Thursday Morning Open Thread
Happy Morning.
Comments (176) «
Be the change. Quit supporting those that support the corruption...make a difference with your wallet. Volunteer; you are needed even if it is phone calls and blogging for your candidates.
Hi fair dems...we will take our country back! bbl
CENSURE, AND THEN IMPEACH THE SOCIOPATHIC, EVIL IMBECILE!!!
FEINGOLD FOR PRESIDENT IN '08
Happy Birthday, Jen! Please stop by Night Bird's Fountain to join her Birthday Celebration.
Happy Birthday Jen! I can't think of anyone I would rather celebrate today! You are absolutely fantastic!
I'm reposting from the last thread since it was so late in the game.
Fault lines widen between evangelicals and the GOP
The fractures between some leading evangelicals and the Republican Party occur in a context of reawakening of what some call the Religious Left. Mainline Protestants, liberal Catholics, Reform Jews, progressive Muslims and Unitarian Universalists came alive politically in opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 and further mobilized in the 2004 electoral campaign. The best-selling books of Jim Wallis ("God's Politics") and Michael Lerner ("The Left Hand of God") show that religious progressive voices have a sizable, national following.
kristen hope you feel better. we had a bug here that went on for two weeks.
for anyone who may be confused my peepers reference was to the small frogs that live in the swamps and such behind my house that need a moist environment to breed...and this is their time of year.
paranoia strikes deep.
Good morning good Dems!!
Jen, this one's for you, just imagine me singing in my alto voice, horribly off key but with tremendous enthusiasm and much love for a wonderful lady!
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dearest Jennnennnn,
Happy Birthday to you!!
MWAH!!!
lol...Greg, I knew you were talking about the frogs.
Thanks for your well wishes. :)
Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear
And it shows them pearly white
Just a jackknife has old MacBolton, babe
And he keeps it … ah … out of sight.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Joshua Bolten, the incoming White House chief of staff, wants Treasury Secretary John Snow replaced with someone who can present the administration's message more forcefully, The New York Times reported on Thursday.
Bolten, who takes over the top staff job next month, wants President George W. Bush to shake up his economic team and overhaul White House management, the Times said, quoting a prominent Republican who consults with the White House.
Among the names being mentioned to replace Snow were Henry Paulson, chief executive of Goldman Sachs; John Mack, chief executive of Morgan Stanley, and Richard Parsons, chairman of Time Warner, the newspaper said.
The Times quoted Republicans as saying if a new secretary was picked from Wall Street, it would help reassure financial markets that are worried about growing budget and trade deficits.
On Wednesday, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Bush believes Snow is doing a good job.
Asked whether the president was still confident in Snow and whether he would continue to serve in the future, McClellan responded: "I never speculate on personnel matters, but the president appreciates the great job that Secretary Snow is doing, he is an important member of our economic team."
McClellan than added: " Of course the president is always open to butchering any of his hand picked idiots if it will save his ass..."
Snow could not be reached for comment as he is on a special presidential mission to dig a tunnel under the Chernobly power plant.
kristen, sure would be nice to see the humanistic religious folks move to the front.
any Dem for President. so long as s/he isn't listening to a God who says "bomb the hell out of them."
Here's an important race to help with in California. The 111th seat is currently occupied by Richard Pombo who is a corrupt crony of Jack Abramoff's. His worst character flaw (imo)is his continual attempt to gut the Endangered Species Act, one of the most important pieces of environmental legistlation still on the books. He has a serious Republican challenger in the form of Pete McCloskey, actually a very likable moderate with a strong record of environmental protection (he helped co-author the ESA). Hopefully Pete will knock off Pombo, but if not the Dem challenger Jerry McNerney will have tough battle.
Pombo must go, please help if you can.
Greg, they are definitely out there and working but of course they do it in such away that the news won't bother to cover it...since they are screaming hate and violence against those that disagree there isn't much for NBC to put on TV.
There is a long list of churches and religious organizations lending their voice, resources and names to help insure equality to all citizens and even supporting GLBT marriage equality, as well as a group working to stand up for women's reproductive choice and to hold the Bush administration's feet to the fire to live up to their committment of funding to help end world poverty as well as AIDS funding.
gregg I'm jealous, since becoming a hopefully temporary city dweller, we don't get to hear frogs singing very much. Wonderful sign of spring!
oops...big typo in my post should read 'aren't screaming hate and violence'
sorry, not used to writing that when talking about religious leaders in the news.
good morning all!
We've now got our work cut out for us (again). The Corporate Press is STILL repeating "Dems don't have a plan" bla bla bla. They can't be bothered to check the websites, or the documents, as evidenced by Brownnose's piece in today's Baltimore Sun, 'Democrats unveil plan to bolster security'
Also noted on Roll Call this morning jr's press conference was orginally scheduled for hours after the Dem's presentation, but at the last minute changed it to be 10 minutes before, ensuring the Corporate Press would flock to cover jr's continued blathering pack o' lies.
Brownstein says in his piece:
The Democratic plan provoked a coordinated flurry of counterattacks from leading Republicans. In statements and interviews, GOP officials said Democrats had belied their tough talk by challenging Bush on some national security issues, including his approval of a domestic surveillance program that operates without obtaining court warrants. (Poster's comment: They had to know about this announcement in advance if they were able to coordinate a flurry of counterattacks. I smell a rat.)
georgia10 has a diary at kos that has all the information/links with details and documents that we should ALL be sending out to the Corporate Press since they obviously can't be bothered to report truth and facts.
I've written to Brownstein already and sent him the links to the documents. His email addy:
ronald.brownstein@latimes.com
LAtimes Editor, if you want to "CC" him:
john.carroll@latimes.com
Here's another link on that vile, disgusting Pombo. He makes me want to vomit.
Good morning, all.
Happy Birthday, Jen. I can't think of a better present than to know Jill Carrol is O.K. and freed.
Here's another present...although a little silly:
Congressional Candidate Slams Press Coverage of Iraq--With Bogus Photo
By E&P Staff
Published: March 29, 2006
NEW YORK How far will critics of media coverage of the Iraq war go to prove reporters are wrongly focusing on the negative?
One answer came this week, in a shocking if amusing episode featuring one Howard Kaloogian, a leading Republican running for the seat in Congress recently vacated by indicted Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham.
Kaloogian posted on the official Web site for his campaign a picture taken in “downtown Baghdad,” he said, during his visit to the city, which supposedly indicated that the media was wrong about the level of violence there.
“We took this photo of downtown Baghdad while we were in Iraq,” he wrote. “Iraq (including Baghdad) is much more calm and stable than what many people believe it to be. But, each day the news media finds any violence occurring in the country and screams and shouts about it - in part because many journalists are opposed to the U.S. effort to fight terrorism."
But the blogosphere quickly smelled a rat. The photo featured people who didn’t seem dressed quite right for Iraq, and signs and billboards that looked off, too. In the now-familiar pattern, the ace detective work leaped from obscure blogs to the well-known (Talking Points Memo, Eschaton, Attytood, more), and back again, as eagle-eyed experts proposed alternative locales, with Turkey a likely suspect.
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002274257
I find the argument over language to be so off the mark. As I read through posts and read the news the focus on identifying undocumented aliens as such because they don't speak much or any English is ridiculous.
Why are we so worried about the use of other languages in our country? We are the only nation of people that expect others to speak English when we travel outside the country. I myself have called places in France, Denmark and Germany to make reservations only to quickly point out I only speak English and each time the person quickly starts over in English for me.
I also have friends that it is assumed are not American citizens because they spoke little to no English a few years ago when the truth was my friend was born here and left to Mexico with her family when she was 5 only to return again as an adult. Does that make her less American?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY {{{{{JEN}}}}}}
jenmarie,
One of the sucesses of the RNC is their Rapid Response Team! This is something that the Dems, because we lack a United voice, fail to do.
when one looks back at Kerry's campaign's failure to respond to the Swift Boaters, one can only pray the Dems get their act together.
Ok, so this has nothing to do with politics and is just a good old fashioned heart-string pulling features piece...but what the heck sometimes those are the best kind.
Why do people still insist global warming isn't real??? Here's the evidence, jaw dropping before and after pictures from what used to be Glacier National Park.
Hola!!
"K paso S A's" for you single language homophobes...that's means "Whad up?" ooops....that's not english either...whatever.
Here's a gem for ya Greggg...
"I want the Iraqi people to hear I've got great confidence in their capacity to self govern," Bush said. "I also want the Iraqi people to hear -- it's about time you get a unity government going. In other words, Americans understand you're newcomers to the political arena. But pretty soon its time to shut her down and get governing."
"G'dang it all...Git er dun....If ya'll don't start takin' care of bidness over there ur' gonna force my hand..and I know whad ur thinkin' punk..does he have one bullet left or two??"
Posted by PamB on March 30, 2006 at 09:36 AM
Excellent point Pam, I firmly believe Kerry lost the election when he failed to respond immediately, loudly and clearly to those ridiculous ads.
Posted by Kristen on March 30, 2006 at 09:08 AM
I receive the Sojourners email news and this happened to be in the last issue. Pertains to what you are speaking of. There is also a streaming video of Jim Wallis and Russell Johnson of the Ohio Restoration Project.
Good stuff.
The religious Right is losing control
by Jim Wallis For more than a decade, a series of environmental initiatives have been coming from an unexpected source - a new generation of young evangelical activists. Mostly under the public radar screen, they were covered in places such as Sojourners and Prism, the magazine of Evangelicals for Social Action. There were new and creative projects such as the Evangelical Environmental Network and Creation Care magazine. In November, 2002, one of these initiatives got some national attention - a campaign called "What Would Jesus Drive?" complete with fact sheets, church resources, and bumper stickers. The campaign was launched with a Detroit press conference and meetings with automotive executives
Posted by Kristen on March 30, 2006 at 09:34 AM
Man...we had some fun beatin' up americafirst yesterday on language...apparently the idea that hmm..roadsigns posted in a second language and Wheaties with instructions on how to eat them written in spanish...was over the top for (him/her)....
Christ knows how they'd go with like a foreign language like "metric". "hey, whad the frig is a centimeter?" "Do they like have more legs than a millimeter??" "Can you die if they bite you??"
Posted by Kristen on March 30, 2006 at 10:00 AM
G'day Kristen...that's Australian for G'day!!
Thanks MD...but you might want to watch out...the border militia might come and ask you to turn in your US passport if you don't use the appropriate American English terms and nothing else. ;)
Posted by paige on March 30, 2006 at 09:57
Hey, pick up this weeks issue of Time magazine. There is some really good info on Global warming.
I sent my issue off to Michael Crichton...
I'm tellin' ya'll (that's bushspeak for) I'm telling you....Michigan will be the new hotspot for retirees...and bonus, we got all the fresh water and we are putting a fence between us and those canadian socialist that want to give it away and who keep swimming over here and steal jobs from us.
And if they don't speak english (or american) we're sending them back.
I like can't stand it when they say "eh"? You know??
I'm watching the rerun of the Daily Show on the "television" (is That work Greek, or Latin. It means "far off sight", so I guess I don't speak English either.) Hillarious!
Posted by DPD on March 30, 2006 at 10:14 AM
On a serious note and this might even be personal...Did you like have to shave your banlon shirts after you washed them a couple of times??
Mine used to get all these little balls on them and also, whenever I like put them on, they would charge up my body to the point that I got really concerned about..spontaneous combustion..used to really piss off anybody I would brush up against too..
The english (american version) translation for television is "TV".
The revised edition..(2006) of the (american version) of the english language is now "Plasma or Big screen or Flat screen)
Compassion, not Criminalization in Immigration Reform!
http://go.sojo.net/campaign/immigration
Sign the petition if you agree. Don't if you don't.
This has probably already been brought up but here's my 2 cents. One of the other issues for the Repugs concerning making the 12 million or so illegal immigrants American citizens is that they don't want 12 million new citizens that in all likelyhood already do belong to a union or will join a union so that they can be paid living wage. What do you think?
I have NEVER owned a Ban-Lon shirt. That is just gregg projecting his OWN faults on to others.
:)
Lavndr...I actually think that while people are screaming about the demise of the US economy it is really a falacy.
I think that the politicians that are pushing for closing the borders are far more interested in churning up their base of xenophobes and bigotts then to look at what it means for the economy.
Here is a interesting commentary from our local paper today.
lavndrblue on March 30, 2006 at 10:26 AM,
As I posted on the last thread, say guest worker three times slowly and you'll get to understand the real meaning of the phrase. The program will tank working class wages.
Does anybody really know where that magic 11 Million number came from? I've also heard 12 Million. If they were able to count them, why didn't they arrest them on the spot?
Me thinks it is a made up "estimate" that somehow grew legs.
David, I don't buy that, there is some assumption that with a guest worker program there will be a flood of people across the border and into everyday job markets. That is a fear tactic. H
as anyone stopped to think about how Mexico would react to the idea that the US would recruit their working force out of the country? Heck...maybe just maybe it would create a competitive environment that would allow those in Mexico to stay and support their families on a living wage there.
This is the ugly stuff and I'm posting it because I'm hoping that some of the nitwits that were on board yesterday,talking about how we as a country, are and have been so wonderful.
The irony is breathtaking when you consider how the chimp and co. have repeatedly pointed to their justification of tossing Saddam under a bus, because.."he killed his own people with chemicals' which by the way, we supplied.
20 million gallons of chemicals dumped on a country...and we didn't know they would have these kinds of affects??
The call for U.S. action came at the end of a two-day conference in Hanoi where deformed children were shown as dramatic evidence of the effects of 20 million gallons of herbicides, including Agent Orange, poured on the country.
"We demand that the United States government be held responsible for making contributions to overcoming the consequences of toxic chemicals," the closing statement said.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=6360
DPD, I think they are able to estimate that based on census numbers and public school records as well as the number of people paying taxes that cannot be matched up with actual, validated tax id numbers.
Thus, the United States can anticipate the entry of another 14 million immigrants between 2000 and 2010 with net migration of at least 400,000 Mexicans per year.
There were an estimated 9.3 million undocumented immigrants in the United States as of March 2002
Of these, about 5.3 million or 57 percent were from Mexico
Kristen on March 30, 2006 at 10:32 AM,
Sorry, Kristen, I do not buy the glowing report about our immigration problem. Nor do I buy that these jobs are just jobs that americans refuse to do. The mainly mexican immigrants we are referencing are here to support themselves and their families, but what happened with NAFTA which was supposed to create all those jobs in Mexico so they could support their own economy?
Posted by Kristen on March 30, 2006 at 10:32 AM
I think that the politicians that are pushing for closing the borders are far more interested in churning up their base of xenophobes and bigotts then to look at what it means for the economy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I agree with you but the immigration issue is not a one item issue. There are many facets that fall into the politicians reasons for fighting against making the illegal immigrants citizens. One being businesses would lose as they would have to start paying decent wages to these people and the people could start fighting fxenophobeor their rights which fits into your view (and I agree).
Davidual...you don't have to buy it but I think the fact that our unemployment rate is hovering right about 4% says a lot. There are countries that are struggling as they are dealing with aging population and a younger generation choosing to not have children as well as lower influx of immigration to the country.
This country is amount immigration, we have succeeded because of the large and continous influx of people into the country and we need to find a resonable way to maintain that and also protect those here from the predatory practices of businesses that take advantage of the situation.
NAFTA/CAFTA did nothing to ensure a working, livable wage in these countries it just made it cheaper for companies here to outsource jobs.
The best way to help this immigration problem is for the capitalist to use their money for the good of the countries in which they are investing. I am not suggesting not making a profit as that is the capitalist purpose of investing in anything anywhere. However, when capitalist money is used appropriately to grow economies all benefit exponentially and this is happening less and less in the global economy. I sense the need for investors to reduce their risks as a major cause of this trend.
Posted by davidual on March 30, 2006 at 10:37 AM
THERE IS NO IMMIGRATION CRISIS!!!
We have beat this up for a couple of days. The math is simple.
The estimated population of the United States is what 300 million.
Divide the 400,000 undocumented mexicans by that number and what do you have??
Four fifths of f'all.
Wage depression??? Gimme a break...it's not the mexicans or the undocumented workers that are suppressing wages on our shores...it's global competition.
Have you seen a headline in your face from GM,Microsoft,Ford, Delphi that has pointed the finger at "immigration or undocumented illegal immigrants" as a source or their ills?? Me neither.
This is a blantant attempt by this administration and chimp, to scare the bejeezus out to the nitwits who are still pissing all over themselves about social security going bankrupt, the house next door being occupied by a married gay couple, terrorist swimming up the St Lawrence Seaway and invading Cleveland and last but not least, agnostic and godless democrats raising taxes and giving it away to smack heads and mothers with 6 kids.
I sense the need for investors to reduce their risks as a major cause of this trend.
Posted by davidual on March 30, 2006 at 11:02 AM
Well, we better all hope that China and most of the other growing economies in the world don't pull the pin on their sizable investments in our ecomomy.
The only thing keeping us from 25% home mortgage rates is the ability to raise our debt levels to stratopheric heights and the continued support by China and Japan of our treasury debt.
Cozy arrangement though, because it artificial depresses the Yen.
...resonable way to maintain that and also protect those here from the predatory practices of businesses that take advantage of the situation.
Posted by Kristen on March 30, 2006 at 10:58 AM,
I agree with you here!! As for NAFTA, this is precisely what happened. The capitalist lining their own pockets at the expense of the working citizens. Today's american corporations doing the same by outsourcing jobs to cheaper labor markets. All at the expense of the workers of both economies.
Posted by xdebx on March 30, 2006 at 08:56 AM
I really like this poster.
;)
NAFTA/CAFTA did nothing to ensure a working, livable wage in these countries it just made it cheaper for companies here to outsource jobs.
Posted by Kristen on March 30, 2006 at 11:00 AM
I remember when Bill Clinton agreed to NAFTA, and on paper, it was a great idea. Nobody realized how short sighted the plan was, and what the ultimate outcome would be. It is time to review and revamp these treaties.
They are killing our economy and country.
Pam, I remember not paying attention at the time but that the local labor unions were screaming about what a bad idea it was. My Republican father thought it was great, so that helped me make up my mind and I figured it had to be trouble in the making.
This is why I can not stand the so called liberal blogs. Stoller decides to front page a story about the DNC playing host to corrupt politicians. Fine, we all know that Stoller is a Rosenberg lackey ... but what is the most interesting thing about this story is that Stoller decides today March 30 to link to an article from March 9... why the big delay if it is sooooo hot that it deserves front paging.
Not only that but it is from a legal organization that I never heard of but have recently filed a suit on a fundie organization in PA that Sanatorum was hogging to him self and wouldn't let Bob Casey join in
Looks like the stealth 527 are already in action.
Posted by Peacemonger on March 30, 2006 at 11:43 AM
CREW is an ethics watchdog group, and one of the most highly respected. Their mission is to root out corruption on BOTH sides of the aisle. The fact that the Pug well is so deep just makes their job that much easier.
They primarily are acting as the Congressional Ethics Committee, because the Republican Ethics Committees REFUSE to hold hearings on ANY member, so the only way to get at the problem is through publicity.
Their Executive Director, Melanie Sloan, is a regular guest on Al Franken's show.
If the House or Senate Ethics Committees were doing THEIR JOBS there would be no need for CREW.
I'm out!!:( Be kind in this gentler world in which we live. From the bbl, see ya!!;)
Dell!! I tried to log on last night and it took too long so I gave up. Tried again just now and it ALMOST had me again but VOILA`
Now I am about ready to close this down and throw it in the back seat. (well I won't be doing that personally, don't cha know) LOL
cable is on until tomorrow so I am eeking every last dime out of it that I can!
Kristen, feel better. Very convenient (your new neighbor) h mmmmmm? move right across the street from a scary Liberal blogger! Ooooo!
Happy B day again {{Jen-fur}} I caught you over at Lizzy's place. :-) (my keyboard has already arrived at the new place, YAY!!) ;-)
and Parkay, r u flirting with yourself again? Deb is a fellow Appalachian and did sound eerily similar to you at the top I admit! (hence the love?) LOL nah Im joking - it's a good thing to say.
Dave - again I say - U Rock!
Z says he will work to reform NAFTA & CAFTA, because if not, we'll HAVTA move out of our country to find a job.
(lucy style quoting BTW)
Another night on the campaign trail last night. This is heating up! I'm so stoked!
I'm immigrating OUT of JEBBYville via the horror harris hwy........... sneaking thru the peaches and on to Carolina Country.
I hope they accept me at the border.
;-)
Jaq,
you are a paid supporter right? or are you doing all this volunteer? curious
Dawn,
Not paid a cent. This is all from my heart. I believe in Zack Space with all my being! He is the candidate & congressman the 18th District need as well as our country! I work every extra minute I have for Z. It's that important.
This is a movement, not just a campaign. Be the change!
Zack says...and this is a direct quote:
"I am convinced that the people of this district want change. But a better way will not find us. We must find the better way."
ps.
I hope he never disappoints you cuz when you love & believe someone that much - the fall can REALLY hurt if they screw up somehow. (I'm sure you know that)
I bet that's how all those W lovers feel about now! The ones that said the same type of things.
"I BE LEEEEEEEEEEEEEVE in GW with all my heart"
oo i bet they are having a pretty hard time shaking THAT (or should be)
I want to find the better way. I'm tired of the corruption in Washington. I want my country back.
How many people can say, "I believe in this candidate." and not just be supportive because of the party? I know the Dean movement was/is strong, but I know this man and his family personally, so I have first hand exerience.
wait didn't you say your district was very very RED?
is he a democrat? woo good luck then!
he's got a better chance today I'm sure than he would have 4 yrs ago.
Dawn,
He has become a dear friend. I'm a loyal friend and I think he is loyal too. When he's elected, I give my word that I will work to keep him honest. Not that I think I'll ever have to try. I don't doubt him one bit.
speaking of someones "Dear Friend,"
did anyone ever say whether they had heard from Schube? or has anyone emailed and heard back from? Not sure why I am worried about him except he used to show up late at night occasionally.
He was consistent with his inconsistency
Voter registration is pretty much 50/50 here. The majority lean conservative though. God, Guns, & Gays. It's the culture here.
And we dems are a bunch of slacker asses who don't get it in gear to vote! ;)
Time for me to get some rest. Home sick today. Chills & fever. Flu on a beautiful spring day is not fun. Pass the chicken soup!
Enjoy the afternoon, everyone!
Parkay, r u flirting with yourself again? Deb is a fellow Appalachian and did sound eerily similar to you at the top I admit! (hence the love?) LOL nah Im joking - it's a good thing to say.
Posted by Dawnelle on March 30, 2006 at 11:59 AM
Someone has got to flirt with me. ;)
I thought Deb was from NC or SC?
Now, I'm gonzo!
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow refused on Thursday to comment on a New York Times story saying that he could be replaced as part of a shake-up of top Bush administration officials.
as jack nicholson says to marlon brando in the missouri breaks...that sound you just heard was your throat being slit...
ew gregg - snow can't be any worse than what we have now (should I not say that out loud?) lol
ok I'm gonna try to do a few thing on line before I shut down
may be back later if not you all have a GREAT Spring! I should be back before it's over! (fingers crossed)
Peace, Hugs and Love!
don't forget to "Live the Journey"
you'll probably only remember this one
School officials in Miami-Dade and Broward will start to regulate military access to students.
Recruiters were found primarily visiting schools in lower-income areas where a larger number of potential recruits have limited options upon graduation.
'The opt-out form being placed in the student handbook will alert parents to the fact that the military has students' personal records,'' said Peter Ackerman, head of the Fort Lauderdale Quakers.
Ackerman and his group distributed opt-out forms earlier this year at Stranahan High School in Fort Lauderdale.
''Most of the parents didn't know that the military could contact their kids at any time,'' he said.
In Miami-Dade, activists with Mi Familia Vota, a civic group focused on Hispanic empowerment, say they were able to help more than 5,000 students around the county file opt-out forms.
hi guys, thank you so much for the happy birthday wishes. i had one bellini last night but still have a bit of a hangover! i feel the love and it helps! i'm so stoked Jill Carroll is free and okay. kristin and jacq, hope you feel better. see you all later i hope. thanks again.
I can't wait for my great state of PA to elect Bob Casey Jr. Reading more and more posts about how corrupt Rick Santorum is nowadays. I hope he comes to my town to campaign. I will be there with a Bob Casey sign!
School officials in Miami-Dade and Broward will start to regulate military access to students.
Recruiters were found primarily visiting schools in lower-income areas where a larger number of potential recruits have limited options upon graduation.
'The opt-out form being placed in the student handbook will alert parents to the fact that the military has students' personal records,'' said Peter Ackerman, head of the Fort Lauderdale Quakers.
Ackerman and his group distributed opt-out forms earlier this year at Stranahan High School in Fort Lauderdale.
''Most of the parents didn't know that the military could contact their kids at any time,'' he said.
In Miami-Dade, activists with Mi Familia Vota, a civic group focused on Hispanic empowerment, say they were able to help more than 5,000 students around the county file opt-out forms.
"Just beyond our field of vision".....let this roll around in your nogin fur a second....It's not just illegals stealing jobs, it's not just illegals, sucking up our social services..what if your pool of lower income, desperate and illiterate immigrants all of a sudden develop a hmmm...anti war, anti occupation and a preference for peace and a education in leiu of carting around a AK47 or driving a Bradley??
Hey, I know..how about we scare the piss out of them, threaten deportation..but, look the other way if you sign up for a tour?? Think of the bucks you could send back to la familia if you enlist...
Jeez, I'm getting as bad a Gibson in his aluminum foil wrapped apartment..
Also, another great contest in my state is for PA's 6th congressional district. In 2004, Lois Murphy lost to the Republican Jim Gerlach (who has accepted money from Tom Delay's PAC) but will win this time.
One of the sucesses of the RNC is their Rapid Response Team! This is something that the Dems, because we lack a United voice, fail to do.
when one looks back at Kerry's campaign's failure to respond to the Swift Boaters, one can only pray the Dems get their act together.
Posted by PamB on March 30, 2006 at 09:36 AM
Pam, I'm on several response teams through other progressive organizations. I think our messages are often taken more seriously because we aren't party sponsored.
Posted by Dawnelle on March 30, 2006 at 12:48 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
{{{{Dawnelle}}}}
You are always so kind...thank you!!
They had to know about this announcement in advance if they were able to coordinate a flurry of counterattacks. I smell a rat.)
Posted by jenmarie on March 30, 2006 at 09:29 AM
First- Happy Birthday, may they keep comming.
Second-
It was indeed leaked prior to being unvieled. I read an article the day before it was released over at Raw Story that it had been leaked prior to the grand unvieling. In this case it had nothing to do with that rapid response they have down. The article is longer there, but I swear it's Headline was Dem Security Plan Leaked...
Kristen
...but you might want to watch out...the border militia might come and ask you to turn in your US passport if you don't use the appropriate American English terms and nothing else. ;)
Here are the facts on Americans who wish to travel to Mexico. If you don't abide you go to jail.
U.S. citizens can visit within the 26-mile border area of Mexico for up to 72 hours without a permit. It is always a good idea to carry proof of your citizenship such as a birth certificate or a valid driver’s license. Naturalized U.S. citizens must carry their proof of citizenship.
If you plan to go more than 26 miles past the border, you will need to acquire tourist permits for yourself and your car. Tourist permits are 286 pesos (approximately $26.00 used) per person and can only be paid in Mexican pesos. You will need a birth certificate with State Seal along with a current picture I.D. or a valid passport. Birth Certificates must be the original or a Certified Copy - a copy won't do. Car permits are $27.00 used and you will need the items listed above, plus title or vehicle registration papers. Credit cards are the only form of payment accepted for car permits fees. Please note that credit cards and vehicle registration papers must have the name of the person applying for the car permit.
I realize you far left wingers seem to believe that anything you approve goes and anything you don't approve is silly. Just goes to show the far left is just as nutty as the far right.
Posted by Peacemonger on March 30, 2006 at 11:43 AM
you mis-represent the piece at MyDD, by the way. It simply said we shouldn't be, as a Party, financing a Candidate who is under serious investigation for bribery. I agree. And there is also a provided link that states the 13 worst, ethically challenged Politicians (only 2 are Democrats by the way), and if the Party is going to keep hammering away at the "Republican Culture of Corruption" it would be wise to avoid those who are being investigated seriously for the same issues.
Use your rightoues indignation for something worthy. We want no criminals here.
Jeez, I'm getting as bad a Gibson in his aluminum foil wrapped apartment..
Posted by Michigan_Dave on March 30, 2006 at 01:03 PM
Would that be Charlie or Mel???
Just goes to show the far left is just as nutty as the far right.
Posted by brunohokalugie on March 30, 2006 at 01:28 PM
Yea, but at least you can tell us apart. You centrists (from both sides) look oh so similar, and there is no difference between a republican "centrist" or a democrat "centrist", just ask Shillary or John McCaine....
PIPA Director Steven Kull comments, “It appears that support for attacks on US-led forces may not always be prompted by a desire for the US to leave Iraq immediately but rather to put pressure on the US to leave eventually—something most Iraqis perceive the US as having no intention of doing.”
Support for other types of attacks is sharply lower. An overwhelming 93% oppose attacks on Iraqi government security forces (66% strongly). This is true of all ethnic groups, including 76% of Sunnis, 97% of Shia and 99% of Kurds. Thus, it appears that support for attacks on US-led forces is truly aimed at US-led forces, not an indirect attempt to undermine the new Iraqi government.
Support for attacks on Iraqi civilians is nearly nonexistent. Only 1% approve, while 95% disapprove strongly.
A substantial portion of Iraqis support attacks on US led-forces, but not attacks on Iraqi government security forces or Iraqi civilians. Ethnic groups vary sharply on these questions.
Overall, 47% say they approve of “attacks on US-led forces” (23% strongly). There are huge differences between ethnic groups. An extraordinary 88% of Sunnis approve, with 77% approving strongly. Forty-one percent of Shia approve as well, but just 9% strongly. Even 16% of Kurds approve (8% strongly).
I'm confused..Presidente Primate say's that there are groups of terrorist's who are doing all they can to disrupt the process of liberty and democracy in the United States. Sorry, the New Iraq.
But the Iraqi's (mostly the Sunni's who we support and are controlled by Saddam) see us as the enemy and are shooting at us or advocate shooting at us say something completely different.
The Shia's (whom we currently don't support because the chimp doesn't like the president elect) would also like to shoot at us, but to a lesser extent.
Hmmm..the poll was taken before commander codpeice made his statements yesterday about the Shia's duly elected president.
Better do another poll. I think there's a pretty good chance that the Shia's will now be as pissed off at us, as the Sunni's.
Posted by brunohokalugie on March 30, 2006 at 01:28 PM
Sun of a b***ch....Them mexicans sure know how to make a buck out of us rich american tourists!!
Sounds just like those La Batz buzzed, cold as a well diggers as canucks. Do you know, I have to pay $2.50 to go across the bridge (that's everytime mind you) and those dicks wanted to see my drivers license and they also recommend that you produce a certified copy of your birth certificate???
I said "what the hell?? do you think I'm a terrorist or something??" Well, that went over like dropping the "B" word in an airport and before I could say, South Park, those bacon eatin' dicks had my trunk tore apart and were in my back seat, pickin through stale cheetos'
I swear...next time I go there I'm finding a whole in the fence!!
Actually, I'm gonna go there and retire and take advantage of their nationalized health care system.
Only seems fair...cost me $2.50 everytime I go there and I want it back...
Yea, but at least you can tell us apart. You centrists (from both sides) look oh so similar, and there is no difference between a republican "centrist" or a democrat "centrist", just ask Shillary or John McCaine....
Posted by I_support_human_rights_Why_dont_you on March 30, 2006
Hi {{Robert}}
Howard Dean's book, You Have the Power has a GREAT section on the DLC and Centrists ! He is very, very against them.
He cites the fact that the DLC thinks that because Bill Clinton was forced to go to the center a little, because of the Republican majority in congress, that now EVERYONE should move to the center !
What Howard reiterates over and over, it was because it WAS BILL CLINTON, who was doing it, and Bill Clinton, with his charisma, magnatism, great political ability, who left office with an impeachment behind him yet still had 60% approval ratings, was not an ordinary Politician. No other politician can get away with this 1/2 Democrat, 1/2 republican political image and get away with it.
He loathes From and the DLC, or New Democrats as they like to call themselves!
Howard is VERY tough on Democrats throughout this book. He talks about how they backed right off and became wimps on issues, afraid of Republicans.
Posted by I_support_human_rights_Why_dont_you on March 30, 2006 at 01:48 PM
That would be Mel...God I love that bit where he fly's down those stairs with his eyes taped open and gets a wheelchair spoke driven through his leg!!
Now that's a conspiracy movie:):)
But speakin' of Charlie..What's up with all the loose skin around his neck and face?? I was watching his head bob up and down talking about Jill Carroll this morning and the only thing I could see was all this skin....like a shitload of flesh hangin over his collar, slappin the lapel on his coat...
Honestly,, there is enough skin there for another body.
I realize you far left wingers seem to believe that anything you approve goes and anything you don't approve is silly. Just goes to show the far left is just as nutty as the far right.
Posted by brunohokalugie on March 30, 2006 at 01:28 PM
If you say so.
Posted by Michigan_Dave on March 30, 2006 at 01:59 PM
Bush has made himself Richard Dawson...in the middle of a family feud. Those Republicans do like to mind other people's business.
Posted by Michigan_Dave on March 30, 2006 at 02:16 PM
the glory of aging....
Posted by SandyH on March 30, 2006 at 02:19 PM
Iraq War=Silly
Privatization of Social Security=Silly
Gay Marriage Ammendment=Silly
Record Deficits=Silly
Immigration Crisis=Silly
Dubai Ports Deal=Silly
Fema Katrina Response=Silly
It's tragic that a father has to enter politics because of his son's death. It's tragic that he has to do it as a Green Party candidate, because our party is afraid of Rove. This all seems so familiar....Vietnam all over again.
Father of man beheaded in Iraq runs for Congress
By Jon Hurdle
PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Almost two years after the videotaped beheading of U.S. contractor Nick Berg in Iraq, his father is running a third-party race for the U.S. Congress on a platform seeking a complete withdrawal of American troops.
Michael Berg, a veteran anti-war activist and retired schoolteacher who campaigns in jeans and a T-shirt, is the Green Party candidate for the Delaware seat of seven-term Republican Rep. Michael Castle (news, bio, voting record).
Berg, 61, acknowledges that his late entry into politics is a result of his son's grisly death at the hands of hooded captors in May 2004. The event brought the elder Berg worldwide media attention, especially after he publicly blamed U.S. President George W. Bush and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld....
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060330/us_nm/iraq_usa_politics_dc
PamB & Michigan Dave
A person can be on the left without being "far left." Just as a person can on the right and not be "far right."
I agree with both of you on centrist. Bill Clinton was a centrist who sold us down the drain with NAFTA when in reality we got SHAFTA. Hillary doesn’t seem much different except she has less polish.
It would be nice if America was so simple it could be divided into three CLEARLY IDENTIFIBLE GROUPS.
And Howard Dean showed his true colors by letting the media dictate his acceptable verbiage.
As for the PAC thieves in California. Maybe you should write the editor of http://returnthemoney.com and let the editor put the facts online as he did with Enron and Texas politicians.
Posted by PamB on March 30, 2006 at 02:13 PM
It's hard out there to be a cowerer....
good morning (yea it's still the a.m. in california)...
of and running, blog ya later...
Dave, I thought it was only women who worry about silly things? Silly me.
The wind is coming up. Thunderstorm are on the way here. Gotta run some errands before it blows. later.
PamB on March 30, 2006 at 02:13 PM
Pam, when was Howard's book published? I think I'd like to read it.
Hi Everyone...I was just on my way home and listening to Tom Hartman. They said that Satan's Barbie is under investigation in Florida for voter fraud as she registered using an address for her real estate agent. The bit I heard was that it was being referred to the state attorney generals office for review and the charges could carry a penalty of up to three years.
While I'm sure that won't happen...it sure made me smile thinking that it could! :)
Posted by brunohokalugie on March 30, 2006 at 01:28 PM
pfft...Bruno...I wasn't talking about travelling to Mexico. It was sarcasm...you right wingers just don't recognize a joke when it's right there on your ballot for President with a big R next to his name.
Posted by I_support_human_rights_Why_dont_you on March 30, 2006 at 02:31 PM
Hmmm...well then that confirms and affirms my plan to start saving for my "lifestyle lift" which based on my age, should be just around the corner.
Charlie musta been like a tuba player or I don't know, one of those kids that insist on hanging their heads out the car window..with their mouth open..for long periods of time..at high speed. Very high speeds in Charlies case.
I had one of those fly on the wall moments today. I was sitting in the waiting room for the lab after my doctor's appointment and it was quite full of people. A young pregnant woman was sitting in there with her partner and very loudly exclaimed that she was anti-american...which caused me to wince because I think that is a really sad statement for someone so young. She went on to explain (again quite loudly) that she wasn't really anti America...that she loved this country but she was very much anti-Bush and that she hated him.
The next thing I know another group of people started talking quite loudly about their church and what was happening within the congregation. It was just all so odd, like no one wanted to acknowledge anything each was talking about. I just sat in the corner and watched both groups try to over talk the other.
Kristen
Don’t be such silly savage you self proclaimed genius. It’s really very Republican of you to suggest that because of differences of opinion the person differing must vote for the other side. Sounds like you know how to win votes and influence elections.
For your information, I don’t read the Bible or any other religious fantasy books. I would vote for a dog before I would vote for a Republican. And last but not least I am a Democrat and an American citizen and I have the right to say what I wish whether you like it or not.
So put that in your pipe and hit yourself in the head with it. Maybe it will knock some common sense into locked far left wing mind.
bruno...get over yourself. I haven't self proclaimed anything and for you to seek out a personal attack after you so blantantly took out of context my comment to Michigan_Dave just shows how incapable you are of being accountable for your bad manners.
Since I don't smoke or drink...can I borrow your pipe?
oh...and btw Bruno...I like being liberal. I tried doing it your way once but really couldn't stand the splinters in my backside from all that fence sitting. Is that why you are so grumpy??? The fence pole starting to chafe?
Kristen
Exactly what is a liberal? You sound more like a Republican saying that I hate America because I don't see every single subject through your perspective.
And last but not least I am a Democrat and an American citizen and I have the right to say what I wish whether you like it or not.
So put that in your pipe and hit yourself in the head with it. Maybe it will knock some common sense into locked far left wing mind.
Posted by brunohokalugie on March 30, 2006 at 02:59 PM
Yeah, and so are we, so we have the right to call you a republican shill if your rhetoric reflects their viewpoints. Your so quick to tell someone else not to infringe on your rights, while trying to silence them at the same time. And so quick to start calling names-just because one is far left doesn't make them nutty-but you forget the crappy things you say about others while getting so upset when it's aimed back at you. And democraticly left leaning minds are what it's all about, and the whole idea of liberal is that your mind isn't locked, but that you err on the side of individuals rather thean the side of shills.
*********** I have an urgent request ***********
I want to organize a Rapid Response Teamin our party to go up against the republicans of my county. As many of you know, I live in a red area. We are starting to re-group and reorganize the Democratic Party in Elkhart County Indiana. As it stands now, we have had no Democrats in county office for 20 years! Because we have no one in office, the other party has their way in the media and public opinion. I want to have at all times a spokeperson who will answer back to any republican agenda at any given time, either in print or on TV/radio locally.
Does anyone have any experience in organizing this or anyone who can give me any ideas?
Thanks
Posted by brunohokalugie on March 30, 2006 at 02:32 PM
NAFTA
"designed to bring extraordinary government protections to a specific set of interests-investors and financiers in all three countries who search for cheaper labor and production costs."
They do not contribute much to the development of Mexican industry or its internal markets, which was the premise upon which NAFTA was sold to the Mexican people. It is therefore no surprise that compensation and working conditions for most Mexican workers have deteriorated. The share of stable, full-time jobs has shrunk, while the vast majority of new entrants to the labor market must survive in the insecure, poor-paying world of Mexico's "informal" sector.
As Bruce Campbell of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives reports, Canada's increased market integration with the United States began in 1989 with the bilateral Free Trade Agreement, the precursor to NAFTA. While trade and investment flows increased dramatically, per capita income actually declined for the first seven years after the agreement. Moreover, as in Mexico and the United States, Canadians saw an upward redistribution of income to the richest 20% of Canadians, a decline in stable full-time employment, and the tearing of Canada's social safety net.
http://www.epinet.org/content.cfm/briefingpapers_nafta01_index
Bruno....Ya don't get off that cheap or easy.
Whilst I'll accept that there are victims to the NAFTA agreement (most of whom reside in Mexico and Canada), it's a WalMart argument.
Probably the biggest group of beneficiaries are a group called the AMERICAN CONSUMER. You know, the same bunch of larcenist that roll up in their new SUV with an axle and a set of brake drums made in mexico to a WalMart and buy a new Big Screen made in China for a couple of thousand dollars less than they would have paid, prior to NAFTA or any other trade agreement that is currently in effect.
Now piss and moan about NAFTA or outsourcing or off shoring or global economy all you want or at least until you feel '"self righteous" but I have yet to see to many AMERICAN CONSUMERS pissing and moaning about $5.00 shirts made in China, $35.00 Nikes made in Indonesia or $1,899.00 Plasmas made in Vietnam.
But, I bet there would be a riot, stores burnt to the ground if the AMERCIAN CONSUMER paid what the above would cost if no agreements exisited and everything cost 10 times as much because..it was "Made in the USA"
Posted by Kathy_in_Indiana on March 30, 2006 at 03:22 PM
Try going to DFA (formerly DeanForAmerica, I think they have something set up, or try the Democratic Underground they have some action sections. Just a thought.
Bruno, I don't have any need or cause to justify myself to you. I've been blogging here for about two years now and most know where I stand on things and that is really what matters to me.
Posted by Kathy_in_Indiana on March 30, 2006 at 03:27 PM
you are welcome.
off and running, household chores won't do themselves...
Mr. I support evertrhing but America and freedom of speech
you forget the crappy things you say about others while getting so upset
You should try living by your own words first.
It doesn't take much of anything to upset some on this blog. Many attacked me because I am feed up with the lack of enforcement on our borders and the added expense they cost my state and me in insurance and tax dollars expenditures.
I've read many of your posts and I feel for the medical stress you are encountering. And stress would seem to be the last thing you need. The best way to relieve stress is not to attack me for opposing what is not a liberal or conservative issue. It is an economic viability issue that must be managed in an affective manner.
Michigan_Dave
Now piss and moan about NAFTA or outsourcing or off shoring or global economy all you want or at least until you feel '"self righteous" but I have yet to see to many AMERICAN CONSUMERS pissing and moaning about $5.00 shirts made in China, $35.00 Nikes made in Indonesia or $1,899.00 Plasmas made in Vietnam.
I guess that includes you. At least you are honest in admitting that you approve of the exploitation of workers for your cheap goods.
I do not shop at Wal-Mart and if I have a choice when I go to the store I will pay more for made in America products.
So share your pipe with Kristen and both of you follow the previous instructions.
Bruno
And since you brought up Clinton (amazing how everything relates back to him), I thought I'd bring you up to speed on who actually pushed NAFTA through. Oddly enough it has the all to familiar stence of Republican...all over it.
The agreement was initially pursued by free-trade conservative governments in the US and Canada, led by Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, and US President George H. W. Bush. There was considerable opposition on both sides of the border, but in the United States it was able to secure passage after President Bill Clinton made its passage a major legislative initiative in 1993. After intense political debate and the negotiation of several side agreements, the US House passed NAFTA by 234-200 (132 Republicans and 102 Democrats voting in favor) and the US Senate passed it by 61-38. Some opposition persists to the present day, although labour unions in Canada have recently removed objections to the agreement from their platforms.
Kathy, Yahoo used to have some rapid response groups for specific geographical areas. I belonged to the NY one. I will try to locate it for you.
Michigan_Dave
I voted for Clinton twice. But who signed the NAFTA bill and therefore made in law?
Kathy, check out this link. If they are still not active, you could create your own group.
I guess that includes you. At least you are honest in admitting that you approve of the exploitation of workers for your cheap goods.
Nope ya dick...what I am honest about is reality. About the only thing still made in america is an Amish rocking chair and they have had to drop their prices (reluctantly I might add) to match the local Kmart/Target/Walmart advertising Authentic Amish Rocking chairs, made in Thailand.
I don't approve of "exploitation" in much the same way as you don't, punching your PC keyboard (which by the way was sold here but not made here) by some poor, helpless, 20 hour a day, 14 year old sweatshop worker, in a remote chinese province.
Ok, are you guys listening to Randi Rhodes? Talking about how Josh Bolton has a series of pictures in his office of the chimperor's hands! His hands! WTF?????
Michigab_Dave
There are many things still made in America. You should try your eyes sometimes. You may find they work better than your mouth in finding what you cry about.
Does it really make sense? To send a huge number of jobs out of this country to cheap labor places to make goods to send back to this country to sell to people who now have no job or a very low paying job? If a computer did something this stupid it would be called a loop error and dumped out. Who's idea was this anyway?
I've been lurking the last couple of days, watching Loc and Loogie contort themselves over the immigrant issue, and trying to figure out what manner of creature they are. I have concluded that they are fictitious beasts and are best ignored. Conversing with them is utterly pointless. IMHO.
The GOP's Stake In Checking The President
Senator Russ Feingold
hi Kristen! I'm great except for this headache. ;) I would have had four Bellinis instead of one if I knew I'd feel like this! ;) But mostly I've just been weeping tears of joy several times by the nice things that have been done for my birthday by my dear blogosphere friends. How are you? Did the doctor help you?
Posted by brunohokalugie on March 30, 2006 at 03:42 PM
Oh my God..ya got me there...
NAFTA is:
A congressional-executive agreement is an agreement with a foreign power that has been approved by U.S. Congress and the United States Senate.
Unlike a treaty, in the US constitutional sense of that term, it cannot cover matters normally outside the competence of the Federal government and does not require a two-thirds vote by the Senate, but rather is enacted as an ordinary law which requires majority votes by both the House and Senate followed by approval from the President.
In contrast, a sole executive agreement is ratified by the President alone.
So, Clinton comes into office, Busco 41 has got this rolling and it's approved by the House and Senate.
Ya think there might have been some special interest group pressure and maybe some trade off on this one....particularly when it was shortly after he had just pulled down bush jr.s high school graduation picture from the oval office wall.
Thanks Cyn - I did go to those web pages but I'm not sure that's what I'm looking for. I guess we'll just have to organize by the fly - What I want is to have a spokesperson out in front and attacking whatever the repukes do in this county. Up until now, they've had their way with the media - no competition. That is about to change! hehehe I can't wait and I'm loving this...
Jen, BINGO...the greedy, Repubglithug Capitalist with no conscience or fear of stealing.
BTW, may you have many more.
Jen, you deserve every nice thing that has come your way today! (the headache doesn't count...that sucks!)
As for the trip to the Doctor...nope not so much help, unfortunately I needed the Doctors on Tuesday to do more so that I could figure out what is happening. I'll be as good as new tomorrow hopefully. :)
Got to run - I have letters to copy.
Happy B day Jen - you youngster you...
Keep on Rockn'
Does it really make sense? To send a huge number of jobs out of this country to cheap labor places to make goods to send back to this country to sell to people who now have no job or a very low paying job? If a computer did something this stupid it would be called a loop error and dumped out. Who's idea was this anyway?
Posted by followthemoney on March 30, 2006 at 03:54 PM
Christ...there should be a test prior to being allowed to post on this blog.
But, I'll follow your logic. You're right. It makes no sense at all.
So, here's what should be done. Put a big f**king fence up around the continental United States. Every ship either on the way or in a port, return to sender. Every imported car,every TV,every PC, every barrel of oil, every cane chair deny unloading and entry and send back.
Re-open every steel mill, re-open every garment factory, re-open every closed automobile plant. From now one by God, we are going to make everything we need. We are not going to import anything. We are only going to buy what is made in the USA.
What, unemployment at 5%. Sun of a b**ch!! That means we need more people. That means we need to bring people in and through the fence.
Naw...Bullshit, we can make our own. We need to get busy making babies.
And, since you asked...globalization and a search for cheap labor started with the Romans and was perfected by the British empire.
We just took off where they left off.