IMPEACH BUSH!!

Bush picked another of his inner circle for the Supreme Court and again another 'unknown'.

At least Dems scared him away from a more radical obvious choice. This (Miers)is a woman, who is not married at 60 and has no children...... it will be interesting to see what happens. One thing is certain. No dems should embrace Miers until she is given the 3rd degree.

It's amusing to watch the meltdowns occuring on http://www.confirmthem.com. This is an excellent opportunity for us as a party to gain a lot of ground for 2006 if this all plays out against the President.

At least Dems scared him away from a more radical obvious choice. This (Miers)is a woman, who is not married at 60 and has no children...... it will be interesting to see what happens. One thing is certain. No dems should embrace Miers until she is given the 3rd degree.

Good Morning.

Harriet Meiers?

Another inside the WH NO EXPERIRENCE political hack is W's choice to replace O'Connor?

At least Dems scared him away from a more radical obvious choice. This (Miers)is a woman, who is not married at 60 and has no children...... it will be interesting to see what happens. One thing is certain. No dems should embrace Miers until she is given the 3rd degree.

sorry for the doublepost

Im getting error signs after I hit my "post". But they are still going thru.

So, am I reading this correctly - Bush's family lawyer, Harriet Miers, is nominated by G.W. Bush to be appointed to the United States Supreme Court??

Come on now - this is not a job for someone who work includes getting G "W" Bush out of DWI trouble, who writes last wills and who handles taxes.

I understand that at one time Miers was the Lottery Commissioner for the State of Texas.

Well then, in that case, she is probably qualified for a lifetime appointment to the United States Supreme Court.

Ok - let's see, Horse Trainer = Head of Fema

Lottery Head = Supreme Court Appointee

God only knows what's in store for his housekeeper.

Oh - good morning!

ummmm - is anyone else having trouble posting? I couldn't get on all weekend and now I'm getting an error message.... WTF?

ummmm - is anyone else having trouble posting? I couldn't get on all weekend and now I'm getting an error message.... WTF?

guess I'll be back at a later time when the blogg gets fixed

Have you all seen this site? News Meat

I haven't read through it but it does have a campaign contribution search tool that could be very useful. You can search by zip code or name.

even though you get the error message it is posting...you just have to hit the back arrow and then refresh to avoid reposting.

Posted by JCNYMYAMI on October 3, 2005 at 09:06 AM

That makes me nervous. I don't mean to be crude, but I can't help but think she sounds like she's going to be in a perpetually mean state of mind because she needs to get laid.

AGAIN, why is John Roberts the CHIEF justice?

A Ground Zero Saturday

I went out shopping at Century 21 across from ground zero on Saturday morning and had some time to wander before the store opens. I walked across the street to see how the reconstruction of World Trade Center is going. No reconstruction appears to be happening there. It looks exactly as it did a few months after the smoke settled and the debris had been cleaned up back in December 2001. During tha clean up, someone took it upon themselves to peel back the charred iron skeleton of one of the buildings, and leave a rusted cross perfectly placed for viewing near the fence on the side where tourists gawk and across the street from the popular store Century 21.

There are busloads of tourists that are brought down to ground zero so they can stare at the craters and at the cross. There is a timeline of what happened on September 11 as it was sold to the world. Im beginning to have my doubts about even this. The world trade Center sight is obviously staged for the effect of empathy. If I was a christian conservative I would bow at the sight of that cross, and fuel the anger at the emptiness there to the traders of my God and country.

Why has the rebuilding been bogged down. to keep the anger flowing? Why was a cross left behind? To rile the base? Is bloomberg a pawn of Bush for not moving reconstruction more quikly?

If this had happened in FDR's time or even during the Kennedy years, the world trade center would have been cleaned up, redesigned and ground would have been broken and construction begun within 3 years.

I went shopping afterward and when I walked back out and toward the subway i had a very strange chill thinking of the off bway show i had seen earlier......

Good Morning.

Harriet Meier? (Is that how to spell her name?)

Another inside the WH hack w/ NO experience, and NO PAPER TRAIL.

What bothers me the most and perhaps they can explain it, is why did so many of OUR elected folks approve of her before Bush made the annoucment this morning?

Oh look, a new thread. Finally.

It's a sad time in America, indeed, when I feel almost RELIEVED that I know NOTHING about Bush's choice for O'Connor replacement. We do know Dubya listens to Laura, as he nominated a woman.

But how strange is it to nominate to the highest court in the land someone who has never been a judge? She's clearly an experienced lawyer, and I understand Rhenquist went the same route, but I find it somewhat insulting to the public that we're expected to accept someone whose main qualification is the usual "friend of the Bush crime family."

Should we scare the fundies and pick on the obvious "unmarried woman" problem? ;-)

Oh look, a new thread. Finally.

It's a sad time in America, indeed, when I feel almost RELIEVED that I know NOTHING about Bush's choice for O'Connor replacement. We do know Dubya listens to Laura, as he nominated a woman.

But how strange is it to nominate to the highest court in the land someone who has never been a judge? She's clearly an experienced lawyer, and I understand Rhenquist went the same route, but I find it somewhat insulting to the public that we're expected to accept someone whose main qualification is the usual "friend of the Bush crime family."

Should we scare the fundies and pick on the obvious "unmarried woman" problem? ;-)

I didn't repost, so I don't know why this double-post thing is happening. Got an error message, hit refresh, gave it up as a lost cause and simply re-entered the blog.

It seems that the Conservatives are disappointed with Miers' nomination.

A few other comments:

I hope that "Face The Nation" will have a democrat show on next week. They had only republicans on Sunday.

Also, Tim Russert had both parties on and at a point in the program, he keep drilling the democrat on what our party stands for.

Also, I keep hearing on this blog, a few people asking the same thing.

I beleive we need to step it up a pace and stop feeling like we don't know what we stand for. Dean has made it quite clear on the talking points of our party. We need to start here on this blog - keep it postive - if you don't know what we stand for - go to the front page and read. Don't come in here and complain.

But that's just how I feel -

Just speculating, and personally his wouldnt bother me, but, Is Miers a Lesbian??

Posted by DeLLBerto on October 3, 2005 at 09:43 AM

One blog I ran across is unhappy because she once donated to Democrat candidates (late 80's) I think they see this as a sign that she isn't faithful enough.

She really is going to be unknown for us, with her career focus on anti-trust law it's going to be hard to figure out where she stands in other areas. Looking over her resume she was a member of a few faith based organizations but again nothing that screams 'right wing'.

Hello, friends,

This should be a big news week, and judging by Mr. Cheney's mug during the swearing in of Roberts, we may see a little more of the justice we have been so thirsty for very soon.

On a critical note, it seems to me that one "point" that the GOP is correct in asserting is that our party leadership is lacking in a unified message.

That message should be "Let us pursue the impeachment of our President."

It is glaringly obvious that from top to bottom, the entire GOP structure is plagued with the vile stench of corruption. Mr. Mehlman has been laying low this weekend for fear that his organization will come into question regarding the funneling of illegal funds to Texas cantidates. Further, Mr. Rove, Mr. Libby, and their ilk are pushing themselves under the blanket to assist in the consequence of a forgetful nation.

The peak has been reached for these despots, who are now left teetering on the edge of the abyss. And so, Dr. Dean, etc., I beg of all of you to begin pushing them over once and for all.

I'll be up in Burlington on Nov. 25, Dr. Dean. I would love to break bread with you and enlighten you to the views of your constituency first hand.

Lastly, please stop being afraid to go all the way with this. Sometimes revolution is necessary for the good of the nation.

I do believe both Roberts and Miers advised GWB and played a part in stopping the Florida recount in 2000.

I do believe both Roberts and Miers advised GWB and played a part in stopping the Florida recount in 2000.

Good Morning All:

Another rather mysterious nominee for SCOTUS? I think it is about time the Senate exercised its "by and with the Advice of the Senate" for nominees. I want to know what Advice was provided to POTUS for this candidate.

Good Morning All:

Another rather mysterious nominee for SCOTUS? I think it is about time the Senate exercised its "by and with the Advice of the Senate" for nominees. I want to know what Advice was provided to POTUS for this candidate.

« The Most Dangerous Profession | Main | Wild Ride »
September 29, 2005
The Insider
The Philly Daily News Will Bunch blog has some hot stuff on Harriet Miers, who is the hot gossip for the SCOTUS this morning:

..... Miers is a skilled lawyer -- mainly on behalf of big business, including Microsoft and Disney -- and the first woman elected Texas State Bar President. But her main qualifications for the highest court in the land appear to be the same as most of Bush's recent appointments: He is unfailingly loyal to George W. Bush.

Good Morning Democrats!

Sorry for the double post. I received an error message.

Ok, while the reactions abound regarding SCOTUS announcement, it's important to remain constantly vigilant for the b.s. that the GOP/Crime Family will initiate, cover up, implement, or spin while we're distracted.

Last night, Orangutan posted this:

Here the best video linking Dick Cheney to the events of 9/11 that I've seen...

http://www.911busters.com/video/MOV/CC13_Michael_Rupert_Cheney_Morning_911.html

Behind Name --->

Posted by Orangutan on October 2, 2005 at 10:54 PM

I just finished watching this video - it's about 20 mins long, and full of details that I felt it necessary to write down, so it took me a good hour to watch. It's worth it. 9/11 has NOT BEEN investigated properly nor fully, including blatant cases of lying under oath.

Anyway, this is just one of many bits of crap that need to be monitored in addition to SCOTUS - don't let them set OUR agenda!!!

Though this might be more appropriate for the previous thread, that one's much too long. So, here's what's being published in Britain:

Iraq war delayed Katrina relief effort, inquiry finds
By Kim Sengupta
Published: 03 October 2005

Relief efforts to combat Hurricane Katrina suffered near catastrophic failures due to endemic corruption, divisions within the military and troop shortages caused by the Iraq war, an official American inquiry into the disaster has revealed.
[...]

Ok, while the reactions abound regarding SCOTUS announcement, it's important to remain constantly vigilant for the b.s. that the GOP/Crime Family will initiate, cover up, implement, or spin while we're distracted.

Last night, Orangutan posted this:

Here the best video linking Dick Cheney to the events of 9/11 that I've seen...

http://www.911busters.com/video/MOV/CC13_Michael_Rupert_Cheney_Morning_911.html

Behind Name --->

Posted by Orangutan on October 2, 2005 at 10:54 PM

I just finished watching this video - it's about 20 mins long, and full of details that I felt it necessary to write down, so it took me a good hour to watch. It's worth it. 9/11 has NOT BEEN investigated properly nor fully, including blatant cases of lying under oath.

Anyway, this is just one of many bits of crap that need to be monitored in addition to SCOTUS - don't let them set OUR agenda!!!

Posted by A_G_GATTO on October 3, 2005 at 09:51 AM

AMEN TO THAT!!

sorry about the double post - the technical errors on this blog are really starting to piss me off.

HAhahah! This is TOO funny! BUSH going DOWN!! (literally) LOL

Every time I click on it he goes further and further Downnnnnn!

Hahahaha!

Oh Morning...... :-) Monday, Monday!

HAhahah! This is TOO funny! BUSH going DOWN!! (literally) LOL

Every time I click on it he goes further and further Downnnnnn!

Hahahaha!

Oh Morning...... :-) Monday, Monday!

ARGH!!

The Republican party has done so well running the White House, Senate and House, why not politicize the Supreme Court? At what point does someone stand up and demand that its time to do what is best for the future of the country and not the future of the RNC?

Cronies and Hacks, Inc.

Thanks, Karen!

Gatto - your name url is excellent!

Anyone notice that after the press thing with DeLay, there is a camera that follows him out, and I SWEAR Guckert/Gannon is walking to the right of DeLay, maybe acting as a bodyguard?! Anyone see that? Can't find a stream of it on the web to freeze and find out for sure, and no one else seems to have seen it. Anyway, not a mug I would easily forget.

I think EVERYONE is now seeing the cronie/hack thing!

I stopped on FOX news last night for a moment and even THEY were discussing the split in THEIR party with those that are for Delay and those that are VERY upset over W's promises of money to disaster relief!
(it just SO figures it would be MONEY that would split them up) tsk!

ok I must go. Peace!

BBL Hugs!

Another dem win

Hello all!! I just checked out one of those conservative blogs and it made me so happy!

Another Dem win??? Dubya is trying to appoint another inexperienced political hack-buddy who may or may not (probably not) respect the Bill of Rights. This won't be a Dem win until we get our party together, get the Rep-lites to toe the line, and fight this @#$$$!!! to a stand still. The irony is that it sounds as though we will have the Right-wing nuts on our side to fight this appointment. Dubya needs to loose a few (dozen) battles especially since he is using his lame duck status to put this country in a very bad position as far as debt, infrastructure, and human rights.

Dem agenda should start and stop at initiating Bush impeachment. No cooperation with anyone for anything until a congressional inquiry into impeachment begins. No pork, no policies, no pandering until impeachment begins. Katrina victims will not suffer for the stall b/c the government is no longer providing for their needs anyway and instead are used for inflated no-bid contracts. Federal programs won't suffer for the stall, indeed they will only be saved, because the entire plan is to reduce them and bankrupt the system as an excuse, ultimately, to get rid of them all.

The federal government is no longer working on America's behalf. Until it does, the Democrats should cease and desist the machinations of stealing from the poor to give to the rich. Impeachment or nada. TIME TO TAKE A STAND.

Now his most loyal lunatic base/fringe is calling him a liar. I actually saw the phrase, "Now we have to seriously wonder if the Democrats were right all along. Did we go to war for oil? Was it payback for daddy? " on redstate.org. Made my day. Possibly my week.

I'm doing a little dance.

Karen,

"Gatto" Ha! That's what everyone called me when I was a kid...

Thanks for your comment about my website. I took my portfolio down about a month ago so that I could rebuild my site. Then, Mr. Bush completely failed us all, so now I use it to write about his failings.

~Good for my soul, but bad for business! And so, I will have to figure out how I can incorporate my opposition while advertizing my services. Otherwise, the wolves will return to my door! :)

Ladies and Gentlemen of the DNC, thank you for all that you do for the interests of the people of the USA and the Democrat Party.

I'm sure you are aware that many people work very hard to keep the conversations and brain storming on the DNC blog flowing. Hopefully the Leaders of the Party gain some insight into the thinking of the people of the Party from this. And by the same token input from the Leaders would be helpful in encouraging debate and participation on the various issues.

And the Point: Please renew the Open Thread more often to shorten the time of refreshing for those who have dial-up service. Frustration and annoyance do not have to be part of our equasion.

Thank you,

Larry Stafford

posted 5 mins ago to DNC

Ladies and Gentlemen of the DNC, thank you for all that you do for the interests of the people of the USA and the Democrat Party.

I'm sure you are aware that many people work very hard to keep the conversations and brain storming on the DNC blog flowing. Hopefully the Leaders of the Party gain some insight into the thinking of the people of the Party from this. And by the same token input from the Leaders would be helpful in encouraging debate and participation on the various issues.

And the Point: Please renew the Open Thread more often to shorten the time of refreshing for those who have dial-up service. Frustration and annoyance do not have to be part of our equasion.

Thank you,

Larry Stafford

posted 5 mins ago to DNC

Hi guys! Oh I can't wait to see the veins pop out in Satan's Barbie's forehead. She was angry at the Roberts selection, now I bet she'll be furious!

Shrub is so far down in the toilet with dems and repugs alike, it is definitely time to flush.

SUPPORT THE TROOPS, IMPEACH BUSH!

Ladies and Gentlemen of the DNC, thank you for all that you do for the interests of the people of the USA and the Democrat Party.

I'm sure you are aware that many people work very hard to keep the conversations and brain storming on the DNC blog flowing. Hopefully the Leaders of the Party gain some insight into the thinking of the people of the Party from this. And by the same token input from the Leaders would be helpful in encouraging debate and participation on the various issues.

And the Point: Please renew the Open Thread more often to shorten the time of refreshing for those who have dial-up service. Frustration and annoyance do not have to be part of our equasion.

Thank you,

Larry Stafford

posted 5 mins ago to DNC

Oh yeah, Karen,

That video was chilling! Thanks for posting..

Ladies and Gentlemen of the DNC, thank you for all that you do for the interests of the people of the USA and the Democrat Party.

I'm sure you are aware that many people work very hard to keep the conversations and brain storming on the DNC blog flowing. Hopefully the Leaders of the Party gain some insight into the thinking of the people of the Party from this. And by the same token input from the Leaders would be helpful in encouraging debate and participation on the various issues.

And the Point: Please renew the Open Thread more often to shorten the time of refreshing for those who have dial-up service. Frustration and annoyance do not have to be part of our equasion.

Thank you,

Larry Stafford

posted 5 mins ago to DNC

Yikes.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the DNC, thank you for all that you do for the interests of the people of the USA and the Democrat Party.

I'm sure you are aware that many people work very hard to keep the conversations and brain storming on the DNC blog flowing. Hopefully the Leaders of the Party gain some insight into the thinking of the people of the Party from this. And by the same token input from the Leaders would be helpful in encouraging debate and participation on the various issues.

And the Point: Please renew the Open Thread more often to shorten the time of refreshing for those who have dial-up service. Frustration and annoyance do not have to be part of our equation.

Thank you,

Larry Stafford

posted 5 mins ago to DNC

Ladies and Gentlemen of the DNC, thank you for all that you do for the interests of the people of the USA and the Democrat Party.

I'm sure you are aware that many people work very hard to keep the conversations and brain storming on the DNC blog flowing. Hopefully the Leaders of the Party gain some insight into the thinking of the people of the Party from this. And by the same token input from the Leaders would be helpful in encouraging debate and participation on the various issues.

And the Point: Please renew the Open Thread more often to shorten the time of refreshing for those who have dial-up service. Frustration and annoyance do not have to be part of our equasion.

Thank you,

Larry Stafford

Posted to DNC 10 mins ago.

So you ask for shorter threads and then repost the same item 5 or 6 times....

This from Newsweek talking about Tom DeLay:
This is a man who calls the Environmental Protection Agency "the Gestapo of government" and favors repealing the Clean Air Act because "it's never been proven that air toxins are hazardous to people"; who insists repeatedly that judges on the other side of issues "need to be intimidated" and rejects the idea of a separation of church and state; who claims there are no parents trying to raise families on the minimum wage—that "fortunately, such families do not exist" (at least Newt Gingrich was intrigued by the challenges of poverty); who once said: "A woman can't take care of the family. It takes a man to provide structure."

We must keep this ahole on the front page....

TECH SUPPORT!

After you post and get the error message, simply hit the back button and then reload the page.

That will eliminate your double posts.

AAH! Behold the magic of technology!

After you hit "post", hit "back" on your computer and then "refresh" until your post appears. Obviously there exists a bug this morning.

Sorry...kept getting error mesage...

Blue,

JINKS!

:)

someone said it previously, but if you need a chuckle today, by all means visit the Free Republic website. They ARE not happy with this decision. she is not Right Winger enough, nor Religious right enough.

It appears that Bush is loading the court right now with allies and loyal friends, so if/when his impeachment comes to the court, he will get off scot free ! One of the many ideas thrown about.

lesson learned...so sorry...thanks

lhd,

We know. :)

If the 2 marines really have been kidnapped....let's TRADE Bush, Cheney, Rice, and Rumsfield IMMEDIATELY!!!! We can get along without THEM...it's the Marines we really need!!!

The Chief Justice only presides over an impeachment hearing. The votes are the hard part!

Here's a brain teaser:

Should the President be impeached and decide not to step down, resulting in his conviction, (I wish!) would his judicial nominees be revoked?

Anyone? Anyone?

Posted by A_G_GATTO on October 3, 2005 at 11:39 AM

Nope. They would have to be thrown out on seperate charges

My website today deals with a little known reason why it is more difficult for democrats to be eleced president because of a bias built into the electoral college that gives small, mainly republican leaning states far more representation in the electoral college than their actual population warrants. Voters in some small states have more actual voting power than two voters in California or New York in picking electors for example. So far this has caused 3 democrats to lose the presidency since 1876, yet has not been changed, nor is a major issue by democrats, but certainly should be.

Check the facts on my Website:

PROGRESSIVE VALUES

My website today deals with a little known reason why it is more difficult for democrats to be eleced president because of a bias built into the electoral college that gives small, mainly republican leaning states far more representation in the electoral college than their actual population warrants. Voters in some small states have more actual voting power than two voters in California or New York in picking electors for example. So far this has caused 3 democrats to lose the presidency since 1876, yet has not been changed, nor is a major issue by democrats, but certainly should be.

Check the facts on my Website:

PROGRESSIVE VALUES

Wishful thinking!

I thought that maybe there would be a question of legitimacy retroactive to the date of the crime.

Thx, nyeiren

Please take this poll

CNN POLL

There isn't a democrat in the House or the Senate that has the guts to start Impeachment hearing...

We can't even get them to stay in step as one unity...

Until we get rid of some of these "soft" dems, we won't get anything done. I myself am starting to be concerned over Bayh.. he's too middle of the road!

After 23 of 44 Senate Dems rolled over for Roberts, I don't expect much from the Party on the Miers nomination.

Boy oh boy, the sign-in feature sure isn't working right today, causing multiple posts by error. Sorry for the double post due to this problem.

Paul Hooson...good info! Really appreciate it. Never heard it before. I do wonder why we have so many people from the South in gov't in DC. Surely we have just as many good people in the north to do the job?

The Elec College has become a dinosaur. We need to go state by state to vote on allowing the EC votes to be apportioned by percentage of the popular vote. That way the people would elect the Pres not a bunch of partisan b.s.

Posted by A_G_GATTO on October 3, 2005 at 11:34 AM

We're on it !

Thx Paul for that info. Never heard it before. I wonder why we have so many people from the South in gov't in DC. Don't we have any good people from the North to do the job?

The Dem's need to start going state by state to get the Elec College set aside. If each state votes to allow the EC votes to be apportioned by a percentage of the popular vote, then we would have a Pres elected by the people, not partisan b.s.

Thx Paul for that info. Never heard it before. I wonder why we have so many people from the South in gov't in DC. Don't we have any good people from the North to do the job?

The Dem's need to start going state by state to get the Elec College set aside. If each state votes to allow the EC votes to be apportioned by a percentage of the popular vote, then we would have a Pres elected by the people, not partisan b.s.

Can you say, "One heck of a job Harriet." Yuk and Yuk for all of the obvious reasons, lets lower the bar even lower, maybe Bushes Mom or dog are available for the highest court in the land.

Thx Paul for that info. Never heard it before. I wonder why we have so many people from the South in gov't in DC. Don't we have any good people from the North to do the job?

The Dem's need to start going state by state to get the Elec College set aside. If each state votes to allow the EC votes to be apportioned by a percentage of the popular vote, then we would have a Pres elected by the people, not partisan b.s.

It's so odd that people like you and I, people with no office nor prestige, people who have no protection from the "other powers" of people like Mr. Bush, are so openly vocal about our loathing of this President's administration.

Meanwhile, our Senators and Reps seem frightened to approach their sworn duties to check the executive, even when it means impeachment. Are they less insulated than we, the 'commoners?"

Sometimes the greater issue is more important than one's job. Besides, if you Senators lose them, you will still have your pension and lifelong healthcare benefits to fall back on.

So let's get it together!

I'm leaving until the thread is fixed. BBL going to kindergarten again.

The President, First Lady and Dick Cheney were flying on Air Force One. George looked at Laura, chuckled and said, "You know, I could throw a $1,000.00 bill out of the window right now and make somebody very
happy."

Laura shrugged her shoulders and replied, "I could
throw ten $100.00 bills out of the window and make ten people very happy." Cheney added, "That being the case, I could throw one hundred $10.00 bills out of the window and make a hundred people very happy."

Hearing their exchange, the pilot rolled his eyes and said to his co-pilot, "Such big-shots back there. Hell, I could throw all of them out of the window and make 56 million people very happy."

Where Are The Democrats?

What exactly will it take to energize this Democratic Party? With the world of the Conservative Right crumbling around them, why is there no movement amongst our Democratic Leaders to take advantage of these revelations of Republican corruption? I see no rally’s forming lead by Democratic Senators, Congressmen, or Governors to decry the actions, and misdeeds, of the Republican Party. Even the freedom march in Washington was largely avoided by these Dems.

Why the complacency? Why the inaction? Why is there no push to take to the streets and counteract the misdirection and misinformation constantly played out by the overwhelmingly conservative media? If the Democrats don’t seem to have enough of a problem with the way things are going to care, what makes them think that America is going care enough to follow them?

With the Presidents ratings at the lowest of any sitting president, where are the Dems taking advantage of this moment to point a new direction, bringing us back on a course to a more tolerant nation built on personal freedoms.

With the likes of Delay, Frist, Rove, Libby ALL under scrutiny, why don’t I see these Dems keeping the fire on these issues in the publics eye? You may say it’s because they don’t have the media access, but in response to that I say then TAKE TO THE STREETS! Don’t leave it solely to the bloggers to do this. Don’t get me wrong, our liberal bloggers are doing a great job, but it’s really not nearly enough.

I read many blogs, and it seems the perception is that the Dems are just sitting back and allowing the Republicans to hang themselves. Unfortunately, the Republicans are NOT just sitting back, they ARE taking an aggressive stance to deflect, misdirect, downplay, and paint “the other guy” as being at fault. They are manipulating the media to their benefit, and getting their version of the message to the people. With no one actively and AGRESSIVELY rebuking them, they’ll likely win again, and public ire will once again be replaced by complacency, and 2006 will come and go and the Democratic party will have missed another chance at regaining power.

I believe the problem truly IS that the Democratic Party has lost it’s heart, lost it’s desire to be the party of the average American. For instance, the party that once lit a fire under the public in calling for equal rights for all blacks during the 60’s, now runs and hides from even commenting on equal rights for the LGBT community. You can agree or disagree with the LGBT lifestyle, but the bottom line is this IS America, and they are entitled to all of the same protections that is available to every other American. I believe in my heart that Americans love a defender of freedom, but it must be spoken with fervor, dedication, commitment and most of all “from the heart”, and that is exactly what this Democratic party lacks.
The Republicans were able to rouse their conservative base by beating on our LGBT friends, and I feel that had the Democrats took that single issue head-on and with a fervor not seen since the 60’s fights for equal rights instead of shying away from it, they could have fared much better in the elections. America loves a defender of the underdog, and fighting for a humanitarian cause, especially when it’s the right thing to do, is what drives the masses to the polls. A just cause is always more popular than an unjust cause, and I believe that demonstrating to the public that discrimination of ANY kind cannot be permitted in America would ultimately touch more hearts, than the demonizing of a minority base of Americans would.

Where are the likes of Howard Dean, John Kerry, Harry Reid, Dick Durbin, Ted Kennedy, and other leaders of the Democratic Party? I’m sorry, but simply sending out an infrequent email to those registered on your website isn’t going to get you any “NEW” votes.

If the Dems can’t get adequate media attention or access, then they simply MUST take the message to the streets, they MUST become highly visible, they MUST show they have conviction, and above all they MUST show that they have a heart and a true and deep understanding of Liberty and Justice for ALL.

Where Are The Democrats?

What exactly will it take to energize this Democratic Party? With the world of the Conservative Right crumbling around them, why is there no movement amongst our Democratic Leaders to take advantage of these revelations of Republican corruption? I see no rally’s forming lead by Democratic Senators, Congressmen, or Governors to decry the actions, and misdeeds, of the Republican Party. Even the freedom march in Washington was largely avoided by these Dems.

Why the complacency? Why the inaction? Why is there no push to take to the streets and counteract the misdirection and misinformation constantly played out by the overwhelmingly conservative media? If the Democrats don’t seem to have enough of a problem with the way things are going to care, what makes them think that America is going care enough to follow them?

With the Presidents ratings at the lowest of any sitting president, where are the Dems taking advantage of this moment to point a new direction, bringing us back on a course to a more tolerant nation built on personal freedoms.

With the likes of Delay, Frist, Rove, Libby ALL under scrutiny, why don’t I see these Dems keeping the fire on these issues in the publics eye? You may say it’s because they don’t have the media access, but in response to that I say then TAKE TO THE STREETS! Don’t leave it solely to the bloggers to do this. Don’t get me wrong, our liberal bloggers are doing a great job, but it’s really not nearly enough.

I read many blogs, and it seems the perception is that the Dems are just sitting back and allowing the Republicans to hang themselves. Unfortunately, the Republicans are NOT just sitting back, they ARE taking an aggressive stance to deflect, misdirect, downplay, and paint “the other guy” as being at fault. They are manipulating the media to their benefit, and getting their version of the message to the people. With no one actively and AGRESSIVELY rebuking them, they’ll likely win again, and public ire will once again be replaced by complacency, and 2006 will come and go and the Democratic party will have missed another chance at regaining power.

I believe the problem truly IS that the Democratic Party has lost it’s heart, lost it’s desire to be the party of the average American. For instance, the party that once lit a fire under the public in calling for equal rights for all blacks during the 60’s, now runs and hides from even commenting on equal rights for the LGBT community. You can agree or disagree with the LGBT lifestyle, but the bottom line is this IS America, and they are entitled to all of the same protections that is available to every other American. I believe in my heart that Americans love a defender of freedom, but it must be spoken with fervor, dedication, commitment and most of all “from the heart”, and that is exactly what this Democratic party lacks.
The Republicans were able to rouse their conservative base by beating on our LGBT friends, and I feel that had the Democrats took that single issue head-on and with a fervor not seen since the 60’s fights for equal rights instead of shying away from it, they could have fared much better in the elections. America loves a defender of the underdog, and fighting for a humanitarian cause, especially when it’s the right thing to do, is what drives the masses to the polls. A just cause is always more popular than an unjust cause, and I believe that demonstrating to the public that discrimination of ANY kind cannot be permitted in America would ultimately touch more hearts, than the demonizing of a minority base of Americans would.

Where are the likes of Howard Dean, John Kerry, Harry Reid, Dick Durbin, Ted Kennedy, and other leaders of the Democratic Party? I’m sorry, but simply sending out an infrequent email to those registered on your website isn’t going to get you any “NEW” votes.

If the Dems can’t get adequate media attention or access, then they simply MUST take the message to the streets, they MUST become highly visible, they MUST show they have conviction, and above all they MUST show that they have a heart and a true and deep understanding of Liberty and Justice for ALL.

Good morning, Idagrannie.

I welcome your support on changes to the electoral college to make it a fair and equal playing field for democrats. The EC plan you mention sounds like an excellent reform plan. The inbuilt bias of the system gives all democrats an uphill climb, and has cost three democrats who won the popular vote the presidency since 1876.

PROGRESSIVE VALUES

After 23 of 44 Senate Dems rolled over for Roberts, I don't expect much from the Party on the Miers nomination.

Where Are The Democrats?

What exactly will it take to energize this Democratic Party? With the world of the Conservative Right crumbling around them, why is there no movement amongst our Democratic Leaders to take advantage of these revelations of Republican corruption? I see no rally’s forming lead by Democratic Senators, Congressmen, or Governors to decry the actions, and misdeeds, of the Republican Party. Even the freedom march in Washington was largely avoided by these Dems.

Why the complacency? Why the inaction? Why is there no push to take to the streets and counteract the misdirection and misinformation constantly played out by the overwhelmingly conservative media? If the Democrats don’t seem to have enough of a problem with the way things are going to care, what makes them think that America is going care enough to follow them?

With the Presidents ratings at the lowest of any sitting president, where are the Dems taking advantage of this moment to point a new direction, bringing us back on a course to a more tolerant nation built on personal freedoms.

With the likes of Delay, Frist, Rove, Libby ALL under scrutiny, why don’t I see these Dems keeping the fire on these issues in the publics eye? You may say it’s because they don’t have the media access, but in response to that I say then TAKE TO THE STREETS! Don’t leave it solely to the bloggers to do this. Don’t get me wrong, our liberal bloggers are doing a great job, but it’s really not nearly enough.

I read many blogs, and it seems the perception is that the Dems are just sitting back and allowing the Republicans to hang themselves. Unfortunately, the Republicans are NOT just sitting back, they ARE taking an aggressive stance to deflect, misdirect, downplay, and paint “the other guy” as being at fault. They are manipulating the media to their benefit, and getting their version of the message to the people. With no one actively and AGRESSIVELY rebuking them, they’ll likely win again, and public ire will once again be replaced by complacency, and 2006 will come and go and the Democratic party will have missed another chance at regaining power.

I believe the problem truly IS that the Democratic Party has lost it’s heart, lost it’s desire to be the party of the average American. For instance, the party that once lit a fire under the public in calling for equal rights for all blacks during the 60’s, now runs and hides from even commenting on equal rights for the LGBT community. You can agree or disagree with the LGBT lifestyle, but the bottom line is this IS America, and they are entitled to all of the same protections that is available to every other American. I believe in my heart that Americans love a defender of freedom, but it must be spoken with fervor, dedication, commitment and most of all “from the heart”, and that is exactly what this Democratic party lacks.
The Republicans were able to rouse their conservative base by beating on our LGBT friends, and I feel that had the Democrats took that single issue head-on and with a fervor not seen since the 60’s fights for equal rights instead of shying away from it, they could have fared much better in the elections. America loves a defender of the underdog, and fighting for a humanitarian cause, especially when it’s the right thing to do, is what drives the masses to the polls. A just cause is always more popular than an unjust cause, and I believe that demonstrating to the public that discrimination of ANY kind cannot be permitted in America would ultimately touch more hearts, than the demonizing of a minority base of Americans would.

Where are the likes of Howard Dean, John Kerry, Harry Reid, Dick Durbin, Ted Kennedy, and other leaders of the Democratic Party? I’m sorry, but simply sending out an infrequent email to those registered on your website isn’t going to get you any “NEW” votes.

If the Dems can’t get adequate media attention or access, then they simply MUST take the message to the streets, they MUST become highly visible, they MUST show they have conviction, and above all they MUST show that they have a heart and a true and deep understanding of Liberty and Justice for ALL.

On the "Intelligent Design" Scam, a very clever letter to the editor of the Toronto Globe and Mail:

Ottawa -- Incompetent Design is the doctrine that holds that life developed and changed on Earth under the guidance of a Designer who is plainly way out of His depth (Darwin V. Intelligent Design -- Sept. 28).

In obvious frustration with His incompetence, the Designer keeps throwing big rocks at the Earth, once making a lucky hit in the Yucatan. He keeps mis-setting the thermostat and distributing the rain unevenly. So bereft is He of original ideas that His more advanced designs, such as people, contain useless and dangerous bits -- such as the appendix -- left over from lower creatures, to say nothing of reusing a primitive limbic system that sets humans to murderous rages.

Those who oppose the teaching of Incompetent Design in high-school science classes just don't understand fairness and the importance of presenting all sides of an issue.

I'm glad someone else is driving in your joke, BlueInIdaho. The last time Bush, Cheney or Laura were behind the wheel, two of them were arrested for drunk driving, and the other caused a fatal accident.

Eric - well done. I also feel at times our leaders are sleeping. So many of us in here have been screaming at them to take a stand - once and for all!

But it falls on deaf ears. No one is listening. By their lack of leadership, I too believe we will fall again.

I remember what the Kennedys stood for. They said, "to stand up for what is right even if it's not popular". What ever happened to that ideal?

I at times feel that we are wasting our time on this blog. I really wonder how many of our leaders really care what we think?

ummmm - is anyone else having trouble posting? I couldn't get on all weekend and now I'm getting an error message.... WTF?

Posted by Kathy_in_Indiana on October 3, 2005 at 09:18 AM

------------------------------------

I read this, this morning, and seen the WTF and said, now that's my kinda girl!

Go gettum Kathy!

Kathy,

Thank you for your comments, and I agree with you that our calls to action by the Dems are apparently falling on deaf ears. Bush and his cronies won because, right or wrong, they showed conviction. Unfortunately, their message was one of hatred, but they espoused it with all the zeal of a preacher at a tent revival. You cannot EVER convince me that hatred will sell over tolerance, but it will if done so unopposed.

Kerry lost because he had no heart, and no conviction, and he will lose again should he run in 08 for the very same reasons.

If these Democrats do not have the convictions necessary to become winners, and the guts to stand with the underdog, then we should work hard to dump them along with the Republican refuse.

Posted by Eric_in_North_Carolina on October 3, 2005 at 12:23 PM

You are definitely entitled to your opinion, but please don't bash Kerry on this blog. He has a few fans here, as you can imagine. There are many other opinions on why Kerry lost, one of which is the fact that any president would be hard to beat during a war.

Thx Paul for that info. Never heard it before. I wonder why we have so many people from the South in gov't in DC. Don't we have any good people from the North to do the job?

The Dem's need to start going state by state to get the Elec College set aside. If each state votes to allow the EC votes to be apportioned by a percentage of the popular vote, then we would have a Pres elected by the people, not partisan b.s.

Posted by Idagrannie on October 3, 2005 at 11:52 AM

------------------------------

I totally agree with you. The way the electoral college is set up is pure bullshit. When somebody wins by the popular vote, to me they win! Al Gore won by 500,000 popular votes, but still lost the election. Folks, a half a million people is a big majority in my book. Then you have the bastards down in Texas with their so called re-districting which is nothing more than a crooked way of giving the GOP an edge. The elections won by republicans as a result of it should be thrown out and an election run with the districts back in place the way they was. I'd about bet you'd see some of those sorry ass republicans cleaning out their desk drawers. The only way a republican can win is by hook, crook, and steal, and they damned well know it!

WASHINGTON – Federal auditors said yesterday that the Bush administration had violated the law by purchasing favorable news coverage of President Bush's education policies, by making payments to the conservative commentator Armstrong Williams and by hiring a public relations company to analyze media perceptions of the Republican Party.

In a blistering report, the investigators from the Government Accountability Office said the administration had disseminated "covert propaganda" inside the United States, in violation of a longstanding explicit statutory ban.

Catapulting the Propaganda is Illegal?

Posted by BlueinIdaho on October 3, 2005 at 12:28 PM

I wasn't trying to "bash" Kerry, in fact I did vote for him in the last election, but I do believe he wasn't resolute enough in his convictions to drive the fence sitters to the polls.

The Dems need a vibrant crusader and freedom fighter that will unequivocally stand beside the underdog regardless of race, creed, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation. One that we know beyond a shadow of a doubt what he stands for.

This is MY opinion of course, but I am pretty sure I am not alone in this thought.

Posted by BlueinIdaho on October 3, 2005 at 12:40 PM

I noticed this was the top headline early saturday morning but after the bali bombing it disappeared. Really, it is a very big deal and people should be outraged.

“I had no clue that I was a registered Republican. I had no clue.” – “Clueless” Bill O’Reilly, September 28, 2005.

How the hell is “Clueless Bill” supposed to ‘know’ that the Iraq invasion is a mistake, that Bush is a fool and that the economy is in the toilet, when he doesn’t even know whether he is registered Republican or Democratic????

Note to Bill: Tape your programs and listen to them once in awhile…you are nothing but a Republican-bought party mouthpiece.

I'm certainly ready and willing to bash Kerry. He ran a dreadful campaign. He had lots of chances to act like a Democrat, but instead, was Bush Lite on the war, taxes, and most social issues. I voted for him too, bit I had to hold my nose!

Posted by Flagjohn on October 3, 2005 at 12:55 PM

Providing quite alot of support for the democratic cause, are you? Let the repugs eat their own. On an even playing field, Kerry would have won the election and would have made a fine president, IMO.

One thing about this blog glitch today, it probably is keeping most of the trolls away. Driving me crazy as well.

Posted by BlueinIdaho on October 3, 2005 at 01:04 PM

"Providing quite alot of support for the democratic cause, are you?"

I think it is important to recognize everyones opinion with civility. I happen to also feel that Kerry was ineffectual in drawing a distinction between himself and Bush....or as Flagjohn called him "Bush Lite". This represents our view, whereas you walked away with a different opion of Kerry's campaign. I don't discredit your view, but I can say that I personally don't see it the way you do.

America has been taken over by the far right, and frankly I do not see the heart and soul conviction needed to turn this tide coming from within the Democratic Party.

Believe me, I am not happy about this at all as I for one do not have any desire to live under facist rule of the Republican Party. I'll say it again, America needs a hero and the Dems need a vibrant crusader and freedom fighter that will unequivocally stand beside, and fight for, the underdogs of our nation.

Mornin' {{Y'all}},

Gorgeous day here in the NC Triad... another good day to kick the NeoKKKons in the jewels; swift, hard, and repeatedly. Lord knows they've done it to us long enough.

D'anyone catch Schumer on The Daily Show the other night? It wasn't lost on me when he said that the Dems were holding back just a bit on purpose. I hope they're sitting on something plenty big, designed to take BushCo down completely to the roots.

Law, I hope so...

Hello!

Imbeciles eating their own

"You can always count on George W. Bush to get the big ones right."

That line or something like it has consoled conservatives during their periodic bursts of unhappiness with this administration. And by and large it has been true. Oh, there were major mistakes, no doubt about that--prescription drugs, steel quotas, and so on--but it was always possible to rationalize those as forced on the president by grim necessity or some prior campaign promise.

The Miers nomination, though, is an unforced error.

...Harriet Miers is a taut, nervous, anxious personality.

...And those to whom he owed those loyalties have reason today to be disappointed and alarmed.

Hi Amanda! I hope you're right. it's such a long time coming. I guess you have to be careful with the multi-headed beast that is the bush administration.

Posted by Eric_in_North_Carolina on October 3, 2005 at 01:16 PM

I did nothing but act civilly towards you, but find it sometimes necessary to remind dems that we are most times are own worse enemy. I came to this party because of Kerry. Kerry stands for the ideals of many in this party. It does the party no good to stir up division by attacking one of our own.

I came BACK to this party because of Al Gore, stayed with it because of Wes Clark and then J Kerry and remain with it because (in part) due to Dr. Dean and many of the bloggers here!

so - I don't think anyone cares about that but me. And yet I type.

we are allowed a few moments of delight in the down turn of this administration as they would surely revel in our demise (and HAVE).

Ok I'm just butting in again............ my specialty! ;-)

I hope they're sitting on something plenty big, designed to take BushCo down completely to the roots.

Law, I hope so...

Posted by Amanda_B_Reckondwythe on October 3, 2005 at 01:16 PM

ABR, could it be that what is about to come down from Fitzgerald might have something to do with our sitting on our hands????

I'm revelling too but is this really it? is this the straw that finally breaks the camel's back? Is this the petard on which bush finally hoists himself? Could it be that after all of the lies told, laws broken and outrages committed that Bush finally undoes himself by NOT nominating a drooling, slobbering, ranting, raving, smirking idealogue? Is this really what his base will finally find unacceptable? That is true irony. Not with a bang but with a whimper.

btw Eric, the man to fit your call ran last time, from NC...Name of Edwards...he spelled it out: two worlds; one for the rich and one for the others. He has been working since the election trying to help people escape poverty. He is still the man.

Posted by nyeiren on October 3, 2005 at 01:44 PM

that and his promises of money to the needy in New Orleans!

Who's running this site? Homer Simpson?

SOMEONE PLEASE FIX THIS THING!!!

ok I apologize for the Homer remark but seriously this is getting sooooo incredibly O L D!!! (like ME)

I do hope this is it but I've been down this path before. it would be funny though.

I've been a Democratic supporter since well before I emigrated to this country in 1967. I've been a registered Democrat since I became a U.S. Citizen. That gives me the right to criticize the Part and it's Congressional representatives and candidates. I repeat that Kerry was a disaster. I can't believe he's even considering running again in 08 after the mess he made of things in 04.

All we see now is Democrats gleefully commenting on the Republicans' disasters. I see no vision for America--just butt-covering on the war, taxes, and national priorities.

An opposition party is supposed to OPPOSE!

LOL Al Franken is surely giddy today on Air America!

Flagjohn

we are the minority why should WE solve the problems they created? We have no votes!

Moaning here is just what we do sometimes. Kerry was/is a Veteran and an honorable man! I was BORN here and was a democrat before I switched so what ever I came back ....... Kerry got 56 Million votes. Think about it!

I don't think he should run again though. Again, who cares what I think. LOL

FlagJohn, someone said a couple of hundred years ago that sometimes a people will just collapse from the weight of stagnation and inbred habits and processes. The thing that saves and revitalizes the people is...invasion of foriegnors...with new insight and energy. While I do NOT think the USA has reached the need for invasion I find perspective from 'outside' eyes enlightening. Without anamosity your comments and observations are welcome to me. MY opinion.

Edwards spelled it out all right. Divide the country into the haves and have nots. Good democrats usually call this class warfare when the repubs do it. BTW, is Edwards rich?

uuuuuuuuooooo...

Mr. DeLay's latest plight is only a tiny detail within this vast Boschian canvas of depravity. If this were Watergate - and Watergate itself increasingly looks like a relatively contained epidemic of corruption - the Texas grand jury's indictment of the congressman and his associates would be a sideshow tantamount to the initial 1973 California grand jury indictment of the Nixon aide John Ehrlichman and his pals in the break-in at Daniel Ellsberg's psychiatrist's office; Watergate's real legal fireworks were still in the wings. So forget about all those details down in Texas that make your teeth hurt; don't bother to learn the difference between Trmpac and Armpac. Fasten your seat belt instead for the roller coaster of other revelations and possible indictments that's about to roar through the Beltway.

The most important plot development of the past two weeks, in fact, has nothing to do with Mr. DeLay (as far as we know). It was instead the arrest of the administration's top procurement officer, David Safavian, on charges of lying and obstructing the investigation of Mr. Abramoff. And what an investigation it is: The F.B.I., the I.R.S., the Treasury Department and the Interior Department have all been involved. The popular theory of the case has it that Mr. Safavian, a former lobbying colleague of both Mr. Abramoff and Mr. Norquist, is being muscled by the feds to rat on the big guys in Washington - much as another smaller fish may have helped reel in Mr. DeLay in Texas.

Link

Who ever said that about Edwards - I just had a realization that probably HALF the country would vote for him just to see HIS pretty face on TV because they are that shallow and they don't care that he may not have the other qualifications and gravitas that someone like WES Clark has......... although Wes is not half bad either.

I wish Al Gore would RISE UP like a Phoenix!! I'd vote for him, I'd even try to walk the complex for him. I won't die for him but I'd try for him!

back to the rafters until tonight! Peace Everyone! :-)

Is anyone else kind of sick of hearing how "cute" Jack Roberts is?

If I dressed like that when I was 4, I would have been beaten and bloodied on a daily basis..

Give that kid like 15 years and we'll see how "cute" he is!

Kinda' like this guy:

http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/09/16/jeb.bush.son.arrest.ap/index.html

oh me...iiiii_i, you don't want to go there. Division is the Repug way. In the South that is the only thing that gets the Repugs a vote. You have your 'you won't take my gun, and 'no queer going to live by me' rednecks, and the 'you ain't goin to take my hard earned money and give it to no city shiftless city dude', and the 'I wont (will not) pay taxes to give nobody nuthin', and on and on. ALL ideas planted and nurished and harvested by the Republicans in the South. That is why the South is RED. Is that disgusting enough for you?

Posted by A_G_GATTO on October 3, 2005 at 02:10 PM

ok that guy looked like Osama's kid

I do not want John Kerry to run again. We need someone that will grab the soul of this party. We did it the nice way last time - it got us no where. I hope that this time we go for the throat. That includes the convention. While we took the high road, they took the slash and burn road. We lost - they won.

I want to see blood and guts all over the road to the White House in 08' and I hope the color is red - not blue.

we are the minority why should WE solve the problems they created? We have no votes!

Posted by Dawnelle on October 3, 2005 at 02:00 PM

Newt Gingrich and the Republicans took back the Congress because they articulated a credible (though flawed and mean-spirited) alternative to the Democratic policies.And they were united and focused.

to quote Alexander Cockburn:

"Thus it is that with each month that passes the Democratic Party seems to have touched bottom. Then it promptly sinks even deeper into the ooze of cowardice and irrelevance."

And Ralph Nader:

"The polls are plummeting for George W. Bush on a whole variety of questions, including the key approval rating being at a record low for him. But the Democrats seem to be sinking right along with the besieged Republicans. Stan Greenberg, a leading Democratic Party pollster, declares that "feelings about Democrats are at a 54 month low." Another pollster, John Zogby, reports that the Democrats are floundering because people do not perceive them as having any credible national leaders."

Unless the Democrats wake up, they will lose even more ground in the 06 elections, and the presidency--again-- in 08

and btw, iiiii_i, yes. John Edwards is Rich..in spirit, in values, in ideas and in the way he loves people...and he probly has a few bucks too. How about Chaney? Bush? Rummy?

Trish wrote:The most important plot development of the past two weeks, in fact, has nothing to do with Mr. DeLay (as far as we know). It was instead the arrest of the administration's top procurement officer, David Safavian, on charges of lying and obstructing the investigation of Mr. Abramoff.

I think the canary is about to sing. My gut feeling is that Bush put this gal up (Harriet) to save face if and when the hammer comes down.

Kids, I think this is going to very interesting in the next few weeks, very interesting indeed!

Posted by letshelpdean on October 3, 2005 at 01:45 PM

Hi letshelpdean, and yes I considered Edwards but in actuality he didn't fully reflect my ideals, although I did think he had an edge on Kerry. The candidate most closely reflecting my personal views was actually the guy that got the least coverage, and that was Kucinich. I know he never had an ice cubes chance in h***, but he spoke from the heart, with obvious conviction, and I believed in him.

The thing I truly wished to address though is the overall invisibility of the Democratic Leaders at a time when they should be shouting from the highest mountains and making their case with the American Public.

I fear that this "waiting game" may give the Republicans too much time to spin a web of deceit sufficient to give the public a false impression that they did nothing truly wrong.

Remember, this is an America where the media still fails in even educating the general public that Iraq was not responsible for 9-11.

We need an energized Democratic Party, one willing to fight for whats right, and with the depth of conviction needed to enable the public to see the Republican agenda for what it truly is.

Here is a link to an article that may be of interest:

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/100305I.shtml

John Edwards reminds me a bit of Dennis the Menace. Just a little too happy most of the time.

John Edwards reminds me a bit of Dennis the Menace. Just a little too happy most of the time.

Dear Jesse Berney. Thanks for the open thread for today. Cheers on that.

Controlled Demolition?

Orangutan, We can use some "happy" around here imo.

What is wrong with this Blog today.

Orang, how do you think those two Dutch guys got so rich selling soap?

Gee!

This Blog software really sucks!

It was bad before because the admins haven't implemented an automatic script to start a new thread when needed. It is simply awful now.

I think they must have picked the worst piece of freeware trash they could find to run it.

Lord, give us a new Blog that works!!!

Unless the Democrats wake up, they will lose even more ground in the 06 elections, and the presidency--again-- in 08 Posted by Flagjohn on October 3, 2005 at 02:19 PM

I agree...Dem "leaders" best take heed!!!

Dem "leaders"...Grow some balls!!!

Yet the outcome of this will not be another historic Congressional reversal in 2006, or in 2008 for that matter, if the Democratic party continues as it has been. Give the people a choice between the devil they know and the fathomless, mindless, tidal wanderings of the deep blue sea, and they will choose the devil every single time.

Dem agenda should start and stop at initiating Bush impeachment. No cooperation with anyone for anything until a congressional inquiry into impeachment begins. No pork, no policies, no pandering until impeachment begins. Katrina victims will not suffer for the stall b/c the government is no longer providing for their needs anyway and instead are used for inflated no-bid contracts. Federal programs won't suffer for the stall, indeed they will only be saved, because the entire plan is to reduce them and bankrupt the system as an excuse, ultimately, to get rid of them all.

The federal government is no longer working on America's behalf. Until it does, the Democrats should cease and desist the machinations of stealing from the poor to give to the rich. Impeachment or nada. TIME TO TAKE A STAND.

I agree with Karen, Trish, and Paul. Our energy shouldn't be wasted on a blog that half works. Let's get the features up to date. Damn it.

Dear Jesse.

Ask Howard Dean to hire someone completely competent at running and maintaining the best blog on the net. I'm sure Kos could offer some advice. I'm sure the guys at Google wouldn't mind finding someone to help. Atrios might know someone. Darn it. We need a qualified Blog Master here at the Democratic Party National web site. Duh.

Good Afternoon!

Blog break!

Todays Picture

Need a little help, Does anyone know where I can get a "Don't blame me I voted for Kerry" bumpersticker

Need a little help, Does anyone know where I can get a "Don't blame me I voted for Kerry" bumpersticker

The time is RIPE for a "Contract with America" type overture to the American public. The masses are disgusted with this corrupt administration and are just waiting for an honest alternative.

I so hope this is what Schumer hinted at during the Daily Show....

http://dontblamemeivoted4kerry.com/

Need a little help, Does anyone know where I can get a "Don't blame me I voted for Kerry" bumpersticker

Has anyone attempted to contact Jesse or Josh about the terrible glitch on this blog??

I've contacted them Blue, I've used the general contact tab, I've used the for technical problems tab at the bottom. I'm sick of contacting these guys and nothing getting done. Our blog should be as good as any other one on the net. I like the layout of it. I just don't like the lack of features as basic as remembering my URL I like to sign on with.

Question for you Veteran Posters...in your opinion based on your experience here, do you feel anyone within the DNC ever reads this Open Thread? Have you ever seen anyone from DNC post a comment here? I'm a newcomer and just curious. Thanks.

the blog was better in the old days

** Go to the bottom of the page and click on Problems/Questions, then write to either Jesse or Josh. They, as I was told, seldom read the blog.

** "Don't Blame Me I Voted For Kerry" bumper stickers, along with 100's of others can be found at Progressive Bumper Sticker.com

I've been saying this for 2 years, we need a leader who'll stick his neck out and be the leader that so many of us want and need. The time is right now - not next month or next year - right now! We have the republicans backing down right now - this is the time! Dean is doing an ok job - just not visual enough. No - we need an elected body to take the lead...

I remember the blog days after the election and everyone was crying for a leader to come forward. Someone to help take the pain away - someone to start the healing process. No one came. That, if anything, made me very mad..I felt I, as a democrat was left out to dry!

the blog was better in the old days, before the election

No for some reason Eric after the unimagineable success of the Dean Revolution on the Internet, these guys have set up a shifty blog and then abandoned it for the most part. I've never seen a politician post on here. Jesse and John and anyone else I've never seen here. GEez.

I'm thinking Dennis Kucinich is our hope...thoughts anyone? He's bold and clear about his convictions and now that he's married will lay to rest any trpidations people had regarding that aspect of his life...imo.

IF DEMS CAN'T EFFECTIVELY RUN A BLOG, HOW IN THE WORLD WILL THEY CONVINCE PEOPLE OF ADMIN. SKILLS TO RUN THE COUNTRY????

Kucinich - well - er - he doesn't do anything for me. I'm thinking someone who's not yet "out there"..someone who has been in the wings - not on the front page yet..

Thanks Orangutan, you pretty much confirmed my suspicion.

For me personally, I am mad as h&ll about government corruption, and if the Dems wish to remain silent at a time like this, then they are not part of the solution, but rather part of the problem.

Man - I'm done with this blog today - it's just too much work..

See ya all around..

Keep on Rockn'

Trish, what "trepidations" regarding Kucinich's life are you refering to?

Need a little help, Does anyone know where I can get a "Don't blame me I voted for Kerry" bumpersticker

I'm talking about Al Gore/Wes Clark for President. Experience plus military expertise. I'm talking about Barack Obama for President.

Trish, what "trepidations" regarding Kucinich's life are you refering to? Posted by Eric_in_North_Carolina on October 3, 2005 at 03:41 PM

Eric:

I am referring to ANY/ALL questions that right-wing nuts and so-called "christians" might come up with/conjure!!!

Please make this blog more user-friendly!

It's as dysfunctional as the Democratic Party

Good Afternoon Folks!

Please contact Gov. Bob Taft to request that William James Williams Jr.’s execution be stopped.

There is more information on the case at the link above.

Bennett just announced that he is stepping down from the Board of K12, Inc.

(Ed Shultz, 3 minutes ago)

If anyone has a problem with technical aspects of the blog, it is futile to put it on the open thread. Use the link at the bottom under technical problems and comments if you actually want one of the moderators to read it.

I don't, speakout, but put that in a google search. I have kerry edwards bumper stickers left from the campaign if you want some of them.

Anybody else hear anything about Maggie Thatcher having to answer questions about an investigation dealing with De Lay?

I heard 2 short blurbs this morning, but can't find anything else.

If they are requesting answers from a former British PM, this whole De Lay thing may be bigger than just Ronnie Earl.

The moderators do read the open thread but not regularly and they have posted here on occasion though it is rare.

Please see this short film on Tom Delay.

http://www.el27.net/jackandtom.php

Thanks
Marty

Please see this short film on Tom Delay.

http://www.el27.net/jackandtom.php

Thanks
Marty

Please see this short film on Tom Delay.

http://www.el27.net/jackandtom.php

Thanks
Marty

I see that Trish already posted this story above. It is VERY good at pointing out that the Democratic Party is Impotent these days. If you did not read it already, read it here. With everything that has gone down with the Republican Party, the Democrats should be Screaming and Railing and holding press conferences and getting on every single TV show they can!!!

There has been one consistently missing piece of this puzzle, a piece whose absence would be unutterably galling had that absence not become so drearily predictable. With all that is assaulting the White House, the Republican majority in Congress, and indeed the entire substructure of conservative political philosophy, the absence of a vocal, united, organized Democratic opposition to crystallize the reality of our wretched estate and offer a compelling alternative is, simply, astonishing.

Call it cowardice. Call it cynical. Call it a conspiracy. Call it a custard pie, for all the good it will do. Adjectives and invective wither before the yawning abyss that stands between the words of Democratic officeholders, and the deeds they have thus far failed so completely to accomplish. One hears that they are "keeping their powder dry." All this protracted, disorganized silence leads one to assume they have the driest powder this side of the Sahara. If it does not get used soon, it will blow away like so much dust.

The leadership caste of the Democratic party - those worthies and also-rans in the Senate and the DNC - should take a walk down to the Rayburn House office building and find Representatives Conyers, Lee, Woolsey, Abercrombie, Sanders, McDermott, Waters and Waxman. This crew has been keeping good company, has been burning the midnight oil, and has been speaking the truth of this administration all day and every day. The leadership caste of the Democratic party would do well to drink deep a draught of the courage and integrity that can be found there.

Link again

Please see this short film on Tom Delay.

http://www.el27.net/jackandtom.php

Thanks
Marty

Please see this short film on Tom Delay.

http://www.el27.net/jackandtom.php

Thanks
Marty

Please see this short film on Tom Delay.

http://www.el27.net/jackandtom.php

Thanks
Marty

Durbin on Eddie Shultz in 2 minutes

Ed Shultz

Here you are DPD:

EXCLUSIVE: CORRUPTION COPS TO QUIZ MAGGIE

MARGARET Thatcher is to be questioned by police over a secret corruption probe.

The 79-year-old former Premier is said to have met Republican Congressman Tom DeLay while he was on a suspected favours-for-freebies scam run by shady US lobbyists.

Thanks, Trish

Marty, good flix. ALL OF THEM (I CLICKED ON YOUR NAME TO CHECK OUT YOUR SITE)

Andy Rooney on the War in Iraq

Eric in NC-

Don't know ya, but just wanted to give ya a high 5 on your initial post (the whole GLBT and Dems gotta have stronger convictions thing).

Thank you for saying it!

Tonight's Interactive Guest Blog at MViMV will take place from 8-9pm at the My Vote is My Voice Blog. Kety Esquivel from Latinos For America will be blogging and answering questions about LFA's involvement in Deanfest, which will be held next year in San Diego, CA.

http://blog.myvoteismyvoice.com/

Cheney offers comfort to Rush:

Vice President Dick Cheney rushed to try to bolster the right flank, telling the Rush Limbaugh radio show, "I'm confident that she has a conservative judicial philosophy that you'd be comfortable with, Rush."

"Trust me," he added.

Trust me, Rush

Hey folks, big news from Minnesota! Over the weekend, one of our Senate candidates finally took a firm position on the war! Patty Wetterling sent out an email and apparently gave a speech at a state party meeting over the weekend calling on Bush to withdraw troops from Iraq by Thanksgiving 2006. As far as I can tell, she's the first Senate candidate in the nation to do this. I can't say how proud I am that we again have someone displaying such leadership from the state of Humphrey, Mondale, and Wellstone!

You can sign a petition at her site at:
http://www.pattywetterling.com

Basic Truth:

We had a great commander in WWII, Dwight Eisenhower. He became President and on leaving the White House in 1961, he said this: “We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. …"

Can't say we weren't warned. But 'someone' said: "...you can't fool me again..." Why can't we just straighten this whole thing out. Lets go back to 1961 and start over.

Posted by PamB on October 3, 2005 at 04:09 PM

Excellent Pam, Trish, Orangutan, and all. ACTION TODAY!!

Please see this short film on Tom Delay.

http://www.el27.net/jackandtom.php

Thanks
Marty

Exile:

Thanks for your comment. I believe that the Dems missed a great opportunity to turn the tide on GLBT issues in the last election. They could have taken the stance of defending the rights of ALL americans including our GLBT friends, but instead they danced around the issue and never took a firm stance (with the exception of course of Kucinich, Sharpton and Braun).

The Republicans rode to power by inciting hatred of the GLBT community, however had the Dems taken a firm stance and pointed out that "hated" over tolerance is not a "Christian Value", I do not believe it would have been as big an influence on the elections as it turned out to be. Fact is the Dems still won't take a firm stance on this issue, even though "Freedom Fights" are a more worthy "Christian" cause than fighting for opression. I have little doubt that in time, tolerance over hatred will prevail, and all of this will be just a bad memory.

Posted by joeyc on October 3, 2005 at 04:41 PM

Why wait until Thanksgiving 2006? that'll mean hundreds more dead troops, thousand more wounded, and many thousands of dead Iraqis, most of them innocent bystanders.

The Iraqi's are going to start killing each other whether we move out next week, next year, or 5 years from now. Didn't Vietnam teach us anything?

Eric-

I hope you are right! But many I thought never would bail are running for the hills. The irony is that MANY people say that we are basically an expendable vote and that we need to get on board with the BIGGER issues, and while we may only be a small percentage of the total population I think America has a short-term memory in regard to elections and this last election wasn't lost by that much. The Dems can kick the gays to the curb if they think it's expedient and politically efficient, but when those votes are gone...honey, they're gone.

I pulled the lever for the lesser of two evils in '04, but everyday the lesser of two evils is looking more and more like my enemy. Unless things change quickly, I'll find it hard to pull the lever again in '06 and '08. It saddens me to say that, and I'm not the ONLY one saying that.

I agree exile. When you're disenfranchised, there's not a lot of incentive to choose between tweedle-dum and tweedle-freakin-stupid

"With just a few exceptions, leading Democrats, particularly those with presidential ambitions - such as the ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Joseph Biden, and New York Senator Hillary Clinton - have so far also rejected withdrawal or even the adoption of a timetable for withdrawal, even as they have attacked the way in which Bush has carried out the war in Iraq.
Many Democrats have been fearful of taking any position that can be viewed in any way as critical of the military effort in the middle of a war, while others believe that the US needs to begin withdrawing," said Jim Cason, an analyst at the Friends Committee on National Legislation, a lobby group. "This seems to be designed to split the difference to try to unify them."

Link

"George Bush Doesn't Care About Black People," a song born of a rapper's frustration with the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina's aftermath, has been downloaded more than 1 million times since its debut Sept. 6.

He HAD A Mandate

Hey, George, how does it feel to be the Most Hated Man on Earth?

WOW, I think they fixed the glitch.

Thanks, Guys.

(AP) - COLUMBUS, Ohio-In the wake of convictions for ethics violations, Ohio Gov. Bob Taft's approval rating has dipped to a dismal 15 percent, making him one of the most unpopular politicians in the history of political polls.

Example Link

The blog is finally fixed and no one is left to enjoy it. Adieu!

SUPPORT THE TROOPS, IMPEACH BUSH!

Just in: Delay indicted on new charge of money laundering. Courtesy MSNBC.

" AND THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN"

Hi Rose,

I'm still here... maybe the Delay indictments will stick around even after Bush tried to distract with his latest court appointment?

Do you think Bush is planning on a third appointment? I think that would explain this nominee better than much else... well, and of course his inability to choose anyone but the person DOING the search.

Marc,

I'm still reading up on Miers. My initial reaction is this is a political ploy where he expects the righties to be up and arms and refuse her appointment. Then Dubya will go back and pick a more conservative crony. Meanwhile, the dems just keep watching this shit with their tails between their legs.

On the Delay indictment.

Link

RoseZ on October 3, 2005 at 06:13 PM:

I truly believe Miers is a ringer, the ultimate Bush family insider. She has been publically far enough away from the extreme right wing that it guaranteed the righty outcry, but she really is a Bush supporter (I mean, would YOU have someone as your own lawyer who wasn't)... so, she goes onto the court, then seat three opens up, and there are plenty of scenarios where that very reasonably happens, and most likely another of the more middle of the road justices. THEN he seals the deal with a far right extremist. If the dems filabuster, and I sure hope they do on Miers since her primary qualification, in my mind, is her close relationship to the Bush family, the Republicans go Nukular and life as we know it in this country ends.

This really is a Bush family move for permanent control of our government.

Marc, is there another potential seat they expect will open up? If so, I'm not familiar with who it might be. It's a scarey prospect!!

The dems fillabuster? I'm not sure they know how! Besides, Harry Reid endorsed Miers. I haven't a clue as to why!!

RoseZ on October 3, 2005 at 06:27 PM:

I am simply observing that there are still members of the court who are quite old and it wouldn't take much for them to be forced to leave the court (hopefully not the Rehnquist path as it really isn't heroic to die with one's boots on, or while still steadfastly refusing to acknowledge one can no longer do the job of sitting on the country's highest court).

This has always been the most terrifying part of a Bush second term. It was a genuine miracle that he did not have any supreme court nominations to make in his first term. We had a very old court that was "ripe" for change. Now, its four years later and we could see a huge turnover. We're not deep enough into his second term for a justice to heroically hang-on until Bush's replacement takes office. So, it is still a terrifying time.

I think people take the supreme court for granted and don't realize just how immediate its impact is on our lives. As bad as a Republican Congress and Republican Presidency have been, a right shift on the court on its own will have greater and longer lasting impact on us.

I can't believe Harry Reid and other Democrats making nice about Miers. Don't they remember Brown at FEMA? No experience, Bush crony, that's all they need to know.

You're doin a heckuva job Harriet!!!!

The fact that the Dems ARE so quiet in the midst of all this fallout from the Republican party seems a bit suspicious to me. Perhaps there are skeletons in more than just the Bush's closets. Not making any accusations here, but it does seem pretty odd to me that they would not be all over this stuff like white-on-rice.

Second De Lay Indictment.............

MONEY LAUNDERING!!

(ABC Network News)

Another SCOTUS distraction.

Remember way back when....

It Seems like only a month or sr ago....Bushie had a PRIME TIME TV announcement to name Roberts as his choice for SCOTUS, only to elevate him even before he was approved, to Chief Justice.

Bushie is using this to deflect from De Lay (and the Maggie Thatcher stuff doesn't help either).

Harriet ’The Spy’ Miers‘ B**G. Available on every one of the internets. No flies on that lady. Shit, makes as much sense as anything else in this Bizarro situation.

I figure she knows where all of the skeletons are buried and nobody would try to subpoena a SC Justice. OR Katherine Harris wasn't available.

Yep, it's another diversion. Roberts was announced 18 days earlier than planned (on Prime Time TV) just to "catapult the Propaganda" and change the "News" cycle away from more bad news for Bushie.

Look! Over THERE!!

Marc, I agree that most people are unaware of the kind of impact SCOTUS can have on the lives of our citizens.

Personally, I fear women's rights will be sharply reduced as the SCOTUS becomes more and more right-wing.

GET TO HER PERSONAL BLOG AND SAVE EVERYTHING BEFORE BUSHCO ERASES ALL OF IT!!

Here's a snippet:

Monday, October 03, 2005
JUST GOT A CALL FROM BORK!
He just wanted to say congrats, and not to let the nabobs get to me! (He actually said "nabobs!!")

Even though I'm a Supreme Court nominee now, sometimes I'm still such a schoolgirl--I get so excited whenever anyone Majorly Important actually notices me...

But I mean, Bork!

(DOING A LITTLE DANCE)

UPDATE: Cheney saw me dancing, I could just die I'm so embarrassed...

posted by Harriet Miers @ 4:52 PM

MichaelJ, I now need a shower after reading Miers' blog!! Some of the things she writes are downright juvenile!!

And, truly, doesn't she have WORK to do rather than have this blog where she's GLOATING about her nomination? Barf.

She sounds like a school girl with her first CRUSH!!

Bork CALLS HER, and Cheney "saw her dance"??????

DPD, can you believe that blog? She sounds like a teenaged girl!! How long before Rove & Co. find out about this one?

Yep, I saved it to my hard-drive. Good call!

Hey, I have an idea!! Let's email the link to Keith and see if he will put it on his show!!

Oh, and Jon Stewart!! He'd have a field day with that one!! LOL!

COPY ALL OF THIS BEFORE IT ENDS UP BURIED IN A "PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY". (LIKE ROBERTS)

Cover Up to the MAX

She SURE likes PINK!

Ok - let's see, Horse Trainer = Head of Fema

Lottery Head = Supreme Court Appointee

God only knows what's in store for his housekeeper.

Oh - good morning!
Posted by Kathy_in_Indiana on October 3, 2005 at 09:15 AM

Jeb already married the Bush family housekeeper. And I think it was one of those "had to get married" deals too, wink, wink.

Whoever did that Harriet Miers blog site has WAY too much time to kill...but it sure was funny, and put together pretty well too.

RoseZ on October 3, 2005 at 07:07 PM:

I worry about:

- Woman's rights of any kind, with the center piece being Roe going down in flames.

- All forms of equal protection and minority rights.

- The continuing subjugation of the indivudal to the big corporate interests, and accumulation of power and rights by those with money at the expense of those without.

While all of these are vital, I most worry about the latter and Bush hurls us back down the road of laissez faire capitolism where money trumps everything else.

Okay, was I totally suckered? I am so gullible sometimes!! I thought that really was Harriet Miers' doing!

I'm such a dunce!!

It seems all bad, Marc. If it goes in the direction you fear, add to the list mandatory prayer in school and workplace daily.

Dems decry 'culture of corruption'

House Democrats, who have pinned their election hopes on a campaign to portray the Republican Party as corrupt, immediately tied the indictment yesterday of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) to a “culture of corruption” in the GOP.

“I think it’s a sad day for the Republican caucus,” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said as she arrived at the Capitol yesterday afternoon. “A man is innocent until proven guilty, but just to me, it is no surprise because Republicans have had a culture of corruption and that has now been validated by their caucus,” she said, referring to the Republicans’ requirement that leaders step down if indicted.

Mike Malaise, a campaign manager for former Rep. Nick Lampson (D-Texas), who is challenging DeLay, said the indictment showed DeLay had not been doing work for his Sugar Land district.

The Hill

Even though I'm a Supreme Court nominee now, sometimes I'm still such a schoolgirl--I get so excited whenever anyone Majorly Important actually notices me...

But I mean, Bork!

Tee Hee, I'm All a-twitter.

Is THIS the kind of person who is so Star Struck by PUG Ideologues that we want her on SCOTUS for LIFE?

NO!!! She was smitten with gates, and W, and now the dishonored and disgraced BORK?

She is more of a PUG Ideologue than W.

At least he was/is drunk most of the time and didn't really pay attention, but THIS POS is one of the "Ground Floor" Nazis (PNACers)

Evening, Rose

I heard on TV at dinner time, that Miers had attended anti-abortion meetings, etc, so Yeah, looks like this is a biggie on why he chose her.

The day that the supreme court idiots come up with their decision to outlaw Roe v Wade, they better all go into hiding !

(And watching Roberts son this morning, isn't that a kind of child abuse, putting a boy in a suit with shorts, in this day and age?)

Hey Pam, that's my fear. And I do find it rather unsettling that the conservatives are the ones poo-pooing Miers while the Dems seem to be fine with it. I smell a rat somewhere!!

I think I caught a snippet of Roberts' son. Only pugs would put a little boy in a suit with shorts! He's going to take a lot of abuse for that unless he is going to some fundie school or something!

Evening all. Was just listenting to the Majority Report on AAR and he just stated that Bushies new appointment Miers was hired and given $19,000.00 in 1998 to look at his personal records to see if there was anything in his past that could come back to haunt him if he were to become president. What a joke!

If that ain't her blog, it means that Rove & Co is trying to pull a distraction so they can say Nyah, Nyah.

The Nazi Party is capable of anything, including messing with this Blog, and rigging election machines.

Just another part of the constant fear mongering.

All they want is guns on the streets. That's how these Fascists/Nazi work.

Fear your neighbor.

RoseZ on October 3, 2005 at 07:40 PM:

I think we've already seen the separation of Church and State broken down. The only hope right now is for a strong Supreme Court that rules against the actions of the Bush administration as it sends more and more money to the Church.

Add to that the intentional destruction of our public schools, aka No Child Let Behind, and the stage is set for our government to drive the shift of our education system to a Church based education system.

I'm afraid, as we produce more and more students who have been indoctrinated with Creationism instead of Science, our nation's loss of leadership in science and technology is cemented, possibly beyond anyone's ability to recover.

Thus, the end result of Bush and his court appointments is the end of the American era as our nation gets bogged down in its very own Dark Ages while the rest of the world, China and the EU, forge ahead into the future.

I'm sorry if I'm being horribly cynical today. But, I woke up to Bush's nomination speech, and hearing that man attempt to speak always puts me in a foul mood for the rest of the day. The problem is that we are not far from this scenario. That is why we must all do everything we possibly can to fight this nomination.

I had agreed that Roberts was a wash... maybe even an improvement over Rehnquist, who was truly NOT the great man he is being made out to be. This is the seat on the court that counts, and its time to pull out all of the stops for this one.

I think what this Harriet Miers is supposed to be is just another "uncle Thomas" who's job will be to do whatever Scalia tells her to do the same way "uncle Thomas" does.

MORE ON MIERS & ABORTION. Amazing what a little Nexis research can turn up. According to a 1994 New York Law Journal article, "Harriet Miers of Dallas... as head of the State Bar of Texas last year led the charge for a referendum on abortion," seeking to change the ABA's pro-choice position.
A 1993 San Francisco Chronicle story has more on the charge led by Miers:

Link

If EVERY Dem doesn't walk out of these "Hearings" (like they did with the Katrina whitewash BS) they should get ZERO money from the Party.

PERIOD.

Coals are ready,

BBL

It will be nearly impossible to ask many specific questions of Harriet Miers in committee because of attorney-client privelege and executive privelege. The perfect pig in a poke. Caveat emptor

Link

Bush, aides consider what to do about Syria

WASHINGTON -- President Bush and his top aides are weighing new steps against Syria, according to U.S. officials involved in Middle East policy.
Bush's national security team met Saturday to review the policy toward Syria, the officials said. Options range from tougher economic sanctions to limited military action. One official involved in the deliberations said military action is unlikely for now.

However, one option under consideration was bombing several villages 30 to 40 miles inside Syria that some officials believe have been harboring Iraqi insurgents. The officials said the U.S. government has complained to the Syrian government about the matter but has not received a satisfactory response.

indystar

PamB on October 3, 2005 at 07:57 PM:

I think the reaction on the Right has been orchastrated to make Miers APPEAR middle of the road, since she is replacing someone in the middle of the spectrum (not that there is ANYONE on this court on the left).

It sure seems like Harry Reid fell for this misdirection play. And the extreme right wing will laugh all the way to the ... nursery as they look at all those unwanted children born to those who don't want them but no longer have a way to prevent it. Remember, first abortion, then birth control... if the morning after pill is objectionable, then so too is the birth control pill... Dark Ages, here we come!!!

All the time, they hack away at any social safety net that would keep those very same children healthy and safe. Instead, their parents will be prosecuted for being poor (not property caring for the children they didn't want in the first place) and sent to prison.

(did I mention I'm on a cynical roll today?)

Marc, far be it for me to judge one's cynicism. I've been feeling the same way these days.

Don't even get me started on NCLB. It burns me! Fortunately, my state is suing Bushco for this flagrant mess it has made!!

Gawd, I love Howard !!!

Howard Dean said...
Bill Bennett is such a moron and hypocrite that he can't help but be the GOP frontrunner for president in 2008.

Bill Bennett is Expelled...
from schoolin' today - Education curricula company K12 Inc.announced that Wee Willie Bennett "has resigned as an employee, and as Chairman and member of the company's Board of Directors...

Link

RoseZ on October 3, 2005 at 08:03 PM:

I am VERY thankful that I will very soon be heading to Temple this evening to celebrate Erev Rosh Hashanah. I find it helps moderate the negativity that creeps into my thoughts after a day like today.

Posted by PamB on October 3, 2005 at 08:01 PM

Me thinks that is the REAL smoking gun in the Miers' nomination!! That's scarey shit!!

What do the Republicans stand for? Why strong crime cronies, of course. What do Dems stand for? See article below.

Strong Families. Strong Communities. Strong Nation.

A passing comment by Republican pollster Frank Luntz on the Mclaughlin Group (yes, I know; I'm a glutton for punishment) and this excellent diary by Torta converged to ring the same bell in my ears: what do Democrats stand for? It seems a common refrain, or assumption, that Democrats do not have an overall theme or narrative, and I will certainly agree that the party as a whole does a rather bad job of articulating the message. But it lodged in my brain, and after a half hour of thought I realized that I, at least, know what I stand for. And it's not complicated. And I think, in reality, it encapsulates the Democratic Party rather well:

Strong Families. Strong Communities. Strong Nation.

If it sounds "Republican", it shouldn't. It represents the three core principles of the Democratic message. And it's easy to explain.

more at... dailykos

Something smells fishy about this Court Nomination. Bush can't possibly believe this appointment is going to make the cut. Rather I think the Republicans want to force a fillibuster by the Dems, then bring in another nominee (the one they really want), and if the Dems fillibuster again then they go to the public and win support for the "Nuclear Option".

Just a thought.

Mark, I am glad Temple offers relief. I say whatever works is good!

I am a strong follower of the hot fudge sundae. I'm waiting for my husband to bring one home, and my negativity will also diminish ;-)

The pugs are so sure that we are going to challenge Bush nomination and why shouldn't we? When a rabid dog attacks you you tend to not trust it, i.e. FEMA Brown crony Arabian Horse thing Mier Lottery Commission. Please. The pugs want the dems to apologize for living and thinking differently. They don't accept us breathing their air either. So much for the christian compassionate conservative. Hi gang!

Howard Dean said...
Bill Bennett is such a moron and hypocrite that he can't help but be the GOP frontrunner for president in 2008.

Yep, and on top of that, you got that sex pervert Bill O'Rielly pushing a childrens book. Yikes! Repugs have no shame, do they?

bbl

Dear Working Families e-Activist,

Gulf Coast workers don't deserve a pay cut.

Sign the petition now.

People everywhere are outraged that President Bush
took pay protections away from the workers who will rebuild the Gulf Coast.

We need to turn our outrage to action and restore
decent pay for Gulf Coast workers.

Please sign our petition now.

unionvoice

As an aside, I think those blog links need to be checked. A couple are dead.

It's Government by Cronies. Of COURSE Dubya expects everyone to endorse his choice! All we know of this woman is she's a Bush family lawyer. I think Laura and George literally picked their friend over dinner. "Oh, yes, she has no RECORD for the Dems to attack!!! Perfect!"

She's pro-life. I do not have a problem with that in and of itself. No way Bush was picking a pro-choice justice. She's probably intelligent. And she's at least a woman. Even Sandra Day O'Connor didn't always stink up the place with her votes. The Supreme Court sometimes allows justices to evolve/grow (i know i know, not Scalia, not Thomas), and therein lies our hope.

I hate to say it, but just as with Roberts, it could have been way worse. We won't know how bad it is until she's on the court, of course - but right now the only reason for the Dems to oppose her is her lack of judicial experience, and that hasn't stopped others in the past.

Jaysus Keerist, our entire country is being run on the Nepotism Principle. The only principle these corrupt little thugs seem to know. ..

"Hot Tub Tom" keeps saying he doesn't even know what he's charged with. I wonder if he knows now!

DeLay Faces New Charges in Texas

Second Grand Jury Indictment for Money Laundering Follows Conspiracy Charges.

AUSTIN, Texas -- A Texas grand jury on Monday re-indicted Rep. Tom DeLay on charges of conspiring to launder money and money laundering after the former majority leader attacked last week's indictment on technical grounds.

The new indictment, handed up by a grand jury seated Monday, contains two counts: conspiring to launder money and money laundering. The latter charge carries a penalty of up to life in prison. Last week, DeLay was charged with conspiracy to violate campaign finance laws.

washingtonpost

William,

don't you know, that is nothing more than a political witchhunt after poor little tommy Delay!

That jury must be in on it. LOL!

PamB on October 3, 2005 at 08:38 PM:

Anyone know anything about the grand jury bringing the new charges? Or the prosecutor?

It sure would be nice if it were a Republican.

nothing more than a political witchhunt

Yeah, I heard that from "Hot Tub Tom". On all the talk shows, like a thousand times. Poor little picked on Tommy boy. Next thing you know Junior will be crying they're picking on HIM.

Marc,

Seeing as how the majority of Texas is Republican, chances are good that there will be Republians involved in Delay's fate. Will they have the courage to do the right thing, is the question.

Heading out for the evening.

Have a good one, all.

Don't forget that Maggie Thatcher is ALSO implicated in the De Lay mess.

Maybe Fitzgerald was also involved in this. Maybe?

Here's the Google for it since the story broke at 8 am Eastern

Their Tentacles Strangle Themselves, Thanks, PNAC

Grand jurors see evidence in DeLay case

Panel leader says materials convincing.

AUSTIN, Texas | Grand jurors were presented a load of evidence, including testimony and phone records, that led them to think Rep. Tom DeLay should be tried on a conspiracy charge, the leader of the Travis County grand jury that indicted the congressman said Friday.

"It was not one of those sugarcoated deals that we handed to [District Attorney] Ronnie Earle," William M. Gibson said.

He added: "Mr. Earle has stacks and stacks of papers - evidence of telephone calls from Mr. DeLay and everybody."

DeLay has said Earle has no evidence to prove he tried to subvert state election laws. The Texas Republican's lawyers did not return calls seeking comments on Gibson's description of the grand jury proceedings.

myrtlebeachonline

That's wierd. What happened to the rest of the post? Well here it is again. If Tommy boy doesn't know what he's being indicted for, he's about to find out.

AUSTIN, Texas | Grand jurors were presented a load of evidence, including testimony and phone records, that led them to think Rep. Tom DeLay should be tried on a conspiracy charge, the leader of the Travis County grand jury that indicted the congressman said Friday.

"It was not one of those sugarcoated deals that we handed to [District Attorney] Ronnie Earle," William M. Gibson said.

He added: "Mr. Earle has stacks and stacks of papers - evidence of telephone calls from Mr. DeLay and everybody."

myrtlebeachonline

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/news/nation/12790386.htm

A new movie called "Good night and Good luck" is supposed to be coming out this month about the Joseph McCarthy Era stuff. It is produced and directed by George Clooney I think.

Here we go.

Mustang Harriet: Move over, FEMA. President Bush has designated a new official dumping ground for hacks: the Supreme Court.

The president's nominee, Harriet Miers, will be far from the first hack on the court. In fact, the justice she is nominated to replace, Sandra Day O'Connor, is one of the leading hacks in court history.

In terms of legal credentials, Miers is no John Roberts. She has never served on the bench. My guess is that she hasn't argued a case before the Supreme Court. She probably didn't even join the Latin club at SMU.

But Bush didn't pick Miers because of a nationwide search for legal talent. He picked her because she's the best lawyer within 100 feet of his office. So, the fair question to ask about Harriet Miers in the coming weeks is not how good a lawyer she is, but how good a hack?

Miers had some admirable firsts back in Texas. She may or may not be an impressive lawyer. But the Has-Been's uninformed view is that she's an uninspiring hack.

Who says George W. Bush can't be a uniter? Shortly after Bush nominated Miers, the left, right, and center joined in marveling at the underwhelming mediocrity of the choice.

Trendsetter Bill Kristol says he's "disappointed, depressed, and demoralized," because "her selection will unavoidably be judged as reflecting a combination of cronyism and capitulation on the part of the president."

Slate

Oran, that movie is about anchor Edward R. Murrow. I've seen clips. It looks like it will be pretty good. I think it's more about objective reporting during the oppressive era.

DeLay indicted on money laundering charge

AUSTIN — A Texas grand jury today indicted U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay on a charge of money laundering, less than a week after another grand jury leveled a conspiracy charge that forced DeLay to temporarily step down as House majority leader.

DeLay and two political associates are accused of conspiring to get around a state ban on corporate campaign contributions by funneling the money through the DeLay-founded Texans for a Republican Majority Political Action Committee to the Republican National Committee in Washington. The RNC then sent back like amounts to distribute to Texas candidates in 2002, the indictment alleges.

The money laundering charge was the first action from a new Travis County grand jury, which started their term today. It came just hours after DeLay's attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the case.

The motion was based on the argument that the conspiracy charge against DeLay was based on a law that wasn't effective until 2003, the year after the alleged money transfers.

Houston Chronicle

Good evening all..

Don't blame illegals; blast their bosses,a/>

Published on: 10/02/05
In every time, and in every place, there are demagogues who ride to power by whipping up the fears and resentments of an anxious populace. Our current Joseph McCarthys are the contentious cranks and nativists who want to drive every illegal immigrant — especially Mexicans, Hondurans and Guatemalans — out of the country.

U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) would overturn a century of constitutional consensus granting citizenship to all who are born in the United States, regardless of their parents' immigration status. He and his ilk have already pushed through a provision that makes it virtually impossible for states to issue driver's licenses to undocumented workers. And here in Georgia, Republican legislators have proposed a bill that would prohibit illegal immigrants from attending state colleges and universities. Never mind that those who are bright and resourceful enough to complete college would make excellent candidates for citizenship.....

Of course, the complexities of immigration — the pros, the cons, the trade-offs — don't translate into a rousing stump speech. It's so much easier to launch a few broadsides against the border-crossers who broke the law to get here. That emotional appeal won't solve the problem, but it will probably get a few losers re-elected.

Late birthday present for Jacque and all the Ohio Dems. Can you say 'Blue Ohio'?

----------------------------------------------

Poll: Ohio governor's approval rating sinks to historic low

COLUMBUS, Ohio — In the wake of convictions for ethics violations, Ohio Gov. Bob Taft's approval rating has dipped to a dismal 15 percent, making him one of the most unpopular politicians in the history of political polls.

A poll conducted by The Columbus Dispatch found support for the Republican is lower than the three most unpopular U.S. presidents since polling began in the mid-1900s, and may be the lowest rating of any Ohio governor.

Taft, a great-grandson of President William Howard Taft, was convicted in August of four misdemeanor ethics convictions for failing to report gifts and golf outings and has presided over the state's wide-ranging investment scandal.

Even support among Republicans has eroded, with three-fourths saying they disapprove of his performance.

"Almost any figure who's elected in a partisan election usually has at least some support from his party," said Frank Newport, editor in chief of the Gallup Poll. "Usually there's a party base. It's hard mathematically to get that low."

Taft spokesman Mark Rickel dismissed the poll.

"The governor doesn't govern by polls. He governs by good public policy and making a difference for Ohioans," Rickel said.

According to Gallup figures, Taft's approval rating is worse than that of President Truman after he fired Gen. Douglas MacArthur, President Carter during the Iran hostage crisis or President Nixon during Watergate.

A database maintained by three universities says the previous recorded low for an Ohio governor was Richard F. Celeste, who sank to 32 percent in April 1983. Only three governors were lower than 15 percent.

Taft, who is serving his second term, is prohibited by law from seeking re-election in 2006.

The poll, conducted by mail Sept. 22-29, is based on responses from 1,325 registered voters who say they intend to vote Nov. 8. It has a sampling error margin of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.

Well, this should go over well with "The Base" (which is the English translation for 'al Qeada" )

She is a Straw Dog

Don't be fooled. There is someone worse, and she is only to instigate the "Nuclear Option".

It's a ploy. Try to diffuse the "Gay" item, so they can claim to be 'Big Tent".

Any Dem who brings up 'Family Issues" (ROE) will automatically be accused of 'Gay Bashing" without any mention of the ACTUAL law.

(The link came from Freeperville, and they aren't happy either)

The "analysis" is purely MY OWN.

"George Bush Doesn't Care About Black People," a song born of a rapper's frustration with the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina's aftermath, has been downloaded more than 1 million times since its debut Sept. 6.

He HAD A Mandate

Hey, George, how does it feel to be the Most Hated Man on Earth?

Posted by DPD on October 3, 2005 at 05:45 PM

He got it wrong. He should've called it 'The GOP Hates Black People'

I think I know what the deal is on the links over at crooks and liars. After it goes down the page you can't link to it anymore, but it still works from there. This one about Flush Limp-Balls is kind of funny if you want to scroll down to it. I can't get it work for you from here.

Rush Limbaugh caller bashes him for sucking up to Bush

Caller:

Miers Nomination. We know that the Bush Administration runs like a Fraternity, where they support each other no matter what the circumstance, fall-out or reaction. The crony appointment of Miers will provide a Frat recruit into the Supreme Court who presumably has previously guaranteed her allegiance to Bush over anything else, including the Constitution.

GOP stands for "Guilty of Perjury" in this adminisration.

Let's try this connection from Crooks and Liars,

Re WD @ 9:50

RUSH AUDIO ON CROOKSANDLIARS

It worked for me, I'll post the transcript if it's available.

Cover me, I'm going in.........

GOP=Greedy, Obnoxious and Prejudiced

You know, that's the second time the part of my post after the link disapeared. I don't think it's me, but I don't know. Anyway, for the Rush thing were the caller tells him off for "sticking up for Bush".

http://www.crooksandliars.com/

WD,
Don't forget the decontamination shower after your foray into Freeperland

YUCKO, Just look at the badly Photoshopped picture Flush puts up.

Did any of you ever see the one with me and Paris Hilton?

How about Mother Teresa?

Best Buds

Still looking for the transcript.

Oh yeah DPD. I should have thought of the "permalink". Your post put us right there to click on it, but what I was trying to do is get it to play from here. It'll do that when the links are "new", but after a while they quit working "remotely".

I'll bet freeperland is really cook'in tonight, what with the new Tom DeLay indictments and all. I liked that post from last week when they said it was all the DNC's fault.

Truly, I am horrified to see Harry Reid and Diane Feinstein so enchanted and so supportive of Harriet Miers.

Unbelievable.

I am not a member of whatever party they represent.

Remotely? As in an undisclosed location?

I do what little I know how to do.

Still no Transcript of that call on Flush's page, SURPRISE!!!

Hey DPD! How are you. I hate the Sox.

By the way, the transcript you are looking for is on Rush's site under - "What do you do if you are fed up".

hi friends. the computer has been sick for a few a days. i have missed the blog. i am tired of messing with the computer but i want to ask two questions:

1. is tom delay gonna attack the texas d.a. again now that his second indictment has been handed up ( or is it down )...like the kid played by judd nelson who gets more and more days of detention as he messes with the teacher and...

2. did bush nominate amy sedaris from the kids in the hall to be a supreme court justice today?

Remotely? As in an undisclosed location?

No, I want the damn thing to play when clicked on in here.

crooksandliars video

actually three questions...joan i showed up at the intersection you told me to so i would be picked up by the limo and be able to ride to the wedding with the bridal party but instead i was picked up by some sort of rugby team, my comb over was sheared off and i was used as a ball in a very nasty series of games...did you at least save a table center piece for me?

Looking for a limo was your first mistake Gregg. The bridal party arrived in a white carriage pulled by Clydesdales. This IS Wisconsin and we had to tie it in to our basic beer theme, you know.

The weather was lovely, I didn't murder my ex, and there was plenty of champagne. I was going to save you a glass but you know how I am.

And we danced the polka. Followed by Lynnard Skynnard. Good times.

Anyone watching the Monday Night Football game?? My team sure is pathetic these days.

Hi, Joan. I hope you and Gregg danced the night away all weekend at the Wedding.

Gregg....Stop stepping on Joan's toes.

On a more serious note, I am taking an 8 year old girl and an Sophmore boy to Brookfield Zoo next week, and I figured it would be more of an educational thing PLUS FUN than the regular "walk around and look" crap the schools USED TO DO BEFORE BUDGET CUTS thing.

I decided that they have to each answer 10 questions about the animals, or the Environment (actually, their Mother put me up to it), and I KNOW what the last Q will be...

"What is the Number One threat to the animals and the enviornment?"

(The Zoo has that Q at every endangered species exhibit. Sometimes if you lift the flap, it's a mirror..)

You get the idea.

Any help?

Dell - you from Packer country? Me too.

great joan. always good when you don't get handcuffed at your kids wedding. sounds like you had a memorable time and if sure seems like you worked hard at making it a success.

dpd- good to see you back and at it...

will check in with the morning crew. took alot of time to get this machine right and only with the help of an old friend who can focus on the stuff to the point of veritgo.

DPD - I always pictured you in a zoo. :)

Posted by Joan on October 3, 2005 at 10:34 PM

I am a Yooper.. so technically no, but most of us Yoopers like Wisconsin better then downstate Michigan.. dang trolls.

Evening.

Yep Gregg - it was a grand success. The dog didn't eat her flower girl collar, and she didn't poop going down the aisle. Always a plus.

Dell - where at? My family cabin is an hour north of Escanaba.

Oh Joan, I take it, it was your daughter's wedding this weekend? Congratulations. How is your son doing?

Posted by Joan on October 3, 2005 at 10:38 PM

That's about where I'm at.. Ishpeming, I think we're about an hour and a half from Esky

THANKS, JOAN

Rush caller's transcript, re: WD post @ 9:50

Caller Tells Rush He Is "Fed Up"

dpd, one thing to do is exlain to them what adaptation is by giving a simple example like how artic hare (rabbits) have white coats to hide better from predators in the snowy north country and then ask them is they can figure out what some of the adaptations are among the animals and plants they see tomorrow.

this might help:

dpd's field trip

Geez, I tried to vote over at the Flush website about whether or not I thought DeLay was guilty. They want a whole long series of questions answered and then to be allowed to vote you have to give them your E-mail address. That's bogus. I ain't going for that. These Right Wingers, always trying to rig the votes.

Hi Cin - Yes, my little (26 year old) daughter got married. It was beautiful. The only sad part was that my son couldn't be there. He is doing land navigation excercises and ambush training. He leaves for Kuwait Nov 13, but will get to come home for a week before he leaves, so we are looking forward to that. We will show him the wedding videos and drink a lot. :)

Oh I have been there, Dell. It's a happening place!

Posted by Joan on October 3, 2005 at 10:42 PM

I wish it was a happening place... yikes.

Posted by Joan on October 3, 2005 at 10:41 PM

OH jeez Joan.. Words cannot express what I feel for you right now.

Thanks Dell.

Joan where's your son training at??

Posted by WD on October 3, 2005 at 10:24 PM

If life was a Warners Bros. Cartoon, and if a piano fell on Bill O'Lieley's head it would be funny.

But people take this POS Seriously???? WTF???

Posted by DPD on October 3, 2005 at 10:47 PM

LOL it would be funny.. I just pictured it... ever since I was young I've had a gift of everything I envision being a cartoon.. so I am constantly happy and laughing to myself.

He's at Camp Shelby MS right now, Dell. He did his basic and Advanced at Fort Jackson SC. He's a chaplain's assistant. Slash sniper. haha.

I am old. This wedding thing about wiped me out. I need to crash. Goodnight all.

Joan, I'm happy the wedding turned out so well, except for the fact that your son couldn't be there. I bet you sure do miss and worry about him. So, when are the grand kids coming?

dpd, i wrote you a coherent response to your zoo questions question at 10:40. why are you watching o-shit-head? just take the cigarette lighter out of your hot car and press it to your forehead son...quicker and less painfull.

calcin-glanced up tonite and saw a nice shooting star without trying to...a nice treat.

also my post at 10:22 is pretty clever and funny...not that anyone asked...nite.

Posted by Joan on October 3, 2005 at 10:49 PM

Kinda an odd combo there I do say. Goodnight Joan.. stay safe.. I will pray for you and your son.

out of your car hot but i do hope its a hot car...67 gto or something...nite.

Posted by gregg on October 3, 2005 at 10:53 PM

I noticed... the last time my comb over was sheared off I at least enjoyed myself!! ;) But really I think what you asked did happen.. sick world I say.. sick!!

Sorry, gg, I take diuretics.

When it's time to go, IT'S TIME TO GO

Thanks for the Zoo link. The kids will have more to do than LOOK.

Take a look at the sky one more time for me, Gregg - before you hit the hay. I better go read your 10:22 post. BTW, you are one clever and funny guy -

i think begging for kudos is pathetic but thankfully acceptable here and i appreciate the support:)

Feds investigating Frist's HCA stock sale

Journal reports probe into whether Senate leader had insider knowledge.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Hospital operator HCA Inc. said Friday that federal prosecutors have issued a subpoena for documents the company believes may be related to the sale of its stock by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.

A release from the Nashville-based company said the subpoena came from the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Frist’s office confirmed the SEC is looking into the sale.

MSNBC

Posted by gregg on October 3, 2005 at 11:00 PM

LOL.. but I'm slightly in the bag so take it how you want.

G'Nite, {{JOAN}}

G'Nite, Gregg!!

THX , da bode uh yuh

Go SOX (TEE HEE, that's for bb)

I HATE THE WHITE SOX....

GO CARDINALS!!!!

Posted by WD on October 3, 2005 at 11:01 PM

Pugs are collapsing all around us and how does this party respond?? I don't know yet.. hopefully with strength, conviction and heart.

Gregg, plus, I find any man who thinks bush is an idiot sexy.

WD - so was the caller claiming Rush ISN'T conservative enough? Please

The new SCOTUS appointee is involved with EXODUS?

Isn't that an "Ex-Gay" outfit?

This whole thing stinks from here to Peru with a side trip around Tierra del Feugo, AND BACK

Daily Show is RIPPING Rummy

No Cin. The caller was saying Bush is not conservative enough and that Rush should be attacking him.

WD, either way, I think they (rush & the caller) are idiots. Thx for the clarification.

Here it is. Our future Supreme ( and NOT Dianna Ross)

EXODUS

W cited THAT as a reason to appoint her, but left out the WHOLE BUSHCO connections.

If ANY DEM challenges her for any reason, the PUGS will say "I thought YOU were the Party of equality".

Rove must have a whole slew of interns.

DPD, hmmm - Exodus is pretty scary. So, is she "cured" as well? I wonder

Posted by DPD on October 3, 2005 at 11:06 PM

Nope. Lookie here. Josh Marshall checked into it.

tpm

Pugs are collapsing all around us and how does this party respond?? I don't know yet.. hopefully with strength, conviction and heart. Posted by DeLLBerto

NPR radio talked about that today. I didn't hear it all, but what they asked is if the Democrats could take advantage of the Republican collapse and the answer seems to be "no". Almost none of the bunch in there now have any strength, courage or conviction. They had the leaders of several Liberal blogs talking on the show and most of them said we need a different set of Democrats in power if we expect to ever get anywere.

Hi Rose. Thanks. I think the pres knew what he was saying and left it unclear.

Posted by WD on October 3, 2005 at 11:22 PM

That's scary.. I wish Obama would step up.. I feel he's awesome and could do good for the party. I also feel Edwards could do good for the party.. where are they when we need them??

From the WH official site:

Harriet has also earned a reputation for her deep compassion and abiding sense of duty. In Texas, she made it her mission to support better legal representation for the poor and under-served. As president of the Dallas Bar, she called on her fellow lawyers to volunteer and staff free neighborhood clinics. She led by example. She put in long hours of pro bono work. Harriet Miers has given generously of her time and talent by serving as a leader with more than a dozen community groups and charities, including the Young Women's Christian Association, Child Care Dallas, Goodwill Industries, Exodus Ministries, Meals on Wheels and the Legal Aid Society.

Now, does W even know what that is, or is it a way to PANDER because he thinks that the Nuke Option can't be used?

What a POS.

Divide and Conquer. If the Dems make ANY noise about this, wWE look bad. If the Pugs try to make noise, WE look bad.

2006!!!

Get these manipulators OUT OF HERE

I dunno, Cin. But the way I see it, either organization is majorly fundie!!

I think our Dems Leaders could do it - if they JUST DID IT already.

OOPS!!!

Forgot the Official WH link

Mock EEEE Uhh,, Vallee?, OK, Is Bianca Here?, ,,,Bianca?

Rose, sadly, you're right. We're screwed until he leaves office and we get the right Dem in to clean up the mess. In addition, maybe, we'll have a miracle and one of the fundies on the court will have a change of heart and see the light. Maybe.

Dellberto, a book I read said everytime we have a Black person on our side, more Whites in the south swear off the Democratic party.

It adds a NEW twist to it by not SPECIFICALLY mentioning Prisoners. What with W and his chickie killing so many of them, and all...

Posted by WD on October 3, 2005 at 11:30 PM

What a sad country!! I'm shaking I'm so angry about that. I can't describe the feeling.. sickening. Damn we really need to take over this country.

Cin, and as long as our dem leaders remain ball-less, nothing is going to change.

I'm still shaking my head that Harry Reid endorsed Harriet Miers.

WD, I'm with LBJ - he was warned that he would lose a lot of Dems if he continued w/civil rights legislation - he said let them leave (or pretty much said that)

Calm Down, Rose.

Reid didn't endorse her, he said she had an impressive resume.

That's all, for now. (And she DOES)

Rose, it's funny you mentioned balls. I feel the same way. They need to find their cahones and/or grow some. I'm tired of this already.

Sorry, DPD, it sounded like an endorsement to me.

The Bad Doctor

Bill Frist’s long record of corporate vices.

While TV gushed last week over the Republicans’ new Senate majority leader, Bill Frist, intervening in a traffic accident, portraying the former heart surgeon as a "Good Samaritan," in truth the GOP has simply replaced a racist with a corporate crook.

Frist was born rich, and got richer — thanks to massive criminal fraud by the family business. The basis of the Frist family fortune is HCA Inc. (Hospital Corporation of America), the largest for-profit hospital chain in the country, which was founded by Frist’s father and brother. And, just as Karl Rove was engineering the scuttling of Trent Lott and the elevation of Frist, the Bush Justice Department suddenly ended a near-decadelong federal investigation into how HCA for years had defrauded Medicaid, Medicare and Tricare (the federal program that covers the military and their families), giving the greedy health-care behemoth’s executives a sweetheart settlement that kept them out of the can.

The government’s case was that HCA kept two sets of books and fraudulently overbilled the government. The deal meant that HCA agreed to pay the government $631 million for its lucrative scams — which, on top of previous fines, brought the total government penalties against the health-care conglomerate to a whopping $1.7 billion, the largest fraud settlement in history, breaking the old record set by Drexel Burnham.

The deal also meant that HCA can continue to participate in Medicare. And, as part of the Bushies’ deal shutting down what Deputy Assistant FBI Director Thomas Kubic called "one of the FBI’s highest-priority white-collar crime investigations," no criminal charges were brought against the top HCA execs who presided over the illegal bilking of federal programs designed to aid the poor — and that includes Senator Frist’s brother, Thomas, HCA’s former CEO (and current director), who’s been described by Forbes magazine as "one of the richest men in America," with a personal fortune estimated at close to $2 billion.

more at...LA Weekly

Posted by RoseZ on October 3, 2005 at 11:34 PM
Posted by CalCin on October 3, 2005 at 11:37 PM

Amen.. unless you're black. j/k sorry

Didn't know that much about Reid. Here's part of the problem, IMO.

The Democrats' Senate leader is a moderate in his caucus, being pro-life and a Mormon.

rawstory

Leno (YUCK) is on a tear tonight, for al you West Coasters.

SCOTUS, W Drinking, Rummy....

DPD, Sorry, but I'm not going to calm down. Somebody in this party needs to get pissed off. I guess it's gonna be me!

Read my link above, Reid recommended Miers to Cheney at a meeting. Makes me sick!!

Cin, I'd have a sex-change operation if it would help! LOL!

I now know the world has turned inside out when I find myself on the side of a Mormon - pro-lifer.

sigh

I think I should go to bed and dream this nightmare over again.

Posted by Dawnelle on October 3, 2005 at 11:42 PM

No sense in that Dawnelle.. when you wake up things will be the same. If we do that we'd be sleeping all the time.

Rose, LOL. Very funny

If the DEMS don't walk out of the hearings EN MASSE they shouldn't get ONE CENT from the Party FOREVER.

ANY ONE OF THEM!

Shut down the Gov't.

Let Halliburton lose a few points for a while, and we'll see how THAT works out.

F the PUGS.

Maybe Rove has something on all our Dem Leaders (think J E Hoover)

Posted by DPD on October 3, 2005 at 11:46 PM

F 'em all right now. The Dems can't do what they know is right... the pugs they.. well you know. F 'em all!!!

Let W try to explain why HE HAS NEVER VETOED A SINGLE SPENDING BILL EVER

Then he can go on permanent vacation.

I'm serious. The DEMS should refuse to show up for ANYTHING until the PUGS realize the consequences.

IF ANY DEM shows up, ZERO MONEY FOR LIFE.

If they want to switch Parties, let them compete with their "Friends" , and see how fast they are kicked to BOTH sides of the road.

HEAR ME, HOWIE?

Well, time for me to go. Peace to everyone. One more thought - at least we got a new thread today :)

I wish one of YOU guys would run for Pretzeldent!!

I don't think I like any of these politicians anymore! :-(

I wish one of YOU guys would run for Pretzeldent!!

LOL.. that's hilarious. I'm pissed. We need to take this country over.

DPD, he said he's going to veto the defense spending bill if they don't take out that anti-torture provision. And he's trying like mad to keep the rest of the Abu Ghraib pictures and videos released. They say that on those videos are young boys being raped. Sysmour Hursh said the sreaming of the young boys while being raped is the worse part of the whole thing.

Posted by DPD on October 3, 2005 at 11:51 PM

they already refused to show up at that (partisan) independent Katrina Committee. What's the word with that? Have they hung Blanco yet? You KNOW they wanna! (in a Jon Stewart voice)

Hi Cin {{bye Cin}}

sorry I missed you!

Posted by WD on October 3, 2005 at 11:55 PM

If the administration has known about the rapes... damn we need to impeach these bastards now. We need to start from scratch.. Impeach everyone. I mean everyone.

W "Threatens" to veto A LOT of things, and HAS NEVER DONE IT.

Let him try, and then HE has to explain EVERYTHING. Not use the "Well, Democrats voted for it..." BS.

IF ANY DEM SHOWS UP FOR A VOTE ON ANYTHING OFFENSIVE TO OUR PARTY they should get ZERO financial help from US the voters who pay their salaries.

Hear THAT, Howie?

Shut down the PUG Pork Machine like Clinton did. And, BTW Clinton was called "THE HERO" in that Newt ploy.

Dell

what do republicans really think about all that abuse? Are they really that cold and bigotted that they would make excuses for that chit?

It's the way they twist their heads around on their neck trying to make excuses that is really so sad and pitiful!!

just makes me want to slap them all!

I know HD, in his capacity of Chair can't legally direct legislation, and all the calls for to 'DO something, or Say something" gets close to crossing a line, but CASH is his job, and SPENDING CASH is what he can do.

Hear THAT JoeMentum? Become a Zell, you turncoat.

{{DPD}}

If Howie was reading here he would have had them FIX this BLOG a long time ago!!

If you were in Washington DC for the peace protest, someone may have infected you with Rabbit fever

More Rabbit Fever

Posted by Dawnelle on October 4, 2005 at 12:03 AM

Even when I was a dirty ol' pug I thought it was aweful. I had friends defend it by using Rush's statements Oh it's just frat house pranks. I am glad I am outta that party and out of the Bush military.

DAWN, They look at the originally released pics like it's porn. I'm serious. They pass them around in bars and laugh.

Howie doesn't read here. Neither do Josh or Jesse. NOBODY reads here. It's a joke.

Imagine being a new dem or even one thinking about switching affilliations and using this blog as one of the barometers? The best they can feel, in terms of dem officials, is completely ignored.

Posted by DPD on October 4, 2005 at 12:09 AM

Yes a lot of military folks did do that. I refused to partake in the "abuse shots" that people bought. Do you remember when that Marine shot and killed an apparent "innocent" Iraqi?? That sucked for me because I tried defending the innocent guy. Almost got lynched I do believe.

I know, Rose, but I STILL yell at the sky on the first snowfall and yell
"STOP THAT!! STOP IT NOW!!"

It makes me feel like I did my part.

I remember when Jesse had us vote for this site being the best blog. Now where are they?

Speaking of which...

Dell, YOU are supposed to get some flakes within the week, just so's you know.

Posted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 12:11 AM

I have to be honest.. it's the posters not the administration that I look to for support. I am as you all know a new Dem. I love it because of people like you, DPD, WilliamSchubart, orangatan and Dawnelle. It's us that make this blog work not them.

Posted by DPD on October 4, 2005 at 12:09 AM
Posted by DPD on October 4, 2005 at 12:14 AM

LOL no wonder we have heart trouble!

Posted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 12:11 AM

aw - right well at least they have US Rose! :-)

and WE ROCK so MUCH!!! ;-)

Posted by DPD on October 4, 2005 at 12:15 AM

I know.. almost shed a tear.. we're experiencing awesome weather now.. it's still warm enough I don't need a jacket outside.

Dell

JINX! LOL

Sometimes I feel like the fish in the fish tank, waiting for the owner to put the food in and clean up the droppings. And maybe, if I am lucky, they will clean the aquarium walls no we can see clearly.

DPD, me too! (on the 1st snowfall). Man, we have been lucky with unseasonably warm weather this year! I'm loving it!

Posted by Dawnelle on October 4, 2005 at 12:17 AM

I would say great minds think alike.. but I seem to be laggin' in that department. What a great football game on MNF right now. I am a die hard Packer fan and well.. we're losing but the ball is in Brett's hands.

William

Glug, glug, bubble, bubble!

I'm listening to Stephanie Miller right now! Did you catch her today?

Uh, Dell....Pukers are LOOOOOSING

Bucs won yesterday but really deserved to lose.

I was surprised. The other team had a touchdown and the refs called it totally wrong, imo. Even my daughter and Mom watched it and agreed.

And we are Bucs fans. It was another of those moments that make NO sense!

Dammit! Just lost a post to Dell. It was kinda long, too.

dammit

Posted by DPD on October 4, 2005 at 12:22 AM

0 and 4.. oh well. I still love Brett. If only Donald Driver could catch.

Posted by Dawnelle on October 4, 2005 at 12:23 AM

That was a great game to watch. I thought Detroit was gonna win it.

Posted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 12:24 AM

What's that mean??? I hope I didn't do something wrong.

Dell

they were robbed (sadly) Gruden must have a PUG team after all. (lol kidding I have no clue)

Ed Shultz RANTED about that Lions game for the first 5 minutes of his show. He said that it took 5 seconds for him to become a Lions fan after watching the botched calls. (That, and the Pukers and the Vikings SUCK)

Dell, I agree the support from other posters here has been invaluable. That's usually my bond with the blog.

BUT, I've sent a handful of emails to Josh/Jesse over the past two years. I have NEVER gotten a response. NOT A ONE. And the last one was about some of the technical problems after the new software was installed. Granted, the email was a bit lengthy. I also pointed out that they never respond to emails and asked them to please, at least acknowledge what I had sent them. NOTHING. ZIP. ZERO. For all I know, they never even read it.

Now, I don't expect Howard to sit down at a computer and read through this blog. He's got more important things to do. BUT, he could communicate with us via the home page. Same is true with Josh/Jesse. I mean they have been posting more articles and things on the homepage than they used to. It's been helpful.

Would it really hurt them to post something to let us know they are PAYING ATTENTION? Because as far as I am concerned, they are not.

DPD

it was sad! I admit it!

Posted by Dawnelle on October 4, 2005 at 12:28 AM

Nah I don't think Gruden is a Pug witha Pug team. They try to hard to win usually. They don't cheat.

No, no, Dell. You did nothing wrong. I just went on a little rant as is posted above.

Dawn did you get to the part where they play boogie fever?

Steph was going on about how they gave her rabbit fever, so I shot her an email:

Steph,
Was your nose running? Then it must be boogie fever.

Guys must have read it because they were laughing before they played it.

I feel like a political foster child. No permanent home. No loyal parents. Just kinda flailing around, unsure what to do.

Hi. Is this thing working any better tonight?

Posted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 12:29 AM

this blog isn't even mentioned on MOST of the other LEFT blogs that I've wandered to from lists here and other places.

I rarely find "DNC Kickin Azz"

lots of other DemBlogs tho...... dozens and dozens

Posted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 12:29 AM

I can hear what you're saying. I guess I'm lucky being a newbie to the blog. I haven't put up with it yet. It's unreal they don't even have a "auto response" thing. I know it's kind of horrid but at least you know you're email is getting somewheres.

Rose - you sound like how I feel - extremely frustrated to have my extreme energized excitement stifled by extreme lack of leadership and movement by our extremely dumb beltway "Democrats". Extremely P.O.'d

Posted by WilliamSchubert on October 4, 2005 at 12:31 AM

not yet! haha sounds funny I'll listen for it!

Rose - pitiful! :-{

a political foster child. No permanent home. No loyal parents. Just kinda flailing around, unsure what to do.

P>I>T>I>F>U>L LOLOL

Posted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 12:30 AM

Ok good. I thought for a second you and I simutaneously hit the post button.. causing the system to think to hard.. causing it to post my post as mine usually consist of incoherent babbling and other random thoughtless utterances.

Posted by Dawnelle on October 4, 2005 at 12:36 AM

I must agree with the lady, Dawnelle on this one. Pitiful.

Dawn, maybe the answer is to boycott until they make it right here. I don't know. The blog was heavily monitored (and quoted) pre 11/2. That's when they needed lots of donations and asked for them -- ad nauseum.

Posted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 12:38 AM

What happend on 11/2??

MISSING - from the DNC BLog lately

COLLEEN

GIG

TREE

LIBERALAURA

OTHERS?

MISS YOU GUYS!!!

Dell

I came here on 11/2

totally in a daze

Karen, it has only been a couple of days that I've really built up a great deal of anger and frustration toward this party -- and this blog. I was trying to be patient.

That's not a good thing. In fact, it is obviously an endemic (sp) trait of this party to just keep taking shit until you reach the point where you are ready to explode. F*ck that. Explode NOW!!

WTF are we here for if no one will take the reigns and do something?

Posted by Dawnelle on October 4, 2005 at 12:41 AM

That's why my name is Dell.. you can start it by saying Duh. Sorry.. dumb question.

Posted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 12:41 AM
WTF are we here for if no one will take the reigns and do something?

Yeah!!

Is not 11/2 election day? The day we LOST?

You should have seen this place over the summer before that. It was HOPPING!! Dems fighting the good fight. Lots of great articles. We'd all get online together to watch and comment on the debates. It was grand!!

My big deal with Favre was a few years ago when I had reservations for dinner at his Steak House in the "Big City" (Milwaukee), and we got there and there was a hand written note on the door saying "OUT OF BUSINESS....COMING SOON {2-3 months later} Some italian Restaurant"

Now, WHY did they take the reservation, in the First place?

We went to a different restaurant, which was packed, and had to wait at the bar for a table.

The bartender said that his girlfriend worked there, and they didn't even tell the help. She closed the place on Sat night, and came back on Sun Morn and saw the SAME sign I saw.

The Asst. Mgr showed up and opened the safe, and everything was gone.

No warning, NO GUTS. Those people depended on that job to pay their rent (they were College Students at Marquette, which ain't cheap)

The Bartender said that his girlfriend cried the rest of the day.

F Favre, and i DON'T CARE IF he WASN'T THE ACTUAL MANAGER, BUT AT LEAST HE COULD HAVE SHOWN SOME CLASS.

3 Months later, I had to go to the "Big City" of MKEE again, and I saw the same bartender. He told me that his girlfriend was STILL owed pay from Favre's venture, and that she was contacting the Labor Dep't.

Why can't Brett at least put aside some of his Millions to make sure that Catholic College Students can survive at least 1 Semester?

I don't know what the outcome of all that was, but I never liked the Pukers once Bart Starr left.

I guess people are parting company Rose and getting behind some certain candidates blog and website?

Conyers has one, Edwards, Kerry, Boxer, all of them have private blogs, etc. I just couldn't get behind the Clark Blog as some of them were VERY VERY VERY VERY loyal! And that is about 3 too many verys for me!

Im no ones fanatic! hehe.

perhaps?

Posted by DPD on October 4, 2005 at 12:44 AM

Dang that's cold. I really hope Brett doesn't even know about this. If he does, I'm disappointed.

Maybe my comments are pitiful. So be it.

Missing from blog OR greatly reduced posts:

Chuck, Jen, Burnsey, Jaline, Mack, Veneita, Emma the librarian, Jacque, Eli ...

All I can think of at the moment.

Posted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 12:46 AM

I was just kiddin. I hope you didn't take me seriously. I know on a blog sarcasm is hard portray. I was being sarcastic.

WTF are we here for if no one will take the reigns and do something?

Posted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 12:41 AM

AMEN TO THAT!! I got into a verrrry heated discussion with my husband this evening. I was expressing my frustration with the lack of leadership, direction, and agenda of the Democratic party. He was telling me that it is too soon, that the Democrats know they can't do anything until 2006. I then WENT OFF!!

THe people (ie BASE) are motivated NOW. The polls showing Americans are ready for change NOW. The 2006 campaign starts NOW. NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW

not YOUR comments Rose! but the fact that they are being so pitiful!!

jaline IS jaque and I've not noticed her absence

I did notice Venieta's name on the DNC Bonds list.

Jen went to the rally/march in DC. I've only seen her once since then? Yea JEN where ru? lol

(waving to Barbie)

I guess I should start to break down camp

But Dawn, you are pretty dedicated to Wes, no? I like him quite a bit -- well, until he whored himself to FOX!! That bugs me!

The biggest fanatics are the deaniacs, IMO. Not that I don't like Howard, but they do seem a bit cultish.

(Sorry, Jaline and Jacque are the same person!).

Where the heck has Jen been?

Evening Folks! You mean you aren't having a happy Monday...oh that's right it is Tuesday in the East.

Hiya Rose, Dawn, Karen, Dell and DPD.

BTW, in an effort to put my energy where my whine is, I am going to a "candidate training" seminar in Lansing this weekend. Anyone get invited this? NO CLUE how my name got on the list, but it's a training for folks interested in potentially being future women, pro-choice Democratic leaders. FUNKY, and an honor (oh, and free - kinda key with me;)

Anyway, very excited - I'll tell how it goes on my blog.

Posted by DeLLBerto on October 4, 2005 at 12:49 AM

No, no. Sorry. Sarcasm was back atcha!!

Your point is well-taken, which is why I also asked the mods to add emoticons so that intentions can be somewhat clarified.

Hey Peppermint!!

Rose

Yes will always be moderately loyal to Gen Clark.

I have renewed hope for GORE and a continued attraction to Chuck Schumer. Along with the regulars of the various caucuses.

I don't know - a few of the KERRy-addicts were pretty fanatic as well (remembering my good friend MJ and my not so good old friend Fade and her kinda of rabid BF?) lol

man they hated anything Dean

Posted by Karen on October 4, 2005 at 12:53 AM

Excellent Karen!!

HI Lizzy!!!

I was expressing my frustration with the lack of leadership, direction, and agenda of the Democratic party. He was telling me that it is too soon, that the Democrats know they can't do anything until 2006.

I agree with you. It's never too soon. I don't want our dems sitting on their hands until 6 months before the election. It's too little too late. The base may as well put out a message to the dems that they'll catch up with them later, which is TOO much later!!

osted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 12:54 AM

Shew!! Sometimes I feel like I'm walking on thin ice around here.

Posted by Karen on October 4, 2005 at 12:53 AM

Congrats!! Are you a Yooper? If so help me out with candidate training... if they offer hints for males as well.

Dawn,

I should caveat. I know Jacq has been out because of her coursework and she's in a bitch of an accounting class. Oh how I can relate!! Jen has been pretty quiet, but I also recall reading her laptop was on the fritz.

I saw V on the bonds list as well. I sure miss her. She was damned good on posting LOTS of great links early on.

Paige's posts are rather skant these days as well. Must be a bitch when you've got alife, LOL!

Hello Late Nighters,

I keep hearing about Tom DeLay getting a money laundering charges brought against him.

I wondering if his organization will be charged under RECO for rackateering. That was what RECO was setup to do? ...wasn't it? ...to stop organized crime from infiltrating government.

Money laundering, circumvention of election laws, filtering money to political candidates, siphoning money from FEMA, etc..

Can someone see if the Republicans for Texas can be charged under RECO for rackateering?

Dawn, oh my....LOL

Yeah, Jen is missed, she will be back. But you know who I really miss...Dewey and MuncieCarl.

I like that "30'something" group of Dems from the House that often speak on cspan! Deb Wasserman-Schultz, Kendrick Meeks and that tall white guy w/a lisp or something. They are on at night sometimes.

Hey Lizzy! How goes it?

Posted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 12:59 AM

Wish I had a life.

Jen has laptop problems, and checks in on a Dinosaur desktop from time to time.

We all have her e-mail addy.

Jaline (Jacque) is going to College and still working 60 hours a week.

Mostly people post in the early AM before they head out to life and its many wonders.

yea not a word from munciecarl in ages and I'm sure dewey is beyond busy in his new government job and trying to sell that washed out house :-(

but i do miss them too....... where has dorsano been too?

Howdy Lizzy!!

Dellberto - I'll let you know how it goes. Gonna start working with my state rep Pam Byrnes, too, which will be great - she's a good kids' programs advocate and apparently works closely with our good ol' Gov'nor

I don't think we left the blog. I think the blog left us. They destroyed all my blog entries for the past two years. all Gone. That was my investment, and they destroyed it. And since then, they created this new wonderful blog that is always kicking us out or worse. I thought we were going to get a BETTER blog, but instead we can't even make simple links, much less get emoticons.

Posted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 12:59 AM

plus the "DOC" aka Paige is "with child"

that by itself is a major chore!! along with the one she already has!! (cutie patootey)

(remembering my good friend MJ and my not so good old friend Fade and her kinda of rabid BF?) lol

I think I'll refrain from further comment, LOL!

Posted by Karen on October 4, 2005 at 01:01 AM

That'd be great. I just wrote to Debbie Stabenow to see if she could offer some advice on how to become more politically at the local level so that it reaches out to the national level.

oops, Howdy DAWN!

DPD - how are you?

Where did I just see that FEMA is paying Carnival cruise-lines more than twice what actual cruises cost per week? Al Franken, Jon Stewart? Can't remember. Anyway, that's just fabulous - especially in light of the facts that: a) Greece offered ships free; and b) the occupants of the cruise ships aren't even victims, but rather FEMA EMPLOYEES!!

Dellberto, where do you live?

oops...I almost forgot a wave to Moody.

You know what the problem is...yeah you guys know, but I will say it anyway.

By the time the morning crew gets here the thread is so long and people just pass over the important articles.

Posted by DeLLBerto on October 4, 2005 at 01:04 AM

crap.. meant politically active at the local level...

1) Please fix this blog
2) Maxie was called to be on the local Selective Service board (I never knew if Maxie was a guy or a girl -- I would guess girl)She could have called into Randi Rhodes if she was still around, because some dude challenged Randi when she claimed SHE was called to be on the draft board. Dude said nobody else was called, yet I knew Maxie was.

Karen -

Keith O had a bit about it and so did Anderson Cooper

Dell,

Shew!! Sometimes I feel like I'm walking on thin ice around here.

Fear not. I think you are on safe ground here, but I understand your trepidation. As I recall, your initial reception here wasn't all encompassing. We Dems are a suspicious bunch when it comes to new folks. That can put people off. But it also speaks to our critical thinking, which you clearly have as well. Otherwise, you wouldn't have "converted."

Posted by PeppermintLizzy on October 4, 2005 at 01:07 AM

Ishpeming, Michigan

HEY, {{KAREN}} I'm GOOOOOOD

HEY, {{LIZZY}}

Also, Dewey moved to DC and has an office accross the Street from the WH, but his house (which was for sale) was flattened by a Hurricane BEFORE Katrina, so he has other stuff on his plate at the present moment.

karen it was Lewis Black on Jon Stewart.

Evening William...I gave up on the emoticons. That is beyond hope. All I hope for are open threads and lots more threads regarding IMPORTANT issues, not donations lists.

NIGHTLINE is doing a thing about Bush's "Cronyism"

The guy is almost sneering.

test

Dell - do you get the Michigan Briefings? click my name for the Michigan Democrats website. Stabenow started a youth initiative about 6 months ago and I emailed her and asked if I could work with her on this (beginning of the unemployment when I was still cocky and arrogant). She writes letters back, but it takes a while. She thanked me for my interest and actually offered to share my resume with some folks, but that never came to anything. I think I've emailed her 3 times and have received a letter back all 3 times - takes a while. I've written Durbin more often because of his position, but heard back less frequently - usually the same kind of newslettery kind of thing.

Anyway, Stabenow ROCKS and is definitely someone to continue to support. She's up in 2006. Generally pleased with the Michigan Dems.

Geez, I missed that Paige is expecting!! I saw Dorsano the other day on here. Also miss Capn Bill!!

Rose

I wish we were as tough as we THINK we are it seems!!!

We are always forgiving, taking the high road, getting "over it", acting like the victim!!

A little bit of pacifist in us all otherwise I don't think we'd choose this party. So it only makes sense that we ALL take our turns bending OVER then regretting it later for BEING SO TRUSTING OR "BETTER THAN THAT"

I agree it's getting OLD and it's totally NOT like me!

lol

Posted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 01:07 AM

I am suspicous myself. I can understand that feeling for sure. I honestly tried to give the Pugs a chance.. but man.. They have never stood for anything I have. I don't know why I was a pug. I think I was one of them one or two issue Pugs that we need to win.

lizzy, I still want emoticons and podcasting, and it infuriates me that this blog went backward when it should have moved forward.

Karen, Jon Stewart did a thing on the Carnival expenses. I also saw it on another show or read it on some site.

The rationale is that Carnival really makes their money in liquor contracts, gambling and duty-free stuff. So they offset it -- explaining the inflated charge.

Nice charity, huh?

Dell, shoot you could do a lot in Michigan. Karen can show you the way...

Hello,

Do any of you out there support charging the Republican for Texas under RECO ACT for Rackateering?

Sure sounds like a good fit, money laundering, illegal campaign contibution, circumvention of election laws, filtering money to political candidates, siphoning money from FEMA for Christian Church which funneled into Republican Elections, darn if that's not Rackateering under RECO! What do you think?

RECO ACT has teeth and bites too!

as for the people who left this blog, someone should tell Jesse and friends that "if you build it, they will come...back".

Posted by Dawnelle on October 4, 2005 at 01:11 AM

It brings me back to my HS days when I was the last one picked to be on a team in gym. And how I was picked on for being fat and/or weird and/or different. The minority, so to speak.

We're being bullied, and we seem to be okay with it. Why?

Goodnight All,

Posted by PeppermintLizzy on October 4, 2005 at 01:13 AM

I would love for someone to show the way.

Wow we have a lot of people here for after 1:00 AM. I need to catch a few z's so good night all.

Lizzy - I LOVED your brain post on your blog!!

Thanks for letting me know where I heard that Carnival thing. The danger of flipping channels...

Hybrid, I think Texas has some, um, challenges coming up, and I'm pleased to know that the Texas Democrats have their shit together and are pouncing on it all. The redistricting crap has GOT to be undone!

I don't know why I was a pug. I think I was one of them one or two issue Pugs that we need to win.

Posted by DeLLBerto on October 4, 2005

It's easy to be a pug. You are the beater instead of the beatee. And there's that money thing. BULLIES.

Posted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 01:16 AM

Because it was the daggum status quo. Who wants to change the status quo??

tired - late - see you all later! Nice catching up some!

Let's try to stick together huh? We are stronger together!! I promise not to diss Kerry or Dean or even the little brownie Dennis (I say fondly)

if you all will do the same for my little General? lol kidding even I was upset with him doing stealth missions over at FAUX news!! I sure hope it was worth it to him cuz he lost a LOT of support doin that.

Gnite everyone! HUGS and Peace!

Sorry about that Hybrid...I was so busy complaining about the lack of threads and missed your posts.

I support charging the Republicans with reckless endangerment of the Soldiers.

Dell - we'll figure it out together. I was gung ho when I moved here in March and signed on with the website the day I plugged the computer in. Don't know how it all works, but Michigan seems well organized. There's an unofficial blog, too, with blogspot:

michigan dems blog

as for the people who left this blog, someone should tell Jesse and friends that "if you build it, they will come...back".

Posted by WilliamSchubert on October 4, 2005 at 01:16 AM

They don't care. I could well be banned, but I'm sick of this. When the campaigns are heated, and they need funds they'll try to kiss our asses. Until then, we are nothing to them.

Posted by RoseZ on October 4, 2005 at 01:18 AM

A lot of my Pug-ness probably comes from my Christianity. I believed idiots who told me I'd be going to hell if I voted for a Democrat. I was a sad case of one who didn't think. Now I do, again.

goodnight Dawn and Schubert. Think I'm following you out the door - just stopping by to see if this thing still worked, or if the site imploded onto its own technical difficulties.

Posted by HybridFuel on October 4, 2005 at 01:14 AM

It seems that Maggie Thatcher is being questioned about De Lay, also, so THAT could have International implications.

World Court, Anyone?

GOOGLE Search for Thatcher / DeLay

Looks like it's an interesting development.

Goodnight those goodnighting!!

Dell - you and 51 million Americans - at least you weren't alone, little sheep ;) Just kidding. Good to see another one brought back from the dark side. Hope you discover that we have more Christian values and morals in our dissenting, bleeding heart pinkies than in the whole of the Bush Crime Family

Good Night Dawn and William. Rest well. Tomorrow is another day...

Rose, go girl! Just sick and tired of being used...you are so right.

I lost another post and am incredibly frustrated. I don't mean to be rude, but I'm outta here. Something seriously needs to be done!

For late night reading, here's the World Tribunal on Iraq website - after exhaustive work, they recommend that Bush and Blair be indicted at an International Criminal Court... This was June of this year.

click

Where'd everybody go?

I take a little longer than most to look up stuff so it doesn't look like I'm talking out of my Rush, and y'all run away

(sniff)

G'Nite to ALL frustrated DEMMMMMMS

I'll keep the lights on for a while

(Troll Patrol)

Dell and Karen...Michigan watch out!

It is getting late. Well, it is acutally really late here so Good Night All. Peace.

Rose, just hit POST once, then hit BACK and REFRESH and wait a few secs.

It works.

If it is a long post keep hitting BACK until it shows up i the box, then POST again.

It's better than it was yesterday, (early this morning)

They seem to be working on it.

I KNOW, FRUSTRATING!!!!!

Good night all.. I didn't realize it was so late. Peace and love!!!

G'Nite, DeLLBerto

Get the Kitty Litter and shovel for the trunk early.

I lost it and sent a venting email to Jesse/Josh. It won't be answered, I'm sure. But I may be banned . . . so be it.

Misspelled RICO and Racketeering. Must be getting late.

Here is the condensed definition of Racketeering;

1961. Definitions
Release date: 2005-08-03
As used in this chapter—
(1) “racketeering activity” means
(B) any act which is indictable under any of the following provisions of title 18, United States Code: Section 201 (relating to bribery), section 1028 (relating to fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents), section 1513 (relating to retaliating against a witness, victim, or an informant), section 1957 (relating to engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity), section 1503 (relating to obstruction of justice), section 1510 (relating to obstruction of criminal investigations), section 1952 (relating to racketeering), section 1956 (relating to the laundering of monetary instruments),

(2) “State” means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, any political subdivision, or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof;
(3) “person” includes any individual or entity capable of holding a legal or beneficial interest in property;
(4) “enterprise” includes any individual, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity, and any union or group of individuals associated in fact although not a legal entity;
(5) “pattern of racketeering activity” requires at least two acts of racketeering activity, one of which occurred after the effective date of this chapter and the last of which occurred within ten years (excluding any period of imprisonment) after the commission of a prior act of racketeering activity;

RICO and Racketeering charges have teeth and can bite! ...and bite all that was involved in the criminal activities!

good morning. wow all of a sudden it is pretty dark out at this hour.

internet weekly:

stooges

harriet miers blog (satire)...i still say she looks an awful lot like amy sedaris from kids in the hall...

harriet's blog

well this explains alot. the charges against delay can bring a life sentence?? and his lawyers said the only reason the second charge was brought is because the first charge is so weak...i hope they keep dissin the d.a. it looks like a great strategy...

Second Indictment Issued Against DeLay

By PHILIP SHENON
Published: October 4, 2005
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 - A grand jury in Texas issued a second indictment on Monday against Representative Tom DeLay, accusing the Texas Republican and two aides of money laundering in a $190,000 transaction that prosecutors have described as a violation of the state's ban on the use of corporate money in local election campaigns.

In their court papers Monday, defense lawyers argued that the conspiracy laws did not apply to the 2002 election violations cited in the original indictment and that the charges should be dismissed before they did any more political damage to Mr. DeLay.

Within hours, Mr. DeLay and his aides had been indicted on the new money-laundering charges, which can carry a prison sentence of up to life in prison. Mr. DeLay and his lawyers described the new indictment as a last-minute effort by prosecutors to avoid the humiliation of seeing their case against the former majority leader collapse only days after it was brought.

don't worry tommy we got ya covered

roy makes his move. ya gotta love this guy and his million pound tablets. what an asshole! from salon.

Ousted Ala. Justice to Run for Governor

- - - - - - - - - - - -

By PHILLIP RAWLS

October 03,2005 | GADSDEN, Ala. -- Roy Moore, who became a hero to the religious right after being ousted as Alabama's chief justice for refusing to remove a monument of the Ten Commandments from the courthouse, announced Monday that he is running for governor in 2006.

Moore's candidacy could set up a showdown with Gov. Bob Riley, a fellow Republican, and turn the Ten Commandments dispute into a central campaign issue in this Bible Belt state.

maybe harriet is bush's ace in the hole if a case against him goes to the supreme court?

from the ny times. hope they have read this right:

"The swagger is gone from this White House," said Charles E. Cook Jr., editor of The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan newsletter, citing a litany of other difficulties afflicting the administration, including high gasoline prices and the failure of Mr. Bush's push to overhaul Social Security. "They know they have horrible problems and they came up with the least risky move they could make."

Looked at another way, the choice is much harder to explain. In selecting Ms. Miers, Mr. Bush stepped deeper into a political thicket that had already scratched up his well-tended image of competence, the criticism that he is prone to stocking the government with cronies rather than people selected solely for their qualifications.

Perhaps even more seriously for him and his party, he left many conservatives feeling angry and deflated, if not betrayed, greatly exacerbating a problem that has been growing more acute for weeks because of the right's concern about unchecked government spending following Hurricane Katrina. For an administration that has at every turn tried to avoid the mistakes of Mr. Bush's father, especially the first President Bush's alienation of his right wing and the subsequent lack of enthusiasm for his re-election effort in 1992, the fallout on Monday was especially glaring.

50 pound president?

Ohio Governor Bob Taft now has an approval rating of ...15% An historic low in the history of political polls (75% of republicans have also turned on him). Another crooked republican in the Tom DeLay mold who has disgraced his office, his state and the country. GOP party of high morals... their high on something but it's not morals.

Good Morning Greg!

Good Morning All!

:)

tom tomorrow. everything is under control:

evacuation planning

morning paul, morning richard.

like the guy says in the firesign theater skit...high on the real thing, powerful gasoline, a clean windshield and a shoeshine!

and ward sutton predicts more big, big pro bush rallies:

rally round the hag boys

Morning, Peeps

How's the blog working today?

feels like teen spirit to me raoul.

Good Morning Everyone, and a Happy Tuesday to you!

Morning, all! Found a packet of work outside my front door this morning. The Joys of Living in Smalltown USA, with our law office office located downstairs!

George Bush Should Work Smarter AND Harder

Rosh Hashanah! (I know it began last night at sundown, but I was in class)

Todays Picture

Good Morning, Dems!

Cyn, I've tried it and I love it! Thanks!

Conservative, yes; compassionate, no

There is considerable irony in the fact that the late Chief Justice William Rehnquist died during the same week that Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Both events provide a window on the conservative mindset that currently holds this nation in its grip and which -- if allowed to persist -- will only increase the sense of outrage and despair that a good many Americans feel about where this country is heading.

morning kristen, eric, cyn- there is a rumor that bush is going to fill the vacant chairman of the joints chiefs position with the twins orthodontist....hey say what you will but those wacky wonderful girls do have nice teeth....

Posted by gregg on October 4, 2005 at 08:24 AM

Greg, I heard that he was considering Laura's florist...Laura suggested the best way turn opinion on Iraq is to work on their rose gardens.

Posted by Richard on October 4, 2005 at 07:41 AM

Yeah, but so what? He can't run again. Blackwell has never aligned himself with Taft like Petro & Montgomery, so no harm, no foul. Blackwell even "allowed" the initiatives that his own party is against to be placed on this Nov. General Election Ballot.

Strickland & Coleman aren't known to the voters outside their districts. Good golly, I'm hoping SE OH is Stricklands secret weapon like they have been saying in the political circles.

In a brief filed by DeGuerin on behalf of DeLay, it was argued that the conspiracy statute did not apply to the election code until the Legislature amended the law, effective Sept. 1, 2003, after the 2002 election.

"Since the indictment charges no offense, and since you have professed not to be politically motivated in bringing this indictment, I request that you immediately agree to dismiss this indictment so that the political consequences can be reversed," DeGuerin wrote.

Guess I'm not going to plan a Party just yet...although I don't think this affects the money-laundering charge.

Happy Rosh Hoshana to my Jewish friends. I, like you, wait for the shofar, the Final Trumpet, to sound, and to see the Messiah. Peace to you and your families.

The name "Rosh Hashanah" is not used in the Bible to discuss this holiday. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25.

Shofar: Click to hear it blow!The shofar is a ram's horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. A total of 100 notes are sounded each day. There are four different types of shofar notes: tekiah, a 3 second sustained note; shevarim, three 1-second notes rising in tone, teruah, a series of short, staccato notes extending over a period of about 3 seconds; and tekiah gedolah (literally, "big tekiah"), the final blast in a set, which lasts (I think) 10 seconds minimum. Click the shofar above to hear an approximation of the sound of Tekiah Shevarim-Teruah Tekiah. The Bible gives no specific reason for this practice. One that has been suggested is that the shofar's sound is a call to repentance. The shofar is not blown if the holiday falls on Shabbat.

No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is spent in synagogue, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded.

Re-Indicted, ‘cause it feels so good
Re-Indicted like we know he should

The speaker is so blighted
Now he’s –

Re-Indicted, hey hey.

(yall can write the rest)

Joan,

I took the day off, but I'm "working" on my county fall banquet and writing assignment.

Does that count as tooting my own horn?

Two the road, then I'm hitting it.

I love this idea! Too bad all that federal money was wasted on junk machines.

Colorado counties use variety of ways to vote

Several counties will use mail balloting, others will conduct traditional voting by precinct, and at least four counties, including Adams, will be transitioning to new venues known as vote centers.

"On Election Day there will be 29 vote centers," said Adams County Clerk and Recorder Carol Snyder. "A registered voter from anywhere in Adams County can vote at any vote center in the county."

Election budget process in ‘chaos,’ Noren says

The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office is still negotiating contracts for voting equipment, Noren said. The office will not tell counties how much they will receive in state funding for voting equipment, even if those counties plan to buy the equipment on their own, Noren said.

Enjoy the morning!

Good morning, Democrats. How's the world of blog and news and politics today?

Posted by Raoul-Duke on October 4, 2005 at 08:40 AM

Well to add...you know what the Doctor's say...

An indictment a day keeps Delay away!

{{KRISTEN}} HOW ARE YOU!!

morning kristen, eric, cyn- there is a rumor that bush is going to fill the vacant chairman of the joints chiefs position with the twins orthodontist....hey say what you will but those wacky wonderful girls do have nice teeth....

Posted by gregg on October 4, 2005 at 08:24 AM

I heard he was going to appointment his gardner for that spot.....

Jebbie signed the 'shoot first' law in Florida. Tourists are being warned not to argue with locals because they have the right to shoot you.

Think that should be on their Chamber of Tourism billboards? I can see it now...

"Welcome to Miami, beware of Grandpa in his knee high black socks, while his fashion sense is lacking he probably is packing!"

Good Morning {{{{Karen}}}}! I'm doing pretty good. I hope all are well and happy in your home :)

Weird, just got fillings and they numbed my left side of my face. My ear just went numb - bizarre.

Kristen - we're ok. Waiting to start my part-time job, which is frustrating, but after 6 months, a little extra delay is tolerable. How's the hubby's shoulder? How's your sanity? How's the weather in good ol' Washington?

Ms Blake, 40, a Sunday school teacher and former police officer who was elected in November, has also imposed strict rules for lawyers in her courtroom, including no sleeveless shirts or showing any cleavage. In her campaign last year she pledged to challenge the "good ol' boy" system which she claimed ruled the local legal establishment.

Karen, I can understand the frustration...I'm just finishing up my 1 month notice period at my job (longest month of my life) and trying to find a new job...I don't care what Bush says jobs seem to be few and far between...it's looking like I need to brush up on my 'Hi, Welcome to McDonald's...may I take your order' if things don't turn around soon.

Hubby is still home recouperating from his surgery that was in August, so I'm sure you can imagine the house is a bit crowded with the MIL, hubby and me working from home for the last month. (far too much togetherness for my comfort :)

I'm very saddened to see they've stopped bothering to find the dead in NOLA and surrounding areas. There are still 7000 people missing on unduplicated lists!! Wonder what politics will do to the official "death toll" count. Looks like there's lots and lots of people who aren't going to get any closure on their friends and family. You know, they are STILL identifying people from 9/11 - saved every scrap of human remains, including fingers and such - just so that people can have something to bury. But the cronies in the Gulf can't be bothered to open locked doors. This is where politics disgusts me truly.

US judge puts sex ban on teenager who took drugs

Link for 9:25 am post

Kristen - WOW! I hadn't realized you gave notice. yes, that's the worst - finishing up the last days in a miserable job (assuming it's miserable from some of the stories you've told). Totally understand about the job market - geesh, 6 months and I had 1 interview. If Kirk's company didn't need help so badly I'd still be sending off my 10 apps a week or whatever I was doing before. UGH.

What kinda job are you looking for? I guess I don't know what it is you do! Bad Karen!

Kristen - yeah, I saw those types of judicial orders frequently when I was a caseworker. I remember this one time where a woman, after losing parental rights to her fifth child (not the typical), the judge ordered her to get her tubes tied in order to stay out of jail (I guess she had been caught with Meth for the umpteenth time as well). I remember wincing. Oregon was one of the last states to ban sterilizing people who were mentally retarded, disabled, etc, and it's still very near the surface of a lot of angst there.

I'm looking for a administrative position either as an executive assistant or office manager, but I'm not above much at this point. I'm starting to get a bit nervous about the process.

so anyone have an idea what Bush's news conference is going to be about today?

Last Sunday, Bob Schieffer had an ALL Republican panel talking about what was suppose to be "their problems" with their party. It turned out to be a democrat bashing. With NO dem's on the panel, there wasn't any other viewpoint given.

Please go to the link (click my name) and express your thoughts about this one sided event. Thank you!

Sorry if this is old news - POISON FOUND IN THE AIR DURING THE SEPT 24 PROTEST?!!!!

click for the link - this was on Jenny's blog. The implications are astounding.

I might add - Bob Schieffer from "Face The Nation".

When is Bush's thingy? My guess: Katrina, Iraq, the economy, Mier, and a healthy dose of remembering 9/11.

Oh, just saw - 10:30am. Got my close captioning already preset so that I can watch the asshole's lying expressions and read the bumbling words without having to hear his fake Texas accent.

Good morning all!

Hey Karen and Kristen and Kathy! you too gallina!

Kristen - good luck!!

Good morniong ton - you going to watch the dumbass this morning?

Hi {{{{TONITO}}}}!

great idea, Kathy:

Dear Sirs: Following his most recent broadcast, and in the true spirit of fair and balanced reportage, I look forward to Sunday 10/9 when Mr. Schieffer will host a panel of democrats who bash republicans while discusssing the subject "What's wrong with the democratic party."

also: in his never ending quest to figure how why we do what we do, Zogby the Great now asks for astrological sign.

TONITO!!

Naw, Kathy! Stuck in my work cubicle with no TV. Y'all keep me up to date on the boy wonder's babbling, will ya?

bb - my email to Fact the Nation was almost those exact words! Guess we all feel the same way...

ok, the 'top' story today is a study that shows that 70% of women and 90% of men will be over weight at some point in their lives...so of course they go out and take footage of it...my question is why do they always take pictures of the backsides of women in sweats...I know I would be mortified to come home and recognize my sweats clad butt on national TV.

ton - lucky me - I get to have a small hand held TV in my cube..I can't see it very well (2"er screen) but the volume works wonders...

Nipsey Russell died overnight from cancer.

Army not punishing reservists who won't go to war

I found this quite interesting!

Got to run for now - before I get fired. One of these days, the hammer is going to come down and I won't be able to post anymore. Besides answering 500 calls, paper work, and coffeee breaks, my day is quite busy!

Have fun in here ya all and remember -

Keep on Rockn'

Bye, Kathy!

ok, face tingling, ears ringing, need to step away and wake up my face. Cavities suck - floss, I won't forget again!!

Sick and tired of this overloaded blog. how much trouble can it be to go back the automatic thread after 250 entries?

Poll now on cnn.com: do you think the charges against DeLie are politically motivated?

Karen, I am sorry for your dental emergency. I know how bad those suck.

Ah Bush, how did we miss this...the solution to higher prices at the pump isn't looking for alternative fuel it is MORE refineries! How did we miss this!

oh here he goes...he is going to get defensive about his choice in Miers.

UGH! This "man" SUCKS.

Double UGH, just updated my Mozilla, and it made me change my profile - I've just lost ALL of my bookmarks, and they were EXTENSIVE. I AM P*SSED

HA! It's up to the Democrats to create a debate. *SS - it's HIS people who are vocal right now. I hope people see that he's an *SS!!

ok, throbbing. gonna go give nasty gestures to the tv now.

Notice he's speeching, not answering questions. UGH.

All Bush's proposals this morning fit nicely into his overall agenda: school vouchers, cuts in all HHS, etc. "Withering on the vine" of government EXCEPT Military...gott'a have guns to enforce the agenda. We MUST get this bunch out!

Leno lastnight:

"Enquirer is reporting that President Bush has started drinking again. The scary thing is that means that all of his decisions up to now have been made while he was sober."

Shrub has finally taken his true place in this world: as the butt of jokes.

the Bad News is, New Orleans will be repopulated by nothing but White Fold, God Fearing, Bible carryiong White Folk.

Franklin Graham sees 'revival' for New Orleans
Evangelist: 'The good news is that God loves sinners'

Tuesday, October 4, 2005; Posted: 10:08 a.m. EDT (14:08 GMT)

Franklin Graham: "God is going to use that storm to bring revival."
Evangelist Franklin Graham told an audience that Hurricane Katrina could lead to a spiritual rebirth of what he called a sinful New Orleans.

"There's been satanic worship. There's been sexual perversion," Graham said Monday in an appearance at Liberty University. "God is going to use that storm to bring revival. God has a plan. God has a purpose."

Graham's comments, reported by The News & Advance of Lynchburg, were made at Thomas Road Baptist Church's Super Conference 2005 at Liberty. Both the church and the university were founded by the Rev. Jerry Falwell.

"The good news is that God loves sinners. Jesus Christ is coming back and he's alive," said Graham, son and designated successor of the Rev. Billy Graham.

Revival

He's being FED his info!! Did you see how he just misspoke and backed up and corrected his wording? He's got an earpiece! AND he is wagging his jaw still.

OMG - "she is plenty bright".

I'm a little tired of right-wing spin that Jimmy Carter was a 'bad' president. Here's an article that is one more piece of evidence just how farsighted he was in terms of his energy proposals at the time (1977) and the Dem Congress that enacted them.

George vs. Jimmy on Energy

Ii>There's a stark difference in the way the U.S. confronted an oil crisis when Democrats were in control, compared to the way it has now that Republicans dominate.

The image of George Bush asking Americans to save oil by driving less brings to mind another image, that of Jimmy Carter wearing a cardigan sweater and asking Americans to save oil by turning down our thermostats.

Carter delivered his speech in February 1977. In July 1979, he gave another energy address that came to be called the "malaise" speech because he seemed to be blaming our unwillingness to stem the rising tide of oil imports on a national melancholy. Both speeches, most observers believe, contributed to Ronald Reagan's decisive victory in 1980.

Today the Democrats are ridiculing Bush's lame appeal for Americans to spend less time behind the wheel. The last thing they may want is for someone to point out that 30 years ago their own party's leader made a similar request.

They should want people to understand the similarities. And the differences. Because there is a stark difference in the way this nation confronted an oil crisis when Democrats were in control compared to the way it has now that Republicans dominate.

President Carter was indeed asking for individual sacrifice; but as a small part of an aggressive, national campaign. President Bush is asking for individual sacrifice instead of an aggressive campaign.

By the time Jimmy Carter gave his first energy speech, the Democratic Congress had already (under Gerald Ford) imposed fuel efficiency standards on cars. That law single-handedly doubled the fuel efficiency of new cars from 1975 to 1987. In 1978, Carter and a Democratic Congress enacted five individual energy laws that launched the commercialization of alternative transportation fuels and renewable electricity sources. And they imposed efficiency standards on an array of major appliances.

In 1980, Carter and the Democratic Senate and House passed energy legislation that contained a credible and coherent strategy for reducing our dependence on imported oil.

Few Americans remember the Democratic response to the doubling of oil prices in 1979 and 1980. One reason is that within months Ronald Reagan came into office and Republicans gained control of the Senate. They immediately tried to overturn all major energy legislation. That initiative failed. But the executive branch effectively dismantled virtually all renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.

Twenty-six years later, it might be instructive to review what Jimmy Carter said in 1979 and compare it to any energy speech George W. Bush has ever given. President Carter began,

"Ten days ago I had planned to speak to you again about a very important subject -- energy. For the fifth time I would have described the urgency of the problem and laid out a series of legislative recommendations to the Congress. But as I was preparing to speak, I began to ask myself the same question that I now know has been troubling many of you. Why have we not been able to get together as a nation to resolve our serious energy problem?"

He had set his speech aside, he noted, and met with hundreds of individuals. He quoted from many of them, and concluded that Americans had lost confidence in their capacity to act collectively to solve their problems.

But Carter was not there to dwell on our malaise but to present a strategy for overcoming it. He turned to the issue at hand.

"Energy will be the immediate test of our ability to unite this nation, and it can also be the standard around which we rally. On the battlefield of energy we can win for our nation a new confidence, and we can seize control again of our common destiny. ... It can rekindle our sense of unity, our confidence in the future, and give our nation and all of us individually a new sense of purpose."

http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/26208/

Do you ever think Bush likes the way some words feel in his mouth and so regardless of how he sounds to everyone else he just repeats it over and over and over again......nothing is worse then to listen to this 'good ol' boy' Texan speaking off the cuff as he leans on the podium because it's too hard for him to stand upright and look Presidential. Bleh!!!

http://www.michaelmoore.com/mustread/index.php?id=512

Tuesday, October 4th, 2005
War-Hawk Republicans and Anti-War Democrats: What's the Difference?
A message from Cindy Sheehan:

“The "Anti-War" Dems perplex me the most, however. Except for the good guys, like the members of the Out of Iraq Caucus and a few Senators, the Dem party line is that we must allow Iraq a window of two months time and after the referendum on the constitution this month and the parliamentary elections in December, it will be time to attack the failed policies of George and his cabal of liars.
In my meeting with Howard Dean, he told me that the Iraq issue was "hard" and the new Dem "Contract with America" is going to have 10 points and the first one is going to be "Universal Health Care." I told Mr. Dean that if the Dems didn't come out strongly against the war and against George's disastrous policies, we were going to become irrelevant as a party (which is already happening) and the "hard" issue should be the one that is worked on the hardest! I'll admit that the issue doesn't seem so hard to me: George and his sycophantic band of criminals lied to the world; too many people are dead for the lies; too many people are in harm's way for the lies; it is time to bring our troops home. I am just hoping against hope that the war is on the Dems' contract somewhere. George is always pulling out the old saw that what he does in sending our children to die and kill is "hard work." I hate to see that same adjective used to describe bringing them home. The war issue is not complicated: wrong to invade and wrong to stay. Bring our troops home. Simple.”

Carter Law-Day Address:

http://www.narsil.org/politics/carter/law_day.html

Did I just hear the ahole right - he said he has made NO mistakes in Iraq????

Did it go like this?:

"Make no mistake; I made no mistake."

What about his comment about using the military if a flu outbreak came to the USA..he'd use the military to quarentine an area..... that is spooky.

On Destination Without Journey:

When I was younger, I went to Creative and Performing Arts High School in Philadelphia.

The school, although prestigious through its output of enormous talent (Boys to Men, Joey Defransisco, John Navin of “Vacation”, “Taps”, and “Jennifer Slept Here,”) was not what one would call a bastion of academic excellence to say the least. Rather, the only educational benefit outside of the school’s excellent art and music program was its vast diversity of students, each representing a different stratum of society and culture in the “big city.”

At the time, I represented the textbook poor white kid from a closed off section of the city. My values were indicative of the values of my four or five square blocks, outside of which, I was not permitted to leave nor enter based on the “rules” set by both those outside of my little world and those within. Thus, I began to believe and adhere to the message of my own little speck on the planet. This was in spite of the gracious opportunities I had enjoyed earlier in life and in a much different part of the city, which is another story for another time.

Outside of learning that a shot of whiskey with my tea in the morning would clear my voice and help it to project a more glorious tone, I have to say that I could have sat in the foyer of the building and learned as much about English, History, and Geometry as I would have with perfect attendance in the respective classes. That just wasn’t what that school was all about.

The most valid educational offerings of the school stemmed from its variety of people, for which I am eternally grateful.

Each day, I would leave my little row home and trek through the mean and bigoted streets of my neighborhood to at last hop on the EL, which cut through many more of the same. As I rode, I would watch the students of the various other schools hop on and off, each with their own strict values.

I would see the pseudo tough North Catholic kids, the “slutty” Hallihan girls, the nerdy Masbaumers and the phony rich St. Joes Preppers. Intermixed, I would see the mothers and fathers of these children, men with their papers and women clad with shiny white sneakers, dreading their requirement to put the heels on upon entering their various buildings. On the EL we sat together-all doing our best to ignore each other.

I would see the glue huffers, who “controlled” the EL stops, hands cupped and loaded with noxious rags.

I would see the third shifters, freshly drunk and waddling home from the 6:30 bars that cater to them.

I would see first timers, terrified of the people around them, and children on the first EL ride of their lives fascinated with the graffiti that plagued the tops of the townhouses along side the tracks.

I would see it all.

Next, I would take the long walk down 12th Street (I could never catch that damn trolley.) On the way, I would pass the various projects and their inhabitants- people who were poor like me, only poor in a different section of the city.

On my maiden voyage down 12th Street, I was absolutely terrified. After all, the knowledge of “those people” was fresh in my mind. However, I was never once accosted nor threatened, and often wondered if any of the bigoted kids in my neighborhood would have the mustard to walk one step of my every day journey.

The sidewalks were bustling with newsstands and food carts. It was often a ballet of cart owners fighting to return to the spot they had the day before. Between them were clothing and trinket stands, mostly owned by every type of immigrant imaginable. Many great and unrecognized craftsmen and artists, whose art and jewelry would put Tiffany to shame, waited in the cold streets for the next sale.

At last, I would reach the school, walk right by the entrance, and into Big Pete’s around the corner for a nice cup of tea (my flask in my inside pocket, of course.) This would almost always result in my cutting first period- English 101 as taught by the chair of the Creative Writing Department, ironically enough.

With tea in hand, I would wander upstairs to see if there were any other first period holdouts. Sure enough, there were always many. A capful of my dad’s Jameson’s went into my tea.

It was in this place that my education began. This is where the gamut of the city’s strata would assemble. The West Philly black kids, the South Philly Italians, the blossoming gay kids, the Mount Airy hippies, the Chestnut Hill and East Falls trend setters, and, of course, the po’ whities from Frankford.

We would all gather around the big table and lay our thoughts down. Surrounded by the ruins of a once great Mummers shrine, we would assess our kingdom.

In spite of tremendous differences, we sat and relished our childhood together. For, we had escaped the trappings of our own little worlds. We gently blew our pot smoke out the window to avoid a massive clear out by Big Pete, himself.
Eventually, I would have to actually go into the school. If I were caught cutting my second period Solfeggio class, I would be forced to leave the program and go to a different school.

The day would progress like anyone else’s, and I would look forward to my after school wanderings around town.

I tell you now; I am blessed to have been equipped with that kind of education.

As my teens went on, I had to leave that blessed place. Classified as a “trouble maker,” and “in need of psychological rescue,” I wound up trekking up to Vermont and upstate New York and attending their various and closed minded schools for a spell. Let’s just say that the mostly “rural Christian” people who took up most of my time knew nothing of my enlightenment and I was no better off for the experience.

And so, I returned to Philly. After drifting around at different schools and learning how to block kicks from five or six people while maintaining the fetal position, I wound up at Parkway in Mount Airy. It was in this school that my prior education truly came to fruition.

Equipped with my knowledge, I was totally at home in spite of being one of about ten or twelve white folks at the school. All of us were welcomed and privileged to share in the fruits of an awe-inspiring culture.

Had I not been blessed to share my youth with so many wonderful black and Latino folks, I dare say that I would not have a single interesting story to tell. I dare say that I would have fallen victim to the foolishness of my neighborhood peers, who have not stepped one foot out of those dreadful four blocks since.

It is from my experience that I am blessed to be who I am. Although I have many earth shattering flaws of character, I am happy to say that I am not afflicted with the worst one possible.

On this day, many years later and looking out with my own perspective, these things I see in our nation-these things we all see together are astounding.

We see an administration that has institutionally abandoned these great and diverse people- such great and honorable citizens of our nation.

We witness a powerful stratum above us whispering its elitism and bigotry in our battered ears.

We accept a society led by those who have never wanted for a single luxury and have squandered every opportunity granted them, thus perpetuating a chasm of intellectual mediocrity that sustains itself by corruption and economic superiority, the ornate gifts presented by their ancestry.

They are seated at a much different table. This table is in a dark room. Upon it are letters and agendas that serve to preserve the continuum and nothing more.

No charitable trust is introduced. No diversity is witnessed, anticipated nor acknowledged.

Not a single thing more.

They have reached their destination without the burden of making their own journeys. Their cars are waiting for them outside to ensure that they need not walk a single yard of the polis they have recklessly ignored.

Their homes are large gated on the outskirts of the city we must live in, their servants preparing a hearty meal for them. Unknowingly, it is at their own expense.

These people who have championed their own persona of dignity and compassion- these ghastly men and women- haven’t a speck of the knowledge required to save our ravaged nation. Rather, they have worked to ensure the opposite for their own sake.

Not a single thing more.

It is with my greatest hope that we can all be “educated” by this disgraceful revelation of American ignorance. We are all subject to the whims of a man who hasn’t the slightest idea what it is like to be “American,” and has chosen foolishly to twist the diversity that has given our nation its dignity to suit his own delusions.

Should we choose to let our collective outrage subside, we will be forced to take the long journey backwards to an unspeakable destination; one that serves nothing but the perpetuation of the “old ways,” with each of us at the mercy of corrupt and ignorant men and women.

Should we choose to extend any forgiveness or amnesty to this man and those seated at his table, we will be sealing our own fate and will be forced to devour the rotten scraps thrown from the table for lack of any other sustenance and in the end, we will have halted our own journey toward righteousness. We will become the servants who prepare their feast upon their return home.

And not a single thing more.

Tim Russert right now is saying that the "using the military to quarentine area" is a huge story...

Anytime our government would be used for that is the day I leave and head north - way up north as in over the border!

What about his comment about using the military if a flu outbreak came to the USA..he'd use the military to quarentine an area..... that is spooky.

Posted by Kathy_in_Indiana on October 4, 2005 at 11:27 AM

This should have been a bigger story then the media made it when he suggested last weekend that the Defence Department take the lead in any National Emergency or diaster. Our media has slept in the lap of this man while he has moved us closer and closer to being able to declare a military state.

HITLER!!!!

Posted by A_G_GATTO on October 4, 2005 at 11:28 AM

I had a moment at work to "catch up" on the blog. Gatto, you are a wonderful writer. I know that, because when I got to the end, I wanted to read more. It was excellent - thank you!

Ohio Governor Bob Taft now has an approval rating of ...15% An historic low in the history of political polls (75% of republicans have also turned on him). Another crooked republican in the Tom DeLay mold who has disgraced his office, his state and the country. GOP party of high morals... their high on something but it's not morals.

Posted by Richard on October 4, 2005 at 07:41 AM

This is another one to store with your list of Corrupt Republican Party members. What is going to help us in 2006, is to show how many Republicans are criminals.
Delay, Frist, Rove, Taft, Abramoff, my own Gov.Rowland, and if the connection is finally made of Bush/Cheney with the CIA agent leak.

Miers said "the president was the most brilliant man she had ever met").

Do we want some with this mentality on the US Supreme Court?

In case anyone thought Harriet Miers wasn't a corporate-shill-in-White-House-clothing, take a gander at how Miers did her best Ken Lay impression while heading a major Texas corporate law firm. That's right, according to the 5/1/00 newsletter Class Action Reporter, Miers headed Locke, Liddell & Sapp at the time the firm was forced to pay $22 million to settle a suit asserting that "it aided a client in defrauding investors."

The details of the case are both nauseating and highly troubling, considering President Bush is considering putting Miers at the top of America's legal system. Under Miers' leadership, the firm represented

Link

Bennett’s Comments Met With Condemnation, Call for Advertiser Boycott

Date: Sunday, October 02, 2005
By: Michael H. Cottman

Conservative radio commentator William Bennett, the former U.S. Secretary of Education, came under sharp criticism from the White House, black leaders and officials from both the Democratic and Republican parties last week for comments suggesting that aborting black children would lessen America’s crime problem.

"I do know that it's true that if you wanted to reduce crime, you could -- if that were your sole purpose, you could abort every black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down," Bennett said last week on his radio talk show, "Morning in America," after a caller raised the issue of abortion.

"That would be an impossible, ridiculous and morally reprehensible thing to do," Bennett added, "but your crime rate would go down."

Civil rights activists immediately characterized Bennett’s remarks as racist. Democrats called on the White House to denounce Bennett's comments, which it did Friday. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) introduced legislation to condemn Bennett, and Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) demanded that the Salem Radio Network stations suspend Bennett’s show, “Morning in America,” which airs on over 100 affiliates across the country and has an estimated 1.25 million listeners. Some public figures, including talk radio hostess Bev Smith, are calling for organized boycotts of the advertisers that support Bennett’s program.

"Bill Bennett’s remarks are morally degenerate," Rev. Jesse Jackson, founder of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, told BlackAmericaWeb.com. "It’s a blatant wish for genocide. What’s dangerous about Bennett’s remarks is that his friends [in the White House] are making public policy decisions."

Bennett served as secretary of education in the Reagan administration and was director of drug policy under former President George H.W. Bush. His book about traditional American values, "The Book of Virtue," was a bestseller in 1993. In 2003, Bennett admitted he was a serious gambler and several magazines reported that he lost millions of dollars in casinos.

On Friday, Bennett released a statement defending his remarks. "A thought experiment about public policy, on national radio, should not have received the condemnations it has," he said. Bennett said he was merely offering a "hypothetical" scenario.

But Democrats weren’t buying his explanation.

"Bill Bennett’s hateful, inflammatory remarks regarding African-Americans are simply inexcusable," Howard Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said in a statement.

"They are particularly unacceptable from a leader in the conservative movement and former Secretary of Education, once charged with the well being of every American school child," Dean said. "Bennett’s comments demonstrate a reprehensible racial insensitivity and ignorance. Are these the values of the Republican Party and its conservative allies?"

Bennett’s stunning remarks come as Republicans -- who are aggressively reaching out to black voters -- are still trying to manage the political fallout from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Black leaders have roundly criticized the Bush administration, saying the federal government was slow to respond to residents in the Gulf Coast region where more than 1,000 people died.

Last week, the White House and the Republican National Committee condemned Bennett.

"The president believes the comments were not appropriate," White House press secretary Scott McClellan said last week.

"Bill Bennett's remarks were inappropriate and unfortunate given that he's devoted much of his life to improving America's schools, keeping kids off drugs and closing the achievement gap that exists among minority and non-minority school children," Tara Wall, a senior advisor for the Republican National Committee, told BlackAmericaWeb.com.

Yanick Rice Lamb, a journalism professor at Howard University in Washington, D.C., told BlackAmericaWeb.com that Bennett’s comments show the true depth of his feelings.

"It goes far beyond what he thinks of black students," Rice Lamb said. "He attempted to paint an entire race with one broad stroke."

Bruce S. Gordon, president & CEO of the NAACP, said Bennett should apologize for his "racist" comments.

"In 2005, there is no place for the kind of racist statement made by Bennett," Gordon said in a statement. "While the entire nation is trying to help survivors, black and white, to recover from the damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, it is unconscionable for Bennett to make such ignorant and insensitive comments."

"I am personally offended and angry that Bennett felt he could make such a public statement with impunity," Gordon said. "The owners of the Salem Radio Network, which airs Bennett's program, should also apologize."

The Salem Radio Network, which is based in Texas, is Christian radio’s largest network and a leading broadcaster focusing on religious and family themes, according to the station’s website.

The network, which owns 100 radio stations, features other conservative personalities such as Cal Thomas and Mike Gallagher. Salem serves 1,600 radio stations and more than 40 ministries across the country, according to the website.

Bennett’s show, according to media reports, airs on about 115 radio stations in America and has an estimated 1.25 million listeners.

In 2004, America Online, the world's leading interactive services company, announced a joint agreement with Salem to offer radio programming through the AOL Radio Network. EHarmony.com, the national online dating service, is listed as a sponsor of the Salem network.

Salem Communications Corporation is listed among the many high-profile clients of the Alexander Strategy Group, a lobbying firm with close ties to the White House, according to The Center for Media and Democracy.

Last week, Bennett told reporters that his remarks were "taken out of context" and said his critics should apologize to him for misconstruing his comments.

Bennett, who is anti-abortion, said he was "pointing out that abortion should not be opposed for economic reasons any more than racism ... should be supported or opposed for economic reasons. Immoral policies are wrong because they are wrong, not because of an economic calculation."

"I was putting forth a hypothetical proposition," Bennett said on CNN. "I'm not racist, and I'll put my record up against theirs. I've been a champion of the real civil rights issue of our times -- equal educational opportunities for kids."

"We've got to have candor and talk about these things while we reject wild hypotheses," Bennett said.

"I don't think people have the right to be angry, if they look at the whole thing," he added. "But if they get a selective part of my comment, I can see why they would be angry. If somebody thought I was advocating that, they ought to be angry. I would be angry. But that's not what I advocate."

Black Democrats dismissed Bennett’s rhetoric as discriminatory.

"Secretary Bennett's words have once again revealed the abiding prejudice that unfortunately still guides the actions of some of this nation's policy makers," Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) said in a statement.

"If Secretary Bennett is interested in reducing crime," Cummings said, "as a former education secretary and drug czar, [he] should utilize his time and place in public life to increase educational opportunities for African-Americans, Hispanic Americans and Americans of all backgrounds."

some+one= someone

Gatto - interesting story - thanks for sharing.

They stopped counting the dead, but never went to the 9th Ward, where water rose a foot a minute when the levees broke?!!! WTF! Oh, I see, why bother counting the dead black people?! On CNN, so it's at least gotten some attention.

Thx!

I'm blushing!

Miers said "the president was the most brilliant man she had ever met").

Do we want some with this mentality on the US Supreme Court?

Posted by letshelpdean on October 4, 2005 at 11:42 AM

If in her mind Junior is the most brilliant man she's ever met, somebody please introduce her to Dr. Stephen Hawking ASAFP.

I see they fixed the Blog problem from yesterday.

Horray!!!

Bennett’s Pap Begs Wondering What’d Happen if All Fools Were Aborted

Date: Sunday, October 02, 2005
By: Deborah Mathis, BlackAmericaWeb.com

Every now and then, a person with impressive educational and professional credentials, some living under his belt and a record of achievement opens his mouth in public and gives expression to a thought so outrageous, ignorant, foul or cruel that it makes you want to repeat what I heard a woman exclaim when her child asked for an especially expensive cell phone: “Is you done gone a fool?”

William Bennett is the latest to prompt this question.

The man is an old hand around Washington -- a twice and former federal official and still a government groupie -- and, as such, he was presumed to possess some sophisticated political instincts. At the very least, he was supposed to have that internal editing device that changes, slows or deletes a controversial thought before it slithers over the tongue.

Maybe Bennett’s gizmo wasn’t working the day he uttered words that have betrayed him as a bigot, if not a fool. The world has heard it by now: “You could abort every black baby in his country and your crime rate would go down. That would be an impossible, ridiculous, and morally reprehensible thing to do, but your crime rate would go down.”

What Bennett did not do on his syndicated radio show that day was suggest that every black baby should be aborted. The “impossible, ridiculous and morally reprehensible” denouncement was not an afterthought.

But he seems to think we are confused. Judging from his protestations about the uproar over his comments, Bennett believes critics think he was calling for the annihilation of the black race. He keeps harping about the hypothetical nature of his argument, saying that his remarks were taken out of context.

In a statement, Bennett declared that "a thought experiment about public policy, on national radio, should not have received the condemnations it has."

The confusion is his. It was the stupid, mean-spirited, negatively stereotypical, misleading and politically irresponsible tone of his comment that raised hackles -- this notion that crime is, first and foremost, a black thing. The fact that he couched the argument in genocidal terms made it simply unbearable.

It would be like attaching colonization, war, powder cocaine use, serial killing, war crimes, racial discrimination, invasion, the methamphetamine epidemic and slavery to white Americans, portraying them as exclusively liable. Add to that the suggestion that those scourges could be reduced or eliminated if we got rid of all the white people.

Now there’s a “thought experiment” that I’ll bet you would hardly be taken as a casual musing on a fine autumn day.

What is most surprising about Bill Bennett is not that he associates black people with crime. If statistics hold, one in three black males born today will rendezvous with the criminal justice system.

But Bennett is supposed to be educated enough and savvy enough to understand that the probabilities have everything to do with the likelihood of poverty and, after that, the gaping disparity between the way black and white males are arrested, charged, prosecuted and punished -- as well as a “war on drugs” that has swollen the prison population by punishing crack cocaine in multiples of the sentences for powder cocaine.

Instead, he ran with the simple-minded, redneck philosophy that notices only effect and pays no attention to the cause.

What in the world was he thinking?

Makes you wonder what troubles we could avoid if we could abort all the fools.

http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/sayitloud/mathis103

"If you don't like the effects, don't produce the cause"

George Clinton

Crony Baloney - very funny..go click

Hi everybody.

Karen- CYE!

On that note, I'm gonna fire up my Parliament-Funkadelic MP3's and check with you Democratic patriots later.

Think! It ain't illegal yet!
George Clinton

Posted by bb on October 4, 2005 at 11:09 AM

BB-

I SURE as hell hope that the organizers of Southern Decadence purposefully move the date of their event to coincide with the next "revival" for New Orleans and that they drag Bro. Frankie up and down Bourbon St. by his perfect little tightie-whities, throw beads at him, and tell him to lighten the f*** up!!!

Monica,

That is the conservative equivelent of "understanding diversity."

It's like standing outside of a movie theatre and proclaiming that a movie "sucks" without forking over the capital to actually see it and judge it based on your first hand experience.

People like Mr. Bennet have no idea what being poor is about. .

As for race, Mr. Bennet and others who have no dealings with racially diverse individuals, should only speak when asked to.

If in her mind Junior is the most brilliant man she's ever met, somebody please introduce her to Dr. Stephen Hawking ASAFP.

Posted by MonicaR on October 4, 2005 at 11:51 AM

LOL Dr. Hawking would fall OUT of his "mind operated" wheel chair if he heard that!!!

If Progressives Can Win in Utah, They Can Win Anywhere

by Gary Younge
October 3, 2005; Guardian UK

Following a concert at the Salt Lake City international jazz festival in July the city's mayor, Rocky Anderson, took some musicians and visiting mayors out for dinner. Some of them had beer; Anderson paid some of the bill.

In a week when John Roberts was confirmed as supreme court justice and Tom DeLay, House of Representatives leader, was indicted, this passes for front-page news in Utah. Here, in the home of Mormonism, no city employee is allowed to pay for alcohol with public funds when entertaining. "I truly feel like we're in the middle of a Kafka novel sometimes," says Anderson, who was unaware of the no-alcohol policy, and rescinded it on Thursday. "With a little bit of Taliban thrown in."

[…]

Anderson, who was re-elected for his second term in 2003, supports gay marriage, opposes the war in Iraq and is a strong environmentalist. He is converting his city's fleet to alternative-fuel vehicles in order to honor his commitment to meet Kyoto's standards on greenhouse emissions by 2012. Two weeks ago he extended benefits to non-married domestic partners of city employees, effectively giving health insurance coverage to gay and cohabiting couples on his payroll. In August, when Bush came to town to bolster support for the Iraq war, Anderson e-mailed activists calling for "the biggest demonstration this state has ever seen". Two thousand people showed up, making national headlines.

But if Anderson's vision for Salt Lake City is an anomaly in conservative Utah it fits right into the political geography of America. For the mental picture we have of a nation where liberals hug the coasts and northern borders, while Republicans dominate the interior heartlands, is defective. The split of blue states for Democrats and red states for Republicans accurately reflects the votes cast by the electoral college. But the lived reality is more of a blended, purple nation where the division exists not between different states but primarily between the cities and rural areas within them. All of the 32 cities in the US with populations over 500,000 voted Democrat in 2004, even though more than half are in Republican states. On the night when anti-gay amendments were passed all over the country, Dallas in Texas elected an openly lesbian, Hispanic, Democrat as sheriff.

[…]

But cities like Salt Lake offer a few lessons beyond political demography. First, they show that the tendency for coastal liberals to write off as rednecks those who live in "fly-over states" is not just patronizing and counterproductive - it is flawed in fact.

Second, they suggest the understanding of the US as a nation riven by a binary divide between Democrats and Republicans is in desperate need of nuance. Not that there isn't some truth to it. But because that truth is limited to the very narrow field of party allegiance rather than the broader sense of how people understand their lives and their politics. Gena Edvalson, a lesbian whose partner Jana is pregnant, says her neighbors in Salt Lake City couldn't be nicer. "They're going to have a baby shower for us," she says. "But that won't stop them from legislating the hell out of us." That is depressing (two-thirds of Utahns voted for a gay marriage ban in November). But it also suggests potential.

Which brings us to the third, and most important, lesson. If those coastal liberals decided to drop in rather than fly over once in a while they might actually learn something. Rather than duck tough issues because of the hostile political environment, progressives here have tried to reframe them in a way that resonates with potential allies

They've lost many battles, but by molding their message to their principles rather than the other way around, there is still a chance that they might win a war worth fighting. The success of conservatives over the past 10 years has not just been a product of big money and a compliant media - they helped but they have always been there. It was fueled by the very forces that the left most covets - a bottom-up, working-class, grassroots insurgency with a heartfelt belief that they were doing the right thing.

[…]

"We're here in the trenches," says Lorna Vogt, director of Utah Progressive Network. "They should learn from us because the rest of America is becoming more like Utah, not the other way around."

With liberals elsewhere concerned about a theocratic putsch in Washington, Troy Williams, a producer on the local, liberal radio station, points out the short distance between the Mormon headquarters and Utah's state capital. "The separation between church and state here," he says, "is only two blocks."

Even with Dr Hawkins woeful handicap he still makes more sense 'talkin' than shurb.

I wonder if Harriet or W have even tried to get past chapter ONE of Hawking's "History of Time"

Maybe Harriet is Shrub's "Monica"....hmmmm?

History of Time...you mean since 9/11?

Top Ten Signs Your Supreme Court Pick Isn't Qualified

10. Lost 10 grand yesterday in the 'case' of Jets vs. Ravens

9. Spends most of her time trying to fit the gavel into her mouth

8. Her legal mentor: Oliver Wendell Redenbacher

7. Asks courtroom stenographer to, 'Quit that annoying tapping!'

6. Instead of Constitutional law books, consults set of 'Garfield' paperbacks

5. Keeps shouting, 'When does mama get to hang somebody?!'

4. When Scalia walks by, she pretends to cough and says, 'Rogaine'

3. Authored the book: 'I'm Not Qualified to be a Supreme Court Justice'

2. The closest thing to courtroom experience was being an extra on 'Matlock'

1. Glowing letter of recommendation from former FEMA director Michael Brown

--Late Show with David Letterman

Posted by letshelpdean on October 4, 2005 at 12:09 PM

I just meant in general. The book gets substantially more difficult to understand the further in you go! I had to re read many chapters!

I love Hawking though! I loved Sagan more as he spoke in a more general sense and I loved his voice. Of course Stephan's is computer generated. He's "brilliant"

The Shrub has not ONE "intellectually curious" bone in his nasty bowl legged body!

Posted by Kathy_in_Indiana on October 4, 2005 at 11:57 AM

That is a good one!!

Afternoon all!

Cronyism and Capitulation

So you thought that Harriet Miers, George W. Bush’s new Supreme Court pick has no paper trail. You were wrong. One of Miers only qualifications for the high court -- as she hasn’t an ounce of judicial experience -- is that she was the head of Locke, Liddell & Sapp; a sleazy corporate law firm based in Dallas, Texas.

I saw Stephen Hawking once a few years ago at the J Paul Getty Art Museum in Los Angeles. One of my best celebrity sightings.

Maybe Harriet meant that W was a "brilliant cheat, liar and fraud"

?? Ya think ??

lol

Posted by lw on October 4, 2005 at 12:18 PM

I would consider myself very lucky to have had that pleasure! Far above ANY 10 politicians!

Somehow we need to get our hands on a copy of the movie "9/11 In Plane Sight". I wish we could just post a link and watch it online, but if anyone knows a good site to purchase this DVD from I'd be interested. Peace.

Mornin' {{Y'all}},

Lizzy: and she has now moved on to head up Dewey, Cheatham and Howe...

So far I haven't found the trollers to be that bad of a problem on Democrats.org blog. They provide a little excitement, but other than that have been mostly harmless, except for getting us off track sometimes, but we do that to ourselves as well. Who knows.

Sick and tired of this overloaded blog. how much trouble can it be to go back the automatic thread after 250 entries?

Posted by KimB on October 4, 2005 at 10:24 AM

Kim,

I spoke to DNC office staff today, and that was the reason for yesterday's problems with the error message. They are trying to install the roll-over feature, and it screwed up the blog. They are still trying. One of these times, it will work. Be patient. :)

Just clicked on TV, and saw Delay's face on CNN. It is heartening to see the Arrogance, and smugness Missing from his Face now!!!

He thought he could bluff his way through this. The day he is some hairy, dirty Convict's girlfriend, will be one of my favorites.

From PamB's comment, I should say that although I was frustrated about it, I wasn't complaining.

To Admin:
Everything has its little ticks. . . I still love you!

Here's something funny!

I really should be working right now, but I am fresh out of projects.

Right now, I should be feverishly working on my portfolio so I can post it back on my website and get new clients, but I fear I have become obsessed with this and a few other blogs!

Please help, I am a DNCOHOLIC