GratisNet: "What more can be said regarding the attempt by republican right wing fanatics to change the rules of the Senate regarding cloture, rules that republicans have used over the years to block judicial, and other, nominations? They argue that the constitution demands that a president's judicial nominations get an 'up or down' vote on the senate floor, yet conveniently forget how many of President Clinton's nominees they never afforded that 'constitutional demand?' It would seem that those who would subvert the desires of the Founders are hypocrites of the first order, yet how could they be anything else, given their goal of destroying the American republic those wise, forward thinking men created in 1789?
Make no mistake about their ultimate end, for it is not about judicial nominees getting a vote, or restoring the so-called constitutional option to the senate. No, the path that they try to force America down is a path with no protections for the minority, any minority, it is the path that the Founders in their infinite wisdom sought to avoid, the tyranny of the majority. It is the path that despots and dictators have repeatedly taken nations down throughout history. It is a path that leads ultimately to ruin and destruction of those peoples foolish enough to follow. I would urge everyone to call their senator [Link: US Senate] and let them know that the future of America as we have known it is at stake."
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Bankruptcy judge allows UAL to blow off pension plans.
GratisNet: "The judge in the United Airlines bankruptcy proceedings has ruled that the airline did not have to honor the pension plans it set up for its employees. Pension plans that were iniated by, among other things, concessions by the workforce in wage negotiations over the years. This turn of events is very troubling for wasn't it very recently that the republicans rammed through the congress a new bankrupcy law designed to make it more difficult for filers to blow off their obligations to pay their debts? Wait, that so-called deadbeat protection was for personal bankruptcies, it seems that republicans do not have a problem with deadbeat corporations. Absolutely disgusting."
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Quotes from Tom DeLay Thanks to USN Dem Vet
GratisNet: "'Nothing is more important in the face of a war than cutting taxes.' - From a speech made to bankers [3/12/03]
* 'I am the federal government.' - DeLay was responding to a government employee who tried to prevent him from smoking on government property. As reported in the New York Times [2003 June 13]
'...I am not a federal employee. I am a constitutional officer. My job is the Constitution of the United States, I am not a government employee. I am in the Constitution.' - From 'Talk Back Live' on CNN [1995 December 19]
'The judges need to be intimidated. They need to uphold the Constitution. (If they don't behave) we're going to go after them in a big way.' - From the Washington Post [9/14/97]
On Clinton's military intervention in Bosnia:
'The President now needs to show leadership, consistently and with great clarity, from devising an exit strategy to developing favorable rules of engagement, from defining the criteria of success to detailing the timetables of operations. We have learned the hard way in this country that muddled military missions lacking clear leadership hurt our national credibility while putting our troops in harm's way.'
“This is [President Clinton’s] war.” Washington Post, 4/14/99
“The Kosovo operation is different and oxymoronic. It is a ‘peace war’ waged by ‘peace hawks’ pursuing a dovish social agenda. Peace hawks are global idealists and former anti-war activists, including the youthful Bill Clinton.” Floor Statement, 4/15/99
“Instead of sending in ground troops, we should pull out the forces we now have in the region. Mr. Speaker, I do not think we should send ground troops to Kosovo and I do not think we should be bombing in the Balkans, and I do not think that NATO should be destroyed by changing its mission into a humanitarian invasion force.” Floor Statement, 4/28/99
But when Bunnypants started wasting people in Iraq (American and Iraqi):
“I think it's hypocritical to say on the one hand that you support the troops while on the other hand you say the reason they are risking their lives is wrong. I think it undermines the effort and the unity this country ought to be showing right now.'- Rep. Tom DeLay, Washington Times, 3/20/03
“Well, I think it's not the time to be questioning this president on how he is carrying out the war. George W. Bush, thank God we have him as president right now and thank God that we've got all of the people that he has, really strong individuals that around him, fighting this war…The President’s doing it under great criticism, unfortunately, but hopefully, that criticism will now come to an end, and we we'll all unify and support our troops and support the effort and win the war.” – Rep. Tom DeLay, CNN InsidePolitics 3/19/03
“This destructive rhetoric does nothing more than demoralize our troops and second-guess our commander in chief.” – Rep. Tom DeLay, Press Release, 3/20/03
Can we give USN Dem Vet an attaboy?"
* 'I am the federal government.' - DeLay was responding to a government employee who tried to prevent him from smoking on government property. As reported in the New York Times [2003 June 13]
'...I am not a federal employee. I am a constitutional officer. My job is the Constitution of the United States, I am not a government employee. I am in the Constitution.' - From 'Talk Back Live' on CNN [1995 December 19]
'The judges need to be intimidated. They need to uphold the Constitution. (If they don't behave) we're going to go after them in a big way.' - From the Washington Post [9/14/97]
On Clinton's military intervention in Bosnia:
'The President now needs to show leadership, consistently and with great clarity, from devising an exit strategy to developing favorable rules of engagement, from defining the criteria of success to detailing the timetables of operations. We have learned the hard way in this country that muddled military missions lacking clear leadership hurt our national credibility while putting our troops in harm's way.'
“This is [President Clinton’s] war.” Washington Post, 4/14/99
“The Kosovo operation is different and oxymoronic. It is a ‘peace war’ waged by ‘peace hawks’ pursuing a dovish social agenda. Peace hawks are global idealists and former anti-war activists, including the youthful Bill Clinton.” Floor Statement, 4/15/99
“Instead of sending in ground troops, we should pull out the forces we now have in the region. Mr. Speaker, I do not think we should send ground troops to Kosovo and I do not think we should be bombing in the Balkans, and I do not think that NATO should be destroyed by changing its mission into a humanitarian invasion force.” Floor Statement, 4/28/99
But when Bunnypants started wasting people in Iraq (American and Iraqi):
“I think it's hypocritical to say on the one hand that you support the troops while on the other hand you say the reason they are risking their lives is wrong. I think it undermines the effort and the unity this country ought to be showing right now.'- Rep. Tom DeLay, Washington Times, 3/20/03
“Well, I think it's not the time to be questioning this president on how he is carrying out the war. George W. Bush, thank God we have him as president right now and thank God that we've got all of the people that he has, really strong individuals that around him, fighting this war…The President’s doing it under great criticism, unfortunately, but hopefully, that criticism will now come to an end, and we we'll all unify and support our troops and support the effort and win the war.” – Rep. Tom DeLay, CNN InsidePolitics 3/19/03
“This destructive rhetoric does nothing more than demoralize our troops and second-guess our commander in chief.” – Rep. Tom DeLay, Press Release, 3/20/03
Can we give USN Dem Vet an attaboy?"
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Sex, Lies & Social Security.
GratisNet: "Now comes the news the Gannon/Guckert seemingly spent overnights at the White House. This could easily be a case of sloppy record keeping or it could be that someone in the White House may be hiding his own 'blue dress.' If the latter is the case then Gannon'Guckert would do well to try and keep in the limelight and frequent very public places lest he wind up yet another 'suicide' in the service of those who would destroy America.
This day also brings news that Bush made his decision to invade Iraq some eight months before the event, while he was still lying about giving time for the UN sanctions and inspections to work. Poodle Blair will likely pay the price for his lies but when, when will the American media report the truth regarding Iraq? Liberal media, indeed.
Speaking of lies, am I the only one who is tired of the 'Social Security will be insolvent in 2041' canard repeated over and over again by the sorry excuse for a president? Why hasn't the media reported the truth? Why wasn't the Moron-in-Chief called on his crapola during his 'press conference' by someone asking if it wasn't true that 'insolvent' can hardly be applied to a plan that in 2041 will still be paying benefits but at a rate some 28% less than is currently promised?"
This day also brings news that Bush made his decision to invade Iraq some eight months before the event, while he was still lying about giving time for the UN sanctions and inspections to work. Poodle Blair will likely pay the price for his lies but when, when will the American media report the truth regarding Iraq? Liberal media, indeed.
Speaking of lies, am I the only one who is tired of the 'Social Security will be insolvent in 2041' canard repeated over and over again by the sorry excuse for a president? Why hasn't the media reported the truth? Why wasn't the Moron-in-Chief called on his crapola during his 'press conference' by someone asking if it wasn't true that 'insolvent' can hardly be applied to a plan that in 2041 will still be paying benefits but at a rate some 28% less than is currently promised?"
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Bush in Prime Time
GratisNet: "It will be interesting to see what happens when the congress enacts neither his energy policy or his Social Security 'reform.' Five will get you ten that the arrogant bastard loses it much like he lost it in an Austin restaurant upon seeing Al Hunt having dinner with his young daughter during the 1992 campaign of Poppy. Hunt had written some uncomplimentary things about Poppy and C-plus Augustus stormed over to Hunt's table and proceded to dress him down using language that would embarrass a drunken sailor. It isn't going to be pretty but then the American people will finally know just what a poor excuse for a man George W. Bush truly is."
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
GOP & ethics
GratisNet: "Denny Hastert has given notice that he (and the GOP) are willing to repeal the ethics committee rules enacted to protect Tom DeLay (R-Thief). While this is good news if true, democrats need review this change of heart closely for if anyone in Washington has been shown to be brazen, bold faced liars it's the GOP and Hastert. The GOP needs to have their collective feet held to the fire on this matter. They need to be convinced that it is in their best interests to have a truly fair and bipartisan watchdog on ethical lapses in the House.
The fact that all of the GOP members of the committee have been beneficiaries of DeLay's questionable largess lends doubt as to their fair deliberations regarding DeLay. Allowing them to judge DeLay would be the same as allowing people, who had been given substantial amounts of cash and gifts by an individual, to serve on a jury in a trial involving that person. While one would hope they would be impartial, given the knowledge of human nature, one also knows that such a hope is illogical, which is why people who have a personal or business relationships with an individual at trial are never allowed to sit in judgement of that individual. The temptation to deliberate based on self interests & emotion rather than the facts would be too great."
The fact that all of the GOP members of the committee have been beneficiaries of DeLay's questionable largess lends doubt as to their fair deliberations regarding DeLay. Allowing them to judge DeLay would be the same as allowing people, who had been given substantial amounts of cash and gifts by an individual, to serve on a jury in a trial involving that person. While one would hope they would be impartial, given the knowledge of human nature, one also knows that such a hope is illogical, which is why people who have a personal or business relationships with an individual at trial are never allowed to sit in judgement of that individual. The temptation to deliberate based on self interests & emotion rather than the facts would be too great."
Friday, April 22, 2005
Barry Goldwater nailed it.
GratisNet: "One of the reasons I voted for Senator Goldwater back in 1964.
However, on religious issues there can be little or no compromise. There is no position on which people are so immovable as their religious beliefs. There is no more powerful ally one can claim in a debate than Jesus Christ, or God, or Allah, or whatever one calls this supreme being. But like any powerful weapon, the use of God's name on one's behalf should be used sparingly. The religious factions that are growing throughout our land are not using their religious clout with wisdom. They are trying to force government leaders into following their position 100 percent. If you disagree with these religious groups on a particular moral issue, they complain, they threaten you with a loss of money or votes or both. I'm frankly sick and tired of the political preachers across this country telling me as a citizen that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in 'A,' 'B,' 'C,' and 'D.' Just who do they think they are? And from where do they presume to claim the right to dictate their moral beliefs to me? And I am even more angry as a legislator who must endure the threats of every religious group who thinks it has some God-granted right to control my vote on every roll call in the Senate. I am warning them today: I will fight them every step of the way if they try to dictate their moral convictions to all Americans in the name of 'conservatism.' -- Sen. Barry Goldwater
That pretty much says it all regarding the born again charlatans and their, so far successful, attempt to hijack the Republican Party. I wonder how Catholics will react to Dobson's boy, Focus on the Family board member, R. Albert Mohler Jr. when he said, 'I believe that the Roman church is a false church and it teaches a false gospel,' Mohler said at the time. 'And indeed, I believe that the pope himself holds a false and unbiblical office.' These people no more believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ than did Adolph Hitler, although as he did, they constantly invoke his name in their sanctimonius rantings.
It is past time for America to wake up and recognize these people for what they are, lowlifes of the first order."
However, on religious issues there can be little or no compromise. There is no position on which people are so immovable as their religious beliefs. There is no more powerful ally one can claim in a debate than Jesus Christ, or God, or Allah, or whatever one calls this supreme being. But like any powerful weapon, the use of God's name on one's behalf should be used sparingly. The religious factions that are growing throughout our land are not using their religious clout with wisdom. They are trying to force government leaders into following their position 100 percent. If you disagree with these religious groups on a particular moral issue, they complain, they threaten you with a loss of money or votes or both. I'm frankly sick and tired of the political preachers across this country telling me as a citizen that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in 'A,' 'B,' 'C,' and 'D.' Just who do they think they are? And from where do they presume to claim the right to dictate their moral beliefs to me? And I am even more angry as a legislator who must endure the threats of every religious group who thinks it has some God-granted right to control my vote on every roll call in the Senate. I am warning them today: I will fight them every step of the way if they try to dictate their moral convictions to all Americans in the name of 'conservatism.' -- Sen. Barry Goldwater
That pretty much says it all regarding the born again charlatans and their, so far successful, attempt to hijack the Republican Party. I wonder how Catholics will react to Dobson's boy, Focus on the Family board member, R. Albert Mohler Jr. when he said, 'I believe that the Roman church is a false church and it teaches a false gospel,' Mohler said at the time. 'And indeed, I believe that the pope himself holds a false and unbiblical office.' These people no more believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ than did Adolph Hitler, although as he did, they constantly invoke his name in their sanctimonius rantings.
It is past time for America to wake up and recognize these people for what they are, lowlifes of the first order."
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Pope Benedict XVI
GratisNet: "The new Pope is 78 years old. Can anyone seriously think that he was not an interim choice until the factions within the hierarchy of Cardinals sort themselves out? The 'discoveries' of his NAZI childhood past are inconsequential and can be ignored. Suffice it to say that Benedict XVI will not be with us over long. In any case we pray he has the wisdom to recognize the path the church must take in the 21st century and the courage to lead it on that path"
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Right wing nutjobs threaten judges.
GratisNet: "Remember when the Schlaflys, Vieiras, DeLays, et al were crying 'Rule of law, rule of law?' Now it seems that they wish to threaten judges with 'impeachment and more' if they issue rulings not to their liking. Can anyone remember other countries that had such problems? If you answered Afghanistan, Iran, etc. give yourself a prize.
I seem to recall that threatening a federal judge is a felony so when will we see some indictments and orange jumpsuit clad wingnuts being frog marched into court? Or is that only for the likes of Susan MacDougal et al, supporters of democracy? It is past time for those republicans who are moral and ethical to speak up for their party and most importantly, America.
One grows weary of these right wing thugs who are working hard to replace the Constitution with the Bible. They are irate over Justice Kennedy refusing to allow states to execute 14 year old teenagers and they call themselves Christians. They call themselves compassionate. Other people know them as hypocrites.
Lord I am tired of these sorry bastards, enough so that I'm going off for a week or so for some R & R."
I seem to recall that threatening a federal judge is a felony so when will we see some indictments and orange jumpsuit clad wingnuts being frog marched into court? Or is that only for the likes of Susan MacDougal et al, supporters of democracy? It is past time for those republicans who are moral and ethical to speak up for their party and most importantly, America.
One grows weary of these right wing thugs who are working hard to replace the Constitution with the Bible. They are irate over Justice Kennedy refusing to allow states to execute 14 year old teenagers and they call themselves Christians. They call themselves compassionate. Other people know them as hypocrites.
Lord I am tired of these sorry bastards, enough so that I'm going off for a week or so for some R & R."
Thursday, April 07, 2005
The people tire of Bush.
GratisNet: "So Bush's approval rating is at 45% and heading south. I am shocked!
I heard one comment in the MSM yesterday to the effect that while Bush's approval is in the toilet and heading lower, all bets are off if there is another terrorist attack like 9/11. That got me to thinking about the inconsistencies of the whole 9/11 event timeline and the events of that day. To make a long story short, I have come to disbelieve the official story of 9/11 but the reasons why I have come to this can wait for another day.
Suffice it to say that when Commander Codpiece's approval heads even further into the dumper, expect another 'terrorist' attack. I say here and now, and for the record, 'If Junior's approvals keep declining there will be another terrorist attack, one that will make 9/11 look like a Sunday School picnic.'
I can say this not because I am another Dunninger or soothsayer or fortune teller. I can say this because I know the nature of the gang of criminals and thugs who have gained control of our nation. They will stop at nothing to continue their control over America, partly because of their amoral nature and greed but mostly because they know that there will be a price to pay, a personal price, when they are turned out of power and the harsh light of truth shines upon their dastardly, craven and reprehensible deeds. The time of the gravest danger for our democratic republic is fast approaching and I fear for the America I have known."
I heard one comment in the MSM yesterday to the effect that while Bush's approval is in the toilet and heading lower, all bets are off if there is another terrorist attack like 9/11. That got me to thinking about the inconsistencies of the whole 9/11 event timeline and the events of that day. To make a long story short, I have come to disbelieve the official story of 9/11 but the reasons why I have come to this can wait for another day.
Suffice it to say that when Commander Codpiece's approval heads even further into the dumper, expect another 'terrorist' attack. I say here and now, and for the record, 'If Junior's approvals keep declining there will be another terrorist attack, one that will make 9/11 look like a Sunday School picnic.'
I can say this not because I am another Dunninger or soothsayer or fortune teller. I can say this because I know the nature of the gang of criminals and thugs who have gained control of our nation. They will stop at nothing to continue their control over America, partly because of their amoral nature and greed but mostly because they know that there will be a price to pay, a personal price, when they are turned out of power and the harsh light of truth shines upon their dastardly, craven and reprehensible deeds. The time of the gravest danger for our democratic republic is fast approaching and I fear for the America I have known."
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Pope John Paul II
GratisNet: "The monumental journey of Pope John Paul II has come to an end and the world mourns the great loss. Humanity does not have so many men of goodwill and moral certitude that it can afford to be without one of the most influential of the genre. He was the Vicar of Christ to catholics but he was also a man of God who tried to bring the great religions of the world into a peaceful, and yes, respectful coexistence.
In short, he was a man of God. He was a man of understanding. He was a man of peace. But most of all, he was a man and he shall be sorely missed."
In short, he was a man of God. He was a man of understanding. He was a man of peace. But most of all, he was a man and he shall be sorely missed."
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Terry Schiavo... again
GratisNet: "If I read or hear one more person say that while they oppose removing the feeding tube, they would not oppose 'heroic' measures being stopped, ie: respirators, etc. I will shout, ENOUGH already!
Do not these self righteous cretins realize what they are really saying? Do they really find no problem with suffocating someone (turning off a respirator) while depriving a person of food & water (via a feeding tube, which is a heroic measure, look it up) is a no-no?
If so, then it is not that they have a problem with killing the disabled then, it is only the manner in which the termination is accomplished. Some sanctity of life. Some Christians, Some hypocrites."
Do not these self righteous cretins realize what they are really saying? Do they really find no problem with suffocating someone (turning off a respirator) while depriving a person of food & water (via a feeding tube, which is a heroic measure, look it up) is a no-no?
If so, then it is not that they have a problem with killing the disabled then, it is only the manner in which the termination is accomplished. Some sanctity of life. Some Christians, Some hypocrites."
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Terry Shiavo
GratisNet: "What can one say about the farce playing out over that poor woman? The republicans, totally selling out to politics, force the federal courts to rule on the state court actions. So much for their cherished States Rights. So far the feds have refused to intervene, as has the Florida legislature. Democrats, on the other hand, lacked the common sense, principles and yes, political courage, to not go along with those republicans in congress willing to destroy the integrity of the state court system as well as two centuries of jurisprudence. Shame on them.
Senator Frist. One could only hope that he takes his surgery skills more seriously than he does his attempt at diagnosing the state of Shiavo's awareness based on a years old video tape. One could hope that he is not just another slimeball politician trying to cash in on the troubles of this poor woman. One could hope but one would be diappointed. Interesting that he gave his diagnosis on the floor of the senate and not in a TV studio. Could it be that any member of congress cannot be held legally liable for anything they say on the floor of congress while it is in session?
The parents of Ms Schiavo. As a parent I can understand and have empathy for any parent who has to come to grips with the fact that their child is gone. What I cannot understand is why they cannot understand the their daughter has been gone for many years and it is only her body that is here, with the autonomic nervous system of the brain stem keeping her diaphragm moving and her heart beating. I do not understand why, if they are so concerned for her, they are not caring for her themselves, as they did for some time early in this sorry story.
The people, including the family of Ms. Shiavo) who are engaged (and have been for some time) in the character assassination of her husband are despicable. The media outlets that promote the tales of these people are even lower.
I would hope that her family comes to understand that it is in the best interests of everyone to recognize that Terry's spirit, or essence or whatever it is that makes a person a person, has long since left this plane of existence and it is past time to let her body do the same."
Senator Frist. One could only hope that he takes his surgery skills more seriously than he does his attempt at diagnosing the state of Shiavo's awareness based on a years old video tape. One could hope that he is not just another slimeball politician trying to cash in on the troubles of this poor woman. One could hope but one would be diappointed. Interesting that he gave his diagnosis on the floor of the senate and not in a TV studio. Could it be that any member of congress cannot be held legally liable for anything they say on the floor of congress while it is in session?
The parents of Ms Schiavo. As a parent I can understand and have empathy for any parent who has to come to grips with the fact that their child is gone. What I cannot understand is why they cannot understand the their daughter has been gone for many years and it is only her body that is here, with the autonomic nervous system of the brain stem keeping her diaphragm moving and her heart beating. I do not understand why, if they are so concerned for her, they are not caring for her themselves, as they did for some time early in this sorry story.
The people, including the family of Ms. Shiavo) who are engaged (and have been for some time) in the character assassination of her husband are despicable. The media outlets that promote the tales of these people are even lower.
I would hope that her family comes to understand that it is in the best interests of everyone to recognize that Terry's spirit, or essence or whatever it is that makes a person a person, has long since left this plane of existence and it is past time to let her body do the same."
Saturday, March 19, 2005
More random thoughts.
GratisNet: "Dan Rostenkowski and the late Jim Wright to be eclipsed as the most corrupt congressmen in recent memory by none other than Tom Delay who makes all who have come before look like altar boys in comparison.
Ulysses S. Grant, somewhere out there, rejoicing that his sorry administration has been replaced by that of the Lyin' King as the most corrupt in the history of America.
Warren G. Harding, somewhere out there, rejoicing that in comparison to the Lyin' King, he is the epitome of a successful president.
The Founders, somewhere out there, shaking their heads in bewilderment over what has become of their great experiment
Lady Liberty, hanging her head in shame over what the Lyin' King and his Band of Bullies have done to the time honored and cherished tenets of American democracy"
Ulysses S. Grant, somewhere out there, rejoicing that his sorry administration has been replaced by that of the Lyin' King as the most corrupt in the history of America.
Warren G. Harding, somewhere out there, rejoicing that in comparison to the Lyin' King, he is the epitome of a successful president.
The Founders, somewhere out there, shaking their heads in bewilderment over what has become of their great experiment
Lady Liberty, hanging her head in shame over what the Lyin' King and his Band of Bullies have done to the time honored and cherished tenets of American democracy"
Friday, March 18, 2005
Random thoughts.
GratisNet: "Some random thoughts while coping with a medical emergency this past week.
Why is the congress holding hearings about steroid use in baseball? Please don't get me wrong, I believe that such use is wrong and is the only reason so many records, especially those relating to hitting, have been set over the past 20 years, but really. We have a regime that inserts faux journalists, and I am not referring to those employed by FOX News, working for faux news organizations into White House press conferences on a daily basis without doing even the most cursory background check. Why isn't the congress investigating this?
We have an ongoing debacle in Iraq, the result of going to war on a lie, on a plethora of lies. Why isn't the congress investigating this? We have the Coalition Provisional Authority, no it's not a purveyor of fine foods but the money squandering organization that was headed up by Paul Bremer (remember him?), having no clue as to the disposition of some $9 billion, yes that's nine BILLION dollars. Why isn't the congress investigating that? We have the obvious vote counting irregularities in Florida (2000), Georgia (2002) and Florida, Ohio, etc. (2004). Why isn't the congress investigating that, especially considering that the same irregularities occurring in Ukraine caused a great hue and cry in the self same congress over the 'integrity' of the vote, with calls for a new election?
We have the example of the Bush gang paying columnists and reporters (under the table, of course) to push their agenda in any number of areas. Why isn't the congress investigating this? We have the Bush gang using faux reporters (I'm not a reporter but I play one on TV), in faux news spots (which in another time and place would be called propaganda) to create infomercials in support of their dubious efforts to dismantle the positive changes of the 20th century, disguised as news that are distributed to local media the length and breadth of America, a practice that is in direct violation of US law. Why isn't the congress investigating this?
Why is the congress wasting our time and money with baseball and steroid use when each of the items noted above have several orders of magnitude more concern and impact upon America and its people? Why indeed. It is crystal clear that republicans cannot be trusted to put country above party. In that respect they are soul brothers to the apparatchiki of the old USSR and while it took some 70 years for the communist government to collapse and destroy the USSR (and nearly destroy Russia and the other republics in the process), republicans are on track to bring down democracy and totally destroy America as we have known it in a far shorter time frame."
Why is the congress holding hearings about steroid use in baseball? Please don't get me wrong, I believe that such use is wrong and is the only reason so many records, especially those relating to hitting, have been set over the past 20 years, but really. We have a regime that inserts faux journalists, and I am not referring to those employed by FOX News, working for faux news organizations into White House press conferences on a daily basis without doing even the most cursory background check. Why isn't the congress investigating this?
We have an ongoing debacle in Iraq, the result of going to war on a lie, on a plethora of lies. Why isn't the congress investigating this? We have the Coalition Provisional Authority, no it's not a purveyor of fine foods but the money squandering organization that was headed up by Paul Bremer (remember him?), having no clue as to the disposition of some $9 billion, yes that's nine BILLION dollars. Why isn't the congress investigating that? We have the obvious vote counting irregularities in Florida (2000), Georgia (2002) and Florida, Ohio, etc. (2004). Why isn't the congress investigating that, especially considering that the same irregularities occurring in Ukraine caused a great hue and cry in the self same congress over the 'integrity' of the vote, with calls for a new election?
We have the example of the Bush gang paying columnists and reporters (under the table, of course) to push their agenda in any number of areas. Why isn't the congress investigating this? We have the Bush gang using faux reporters (I'm not a reporter but I play one on TV), in faux news spots (which in another time and place would be called propaganda) to create infomercials in support of their dubious efforts to dismantle the positive changes of the 20th century, disguised as news that are distributed to local media the length and breadth of America, a practice that is in direct violation of US law. Why isn't the congress investigating this?
Why is the congress wasting our time and money with baseball and steroid use when each of the items noted above have several orders of magnitude more concern and impact upon America and its people? Why indeed. It is crystal clear that republicans cannot be trusted to put country above party. In that respect they are soul brothers to the apparatchiki of the old USSR and while it took some 70 years for the communist government to collapse and destroy the USSR (and nearly destroy Russia and the other republics in the process), republicans are on track to bring down democracy and totally destroy America as we have known it in a far shorter time frame."
Monday, March 07, 2005
How low have we sunk?
GratisNet: "Giuliana Sgrena says our troops fired without warning on her vehicle, on the open road to Bagdhad Airport. The driver of the car was a very experienced Iraqi driver, experienced in the ways of approaching US troops and checkpoints so as not to become a target. The man who negotiated her release was killed by a single shot to the head, after using his body to protect Sgrena, sniper perhaps? Of course the military explanation is totally at odds with Sgrena's account, are you surprised?
Sgrena says that as she was being released her captors told her to beware of the Americans for they would as soon you didn't go free. Why was that, why would American forces not wish her to be released? Is it, as rumored, that she has the goods regarding the use in the Siege of Falluja of chemical and biological agents forbidden by the Geneva Convention? Or perhaps her chief negotiator was the primary target because of what he may have been told or observed during the negotiaions that led to her release?
Our forces were told to expect a vehicle transporting her to the airport. Did not the message get relayed to the troops? If the message was relayed, does the event illustrate that our forces, for whatever reason, have become locked into a 'shoot first and ask questions later' mentality? Or is it simply because of the fact that they have blanket immunity from prosecution for anything that they do in 'the line of duty?' Either way does their action make you proud to be an American or does it make you want to gag at the thought of American forces emulating the inhumanity of the NAZI SS forces during WW2?
When will the American people finally have enough? Perhaps when Ms Sgrena writes her story, perhaps then it will become time for the thugs of the Bush regime to pay the piper. But don't expect to see anything in the American media for they will be too occupied with the likes of the Jackson trial, Martha's release, etc. then to cover the increasing descent into barbarism of our military forces or the inexorable movement toward fascism by the republican right.
The latest misadventure of our forces in Iraq say much about them but our reaction to such an outrage says even more about us."
Sgrena says that as she was being released her captors told her to beware of the Americans for they would as soon you didn't go free. Why was that, why would American forces not wish her to be released? Is it, as rumored, that she has the goods regarding the use in the Siege of Falluja of chemical and biological agents forbidden by the Geneva Convention? Or perhaps her chief negotiator was the primary target because of what he may have been told or observed during the negotiaions that led to her release?
Our forces were told to expect a vehicle transporting her to the airport. Did not the message get relayed to the troops? If the message was relayed, does the event illustrate that our forces, for whatever reason, have become locked into a 'shoot first and ask questions later' mentality? Or is it simply because of the fact that they have blanket immunity from prosecution for anything that they do in 'the line of duty?' Either way does their action make you proud to be an American or does it make you want to gag at the thought of American forces emulating the inhumanity of the NAZI SS forces during WW2?
When will the American people finally have enough? Perhaps when Ms Sgrena writes her story, perhaps then it will become time for the thugs of the Bush regime to pay the piper. But don't expect to see anything in the American media for they will be too occupied with the likes of the Jackson trial, Martha's release, etc. then to cover the increasing descent into barbarism of our military forces or the inexorable movement toward fascism by the republican right.
The latest misadventure of our forces in Iraq say much about them but our reaction to such an outrage says even more about us."
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Columbia University Democrats nail it.
GratisNet: "Columbia University Democrats came up with a slogan as to why they were democrats and not republicans:
'Because bigotry isn't a moral value.'
That about nails it, eh?"
'Because bigotry isn't a moral value.'
That about nails it, eh?"
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Meltdown
Asian nations are deciding what they can do to limit their exposure to the
weakening dollar. Perhaps they will decide that our paper will soon be
a bad investment. United States government bonds, once the most stable
and solid of financial instruments have rapidly fallen to barely better
than junk bonds due to the fiscal irresponsibilty of Bush and the
republicans. They have cut revenues while dramatically increasing
spending, in fact they make the proverbial drunken sailor look like a
skinflint, a tightwad. The Europeans have pretty much come to the same
conclusions as the Asians and are currently rethinking their support
for the dollar as well as buying more of our bonds.
Where will it all end? At what point will the world, in self defense,
say enough is enough? Consider that with the Bush gang in the White House
and republicans in control of the congress, booming deficits are in our
future for as far as the eye can see. What does that portend for our
economy and that of the world? At what point will America's need for
money to fund current deficit spending as well as the interest due on
prior bonds and the redemption of prior bonds approach such levels as
to completely choke off the availability of capital for anything else?
What will happen to the economy, indeed to our society, when the
government sucks up all available capital in order to continue, and
pay, for its intemperate stewardship of the national finances?
Think if you will, no money for new homes. No money for mortages of
any kind. No money for business and industrial expansion. No money
for student loans, or automobile loans or loans of any kind. What
will that do to the "Ownership Society" charade Bush and his band of
fascists are trying to foist upon us? Quite simply the "Ownership
Society" will come to mean the the ownership society belongs to the
government and we have seen that before. In Russia, Germany, Italy,
Argentinia, Chile and banana republics everywhere. Whenever such ideas
have grown in the world, democracy and freedom have died. To be sure,
the fascists and dictators have always masked their goals with words
like freedom, democracy, honor, ethics but if history has taught us
anything it has shown that fascists, dictators and miscreants such as
Bush and his gang of thugs have no honor, ethics or respect for democracy
and freedom. They have only their avarice and need for power.
Wake up America for the point of no return for our democracy approaches
apace.
weakening dollar. Perhaps they will decide that our paper will soon be
a bad investment. United States government bonds, once the most stable
and solid of financial instruments have rapidly fallen to barely better
than junk bonds due to the fiscal irresponsibilty of Bush and the
republicans. They have cut revenues while dramatically increasing
spending, in fact they make the proverbial drunken sailor look like a
skinflint, a tightwad. The Europeans have pretty much come to the same
conclusions as the Asians and are currently rethinking their support
for the dollar as well as buying more of our bonds.
Where will it all end? At what point will the world, in self defense,
say enough is enough? Consider that with the Bush gang in the White House
and republicans in control of the congress, booming deficits are in our
future for as far as the eye can see. What does that portend for our
economy and that of the world? At what point will America's need for
money to fund current deficit spending as well as the interest due on
prior bonds and the redemption of prior bonds approach such levels as
to completely choke off the availability of capital for anything else?
What will happen to the economy, indeed to our society, when the
government sucks up all available capital in order to continue, and
pay, for its intemperate stewardship of the national finances?
Think if you will, no money for new homes. No money for mortages of
any kind. No money for business and industrial expansion. No money
for student loans, or automobile loans or loans of any kind. What
will that do to the "Ownership Society" charade Bush and his band of
fascists are trying to foist upon us? Quite simply the "Ownership
Society" will come to mean the the ownership society belongs to the
government and we have seen that before. In Russia, Germany, Italy,
Argentinia, Chile and banana republics everywhere. Whenever such ideas
have grown in the world, democracy and freedom have died. To be sure,
the fascists and dictators have always masked their goals with words
like freedom, democracy, honor, ethics but if history has taught us
anything it has shown that fascists, dictators and miscreants such as
Bush and his gang of thugs have no honor, ethics or respect for democracy
and freedom. They have only their avarice and need for power.
Wake up America for the point of no return for our democracy approaches
apace.
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