We're moving to Pennsylvania

Finally..

The people of Dover, Pennsylvania used their common sense, rather than succumbing to the pundits who believe in "Intelligent Design.."

For those that think that term sounds familiar, but they don't know why - it's the belief that the universe is so complex, we're unable to figure it out - hence, God must've done it....

Now let's think about that just a little closer..

Pat Robertson wants Intelligent Design to be taught in schools to basically offer that when it can't be explained, God must've done it.. But hold on Pat.. All of the physicists that explored the concept of the electron actually benefited you directly because, without this exploration there would be no power, no television and hence, no 700 Club..

So let's consider that there are some things that we can't explain.. I'm cool with that.. Scientists are cool with that.. Because there is the commonly held belief that our understanding evolves with time, with education, with experience.. When we consider that everyone in the world believed the earth was flat -- it took the courage of Aristotle to say: "no, I believe the earth is round.." This is compelling because by holding onto the belief so tightly -- it restricts our ability to explore and the better understand our own existence..

Which I guess is the key considering that Pat Robertson and others like him have no desire for science to better explain where we came from and why.. That's why "Intelligent Design" seem to be a popular one for those that believe that we should not explain everything in the universe because it would dramatically affect the biblical writings which is supposed to be the "end all" of everything..

Unfortunately, no amount of praying would have helped the flood victims in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.. Unfortunately for "Intelligent Design" - science eventually has to intervene so that we can institute as many preventive measures as possible to secure the safety and well being of our society.. This is key because of the necessity of science in our lives to help combat drought conditions, social-economic planning, building and infrastructure -- not to mention seeking new alternative fuels, invention and inspiration.. On a global scale, science seeks answers that may someday help alleviate or lessen the effect of earthquakes, floods, hurricanes - not to mention epidemics like that continually evolve..

So..

If we stop exploring..

If we stop dreaming..

If we stop trying to find answers..

We will succumb..

And it will be then that Pat Robertson's prophesy will finally come true: "I'd like to say to the good citizens of Dover: If there is a disaster in your area, don't turn to God. You just rejected him from your city."

Spoken from someone who has ordained that feminism encourages women to "kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians."

Guess what Pat - sometimes the letter of the book is not as important as the spirit in which it was written.. So far, your Intelligent Design agenda isn't looking very smart right now..

Kudos to the folks in Dover, Pennsylvania for making a stand and by doing the smart thing..

Wait - what - hold on...

A recent study shows that there is more sex on TV than there was in 1998..

Now hold on a second..

Think this through..

We have a group of people, a family foundation, who actually sits with a bean counter to chart how much sex is on TV..

Now how screwed up is that??

Oh - wait - a little under-reported factoid I learned this week that there are conflicting studies suggesting that video-game violence is actually going *down* even with all of these video games out there.. So if violence is actually going down - contrary to the pundits who believe that video-game violence promotes the youth of today from committing crime..

Oh - wait - that goes against the sterilization of America that groups like the Kaiser Family Foundation because we need to think alike, be alike, and live alike..

So what does sex have to do with it?? Because if kids see it, they will want to do it... But wait - kids don't have to see it on Desperate Housewives in order to do it... They are going to do it regardless if Teri Hatcher is doing it - so I'm thinking "what's the big diff??" It's not as though there has been a pregnancy BOOM since 1998..

Look, kids are going to get pregnant if they have unprotected sex.. End of story..

And if adults are offended by the content -- guess what -- it's called "change the channel.." A novel concept invigorated in the 1950's when the advent of the television spread across the U.S.. The little clicker works much the same way -- and if the Kaiser Family Foundation can't figure out how to run the little clicker - then they have no right to conduct a study on the merits and demerits of the programming that is coming out..

Because it still comes down to a right to choose.. And that's what gets lost in the study.. Because if the FAMILY Foundation can't teach the FAMILY on the merits of making good programming choices for their FAMILY to watch, then I really don't care that there is an increase in sex scenes, because I CAN make that choice myself... More importantly, I AM responsible enough to make that choice so that I live a nice moral life - without the blessing of the Family Foundation and it's idiotic study..

It always amazes me that groups like this make it a societal problem when it's an individual's responsibility in the upbringing on one's family.. Moreover, it wants to intercede in the lives of everyone to make their message: "Kids who have repeated exposure to sexual content become sexually active at an earlier age." Wow, my first-immediate-knee-jerk reaction was: "in all of this talk about values and family, where are the parents and why did this go undetected on their radar screens??" Oh wait - it's not the PARENT's fault, it's ABC, NBC and Fox's fault....

But what this report fails to mention is that SEX - IS - EVERYWHERE.. There's sex in the music that your children purchase from WalMart, there's depictions of sex in most famous art works, there's sex in movies, in videos, on DVD's.. Sex is mentioned in video games, it's being taught in schools, sex is even being discussed in church on Sundays.. It's online, in magazines, in our newspapers, on the radio, on our billboards, in our advertisements and in almost every aspect of our day to day activities.. Where are those bean counters when they walk to get their latte from Starbucks??

So my point is: why aren't they attacking Cosmo?? Why aren't they going after the church for the Christmas services?? Why aren't they trying to re-write the school's curriculums, blowing up libraries, ripping text books, banning CD's, burning DVD's and breaking art pieces.. Why not make a law prohibiting sex at all??

Because if I can't screw like the Kaiser Family Foundation wants me to, then I should be sent to jail because of it.. Because the Kaiser Family Foundation obviously knows the life I should lead better than I do...

Huh??

"We Do Not Torture..."

....um.... Abu Ghraib??

News Nuggets and commenture

The French

(and with apologies to Bill Maher)

"New Rule": France can no longer claim that Americans are too lazy to react to anything. It seems that it has taken 11 straight nights of civil disobedience, destruction, and anarchy before President Jacques Chirac *finally* believes it was finally time to say something against the rioting that – at last figures – resulted in "nearly 1,300 [ablazed] vehicles and torched businesses, school and symbols of French authority..."

Now – what bothers me the most about this little ditty is the fact there has been no official word from his staff – aside from a brief statement made by Chirac’s spokesman…

Wow – I think the French have been reading too much "My Pet Goat" that seems to dull their lax response to 11 straight nights of chaos and disruption…


The Brownie Effect

Any doubt that this administration lacks the fortitude to putting the right personnel in the right positions can be quickly addressed by the recent Michael Brown emails that are currently circulating.. Indeed, someone who clearly showed no compassion, action, or competence seems to be a standard put out by this administration.. Disappointment is only filled with the expectation that this government lacks any foresight in their nominations and placements..

And to believe that we’re just supposed to expect Bush to be making good, rationale decisions about his choices for the courts?? C’mon... Bush just isn’t good at hiring people – that job should be left to someone else ... oh wait – unless you’re "owed" or something like that for helping out his elections or his administration in some way…


The Rove

Maybe the lights are finally shining where they needed to be.. Hopefully my earlier prediction that nothing would happen to the man in the Teflon suit – yet, I realize we’re still within the process.. If in fact this is a small sign of things to come, then I will continue to hope and pray that this is a signal of things shifting towards the middle once more.. Almost anything would be preferred than the direction this administration has taken us..


The Greedy

Oh – the surprise that gas prices have fell on average of 23 cents ever since both sides of the political aisle threatened hearings over collusion and price gouging on the heels of record breaking profits….


The Democrats grow a backbone...

In a move that many are heralding as "finally," Harry Reid, a Democrat from Nevada – recently invoked a rare "Rule 21" wherein the Senate was emptied so that they could discuss the ongoing investigation about the 9/11 mistakes made by this administration.. The question remains if it was "too little, too late" or whether it was truly the only available time to invoke such an act given that this administration has been torpedoed repeatedly lately..

Still - I like the move, I just hope we can save the ship before it takes on a lot more water...

FINALLY - a war he can win!! (the flu war)

I'm not even sure where to begin with this one -- but Bush is announcing his "strategy" to battle the flu....

For one, I didn't know we needed a flu-strategy and for two - why is Bush announcing a strategy when it's believed to be a world-wide pandemic??

Why isn't the UN, the Red Cross and other world health organizations being apart of this "strategy??"

Oh - wait -- I understand it now.. Bush has earmarked $6.5 billion for the "preparations.." Or as it's also known as: "the pharmaceutical company preparations.."

And this is what I don't like..

This Administration is so completely interwoven with all of its special interests: the pharmaceuticals, the petroleum industry, the military complex, the church -- that they are governing this nation based on those that stand to benefit the most..

Do we need a strategy?? My answer comes with a question: "why don't we have a strategy already??"

9/11, Katrina, now a flu pandemic ... we seem to have a President that likes to spend a lot of time planning and not much doing.. It's sad and sorry..

Torpedoed

The events of last week -- finally -- revealed the inner self-defeating mechanism that this administration is employing.. Lewis "Scooter" Libby was indicted for his role to conceal the truth from the grand jury investigation.. As Prosecutor Scott Fitzgerald revealed - it has been incredibly difficult to reveal what was truthful about the outting of an active CIA agent.. Lewis Libby did his part to attempt to assure that the administration was insulated..

The problem being - the more you conceal the truth - the more it comes out.....

Libby resigned amidst indictments made on him by Fitzgerald.. Rove remains under investigation, and today (Sunday) there were calls from Harry Reid (D-Nevada) that Rove should step aside.. That sentiment was reiterated by Bush's own Trent Lott (R-Mississippi) believes that Rove's dismissal would invigorate "new blood, new energy, qualified staff" into the Bush administration...

Read into that a little bit more..

It's a Republican openly admitting that this administration lacks the fortitude and conviction to secure a qualified staff during this current administration.. It's the first time in a long time that I heard anyone in the Republican party openly expressing concerns about the people that Bush has surrounding him.. It's the first time that I've heard anyone openly admitting that key positions in this White House need to be re-evaluated..

Coming from within the party..

That speaks volumes..

Whether this administration heeds those calls remains an unanswered question.. But when Bush declares Rove to be "the architect," I'm inclined to believe that George will not heed the advice from Senator Trent Lott..

Clearly, it's growing apparent that Bush surrounded himself, insulated himself with people that encouraged the war in Iraq.. Up until this scandal, I've never even heard of Scooter Libby.. Now that all is said and done, it's apparent that Libby was incredibly instrumental in the role of National Security.. He also played a crucial role in the ''selling" and "implementation" of the Iraq conflict.. With Libby being Cheney's "architect" and with Rove being on the same radar screen - it's apparent that this administration reveled in its own blindness for the "sake of the nation.."

I dismiss the pundits and the belief that the current investigation is irrelevant.. That's absurd when we had a President impeached for exposing his personal life.. When we have an administration who is ultimately responsible for the deaths of so many in a conflict that was installed under false pretenses, then scrutiny is not only required, but necessary..

Keep in mind that I'm not debating the fact that Saddam is a bad man..

I am debating (again) that this administration went to war for all of the wrong reasons.. Now, more than ever - it's apparent that when there is such blindness and faulty information - it's remarkable that Bush has any credibility at all.. Finally, we're at a stage of this administration's tenure where the American people can see exactly how the insulation of this administration is seriously flawed in ways that are just coming out..

Libby was one of the major players in favor of the Iraqi invasion.. Rove can't be too far behind - especially since when so many ploys have the earmarks of Karl's ultimate design.. The name slandering, the scorn of disagreeing with this administration, the "you will fall in line with our platform" mentality.. Rove's signature can be felt..

And more importantly, the party supporting this administration is saying that Bush is in need of something new.. Wow.. That's really profound.. I don't doubt Lott's office got a phone call from someone from the White House or other "in-line" people that follow the "Bush-line".. It's my hope that Lott will continue his criticism of Rove, but my fear is he will eventually fall "back in line" and come out in support for Rove..

I can still hope though - that he stays where he is, because if anything - this signals a major policy shift in certain issues surrounding this administration.. If that happens, then it's a start..

I've said this probably 30 times before, but we do live in some very interesting times..

Miers, gays, Richard Clarke and Ohio......

"Be careful what you wish for..."

Harriet Miers
----------------------------
Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination to become a Supreme Court Justice this morning. As much as I'm sure both sides are claiming partial victory in all this, there's no real reason why this decision really makes me warm and tingly...

The Republicans didn't trust that she would further the conservative agenda..
The Democrats didn't really understand what she brought to the table.. I think they held out for cautious optimism and little else.

Regardless, this is a victory for Bush.. How do I figure?? Because he may have put her name out there knowing she wouldn't get the nomination, but it would appease the Dems that he was really trying to find an adequate replacement for Sandra Day O'Connor.. He can now install someone else that has a more conservative basis -- and someone who can fly through the proceedings faster than she would have.. This way his is "perceived" as reaching out to the democrats while having the republicans "in the bag" with a strong conservative candidate..

It'll become the ol' bait-n-switch..

And *that* concerns me more than anything..

It's overapparent that Bush's cronyism it particularly blinding.. I don't fault him for surrounding himself with people he trusts -- but the Miers nomination was not responsible by any stretch or margin.. While I echo the words from a liberal talk show tonight, "I just don't believe she bowed out because she'd have to reveal documents exposing her tenure as White House Counsel..." It's plausible and it doesn't make a lot of sense at the same time..

Once again, we were left with this administrations overly used rubber-stamp policy that Bush expected all of the Republicans to follow his marching orders and send Miers through the process without any hangups..

And that bothers me....

But what was worse than that is when James Dobson (mis-Focus of the Family) had that little bit of "inside knowledge" working.. Clearly the President has religious beliefs of an unhealthy nature - especially when they affect his judgement and subsequent nominations.. I don't like it that this administration has melded church and state in ways that were never intended..

This administration has already imposed its will and belief structure on the American people.. But what's problematic with their basis of faith - is their basis of understanding the morality of their decisions.. Unfortunately this absence of awareness and knowledge grows each day this administration is in the White House..

The Headline
-----------------------

One such example of its imposed will and belief structure appeared in a press briefing yesterday for Mary Cheney's new role at AOL/Time Warner.. Instead of the headline reading that the VP's daughter was hired on at her new position, it read that the "daughter of the VP" was hired on... Mary Cheney is openly gay, but by the way the headline is drafted - it makes Dick Cheney look distant from his daughter.... "The Daughter Of" - is but a shining example of how this administration imposes their beliefs on us..

It's status quo for this administration - and yet no one really seems to care..

Richard Clarke
-------------------------------

Former expert on counter-terrorism, Richard Clarke - explained on Wednesday that he believed that administration officials should be exempt from prosecution whenever any criminal act occurs.. Hmmm... I don't think so.. And moreover, I think any administration official that believes that they are above the law, are the ones that should be doing hard time..

Afterall, that's the way our government was founded - and that's how it should be carried out...


Ohio
--------------------

In one of the most un-surprising news stories tonight: 'A Bush Campain fund-raiser is indicted'...".. Apparently a prominent Republican fund-raiser for President George W. Bush's campaign in Ohio has been charged with illegally funneling money to the Bush re-election campaign of 2004......

Oh, the webs we weave....

...and to think that the majority of Americans don't care....

This is the real tragedy.....

Oh MY god, we have got to get the President out that lied about an affair, but we ignore it when this President is surrounded by people who commit things like treason, illegal campaigning, etc......

Yeah - real good America.... WAKE UP....

Wake-up call

It's like watching a train wreck in slow motion....

You can't take your eyes off of it.....

You stare with morbid curiosity.....

And it's only a small sampling of the times to come....

I'm not talking about the Republican party for once... No - I'm talking about the DNC, because I have no conceivable idea where in the hell the party is... It's like watching an accident happening in slow motion because this has been the trend since 2000.. For the last 5 years, the Republicans can thank a floundering Democrat leadership for resting on its laurels while licking their wounds each time this administration called them to be anti-American..

Instead of reaching out during this unprecedented time - the Dems have failed in their ability to govern themselves enough to formulate a single policy that won't look like an inept WalMart idea.. The DNC leadership should be leading - and I'm not at all impressed with Howard Dean's attacks when there's no substance behind them..

Create a platform..

Educate the masses..

Generate interest..

And the nation will follow..

Dean has proved that he can holler, scream and criticize the NeoCons -- but there's little else to follow.. No plan, no strategy, no form - just a basic critical analysis of how this administration is corrupt.. Great.. We know that - and I think the majority of Americans can see that..

But there's no alternative, sorry Howard..

There's no voice, no leadership, no direction, nothing that separates the Democrats from the Republicans.. This lack of cohesion is devastating and now that Dean has been chair for the last year - I would've hoped he had much better ideas on how to prepare for 2006, but that has yet to happen.. So once more, voters will be asked to deal with the mediocrity of the field and likely side with the party that has ideas -- or rather -- the party that is passionate about their ideas enough to sway anyone to believe that Saddam was linked to Al Qaida....

It's factually incorrect - yet the general public doesn't mind it as long as the senator, representative or President is passionate about it because the public is incredibly persuaded on virtually anything as long as you sell it right.. And that's what the Republicans do better at than the Democrats..

It's not as though the Republicans can lead better -- hell, we are *not* better off than we were 5 years ago, but again - there's nothing that the Democrats are putting out in the field to say: "hey, we're better and here's why...." Instead, the Dems are more comfortable with sitting on their heels and complaining all the way..

The *only* thing going for the Democrats are the fact that the Republicans continue to shoot themselves in the foot.. From mis-handling Iraq, to the illegal dealings with the SEC, to committing treason by outing information about a CIA operative.. The Democrats can't ask for a better present - and yet we seem to squander the message, the path and the goal.. They do well at pointing out this administration's shortcomings, but there's virtually no activity coming from their camp.. No voice, no action, no drive..

Without those essential elements, we lose the ability to push the majority of Americans from it's teetering stage and bring them back to the Democratic party.. The Republicans know this - and have successfully employed these attributes for the last 8 years.. The only way to secure the Dems in 2006 is to establish that voice and spread it out for the masses.. Win on the popular issues and the tide will turn....

... but the clock is ticking and with a flailing administration - there's no better time than to emerge with a plan, a course and a goal... There needs to be a voice that surfaces that brings us out of this political depression we've put ourselves in for the last 5 years ...

Bush won in 2000 - get over it..

Bush won in 2004 -- get over it..

Make this about tomorrow and get back in the game..

Enough with the banter..

Enough with the Monday morning quarterback mentality..

Establish the voice and make it happen..

Democrats: Wake Up.....

Bush is talking to God....

Never in our times have we seen such a religious purge to be pressed upon the American people.. There is a level of disillusionment that goes beyond the likes of how some regimes were able to score victories by way of the word.. Let's not forget the history of the world - and in particular the latter half of the 20th century when world witnessed the slaughter of millions for the sake of a difference in morality, a difference in belief, a difference in religion..

Now - in today's world, we're witnessing the same thing over again.. We have a world leader who has had conversations with God..

Um..

Okay..

Let's see if I have this right: We invaded Iraq because God told him to..

No, no.. It wasn't the Weapons of Mass Destruction..

God told him to..

Now God apparently is telling George that he needs to get the Palestinian people their state while giving Israel their security "...[A]nd by God I'm gonna do it."

Okay..

Take a step back..

Breathe..

Now..

I'm not against the efforts to stabilize the Middle East region.. In fact, the security of the world may come to depend on what happens on the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea.. For this, I'm in agreement.. Yet, I still look at the last 30 years and I begin to wonder exactly how possible this is given how both sides are so incredibly weary of the other.. So part of me says: "yeah, peace is good, very good.. But not let's have a party just yet.."

Meaning: peace is fragile, takes eons to work through - and every starting point in the peace process is just as vulnerable as the other steps were before.. Still - it's a step.. How long it lasts is anyone's guess..

That's not my concern..

My concern is that we have a President who admits outright that he listens to God.. Almost as dangerous as whenever Frank Sinatra dials into my head and I start singing "New York, New York..."

Listening and otherwise talking to God..

Listening..

Talking..

Okay - now I'm worried..

The leader of the free world.. The man who has complete control of the world's largest nuclear arsenal - is saying he's having conversations with God..

Competency first comes to mind..

Because anyone who is basing a policy, a long-reaching judgment, a life-or-death decision based on conversations with a deity ... needs to be called into question.. Now I'm not trying to say that religion is bad.. I'm not suggesting that people couldn't use a little bit more morality in the world.. I'm not suggesting that having faith in a seemingly complicated story is a bad thing..

I am however, concerned when people have conversations (apparently interactive) with God.. I simply cannot understand or believe how we have the single most powerful man of the world - having conversations with someone who may or may not exist!! I took theology, philosophy, history and science in school.. I doubt very seriously even the POPE admits having interactive conversations with God..

People like the Pope - derive inspiration through message of God's word, the Bible to become the basis of their decision-making capability.. That's okay.. Deriving influence and inspiration is a healthy, moral progression in life.. That's natural.. That's understandable.. That's reasonable..

Having received word from God to invade Iraq and kill tens of thousands of people does not seem to be a word from God.. In fact, it seems like an "anti-God-like" message.. It seems pretty contradictive to the whole Bible-view way of life because I doubt it very serious if God would condemn the "sacrifice" of those that have been killed..

Especially since nothing mentions in the Bible that "America is number one" or "In America, we trust" or anything of that sort.. If we really looked back at our history - we see a lot of things we've screwed up on.. God doesn't like it when we're bombing others.. God doesn't approve of such things.. So how is it that God told George to invade Iraq??

See?? That doesn't make sense.. Why would God tell George to do something completely against the morals of God?? We keep hearing how the Iraqi people are most grateful for being liberated - yet - I don't recall God telling George that he needed to install a democracy government..

Assuming that God approves of democracy versus a monarchy versus a republic versus a socialistic, versus a oligarchy..... No where that I'm aware - does God put forth: "you will assemble and make this government..." No where does it state that we should seek representative government.. No where does the Bible refer having permission to release people from tyranny..

Therefore either:
a.) We have a delusional President -or-
b.) We have a manipulative President

Either way -

We have an administration that believes it know what's "right" for the rest of us.. Based on whether we have a delusional leader or a manipulative one - the point remains that we have an unfit leader.. Many people have come forward with the "impeachment" word - and I'm in agreement.. I've lost faith in this administration's outlook and perceptive ability..

Moreover, this Republican regime is adamant about remaining hypocritical about the need to be invasive in our personal lives - yet - preaching that the government needs to get out of our lives.... We need to be moral, according to what the government says.. According to the Bible?? According to the word of God??

Shouldn't we be concerned that the government who wants to put God into our lives is the same government who can't seem to practice what God preaches??

Where's the sanity??

Not only do we live in corrupt times, but I'm astounded at the way that Americans just gently brush off this administration as though "it's okay because we didn't vote in the other guy..."

We have an inept FEMA system that has been bastardized into the equally inept Department of Homeland Security, a President who thinks the war on pornography is more important than the war on gas prices or the rebuilding of the southern states....

We have corrupted officials on both sides of the aisle - and this is why the likes of DeLay and Rove haven't been flushed out -- because it's widely regarded that *every* (count them) every politician has their hands in some sort of crap that is a flag, an ethics violation or a criminal offense..

No bother, no worry -- I just didn't vote for the other guy...

Well -- Americans better see pretty darn soon just how screwed up we are.. I don't give a rats ass if it has anything to do with Katrina or Rita - it matters that we have an ineptness when it comes to administering this country.. I don't care if it's a Republican or a Democratic issue.. Our country is slowly being eroded away in ways we cannot even begin to fathom..

All the while we have a lot of companies that are profiting hand over fist - we're abandoning those that have nothing.. We're invading countries under false pretenses and nobody really seems to care.. They don't care because they are being deceived - each and every single day by this administration and those that purport to be reporting the news..

The media giants and radio pundits that are continually spewing their wide range of hate and animosity -- be forewarned: you're as much to blame as anyone.. New Orleans was supposed to be our wake-up call ... it turned out to be nothing more than a snooze alarm....

I'm glad in a way - because we're going to get what's coming to us.. The longer we want to turn a blind eye to it -- the harder we're going to fall because the ladder is already giving way.. A lot of people can see it -- but "what the heck," it makes for a good news story......

Stealing from Jay Leno

The Bush Administration has announced a war on pornography....

... what about launching a war on gas prices??

Priorities...

It takes this administration 5 days to respond to a disaster, but takes only 1 day to nominate a chief justice...

I guess Bush has his priorities.... Himself and his party above the rest of us....

Gas ... not from a can of Hormel either...

I've read several blogs on the Hurricane Katrina story.. I'm amazed at the human spirit sometimes - and equally disappointed at the same time.. When an entire city is forced to evacuate, then conditions can only be conveyed as beyond desperate.. My thoughts go out to those affected by this tragedy..

(onward to a seething rant)

Yes, I've heard those that are blaming Bush for the disaster - which is true in part when he ordered a 20% reduction for the costs to bolster the levees in New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain, yet there's no evidence that the 20% extra "would have" improved the state of the levees to the point where no flooding would have happened.. I'm sure we'll hear more about this in the coming months - but I doubt anything further will develop..

I've read stories about those people that lost everything (and I *mean* everything) - when they had very little to begin with.. How are we supposed to condemn people for looting when they've lost their homes, their cars, their possessions, their lives?? I'd be pretty damn upset too - but I live a step or two better than those that barely manage on minimum wage down there.. Moreover - the COPS are stealing right along side the citizens.. So - let's take a moment and consider what we're talking about here.. We have a lower income strata that has been affected by a devastating natural phenomenon.. People who lost everything, who probably couldn't afford insurance, barely making do with the shirt on their backs - what would you do?? Is a TV from WalMart going to solve your problems?? No.. How about a computer or a DVD?? No.. Probably not..

But realistically: what are these people expected to do?? Maintain order?? In the face of this much adversity - how?? Global support?? Remember the tsunami victims?? When is the global band-aid coming to the French Quarter?? Nope.. Nothing yet.. I hope the outpouring will happen, but in all honesty - with how the world views us, the U.S. - I wouldn't be surprised if we get statements and very little else.. Part of this would be because we haven't asked for help - which I imagine we probably should since that we are losing money by the trunk-loads in Iraq right now...

I'm upset at the fact that we have an administration who is playing the gas card at every possible avenue they can.. This President hasn't "done everything he can" - which is why he can't utter those words.. Other administrations approached OPEC, making agreements, settling things down - averting the disaster we're in right now.. This administration simply isn't doing anything - except pushing their caribou-killing agenda by pushing the drilling in Anwar.. That makes sense - no .. No ... it doesn't..

I was preparing a post about the affects of gasoline prices - because our local paper really illustrated how incredibly stupid they are.. Basically - they outlined that families taking their trips would only see a slightly - $11 increase for a full tank in comparison to last year.. Now by itself, yeah - it's tolerable - maybe even doable.. But multiply that $11 *each time* that gas tank is filled.. Soon, we're talking $50 a month.. Then it's $600 a year.. Now - if most of us have a carved budget that we try to stay on track with - $600 is a lot.. How are you going to make $600 appear when you probably don't have $600 extra to just throw away?? Plus - I'm not even talking about the heating and electricity costs that continue to soar on pace with the rising costs of gasoline and oil.. I've had at least a 25-30% raise in my total utility bill that I have to find a way to pay..

Thanks to Bush - you won't be able to seek bankruptcy protection if your debt grows out of manageable control..

Moreover - it's the gas companies that pass along their costs (and losses) to each and every single one of us.. I find this to be particularly incredible because we have an industry that can just arbitrate what it's going to sell it's product for - while not touching a dime of the profits - not making any improvements or any sense of cost effectiveness that the majority of Americans have to look into.. It's not as though I can approach my boss and go: "I'm sorry, boss - but the cost of my employment has just grown to match the rising fuel costs I have to endure.." Yeah, watch the boss laugh their ass off - and kick YOUR ass out the door..

Funny how WE are supposed to be uber-responsible, WE are supposed to budget, WE are supposed to maintain order in the face of devastating consequences -and- yet the companies that will profit from Katrina's wake will be protecting their bottom line like a Mafia stronghold.. This administration is "for the people??" Nah.. Didn't buy into that 6 years ago when Bush was campaigning - I don't buy into that today.. At least I can say one thing though: I *am* consistent...

It's maddening, frustrating and unsettling to expose the inadequacies of the greedy, of the uncaring, of the severely out of touch.. This administration is riddled with these spiraling discrepancies - and they just don't get it.. And if they do - then they don't want to get it.. As Bush does his Air Force One fly-by today, I'm reminded of one thing: had this been a flood at a major oil producing country like Saudi Arabia - I bet we'd be there with Haliburton in one hand and the Saudi dictators in the other preaching: "we will help you restore....."

It's been 72 hours Mr. President - why haven't these words come from you??

Oblivion

Further proof that this administration had no idea what they were getting into:

U.S. concedes ground to Islamists on Iraqi law

This article really tells us a lot of things:

-The US pressured the newly formed Iraqi government to pass a Constitution as quickly as possible ....
-The US wanted to enforce "equal rights" and democracy for the Iraqi people ....
-That the Iraqi people believe their religion is more important than a Constitution....

There's more to this story than is actually understood.. But it clearly outlines that the Bush administration is diving head first into a lame-duck term for their 2nd 4-year excursion.. And this pisses me off to no end..

What upsets me more is the fact that American lives are at stake here.. I'm not oblivious to the fact that the Iraqi people are experiencing hardships under a ruthless dictator.. The problem is - is the fact that there are A LOT of ruthless dictators through out the world -- AND -- their people are a lot worse off than the folks in Iraq were under Saddam..

Yes - the painting is starting to flake off the walls..

But then I heard this week that Americans generally do not care about the press slanted one way or the other.. They buy into the "Fox hype" and paint the rest of the media as being the "liberal bias.." That's why shows like Hannity, Rush, and others are still as popular as ever..

And that's sad really..

Because I don't subscribe to every singular thing that Air America and other liberal outlets crank out.. In fact, I do consider myself to be educated enough to be able to sort through the rhetoric and make an informed decision on a given issue given the fact that the talking heads and liberal bias are in the middle of a major informational war right now..

Unfortunately - our troops, our friends, our family, our spouses are caught in the cross-fire..

........

In other news -- Bush still connects 9/11 to Iraq..

This is another curve ball to try and sway public opinion that the war was just in Iraq.. That we were keeping terrorists at bay by attacking and destroying the infrastructure of Iraq.. Well ... the military just announced that they plan on being in Iraq for another 4 years.. So - when Bush mentions Iraq and 9/11 in the same thought -- Americans will automatically assume that Saddam had a hand in 9/11..

Even though if you examine Bush's statement, he says that by going into Iraq ... we are preventing another 9/11....... Which obviously isn't the same thing -- but the speech is designed to continually mention Iraq and 9/11 within the same thought pattern..

It's almost subliminal..

...and what's scary is that most American's buy into it -- every ..... single ..... time.....

But let's look at the things that have fallen on the wayside:

-Rove
-Roberts
-Bolton
-Ohio
-gas prices

It's convenient to taint the news cycle -- but today's media is hunkered down into some sort of school-yard brawl right now, they've forgotten how to report -- which should be their first job.. They say they are -- except there is an inclusion of bias that satisfies the powers controlling the strings......

...and that's why America remains oblivious...

The Gaza Situation

I'm reading the news off of Yahoo tonight -- and I get caught up on the latest on the Gaza pullout.. On one hand yes, I realize that 8,500 Jewish settlers are being forced from their homes.. I understand how they feel, but the Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of Eminent Domain in this country whereas the government can remove property from private owners for the "greater good.."

So I'm not without compassion - I'm convinced that this is the way life is going to be from here on out.. Countries are facing reality: we're running out of Earth, it's time to build upwards.....

But I had really strong feelings when I see this image of a young Jewish girl donned in Nazi-era style clothing to demonstrate the Israeli Gaza pull out.. Now, I'm sensitive to some historical references and this one sent me really over the edge..

Now, I'm not even really saying anything about those who protest, complain and otherwise want to voice their opinion -- I'm totally in favor of that aspect.. But when certain lines are crossed, I start to lose support for your cause..

I know the girl understands the connection between her chosen outfit and the emotion that it invokes, but you can guarantee that she's not being ushered to a concentration camp, she's not going to witness her family being exterminated, she's not going to endure dysentery, malnutrition, rape, genetic manipulations, humiliation, degradation and genocide..

She lost her home.. She hasn't lost her identity, her culture, her religion, she probably even got to keep her belongings and other personal effects..

I'm sorry - the parallels are not the same..

And I'm hopeful this is isolated -- because it's short of being disrespectful of the decedents and survivors of the holocaust.. It diminishes the loss of life, the families, the history that permanently stained over the last 60-70 years..

They've had this little plot of land for the last 38 years.. Barely a generation.. Not even a lifetime.. The Jews that lost their homes, their families, and their lives in World War II -- lost a hell of a lot more than this girl..

Bush's 50th vacation in 5 years...

I guess I'm "uniquely American" under Bush's definition..

Bush has just head off to take his 50th, that 5-0, vacation since he's been elected.. He's taking off a MONTH while Cheney is purported to be fishing up in Montana..

50 vacations in 5 years..

I have taken under 7 vacations in the last 5 years.. Bush takes 10 vacations a year.. I'm averaging less than 2..

What a role model.. I wanna be like BUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

United and Social Security

Tonight on the way home, I was listening to the radio and they were discussing unions and what not. A female called in and recalled a particularly harrowing story. Both her and her husband worked for United Airlines. They were retired and they began to collect on their pensions. Recently, the airline bypassed the bankruptcy laws and struck a deal to basically gut their retiree employee pension plans.

While I’ll readily admit that I do not know all of the facts, hearing this caller sent shivers down my spine.

One of the many things the union did in order to make United Airlines profitable was to negotiate key settlements with the various machinists, flight attendants and other unions so as to secure their place in the future all the while running an employee friendly airline.

United declared bankruptcy several years ago and most recently they defaulted on the pension obligations to those that agreed on the modest salaries and other negotiated settlements. The end result basically gutted the United Airlines employee pension benefits leaving countless thousands without the promise of their agreement.

In another words, the Union held their end of the bargain, the company did not.

How is it then that this President wants to push his social security plan in the face of Americans who would stand to lose even MORE than they do currently? It seems to me that people would like some assurances that they will be taken care of – which obviously did not happen in United’s case – a case where employees sought out a privatization option for their retirement only to have it gutted.

Bush’s Social Security will not be adequate. It will not work. It has a greater possibility of ending up in the tank just like United’s employees.

Sometimes we just have to think before we act. Sometimes we just need to have the foresight to realize a bad idea from a good one. Sometimes we just need to slow down and let an answer come gradually.

Think Clinton's $500 haircut was bad??

Prime Minister Tony Blair apparently has spent over $3k in cosmetics and other visual enhancements during the last 6 years..

Which is an OBVIOUS sign that he and Bush were HIDING their TREU intentions on the War in Iraq.....

*snicker gigglesnort*

Not surprised...

All I've been hearing about is how the Supreme Court is so incredibly liberal..

All of the fingers point squarely on Ruth Bader Ginsberg..

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I've heard all of the talk shows saying that Bush needs to appoint someone just like how Clinton appointed Ruth.. That for some reason, there needs to be balance in the highest court of the land..

Okay..

If this were true, then why did Orin Hatch, the Senate Republican and Chairman of the Judiciary Committee warned then President Clinton to avoid naming a nominee that would face a tough political battle?? Those names that Senator Hatch offered were none other than Ruth .... Bader .... Ginsberg..... (as well as Stephen Breyer...)

This afternoon on CNN Senator Hatch hailed the Democrats to effectively accept Bush's recommendation and set aside the political obstructions that we faced with the latest rounds of confirmations..

If this isn't a shining example of political double talk - then I don't know what it is..

I do know this though, it's not limited to one party or the other.. I know the democrats do this as well, I know the Conservative and Liberal talkshows all slant accordingly to satisfy their contingency..

I just don't like it..

I don't care for it..

I hate it..

Politics has been bastardized into one fallen hypocritical disaster after another.. Just as the Liberal talkshows are holding Bush's feet to the fire about Karl Rove, the Conservative talkshows were just as critical when Clinton had oral sex in the Oval Office.

Yup - cuts both ways..

What was also realized today was one of the radio hosts I listened to said that we (liberals) have to win back the house and senate.. Ironically it's the same speech that conservatives were waiving when the likes of Newt Gingrich were in office.. Politics hasn't really evolved much.. It remains today, just as it did long ago..

That alone bothers me plenty..

Let alone how the rest of the world thinks we're total fuck-ups..

When we venture to our voting precincts to cast our one vote towards the betterment of society, there is an expectation that most people that *can* vote, don't vote.. And who can really blame them?? When there's the double-speak, the hypocrisy, the irresponsible, and flagrant disregard for the law, rules and ethics --- how can anyone realistically expect a better than majority turnout at our elections when crap like this goes on daily??

If politicians were to ever try to apply for a job somewhere - there is a thing called integrity that most employers look for.. And for some really bizarre reason - most everyone in politics lacks this attribute..

*ughs* - I should post more, but I'm tired..

raising the bar ... again

Okay – as everyone is realizing … Bush is raising the bar…

I listened to AirAmerica throughout the day when they had Joseph Wilson on. Wow. All I can say is that the answers he offered made sense – unlike the answers offered by the talking heads of the right.

Now as everyone knows, Bush has revised his position stating that anyone who commits a CRIME will now be kicked out of the White House. It’s no longer at the “anyone who is involved” as it was earlier stated…

Even as all of the AirAmerica talkies were getting their panties in a wad – this is nothing new for this administration. It’s status quo. In fact, it’s come to be expected. Moreover, it goes along with the spirit of the Downing Street Memos – make the facts fit.

This administration has lost more credibility than people realize.

… or maybe it’s a matter of people just not caring.

One more rant - losing the faith

Another tell tale sign that we’ve failed the people of Iraq:

”Frustrated Iraqis Ready to take law into own hands”

As quoted in the article, the confidence of the police and security is almost non-existent. This comes on the heels of another 98 people who were killed in various bombings over the last few days.

What I hate the most is when this administration calls the Iraqi situation a success. It’s not Mr. Bush, Mr. Blair, Mr. Cheney. These attacks will continue so as long as our influence is anywhere in that region. Anyone who arbitrarily dismisses the loss of life and infrastructure as what is happening in Iraq right now – is running the Iraqi people through the ground.

Where is all of this international backing and support that we were supposed to be gaining after the G8 summit?? Where are the new levels of cooperation and backing for the stabilization of the country of Iraq?? Where is it all going??

We’re sending countless amounts of our friends, neighbors, relatives, wives, husbands and children overseas to fight in a conflict where the residing people have lost faith in our ability (as well as the newly formed Iraqi government) to protect them.

The Bush spin on this will say: “the Iraqi people are fighting back! This is a good thing!” The reality of it – is that the Iraqi people are sick of it, but when we made this “promise” to help the Iraqi people out – we’re failing miserably. Not when scores of people are dying each day on account that we’re not protecting them to the best of our ability – because we’re doing all that we can to protect OUR OWN TROOPS much less trying to protect someone else!!

To put this into perspective: 98 people died out of a country of roughly 26 million. We have ten times that amount living here in America. Imagine if you will, a terrorist attack in this country where almost 1000 Americans died – in one suicide bombing. Now imagine that transpiring on a fairly regular basis.

We’d lose faith in our government’s ability to protect our homeland too, wouldn’t you say??

I think therefore ....

What’s amazing in the aftermath of London – is how people seem surprised that an attack like this happened.. Wrong.. Sorry.. How naive are these people?? I was a little more than appalled when I read the headline "Backing U.S. in Iraq put UK at risk, think tank says…"

You think??

Wow..

I think the Spaniards realized this when their trains blew up.

I’m pretty sure the Aussies realized this when their contractors were kidnapped and killed.

I’m also thinking the Japanese figured this out when their people were also taken captive.

Holy Hell, people!!

WE HAVE A THINK TANK THAT BELIEVES THE UK WAS VULNERABLE BECAUSE OF THEIR SUPPORT IN THE IRAQ SITUATION!?!?!?!?

THAT'S BLOODY BRILLIANT!!!

Holy Shit, why didn't *I* think of that?!?!?!?!?

What’s utterly remarkable, even impossible to conceptualize is the fact that THINK TANKS like this one are the ones responsible for rebuilding Iraq since we’ve gone in there. No WONDER we’re in the crap we’re in right now when we have THINK TANKS like these overstating the fucking obvious…

No wonder we have lapses of intelligence: we're dealing with people who run our country worse than a Grease Monkey......

Finding the right time....

Scott McClellan's press conference 07-11-05:

Q Do you stand by your statement from the fall of 2003 when you were asked specifically about Karl and Elliott Abrams and Scooter Libby, and you said, "I've gone to each of those gentlemen, and they have told me they are not involved in this" -- do you stand by that statement?

MR. McCLELLAN: And if you will recall, I said that as part of helping the investigators move forward on the investigation we're not going to get into commenting on it. That was something I stated back near that time, as well.

Q Scott, I mean, just -- I mean, this is ridiculous. The notion that you're going to stand before us after having commented with that level of detail and tell people watching this that somehow you decided not to talk. You've got a public record out there. Do you stand by your remarks from that podium, or not?

MR. McCLELLAN: And again, David, I'm well aware, like you, of what was previously said, and I will be glad to talk about it at the appropriate time. The appropriate time is when the investigation --

Q Why are you choosing when it's appropriate and when it's inappropriate?

MR. McCLELLAN: If you'll let me finish --

Q No, you're not finishing -- you're not saying anything. You stood at that podium and said that Karl Rove was not involved. And now we find out that he spoke out about Joseph Wilson's wife. So don't you owe the American public a fuller explanation? Was he involved, or was he not? Because, contrary to what you told the American people, he did, indeed, talk about his wife, didn't he?

MR. McCLELLAN: David, there will be a time to talk about this, but now is not the time to talk about it.

Red Rove-r.... red Rove-r......

Well, well, well....

After many months of speculation (by myself and anyone who can read a paper) Karl Rove has been implicated as being "one" of the secret sources that ultimately led to the revealing of the identity of an undercover CIA operative..

Hmmmm..

But the story even gets more twisted..

Plame's role, not her name - was revealed 3-days after Rove apparently met with Matthew Cooper - writer for Time Magazine.. So Rove's defense is simply: "I never revealed the name, just the role..."

Or did he??

From the Washington Post: "In the conversation, Rove gave Cooper a "big warning" that Wilson's assertions might not be entirely accurate and that it was not the director of the CIA or the vice president who sent Wilson on his trip. Rove apparently told Cooper that it was "Wilson's wife, who apparently works at the agency on [weapons of mass destruction] issues who authorized the trip," according to a story in Newsweek's July 18 issue."

Ohhhhhh, we're playing the "let's get specific game...." So Cooper already named Wilson, Rove merely said "Wilson's WIFE" as though "I didn't do anything wrong..."

Okay..

Remember not so long ago, right here in this galaxy when all of the talking heads and republicans were outraged when Clinton tried to wiggle about his definition of the word "sex??" Technically speaking?? Did Clinton have sex with Monica?? Hell yeah.. Was Bill looking for some wiggle room?? Of course - he's admitting he had an extra-marital affair!!

Oh - but we're supposed to sit blindly while RoveR decides he didn't do anything wrong by referring to Wilson's WIFE and pretend that he didn't offer up Plame's name...... *wiggle wiggle*

What RoveR decided to do was to cut the story before it was revealed.. Stealing the thunder, the growing mass of ick, before it became something much larger.. It's a way to lessen the impact of the story.. And by airing it out on the coattails of the bombing in London, Hurricane Dennis' soiree through Alabama and Florida - means that the story will get lost, buried under several news cycles.. As of this morning - only 97 google news hits on the story..

What will happen with it?? Probably nothing.. Remember the Downing Street memos?? Remember how the mainstream press basically ignored them on the basis that it's "old news, been there - done that, this was nothing new.." I predict the same thing will happen here.. (but I do hope I'm wrong..)

Why did it happen?? Considering how Plame's husband blamed the administration for outing his wife on account of his report that no evidence was found to an allegation that Iraq had bought stores of Uranium from Niger.. Joseph Wilson contends that the administration retaliated against him and his wife for the unfavorable report..

Of course - administration officials denied this..

They further denied any such leak.....

... until yesterday..

Even if Rove didn't say the name "Valerie Plame" in the 3-minute conversation with Cooper, he nevertheless actually *did* reveal her identity - even if in passing.. Did Cooper already have the name and was seeking further angles from the White House?? That's possible.. But if Cooper was trying to connect the dots - meaning that he had a pared list of which he needed confirmation before he ran the story - Rove graciously handed it to him..

Regardless, it's not exactly leaving me warm and fuzzy that Bush's chief advisor wantonly confirmed the operative's role.. That's almost as bad as someone leaking information about troop whereabouts at a time of war..

Remember how the press wasn't able to say their actual location because it could mean that it would endanger the troops of the company?? How is Rove's conduct any better than that?? The press during the war didn't name a name of a soldier, and they were restricted in terms of what they could report and what they couldn't..

Rove seems to have slipped up a bit..

Regardless - I'm convinced that the Teflon suit will prevail - only because we have a conservative-controlled government who will idly sit on their hands and do nothing..

hypocrisy galore..

If this were a democrat or some other liberal - I doubt the administration would be so silent....

in the news...

I meant to comment on the Sandra Day O'Connor retirement announcement, but the news is riddled with the London bombings..

Early indications was that the British had prior knowledge or "intelligence" (assuming they know what the word means) of the bombings before it happened.. If the Brits care to say that they had no idea it was coming -- then they should have listened to the Israeli Finance Minister's intel....

From the pile of "I saw it coming"...

Iraq signs military pact with Iran...

No one has said one word about the fact that the people of Iraq elected someone who had close affiliations with the Iranian government.. Iraq doesn't have the means to draft a Constitution without weeks and months of haggling, but they can sign a military pact with Iran that fell completely under the radar screen .... or so it would seem..

Distortions?

There's irony when Bush and Blair are saying that the Downing Street memos are a distortion...

"don't let apples fall too far from the tree..."

The P.C. Debacle...

Oh – now it’s time for being politically correct…

It appears when Dick Durbin makes a reference to Gitmo as some sort of gulag – it’s horrifying. Yet when Rove complains that Democrats want terrorists to get therapy – that’s somehow okay..

Several years ago (back in the ol’ college days) – I recall having a discussion over the ramifications of having a politically correct society.. In that discussion – it was revealed that no matter what was said or done, it was a certainty that it would royally piss off *someone* regardless of how mundane or unequivocal the comment was crafted..

I was reading a local story this morning – about some sort of negative reference to James Dobson and Focus on the Family.. The chief complaint was that some group drew parallels of Dobson and his group to an Americanized version of the Taliban.. The group issued an apology, there were repercussions and the damage was done..

Wow..

What on earth has changed our ability to have independent thoughts, disagreements and criticisms?? Contrary to what a lot of people think, this is *not* a republican or democrat issue.. It’s not a Christian versus Islamic versus Muslim.. It’s the basis of having the freedom to compare Bush to whomever anyone wants to.. It’s the basis of calling Clinton any given name in the book.. It’s the basis to say when you’re pissed off or when you agree with someone..

Inflammatory?? Absolutely.. It can be.. So when the Republicans call for Durbin to apologize, and the Democrats call for Rove to resign – it’s leading us back to a sandbox squabble between infants.. But it doesn’t stop with politicians, everyone is doing it.. (I’ll throw myself into that mix as well..)

This vicious cycle of tit for tat is excruciating.. The mud-slinging capabilities by both sides are obvious, apparent and increasing on an continual basis..

Let’s face it: we have a lot of fucking upset people in the world..

But what if the complaints actually founded on a basis of truth?? Despite the rhetoric or other substantive comments made to draw conclusions or illustrations from the incorrigibles throughout history, what if there is a basis of fact in the parallel or the comparison?? Are we so polarized that we cannot see the truth for what it is??

Absolutely..

Whenever something major happens, or when someone says something – don’t we almost always seek out to hear what others are saying about it?? I’ve listened to Rush.. I’ve listened to Air America.. O’Reily, Hannity, Savage, Franken, Garafallo.. Any given topic – they churn out a series of talking points.. Those little niblets which causes us to jump on the bandwagon or shake our pointed finger..

But what everyone does – and I don’t care if this is a personality, a movie star, a columnist or a politician – is that they take the nibblet that is important for their argument and they run with it.. The substantive nature of the issue becomes fragmented and further distorted..

So when Hannity says that liberals are scum, is he right?? No.. When Garafalo banters of whether conservatives are pigs, is she right?? No.. They are fanning the flames to get people riled up for the causes that matter to them, their constituents, their sponsors, their crowd.. How about when Durbin refers to Gitmo as a nazi camp??

Does it offend me personally?? No.. I studied history – I draw upon unpopular conclusions all the time.. And you know what – I don’t care.. True historians leave bias from their findings.. True historians allow readers to draw their own conclusions based on the findings of the evidence.. True historians consult multiple sources that can accurately paint a true and responsible picture of a given topic..

Does Gitmo really resemble a gulag?? I don’t know.. I certainly do not believe the people who have been reporting it so far.. I certainly do not trust the administration because they are constantly reversing, traversing, readjusting, realigning, ultimately distorting the facts of any given subject.. I don’t trust the Dems for that matter either.. I certainly do not trust the press because they have a marketability bias.. ”That which sells, is printed or aired..”

There’s no real understanding of an event unless you have the capability of seeing it first hand.. Unless there are multiple sources that can paint a wide-breadth of the incident in question – then there’s no way to juxtapose an appropriate perception of the event.. Finding trusting, reliable sources in this day and age is next to impossible..

We shouldn’t be afraid to draw unpopular, politically incorrect parallels to anyone or anything – regardless of how popular, how important or how right or wrong consensus believes.. I don’t care.. Yet despite the parallels me, or anyone might draw, will be scrutinized and cast in an unpopular light.. Sometimes the truth sucks.. Slavery sucked.. The Nazis sucked.. Bin Laden sucks..

But there are some mildly important lessons buried in these areas.. One cannot fathom just how long slavery and rights for all Americans have gone this long, this unabated throughout our history.. One can’t imagine how incredibly talented of a speaker Hitler was.. One can’t imagine what it took to mastermind the 9/11 hijackings, the dedication and the process it took to make it happen..

History sucks..

But we can learn..

And this is what the American people has to realize at some point..

We can learn that the oppression of people is wrong.. We can learn to watch for those people who can stir hatred into a carefully woven righteous blanket that appeals to a segment of people.. We can learn that people can be motivated to die for a cause they believe in – when we have it within our capability to thwart such behavior if we just listen..

But we live in a society where these lessons are buried under a blanket of security and politically correctness.. I’m not saying we shouldn’t be sensitive, but we can’t forgo these important lessons if we can’t say what they are, how they are and what they mean.. The truth has to be correct; regardless of who it offends..

"and we want to be respected in the world..."

Let's consider this:

1.) Bush is threatening to use the July 4th recess to appoint John Bolton to the UN..
2.) Bush is pushing Bolton to make the UN more accountable..
3.) Yet, Bush is refusing to release information about Bolton's past -- to determine exactly *how* accountable Mr. Bolton is..
4.) Yet, this administration is refusing to be accountable on:
-The War
-The Economy
-Social Security
-Taxes
-Homeland Security
-Healthcare
-Forcing the morals of the church
-Encouraging the government involvement into the private affairs of Americans

But even Bolton is appointed - it's the beginning of something really bad.. Like has been stated over and over already: Bolton is a bully.. Even though he does fit the mold of this administration like a fine Italian-leather glove, his actions are going to further splinter our reputation and assistance in the world.. But this administration has a very interesting belief:

"When you don't get your way, just move things out of the way and make them happen.."

It's irresponsible..

It's wrong..

It's Bush..

There's a reason why there are multiple points of view.. There's a reason why there's debate.. There's a reason why there are compromises.. There's a reason why we don't have a singular party that rules the nation.. There's a reason why we need to have two voices..

What this administration simply cannot grasp is the fact that they have alienated our country in a time of war.. Allies are continually dropping like flies.. Britain is waking up.. If Bush is truly interested in winning the war on terrorism - manhandling the United Nations is *not* the answer..

The war will expand..

It's indicative of the blinders that this administration continues to run.. I really hope and pray that other conservatives see the issues for what they are and will split away and vote for what's right.. Unfortunately I don't feel we're going to get many conservatives that will vote for the country and not for the party..

Hang on -- the ice berg is just ahead.. Get a good spot on the life raft, it's going to get a little choppy....

It's wrong to be right...

Newsweek got it right, but yet they are still considered "wrong" after the premature leakage of the Koran (or Quran - depending how you spell it) issues in Gitmo Bay.. After an abomination and public lashing from administration officials - guess what?? They actually got it right.. (hm, imagine that...)

But the more I start looking at other recent events, there's really a lot of things that this administration was wrong and yet they go after those that try to expose it for what it is.. Real - Right - Truth.. Concepts that I realize may seem foreign, but it's time to wake up..

The obvious "duh" event in this administration: Iraq.. While they may think in retrospect that they had all the right intentions, looking for all those mean WMD's, then claiming the freedom of all Iraqi people as almost an after thought once they realized that no weapons were ever going to be found.. Clearly Saddam wasn't the enemy he was hoping for, but at least Bush had his heart in the right place..

Schiavo ... come to find out the courts were right.. Moreover the doctors were also right.. Bush, Frist and the other pundits who batted for the family in Florida were all wrong.. Yet even as the press conference revealed the investigation into Teri Schiavo, this administration maintains that they did nothing wrong by "siding with life.." Problem with that argument is the fact that Bush and "life" simply do not belong in the same sentence (ala all those he's sent to death in Texas and beyond...) Right intentions - sure but guess what?? They were still wrong..

Patriot Act ... 9/11 ... Terror terror terror!! Run for the hills!! Laws that make it safer for Americans.. Um.. Not so fast.. Most recently - a report came out that said that we are no safer than we were on 9/10.. Ouch.. What happened?? (more on this in a bit...)

Social Security ... Now I have a conflict here.. I've long since believed that there's no way I'm going to see much of any relief from my contributions to Social Security.. It's not due to mis-management, but simply resolving the reality of a growing cost of living and a seemingly very slow paced payment for contributions to the kitty.. As one part of the chart is soaring off into oblivion, the other part looks like an overweight 747 that is trying to take off or something.... It's unreasonable to expect both lines to even come close much less become more parallel.. It's not happening..

Bolton & our role in the world ... I have no defense to offer for this administration's lack of credibility.. They are doing it to themselves in ways that we can't even begin to say on here.. Administration policy - wrong.. Anything come from a box of Lucky Charms would venture a better chance at world stabilization than what this administration has offered......

And the list goes on and on for what seems like forever.. Taxes.. Education.. Censorship.. It seems like everything anymore slips into the yin/yang debate.. What bothers me more than anything is that we have a President who has no regrets for doing any of them.. In fact, you could say that he's running downhill with blinders on ....

.... with a continually growing steaming heap of hypocrisy dragging on behind him.....

At a time when the President advocates that every American is to be responsible - he still claims no responsibility for any of his actions.. Even Clinton apologized.. C'mon!! Instead, there is an irresponsible persistence that simply cannot be explained..

Frankly, I'm still at a loss.. At least when one is denial - there are conditions which support the logical reason why the person simply doesn't acknowledge the error.. When it grows to this kind of level - there has to be something else going on..

*sighs*

Ask anyone who really likes Bush - "Why do you like him?" and you'll get the standard confounding answers: People feel more protected under his watch.. People felt they needed a cleansing shower after the Clinton administration because of what happened during "the scandal.." People feel desperation because the world is in some sort of moral decline and they are looking to Bush as being some sort of savior that will deliver the world from the toils and pain..

Wow.. And here I was at a loss before; imagine my disbelief now?!?!?!!?!!

Alright.. It's no mystery that The Rove Mystery Machine is working overtime trying to keep the dam from breaking.. But when they have fundamentally failed on nearly every attempt at governing - I'm really afraid to consider what would it would take to institute a wide-spread mis-information campaign in order to further govern the way they want..

The Downing Street memos are really interesting.. Even if they hold an eighth of truth in them.. It clearly shows how the conspiracy to manipulate facts and other information for whatever political gains they wanted..

But is this really unique in our history??

Remember how propaganda was spread in order to further the causes of whatever rhetoric or other issues that needed to gain public support for?? The war posters?? Songs?? Rallies?? War Bonds?? Rationing?? All in support of the war effort.. Sounds almost like your average, run of the mill Iraqi insurgency..

But instead of being reflective, we are accused of drawing insignificant parallels and only attempting to incite some sort of evil, un-American sentiment.. Wow.. We can't even go back in our history, cite that which our country has already gone through - because it's somehow un-American..

Well, I'm going to do it anyway..

I remember the day when we feared, hated, and otherwise were weary of the Soviet Union.. The portrayal in movies, the endless barrage of speeches and other opinions carefully churned the right mixture of information with propaganda.. Too sweet - and the public would see right through it.. Too sour and the message would be lost..

It became an artform..

It became a ballet of excruciating painful precise movements..

Things were controlled..

Until..

"Gore invented the internet.."

The spawn of truth mixed with fiction grew in proportions no one could control.. There was no containment.. No direction.. People could now say what they wanted without malice, without facts, without ethical standards and with considerable bias.. The message gets swarmed by an avalanche of conjecture, conspiracy and mis-information.. Blogging has taken this idea and expanded it in ways that we cannot underestimate..

In an act of desperation, the media has responded..

The media companies were bought, conglomerated, and merged into outlet giants that would remain under the tight reign and control of a chosen few.. These people would remain the shepherds serving at the will of the Empire.. Carefully doting and guiding flocks to dangerous cliffs, the *word* is manipulated into an unrecognizable form..

Any dissent.. Any disagreement.. Any hint of splitting from the ranks meant a mounted campaign to punish you or your company.. The slightest protest, satire, or thought is derided as being un-American or a threat to national security.. CBS, Dan Rather, Newsweek to mention those in recent memory....

Think about that..

When the message.. When the thought.. When the voice is muted.. When government silently controls the strings guiding our thoughts, information and beliefs -- what is that??

Control..

Governmental Control..

Look into the world history of the last century.. What did we call it in the 70's and 80's?? Communism.. What was it in the 30's and 40's?? Socialism..

When Russia and Germany sought control of what information was being conveyed.. When those governments, under the guise of being a "proper citizen" or for the protection of the country, use the purges and other remedies to remove dissent within the citizenry, their rights were profoundly discarded..

"Remain in line, or suffer the consequences.."

This week, the House of Representatives shot down new provisions to the Patriot Act that would've allowed agencies to wantonly investigate what books you read from the library, what videos you rent, or what content you're reading.. Under the guise of preventing the next 9/11 attack .... I re-raise my own personal doubts of the effectiveness of the Patriot Act..

Imagine this.. One of the searches that the government was interested in was whether anyone had done a search on Bin Laden's biography.. Now imagine a typical Social Studies teacher in high school that assigns a current events paper.. An innocent student checks out a book on Bin Laden so that they can prepare their report for class.. Now imagine that this innocent student will now show up on the radar screen of Homeland Security..

This is absolutely insane!!

I believe that the next coronation of the Patriot Act really means that our government has lost its effective capability of gathering relevant, concise and on point intelligence using the existing means at our disposal.. What I adamantly disagree with is this Administration using the "perceived threat" of more terroristic activities to bolster the effectiveness of the Patriot Act.. It's not a revelation that this Administration has perfected the ability to utilize threats in order to push whatever agenda they so choose..

But the Patriot Act really does not address the intelligence gathering capabilities outside the United States - and let's not forget that.. We've heard testimony within the last several months that say that we're no more protected than we were before 9/11.. Now how in the hell does that happen when we've already sacrificed a nice thick layer of governmental intrusions on our own soil??

Instead, the newly found Patriot Act addendums are going after our children's social studies book reports and lord knows what else.. Cookie recipes?? Reading up on Melville, Plato, or Ginsberg?? If anything, it's another tragic reminder of how our government has lost the intelligence wars on our home field.. Now we're left with the fact that our government can't track of those terrorists that are already walking among us..

Yet, they are making sure we're reading the "right" reading material that suits the policy....

.... just like the daily media buffet offerings..

It's scary contemplate that this administration wanted to install a new set of rules that alleviate the need for judicial oversight so that they can conduct surveillance of one's behaviors and habits without any level of judicial oversight.. Meaning - no one checks to see whether they have a valid cause to check out my library records.. The Patriot Act already has given law enforcement more powers without oversight -- and they wanted more....

.... this after being told that we are faring no better than we were 9/10..

Regardless of what an agency might think, I'm not an anarchist.. I am a very proud American who believes differently than this administration.. Whether that's an act of deviance, or simply exercising the right to have freedom of thought, freedom of expression - this defines an absolutely bitter divide and subsequent gray area..

I cannot say if we're no better off, but I can say that I'm still deeply concerned over the information flow of our government and what it means in the shortrun and in our future..

Who blinked?

On my way home last night – the Majority Report was covering the news conferences live that dealt with the apparent compromise between Democrats and Republicans over the use of filibusters and the “nuclear option..” So after I got settled in for the night, I watched both Reid and Frist give their viewpoints on what happened with the proposed settlement. At one point they basically contradicted each other; saying almost the opposite of the other: Reid said they would still filibuster if they wanted, Frist said they wouldn’t.

(Later it was identified that only two nominees would still have the filibuster in effect.)

Now I can’t really say that the news is all that surprising – but the muck of it is – I’m not sure anything was exactly solved. I like the fact that you had Senators that were telling the White House to back off – and to act a bit more responsibly with their nominees, yet I’m reminded exactly how irresponsible this Administration is and how fruitless it would be to shake a finger at them and tell them no.

Bush isn’t going to be intimidated by this, c’mon.

After hearing Reid speak last night – I really felt that the Democrats won – but after thinking about it a great deal, I really don’t think that happened. It gave way to the “up or down” votes that the Republicans wanted. Why do the Reds want that?? Because they know they have the votes to get their chosen ones confirmed.

Yet if you hear the Blues – they are saying that they still reserve the right to filibuster if they choose.

So the question I have is: ”Who blinked??”

Or rather: ”Who caved??”

Both sides are claiming defeat and victory – yet considering that the Republicans ultimately got what they wanted is (in my eyes) prize they wanted – and eventually got.

Was it the cots that were being brought in for the extended session??

Or was it seemingly innocuous, “unannounced” visit by Justice Rehnquist to the Senate that caused the spur to find resolve in this? Renquist’s health only highlights the battle for the Supreme Court that will surely happen during Bush’s tenure.

I’m not fond of the white flag mentality – yet if there was some deeper deal struck that caused the peace, it’s my hope that it is fair for everyone. I hope it’s responsible and conscionable. I’m sick of the pandering, I’m sick of the “gotta have it my way” approach that this administration is stuck on and I’m sick of this political stick and carrot that we live by.

Over 90% of Bush’s nominees were approved.

Meaning that over 90% of the names he put up for appointments and nominees were approved by the Democrats.

Still want to shove it in our face that the Democrats are being unfair during this process? Knowing a little bit about Parliamentary procedure – the Republicans should be eternally grateful that the Democrats have backed down. The President should be a bit more receptive when there are issues with the names he’s putting out there.

He should do the responsible thing, the “let’s get along” thing, and say – “I’ll meet you half way in the road, let’s work this out.”


Problem being: this just isn’t going to happen with this Administration.


So we’ll be going back to “business as usual” and I hope we all don’t get raped because of it.

Coming up:
- Scary provisions in the new Patriot act
- Clear Skies Act isn’t what it’s cracked up to be
- Stem Cell Research will be voted on – and subsequently vetoed by George Bush

The Newsweek Gaffe

This whole Newsweek issue has really made me laugh not because of what was alleged in the article – but the subsequent hypocrisy by OUR government by saying that it gives our country a bad reputation.

Holy Smokes, Batman – please say it’s not true!! America is getting a black eye from a story that was leaked to a major magazine alleging that members of our military have desecrated the Koran by flushing it down a toilet during an interrogation??

What about going to war under false pretenses??

What about LYING to the people of the United States about WMD??

What about LYING to the leaders of the WORLD about WMD??

What about removing a ruthless dictator because of what we perceived??

What about the countless other civil wars, ethnic cleansings, and other atrocities being committed in other nations, under other ruthless dictators??

Black eye syndrome??

Faulty intelligence??

If the Newsweek article was factually incorrect – then they should issue a correction.. But even as they retracted the story on the basis that they made a mistake – we have an administration that admitted that they too acted on faulty intelligence, flawed information when they sent countless thousands to their graves, and tipped the balance of power in an unstable region..

I’m tired of the Bush rhetoric that Saddam was an evil person who needed to be removed from power.. Yes, I get that.. But let’s not forget that in addition to those countries going under civil wars, we have two “axis of evil” partners that have slid unscathed under our intelligence radars, Mr. President..

North Korea and Iran have become legitimate power brokers under your watch.. Furthermore, let’s not forget that this administration has placed a time bomb in the Middle East in the form of Iraq.. Set aside the insurgents, set aside the security issues and other infra-structure related problems that remain today (some two years after our initial invasion); I’m referring to the elections that were held earlier in the year..

Once again, everyone seems to be forgetting about the winners of the Iraqi election and the purported connections to Iran..

It seems as though the whole “image” issue is the least of our worries….

So if anyone is TRULY interested in improving our image – let’s start at the top and work our way down.. Let’s consider that whenever someone important is captured, they are being interrogated in countries that permit torture – so we don’t have to..

How convenient..

Wash our hands – someone else did the torture, we gained the information.. Remarkable!!

It’s not going to be until everyone wakes up and realizes that the image of the US has been mortally wounded since the invasion of Iraq.. Were we freeing the oppressed people of Iraq, sure.. Were we hunting those pesky WMDs?? Absolutely.. Are the Iraqi people glad we’re still there?? Um, no.. Were any links to Iraq and WMD ever found?? Erm, no, sorry..

Talk about a stain to wear..

So..

Did Newsweek add fuel to the fire?? Perhaps.. Did they do something wrong?? If it was factually incorrect – yes.. If they were fed the information as a means to control what they right about – absolutely not.. I fear the latter is holding more water and truth these days..

When we live in a society where the Administration can pay off media to write to their advantage, we’re dealing with governmental propaganda.. Further, we’re no better off than the former Soviet Union or those that have endured the atrocities under Saddam Hussein.. Propaganda – any propaganda is wrong..

I don’t care if it’s democrat
I don’t care if it’s republican..

There, I said it..

When we diminish the available information into some sort of sick twisted monstrosity – yeah, I’m gonna get a little bent out of shape.. When it’s funded, fueled, and subsequently catered to a segment of the populous: this is when it should be made illegal..

I’m not against free speech..

I’m against distorted news reporting..

I’m for opinions, editorials, and independent thoughts carefully separated from the news stories I read, hear or watch.. If it’s factual, it should be reported without opinion, without bias, without slant, slander, or manipulation.. I don’t care if you’re Air America or Fox News..

It’s got to stop..

Then maybe we can finally make educated decisions of what is best for our place in the world and not be succumbed by the wishes of a selected few.. Again – I have no care if it’s a red or blue issue.. I care about integrity, I care about the truth, and I care about honesty.. Our founding fathers had no intention to somehow approve of such ostentatious behavior by any party..

It’s gotta start somewhere..

If Newsweek got it right – hang in there.. If they were lied to, so as to set them in a trap that would eventually dirty their news – then I really hope those that engineered that project gets what’s coming to them.. If Newsweek reported an outright lie – shut them down..

Fox News?? You’re next..

Fair and balanced really does need to be held to the same standards, don’t they??

Base closing coincidence??

There's a certain amount of irony in this story about how the base close list coincides with the 2004 Presidental Results....

The Legacy?

I may not be as jubilant as Bill Maher when it comes to the situation in Iraq.. Yes they had elections.. Yes they have representative government.. Yes it seems to be a much more favored way of existing in a land riddled with so many different points of view - it makes one's head spin..

The Iraqi Assembly appears to be sputtering because they can't really come to a consensus about much of anything.. Yes, I realize that sometimes a democracy takes a long time to develop.. But is this really a surprise?? It's not as though their melting pot is on a good bubble right now.. Things take time to change, to adapt, and more importantly - to grow..

I find it really no different than how our two parties can't seem to agree when it comes to Judicial Appointments and other hotly contested issues.. Can you actually imagine what it would be like if our entire governmental system was wiped clean and we were told: "start over.." We wouldn't have a system in place FOR YEARS, DECADES or longer!! We can't even agree if the right to filibuster should be a right?!?!?!!!!

More importantly -- look at our own history and overlay the fact that it took our founding fathers YEARS before we could have a government that we could employ ... and even then we had to have a CIVIL WAR in order to finalize the whole enchilada.....

Iraq is no different..

These are factions of people whose only commonality was the fact they were repressed under the Saddam regime.. They may or may not share the same religion.. They have different issues with the Kurds of the north and the Shiites of the South.. Different ideologies, different cultures and subsets.. The melting pot doesn't like partitions in the tray....

In fact, Iraq has been put in the microwave by the US - and said "please form a democracy in 30 seconds!!" Guess what - not going to happen.. The one fact that everyone seems to agree on is the fact that we need to finish what we started.. But I hope no one forgets that it was the antics of a select few that got us in this mess to begin with..

I digress..

The Iraq condundrum is going to be magnified in the coming years.. Some will say that it is a success - yet I caution not to bring out the champagne just yet.. If they are to follow our lead, there will be an outright Civil War on a scale that will probably make Saddam look like an ant-squasher.. Moreover, there's no way of knowing exactly what form the "final part" will look like.. There were the indications that this new government has substantial ties to Iran -- something that has gone unreported since the elections.. What will happen when some new leader emerges that happens to conflict with America's blueprint for the region?? Will we have to take him out of office too??

(Let's not forget that little nugget of history where we helped get Saddam in office to begin with..)

I find it amazing that we've instilled several of the attributes that democracies like the US are founded on.. Yet even today, some 200+ years in our own infancy, we are completely different than the charters that were originally brought to Massachusetts.. To mention again - the process took YEARS..

For example - women's rights..

I'm a big proponent of women's rights.. I think anytime a group of people has been exiled out of the process is a system wrought with problems.. To be a true democracy instills the intrinsic rights for all -- not just a select few.. But what has happened in Iraq, is something that only America could conceive.. Let's not forget our own past and how it was ludicrous to believe that a woman should have a right to cast a vote in a man's world.. This type of oppressive attitude is magnified on a very deep level over in Iraq -- mainly due to their belief structure that looks to keep women held down, out of sight and definitely not anywhere near any cabinet position..

Iraq has been liberated for just over a year..

The woman's suffrage movement started in 1850 and lasted 70 YEARS before a woman could vote for the first time in 1920.. The first woman ever elected to a position was 1887 when Susanna Madora Salter became mayor of Argonia, Kansas.. The first woman elected to Congress of the United States was 1918 -- Jeanette Rankin of Montana.. It's a process that started in 1848 with the Seneca Falls Convention -- but was not taken seriously until 62 years later..

I am in no way suggesting that women should be excluded from the process.. I am saying that these women will become targets and those who are not ready to share their Assembly with a woman.. As much as the powers that be want to make Iraq in our image -- the country is not ready, the culture is not ready, the people are not ready.. Suggesting that all we have to do is draft a document, have an election, and call it a democracy ... is nothing short of an irresponsible policy at best..

It takes time to change one's belief structure.. Our own history has evidence of this..

Anyone who entertains the notion that all we had to do in Iraq, was to make them a bit more like us - and they will prosper is not saying very much for the process it takes to make such a system work.. In the short-term, at least long enough for Bush to see it - he will finally have his legacy.. He got rid of a tyrant.. But let's have history revisit Iraq and the region in 2105 before adding that second wing to the George W. Bush Presidential library..

In Iraq, we've accelerated the process in a region that is already volatile, already on the brink of some disastrous revolution, and have installed a government that is meant to appease our look in the mirror.. We have an administration that believes that we have a "winning formula" for the people of Iraq.. Yet I'm hesitant to believe that the same people who orchestrated the war with Iraq to begin with - has a winning formula when the equation isn't written in a text book..