Open Thread
Late start ... thread's open.
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Pamb and bb,
Go to the economic policy institute website if you want the real economic picture in u.s. Hers the link: Economic Policy Institute
glory be, it's a brand new week! wonder what distraction will occur this week keeping the incompetent Bush from pushing another of his middle-class wrecking policies?
good morning dems here is some interesting reading...
Public schools immoral places for children
Monday, February 27, 2006
In December, I submitted a resolution to the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio, urging pastors and parents to investigate the indoctrination of our young people into the homosexual agenda and to encourage concerned Christian parents to remove their children from public schools.
At the heels of the recent 11-4 decision by the State Board of Education to censor any criticism of Darwinian evolution, it has become clear that our young people are being indoctrinated into not only a pro-homosexual, but a humanistic religion, as well. Ohio schools have become officially atheistic, godless and toxic, morally, intellectually and spiritually, to our precious children. Ohio evangelical leaders and pastors must urge parents to remove their children from Pharoah’s oppressive schools and give them a thoroughly Christian education, through either Christian schools or home education. Why send them to Sunday School, only to have their faith torn asunder Monday through Friday? It is time to let the children go. NICHOLAS A. JACKSON Executive director, Reform America Ohio coordinator, Exodus Mandate Newark
http://www.dispatch.com/editorials-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/02/27/20060227-A8-07.html
--------------------------------
i bet this idiot voted for bush
i made a mess of posting this earlier and as this is a new thread and i just got out of the decompression tank....here it is again:
(CNN) -- After an outcry from U.S. lawmakers over possible security risks, a company owned by the United Arab Emirates said Sunday it had asked for further review of its deal to buy management rights to terminals at major U.S. ports.
Back story to this remarkable development:
Ring, ring…
"Hello this is Sultan Fat."
"Hey Sully this is W."
"W?"
"Yeah you know W, leader of the Fried World."
"Ahem, oh yes W. So nice to hear from you."
"Well Sully ya know the deal we talked about....you get our ports and I get the 70 Virginians?"
"Virgins."
"Yeah right I always confuse those. Anyhow a bunch of traitors and Jews over here are making trouble just cause ya'll used to swing that Bin Laden way."
"Well thats none of their buisness W. Nor is it yours, you and Dick and I discussed this already."
"I know but my ass is in a sling ovahea and i need help, pleeeezzze!"
"Stop crying W. As the leader of the World of Infidels it is unbecoming. Here is what we will do. We will say we want a review of ourselves, you will of course grant it and then in 45 days we get all the ports in your country. Deal?"
"Deal Sully. Sorry to drive such a hard bargain but in Texas we call this horse trading."
"Yes of course W. And W....remember no Jews can touch the contract."
"Got it Sully. Thanks a billion."
ezworld on February 27, 2006 at 10:08 AM,
You know, ez, these strict creationists shoot themselves in the foot everytime. They will never get through their brains that Darwin's theory of evolution was never about replacing creation theory. In fact, Darwin avoided publishing his theory for 18 years because he sensed that creationists would accuse him of blasphemy. When all Darwin is saying is that all living creatures, plant and animal, must adapt to their environment; adaptation. He never meant for his theory to replace God. That is the work of the religious communities paranoia.
It's absolutely amazing comparing all the broad promises that Bush made to rebuilding the City of New Orleans in his September 15, 2005 press release of the text of his speech.
Very little of the promised $60 billion in aid has been delivered. Nothing of the "gulf enterprise" zones can be seen as only 42,000 of the former 81,000 businesses that formerly operated in New Orleans that have reopened. Only a little more than 110,000 of the former 415,000 who lived in New Orleans now live there. Few homes or even FEMA trailers have been delivered either.
The Bush speech may have satisfied the nation at the time. But the promises so far largely broken six months after the Katrina disaster only reflect a White House unable to deliver promised support and aid, unable to formulate workable policies to improve problems.
The pathetic Katrina response by the White House points out both weakness and failure by a flimsy administration that needs badly to be replaced.
H. Lee Scott needs help. No, not the psychological kind, though his present predicament has something to do with medical care. The chief executive of Wal-Mart Stores beseeched U.S. governors yesterday to help him make healthcare more affordable for his 1.3 million U.S. employees.
"We know our benefits at Wal-Mart Stores (nyse: WMT - news - people ) are not perfect," Scott told the National Governors Association. Scott would be forgiven for being uneasy considering his company's healthcare costs have risen 19% in each of the last three years. Healthcare was something that Wal-Mart could not deal with alone, he told the governors.
Not that it has. A survey by Ohio's Department of Jobs and Family Services recently found that Wal-Mart workers represented one of the state's biggest groups of employed Medicaid recipients--around 8% of the retail giant's employees are enrolled, costing the state a reported $11 million, according to The Associated Press.
http://www.forbes.com/2006/02/27/walmart-healthcare-governors-cx_po_0227autofacescan04.html
I have a question - if Bush is going to veto the port thingy and if some members of Congress are still going ahead to stop it, why then is that the United Arab Emirates are going to investigate themselves?
The media is saying this morning that Bush has shot himself in the foot on national security n this one - good job George - keep up the great work.
Somehow we must steer acourse through the lies in pursuit of reality renewed. Americans live in hatred of the theocratic governments in which are percieved in creating so much havoc in the world, but insist on creating one here in the ole u.s. of a. All the while our present administration is attempting to create democracy [democrazy] throughout the world.
I am sorry, but I must believe in God because if man (gender neutral) is the most intelligent being in the universe then we really are in big trouble. Therefore, God please save us from the king once again!!;)
Once again Bob Bunett nails down the truth about the Democratic Party, who runs it and why, and the ominous prognostications if things do not change: (Found at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-burnett/searching-for-the-democra_b_16426.html)
(Bold mine).
SEARCHING FOR DEMOCRATS: TELLING THE TRUTH
By
Bob Burnett
Why can’t the Democrats get their act together? Why are they unable to convince voters that they, not the Bush Administration, are best able to protect America? It’s because many in the Party leadership have forgotten who they are. They’ve abandoned the values that represent the historic Party and the vast majority of rank-and-file Democrats.
They’re not telling the truth.
Let’s face the truth. Democrats can’t win by becoming Republicans, by placing tactics ahead of heartfelt values. George W. Bush and Karl Rove are pros at that game; in the past decade the Bush-Rove team have won election after election with one ethic: the ends justify the means. In the process they have duped the religious right, moderate Republicans, and most of the electorate--everyone but their rich patrons. In one of the great paradoxes of American politics, the Bush Administration, who came into office promising to “usher in an era of responsibility” is immoral; their only ethic is “what’s in it for me.”
Democratic loyalists are upset by what they perceive as the ineptness of Party leaders. What they don’t understand is that they are witnessing the consequences of a backstage fight for the heart of the Democratic Party. Ironically, Iraq, the Economy, or any other hot issue will not decide this fight; it will come down to values. Which of two sets of ethics will the Democrats embrace? One morality is advocated by the Clintonista wing of the Party that argues that winning is everything, that the ends justify the means. This is Republican lite, a position based upon tactics that shift as the perception of the mood of the electorate changes. The other morality is advocated by a loose coalition that includes House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. This argues that Dems positions must stem from their values; that the ends do not justify the means when they conflict with historic Democratic values. The former position places great emphasis on polls. The latter emphasizes principle.
Many would argue that what the Democrats need to do now is win; that they must do whatever is necessary to take back the House or Senate. From this perspective, the tactics-first position makes sense. However, recent demographic data indicate that the overwhelming majority of Democratic loyalists are values-based.
The reality is that the tactics-based wing of the Democratic Party—the Clintonistas—represents a minority of Democrats. But, it’s extremely powerful, represented by the Democratic Leadership Council, the campaign of Hillary Clinton, and the role of Rahm Emanuel as chair of the DCCC, among others. Therefore, tactics-based Dems have a disproportionate impact on Party decisions, which explains actions that enrage the rank-and-file: the muddled stance on Iraq and the choice of Governor Tim Kaine to deliver the SOTU rebuttal, to name only two. At least 75 percent of the Democratic rank-and-file are values based; they expect their Party’s positions to be based on principle, not on expediency.
The deep conflict in the Democratic Party isn’t over issues such as Iraq or free trade—although these are important—it’s more elemental. It’s about core values such as honesty, responsibility, equality, opportunity, and community.
The most result Gallup Polls indicate that Americans are deeply concerned about corruption in the Federal government. However, these polls also indicate that voters see very little difference between the two Parties with regards to their willingness to do something to clean up government. Honesty in government should be a wedge issue that Democrats can use to cleanly differentiate themselves from Republicans. If they were to establish themselves as the Party that can be trusted, this would provide Dems with a platform from which to talk about vital issues such as national security.
The practical problem is how to do this. In an era where many Americans regard all politicians as crooks, where they make little distinction between Democrats and Republicans, how do Dems develop a distinct identity?
The Democratic Party needs to take two actions. The first is to diminish the influence of the tactics-based, Clintonista wing of the Party. Of course, this is much easier said than done as Clintonistas have infiltrated every Party organization. The most prominent candidate for the 2008 Democratic nomination for President will be Hillary Clinton—a major proponent of tactics-based morality.
The second action would identify a Democratic Party spokesperson that, in the public eye, is a person of unmistakable integrity. Dems need someone who can stand up and say, “If you want the truth, vote Democratic.” The only national Democratic that has both the reputation, and the charisma, to take this role is Barack Obama. He has succeeded because of his integrity. A skinny, mixed-race kid with the name Barack Obama would not have become a US Senator if he didn’t have a good rep.
The Dems recently selected Obama to be their point-person on the issue of corruption. It’s only a small step from that assignment to becoming the standard bearer for honesty; to the position, “Those of us in Washington need to tell the truth. The public needs the truth about Iraq, the state of homeland security, and America’s economic future. Reinstate Democratic control of the Congress and we promise to conduct the hearings that will let you know the truth.”
Obama can pull this off. The Democrats need values-based leadership and Barrack Obama can provide it. He can be the point-person for a revitalization of FDR’s Party based upon telling the truth
david, i agree that darwin's point or points were not intended to challenge belief in god. but his work on adaptation and its relation to speciation does conflict with a literal interpretation of the bible.
davidual on February 27, 2006 at 10:18 AM,
i would love to tell NICHOLAS A. JACKSON it's all in our genes... ;-)
ez,
I find walmart's refusal to contribute to thier employee's health care as a form of coprorate welfare. The government is at least as much the blame for allowing this wholesaling/retailing giant to continue abusing the system tomaintin their own profitability. Do not expect Walmart reform themselves, and the problem with the government regulating this problem is that any regulation will hit walmart's much smaller competitors as well. Thus, driving more of them out of business and extending walmart's hold on the retail market. The omnly way out of this is a national health care policy. It is doable. It is feasible. It was feasible in 1995 when Hillary Clinton headed up the task force to solve this problem. We can now see clearly the objective of the republican agenda. This should be an issue that will not go away for the 2006 elections. We should use it hard!
I am sorry, but I must believe in God because if man (gender neutral) is the most intelligent being in the universe then we really are in big trouble. Therefore, God please save us from the king once again!!;)
Posted by davidual on February 27, 2006 at 10:30 AM
who said man is the most intelligent being in the universe? it would appear that availible evidence is woefully inadequate to support that assertion. what the nuns taught me is: "To show His love for me, God made me in His image" What I deduced from this is the following: If God made me in his image, then he must have made the chromosomes as well. And if He made the chromosomes, then He must have intended that they align in the various wonderous ways that they align. So, despite what we read from Leviticus whoever he/she might have been, it clearly was God's intemnt that 10% or so of us are hardwired in a way different form the rest of us. Amen and God bless our chromosomes.
While interning at the corporate library of American Express in 2001, I came across one of their internal marketing intelligence reports that illustrate America’s hypocrisy regarding gays. American Express noted that contrary to public perception, homosexuals are mainstream contributors of society. Typically well-credentialed and earning incomes commiserate of high skilled professionals. American Express therefore wanted to develop a marketing campaign that appealed to homosexuals to earn their business without offending “middle America.” In other words, “we want your money but we don’t want to be associated with you.”
Read, Gay Rights Are Human Rights in the Intrepid Liberal Journal.
We can now see clearly the objective of the republican agenda. This should be an issue that will not go away for the 2006 elections. We should use it hard!
Posted by davidual on February 27, 2006 at 10:42 AM
you're right
this is a perfect example of how bush and republicans screw hard working Americans everyday
gregg on February 27, 2006 at 10:33 AM,
In many instances dna science has disproven man's evolutional cadency from previously believed timeline. No we did not come from monkeys. No we did come from fish. At the same time there is a rationality of one species of ape that we could have evolved.
My point is that the one discrepency in the bible, actually two, relate to the relation of space and time. Even anthropolgists know the carben dating is not an exact science, but is a good estimating process. The problem with biblical interpretations, of space and time, is we must believe that we all appeared here one day just the way we are today. Well, to anyone that is a grandparent, you can see generational changes in 50 short years; as genes blend together. Are not we still changing, but just so slowly that we ourselves cannot sense the change? That is evolution.
recently found civil rights struggle photos from alabama. i found out about this at salon:
david, don't want to argue with you. my understanding of genetics and other evidence of evolution is a bit different. lets not let it get in the way of getting rid of the republicans.
bb on February 27, 2006 at 10:44 AM,
Yes, sir, you have the point!
"If God made me in his image, then he must have made the chromosomes as well. And if He made the chromosomes, then He must have intended that they align in the various wonderous ways that they align."
This is the point that the religious fanatics never admit. So, instead of fighting over a system of logic, let's work together to enjoy God's creation; as opposed to decimating God's creation.
thanks for asking anyway...
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Attorney General Alberto Gonzales should appoint a special counsel to investigate the legality of the Bush administration's eavesdropping program, 18 House Democrats told President Bush in a letter released Monday.
The lawmakers said the surveillance of terrorists must be done within the bounds of U.S. law, but complained that their efforts to get answers to legal and factual questions about the program have been stymied -- "generally based on the feeblest of excuses."
"If the effort to prevent vigorous and appropriate investigation succeeds, we fear the inexorable conclusion will be that these executive branch agencies hold themselves above the law and accountable to no one," wrote the lawmakers, led by Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-California, a member of the Judiciary and Homeland Security committees.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/02/27/eavesdropping.ap/index.html
CNN POLL:
Should a special counsel be appointed to investigate the legality of the Bush administration's eavesdropping program?
we have to get rid of Diebold to get rid of the republicans
we need to demand verification of our votes and not allow another stolen election
bbl
what the nuns taught me is: "To show His love for me, God made me in His image"
Posted by bb on February 27, 2006 at 10:44 AM
As Neil Young asks in his recent song, When God Made Me, "Did He make just me in his image, or EVERY LIVING THING?"
After the Katrina disaster, conservative Republicans in Congress pushed for $40 billion in social programs cuts to programs such as Food Stamps, child support enforcement and student loans, to supposedly help to free up funds for the promised $60 billion in claimed Bush aid for Katrina. Yet only around $6 billion has been delivered according to many sources. And the $40 billion in social cuts instead came at the further expense of America's poor while the wealthy of America were give a new $70 billion in tax cuts by the conservative Republicans in Congress.
A further example of the class warfare of the Bush Administration pitting the interests of the wealthy "haves" against the poor "havenots".
There are 16,000 registered lobbyists in Washington at any given time, or roughly 32 times as many lobbyists as members of Congress and the Senate. By comparison few who live on Food Stamps or need housing or heating assitance operate lobbyies like Wal-Mart, big Tobacco, defense industry contractors and others.
The motto on the desk of populist President Harry Truman was, "The Buck Stops Here". On the Bush Administration desk it should be, "Let Them Eat Cake".
Agreed Greg!:)
Thanks for the link from salon. I bookmarked it as I must attend to some bills and shopping. Stay focused everyone on the task at hand of winning an insurmountable majority in congress and winning back the white house.
See ya all later!!
This is important, break out your phone, email or fax machine, this guy needs our help:
A whistleblower in Los Angeles is in legal trouble and needs our help. Stephen Heller is alleged to have exposed documents in Jan. & Feb. 2004 which provided smoking gun evidence that Diebold was using illegal, uncertified software in California voting machines. The docs also showed that Diebold's California attorneys (the powerful international law firm Jones Day) had told them they were in breach of the law for using uncertified software, but Diebold continued to use the uncertified software anyway.
Heller is alleged to have come across these docs while temping as a word processor at Jones Day, and he is further alleged to have taken the docs and exposed them to the bright light of day. Now, after sitting on this for 2 years, the Los Angeles District Attorney, under pressure from Jones Day, is going after this whistleblower with 3 felony charges, each of which carries the potential of time in state prison.
A take-off on the ol Dr. Laura letter:
Dear Idaho Legislators:
Thank you for doing so much to enforce God's Law through a marriage amendment to Idaho’s Constitution. I have learned a great deal from the unusual amount of time spent to this task, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:
1. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19- 24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
4. Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev.20:14)?
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
God bless,
Your devoted constituent
Posted by IntrepidLiberal on February 27, 2006 at 10:49 AM
Yes, IntrepidLiberal, a similar recent vain of thought came from the Tennessee Guerilla Women's site over the issue of the anti-gay marriage amendment that will be voted on in Nov.
You know, it's bad enough that we're doubly passing a law and putting rights up to a popular vote, but in a decently liberal city like Nashville, which I live in, we can't even pass a basic GLBT civil rights law.
I think 7 or 8 cities in Indiana have passed these as well as Louisville! It's well-known that where gay people live is where great cities thrive. We are where all the great culture and arts are. We refuse to live in crappy cities, with crappy housing, and crappy standards. If we're not there, you can bet it's not worth living in.
Good Morning All
Just in for a few minutes - have a big paper due tomorrow that I havent completed yet.
Saw this and had to ask - where are the rest of the Democrats on this list - why are they missing?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/eavesdropping_list;_ylt=AuLjwcJGeGjuRn9iK5sUXjkDW7oF;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl
Heard that we are holding 500 Afghan inmates in Afghanistan.
The U.S. military maintains that "enemy combatants" are not covered by the Geneva Conventions on treatment of prisoners of war.
The military has not allowed Afghan and international human rights groups access to the Bagram Detention Facility, although it does allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit the prisoners.
The Times report described conditions as "primitive." It cited military figures as saying numbers of detainees at Bagram had risen from about 100 at the start of 2004 to as many as 600 at times last year.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060227/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/afghan_us_bagram;_ylt=Ahg4RmFlY2a2J05DjtCkx6QD5gcF;_ylu=X3oDMTBjMHVqMTQ4BHNlYwN5bnN1YmNhdA--
govenors meeting with dumbya want their national guard back from iraq - will dumbya comply?
one of the things that i think that democrats should be out there talking about is how the republicans bad mouthed john mccain and now they are seeing him as a front runner for the republicans?? this should be a huge talking point. mccain is all full of himself - says that he can beat any democrat put before him - lets make sure that this doesn't happen
so far the polls see 3 republican front runners and all three are equal in the percentages
mccain, rice a roni, and rudy
mccain - we'll just use the republican talking points from 2000 why NOT to vote mccain
rice a roni - so much, so little time - let's not forget she was too busy being on vacation watching spam-a-lot & buying $3K boots while 'her people' were dying in Katrina
rudy - all we have to do is to verbalize his record pre 9/11 and that will take care of rudy!
"If God made me in his image...
Then he obviously is a she...at least in my case.
This fromthe Intrepid Liberal posted link, which is what I have been saying to those who say we need to wait until we win and get into a position of Leadership Power:
On a political level, Democratic politicians treat gay issues as part of a grand political conundrum to be finessed. Some Democrats are hoping to replicate the success of politicians on a local level such as Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer and focus solely on meat and potato issues while adopting the cultural mores of a particular region. That only works for so long however. The Republicans will always engage the values debate on a national level and the Democrats will never outflank them on the right. Nor should they try. Straddling the center is transparent on a moral issue such as human rights and can’t be finessed. It certainly didn’t work for John Kerry in 2004 who boasted that his position on gay marriage matched that of Vice President Cheney’s.
You know, we won't win if we don't stand for something.
BBL-
Lizzy is in the area this week and I am hoping to finally meet her. Lizzy if you see this give me a call.
Attention all supporters of women: Have you been following the FDA-fueled ruckus over Plan B, emergency contraception, and red-state attempts to deny women access?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/26/AR2006022601380.html?referrer=email&referrer=email&referrer=email
I think that if pharmacists are given the "right" to not dispense valid prescriptions that are "against their conscience," women-supporting pharmacists nationwide ought to announce they will refuse to fill any prescriptions for Viagra. Wotcha think?
"You know, we won't win if we don't stand for something."
I agree Burnsey
We also won't win if our message is not heard, either!
works for me kimb
plus i think that the women in sd should with hold sex until the abortion laws have been reinstated - no sex, no need for abortion
Posted by KimB on February 27, 2006 at 12:02 PM
You know that argument was recently used in the State of California in a death penalty case. It seems those pesky doctors had a problem killing a healthy human being. Hypocratic oath states First DO NO HARM. THE RESULT IS A LOT OF REALLY PISSED OFF REPUBLICANS...
those who are anti choice and for the death penalty are NOT PRO LIFE
just heard that chertoff is going to be in my neck of the woods to check out our levy's
lmao
we see how well he handled katrina - he should just stay the hell away from us!
Posted by GBGram on February 27, 2006 at 12:03 PM
Trust me when I say that if the Democratic Party came out in favor of MY rights, you can bet that the whole world would hear it. The republicans would jump all over it, then we really could start asking:
“I support human rights. Why don’t you?”
sorry i have to run - i'll try to be back later - if not i will try back on wednesday
president pinnochio got to say goodbye to dubi
IMPEACH BUSH ADMIN NOW
www.impeachbush.org
“I support human rights. Why don’t you?”
And that's as simple a message as you can get. There's no comeback or snarky retort for that. If you stand unabashedly for full human rights for all (no if's, and's, or but's), then the Pugs can try all day to comeback but all we have to do is say, "No, no, no, either you are for or against full human rights for all, which is it?"
It's time to put their sorry bigoted a**es in a corner, not wait to block their blows and comebacks.
Anyone see Ted Rall's cartoon from Saturday - about Flight 93? Very interesting - anyone know why it's coming up again? PLEASE tell me this is being pursued:
Gotaa go, be back later have a good day, and ask your elected representative the all important question:
“I support human rights. Why don’t you?”
peace and equality for all
Ruth @ 11:27: that wonderful song is programmed to be the lynchpin to my upcoming radio show. have you seen the film? highly recommended. brought a tear to my eye.
God also made Darwin who suggests that the fittest species are those who best adapt to their environment. Accordingly, i'll never look down on a cockroach ever again.
Got this from Ohio 2nd, er, I mean the "Ohio Happy Fun Time Blog".
From 12:30 to 3PM today Paul will be guest hosting on the Bill Cunningham Show, WLW 700. Should be fun.
Listen online here.
Mon-Fri 12:20pm-3pm
(513) 749-7000
(800) The Big 1
HOWDY, ALL!!
From Sundays QT Column:
Stats: Bush majority is strictly a minority
February 26, 2006
BY ZAY N. SMITH SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST
SurveyUSA (surveyusa.com) wants you to know that a majority of voters in five states (Idaho, Alabama, Wyoming, Nebraska and Oklahoma) now approve of the job President Bush is doing, down from six states in January.
It was Texas that left the fold. (emphasis, mine)
HAHAHAHAHA!!!
Even his "BASE" is waking up!
It's just plain unChristian to deny anyone their rights as a human being.
Show me anywhere in the New Testament where Jesus treated anyone with anything but respect and kindness....except when he threw the moneylenders out of the temple for confusing business/politics with God's work. We liked people....all people.
What I found most endearing about Jesus was his curiosity. He was both a rabbi and a social creature. He didn't live in ivory tower. He moved among the populace looking for answers. He didn't really preach; he asked others questions. He didn't condemn or condone; he sought the truth through others.
He accepted people the way God created them and wanted to be close to them. He sought out those that others held at a distance, almost sensing that there was something there that had been overlooked.
I've find it odd when some self-proclaimed Christians don't display that same curiosity and tolerance. What is it that they are so afraid of finding out? This is a question often asked by people of other religions. The answer must be important.
If your engine ain't runnin, you need a holy spirit enema.
I can't make this stuff up.
SurveyUSA (surveyusa.com) wants you to know that a majority of voters in five states (Idaho, Alabama, Wyoming, Nebraska and Oklahoma) now approve of the job President Bush is doing, down from six states in January.
Posted by DPD on February 27, 2006 at 12:49 PM
On behalf of Idaho, I apologize. This is truely sheep country that will more than likely be the last state standing for King George.
Hey, Y'all,
In and out again. Thanks so much for your emails; they've really kept us going.
Sandy, I got a response to a column on Kanab's "natural family" proclamation and left a response here. Feel free to add in.
If Jesus, Gandhi and Dr and Mrs King said all discrimination is wrong, then that's good enough for me ;-)
Lunch. Back in a while.
I'VE CHANGED MY MONIKER FOR GOOD-
Much love-
Burnsey
I've find it odd when some self-proclaimed Christians don't display that same curiosity and tolerance. What is it that they are so afraid of finding out? This is a question often asked by people of other religions. The answer must be important.
Posted by SandyH on February 27, 2006 at 01:02 PM
Just like the mirror, they find themselves, much to their chagrin. The question is often not asked, because they would be so dismayed to find themselves looking back at them. Let's just keep asking them:
“I support human rights. Why don’t you?”
Posted by I_support_human_rights_Why_dont_you on February 27, 2006 at 01:16 PM
Because they don't believe that everyone is equal. They have a different standard for everyone.
Posted by Burnsey on February 27, 2006 at 01:05 PM
Good Lawd! I don't know which is worse, that lady or the crowd cheering her on. Psychiatric evaluations are called for here!
Amanda, glad things worked out for you and Rob. I only learned of his hospitalization the other day. Glad things are on the mend!
Headed for a dentist appointment now. And I finally have my first job interview on Friday. I am jazzed!
BBL.
Unfortunately, Blue, that is quite true.
I can only speak for some of the nuts I've run across, but some truly believe that because gay couples can't procreate they aren't as good as het couples or because supposedly we have more disposable income (bit of a fallacy, esp for lesbian couples) that we don't need to be able to cover each other with healthcare insurance or protect each other from the loss of a house after death of a partner and such.
Sad, but true.
Posted by Exile on February 27, 2006 at 01:39 PM
My sense is that they believe that because they believe that the Bible condemns it, it is inferior and not worthy of equal treatment. Maybe if they would read the book instead of using it as an accessory, they would see the error of their ways.
What better way to add to those "lessons learned" from the Katrina response than to propose a round of cuts to the national guard?
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush thanked the nation's governors Monday for their support of National Guard troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, even as state leaders are warning Bush's budget plans will cut Guard strength and leave states less able to respond to homegrown emergencies.
Bush's 2007 budget submission would support a state-controlled National Guard of about 333,000 citizen soldiers -- the current total -- rather than the 350,000 authorized by Congress. It also proposes to pay for 188,000 Army Reserve troops rather than the 205,000 authorized by Congress.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/02/27/bush.governors.ap/index.html
This should be shouted from every billboard: The conservatives in Congress would rather cut benefits to college students, veterans, the elderly and our security than repeal the tax cut for the wealthy.
CALLER: My question is: I really feel like you've given up on Iraq. I've been rooting this on for the whole time; I agree with most everything you say; and you've given up, considering this mosque. So, before we give up, when do we actually send an atomic bomb over there to stop the madness --
O'REILLY: Well, that would just -- if we did that -- Janet, if we did that, the whole world would turn against us. And we would be a defeated people. So, we can't possibly do anything like that.
Compassionate Conservatism. We won't send an atomic bomb, not because it would be wrong to kill innocent people, but because "the world would turn against us". Wake up, Bill. The world turned a long time ago.
Posted by Exile on February 27, 2006 at 01:39 PM
The funniest part is that I can actually procreate, if I were to wish to do so, but I choose not to. It's not like I don't have any spermatzoa or anything, or like you don't have eggs. For goodness sake, there are lots of Heterosexuals who have to use alternative methods in order to have children. Surrogate mothers, sperm donors, egg donors, fertility treatments, etc. Never made sense to me, that procreation argument. Not all heterosexual couples want to have children either. It is not a case of we can't have them, just a case of craziness run amok. Just a bunch of butt-kissers(thast is appropriate language according to the link I posted above). Where do I sign up for those holy spirit enemas? I've been needing an injection of the Holy Spirit.
(FWIW- I really do beleive in God-It's just some of his fans I have a problem with)
In response to Washington's lack of support for oil drilling in Alaska, Alaska's state congressional leaders are looking to sever direct transportation ties between Washington and Alaska.
Mehlman Welcomes African Americans “Back Home”?
From GOP Blog:
Roll Call reports this morning “Skipping last fall’s vote on the Hurricane Katrina relief bill in order to get plastic surgery was worth it, says Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.), who loves her new look.”
From GOP BLOGGER:
Maddie:
"I heard she is going for a lilp (lip) plumping next
so she can relate more to her Black people"
This also from a GOP BLOGGER:
Maddie
Q: "what are you going to do to protect us from terrorists?"
Redhawk:
A: "I think that LOC (Left of Center) would invite them in for some Fried chicken, watermelon, spare ribs and Whiskey hoping that they'd get "fried" and go back home empty handed.."
_____
Ken Mehlman Welcomes African Americans “Back Home”?
How? By allowing comments like this on his blog?
Check out the information on the author of this column at the end of the piece.
Posted by Kristen on February 27, 2006 at 03:03 PM
Ahhhh-To be in the 8th grade and have the clarity that our "leaders" are supposed to have. This young lady is on her way to the Presidency. Think there is any chance we could lower the age for the office to 12 or 13? We might actually get some honest and qualified people into power.
PEACE AND OUT FOR THE MORNING
In case anyone missed this from Pam's House Blend!
Pastors of some of the largest evangelical churches in America met recently in Inglewood to polish strategies for starting five million new churches worldwide in 10 years -- an effort they say they hope will hasten the End Time.
The Rapture and Second Coming of Jesus always has been the ultimate goal of evangelicalism. But when that would occur was any Christian's guess.
The "Billion Souls Initiative" of the Global Pastors Network aims to shorten the path to Judgment Day by partnering church resources with the latest communications systems to spread the gospel.
In an interview at Faith Central Bible Church in Inglewood, James Davis, president of the campaign, said, "Jesus Christ commissioned his disciples to go to the ends of the Earth and tell everyone how they could achieve eternal life.
"As we advance around the world, we'll be shortening the time needed to fulfill that great commission," he said. "Then, the Bible says, the end will come."
Per Pam's comments:
In what can only be described as a surreal and disturbing sign of things to come in terms of pandering to the holy rollers, likely 2008 prez hopeful Rudy Giuliani recently spoke before the pastors' group in Orlando, shilling his upcoming book on "what it takes to be a leader in time of crisis."
And as the old saying goes:
LORD SAVE US FROM YOUR FOLLOWERS (at least this brand)!!!
From the New York Times:
Review of Port Deal Will Leave Decision to Bush
By DAVID E. SANGER
Published: February 27, 2006
WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 — The Dubai company seeking to take over some terminal operations at six American ports formally asked the Bush administration on Sunday to conduct a deeper investigation into security concerns surrounding the deal. The request will leave President Bush in the politically delicate position of having to personally approve or disapprove the takeover."
Anyone else have a problem with this??????
I meant to say that I don't think the decision should be left up to Bush, "politically delicate" or not.....
Exile, from that article at Pam's House Blend-
"Meeting our goal has messianic dimensions. It will certainly mean some kind of new world order," he said. "I believe when that time comes, the power of peace will be greater than the power of war, the power of love will be greater than the power of hate, and fullness will be greater than poverty and hunger."
Peace will prevail (unless you are Muslim or any other non-christian religion)
Love will prevail (unless you are homosexual a woman or a democrat or anything other than republican white or male)
Hunger will be abated (unless you are poor or black or gay or hispanic or.....)
and didn't Hitler try to bring about that New World Order???
Posted by lavndrblue on February 27, 2006 at 03:28 PM
It's right out of the Rove handbook: they are hoping that some other "crisis" will come to take the American's minds off of this debaucle. Many of us our of such a short attention span (what Iraqi war?), 45 days is a long time. Maybe Cheney can shoot someone else. Or maybe Katie's baby will be born by that time.
We really need to get the FACTS right on this Ports story, it is NOT JUST SIX PORTS, IT IS 21:
UAE terminal takeover extends to 21 ports
By PAMELA HESS
UPI Pentagon Correspondent
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- A United Arab Emirates government-owned company is poised to take over port terminal operations in 21 American ports, far more than the six widely reported.
The Bush administration has approved the takeover of British-owned Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co. to DP World, a deal set to go forward March 2 unless Congress intervenes.
P&O is the parent company of P&O Ports North America, which leases terminals for the import and export and loading and unloading and security of cargo in 21 ports, 11 on the East Coast, ranging from Portland, Maine to Miami, Florida, and 10 on the Gulf Coast, from Gulfport, Miss., to Corpus Christi, Texas, according to the company's Web site.
Why are we letting anyone tell us that it is only six ports, the truth of the matter is that it is quadruple the number being reported. Let's get the truth out there....
can't ya see tom and katie on the cover of a tabloid, pin wheels spinning in their dianetics raptured eyes begging l.ron to undo the work of the evil nicole....
Hmmmm, I wonder how my partner's Republican voting and ex-military parents, who live in Gulfport, will feel about having their ports run by UAE.
Gee, it's not like the people in Gulfport couldn't have used those jobs working on the ports after having everything leveled by Katrina or anything!
Posted by gregg on February 27, 2006 at 03:38 PM
Yep, horns, a sparkeling set of baby teeth and a penchant for jumping on couches. That should make even Tom run for some medication. :)
exile, the miracle of the republican nightmare is that they keep getting people who will be totally disenfrachised by their programs to vote for them. it boggles my mind every day i don't start drinking a breakfast.
Callie, there is a piece in our local paper today on the voter initiative that is working it's way onto the ballot this fall to take back the equal protections that Washington state lawmakers passed this January. I was going to post the article and then changed my mind, mainly because I think the framing of the article is inflammatory. At first I thought it was well stated as the idea is that human rights should not be left up to voter approval. The issue I took with the article is of course that they are framing Washington's issue as 'gay rights' and the law is actually about equality but the story leads one to link it with 'special rights' which I felt misses the mark.
If you want to read it you can find it on the Front Page...but I'm linking it with the above disclaimer. :)
gregg: scientology is the featured article in this week's Rolling Stone. nothing that we haven't already heard, but jeez louise, how does anyone buy that stuff?
Can someone PLEASE explain to my why only 18 House Democrats say Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, should name a special counsel for the NSA surveillance program?? Eighteen!?!? Where are the rest of them, and WHY would they deserve our vote in November????
These people are true heroes:
Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-California
Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-New York
Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Virginia
Rep. Lois Capps, D-California
Rep. John Conyers, D-Michigan
Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon
Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-California
Rep. Sam Farr, D-California
Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Arizona
Rep. Mike Honda, D-California
Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York
Rep. Doris Matsui, D-California
Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Massachusetts
Rep. George Miller, D-California
Rep. David Price, D-North Carolina
Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Illinois
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-California
Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Mississippi
The rest of you Democrats -- where the hell are you????
bb on February 27, 2006 at 04:15 PM
Their teachings are revealed slowly in a very specific sequence. The initial elements draw people in by providing a very simple formula for success in life... if you follow these few simple rules, then you will be very successful. If you are not successful, then its because you haven't followed those rules properly. Thus, its never the fault of the "faith", but the fault of the individual.
This is very appealing to people who already feel outside the mainstream, who want to follow a simple formula, and who already see fault in themselves.
(I speak from far more knowledge than I'd like on this topic!)
LOS ANGELES - Don Knotts, who won TV immortality and five Emmys for playing the bumbling Deputy Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show" with self-deprecating humor, was remembered by his friend and co-star as a comedic genius who wrote some of the show's best scenes.
---
Emmy-winning actor Darren McGavin, who played grouchy monster chaser Carl Kolchak in the 1970s television series "Kolchak: The Night Stalker," died on Saturday at a Los Angeles hospital, according to a statement on his Web site. He was 83.
---
LOS ANGELES - Dennis Weaver, the diffident deputy Chester Goode in the TV classic western "Gunsmoke" and the canny New Mexico deputy solving New York City crime in "McCloud," has died. The actor was 81.
Dennis makes 3
Thanks, Kristen! I'll take a look. Funny, even something so basic as not getting discriminated against on the job is somehow just NOT ACCEPTABLE! That's just too much to ask and they need to vote on it! How can people NOT see this as completely ludicrous?
yes tim - why is it that only 18 signed ltr saying that a special prosecutor should be named?
we would all like a reponse on this from the dnc.
thanks
Kristen,
This is my favorite line:
Within days, however, Eyman announced he would seek a referendum to undo the law, saying such protections amounted to special treatment for gays.
I'm sorry, but what exactly is "special" about not getting discriminated against?
All these people do is want to keep an open door so they can freely kick us in the nuts when they need a punching bag. It makes 'em feel better about themselves.
Now, THAT'S "special."
Callie, I think one thing that the Hate-filled Right has been very sucessful at is making this look like 'special rights' and/or that the problem does not exist. We here know that is not the case, but you get Joe 12 Pack sitting there polishing the rims on his truck thinking why in the world should 'this group get anything special that I'm not getting' and so they have been very sucessful. People here in Seattle think that the problem doesn't exist mainly because in most of our larger communities there were already municipal codes established to protect against sexual orientation discrimination; and also because in the areas that do not have these protections they are unable to take complaints or track complaints because it wasn't illegal...so the easiest way to pretend it doesn't exist is to not pay attention.
Eyman is one of the least liked Republican hacks here in W. Washington. He has become the initiative king and even wrangled a lucrative paycheck out of the deal...although he forgot to mention to his donors that he was getting paid', but he is staying right on the right wing hate message with the 'special rights' that is how they plan to over turn this is to somehow turn this into a law that protections only one group of people which in reality it protects all of Washington's citizens from sexual orientation discrimination.
Hi Kristen & Callie!
Keep in mind that Eyman's purpose in life is to object to EVERYTHING, submitting initiatives on everything that might further our community, be it equal rights or mass transit.
but you get Joe 12 Pack sitting there polishing the rims on his truck thinking why in the world should 'this group get anything special that I'm not getting' and so they have been very sucessful.
That is EXACTLY the case!!! You hit the nail on the head, Kristen!
I have actually heard that exact same phrase used over and over again so you KNOW they are hearing that from the wingers and preachers telling them it's so.
Again, I say, what is "special" about not being discriminated against? What is "special" about being equal?
It's a simple counter argument that we (and I mean "we" as a whole/society) haven't mastered yet.
Posted by Exile on February 27, 2006 at 03:20 PM
i heard bush is pushing for the end time to come june 6, 2006
06-06-06
Marc @ 4:24: i think Sir Paul said it best: "You Can't Buy Me Love." can't buy serenity, clarity, heaven, completenesss, virtue, forgiveness or much of anything else, neither
yes tim - why is it that only 18 signed ltr saying that a special prosecutor should be named?
we would all like a reponse on this from the dnc.
PMPosted by GBGram on February 27, 2006 at 04:30
Gram,
I copied that post off, and stuck it thru my
Fax machine to my own House Rep, with a question, "How should I answer this, as it pertains to my OWN Representative?"
I think that is what we should All do, whomever has a Rep not named there.
I thought I would google the term that was bantered about in bush's first four years and in cyberspace it still fits.
It is always a case of "Follow the Money"!
Connecting Dubai Ports World, the Carlyle Group, CSX, John Snow, and David Sanborn
bb on February 27, 2006 at 04:59 PM:
I totally agree. Just to clarify a bit, I once found myself working for a small company that turned out to be pretty much run by the CoS. My immediate manager was rather high-ranking in the church, and while before I was working there he was very clear he wanted to hire me so I could guide him through a project in a totally new area, once I was in it was clear that since I was not a member of the church, anything I had to say had no value. They have an extremely rigid hierarchical view of the world and will follow that belief off any cliff.
more bush than anyone else. I decided to look it up because I thought the iraq situation is typical of his life. He makes a big pile of it and others have to clean it up.
except his partisans have kicked baker who helped him limp into the white house, scowcroft, and punked powell. So who can he look to to get him out of this? Moooooooooooommmyyyyyyyyy!
Veneita on February 27, 2006 at 05:15 PM:
But, he is the child-king, he can do whatever he wishes with no accountability. He has figured out that the worst thing he ever has to do is "accept responsibility", which means just saying those words and doing nothing more. Not only has he STILL not vetoed a single piece of legislation, but he also has still not Fired anyone! All have volunarily resigned to spend more time with their families (and earn megabucks on the commercial side of this corrupt administration).
hello fellow dems....
after listening to bush's plan for our nations ports, i tried to understand why this guy would want to do this deal w/the united arab emerants.
throwing the idea back and forth w/my dad, i thought one of the reasons was to break another powerfull union, the dock workers.
nothing gets loaded or unloaded from a ship in port unless the dockworkers do it.
on sundays "meet the press" with tim russert, arnold (the terminator) made a comment that confirmed my suspicion, that ships were not unloaded fast enough. other countries complained to arnold that they couldn't get their "junk" off of the ships fast enough to suit them. the faster the unloading, the quicker the turnaround, the cheaper for corporations to ship this "junk", most of which we really don't need, for them.
my question is, why don't we hear the union heads hollaring at the top of their lungs? when all americans are working for three dollars and hour? two dollars? a buck?
how will working people put a roof over their heads? or is a tent good enough.
bush has already said "if americans won't do a particular job, we'll find foreigners that will.
king george is doing his damnedest to create the new astocracy in this country. super wealthy and working stiffs.
the right wing "christian" people are also supporting and promoting this garbage.
god healed the sick, fed the hungry, and clothed the naked.
republicans are lining their pockets, their "new" medicaid plan is not helping our seniors or the unfortunate, and his katrina plan is certainly not doing anything for folks that lost loved ones or all of their posessions. are those folks simply to start over from scratch? sick and elderly?
i don't know this country anymore. work hard and keep your nose clean. the american dream is attainable. my ass.....
if you don't know someone, it's hard to get a job...i personally know people with a college degree that can't make a living at what they trained for.
i used to tell my kids to go to school and get a degree, or the only thing they would have to learn is "would you like fries with that?"
or, "can i supersize that for you?"
what the hell is going on??????
my biggest fear is that the system is too far gone to change. do we have to go through another depression for people to wake up?
worried in vermont......
Posted by Veneita on February 27, 2006 at 05:10 PM
I LOVE YOU. THAT JUST MADE ME LAUGH MY ASS OFF.
andhow on February 27, 2006 at 05:29 PM:
I would say you shouldn't hesitate to contact a local union and directly ask them your question. I hesitate to guess what is up with the unions, as I am in a field not yet organized. My best friend is VP/running for President of a large union in New York state. I know he is busy with their union election, contract negotiations, and early work on the 2006 campaigns in his area. I also suspect the fracture of the AFL & CIO takes a lot of their focus. Finally, after nearly continuous attack since Reagan broke the Air Traffic Controller's union, they are pretty punch-weary (is that the right term?) and slow on their feet.
I_support_human_rights_Why_dont_you_aka_Burnsey on February 27, 2006 at 05:36 PM:
Careful, you only get one of those that you must make last your entire lifetime.
Posted by andhow on February 27, 2006 at 05:29 PM
preachin to the choir, but I whole heartedly agree. But now it's Would You like to go Large? Seems with the advent of viagra and all this male enhancement spam, everything is about SIZE.
I haven't been able to figure out why there isn't more of a backlash against this administration, but then I realized that everywhere I go, I hear people bitching about them, but we just don't hear about it in the press, and then even the ballot box doesn't help, especially when it's rigged. I think we are real damn close to being stuck in exactly what you described, we just don't know about it yet. News casts only report what they want to report, and when they are all owned by Corporate Cronies, it's no wonder. They want a cheap worker so they can live extravagantly and we worry about how in the hell we are going to pay the electric bill, or how to put food on our famlies.
It's all fixed and the game is over. I don't see a change comming, and now that gallup is starting to proclaim the republicans are really ahead in the "likely" voters polls, we can kiss 06 away. I'd start looking for a third Bush term.
Posted by Marc on February 27, 2006 at 05:39 PM
I seem to have a spare at the current moment. :)
I_support_human_rights_Why_dont_you_aka_Burnsey on February 27, 2006 at 05:47 PM:
Last night's ABC World News Tonight had an interesting article on the aniversary of the Kent State shootings. The most interesting elements, for me, were that they identified that during the 60s, students were pretty alone in objecting to the war while today its pretty much straight across the board that citizens object to the war with over 60% of the country anti-Iraq war! The other point of note was that as they went around interviewing current Kent State students, every one of them objected to the war, and every one of them believes they are powerless to do anything about it!
Of course, the other point of note was that ABC presented such an Anti-War piece at all.
Analysis: Iraq Crisis Shows Clerics' Power
By ROBERT H. REID, Associated Press Writer
Fri Feb 24
BAGHDAD, Iraq - If Iraq steps back from the brink of civil war, much of the credit will go not to elected leaders but to powerful Shiite clerics who put the brakes on the wave of reprisal attacks after destruction of a Shiite shrine.
In the case of one cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr, influence cuts both ways. The anti-American leader's militiamen torched Sunni mosques in Baghdad and elsewhere — then offered to protect others when the Shiite clergy moved to put a stop to the violence triggered by the attack on the Golden Mosque in Samarra...
The rise of clerical power has reversed a tradition of secular government in Iraq since the establishment of the modern Iraqi state after World War I. Since the fall of Saddam, the power of the mosques has increased because of the weakness of fledgling government institutions.
Many Iraqis view those institutions with suspicion as creations of the Americans and dominated by former exiles who returned to the country on the heels of the U.S.-led invasion. In these times of uncertainty, many Iraqis see the mosque as the legitimate source of authority.
That trend has benefited Shiite clerics more than the Sunnis, who have no formal clerical rank structure. Shiites, on the other hand, have a clerical hierarchy headed by the "marjaiyah," the four top ayatollahs led by al-Sistani.
Although U.S. officials have cultivated the Shiites since the beginning of the occupation, the Americans have also sought to promote secular politicians — but with limited success. Washington's initial choice to replace Saddam, secular Shiite politician Ahmad Chalabi, failed to win a seat in the Dec. 15 parliamentary election.
The U.S. choice as interim prime minister in 2004, Ayad Allawi, has fared better, but his secular-minded party won only 25 seats of the 275 parliamentary seats in December — compared to 130 captured by the religious Shiite parties.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060224/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_mosque_power
Where is Chalabi and al-Sadr? I think I read they are both out of the country. Visiting the same places?
Posted by Marc on February 27, 2006 at 05:55 PM
Maybe the point it was trying to hammer home was the idea that there is just nothing the people can do about it. Plant the idea that all is hopeless, from those that showed the most hope in their early years, then watch the despair grow. This particular administration seems to be uncanny in it's ability to get out of everything wrong that they do. They are also the masters of incredibly outrageous spin.
Sorta in that weird place today, I just can't get over all of the crap that our government is allowing in the names of "Security" and "Freedom".
gotta run-
PEACE
but before I go, thought I would share this gem:
Democrats declare 'Orange Jumpsuit Week' for Abramoff birthday
that and Venita's miserable failure link have made me cheer up.
Look what we have here:
Paper: Coast Guard Has Port Co. Intel Gaps
By LIZ SIDOTI, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - Citing broad gaps in U.S. intelligence, the Coast Guard cautioned the Bush administration that it was unable to determine whether a United Arab Emirates-owned company might support terrorist operations, a Senate panel said Monday.
The surprise disclosure came during a hearing on Dubai-owned DP World's plans to take over significant operations at six leading U.S. ports. The port operations are now handled by London-based Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company.
"There are many intelligence gaps, concerning the potential for DPW or P&O assets to support terrorist operations, that precludes an overall threat assessment of the potential" merger," an undated Coast Guard intelligence assessment says...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060227/ap_on_go_ot/ports_security
Funny how the official Rove/Bush administration assessment is alway so different from the real, classified assessment. The public relations policy makers always have a different prosepective....they see things differently, I believe...than those that actually do the investigations and analysis of things like
WMDs and port security risks.
That reality-based stuff just gets in the way, so it's better not to disclose it.
PamB I know why my congressman isn't making the list - he is a good for nothing republican by the name of john t doolittle and i do me dolittle!
ahhh, GB Gram, That explains it. Mine is a Democrat, and he STILL does not answer any of my HARD questions. Betcha I won't hear on this, because I have already sent him a couple of Faxes and emails asking why !
this caught my eye so I thought I would share:
US opposed to UN draft resolution creating stronger rights body
UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - The United States pressed for renegotiation of a proposed UN draft resolution to create a more effective human rights body and said it would vote "no" if the text was put to a vote
"We are very disappointed at the draft that was produced last Thursday. We don't think it is acceptable," the US ambassador to the UN, John Bolton, the president of the Security Council for this month, told reporters.
"My instructions are to reopen the negotiations and try to correct the deficiencies in the text of the resolution or alternatively to push off consideration of the resolution for several months to give us some more time," he added.
Thursday, Swedish diplomat Jan Eliasson, the current president of the UN General Assembly, presented to the 191 member states a draft proposal for a 47-state Human Rights Council elected by secret ballot by an absolute majority. It would meet three times a year for a minimum of 10 weeks.
The new council would be based in Geneva and replace the current UN Human Rights Commission, heavily criticized for taking years to pursue abuse cases and allowing nations with less-than-stellar human rights records to sit in judgment.
Under the draft proposal, membership criteria would tighten and the council could suspend members whose human rights record were deemed unacceptable.
"My understanding is that the president of the general assembly intends to bring this matter to the floor of the General Assembly within a day or two for a vote," Bolton said. "If he continues on that course we will call for a vote and vote no."
The US envoy stressed that Washington wanted "effective changes in the human rights commission, which is obviously broken beyond repair.
"We remain committed to trying to persuade other nations that cosmetic reform alone is not sufficient... If need be we are prepared to vote against this resoltuion," Bolton added.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/unrightsreformus;_ylt=Aii8NQHClqlETpxq42attGADW7oF;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl
You all know what the real issue is here, right? Israel violates human rights of the Palestinians and so they could have their membership suspended!
LMAO - One way to get them to play by the rules!
Insight Mag: Cheney to retire after 2006 elections
Remember a few days ago I said I thought Cheney was on the way out and possibly Condi Rice was going to be the Vice President? Seems I'm not the only one thinking that Cheney's on his way out.
Really going now-
PEACE
this one blows the mind,
$2 billion already spent, and Still so much more work to do!
Two-Thirds of Katrina Donations Exhausted
Charities faced with difficult decisions and countless requests as they spend what is left
Posted by GBGram on February 27, 2006 at 06:22 PM
not to mention the case to be made against America in Abhu Graib and Gitmo......
pamb
however, i sometimes listen to the thom hartman program on air america on fri