Chat away...
Happy holidays to everyone.
Have fun and stay safe.
Enjoy your family and friends.
Good Evening Fighting Dem's..Sat. nitr and all is still....
Merry Christmas to my Christian friends on the DNC blog. As a member of the Jewish community, I wish you the blessings of your sacred season.
Your friend,
pear
new thread. good idea. thank you. skys real clear here in hudson valley.
good evening, everyone
pear, that was a beautiful greeting. Happy Hanukkah to you
just peeking in to wish you all the best the season brings...good company, good food and drinks and some beautiful music...
i'm thankful to each of you for giving me a place to go, where everybody knows your name...
but wondering why it's taken so long to get everything ready...perhaps i should have started earlier...this is going to be a late one...
bbl
Merry Christms, everyone. And Happy Holidays to all others.
Japan reads into 'Letters From Iwo Jima'
The film is stirring debate as the nation mulls rewriting its pacifist constitution.
By Jason Miks | Contributor to The Christian Science Monitor
TOKYO – About halfway through a showing of "Letters From Iwo Jima" - Clint Eastwood's epic about Japan's futile stand during the World War II battle - a 30-something Japanese salaryman takes off his glasses to wipe away the tears from his eyes. He does this several times during the movie, the first time after a young American soldier dies.
Told from a Japanese perspective, the film recounts the 36-day struggle for an island the soldiers were led to believe was essential for the survival of their homeland, but which ended up costing more than 20,000 Japanese lives...
"Japan needs to have a discussion with its people about what sort of nationalism it wants," says Steven Clemons, founder of the Japan Policy Research Institute. He believes this discussion must include the younger generation of Japanese.
The decision to cast Kazunari Ninomiya, better known for his role in the pop band Arashi, may have been with a view to broadening the movie's appeal to a younger audience in what is the second-largest movie market in the world.
"I thought the movie was very good," says Kenji Tanigaki, a young viewer. "But it was sad to see so many people dying for no reason. I don't think I could do what they did."
//www.csmonitor.com/2006/1222/p11s02-almo.html
There is a good question being posed by the Japanese about what direction they want their country to go in. The movie, "Letters from Iwo Jima," is invoking a public debate that should be happening in our country, too.
We were forced into a nationalistic frenzy after 9/11 and now we are stuck with an Iraqi occupation that leaves 70% of us angered that Bush stole our patriotism and made it into something ugly.
The media now acknowledges it, but Bush does not. Yet the media will not explore the question any further. I don't think sending more troops to Iraq without debating what their deployment is suppose to accomplish makes any sense. And what does this country now represent and is it what we all want it to be?
The Japanese are facing their demons. When will we do the same? What kind of nationalism do we want?
but wondering why it's taken so long to get everything ready...perhaps i should have started earlier...this is going to be a late one...
bbl
Posted by fade2bluz on December 23, 2006 at 09:56 PM
fade,
How many women have said that through the years? There is never enough time especially when you want to enjoy the season a little as you go along.
I'm just peeking in, too. Back to baking and decorating the tree with the kids. My husband is snug in his bed battling off the flu. Please let him feel better tomorrow.
later.
SandyH: Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" is in the DVD stores. I also saw it on Amazon.com for $19.99. You've still got time to get this for a gift!
Posted by cam58 on December 23, 2006 at 05:54 PM
Thank you. You've made my day, cam58. I'll have to brave the hordes tomorrow and get that last perfect gift. I had no idea it was released already.
Too bad that Nancy Pelosi has already demonstrated that she prefers the same ole, same ole, status quo as opposed to reform, when it comes to the C-SPAN request for their own cameras in Congress. Those roving TV cameras would do the same for Congress that it does for kids on a school bus...it keeps them on their toes and best behavior.
Does anyone truly believe that Congress doesn't owe the public much more maturity and professionalism than they are now afforded and provide?
Too bad that Nancy Pelosi has already demonstrated that she prefers the same ole, same ole, status quo as opposed to reform, when it comes to the C-SPAN request for their own cameras in Congress. Those roving TV cameras would do the same for Congress that it does for kids on a school bus...it keeps them on their toes and best behavior.
Does anyone truly believe that Congress doesn't owe the public much more maturity and professionalism than they are now afforded and provide?
fade2bluz on December 23, 2006 at 09:56 PM,
Cheers!!
...and to all a Goodnight!
Best of the holidays to all at DNC and to Howard and Judy Dean and kids. Howard Dean did a good job for the DNC and for our party this year.
Here are some very kind words some Canadian bloggers said about him when he spoke in Montreal. They were impressed, even though some did not want an American speaking. He should be proud of the impression he made. The video of the speech is at the end of the post.
Next year I'm going to get all my Christmas presents before summer is over. Put them in a nice bag somewhere - safe and sound where I won't forget where they are - so they're all ready to go.
Posted by sunny on December 24, 2006 at 12:56 AM Here are some very kind words some Canadian bloggers said about him when he spoke in Montreal.
Hey, Sunny. Thanks for posting that. I wish the portions of speech that he gave in French weren't voiced over. But you're right, he did an awesome job representing the United States. I hope someone puts the complete speech, without voice over, up at uTube.
dorsano
Every year I promise myself to buy gifts early, and every year I run around at the last minute.
I agree it has been a good year from Dems!!
John Kerry When Resolve Turns Reckless via EZ writer at dkos.
No one should be looking for vindication in what is happening in Iraq today. The lesson here is not that some of us were right about Iraq or that some of us were wrong. The lesson is simply that we need to change course rapidly rather than perversely use mistakes already made and lives already given as an excuse to make more mistakes and lose even more lives.
....
When Churchill urged, "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never -- in nothing, great or small, large or petty, never give in," he added: "except to convictions of honour and good sense."
This is a time for such convictions.
Posted by dixiehen on December 24, 2006 at 01:37 AM I agree it has been a good year from Dems!!
Yea. It's been interesting watching all this close up for the last 1/2 decade. Watching people become so concerned that they get up and out and become engaged in the political process, watching elected's change their posture, watching the mainstream media respond to events, and watching voters vote in new leadership in a big way.
To see it all come together in a significant way in one election cycle was great.
It was a great year for the country.
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani is a "Moderate"
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A U.S.-backed plan to form a political coalition of Iraq's Shiites, Sunni Arabs and Kurds - a glimmer of hope in a nation torn by sectarian violence - failed to win the crucial support of the top Shiite cleric Saturday.
Lawmakers who presented the plan to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in the holy city of Najaf said they were told the unity of Shiites, who have the largest bloc in parliament, had to come first.
From Juan Cole
BooMan's getting pissed at progressive politics -- conducted Ann Coulter style.
I am not much of an admirer of Hillary Clinton and I certainly am an opponent of her campaign for the 2008 nomination. But that has to do with my distaste for the Democratic Leadership Council and their brand of politics. I am beginning to get pissed off at the crap people are spewing about her. Howard Kurtz has noticed too.
America the Beautiful Employees of Wisconsin firm get fat checks from founder
MILWAUKEE - George Plehn and a number of fellow workers at Generac Power Systems Inc. expressed shock this week after getting checks for thousands of dollars from the founder of the company and his wife as the year-end holidays approached.
"My jaw dropped when I saw'' a check for $31,000 in the mail, Plehn, who has worked for the firm in nearby Waukesha for 19 years, said Thursday.
"This was a huge amount of money for something that wasn't really necessary.
Merry Christmas,..Happy Hanukkah...It is my wish that all of you enjoy your holiday with friends and family and that we have Peace....
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those who have His good will!"
Luke 2:14
Sale Ending Voting Machine Probe
A major voting machine company owned by Venezuelan investors said Friday it plans to sell its U.S. subsidiary, ending a federal investigation into questions of possible ties between the company and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
good morning esmeralda and goodfoe and dorsano and dixie hen...there is a spectacular sunrise happening here right now. lots of pink and purple and yellow green light coming thru intermittent cloud cover...gotta decat the house today as guests are coming that are allergic...so the "boys" will be living out back in the little studio while the big black pooch gets to clean up anything that drops here in the house christmas eve and day.
Sen. Byrd Leads 'Senior' Democrats
Forget all that talk about 40 being the new 30. Democratic members of Congress seem intent on demonstrating that 80 is the new 70 _ or perhaps even 60.
The senior Democrats ready to take power when the new Congress comes to order in January are nothing if not, well, senior.
A Holiday Greeting to All of our troops around the world....thank you for your service to our country
Good morning to you too, gg. Sounds like you have a day of fun planned as well.
Due to mother's illness, we are having our family Christmas at my sister's home. (having 4 children, she has a huge house!) Dinner is at 4 p.m. today. The carpenter will get to meet my younger brother & his family, as well as 3 nieces. The rest of the family are getting to know him. Since he's from the big city, nobody around here knows him. No past to ruin the goods, so to speak. ;)
I need only take a few prepared dishes, a couple of tables and help with the clean up. Tomorrow I will have my parents and daughters w/ their bfs (I'm an instant grandmother now...the one bf has a 4 year old daughter) over for dinner.
I think I'll go wake the carpenter up so we can enjoy that spectacular sunrise you are experiencing.
BBL
Peace & Love to all!
Good norning Esmeralda and Gregg...you guys are up early this am...ess thanks for the quote...Gregg...so the cats get put out but the pooch stays in the house?...sounds like my house...
Mornin' y'all
Don't know why but sometimes my posts get blocked - says I'm not authorized to post?
Well, now it seems to be working alright
Greg - sounds like a wonderful day is coming your way. Sure hope your cats take to decatting better than mine.
Goodfoe - good wishes back to you.
Two more soldiers died yesterday, at the recent pace we will see 3,000 American deaths just after the first of the year. Bush's solution is to delay any announcement about policy. The talking heads have condemned the Iraq Study Groups effort and we are hearing more and more of a "surge" in tropps. This is not a strategy, policy or even a new way forward it's a recipe for more American deaths in Iraq. Bush is treating Iraq like a game where winning is the only goal the only problem with this is war is not a game. Bush has so screwed up in Iraq winning is not an option anymore no matter how much he may will it to be.
Bush has never had any intention of leaving Iraq he is building a fortified Embassy the size of a small city and permanent military bases. That's the true reality of Bush's new way forward it's "stay the course" with a new title.
best to you all. the studio is heated dixie and we keep going back bringing them tidbits and petting them and so on. they act quite insulted as cats often so but they sleep together and after a few days the company leaves but the cats keep going back there thinking it's home and who knows, maybe happy they don't have to put up with our television watching....then they move back into the house and we go back to in and out, in and out, not this food, not that, not now later....you know...they get bossy.
wldj, the american people let a self centered, arrogant, nasty clown take over their country and my only hope is that it will be an experience that gets burned into the nations collective memory and we never impose such a disaster on oursleves or the rest of the world again.
I would be very surprised if GW's big new plan, does not include more troops to Baghdad. It seems MSM has forgotten we already tried this plan and only created more violence. Additional troops will have to come from National Guard and extended duty, repeat tours. Why doesn't he just come out announce his new "stay-the-course" plan?
Possibly he doesn't want to be the Grinch who stole Christmas, but it doesn't bother him that he's the Grinch who created the d**n mess
gregg the new Congress has to find a way to reign in the Bush Administration. If they don't do it soon the next 2 years will just be a continuation of our national nightmare Bush has inflicted on us. Placing more troops in Iraq is like throwing gasoline on a fire and I'm afraid that is what will happen. Bush is more concerned with his so-called "legacy" than he is in protecting the country and our armed forces. Bush, Cheney, Rice and others in the Administration refuse to accept the reality that they have failed and continue to say we will win despite the facts on the ground. We need real leaders not idealogues who make up their own reality to suit their vision of the world.
Good morning dixiehen and wldj..."The Boss" and ny big black dog want to go out now ...Later..
wldj - I agree we need leaders not idealogues. I am hoping all these senior dems will still have plenty of spitfire in them and come out with investigations and demand accountings.
I'm afraid our military leaders are not going to go against this folly. Resignation seems to be their only way out. I sure wish they had the balls to stand up and speak out against "stay-the-course" because we are not winning, but we are not losing - so what the hell, let's call it a tie and come home.
good morning, {{{gentlebloggers}}}
from New Orleans, o Holy Night
for those who mourn
Sale Ending Voting Machine Probe
A major voting machine company owned by Venezuelan investors said Friday it plans to sell its U.S. subsidiary, ending a federal investigation into questions of possible ties between the company and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
Posted by Esmeralda on December 24, 2006 at 07:15 AM
Good morning all
Lord, who else are our voting machines tied to?
Gotta run, having fun. Harry Connick blasting away "This Christmas" and gotta get ribs ready for grill (ethnic thing along with Turkey/Ham) and of course Sweet Potato Pie. We'll get to Nancy Wilson doin' gospel of Silent Night/Holy Night - Praise the Lord!
check ya tonight.
Good morning and Season's Greetings to you all.
I have become more cautious at using Merry Christmas now, since 3 Buddists moved in across the street from me, and the gal 2 houses down just got the best Christmas present, her husband and 2 children finally were given clearance to join her in the USA from Africa, (which she has been trying to accomplish for years.) They celebrate Kwanzaa, but my husband is going to stop tonight anyways once he gets in his Santa outfit!
I have my huge Open House this evening, and am pretty well organized. Cooked all day yesterday, and today have the 60 baked stuff shrimp to make, and cook a 16.60 lb Rib roast and ham. (please don't let me overcook that roast!)
To all of you I wish nothing but the Merriest of Holidays, and a Happy Healthy New Year.
Back to the battle of the 2008 elections next week!
Land of the Free, Home of the Brave
I love these words because they remind me that we Americans may be both free to practice whatever religion, faith or culture we desire and because they remind me that we are brave enough to allow all these freedoms regardless of what irrational fears may lay beneath the surface.
In recent years I have been appauled by the racism and attempted denial of freedoms in the United States. There has also been a marked lack of bravery on the part of media as it gives into racist demands made against Muslims of all backgrounds and for a while against Frenchmen simply because France would not be fooled by propaganda on the eve of the Iraq invasion.
Racism is alive and well in this country and we will smash it along with those who practice it. The next time we hear a politician make some racist comment regarding what book or what freedom a member of our community should be allowed to practice, I expect him or her to be silenced. It ends now.
Good morning Fade...I hope every thing is well with you this am....
Pam...thx for thee good wishes....a 16.6 rib roast....WOW!!!
Marine...Good morning ...good post...hope you are well and doing ok...Happy Holidays to you.....
To all you Good boys and girls out there in DNC-land. Don't forget your letter to Santa. New to Santa's site this year (to us anyway) is a time line of when Santa will be in your "neck of the woods", as well as a nosecam. Check it out! Merry Christmas to all, and a very Happy Hew Year!
Rib Roast, hm ....sounds delicious. Could never get anyone in my houselhold to appreciate good beef. Have to go to my parents for that. Course maybe it can be attributed to living in the rural deep south. Ethnic dishes still rule and traditions die hard (like chitterlings for Christmas).
Wishing ALL a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
While I may no longer be posting, many of you mean a great deal to me, and for that I wish to say "THANK YOU".
PEACE AND JOY to you and yours.
I'm reading 1776 by David McCullough right now and I find the paralells between Britain in that time and the United States in this time both stunning and sickening. Britain basically lost that war, not because it lacked the ability to win but because British society at the time suffered from a major superiority complex which prevented those who considered defeat possible and therefore planned to prevent it from ever being heard. Never underestimate your oponent, it's the cardinal rule of war that Britain violated in 1776 and it's one the Bush administration violates daily.
and the same to you burnsey.
john kerry writes about iraq and puts things in their proper perspective. i still say he is the most qualified candidate for president we have:
Being social animals we humans tend to promote people to positions of power who appear to be best suited to handling those leading societies similar to our own. Both Iran and Palestine have raised to power individuals and organizations who appear to be as aggressive in their approach to diplomacy and warfare. This, however, only occured after the United States chose war in Iraq over continued diplomacy and after President Bush failed to uphold our promise to assist Israel and Palestine in maintaining peaceful relations.
Iran was with us in Afghanistan and never should have been put into a position in which they would feel threatened and so justified in their decision to raise such a radical individual as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to power. Our conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq just happen to border on opposite sides of Iran. Being squeezed as they are between these two conflicts most certainly frightens the nation of Iran.
We've seen Bush make absolutely no attempt to bring Israeli and Palestinian leaders together for continued talks. Instead Bush takes sides with Israel and refuses to talk with Palestine due to a political decision not made until January 2006. Between 2003, when the cease-fire was first violated, and January 2006 Bush did nothing to encourage peace between the two nations.
One legal outrage is that some prisoners are not allowed to receive Bibles, books or other spiritual items this Christmas from churches because of unconstitutional "mail restrictions" at some jails and prisons. Prisoners have clearly been given the constitutional right to seek and receive both spiritual and legal help. Yet unconstitutional restrictions violate their rights in some areas this Christmas.
Some churches offer special free programs for prisoners including free self help programs, books, Bibles or educational study programs, and other rehabilitation programs, yet their efforts are unconstitutionally blocked in some areas. For many prisoners the only educational programs available are from churches or religious programs, as no prison funded educational programs exist in some areas for those who cannot read or write or want to learn skills for a job on the outside.
I'm reading 1776 by David McCullough right now and I find the paralells between Britain in that time and the United States in this time both stunning and sickening. Britain basically lost that war, not because it lacked the ability to win but because British society at the time suffered from a major superiority complex which prevented those who considered defeat possible and therefore planned to prevent it from ever being heard. Never underestimate your oponent, it's the cardinal rule of war that Britain violated in 1776 and it's one the Bush administration violates daily.
Posted by Marine on December 24, 2006 at 12:41 PM
Awesome read isn't it. And yes it so aptly applies today.
Marine
The class system has always been the Achilles heel of the British. They just cannot get past slotting/pegging folks into categories. The higher up the food chain one's station is, the more inset is the attitude of superiority. It is just amazing how this nation kept their thumb on countries like Africa and India for over a century.
A quick flyby to wish all past and present Dem KA bloggers a very happy, merry celebration. I am going to my sister's tonight for the traditional Italian fish, mushroom stew and rice balls and tomorrow it's prime rib, scalloped oysters, creamed onions and spicy greens and about 4 other side dishes with mashed garlic potatos at our house. Off to soak in the tub. I just hope my oven will hold it all.
Stay safe.
Land of the Free, Home of the Brave
Posted by Marine on December 24, 2006 at 09:36 AM
Thank You so much from those of us that preach the virtues of tolerance. I pray that 2007 brings a different attitude and bigger tolerance to this country when it comes to race, religion, sex and gender. This year of 2006 has been appalling and atrocious as to how the citizens of this country have behaved toward their fellow man.
There are some on this blog that would rather not see discourse and discussion on the racism, bigotry and discrimination that is so infested into this country, BUT it will always have a firm grip on society as long as it is not openly and bluntly discussed.
Bottom line: This is the United States of America not Disneyland/Disney World. Fantasy just ain't gonna cut it.
Never liked Disney anyway.
"Hurry! Hurry!” the pug reich said.
We got to pay the spuds to prank.
Tell them to broadcast stealing x-mas
And herald our fund drive to our goal,
to our goal!
Oh what fun it is to lie and con the parixh lemmings tonight!
Scare them to thinking some grench is,
Stealing Christmas all over again!!
All over again!!
Ha, ha, ha, the pug riech sang!
Counting Millions today!
Our X-tian church is rich today
to pull another prank next day!
Posted by Cyn_NY on December 24, 2006 at 02:05 PM the traditional Italian fish, mushroom stew and rice balls and tomorrow it's prime rib, scalloped oysters, creamed onions and spicy greens and about 4 other side dishes with mashed garlic potatos at our house.
Boy that sounds good. Merry Christmas, Cyn.
Merry Christams Eve and Happy Holidays, everyone.
Just stopping by to say hi. Hope you all have a wonderful time with family and friends at home and celebrating here with friends, as well.
I can't believe that January 4 is just around the corner. Just think of our first 100 hour agenda. The will of the people will not be denied by any vetos by a lame duck president...or surge in Iraq. We have the GOP right where we want them for the 2008 election.
Party on, folks. later.
Posted by Cyn_NY on December 24, 2006 at 02:05 PM the traditional Italian fish, mushroom stew and rice balls and tomorrow it's prime rib, scalloped oysters, creamed onions and spicy greens and about 4 other side dishes with mashed garlic potatos at our house.
--------------------------
Oooohh, wow!! I'm doing the usual cornish hens (apple stuffed), with baked potatoes, stuffing (side dish), and probably carrots or green beans. D'oh, don't forget the cranberry sauce!
Do you have room for say one and a half more? My son doesn't eat that much! No, only kidding, enjoy Christmas for sure!!!
Readin' all these good dinners, I need to get on either I-75 or I-95 and head out of Florida to some of these feasts
Merry Christmas everyone! Wishing you all the peace and blessings. Democrats rock!
Iraqi suicide bomber kills 7 police officers
Two doctors kidnapped in Baghdad
• Four attacks wound 21 in Baghdad, including soccer players during match
• Suicide bomber kills at least seven officers in police station
• Six U.S. soldiers killed by roadside bombs
FulL Story:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/24/iraq.main/index.html
On Election Day the voters delivered a dramatic, unmistakable mandate for peace. Now it's time for action. Join CODEPINK and many others in a national march to D.C. on January 27-29, to send a strong, clear message to Congress and the Bush Administration: The people of this country want the war and occupation in Iraq to end and we want the troops home now! Click on link below for complete details and spread the word:
Merry Holidays to ALL! I sure hope that all are well.
DemocratKA: I do like that post about Peace, we sure did deliver a mandate for Peace and we will make sure that the folks that were elected stay on track in working to end this effing war caused by bush.
Posted by J on December 24, 2006 at 05:38 PM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi J,
I actually get a break this weekend. I work from now till 3pm tomorrow. I guess, I could go to my sisters house around 6pm or 7pm and then, it's back to work for me till 7am. You know, in the Hotel Industry they say a Supervisor is just a glorified Front Desk Agent...........
There may be something to that. Oh, but the Over Time and Holiday Pay on top of Regular Pay is just too irresistable. (Cha Ching!)
;p
Hey, J.
If you get a chance, come over here to MyDD We're talking about Edwards. They think he's a Progressive just because he likes Black People. It takes more than that.He cares about ending Poverty. He did'nt nothing about ending Racism and Social Equality at all.
bbl, I just now noticed you were here an hour ago.
;p
You know, in the Hotel Industry they say a Supervisor is just a glorified Front Desk Agent...........
There may be something to that. Oh, but the Over Time and Holiday Pay on top of Regular Pay is just too irresistable. (Cha Ching!)
;p
Posted by FreedomOfSpeechForBarackObama2008 on December 24, 2006 at 06:53 PM
Gloried whatever! Just let the ducks roll in.
Gloried whatever! Just let the ducks roll in.Posted by J on December 24, 2006 at 07:13 PM
Dude. I'm gettin a Dell!
;p
Oh yeah girl, get a Dell. I did about 4 years ago and haven't regretted. As a matter of fact, jsut waiting for some ducks in 2007 and I'll be getting some razor techno so I can really zip through everything. Really need the massive info storage to begin a publication.
DemocratKA: I do like that post about Peace, we sure did deliver a mandate for Peace and we will make sure that the folks that were elected stay on track in working to end this effing war caused by bush.
Posted by LizzyBeth on December 24, 2006 at 06:37 PM
************************
Thank you for the kind words. I sure hope they will end this Iraq soon. It's costing so much money but more important too many innocent people have been killed. Anyway, hope you're having a nice evening. I'm about to sign off now.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Peace :-)
FOS
Gone to pop some more things into the oven. If you're not gone to your sis, I'll check back in about an hour.
bbl
As American dead approach 3000, I would like to share a post from the website "May8th"
http://ralphlopezwworld.com
Phone Call Campaign: There's No Christmas Break From Dying in Iraq
I'm trying to get into the spirit but this choral music is only annoying me knowing that three more families are going to have a real shitty Christmas. Air America reports 3 American dead in Iraq yesterday. I'm sitting in the Harvard Coop and the singers are really good, but I'm sorely tempted to start shouting "Jesus wants us to bomb Iran!" at the top of my lungs and scream at all these people Christmas shopping to wake the fuck up. Then I sink a little thinking that it's not their fault. In these parts nearly everyone hates George Bush. I'd be preaching to the choir and some little old lady would pipe up and start going off on him even louder than me. It's happened. Something about the Shrub sets people off on tantrums either way. For or against. The Uniter not Divider.
The Defeat-o-crats are letting themselves be set up to be blamed. These guys are professional punching bags. The Bush surge strategy is nothing more than a closing gambit to keep Iraq together just long enough to get out of office and make sure someone else is in office when it falls apart. Then they write history that the Democrats lost Iraq. That's the whole plan, and it's going to cost how many guys their lives?
Those families of the ones killed today will be getting the news right about now that they are going to be having a real shitty Christmas too. And there's still six days to go until Christmas.
Harry Reid just announced that he's not going to walk and chew gum at the same time, that the number one issue in the new term is ethics. Nothing about Iraq. Nothing about the Military Commissions Act, or Jose Padilla, which amounts to an override of the Bill of Rights. Nothing to start blunting the set-up to be the Defeat-o-crats, such as redrawing the War Resolution to get out of Iraq, surround the Pakistani tribal areas where the Pakistani government is having a love-fest with the Taliban, and going on the political offensive to "stop making terrorists faster than we can kill them," in the words of a Delta Forces soldier quoted by Air America's Laura Flanders. Those Delta Force liberals.
The problem is that our own safety depends on throwing George Bush on the tender mercies of all the people he hurt. Nothing less than charges as a war criminal may be able to bring outraged Muslims back to the fold of moderation. And now what does he want to do? He wants to bomb Iran. Yesterday's Air America interview of Scott Ritter is a must-listen, on how the Iranian people actually still LIKE Americans, after all we have done to them, even if they don't like George Bush. That could change real fast with fresh footage flooding Al Jazeera of Iranian women and children with their faces blown off. I'll post the MP3 of the interview as soon as AAR archives it.
The phone numbers (free calls) to your congressmen are still on the front page of the main website. Make your Christmas present to the troops a couple of phone calls to your congress-people telling them to cut the shit and get them the hell out of there. As many calls as we can manage between now and Christmas.
Toll-free numbers for congressmen, connecting all
offices: 1-800-839-5276 or 1-877-762-8762
from May8th
http://ralphlopezwworld.com
FOSGone to pop some more things into the oven. If you're not gone to your sis, I'll check back in about an hour.
bbl
Posted by J on December 24, 2006 at 07:40 PM
I go to my sisters tomorrow on Christmas Day.
;p
I'll check back for you though.
Posted by fade2bluz on December 24, 2006 at 08:07 PM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I can't look at that photo. That little girl looks exactly like my niece.
Exactly. That's wierd.
That totally freaked me out right there.
Of course, without the tears and the head thing.
Other than that,she could be my niece.
hi {{dk}}
tonight, it's the people who are not celebrating that i remember, for a little while. it's not a contest to see who wins, but rather, it is a way to end this war...to bring justice and equality...
what we do here matters. our voices will end this war. we must stop it.
be blessed, dk...i read your post and thought it was beautiful
FOS
Back. Thought that you went to your sis tonight.
You know there are quite a few posts about Peace for the season. We all want that worldwide, but I think before we can get to that we need to strive for it here at home.
Jaxter....thx for your great post....I needed to be reminded....just another reason why I have such contempt for the Bush Criminal Empire..........
Posted by J on December 24, 2006 at 08:34 PM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That's true.
cheney and his thugs have been busting knee caps to get more troops sent to Iraq. let us follow the example of Jesus and PRAY FOR OUR ENEMIES. let's pray that these blood thirsty jackals will find just one ounce of compassion and try to end this war and work toward peace. if I can pray for these thugs, I know you can too. what do we have to loose? MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Sadie
There is prayer for everyone that is walking the face of this earth. I personally pray for each and every human being. There will be peace just as there is peace now within all of us. We must bring it forth and let it shine as a star did centuries ago announcing the birth of the Prince of Peace.
We must all give of ourselves as our Heavenly Father did when He gave His ONLY begotten Son for our sins. His birth is the herald of our having everlasting life if we follow his teachings and live as he as described for us to do.
There is a quiet now with the birth of the Prince of Peace, Emanuel, Jesus the Son of God.
I'm back, J.
I'm at MyDD, Huffington Post and here.
;p
Sup?
Cold and crystal clear night here in the Hudson Valley. The moon has set and the stars are bright. Got a hemlock tree outside wrapped in those big red, blue, orange, green and white outdoor christmas lights like the one's I remember from when I was a kid....should make it easy for Santa to find the house.
All the best to J and Fos and Fade and whoever is lurking on this lovely Christmas Eve.
Posted by gregg on December 24, 2006 at 10:05 PM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Merry Christmas gregg and a
Big
Ole
((((((cyber hug))))))
:)
Good evening, all.
The Defeat-o-crats are letting themselves be set up to be blamed.
I don't see how. Democrats are only allowing the Republicans to dig a deeper hole for themselves to get out of later. Reid was giving them some rope to see just how far they are willing to back Bush and hang themselves in the process in 2008.
Bush suggested "The Surge" just as he suggested there were WMD. Both were ploys. But unlike 2002, the public now knows a losing strategy when they hear one. It's just more of the same lame excuses by the White House for keeping our troops in harm's half way around the world for nothing.
Bush is trying to put off the inevitable as long as he can, but it’s so obvious that the Shiites are gaining on him, and he can't control them like Clinton corralled Saddam and the Sunnis.
This weekend Al Sistani jinxed the formation of another new government giving Sunnis any real power. And Al Sadr has now consolidated control of all the Shiite militias, as well as the "new" Iraqi army and police. The Sunnis must either leave or be executed.
Thirty thousand more Americans aren't going to turn off 2,000 years of religious stifle or make everyone play nicely...especially when it’s a fate accompli.
No, Democrats aren't going to be blamed for a dysfunctional, delusional Commander-in-Chief. The American public will blame his own party for not reigning Nero in. The Baker group was their last best chance...and now Cheney even ruined that.
And Rove made sure he elected just the right mix of Conservative Right numbskulls and arrogant racists to keep the Bush war machine running at top speed right over the edge and into the abyss. They will back him no matter how desperate the situation gets.
Give Poppy some more tissues. He's going to need them.
gregg,
Hemlock tree? Why don't you make a dish of tea and offer it to the appropriate people?
Anyway, I love lights on a tree. Not those all white variety but the multi-colored ones. I must have gotten the wrong pack of replacement bulbs, because some of mine in the front yard are blinking...like Rudolph's nose. I know Santa can see my house now. Its looks sort of neon, psychedelic
I read somewhere that the Romans used to decorate trees with shiny metal ornaments. So it's not really just a German tradition.
Posted by Domingo on December 24, 2006 at 10:31 PM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I knew it was going to be that one.
;p
Will,
That was great. It reminds me of the Nightmare Before Christmas, which I watched last night for the first time...while I was baking cookies. It was so imaginative and demented. All that light display needs is Michael Flannery and his Celtic dancers with Yo Yo Ma feverously playing the cello. The peace sign really stood out among all the rest.
I leave you all with this on Christmas Eve. It seems a likely answer to the concerns of those who fear for the worst. Merry Christmas.
A Parable For Our Times
Bill Moyers
December 22, 2006
//www.tompaine.com/articles/2006/12/22/a_parable_for_our_times.php
Question....Why can't Congress revoke the War Resolution and freeze funding to stop Mr. bus?
bus should read Bush...not that it makes much difference.......
Question....Why can't Congress revoke the War Resolution and freeze funding to stop Mr. bus?Posted by goodfoe on December 24, 2006 at 10:55 PM
No Balls.
We , the Constitents , have to force them to do it. They are nothing without us.Whatever it takes, threats of no more cash. Threats to kick them out of the party so they have to run as loser Independents. Whatever it takes.
;p
FOS...Right again you are!! I think I'll write another letter or two tomorrow...not too sune to get started...I like your canidate...I got a nice letter back from Senator Obama
Reindeer pee
FLYING REINDEER
At first, the line in the poem concerning the miniature sleigh and tiny reindeer puzzled me. What was the meaning of the mini reindeer sled? Then, as I was researching the Saami shaman drum, it became crystal clear. The shaman beats his drum until he reaches the specific rhythm and tone that sends him into a trancelike state of ecstasy. The rhythmic beats affect the central nervous system, producing a hypnotic condition. In this altered state called gievvot, his soul travels in extra-corporeal form to the spirit world to converse with the dead.
But first, the drum must be granted “life” by means of a particular ritual, and possessed by a guardian spirit – most commonly a reindeer. The shaman, with the help of his reindeer guide (or basseváresarves), can make his spiritual journey. On the drum skin are painted (in alder bark mixed with spit) various blood-red symbols that help guide the shaman on his “reindeer vision” across the cosmic road (Milky Way) to Jábmeájmoo, the Land of the Dead.
One symbol on the drum is a miniature sleigh pulled by a tiny reindeer. This image is used by the shaman to “ride into the sky”, calling to mind Santa’s Christmas Eve flight. On the other hand, Siberian shamans feed psychedelic mushrooms (Amanita muscaria) to their reindeer. The animal’s metabolism removes the toxins from the mushrooms but leaves the hallucinogenic properties intact in the urine. The shamans then drink the reindeer pee to “fly high”. In the drug subculture, the slang term “sleigh riding” refers to a drugged-out state, while “reindeer dust” is another term for cocaine.
FLYING SANTA
How did Santa get the power to fly like the wind? In An Account of a Visit from St Nicholas, his aerial acrobatics are described thus: “He sprang to his sleigh, to the team gave a whistle, / And away they all flew like the down from a thistle.” In Lapland, the Saami shaman (called the Magi of the North) is believed to have the power to raise the wind and storms. In olden times, Lapp sorcerers sold “wind-knots” to sailors in the form of three knots tied in a handkerchief. As the knots are untied the winds would increase. Sailors beware – the loosening of the third knot can cause an accursed mælstrom.
DemocratKA: I do like that post about Peace, we sure did deliver a mandate for Peace and we will make sure that the folks that were elected stay on track in working to end this effing war caused by bush. Posted by LizzyBeth on December 24, 2006 at 06:37
Polls show 80% of Americans want us out of Iraq, and 70% want Bush impeached out of office. The DLC "Leadership" of our Party say they're going to back Bush's expansion of the war in Iraq, and impeachment is off the table. So much for our "Peace mandate".
FOS I'm here.
Domingo, I saw tht light show on TV last week and it's awesome. I mean those lights on that house got it goin' on.
gregg, the best to you and your family on this clear quiet night in the beautiful Hudson.
SandyH, we're all comin' to your house in just a litte while because I've been reading about you bakin' cookies all this week.
FOS...Right again you are!! I think I'll write another letter or two tomorrow...not too sune to get started...I like your canidate...I got a nice letter back from Senator ObamaPosted by goodfoe on December 24, 2006 at 11:18 PM
Is he your Senator?
DLC backing expansion in Iraq? Will these folks never learn. They just didn't get it in November. My prelimenary research has shown that the American public were voting out conservatism, period. They feel it has been the culprit in the majority of the major blunders and mistakes that have crippled this nation.
They have seen that it just hasn't been working in any form of government or in the daily lives of this country for that matter.
Me too, but I'm doing nightly paperwork now.
;(
I know everyone is in the holiday spirit, but for those that are here tonight. Please do not forget Christine Jennings (D) that is challenging FL-13.
This woman is now petitioning the House to ask for a new election along with asking the Florida courts for a new election. Let us try to put our emotion and passion in the place of how this woman might feel. When one KNOWS something was stolen from them, it hurts, it goes against every fiber in our being especially when we KNOW that we are right. The winner, Vern Buchanan (R) is saying she needs to just concede and go home who by the way owns several car dealerships (car salesman-speaks volumes).
Let us put all of our help behind her. Whether it be letters, e-mails, petitions or whatever. this woman was robbed.
Bottom line: Christine Jennings was mugged for 18,000 votes.
J...I agree...it was outright theft of an election...The Rats will stop at nothing...the cancer of this mis-administration is every where......
J,
You have to tell me when you send me a message okay?
(LOL)
I just now saw all those when I could have responded earlier.
BTW. I am in love with TJ Holmes and Don Lemon.
OMG! If they looked like that out here in Wisconsin,that would make me start dating Bruthas.
Don Lemons is my future husband.......
..............unless he's already married.
:(
Helping others without fanfare Every day, people make good things happen. They work with little fanfare, but their efforts change lives.
The Memory Project In this program, advanced high school and university-level art students create original portraits for children living in orphanages around the world. Given that children who have been abandoned, neglected, abused, or orphaned usually have few personal keepsakes, the purpose of the portraits is to provide them with a special memory of their youth and to help honor their heritage and identity.
Here are some examples of portraits that have been produced by students in this project (click photos for larger images). The portraits were sent as gifts to the children shown in them, intending to provide a permanent reminder of their immeasurable importance to the world.
What the teacher's think I think when you combine goodwill with an art project, amazing things begin to happen. The 'Memory Project' is incredible. Thanks for letting us be a part of it. - Monique Dobbelaere, SC
Posted by J on December 24, 2006 at 11:28 PM
J,
There's not much left. Both of my sons friends descended out of nowhere around dinner time and pretty much picked us dry. Teenagers amaze me with how much they can eat.
But it was nice seeing these kids all together again. And it was quite a fun time. I watched most of them grow up. But now they are all so busy with school and jobs...and chasing after girls. They pretty much keep themselves scarce...except when they are hungry.
I won't offer you the crumbs as the critters pretty much got those, when they weren't climbing up the middle of the Xmas tree. My two kittens think they are in cat heaven.
My husband is sleeping so soundly tonight...a combination of too much overtime, cold medicine, and a little too much spiked eggnog. It was fun watching him tonight with the boys...he was right in the thick of things. Makes me remember how he when I first met him.
We are getting too old and too chubby, but we still have a good time. I better turn in, so I'm fresh for the family gathering tomorrow. I only have to bring a covered dish, so I plan to sleep in.
Good night, all. Merry Christmas.
Posted by FreedomOfSpeechForBarackObama2008 on December 24, 2006 at 11:57 PM BTW. I am in love with TJ Holmes and Don Lemon.
They're good lookin, FOS. But make sure they can cook. And I mean cook something in the kitchen over the stove or at least outside on the grill.
Posted by SandyH on December 25, 2006 at 12:17 AM Good night, all. Merry Christmas.
Same here, Sandy - on just about every count. Good night, all. And Merry Chrismas.
FOS
Further discussion of TJ Holmes and Don Lemon at the hangout.
Posted by dorsano on December 25, 2006 at 12:20 AM
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Naw.All they need to know how to do is find a great resturant. As far as meals, I can take care of Breakfast.
Bagel
Cream Cheese
Orange Juice
Coffee
"Have a nice Day at work. I'll see you next week. We'll meet for dinner at the Bla Bla Bla"
That's the perfect Marriage.
:)
Posted by FreedomOfSpeechForBarackObama2008 on December 25, 2006 at Naw. All they need to know how to do is find a great resturant.
Looks are over-rated, FOS. Just ask any old guy.
Looks are over-rated, FOS. Just ask any old guy.Posted by dorsano on December 25, 2006 at 12:31 AM
Not when you don't age though. The more Melanan(sp) we have , the less we age. Those two are gonna look great 45 years fron now. Hey, I'm 32 and I still get carded.(Agressively too)
;p
Look at Barck Obama. He's what? 46 years old and looks like a cute little spring chicken.
(ahem) In a respectful way, Michelle. I don't like him or anything.(gulp)
;p
Posted by FreedomOfSpeechForBarackObama2008 on December 25, 2006 at 12:38 AM Hey, I'm 32 and I still get carded.(Agressively too)
I get carded too, so phffftt. The people working at McDonalds have somehow got in their heads that I'm eligible for the senior discount.
J, where are you?
Okay. I need to go take a break. Good Night everyone. (I might come back down). I will talk to you all in the morning.
Merry Christmas if you're not here. If you are,then, I'll see ya.
:)
I get carded too, so phffftt. The people working at McDonalds have somehow got in their heads that I'm eligible for the senior discount.Posted by dorsano on December 25, 2006 at 12:46 AM
ROFLMAO!
No you did not. I meant for smokes.
I have grand kids and the other day I HAD to go into Walmart during the morning and took my 3 month old grandson and tons of folks oooo and aahh over him and in the same breath asked was he my baby?
My baby? I don't think so. I'm a member of the 5-0 club.
Posted by FreedomOfSpeechForBarackObama2008 on December 25, 2006 at 12:48 AM I meant for smokes.
Well, you better stop smoking or the people at McDonalds are going to start carding you too to see if you're eligible for the senior discount.
J, FOS - have a good night. I'm gonna go get some beauty sleep.
Dorsano,
Ha Ha. I'm quitting January 1st. No really. I am. Seriously. No, for reals, dude.I'm quitting.No more ciggs after the 1st of January. Unless, there's a Catastrophic event that takes place. Other than that. I'm done. No more. Cold Turkey.That's it.
;p
J,
My mom had me when she was 39 and my only younger sister , her 10th child , at 40.
She's in her 70's now and still kicking.
Okay, I'm gonna take a long break. I will talk to you all in a few hours.....
Lots of Holiday Wishes.
:)
Good morning FOS and anyone else out there
Merry Christmas to the World
And to Us a Child is Born - Gloria Hallelujah!!!!
All my prayers to the Family of the Godfather of Soul late great James Brown.
I cut my teen age years on James Brown, Aretha Franklin, The Temps, Four Tops, Smokey, etc. these folks made music, the classics that last. You know he came from the generation of good music because the rappers of sampled him to another degree.
The Godfather of Soul - James Brown
yes j i read about james brown. he must be riding home with santa this morning.
i hope you and yours have a wonderful day j. there is a thick layer of frost outside but santa must have used his sled with wheels instead of runners this year. let's shoot for next year's thanksgiving day parade. or maybe we should skate in rockefellar center??
Oh gregg, I am steadily working on that though I forgot about Rockefeller Center. The tree isn't usually up by Thanksgiving is it? Don't think so.
We're going to have a quiet day. Will check out the 80 plus year old parents who have enjoyed the holiday season because my Dad is now able to go places since he has had his pacemaker.
Hope you have a beautiful and blessed day too, gregg.
FOS
Gotta bake a cake for someone girl so I gotta go. Get some rest and check ya tonight.
Keep the faith
Peace \/ :)
Blessed Christmas morning, one and all!
While Santa has come and gone. (I was a very good girl all year) Christ has been better, because even though I have been good, there were times when I was really bad. He gives everyday!Nothing cleanses like the power of the Living Among Us God!
FOS WANT COFFEE!
Good Morning.
:)
Merry Christmas again.
The Rise of 'Revolving-Door' Consultants
It may not be "evil," but it pays well.
Merry Christmas Esse and a Starbucks New Year!
:)
hey fos, cup of kona coming up! and how about a bagel and cream cheese and lox?
Happy Christmas Morn, Dems! Sipping my first cup of coffee and getting the stove pre-heated. Let the cooking begin!
merry christmas cyn and esmeralda...every twig and branch and blade of grass outside is covered with a frost. a pretty good substitute for snow and you don't have to shovel it! enjoy the day.
hey fos, cup of kona coming up! and how about a bagel and cream cheese and lox?Posted by gregg on December 25, 2006 at 07:59 AM
I had a Ham & Cheese Croissant and an Orange Juice earlier. Now, I'm enjoying a large coffee.
:)
Good Morning J, and Cyn.
Merry Christmas!
FOS
I quit smoking 11 years ago when my 59 year old (then) father in law died from lung cancer. I remember begging my parents to quit so that they would not go through the same sufferage. 11 years later, my 63 & 64 year old parents look like they are in their 90's...my mother, who fashioned her life around "work is where it's at" can barely move after her 1st chemo treatment she had last Monday, and my dad barely moves without assistance, carting around his oxygen tank. What is killing them, still keeps them addicted. They both still smoke.
And now I'm watching my daughters continue the "tradition". Last night when they were going outside to puff, I stood in their way and said, "go look what that has done to your grandparents." They didn't get mad at me for saying it, and they hung their heads, but they still went outside. They are addicts.
They are addicts.Posted by Esmeralda on December 25, 2006 at 08:22 AM
Woah.I'm sorry.I used to be adamatly anti-smoking untill I was about 28. I went through a very traumatic experience and sought help. I tried group therapy and picked up the habit from the people there.
Go figure.
It's sort of funny now that I look back at it. Well, at least I got over the assault.
Guests arrive at noon! Time to get to cooking. I told the carpenter he's not getting a hot breakfast this morning, he can have homemade banana nut bread & juice! and as many cookies as he wants. haha
Love & Peace to everyone!
Here's a Christmas tidbit for you all:
Christmas is the season when you are most likely to find yourself on a street of beautiful homes with twinkling lights, warm fireplaces and happy families outfitted in festive holiday sweaters, only to be filled with a yearning to possess not just the house but the lifestyle inside.
