha?
A brief chronology:
June 12-15, 2003: Plame's name starts to be circulated from the administration to Bob Woodward (the same Woodward who was responsible for exposing Watergate.)
June 23, 2003: Libby tells Judith Miller wherein he discloses that Plame *might* be working for the CIA.
July 7, 2003: Libby tells then-White House Press Secretary Ari Fleisher that Plame works for the CIA, but that information is not "widely known."
July 8, 2003: Libby was authorized by Bush and Cheney to reveal previously classified documents to the public to counter-act anyone who opposed the war.
July 8, 2003: Judith Miller meets with Libby for a 2-hour breakfast. Libby divulges Plame's name as working for the CIA.
July 30, 2003: Letter sent to CIA criminal division outling a possible crime had occurred.
September 14 & 16: White House begins denying having knowledge of the leak.
September 16, 2003: CIA concludes its investigation and refers it to the FBI for a "full criminal investigation.."
September 28, 2003: Bush adamant to go after anyone who had a part of the leak.
October 2, 2003: White House changes tone, saying they had no idea a covert agent may have been involved.
December 30, 2003: Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald is appointed head of the investigation.
January 6, 2004: The administration starts offering "no comment to an ongoing investigation" sound clips.
October 28, 2005: Scooter Libby is indicted on charges (the next day, he resigns)
April 10, 2006: Bush said today: "I wanted people to see what some of those statements were based on. I wanted people to see the truth,"..
Okay..
Let's back up a second..
Does Bush have the right to de-classify information? Technically, it appears he has the legal right to do so..
Did the CIA know about Bush's declassification of the Plame-CIA documentation? It's unclear.. The inference from Fitzgerald's response to a Discovery motion lends the possibility that Bush and Cheney gave "blanket authority" over intelligence-leaks to the press.. His response does not make mention that Bush or Cheney gave their "blanket authority" as to the Plame leak..
That's significant - even though Libby's lawyers are apparently contending that there was a "'a strong desire by many, including multiple people in the White House," to undermine Mr. Wilson."
Was the "blanket authority" intended?? Apparently it was - because the administration came out over the last few days confirming that Libby had authorization to release declassified information.. Even if the outing of Plame was "purely by accident," the act itself remains negligent.. Because at some point this administration would've had to say: "Bad bad, Libby.. We told him not to do it.." But they didn't.. Moreover, when Bush admitted today that he personally authorized "information" to be leaked and declassified attempts the repercussions are slowly emerging..
Okay, okay - Bush gave the greenlight, get over it.. Even with Bush's speech today stating how he "... wanted people to see what some of those statements were based on. I wanted people to see the truth," Consider that on July 8th, 2003 - Libby supposedly gets the green light to leak declassified information.. Information that this administration said did not happen, then later it was not known that a covert spy was exposed.. Regardless - a greater question remains:
did anyone from this administration think to tell the CIA the information was no longer classified??
The CIA investigated the leak starting July 30, 2003 until September 16, 2003 when they hand the case over to the FBI for criminal charges. Patrick Fitzgerald wasn't given the case until December 30, 2003 - another 3 1/2 months after the fact. Moreover, Fitzgerald has been investigating this matter going on 2 years, which begs an even greater question:
why would there still be an investigation if the information was previously declassified by the President??
What would the point be to this whole investigation if the information was declassified?? Why didn't the administration come right out in the beginning to say: "the information is declassified, here's the memo" - move on..
No..
They didn't..
I'm sorry..
It wasn't declassified information..
It was classified..
Bush knew it.. Cheney knew it.. The CIA knew it.. Afterall, they investigated it for two weeks before turning it over to the FBI.. It wasn't for another 3 1/2 months later when Patrick Fitzgerald was called in to investigate it.. They had an opportunity to air their "declassification" stance for over 6 months and they didn't..
...and even if it wasn't classified - Plame's identity was now exposed.. It's been widely reported that Valerie Plame's identity entailed working as a front in what was supposed to be a spying operation into Iran's nuclear program.. Even if she wasn't working on collecting evidence on Iran's nuclear program, whatever protection she had, her front, the company, the intelligence she had collected - all of that was now gone.. Moreover, if her identity wasn't all that secret and if she was nothing more than a desk jockey -- then why not come out and say exactly what she did, what was her involvement and what about her role was with the CIA?? If her involvement with the CIA was so minimal that the information could be declassified and her identity revealed Mr. President - what did she do for the CIA?? Evidentially her role was a bit more substantial than is being revealed so far.. Evidentially the CIA felt that the breach was important enough to investigate criminal charges and pass it along to the FBI and a special prosecutor for further investigation..
...and even if it wasn't classified - Bush admits that the information was being leaked so that it could be used as a weapon against anyone who came out against the justification for the war in Iraq.. A weapon for those who would refute the WMD claims Bush laid out in his justification for the war in Iraq.. A slander war.. Because Wilson had the facts, his claims were supported and verified.. Bush had a slander war to attempt to smear Wilson and his wife as collaborating in an effort to undermine the American war effort in Iraq..
(problem is, Wilson had verifiable facts, Bush didn't and still doesn't..)
Consider that we have an administration that used information in retaliation against someone who was doing his job.. Joe Wilson, like him or hate him - was doing a job to try to find any sort of nuclear link between Iraq and Niger.. When he found none, he spoke out.. When he spoke out - the administration sought revenge against him and his family..
Remember when there were the voices screaming out to be absolutely sure we know what we were doing when we went into Iraq?? Remember what those voices were saying, how we should let the inspectors complete their job and how we should be patient with the process?? Why didn't we listen??
What kind of country do we live in when we're afraid of the truth, or when it guides us to destroy those who try to report the truth when it flies in the face of this administration's policies??
Is this the type of role-model, is this the type of morality we want govern over us??
June 12-15, 2003: Plame's name starts to be circulated from the administration to Bob Woodward (the same Woodward who was responsible for exposing Watergate.)
June 23, 2003: Libby tells Judith Miller wherein he discloses that Plame *might* be working for the CIA.
July 7, 2003: Libby tells then-White House Press Secretary Ari Fleisher that Plame works for the CIA, but that information is not "widely known."
July 8, 2003: Libby was authorized by Bush and Cheney to reveal previously classified documents to the public to counter-act anyone who opposed the war.
July 8, 2003: Judith Miller meets with Libby for a 2-hour breakfast. Libby divulges Plame's name as working for the CIA.
July 30, 2003: Letter sent to CIA criminal division outling a possible crime had occurred.
September 14 & 16: White House begins denying having knowledge of the leak.
September 16, 2003: CIA concludes its investigation and refers it to the FBI for a "full criminal investigation.."
September 28, 2003: Bush adamant to go after anyone who had a part of the leak.
October 2, 2003: White House changes tone, saying they had no idea a covert agent may have been involved.
December 30, 2003: Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald is appointed head of the investigation.
January 6, 2004: The administration starts offering "no comment to an ongoing investigation" sound clips.
October 28, 2005: Scooter Libby is indicted on charges (the next day, he resigns)
April 10, 2006: Bush said today: "I wanted people to see what some of those statements were based on. I wanted people to see the truth,"..
Okay..
Let's back up a second..
Does Bush have the right to de-classify information? Technically, it appears he has the legal right to do so..
Did the CIA know about Bush's declassification of the Plame-CIA documentation? It's unclear.. The inference from Fitzgerald's response to a Discovery motion lends the possibility that Bush and Cheney gave "blanket authority" over intelligence-leaks to the press.. His response does not make mention that Bush or Cheney gave their "blanket authority" as to the Plame leak..
That's significant - even though Libby's lawyers are apparently contending that there was a "'a strong desire by many, including multiple people in the White House," to undermine Mr. Wilson."
Was the "blanket authority" intended?? Apparently it was - because the administration came out over the last few days confirming that Libby had authorization to release declassified information.. Even if the outing of Plame was "purely by accident," the act itself remains negligent.. Because at some point this administration would've had to say: "Bad bad, Libby.. We told him not to do it.." But they didn't.. Moreover, when Bush admitted today that he personally authorized "information" to be leaked and declassified attempts the repercussions are slowly emerging..
Okay, okay - Bush gave the greenlight, get over it.. Even with Bush's speech today stating how he "... wanted people to see what some of those statements were based on. I wanted people to see the truth," Consider that on July 8th, 2003 - Libby supposedly gets the green light to leak declassified information.. Information that this administration said did not happen, then later it was not known that a covert spy was exposed.. Regardless - a greater question remains:
The CIA investigated the leak starting July 30, 2003 until September 16, 2003 when they hand the case over to the FBI for criminal charges. Patrick Fitzgerald wasn't given the case until December 30, 2003 - another 3 1/2 months after the fact. Moreover, Fitzgerald has been investigating this matter going on 2 years, which begs an even greater question:
What would the point be to this whole investigation if the information was declassified?? Why didn't the administration come right out in the beginning to say: "the information is declassified, here's the memo" - move on..
No..
They didn't..
I'm sorry..
It wasn't declassified information..
It was classified..
Bush knew it.. Cheney knew it.. The CIA knew it.. Afterall, they investigated it for two weeks before turning it over to the FBI.. It wasn't for another 3 1/2 months later when Patrick Fitzgerald was called in to investigate it.. They had an opportunity to air their "declassification" stance for over 6 months and they didn't..
...and even if it wasn't classified - Plame's identity was now exposed.. It's been widely reported that Valerie Plame's identity entailed working as a front in what was supposed to be a spying operation into Iran's nuclear program.. Even if she wasn't working on collecting evidence on Iran's nuclear program, whatever protection she had, her front, the company, the intelligence she had collected - all of that was now gone.. Moreover, if her identity wasn't all that secret and if she was nothing more than a desk jockey -- then why not come out and say exactly what she did, what was her involvement and what about her role was with the CIA?? If her involvement with the CIA was so minimal that the information could be declassified and her identity revealed Mr. President - what did she do for the CIA?? Evidentially her role was a bit more substantial than is being revealed so far.. Evidentially the CIA felt that the breach was important enough to investigate criminal charges and pass it along to the FBI and a special prosecutor for further investigation..
...and even if it wasn't classified - Bush admits that the information was being leaked so that it could be used as a weapon against anyone who came out against the justification for the war in Iraq.. A weapon for those who would refute the WMD claims Bush laid out in his justification for the war in Iraq.. A slander war.. Because Wilson had the facts, his claims were supported and verified.. Bush had a slander war to attempt to smear Wilson and his wife as collaborating in an effort to undermine the American war effort in Iraq..
(problem is, Wilson had verifiable facts, Bush didn't and still doesn't..)
Consider that we have an administration that used information in retaliation against someone who was doing his job.. Joe Wilson, like him or hate him - was doing a job to try to find any sort of nuclear link between Iraq and Niger.. When he found none, he spoke out.. When he spoke out - the administration sought revenge against him and his family..
Remember when there were the voices screaming out to be absolutely sure we know what we were doing when we went into Iraq?? Remember what those voices were saying, how we should let the inspectors complete their job and how we should be patient with the process?? Why didn't we listen??
What kind of country do we live in when we're afraid of the truth, or when it guides us to destroy those who try to report the truth when it flies in the face of this administration's policies??
Is this the type of role-model, is this the type of morality we want govern over us??
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
It's not just the Republicans
Democratic Congresswoman Rep. Cynthia McKinney has been in the news recently after allegedly striking a Capitol Hill Policeman after she failed to produce adequate identification after going through security at the Hill.. She claims she was inappropriately touched and that security "should've known better.."
Well - I'm not siding with Rep. McKinney in this matter because it was HER fault that she forgot the magical pin to begin with.. If it's her FAULT that she forgot her pin, she should KNOW that she would be inconvenienced at the security gate..
This isn't a race thing..
It's a security thing..
There are security things all the time at the capitol and other places.. Security is one of those things you just don't mess with.. If security is approaching you - there's a reason; especially at the nation's Capitol..
So my message to Rep. McKinney is to apologize and admit you made a mistake.. If the police can accept that - then the charges should be dropped (assuming she didn't become overly disrespectful and belligerent to the officers) and life should go on.. If she was disrespectful and what not - then I'm sorry, I don't care if you're Tom DeLay, Hillary Clinton or Dick Cheney: you're responsible for your actions - period..
Well - I'm not siding with Rep. McKinney in this matter because it was HER fault that she forgot the magical pin to begin with.. If it's her FAULT that she forgot her pin, she should KNOW that she would be inconvenienced at the security gate..
This isn't a race thing..
It's a security thing..
There are security things all the time at the capitol and other places.. Security is one of those things you just don't mess with.. If security is approaching you - there's a reason; especially at the nation's Capitol..
So my message to Rep. McKinney is to apologize and admit you made a mistake.. If the police can accept that - then the charges should be dropped (assuming she didn't become overly disrespectful and belligerent to the officers) and life should go on.. If she was disrespectful and what not - then I'm sorry, I don't care if you're Tom DeLay, Hillary Clinton or Dick Cheney: you're responsible for your actions - period..
Monday, April 03, 2006
Oh - the coincidence...
Tom Delay is quoted as saying: He decided last Wednesday after "months of prayer and contemplation" to spare his suburban Houston district the predicted battle.
What struck me about this quote was the date..
.. "last Wednesday.."
Last Wednesday would've been March 29th, 2006..
Here's one of the major headlines for March 29th, 2006:
Jack Abramoff Sentenced to nearly 6 years in prison in fraud case...
I'm wondering what the months of prayer and contemplation actually was....
...What deal did Jack strike with the feds??
...Will his deal implicate me??
...Did I do anything wrong??
...What will happen to me, the party, the president??
I'm sure there was a great deal of contemplation when the headlines hit the paper: Abramoff Sentenced to 6 years.....
I'm thinking I'd have a great deal of contemplation too..
I can't say I'm a big fan of Tom or Jack, so this is a bit of a celebration of sorts because it really says a great deal about some members of congress: regardless if they are Democrat or Republican - and if they or didn't take money from Abramoff.. Regardless of who you are - if you're dealing with mud like Jack, then you need to pay.. I don't care if you are a Dem or a GOP member of Congress..
A reform is desperately needed - on both sides of the aisle.. I can only hope this is but a start...
What struck me about this quote was the date..
.. "last Wednesday.."
Last Wednesday would've been March 29th, 2006..
Here's one of the major headlines for March 29th, 2006:
Jack Abramoff Sentenced to nearly 6 years in prison in fraud case...
I'm wondering what the months of prayer and contemplation actually was....
...What deal did Jack strike with the feds??
...Will his deal implicate me??
...Did I do anything wrong??
...What will happen to me, the party, the president??
I'm sure there was a great deal of contemplation when the headlines hit the paper: Abramoff Sentenced to 6 years.....
I'm thinking I'd have a great deal of contemplation too..
I can't say I'm a big fan of Tom or Jack, so this is a bit of a celebration of sorts because it really says a great deal about some members of congress: regardless if they are Democrat or Republican - and if they or didn't take money from Abramoff.. Regardless of who you are - if you're dealing with mud like Jack, then you need to pay.. I don't care if you are a Dem or a GOP member of Congress..
A reform is desperately needed - on both sides of the aisle.. I can only hope this is but a start...
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