CLICK TO READ: Aspen Times News for Aspen Colorado - Aspen Times Weekly Editorial - The Bush ship is sinking without strategist Rove by Gary Hubbell
"It's a sad joke whenever you go to a party or a gathering with sharp people present, and the subject of George Bush's intelligence comes up. Everyone laughs rather sadly because everyone in the room is smarter than George Bush, and everyone knows it. Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Greens - it doesn't matter, most people who are somewhat successful in the world are smarter than our president.
So how did a former drug and alcohol abuser with a sketchy military record get into the White House?
Karl Rove - that's how...."
The Unknown Candidate: Read the whole article...the sarcasm will make you feel a little better.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
USNews.com: Tough-guy stuff - Bush's No.2 Cheney gives no quarter and plays for all the marbles
CLICK TO READ: USNews.com: Bush's No.2 Cheney gives no quarter and plays for all the marbles by Kenneth T. Walsh
"'Far from being chastened by recent setbacks, including the indictment of his chief of staff, Vice President Dick Cheney is thumbing his nose at his critics--and encouraging President Bush to do the same. 'Bush and Cheney are standing as one,' says a prominent Republican who regularly advises the White House. 'Their strategy is to get the conservative base solidified again, and Cheney is key because he is the administration's main link to the right.'"
The Unknown Candidate: The arrogance continues. The imperial hubris remains intact...at least for now. For Cheney & Bushie, it's back to fundraising and far right wing business as usual at the White House. After all, who cares what Americans think? Hey! Let's start another war! We're the kings of the Castle!
"'Far from being chastened by recent setbacks, including the indictment of his chief of staff, Vice President Dick Cheney is thumbing his nose at his critics--and encouraging President Bush to do the same. 'Bush and Cheney are standing as one,' says a prominent Republican who regularly advises the White House. 'Their strategy is to get the conservative base solidified again, and Cheney is key because he is the administration's main link to the right.'"
The Unknown Candidate: The arrogance continues. The imperial hubris remains intact...at least for now. For Cheney & Bushie, it's back to fundraising and far right wing business as usual at the White House. After all, who cares what Americans think? Hey! Let's start another war! We're the kings of the Castle!
Rove linked to investigation of conservative broadcaster
CLICK TO READ: Independent Online Edition - Rove linked to investigation of conservative broadcaster
By Andrew Gumbel and Andrew Buncombe
Oops. Looks like Rove may have more problems...
By Andrew Gumbel and Andrew Buncombe
Oops. Looks like Rove may have more problems...
Saturday, November 05, 2005
New York Daily News Exclusive: Bush whacked Rove on CIA leak
CLICK TO READ: New York Daily News - Home - Daily News Exclusive: Bush whacked Rove on CIA leak
BY THOMAS M. DeFRANK
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU CHIEF
Interesting article. I missed it when it was originally published on October 19, 2005, and haven't heard this reported elsewhere. If it's true, Bush knew of Rove's involvement in the Plame affair two years ago -- and rebuked him for it -- despite the fact that he claimed at the time that no one in the White House was involved. But then Bushie never did have much moral tripidation about piling lies on top of lies.
The really disgusting part is that Bush wasn't upset about the fact that a CIA agent had been outed. No no no. He was "furious" because "Rove and other members of the White House damage-control team did a clumsy job in their campaign to discredit Plame's husband, Joseph Wilson, the ex-diplomat who criticized Bush's claim that Saddam HusseIn tried to buy weapons-grade uranium in Niger." He didn't give a hoot that it is no less than treason to out a CIA agent. He didn't give a goober that outing an operative could put our national security at risk. Noooo-- He was livid because Rove botched the campaign to smear Wilson!
But then, what else can you expect? That's George W. Bush.
Lawmaker From Ohio Subpoenaed in Abramoff Case
CLICK TO READ: Lawmaker From Ohio Subpoenaed in Abramoff Case
The first of many, I would guess. This whole sorry mess only goes to once again prove that money does indeed (unfortunately all to often) corrupt.
The first of many, I would guess. This whole sorry mess only goes to once again prove that money does indeed (unfortunately all to often) corrupt.
t r u t h o u t - Rich Miles | Where Were They When We Needed Them?
CLICK TO READ: t r u t h o u t - Rich Miles | Where Were They When We Needed Them?
Hindsight is always 20/20, but this is ridiculous.
An acerbic commentary on the too-little-too-late, sudden jumping-on-the-anti-Bush-bandwagon of certain journalists and commentators. A good read.
Hindsight is always 20/20, but this is ridiculous.
An acerbic commentary on the too-little-too-late, sudden jumping-on-the-anti-Bush-bandwagon of certain journalists and commentators. A good read.
t r u t h o u t - Maureen Dowd | Fashioning Deadly Fiascos
CLICK TO READ: Maureen Dowd | Fashioning Deadly Fiascos
And now, the feminine perspective from none other than my favorite commentator, Maureen Dowd:
"I've said it before and I'll say it again: Men are simply not biologically suited to hold higher office. The Bush administration has proved that once and for all.
These guys can't be bothered to run the country. They are too obsessed with frivolous stuff, like fashion and whether they look fat. They are catty, sometimes even sabotaging their closest friends. They are deceitful minxes and malicious gossips.
And heaven knows they're bad at math. Otherwise, W. would realize that a 60 percent disapproval rating, or worse, means that most Americans would like some fresh blood in the administration. It's appalling to see ringleaders of the incompetent, mendacious crew who rushed into Iraq but not New Orleans getting big promotions and posh consulting jobs...."
Iraq war 'fuelled terrorism': ex-British ambassador
CLICK TO READ: Iraq war 'fuelled terrorism': ex-British ambassador
Britain's involvement in the Iraq war has "partly radicalized and fueled" the rise of home-grown terrorism, London's former ambassador to Washington, Sir Christopher Meyer, says.
Britain's involvement in the Iraq war has "partly radicalized and fueled" the rise of home-grown terrorism, London's former ambassador to Washington, Sir Christopher Meyer, says.
Bush administration's moral compass is lost - Chicago Sun Times
CLICK TO READ: Bush administration's moral compass is lost
BY Cathleen Falsani - Religion Writer
A wonderfully human, thoughtful, article based on facts and written from the heart.
MUST READ.
BY Cathleen Falsani - Religion Writer
A wonderfully human, thoughtful, article based on facts and written from the heart.
MUST READ.
t r u t h o u t - Al Gore | The Time to Act Is Now
CLICK TO READ: Al Gore | The Time to Act Is Now
The climate crisis and the need for leadership.
Al Gore provides a crash course in the climate crisis and the need for leadership to act "boldly, quickly and wisely."
Another article, at this same link, entitled "Climate Warriors and Heroes" introduces "28 leaders - scientists, politicians, activists, celebrities and inventors - who are fighting to stave off planetwide catastrophe."
"Their stories should inspire and encourage us," Gore writes, "to see with our hearts, as well as our heads, the unprecedented response that is now called for."
Is this "Climate Crisis" just another scare tactic? The vast majority of independent (not politically partisan) experts on the environment and climate change agree that it is not. They also agree that it needs immediate action to reverse the damage we have already inflicted on the earth.
Every American owes it to their children to educate themselves on this topic and to support the people, organizations and policies that can help reverse this very real threat to our planet. And you can start right here. Click on the link and read...
The climate crisis and the need for leadership.
Al Gore provides a crash course in the climate crisis and the need for leadership to act "boldly, quickly and wisely."
Another article, at this same link, entitled "Climate Warriors and Heroes" introduces "28 leaders - scientists, politicians, activists, celebrities and inventors - who are fighting to stave off planetwide catastrophe."
"Their stories should inspire and encourage us," Gore writes, "to see with our hearts, as well as our heads, the unprecedented response that is now called for."
Is this "Climate Crisis" just another scare tactic? The vast majority of independent (not politically partisan) experts on the environment and climate change agree that it is not. They also agree that it needs immediate action to reverse the damage we have already inflicted on the earth.
Every American owes it to their children to educate themselves on this topic and to support the people, organizations and policies that can help reverse this very real threat to our planet. And you can start right here. Click on the link and read...
The Time Is Wrong for Tax Cuts - New York Times
CLICK TO READ: The Time Is Wrong for Tax Cuts - New York Times
A simple explanation of why tax cuts are NOT the answer at a time when the country is borrowing hundreds of billions of dollars.
A simple explanation of why tax cuts are NOT the answer at a time when the country is borrowing hundreds of billions of dollars.
High Prices for Energy Hold Down Job Growth - New York Times
CLICK TO READ: High Prices for Energy Hold Down Job Growth - David Leonhardt, New York Times
"Job growth was surprisingly meager last month, the Labor Department reported yesterday, in a sign that business executives have become worried that the economic damage from high energy prices might be growing.
Still, wages in October rose at their fastest clip in more than two years, leaving open the possibility that the hiring slowdown will turn out to be temporary."
Court Nominee Has Paper Trail Businesses Like - New York Times
CLICK TO READ: Court Nominee Has Paper Trail Businesses Like - Steven Labaton, New York Times
Another kick in the stomach for the little guy. And more good news for corruption. Read it and weep:
"WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 - Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. has reliably favored big-business litigants as he has pushed the federal appeals court in Philadelphia in a conservative direction.
His extensive paper trail of 15 years of opinions reveals a jurist deeply skeptical of claims against large corporations. A review of dozens of business cases in which Judge Alito has written majority or dissenting opinions or cast the decisive vote shows that, with few exceptions, he has sided with employers over employees in discrimination lawsuits and in favor of corporations over investors in securities fraud cases."
Hemisphere Summit Marred by Violent Anti-Bush Protests - New York Times
CLICK HERE TO READ: Hemisphere Summit Marred by Violent Anti-Bush Protests:
By Larry Rohter and Elisabeth Bumiller
"MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina, Nov. 4 - President Bush's troubles trailed him to an international summit meeting here on Friday as anti-Bush protesters turned violent just blocks from the gathering site, and Hugo Ch�avez, Venezuela's fiery populist leader, rallied a soccer stadium filled with at least 25,000 people against the United States."
U.S. Should Repay Millions to Iraq, a U.N. Audit Finds - New York Times
CLICK TO READ: U.S. Should Repay Millions to Iraq, a U.N. Audit Finds - James Glanz, New York Times
Glanz: "An auditing board sponsored by the United Nations recommended yesterday that the United States repay as much as $208 million to the Iraqi government for contracting work in 2003 and 2004 assigned to Kellogg, Brown & Root, the Halliburton subsidiary.
The work was paid for with Iraqi oil proceeds, but the board said it was either carried out at inflated prices or done poorly."
The Unknown Candidate: The litany of abuses continues. Round and round and round she goes and where she stops nobody knows... but I sure as heck can guess where.
Glanz: "An auditing board sponsored by the United Nations recommended yesterday that the United States repay as much as $208 million to the Iraqi government for contracting work in 2003 and 2004 assigned to Kellogg, Brown & Root, the Halliburton subsidiary.
The work was paid for with Iraqi oil proceeds, but the board said it was either carried out at inflated prices or done poorly."
The Unknown Candidate: The litany of abuses continues. Round and round and round she goes and where she stops nobody knows... but I sure as heck can guess where.
Democrats: Probe Can't Be Rushed by Walter Pincus, Washington Post
CLICK TO READ: Democrats: Probe Can't Be Rushed by Walter Pincus, Washington Post
Panel to Begin 'Phase Two' of Inquiry Into Prewar Data
"Yesterday, Democrats held a news conference to emphasize their position that the inquiry will require time and careful attention. They warned Republicans against trying to rush through the most controversial portion of the review: the comparison of the public statements made by administration and congressional officials about the prewar intelligence known at the time."
...
"Among other things, Democrats said they do not believe they have all the intelligence the White House had when it made its statements. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) noted that 'a number of the documents and interviews we need to do the work have been refused by the administration.'"
Panel to Begin 'Phase Two' of Inquiry Into Prewar Data
"Yesterday, Democrats held a news conference to emphasize their position that the inquiry will require time and careful attention. They warned Republicans against trying to rush through the most controversial portion of the review: the comparison of the public statements made by administration and congressional officials about the prewar intelligence known at the time."
...
"Among other things, Democrats said they do not believe they have all the intelligence the White House had when it made its statements. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) noted that 'a number of the documents and interviews we need to do the work have been refused by the administration.'"
Bush Orders Staff to Attend Ethics Briefings
CLICK TO READ: Bush Orders Staff to Attend Ethics Briefings
If this wasn't so laughable it would be pitiful ... and vice-versa.
If this wasn't so laughable it would be pitiful ... and vice-versa.
1,174 more Bush-bashing days left
CLICK TO READ: Chicago Tribune | 1,174 more Bush-bashing days left
A humorous take on Bush watching in the current political climate. Click on the link above for a chuckle.
A humorous take on Bush watching in the current political climate. Click on the link above for a chuckle.
Friday, November 04, 2005
America's Poor are Under Siege - Help Stop an Immoral Budget
CLICK TO READ: Faithful America - America's Poor are Under Siege - Help Stop an Immoral Budget
Proof that the Religious are NOT all "Far Right". Take a look at this website and help stop an immoral budget.
Proof that the Religious are NOT all "Far Right". Take a look at this website and help stop an immoral budget.
Democracy Now! | Thousands Protest Bush in Argentina, People's Summit Counters Free Trade Talks
CLICK TO READ: Democracy Now! | Thousands Protest Bush in Argentina, People's Summit Counters Free Trade Talks
If you missed the excitement on CNN and MS-NBC TV today, here's a rundown of the day's events.
If you missed the excitement on CNN and MS-NBC TV today, here's a rundown of the day's events.
FindLaw's Writ - Dean: A Cheney-Libby Conspiracy, Or Worse? Reading Between the Lines of the Libby Indictment
CLICK TO READ: FindLaw's Writ - Dean: A Cheney-Libby Conspiracy, Or Worse? Reading Between the Lines of the Libby Indictment
"Having read the indictment against Libby, I am inclined to believe more will be issued. In fact, I will be stunned if no one else is indicted."
House blocks Democrats' resolution on Iraq war - The Boston Globe
CLICK TO READ: House blocks Democrats' resolution on Iraq war - The Boston Globe
''I think it brings shame to the House for this Congress to be engaged in a coverup when it comes to revealing what's happening in Iraq," Pelosi said.
I caught this whole, sad session on C-Span yesterday morning and gave Pelosi an "A" for Effort. Unfortunately, the Republicans used some rediculous procedural grounds to shut down her effort. It was farcical. And it ruined my day. Welcome to Congress.
''I think it brings shame to the House for this Congress to be engaged in a coverup when it comes to revealing what's happening in Iraq," Pelosi said.
I caught this whole, sad session on C-Span yesterday morning and gave Pelosi an "A" for Effort. Unfortunately, the Republicans used some rediculous procedural grounds to shut down her effort. It was farcical. And it ruined my day. Welcome to Congress.
New Poll: Majority of Americans Support Impeachment | AfterDowningStreet.org
CLICK TO READ: New Poll: Majority of Americans Support Impeachment | AfterDowningStreet.org
"By a margin of 53% to 42%, Americans want Congress to impeach President Bush if he lied about the war in Iraq, according to a new poll commissioned by AfterDowningStreet.org, a grassroots coalition that supports a Congressional investigation of President Bush's decision to invade Iraq in 2003."
The Unknown Candidate: So what's with the other 42%?
"By a margin of 53% to 42%, Americans want Congress to impeach President Bush if he lied about the war in Iraq, according to a new poll commissioned by AfterDowningStreet.org, a grassroots coalition that supports a Congressional investigation of President Bush's decision to invade Iraq in 2003."
The Unknown Candidate: So what's with the other 42%?
Al-Ahram Weekly | Opinion | Why the US will lose
CLICK TO READ: Al-Ahram Weekly | Opinion | Why the US will lose by Abdul-Ilah Al-Bayaty
"People around the world who care for justice and hope for a more human and humane world, should support the Iraqis in their struggle to recover their sovereignty, and ask for the complete and unconditional withdrawal of all foreign troops from Iraqi soil along with compensation paid for all the material and human losses Iraq has experienced since the illegal invasion began."
* The writer is an Iraqi political analyst based in France.
Al-Bayaty offers a perspective not often voiced in the US and one that needs most to be heard in the US. I hope you'll take the time to read the whole article with an open mind.
"People around the world who care for justice and hope for a more human and humane world, should support the Iraqis in their struggle to recover their sovereignty, and ask for the complete and unconditional withdrawal of all foreign troops from Iraqi soil along with compensation paid for all the material and human losses Iraq has experienced since the illegal invasion began."
* The writer is an Iraqi political analyst based in France.
Al-Bayaty offers a perspective not often voiced in the US and one that needs most to be heard in the US. I hope you'll take the time to read the whole article with an open mind.
Should the U.S. Withdraw? Let the Iraqi People Decide
CLICK TO READ: Should the U.S. Withdraw? Let the Iraqi People Decide by Abigail A. Fuller and Neil Wollman:
"It appears that we as a nation are so self-absorbed that both the hawks and the doves among us have forgotten to ask what those most affected by the war%u2013the Iraqi people themselves--want. Let us remedy this situation by supporting a referendum and then abiding by the results. Let the Iraqi people decide. "
"It appears that we as a nation are so self-absorbed that both the hawks and the doves among us have forgotten to ask what those most affected by the war%u2013the Iraqi people themselves--want. Let us remedy this situation by supporting a referendum and then abiding by the results. Let the Iraqi people decide. "
All Problems Bleed from America's Wound
CLICK TO READ: All Problems Bleed from America's Wound by Brian Bogart:
Bogart: "Americans together must declare an end to the age of war for profit and the beginning of an age of prosperity for all. We are cogs in this machine unless active against it. We must reprioritize our nation and rededicate ourselves to its proper function. Unite for our founders; unite for our future. Go to strikeforpeace.org."
The Unknown Candidate: A terrific article and an interesting website. Take a look at both.
Bogart: "Americans together must declare an end to the age of war for profit and the beginning of an age of prosperity for all. We are cogs in this machine unless active against it. We must reprioritize our nation and rededicate ourselves to its proper function. Unite for our founders; unite for our future. Go to strikeforpeace.org."
The Unknown Candidate: A terrific article and an interesting website. Take a look at both.
House Delays Vote on U.S. Treatment of Terrorism Suspects - New York Times
CLICK TO READ: House Delays Vote on U.S. Treatment of Terrorism Suspects - By Eric Schmitt, New York Times:
Schmitt: "WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 - The House Republican leadership has delayed a vote on a proposed ban against cruel and degrading treatment of prisoners in American custody, and Democrats say the move is an effort to spare Vice President Dick Cheney an embarrassing defeat."
The Unknown Candidate: Shame, shame, shame.
Schmitt: "WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 - The House Republican leadership has delayed a vote on a proposed ban against cruel and degrading treatment of prisoners in American custody, and Democrats say the move is an effort to spare Vice President Dick Cheney an embarrassing defeat."
The Unknown Candidate: Shame, shame, shame.
Former Cheney Aide Enters Not-Guilty Plea in Leak Charges - New York Times
CLICK TO READ: Former Cheney Aide Enters Not-Guilty Plea in Leak Charges - New York Times
"The prospect that the case will progress slowly means that the White House may be forced to buffet extended criticism of Mr. Libby's conduct - and by implication, of the administration's polices on Iraq - through 2006, even as it seeks to regain its footing for the Congressional midterm elections."
The Unknown Candidate: Anybody know how Libby broke his foot? I can come up with some pretty amusing guesses, but I'll leave that for another time...
Ideology Serves as a Wild Card in Senate Debate on Court Pick - New York Times
CLICK TO READ: Ideology Serves as a Wild Card in Senate Debate on Court Pick - New York Times:
"'This is not over competence,' Mr. Leahy, ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said. 'He certainly is competent. This is the whole issue of ideology, and if the ideology is one that you go in with a predetermined agenda, then I don't care if they are a Democrat or a Republican. They don't belong on the Supreme Court.'"
"'This is not over competence,' Mr. Leahy, ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said. 'He certainly is competent. This is the whole issue of ideology, and if the ideology is one that you go in with a predetermined agenda, then I don't care if they are a Democrat or a Republican. They don't belong on the Supreme Court.'"
DeLay Asked Lobbyist to Raise Money Through Charity - New York Times
CLICK TO READ: DeLay Asked Lobbyist to Raise Money Through Charity - New York Times
"Representative Tom DeLay asked the lobbyist Jack Abramoff to raise money for him through a private charity controlled by Mr. Abramoff, an unusual request that led the lobbyist to try to gather at least $150,000 from his Indian tribe clients and their gambling operations, according to newly disclosed e-mail from the lobbyist's files."
Will wonders never cease?
"Representative Tom DeLay asked the lobbyist Jack Abramoff to raise money for him through a private charity controlled by Mr. Abramoff, an unusual request that led the lobbyist to try to gather at least $150,000 from his Indian tribe clients and their gambling operations, according to newly disclosed e-mail from the lobbyist's files."
Will wonders never cease?
For Americans, Getting Sick Has Its Price
CLICK TO READ: For Americans, Getting Sick Has Its Price, The Washington Post
Survey Says U.S. Patients Pay More, Get Less Than Those in Other Western Nations
By Rob Stein
Washington Post Staff Writer
Stein: "Americans pay more when they get sick than people in other Western nations and get more confused, error-prone treatment, according to the largest survey to compare U.S. health care with other nations."
The Unknown Candidate: Overhauling the healthcare system in this country should be a number one government priority. But it looks like thousands more will have to be locked out of the system before anyone in Washington has the will to even half-way seriously address the problem. Write your congressmen and senators and demand action. They need to hear from you--and fast.
Survey Says U.S. Patients Pay More, Get Less Than Those in Other Western Nations
By Rob Stein
Washington Post Staff Writer
Stein: "Americans pay more when they get sick than people in other Western nations and get more confused, error-prone treatment, according to the largest survey to compare U.S. health care with other nations."
The Unknown Candidate: Overhauling the healthcare system in this country should be a number one government priority. But it looks like thousands more will have to be locked out of the system before anyone in Washington has the will to even half-way seriously address the problem. Write your congressmen and senators and demand action. They need to hear from you--and fast.
MediaCitizen: Tomlinson Slinks Away
CLICK TO READ: MediaCitizen: Tomlinson Slinks Away by Timothy Karr
Timothy Karr, the campaign director of Free Press, points out that although the CPB chair may be gone, more housecleaning needs to be done to keep public broadcasting safe from propaganda.
TomPaine.com - Libby's Lying Habit
CLICK TO READ: TomPaine.com - Libby's Lying Habit by Dennis Kelleher:
Kelleher: "Yesterday's 'Why Would Libby Lie?' explored why Libby might have lied months after the leaking was done: to prevent a scandal from breaking out in the weeks before November 2004, which would have threatened the president's re-election. But why, in the summer of 2003, leak in the first place? Why plan a sneak attack on Wilson, and why out his CIA-operative wife?
To answer those questions, we have to revisit what was happening when the leaks occurred. "
The Unknown Candidate: Based on this article, one can only conclude that Scooter Libby's leaks and lies indicate a pattern of deception designed to conceal the actions of the White House.
Kelleher: "So when Americans look for an answer to the question, why did the White House not directly and publicly rebut Ambassador Wilson’s claims, the answer they will find, the answer that the prosecutor is bound to find, is that they could not. Wilson was right: the “intelligence related to Iraq’s nuclear weapons program was twisted to exaggerate the Iraqi threat.” This is now indisputable: Iraq didn’t seek nuclear materials from Niger; it didn’t have weapons of mass destruction; and the claims in the president’s State of the Union were baseless. It appears that Cheney and other senior administration officials knew this was false at the time these claims were being made.
And that’s why it's not just Rove who has to go."
The Unknown Candidate: Makes a whole lot of sense, doesn't it?
Kelleher: "Yesterday's 'Why Would Libby Lie?' explored why Libby might have lied months after the leaking was done: to prevent a scandal from breaking out in the weeks before November 2004, which would have threatened the president's re-election. But why, in the summer of 2003, leak in the first place? Why plan a sneak attack on Wilson, and why out his CIA-operative wife?
To answer those questions, we have to revisit what was happening when the leaks occurred. "
The Unknown Candidate: Based on this article, one can only conclude that Scooter Libby's leaks and lies indicate a pattern of deception designed to conceal the actions of the White House.
Kelleher: "So when Americans look for an answer to the question, why did the White House not directly and publicly rebut Ambassador Wilson’s claims, the answer they will find, the answer that the prosecutor is bound to find, is that they could not. Wilson was right: the “intelligence related to Iraq’s nuclear weapons program was twisted to exaggerate the Iraqi threat.” This is now indisputable: Iraq didn’t seek nuclear materials from Niger; it didn’t have weapons of mass destruction; and the claims in the president’s State of the Union were baseless. It appears that Cheney and other senior administration officials knew this was false at the time these claims were being made.
And that’s why it's not just Rove who has to go."
The Unknown Candidate: Makes a whole lot of sense, doesn't it?
TomPaine.com - The Family Values Sideshow
CLICK TO READ: TomPaine.com - The Family Values Sideshow by E. J. Graff:
E.J. Graff, a Brandeis Women's Studies Research Center resident scholar, most recently collaborated on Evelyn Murphy's book Getting Even: Why Women Still Don't Get Paid Like Men--And What To Do About It.
Graff: "When did lying become a family value? Maybe it's naive of me to be shocked, but honestly: The family values folks lie. And you should pay attention to exactly how they lie, because any minute now they'll be bringing their campaigns to your state."
The Unknown Candidate: It's back in the news! A favorite Republican wedge issue that is cynically designed to deprive an entire segment of the American population of their constitutionally protected equal rights. That is until someone like Alito sits on the Supreme Court. In which case, it looks like we can all pretty much kiss away our constitutionally protected equal rights.
E.J. Graff, a Brandeis Women's Studies Research Center resident scholar, most recently collaborated on Evelyn Murphy's book Getting Even: Why Women Still Don't Get Paid Like Men--And What To Do About It.
Graff: "When did lying become a family value? Maybe it's naive of me to be shocked, but honestly: The family values folks lie. And you should pay attention to exactly how they lie, because any minute now they'll be bringing their campaigns to your state."
The Unknown Candidate: It's back in the news! A favorite Republican wedge issue that is cynically designed to deprive an entire segment of the American population of their constitutionally protected equal rights. That is until someone like Alito sits on the Supreme Court. In which case, it looks like we can all pretty much kiss away our constitutionally protected equal rights.
Faith and Fraud
CLICK TO READ: The Nation: Faith and Fraud by Jonathan Schell:
Schell: "A factitious picture of the world built up by the Bush Administration over its five years in power is now going to pieces before our eyes. Great jagged spikes of reality, like the crags of the iceberg that ripped open the staterooms of the Titanic, are tearing into it on all sides. The disrespected world of facts, an exacting master, is putting down this governmental insurrection against its ineluctable laws."
The Unknown Candidate: That's the trouble with living in Fantasy Land. Sooner or later, a reality bomb comes crashing down on your head. It's the kind of Shock and Awe the Bushies never anticipated...and some of us fretted would never come.
Schell: "A factitious picture of the world built up by the Bush Administration over its five years in power is now going to pieces before our eyes. Great jagged spikes of reality, like the crags of the iceberg that ripped open the staterooms of the Titanic, are tearing into it on all sides. The disrespected world of facts, an exacting master, is putting down this governmental insurrection against its ineluctable laws."
The Unknown Candidate: That's the trouble with living in Fantasy Land. Sooner or later, a reality bomb comes crashing down on your head. It's the kind of Shock and Awe the Bushies never anticipated...and some of us fretted would never come.
t r u t h o u t - Ray McGovern | Torture in Our Name
CLICK TO READ: t r u t h o u t - Ray McGovern | Torture in Our Name:
"Seldom have moral lines been so clearly drawn as they are on the issue of torture - the morality of which, until recently, was not controversial. I thought we knew, as a country, where we stood on torture."
My sentiments exactly. --The Unknown Candidate
"Seldom have moral lines been so clearly drawn as they are on the issue of torture - the morality of which, until recently, was not controversial. I thought we knew, as a country, where we stood on torture."
My sentiments exactly. --The Unknown Candidate
Bush Faces a Fight at Free Trade Talks in Argentina - New York Times
CLICK TO READ: Bush Faces a Fight at Free Trade Talks in Argentina - New York Times
Poor Bushie. His problems just don't have an end...
Poor Bushie. His problems just don't have an end...
Nominee Is Said to Question Church-State Rulings - New York Times
CLICK TO READ: Nominee Is Said to Question Church-State Rulings by David K. Kirpatrick - New York Times
We had best pay rapt attention to the upcoming Supreme Court nominee hearings. Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought "the court's jurisprudence on separation of church and state over the last 50 years [was] a bedrock principle of American life." Apparently, not in 'The World According to Samuel Alito'.
Looks like we're headed for a knock-down drag-out brawl on this one.
t r u t h o u t - Paul Krugman | Defending Imperial Nudity
CLICK TO READ: t r u t h o u t - Paul Krugman, The New York Times | Defending Imperial Nudity:
"Hans Christian Andersen understood bad rulers. 'The Emperor's New Suit' doesn't end with everyone acclaiming the little boy for telling the truth. It ends with the emperor and his officials refusing to admit their mistake.
I've laid my hands on additional material, which Andersen failed to publish, describing what happened after the imperial procession was over."
Hans Christian Andersen's "The Emperor's New Clothes" has an all new ending, courtesy of a drolly astute Paul Krugman. Enjoy.
--The Unknown Candidate
Youths in Rural U.S. Are Drawn To Military
CLICK TO READ: Youths in Rural U.S. Are Drawn To Military:
"Recruits' Job Worries Outweigh War Fears
By Ann Scott Tyson
Washington Post Staff Writer
"As sustained combat in Iraq makes it harder than ever to fill the ranks of the all-volunteer force, newly released Pentagon demographic data show that the military is leaning heavily for recruits on economically depressed, rural areas where youths' need for jobs may outweigh the risks of going to war."
The lower middle class and poor continue to bear the brunt of this war and make the largest sacrifices. Who in Washington is standing up for them? Is your Senator? Congressman? And what about us? Do we just turn the other cheek, secretly thinking, "better them than
us?"
This is America, folks. At least it is SUPPOSED to be America. Sure doesn't sound very "American" to me. But what can you do? Call and write your representatives and urge them to fight unfair military recruitment practices and start recruiting those who sacrifice nothing and profit from this war on the backs of our most vulnerable. Yeah, I know, dream on.
But, seriously, if we are vocal on issues, if we make our will known to our representatives and the press (write those letters to the editor), and if we do it in great enough numbers -- they will pay attention. If not, well...status quo, anyone?
--The Unknown Candidate
Retired Judge to Preside in DeLay Case
CLICK TO READ: Washington Post: Retired Judge to Preside in DeLay Case
Appointee Was Chosen for Apparent Nonpartisan Stance.
By R. Jeffrey Smith, Washington Post Staff Writer
The comedy continues....
Bush's Popularity Reaches New Low
CLICK TO READ: Washington Post: Bush's Popularity Reaches New Low
"For the first time in his presidency a majority of Americans question the integrity of President Bush, and growing doubts about his leadership have left him with record negative ratings on the economy, Iraq and even the war on terrorism, a new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows."
(By Richard Morin and Dan Balz, The Washington Post)
My only comment: How can 39% of Americans STILL approve of this guy's job performance?!
Tomlinson quits US public broadcasting board - Yahoo! News
CLICK TO READ: Tomlinson quits US public broadcasting board - Yahoo! News
Very good news for public broadcasting...although it still looks to be controlled by a couple of partisan Republican fund raisers...so we need to keep a keen watch on the situation.
Very good news for public broadcasting...although it still looks to be controlled by a couple of partisan Republican fund raisers...so we need to keep a keen watch on the situation.
How Colorado Got Its Government Back - New York Times
CLICK TO READ: How Colorado Got Its Government Back - New York Times:
"Taxpayers and politicians, including those in Washington, should take heed. This vote was a thumbs down on 'starving the beast' - the Republican strategy of excessive tax cuts to force government to shrink."
"Taxpayers and politicians, including those in Washington, should take heed. This vote was a thumbs down on 'starving the beast' - the Republican strategy of excessive tax cuts to force government to shrink."
CNN.com - Cardiologist goes toe to toe with drug companies
CLICK TO READ: CNN.com - Cardiologist goes toe to toe with drug companies
Get ready to restore your faith in the medical profession--at least one member of it. Dr. Steven Nissen, who it seems attended the University of Michigan at the same time as myself (pay attention, that was a clue to my identity) but whom I never had the pleasure of meeting, is my new hero. He learned his current whistle-blowing activism during the antiwar movement when he was a self-described "political leader, really."
All I can say is that Dr. Nissen has reassured me that my entire generation has not sold out and that ethics and a commitment to righting wrongs and challenging the status quo are alive and well in Cleveland.
And bless the man, even though he's lost his long hair, he still has a beard. How I miss the 60's.
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