Liberate America! Remove the fascists and the do-nothings from Washington!

WASHINGTON -- A bill to restrict off-reservation Indian casinos (see below) failed to pass the House.

Because House leaders wanted to pass the bill without considering amendments, the bill required two-thirds of members voting and present to vote for it. It fell short, receiving a 247-171 vote.

Native Americans didn't get beat anyway, I lived in eastern Oklahoma for 25 years which was originally Indian Territory. The Trail of Tears ended in eastern Oklahoma that was their "home" forever. Before I moved most tribes had or were opening bingo halls on their property their only "option" because the white government wouldn't allow a soverign nation to open a casino on their land. Our Native American brothers and sisters need our support to uphold their mandated rights.

peace

I mean come on! Foreign "corporations", governments own land and operate business legally but Native Americans can't, it doesn't make any sense hasn't the government done enough to hurt them.

see ya

Sen. Lincoln D. Chafee, a moderate Republican who has frequently clashed with the Bush administration but is key to his party's plan to hold control of the Senate, beat back a strong conservative challenger Tuesday night in the GOP primary in Rhode Island.

Let the lesson of Lincoln Chafee and Sore Loserman be clear. Clash with Bush and you win. Kiss Bush's @$$ and you lose. Every Democratic politician take note.

The crook just won't stop breaking the law. Now he wants the law thrown out just for him.

Limits to surveillance bill blocked

WASHINGTON - Senate Republicans blocked Democratic attempts to rein in President Bush's domestic wiretapping program Wednesday, endorsing a White House-supported bill that would give the controversial surveillance legal status.

AP

Bush was correct in saying Monday night that "Our nation is being tested in a way that we have not been since the start of the Cold War."

Unfortunately, it's Bush's administration that is testing us -- with its relentless incompetence, attacks on our civil liberties and inability to acknowledge the bankruptcy of its policies.

Truthdig

Bush Sees Third Religious “Awakening”

Speaking to conservative journalists, the President said he sees a “third awakening” of religiosity in America that has coincided with the so-called war on terror—which he depicted as “a confrontation between good and evil.”

Truthdig

But suppose Rumsfeld's congressional critics really do want him replaced. Under our Constitution, can they fire him without the President's acquiescence? The answer is yes, but only by taking one or the other of two highly controversial steps: They can impeach and convict him for war crimes (or some other offense), or they can abolish the office of Secretary of Defense entirely.

http://writ.news.findlaw.com/dorf/20060913.html

Air America To Declare Bankruptcy, But Progressive Radio Remains Strong

http://thinkprogress.org/2006/09/13/air-america-bankruptcy/

"They Multiply Like Rabbits"

Five years out, and we still know almost nothing about Saudi Arabia's role in the Sept. 11 attacks, or about Pakistan's intelligence community's support of Islamic terrorists; and don't forget: Our main source of information on the attacks, the 9/11 commissioners, never even got to interview key material witnesses or their interrogators. Truthdig editor Robert Scheer argues in this original dig: It's no wonder that so many Americans refuse to buy the "official" story, and are instead examining alternative explanations that range from the plausible to the absurd.

Gaping Holes in the 9/11 Narrative

I have this book. It tells about interrogation camps and what they are used for, and how they are completly illegal and have been for decades.

Guantánamo is a twenty-first century Pentagon experiment that was, in fact, outlawed by the Geneva Conventions of 1949. It is similar in purpose to the German World War II operations, that led to the ban: It is an interrogation camp, and interrogation camps are completely and flatly illegal.

Guantánamo’s purpose is to break down the human personalities of the detainees in order to coerce from them whatever their captors want, to get them to confess to anything, to implicate anyone. Guantánamo is a prison where cruel and inhuman and degrading treatment, even torture is practiced, and it is utterly illegal.

That is what Guantánamo is and has been for almost three years. The U.S. government admits it is an interrogation camp, though it denies torture is used there. However, the administration admits to using techniques that legally constitute cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, which is prohibited under law.

http://www.chelseagreen.com/2004/items/guantanamo/Excerpt2

interrogation camps

Flip-Flopper Joe.

Lieberman said yesterday that asking questions about why he has missed so many votes on the critical issue of Iraq supposedly means people are “running a negative campaign” against him. But in 1988 when Lieberman questioned why his opponent had missed Senate votes, Lieberman’s campaign said that questioning a Senator’s willingness to skip votes is “an important argument ” and “an issue [because] Connecticut needs a senator who is there.” That’s exactly the same thing Ned Lamont said yesterday when he asked: “How can you hold anyone accountable when you are not there to vote? These are not procedural matters they are issues of life and death, war and peace.”

http://www.nedlamont.com/?s=truthaboutjoe

This link has more out of that book than the other one.

Guantanamo: What the World Should Know

Chapter One

Bush confesses to war crimes

George W. Bush's speech on September 6 amounted to a public confession to criminal violations of the 1996 War Crimes Act. He implicitly admitted authorizing disappearances, extrajudicial imprisonment, torture, transporting prisoners between countries and denying the International Committee of the Red Cross access to prisoners.

These are all serious violations of the Geneva Conventions. The War Crimes Act makes grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions and all violations of Common Article 3 punishable by fines, imprisonment or, if death results to the victim, the death penalty.

At the same time, Bush asked Congress to amend the War Crimes Act in order to retroactively protect him and other U.S. officials from prosecution for these crimes, and from civil lawsuits arising from them. He justified this on the basis that "our military and intelligence personnel involved in capturing and questioning terrorists could now be at risk of prosecution under the War Crimes Act . . . ," and insisted that “passing this legislation ought to be the top priority” for Congress between now and the election in November.

His profession of concern for military and intelligence personnel was utterly misleading. Military personnel charged with war crimes have always been, and continue to be, prosecuted under the Universal Code of Military Justice rather than the War Crimes Act; and the likelihood of CIA interrogators being identified and prosecuted under the act is remote -- they are protected by the secrecy that surrounds all CIA operations.

The only real beneficiaries of such amendments to the War Crimes Act would be Bush himself and other civilian officials who have assisted him in these crimes -- Rumsfeld, Cheney, Gonzales, Rice, Cambone, Tenet, Goss, Negroponte and an unfortunately long list of their deputies and advisors.

http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_1185.shtml

Bush Advocates for Illegal Wars of Aggression

I am often asked why we are in Iraq when Saddam Hussein was not responsible for the 9/11 attacks. The answer is that the regime of Saddam Hussein was a clear threat.

Washington Post

Preventive war

Levin Reads Details of Bush Lies Into Senate Record

"The President's decision to ignore intelligence community assessments prior to the Iraq war and to make repeated public statements that gave the misleading impression that Saddam Hussein's regime was connected to the terrorists who attacked us on 9/11 cost him any credibility he may have had on this issue," said Levin, who then went on to give a laundry list of some of the lies told by Team Bush.

Levin has provided some bullet points that are good ammunition for the next time some Republican sycophant tells you such charges against Bush are purely political, rather than proof positive of what a despicable administration this has been for six years now.

Here's Levin, for the record, on the Senate floor:

Posted by Domingo on September 13, 2006 at 06:34 PM

Great posts... just thought I would recommend this article in Rollingstone... it will bring tears to your eyes if you can manage to get through the whole thing...

Link

It's about a 16 year old boy picked off the battlefield who has been tortured in Gitmo for years.

Posted by DTree on September 13, 2006 at 07:12 PM

I shed a tear all right, for the SF soldier that he killed with a grenade.

I do not condone torture, don't get me wrong, they should be treated under accordance with theGeneva Conventions but he did deserve to become a POW.

volunteers anyone?

Test nonlethal weapons on U.S. citizens, official says"

"Nonlethal weapons such as high-power microwave devices should be used on American citizens in crowd-control situations before they are used on the battlefield, the Air Force secretary said Tuesday."
"Domestic use would make it easier to avoid questions in the international community over any possible safety concerns, said Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne."

read it here

Posted by DeLLBerto on September 13, 2006 at 07:24 PM

I agree Dell, many civilians killed troops in vietnam, much younger than 16.

Posted by dk2 on September 13, 2006 at 07:27 PM

I guess I won't attend any marches or anything... although it's a better idea then just deploying them untested, why not test them on volunteers??

Are they worried yet?

"Mehlman to spend $60M, five times Dean’s $12M"

"The Republican National Committee (RNC) will spend its entire bank account, $60 million or more, helping Republicans try to retain control of Congress in the midterm elections."

"The looming spending spree appears to have spurred Democratic House leaders to reach agreement over how much the Democratic National Committee (DNC) will help counter this onslaught."

Read it here

Dell:
My guess, they have already tested this stuff somewhere. I doubt we, the public will ever know.

Posted by dk2 on September 13, 2006 at 07:35 PM

LoL... they should be worried.

the only bad part is the way the American public goes with the "slogans" that the Rovian bastards have concocted, such as "cut and run" "flip flopper" and the such. I suppose the more money they spend, the more such terms will be heard on the airwaves and silly voters will believe the slogans, rather then do research and little bit of thinking.

Posted by dk2 on September 13, 2006 at 07:37 PM

Yeah, that could be. I've had a few non lethal things used on me... Tazers (ouch ouch ouch), CS gas, OC gas (mace) and that's it but it was to get certification to use the stuff.

Who's running this govt BUSH 1 or BUSH 2? It is pretty bad when daddy doesn't have any confidence in his sons competency!

"Baker surfaces as key adviser to Bush on Iraq"

"President Bush has acceded to his father's urging and has made former Secretary of State James Baker a leading adviser on Iraq."

"Administration sources said Mr. Baker, head of the congressionally mandated Iraq Study Group, has been discussing with the president recommendations on an exit strategy that could begin after the November elections. They said Mr. Baker's approach to Iraq differs sharply from that of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld."

story here

Posted by DeLLBerto on September 13, 2006 at 07:39 PM

I have never understood why we The Dems don't point out that the Repubs were the first cut and runners, Ifk bush 1 had finished Saddam in the Gulfwar instead of pulling the reins in on Schwartzkoff. We would have had it all done then! Long befor 911 and Jr wouldnt have felt the need to go get him in Daddy's honor.

Bush one the firs cut and runner!

Posted by dk2 on September 13, 2006 at 07:49 PM

I had heard awhile back that the reason bUSH 1 did cut and run was fear of exactly what is happening now... civil war. On the same note, bUSH 2 has said he wanted bin Laden "dead or alive" then has said he doesn't care about him anymore, which to me is a cut and run. He took resources that could've captured or killed bin Laden in Afghanistan and sent them to Iraq, he sent Afghan national forces into the caves when they may have had bin Laden surrounded in the caves, leaving me to believe he never wanted bin Laden, just an excuse to create war in the Middle East and use the terrorism excuse. Imagine had we caught bin Laden, the Pugs couldn't play the "fear card" any longer... if we didn't go into Iraq I believe we'd have less of a terror threat worldwide then we do now.

I agree they could have Bin Laden when ever they want to. It may take more pressure on both Afghanistan and Pakistan Presidents. I don't understand why they aren't telling them to get him or we will. If they still want American dollars and all kinds of aid - they would come up with him. I remember during coverage of the 1st Gulfwar, Schwartzkoff had the Tanks lined up within miles of Bagdad, but Bush one wouldn't give him the go ahead. Later it was declared because of Presidential courtesy Bush 1 to Saddam.

Later after anylist they came up with it was because of fear of a non ending civil on the ground war. I like the way they came up with a new word also, insurgents rather than the old viet nam term "Guerilla" warfare.

They sure have done everything possible not to have it called VIET NAM #2

Posted by dk2 on September 13, 2006 at 08:13 PM

Interesting, that courtesy thing.. sounds strange. Hell, with bin Laden, it wouldn't suprise me if he's in the Lincoln bedroom as we speak. It's sad to think, but it's almost as though bin Laden is bUSH's meal ticket to take our rights away and start stupid wars.

I am sure the connections go deeper than we will ever know. At least not in my lifetime.

Can anyone tell me what are we believing in today - Was there a link between Iraq and alQueda? Or, was there no link?

As FDR Didn't Say

The dems need to equate the GOP's blind support for Bush and his incompetent war with the their over zealous support for big business. Thousands of workers lose pensions and thousands of soldiers lose their lives, but they only want to "stay the course".

The democratic party needs to do a better job of defining their platform and the common issues impacting all citizens.

Bush is asking Congress to pass a law that will give him and members of Administration immunity from prosecution of WAR CRIMES.

Write anyone in Congress who will listen. This must be stopped.

If you have been following the Political AD's on TV you may have noticed that the Republicans are not revealing their association to the GOP.

SBX, why not .. why can't we agree to abide by a common international law; assuming we agree with its terms.

If we want the world to behave to our idols, then we must also be willing to live by them. We must lead by example and not by force.

SBX

I am ashamed of what my President has done. No elected official is above the LAW. They all should be held accountable for their actions.

Bush should not only be Impeached, he should be tried for Criems against humanity.

SBX, why not .. why can't we agree to abide by a common international law; assuming we agree with its terms.

If we want the world to behave to our idols, then we must also be willing to live by them. We must lead by example and not by force.

SBX,

A man who asks for a law granting him immunity is in fact admitting to those CRIMES.

SBX,

Clinton lied about have Sex

Bush lied about getting into a never ending war where thousand have died.

And, over 2,000 of them are US Soldiers who have died because of this lie.

SBX,

Yes I agree Clinton was an Ass for screwing around.

But who died from becaus he could not keep it in his pants.

SBX,

If you want to do some research as to why we went to War in Iraq, look up the Group "Project for the New American Century". You will be suprised as to who the founders are and who are some of the members of this group.

Read some the articles that were written by it's members and a letter written to Clinton about Iraq.

If you can't find the info - Cheney and Rumsfeld were co-founders. And, their main focus was on removing Hussein from Power in Iraq by any means necessary. And, Iran is an Enemy of the US.

SBX, in case you have forgotten, Clinton had a trial. Your convenient selective memory is typical Pug behavior.

Good evening, all.

Phil Mahr said tonight on Tucker's show that the Democrats have a message, but it isn't getting through because:

#1 there isn't a fairness doctrine (Tucker said good luck and ever getting that back, Charlie, as long as we are in control).

And #2 the Democrats don't have anyone speaking for the party that is attractive or can put two sentenced togther without boring people.

I've been saying this for months now. Our party needs a spokesperson other than the current leadership.

I don't say this to make anyone feel bad or inadequate, but we need someone who can connect with the voters. The broadcast medium demands a communicator (or at least a pretty face/voice who is charming).

Mahr said someone like John Edwards is definitely needed to get voters to pay attention. I agree.

When is the party leadership going to be willing to put their egos aside and give us what is needed to win this fall?

It's time to assign a spokesperson. I don't care if it's Martin Sheen or Bruce Springstein. We need to communicate our ideas instead of letting the Republicans manipulate our message. We are now being drowned out by all the lies.

Posted by SandyH on September 13, 2006 at 09:11 PM

I agree.

How about Paul Hackett from Ohio?

Administration sources said Mr. Baker, head of the congressionally mandated Iraq Study Group, has been discussing with the president recommendations on an exit strategy that could begin after the November elections. They said Mr. Baker's approach to Iraq differs sharply from that of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld."

Posted by dk2 on September 13, 2006 at 07:46 PM

dk2, so Rumsfeld was fired and nobody told him?
Told the American people? Talk about a secretive government.

Rumsfeld

Someone else to put on trial for War Crimes.

How about Paul Hackett from Ohio?

Posted by BayStateJim on September 13, 2006 at 09:14 PM

You're joking, aren't you?

That is one abrasive dude.

Posted by BayStateJim on September 13, 2006 at 09:14 PM

BaySJim, Great choice. He's paid his dues; and he's young, attractive, and speaks well. And he mirrors the face of the party in the future.

We need to ditch the image that the Republicans have pinned on us from the past. We have not only moved on. We have moved forward. Let the Republicans stay the course.

Let's send him out there for media chores, public apperances, and feature him in ads....starting immediately.

We are now being drowned out by all the lies.

Posted by SandyH on September 13, 2006 at 09:11 PM

Do you know what happened to the guy from the West Wing, that played the president. He could have a miraclous healing, halleluja!!, and be our spokesman. He looks very presidential, and we could pander to that holy moly vote, too.

The people that believe what they hear on television are not ready to listen to a woman.

Let's not even consider that. But Paul Newman? Would he do it?

Let's send him out there for media chores, public apperances, and feature him in ads....starting immediately.

Posted by SandyH on September 13, 2006 at 09:24 PM

Have you heard him? He's kind of a loose cannon, ya know.

He was on Air America several times and I was kind of stunned. He's not very polished.

You're joking, aren't you?

That is one abrasive dude.

Posted by fade2bluz on September 13, 2006 at 09:21 PM

You're kiddin', aren't you? We need to get tough with these liars and cheats. The public thinks we are wimps, because that is the corner the Republicans have painted us into. We are going to have to kick our way out of it.

Why not someone who shakes things up? Someone who goes after their balls? Let's see who comes out looking like wimps.

Or we could go the responible and charming route a la Clinton or Carter. Whatever.

But please make it anything but the current vacuum we are filling in with static which nobody is listening to unless they are truly down and out.

I'm serious, fade. We need to cut to the chase with voters, if we want to develop a new and stronger base.

It looks like No Child Left Behind has failed. We've obviously left at least one behind.

fade, you've been phonebanking. You know what the undecided are saying. They want change, but they don't see any difference between the parties (even though there is plenty). Let's give them something that will make them stop and take notice.

It doesn't have to be Hackett. But it has to be someone who stands up to the pundits and has the the presence to make people stop and listen.

Let's give them something to talk about.

Let's not even consider that. But Paul Newman? Would he do it?

Posted by fade2bluz on September 13, 2006 at 09:25 PM

I'll handle his media training...personally.

Posted by SandyH on September 13, 2006 at 09:44 PM I'll handle his media training...personally.

I think Paul's in his early 80's now, Sandy :)

Sandy, you know you can count on me to help you.

we've gone from their fuzzy math to their bound, gagged and bloody math...this is sad--they change the criteria so it doesn't look as bad as it really is. ah, reality bites

dorsano,

how old and how brain-damaged was raygun? amurkins love those old hollywood types, with or without neural pathways firing

Five years out, and we still know almost nothing about Saudi Arabia's role in the Sept. 11 attacks, or about Pakistan's intelligence community's support of Islamic terrorists...

Truthdig editor Robert Scheer argues in this original dig: It's no wonder that so many Americans refuse to buy the "official" story, and are instead examining alternative explanations that range from the plausible to the absurd.

Gaping Holes in the 9/11 Narrative

Posted by Domingo on September 13, 2006 at 06:03 PM

A lot of people are asking questions...about a lot of things. And it's mainly because nobody believes this administration's explanation about Iraq. It's like a house of cards. If one card doesn't quit fit, the rest fall on their face.

I've alway wanted to know why those Bin Lauden family members got a vip treatment and fast escorted exit out of the country.

Pakistan has been playing fast and loose for decades. The nuclear tech that they have been selling alone indicts them in my eyes.

Let's give them something to talk about.

Posted by SandyH on September 13, 2006 at 09:42 PM

Poor baby, you really should go east. I hear, "I vote straight Democrat" more than anything else.

I hear, "Sure you can put a yard sign up" more than no.

I hear "I'm eating dinner" and say I'm with Judy Bar Topinka's campaign. (NO, just kidding!!)

Posted by dorsano on September 13, 2006 at 09:49 PM

He has more life in him than most Young Republicans and I bet the doesn't need any Viagra.

Hey Dems,

First---stop conversing with it. You know who you are!

Second---I agree with Fade, I sometimes like Paul Hackett, but he reminds me at times of Bill O'Reilly. He makes claims that are not supported by facts. I don't like this kind of blow hard bantering. I do like the idea of fighting back. I just want someone to do it intelligently. Maybe Edwards or Wes Clarke--I don't know.

Right now, we have to compete with the Republicans through grass roots. We have to be the ones willing to fight--to be bold enough to challenge them everywhere. The networks, newspapers, and media are all against us. They are all owned by big business or large religious groups. We have to stand up to this in our houses, streets, supermarkets, parades, etc...

We have to combat that by pounding the ground. I will be phone banking for Moveon in Chicago tomorrow.

If we give up, we will lose, and we can not have that. Then Bush will say he has a mandate, and we will lose what is left of our rights.

So, please stop engaging it and start organizing right here.

Ok, off the soap box. I hope you all are doing alright tonight

From Evans-Novak via dKos

the only GOP pickup they call is IL-06, with freshman incumbent Melissa Bean losing to David McSweeney. But the numbers tell a different story

Rep. Melissa Bean (D) has a big lead over wealthy investment banker David McSweeney (R), according to a new Democratic poll obtained by Roll Call.

Bean led McSweeney, who spent more than $2.4 million to win the GOP primary in March, by a 47 percent to 28 percent margin.

The survey also showed that 30 percent of respondents think the country is on the right track, while 60 percent said it is on the wrong track.

President Bush, who won 56 percent of the vote in the suburban Chicago district in 2004, had a 40 percent favorable/53 percent unfavorable rating, according to the poll.

Compassionate Conservatism is a bust. No matter how how much moonbats try to cloth their moonbat ideology in liberal rhetoric like "No Child Left Behind" in order to sell it to a liberal electorate, their ideology just plain stinks.

Fade,

Any good news in the Governor's campaign? I was driving on the south side yesterday and noticed that the Teamsters building has a large Topinka poster and a Blagojevich poster--???

Have there been any polls for Tammy or Dan Seals?

Posted by fade2bluz on September 13, 2006 at 09:58 PM how old and how brain-damaged was raygun? amurkins love those old hollywood types, with or without neural pathways firing

Paul's mind is still pretty sharp yet I think. He was in a Broadway theatre revival of Our Town not too long ago.

Speaking of Bill O'Reilly, this morning Stephanie Miller played a sound clip of him saying on his show that he was wrong when he believed what Collin Powell said at the U.N. about Saddam's WMDs, and what CIA director Tenet said about Saddam's ties to al qeada. Bill O'Reilly then went on to say he was fooled by those guys and he thinks Bush was "fooled" too. When I heard that I thought, "What!? Bush is the one who ordered themto tell those lies! Come on!"

Posted by SandyH on September 13, 2006 at 10:03 PM He has more life in him than most Young Republicans

That's setting the bar pretty low, Sandy. :)

Dorsano,

I saw the McSweeney group at the Labor Day Parade, they were all old fat bald men--why is this the republican mantra? They own the world and still they are full of hate.

Anyway, he went riding around on a flat bed with a megaphone, sort of reminded me of Oh Brother Where Art Though.

The parade was in Suburban Shaumberg--a pretty neutral area. However, the democrats had a lot more people and enthusiasm. This type of event gives me hope.

He took resources that could've captured or killed bin Laden in Afghanistan and sent them to Iraq, he sent Afghan national forces into the caves when they may have had bin Laden surrounded in the caves, leaving me to believe he never wanted bin Laden, just an excuse to create war in the Middle East and use the terrorism excuse

evening, Dell

Here you have a 7 foot tall man, who must stand out like a sore thumb on radar, sonor, satellites, etc, looking well, rested, clean, and this administration cannot find him? Give me an f-ing break! They just don't want this guy, period.

Posted by fade2bluz on September 13, 2006 at 10:00 PM

You're in a blue state. Come across the river and listen to the confusion. It's sad how so many really aren't happy with the Republicans, but don't know what to do about it.

They have been told so long and often that all Democrats are evil. A lot get defensive (like the current troll), when you hit on their doubts.

I wonder if they really think all those folks who drown in their attics in New Orleans deserved it? Or do they secretly worry that it could happen to them next time, and they're scared as hell that the Republicans won't be there for them either?

No government of the people should embarrass the people.

Some Greek scholar said that in a far more eloquent way than I just did. But it's the truth. Americans in particular don't like their politicans boring them or humiliating them.

We will win this thing long-term. But I sure would like to get back control of at least one House this fall. It would loosen up the resistance and juice up the 2008 campaign.

Don't you just love politics?

Hi Ranger!

Governor Rod's ahead and has tons of cash. Judy is losing steam every week, and even downstate--where the old Ryan holdovers have been fighting Rod for four years--Judy isn't a big hit.

I feel pretty good about that one, especially since the teachers' union just endorsed him. That was very good.

Teamsters? I don't know--but honestly--no way they're going to support Judy en masse. They may not endorse anyone and just let it rip. I think they're focusing on GOTV.

I haven't seen any recent polls, but I'll check.

Posted by SandyH on September 13, 2006 at 10:03 PM He has more life in him than most Young Republicans

That's setting the bar pretty low, Sandy. :)

Posted by dorsano on September 13, 2006 at 10:14 PM

That is the Republican way, dorsano. They've lowered the standards and over reached their capabilities.

Sandy, your tossup looks better all the time. Go Claire!

Ranger, don't see anything new on Tammy.

Posted by PamB on September 13, 2006 at 10:14 PM

I kind of believe he's dead to be honest. Didn't they hush up something like that right after we'd went to Afghanistan??

That's very good news about the governor! I haven't really tuned in to that one lately, but in the spring/early summer it seemed real bad for him. Maybe the whole biodiesel push is helping him, I know they love that in the farmland. I am not sure, but I think Rod is committed to switching a lot of our power to biodiesel, which isn't the best solution, but a hell of a lot better than the coal we have now.

Keep making those calls, maybe someday we will get competetive in Hastert's district--I would love to see him go down. I know people don't like that new highway deal he is pushing.

Tammy, from Sept 6

Posted by SandyH on September 13, 2006 at 10:16 PM No government of the people should embarrass the people.

Paul, in one of his letters to the Corinthians said:

"When you elect people who think government can't do much good, don't be surprised when they don't do much good while governing."

That's one of my favorite parts of the Bible.

Dell, I don't believe he is dead at all.

The people in Pakistan around him are all very protective. Did you see that show that CNN showed a few times recently, about Bin Laden's Life story? People would die rather than reveal where he is. You have a $25,000,000 bounty on his head, and no one would turn him in.

There is something very strange about this administration's weak attempt at finding him.

SandyH,

Are you in Missouri? Last time I drove through there I saw nothing but Talent posters and those scary black and white bible quotes--they are very freaky--never love thy neighbor, always fire and brimstone.

Does the Democrat have a real chance? I just looked at the polls Fade posted and they seem competitive. Has she been fighting back hard? Give us some scoop

Bill O'Reilly then went on to say he was fooled by those guys and he thinks Bush was "fooled" too. When I heard that I thought, "What!? Bush is the one who ordered themto tell those lies! Come on!"

Posted by Domingo on September 13, 2006 at 10:13 PM

I think there is way too much foolin' around up there in the West Wing. And it doesn't have anything to do with interns. Sometimes the stupidiest people can be the most clever and sympathetic of liars.

O'Reilly isn't sympathetic or clever. Just stupid and getting pretty boring, too. Actually all the hate radio crowd is starting to trend that way. What are the demographics of most of these shows? I bet their listeners are dying off faster than most young Americans can opt out of radio for ipods.

Posted by ranger995 on September 13, 2006 at 10:14 PM I saw the McSweeney group at the Labor Day Parade, they were all old fat bald men--why is this the republican mantra? They own the world and still they are full of hate.

I think it's important to distinguish between the McSweeny, et. al., the GOP moonbats that visit us and rank and file Republicans.

There's a broad swath of Republicans who don't much like their leadership. They're represented in this administration's and this GOP led Congress's disapproval ratings.

Posted by PamB on September 13, 2006 at 10:28 PM

It's been bizarre from the start. Actually on his profile on the FBIs Ten Most wanted list, 9/11 isn't mentioned. I find that strange for some reason...

DeLay Could Face Conspiracy Charge
The Associated Press

"Court to consider reinstating dropped charge against ex-House leader.
Austin, Texas - The state's highest criminal appeals court said Wednesday it would consider reinstating a conspiracy charge against former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, further delaying his felony money laundering trial.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/091306R.shtml

Don't you just love politics?

Posted by SandyH on September 13, 2006 at 10:16 PM

always have, Sandy. i found three election judges today...yeah! and more phone bank recruits.

dorsano...that's my favorite bible verse, except for thou shalt not tax the wealthy

Fade,

Thanks for the posts, boy both of those races are too close for comfort. You know the republican fear and hate maching is going to be out in droves.

PamB,

We are not making any real effort in Afghanistan--I can tell you from personal experience that we know where a lot of people and training camps are--Pakistan. Now the Pakistan government has made a deal with the Taleban, our enemy. Why is Bush not even talking about them? Why are no democrats suggesting that Bush is comforting and aiding the terrorists in Pakistan?

Posted by dorsano on September 13, 2006 at 10:25 PM

See, it's a universally held idea. I bet there's something like that in Eastern philosophies, too.

Dorsano,

Ok, I'll give you that. I really don't mean all republicans--just the ones who seem to speak for all republicans at this point in time.

an update on Air america. Maybe they are not filing after all. GO PROGRESSIVE RADIO !!

UPDATE: Air America responds.

If Air America had filed for bankruptcy every time someone rumored it to be doing so, we would have ceased to exist long ago; it may be frustrating to some that this hasn’t happened. No decision has been taken to make any filing of any kind, we are not sure of the source of these rumors and frankly can not respond to every rumor in the marketplace.

the NATO wants more troops but, um

NO

but the good news is, Al Queada isn't the enemy so much...now, it's the TALIBAN wheeeeeeeeee

i love unchecked testosterone combined with huge budgets. what fun, what fun. we are dumbasses, yes indeed! killing doesn't solve a damned thing.

oh yeah, and it's much worse for the womenfolk out there in Talibanland...cuz the menfolk didn't like those crazy notions the infidels put in the heads of those women. Blowback. ain't it a beeotch

Why are no democrats suggesting that Bush is comforting and aiding the terrorists in Pakistan?

Posted by ranger995 on September 13, 2006 at 10:34 PM

Maybe we are too polite, ranger? Don't want to be abrasive. It might offend those that aren't wondering the same thing....you know that 35% who just can't bring themselve to believe they were had.

I say the hell with them. Let's encourage the the one's who have finally figured it out and give them an alternative. All they need is someone to give them permission to throw the bums out.

Where is that attractive spokesperson?

Posted by fade2bluz on September 13, 2006 at 10:39 PM

One of the 24/7 was saying the other day that the average life expectancy in Afganistan is 47. Lord knows what it is for those living in Baghdad these days.

ranger,

They had a segment on either CNN or MSNBC the other night, talking about how the Taliban is MUCH stronger than they were before the US went in there.

The Pres of Pakistan was discussing it on the show. Bush cannot afford to rattle Pakistan's cage, and has recently sold them many fighter planes, etc. Do not ask me why this administration is tiptoeing around with either of these countries. I think if Bush had not pulled out our troops in Afghanistan to invade Iraq, we would have at least won there, instead of another failure!

This administration will go down in history as the most incompetent, ineffective, corrupt, failures ever.

Posted by PamB on September 13, 2006 at 10:37 PM

Does Matt Drudge ring a bell? Or Jeff Gannon?

have to head out.

Have a good evening Dems.

Get use to the trolls coming in.

D E S P E R A T I O N will be driving them here more and more. They see their party getting flushed down the toilet! It makes me SMILE! :)

Fade,

It is actually heartbreaking to see how women are treated in Afghanistan. It is not just the Taleban. Many of the Afghan soldiers who I trained and fought with believed that they had the right to kill their wives and daughters for whatever reason. Women in Kabul who are quite progressive wear Burkhas just so they don't get raped by the men who come from the countryside--who think they deserve it--the law supports the men, of course. Usually a raped woman or girl is killed for her crime.

Taleban, Al Qaeda, HIG---whatever they are all fighting against us in Afghanistan, and they all seek refuge and get it in Pakistan.

It really depresses me that we started a war in Iraq before we got anything done in Afghanistan. A war that was only for the benefit of corporations. Ok, I have to stop.

This administration will go down in history as the most incompetent, ineffective, corrupt, failures ever.

Well said Pammy.

***Waving to Fade, Sandy and Dors***

THIS IS A MUST READ !!!!

If you did not see this commentary Monday Night on Countdown by Bloggerman, here is the link to "This hole in the Ground."

Where is that attractive spokesperson?

Posted by SandyH on September 13, 2006 at 10:39 PM

Paul, oh Paul...

I've talked to some anti-abortion Democrats around here. Both candidates are pro choice.

My patience was tried to the max, if you recall my phone banking in MO last go-around. Too many end-timers.

"Well, just in case, don't you want to protect your Social Security?" has worked very well. I like to keep it simple.

Why can't our "spokespeople"? And let's take a collection to send Nancy Brazile back to LA. She is the absolute worst! Butt kisser deluxe and trashes Dems. I can't stand her! I love Katrina from the Nation. She's got cojones!

Posted by SandyH on September 13, 2006 at 10:34 PM See, it's a universally held idea. I bet there's something like that in Eastern philosophies, too.

I bet you're right. It looks like an idea that people in Kansas are warming up to too.

Former Republicans express disillusionmen with party policy by switching to the Dems Ticket

Kent Goyen. A lifelong resident of Pratt, Kan., and a lifelong registered Republican, Kent’s not exactly the portrait of a sushi-eating, Volvo-driving eunuch. He’s a farmer and substitute teacher in a part of the county that’s commonly thought to be slightly to the right of 17th century Salem.

....

In a rural drawl that wouldn’t be out of place narrating "The Dukes of Hazzard," Kent speaks derisively of “you guys back east” (meaning us cosmopolitan types in Lawrence) and “pie in the sky” politics. Goyen, in short, is someone whose profile gives Karl Rove a hard-on. This November, Kent’s running to represent the 114th Kansas Congressional District — as a Democrat.

Kent’s not alone. By the Kansas Democratic Party’s own count, there are nine formerly Republican candidates who have jumped mascots and are now hoping to ride the jackass to victory this November.

...

“We used to elect statesmen. We don’t elect statesmen anymore. Not that I’m going to count myself as a statesman. But, anymore, it seems like we’ve got to elect ‘Democrats’ or ‘Republicans’. And that’s not the way it should be. That’s part of the reason for the party switch, too. To get some more people involved and so you can get a choice,” Kent says.

From the deepest, reddest heart of Republican Kansas, this neo-Democrat adds, “We forget that the government is us.”

{{{Lizzy}}}!!!

You're still the one! You so rawk! and have been sorely missed.

SBX,

I only refer Bush as Criminal

Posted by PeppermintLizzy on September 13, 2006 at 10:47 PM ***Waving to Fade, Sandy and Dors***

Congrats on John Hall, Lizzy!!!!

Goodnight PamB,

Let the trolls come, more things to ignore and refer to as "it"

SandyH,

I like Hackett's fighter instincts, I just want someone to be supported by facts instead of conjecture. At times, he seems to speak off the cuff without really researching his stuff. I thought Dean was great, but lately he has lost a little of his fire. How good has he been for the grassroots movement though?

I think there is way too much foolin' around up there in the West Wing. And it doesn't have anything to do with interns. Sometimes the stupidiest people can be the most clever and sympathetic of liars. Posted by SandyH on September 13, 2006 at 10:30 PM

Hah! And what was that troll up-stream trying to do? Bring up the "spector" of Clinton lying about sex? Don't forget about Clinton lying about sex everybody! Don't forget about lying about sex! Yeah, thanks for keeping us safe against sex while terrorists are running loose, Repub perverts.

Baystatejim,

Leave it be, or it will grow. Just let it sit and fester, engaging only makes it become a cancerous thing.

Posted by PamB on September 13, 2006 at 10:45 PM Have a good evening Dems.

You too, Pammy. I need to take off myself. Goodnight, Sandy, Lizzy, Fade, Ranger, BayState, Dell.

Posted by dorsano on September 13, 2006 at 10:50 PM

KKKarl's hard-on was pressing up against the THREE end displays at the bookstore today, filled with CHRISTIAN books. He's an athiest, you know.

It's so funny that he completely and totally exploits the foolish who are blind, and gives them that little nudge.

Remember that band, Blind Faith?

Fade,

KKKarl, the dark one, is an atheist? It can't be, he is too evil!

Thanks Fade and Dors. I have really missed you guys too.

The funniest thing yesterday on E-Day was when Greg walked into the HQ to say hello and immediately was put to work.

Goodnight Dorsano

I guess I better get going too!

First day of phonebanking tomorrow--should be interesting.

Got any tips for my wife and I as we hit the phones, Fade?

If they ever round up all the people who have lied about sex...LMAO

Ranger,

Follow the script until you get comfortable. Speak from the heart. Ask people what issues matter most to them.

Keep it real, keep it honest, and keep going. Don't expect to reach them all.

Laugh it off when they hang up on you.

Thank you, both, for your service.

If they ever round up all the people who have lied about sex...LMAO

These Republican freaks might try to!

Posted by PeppermintLizzy on September 13, 2006 at 10:59 PM

He hinted at that Lizzy. LMAO!

Domingo,

If that's what they have in mind for those detention centers, we'll have a real good time before we die.

Former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, a Democrat who went from homemaker to national political celebrity and who lost the 1994 gubernatorial race to George W. Bush, has died from cancer, a family spokeswoman told AP.

:(

Thanks Fade I'll try to remember that,

goodnight Lizzy, BSJ, fade, Sandy, and all dems.

Wish me luck....

Posted by ranger995 on September 13, 2006 at 10:29 PM

Yes, I'm in Missouri.

McCaskill, is a tough cookie. She built her reputation on helping local governments fight fraud with revealing audits. She is trusted and admired for her work. She grew up rural and worked her way through college as a waitress while supporting her kids as a single mother.

So she has a wide appeal. Her opponnent Senator Talent is a lightweight who has angered the Christian Right on ocassion for being a conflicted St. Louis moderate. He isn't quite one of them and they dont like it.

I like his current commercial where he says (after six years), "I'm just getting started. I better get back to work" Where in the hell has he been? He sure as hell hasn't done anything for working people. He's just one of those nerdy, rubber stamp Bush Republicans.

And former Republican Senator Jack Danforth has surfaced to challenge Talent on the stem cell initiative that is on the ballot. He has emerged as an unspoken critic to his own party. What a crazy state.

Claire has been concentrating most of her time and effort the last two years visiting oustate communities...something she didn't do last time she ran against Senator Bond.

It's paid off so far. But the mudslinging has just begun and the GOP is going to outspend us. But without the gay marriage ammendment on the ballot, McCaskill has more than a fight chance.

We are concentrating on getting out the loyal base, but a new Republican law that requires a photo ID could make it hard for some poor and disabled seniors to cast their votes.

Why do we always have to fight with one hand tied behind our backs? I don't even want to think about those new Dieboldt voting machines.

I need to pack it in. Good night.

Missouri is a former slave state, but we stuck with the Union. It's a real conflicted arrangement. If Govenor Carnahan had'nt died six years ago the state would be true blue. You remember Carnahan? He's the dead man who defeated John Ashcroft for his senate seat.

I still have my "I'm still for Mel" button. You'd be surprised how many fundies also kept their's.

Break a tie, Ranger

GiG--NOOOOOOOOOOOOO not my beloved Ann. I was just talking about her today. My favorite governor and the most amazing political breed...an honest populist.

thanks, and goodnight everyone.

SandyH,

Thanks for the info, good night and good luck!

Good Night Ranger and to All and thank you for all the support. Grassroots Rocks!

Ok, one last one

GiG,

Thanks for the post, albeit with horrible news.
She was a great woman: Tough, articulate, and Honest.

If that's what they have in mind for those detention centers, we'll have a real good time before we die.

Oh yeah, we'll have "a real good time", alright. The way all those people had "a real good time" when Bush and his gang forced them to have sex over there in Abu Garaib. Repubs love to force folks to have sex when they know the people don't want to. They just hate it when people do want to, that's all.

{{Fade}}

Ann seems like the most wonderful person, one that never stopped fighting.... no matter if in politics and trying to better this planet and fighting for what she believed in and later on, with cancer. May she rest in peace.

Ok, I am trying to make a link. Thanks to my wife the smart one--also very beautiful.

This is for PamB, SandyH, and anyone else who cares.

Taliban Stronger than ever

YES!!!!! IT WORKED

OK, I really have to go to bed.

Keep on rockin' dems

Dems,

Check out this new add against Allen in VA!!!!

Vote Vets

Pakistan has been playing fast and loose for decades. The nuclear tech that they have been selling alone indicts them in my eyes.

Posted by SandyH on September 13, 2006 at 10:00 PM

Hi SandyH,

something that has always bothered me is why was bush so anxious to pay off all the survivors of the Twin Towers? Guilty conscience?

Letter to the Editor: Republicans have made us less safe. Republicans are continuing their push to exploit 9/11 and use fear to win reelection. We can maximize our impact if newspapers across the country are flooded with letters from folks reminding the public of their failures.
Their strategy is already starting to backfire, and if enough of us respond we can shift the debate: Republicans have made us less safe.Please write a letter today. Click on link below.

http://pol.moveon.org/lte/index.html?lte_campaign_id=

Left Coast greetings to all the fair and firm! In sunny California, Angelides is coming undone. His campaign intentionally worked Gov. Ah-nuld's web site and found access to some embarassing audio files, which they promptly leaked to the LA Times. Where are the ethics in politics? Say hellp to a 2nd term for the Guvernator. Phil the Fool blew it. Sad....

Right, only a "fool" would let the world know that "the Guvernator" is making racist and sexist statements. We can't let anybody find out about that.

Good morning, Dems. Looks like we have lots of work to do.

The turnout campaign that Republican operatives used to help pull Sen. Lincoln D. Chafee to victory in the Rhode Island primary was a potent demonstration of how money and manpower can transform a race even in an unfavorable political environment -- and a preview of the strategy that national party officials say they plan to replicate in the most competitive House and Senate races over the next 55 days.

In the past two national elections, in 2002 and 2004, Republicans outperformed Democrats in bringing their backers to the polls, but many Democrats and independent analysts have suggested that the competition may be different this year, in part because of slumping morale among GOP activists. But Chafee's performance -- combined with reports of late-starting organization and internal bickering on the Democratic side -- suggest that the Republican advantage on turnout may remain intact even as many other trends are favoring the opposition.

Their GOTV plan is amazing.

Pot calling the kettle?

OAKLAND, California - In a recent speech to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld declared, "The enemy is so much better at communicating. I wish we were better at countering that, because the constant drumbeat of things they say - all of which are not true - is harmful."

Later, during a question-and-answer session at Fallon Naval Air Station in Nevada, Rumsfeld complained about terrorist groups that have "media committees" that "manipulate the media".

"What bothers me the most is how clever the enemy is," he said. "They are actively manipulating the media in this country ... They can lie with impunity."

During the three-plus years since the United States invaded Iraq, the administration of President George W Bush has repeatedly criticized the media for reporting only the "bad" news from Iraq. Bush himself has frequently maintained that the consequences of the media's preoccupation with negative stories demoralizes the troops on the ground, and undercuts support for the war at home.

Posted by PamB on September 13, 2006 at 05:40 PM

There is nothing on Air America's site about declaring bankrupcy and they issued a statement that is in the link you provided where they stated it is a rumor. So what do we believe? My understanding is that they have been doing well. I hope it is a rumor......................

Isn't this the truth - the big old democratic machine is stuck in the old days, using the same old lines. We need more candidates that speak their mind and not push the same old rhetoric.

Analysis: Party convictions sidelined

WASHINGTON - All politics is national in the 2006 midterm elections, with both parties willing to put aside deeply held views over war, taxes and more in the surpassing struggle for control of the House and Senate.

Which explains why a conservative Republican Party rejoiced Wednesday at the primary victory of Rhode Island's incorrigibly independent GOP Sen. Lincoln Chafee (news, bio, voting record), and struggled with the defeat of the more moderate of two leading contenders for a House seat in Arizona.

Or why Democrats, whose leaders call daily for a timetable for a troop withdrawal from Iraq, were less than thrilled to find vigorously anti-war contenders winning nominations for House seats in New Hampshire and New York.

Top ten reason to use John Edwards as spokesman for DEMS
1-He is known across the US
2-He is intelligent.
3-He can speak in terms understandable to voters
4-The worst the Repugs could throw at him is the
fact he is an attorney.
5-He has a good physical appearance on camera and
off.
6-Voters can identify with his working class
background
7-He has acknowledged his vote on Iraq was a
mistake.
8-He can be identified as being a Washington ousider.
9-He has an understanding and caring for the
issues of concern to the voters
10-He is a family man
11-He could be the next JFK

Okay 11 is just my personal opinion and this probably won't happen because the party wouldn't want to give him a "leg up" in 2008, but seriously is Hillary electable??

One last comment and then it's off to the salt mine

BBC is reporting on Iraqi parliment debating regional federal autonomy (3 territories). Sunni's cocern apparently is not with 3 territories,but that there be a central government as well.

I have not heard this picked up by US Media.

If this is the direction Iraqi officials are taking, it maybe the best solution to a bad situation.

nicely done ad on global warming:

not my problem

internet weekly:

bush figures it out

Court may reinstate conspiracy charge against DeLay
POSTED: 4:29 p.m. EDT, September 13, 2006

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- The state's highest criminal appeals court said Wednesday it would consider reinstating a conspiracy charge against former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, further delaying his felony money laundering trial.

A Travis County grand jury indicted DeLay and two political consultants last year on charges stemming from Republican fundraising during the 2002 legislative races.

...i wonder if this will impact his presidential run?

Good morning, all.

Hi, dixiehen.

I'm impressed with Edwards, too.

I'd like to add #12 to your list:

He was the only candidate that Karl Rove was worried might win the nomination in 2004.

It's sad about Ann Richards dying. I always hearing her take on Texas politics and politics in general.

enjoyed hearing....

I'm not awake yet.

ann richards delivered the great "stick a fork in him he's done" line about bush senior in 92 i blieve.

...i wonder if this will impact his presidential run?

Posted by gregg on September 14, 2006 at 07:46 AM

well, gregg...it just might. also, the fact that the little wife is also under the microscope for getting paid as a "lobbyist" as well...one might have difficultly holding up under such pressure were it not for the lord and a battery of lawyers.

did you know kkkarl was an athiest? LMAO--i've been so much happier since focusing on that one, combined with those Abramoff emails making fun of the fools that believe their bushnit...

yes, i love that transparency in guvmint

My beloved Ann Richards died yesterday. She did more for women than Phyllis Shaffley and her millions could erase. The shrub and his homophobic hatred machine got started by attacking her. Ann Richards inspired me then and now, like Cyn, makes me wonder where the leaders of our party are hiding. She said what she believed.

Fire those consultants and tell the damned truth, for Sidhartha's sake!

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 — Congress and the American public must accept that the government cannot protect every possible target against attack if it wants to avoid fulfilling Al Qaeda’s goal of bankrupting the nation, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told a Senate committee Tuesday.

Posted by Benji on September 14, 2006 at 05:36 AM

Benji, I thought that was the GOP plan --- to bankrupt our tresury and the middle class. Are they working in tandem with al Queada or just as part of a tag team?

The silver foot in his mouth comment was probably the inspiration for the nasty whisper campaign that defeated her.

That was the early period of my bushhatred.

Now, i'm in my mature and refired stage. i hate these bastids!

Air America has a new lineup this upcoming week. David Bender's Politically Direct will be on from 8-9 p.m. weeknights. They've really tweaked their line-up.

He's discussing the savagery of that smear campaign when they got it rolling on Richards. When will our leaders expose these filthy bastards and talk about how shameful their tactics are?

Raise some hell, hello??

Their GOTV plan is amazing.

Posted by Cyn_NY on September 14, 2006 at 06:36 AM

Cyn, the Democrats have more votes than both Chaffey and Laughy...if they threw Sneezy in they'd still be okay.

This is a spin story designed to do what it did.

Missed the point, that the Democrats are way ahead in that race. We're much stronger than what the "media" (WSJ) say.

sure hope dean and emanuel know wtf they are doing.

gregg

have you noticed that dean is starting to look more like them? he's gotten his marching orders, i'm afraid.

Rahm will be getting a thoughtful and pointed letter from me today. Ann Richards death has me inspired.

Playing it "safe" contributed to us losing the last couple. We need cojones!

I am not happy with the big dogs. When they start listening to those in each state/district, then they might have a chance at winning the majority of the races.

{{{Essie}}}

We're running incumbants, here.

The big dogs have been WRONG on several of the key primaries and VERY close in some others. Why? Why waste this money at the early stage?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

(money talks)

Her humor always on display, she said, “I did not want my tombstone to read, 'She kept a really clean house.' I think I'd like them to remember me by saying, 'She opened government to everyone.'

Richards served as Texas governor for one term, leaving office in January 1995. She lost her re-election bid to Republican George
W. Bush.

In her last 10 years, Richards worked for many social causes and helped develop the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders.

"A womans place is in the DOME" Ann Richards

Her humor always on display, she said, “I did not want my tombstone to read, 'She kept a really clean house.' I think I'd like them to remember me by saying, 'She opened government to everyone.'

Posted by fade2bluz on September 14, 2006 at 09:10 AM

I won't have a tombstone, but I hope when they sprinkle my ashes, they say, she kept a clean house & opened government. ;P

Good morning everyone!

We have a new open thread!