Thursday Night Open Thread
Let it all out here in our open thread...
Comments (155) «
Labor's Rx For Health Care
The Connecticut AFL-CIO launched its lobbying effort Friday for a single-payer system for universal health care, which the labor group said would provide affordable health care to the 300,000 to 400,000 state residents currently without health coverage.
The single-payer system, the centerpiece of the AFL-CIO's 2007 state legislative agenda, bucks a trend in Connecticut and other states in which business groups and advocates for broader health coverage have hammered out proposals that would use the state's collective buying power, often subsidized by taxpayers, to buy health plans from private insurers.
Under the AFL-CIO's universal health care proposal, everyone would pay into a single health care fund - whether it's a government agency or a trust - that would then pay private doctors and providers. The simple, streamlined system would eliminate the middlemen - insurance companies and their handsomely compensated CEOs - and thereby drastically reduce costs, AFL-CIO said.
Posted by Esmeralda on January 18, 2007 at 06:24 PM Let it all out?
These kids now-a-days. What's the world coming to, Jacque?
Posted by BobVADemHawk-Gore-Clark2008 on January 18, 2007 at 05:24 PM
I suggested right here on this blog about 3 years ago that dems needed to take up the good book, get in the pulpits. Hey, if a sinner like me can be a lay speaker in a Methodist church, (5 years ago) then so can any body else. sigh...the urge to preach the news has been tugging at my heart again. I miss it.
I wonder if they'd give up their blackberries and ipod's for dancing without a bra while on lsd?
(good golly, but I'm stuck in between both those generations)
dors,
I invited them to come over...should I shout ollie ollie oxen free! and tell them I'm going to go clean something for a while? ;P
Posted by BlueinIdaho on January 18, 2007 at 06:19 PM
Wikipedia defines a hawk as:
War Hawk is a term originally used to describe a member of the House of Representatives of the Twelfth Congress of the United States who advocated going to war against Great Britain in the War of 1812. The term has evolved into an informal Americanism used to describe a political stance of preparedness for aggression, by diplomatic and ultimately military means, against others to improve the standing of their own government, country, or organization. The term is an allusion to the hawk (a bird of prey), and is usually contrasted with the term dovish, which alludes to the more peaceful dove.
Also,
The term War Hawk (or warhawk or hawk) has been used to describe politicians with "hawkish" positions on warfare. It is sometimes extended to describe a tough stance on other issues, such as "deficit hawk" for someone who puts a high priority on reducing the United States' federal budget deficit. A pejorative variation is "Chickenhawk," used to belittle people who endorse war but avoid military service themselves.
I agree with the definitions as described above and consider myself to be a "warhawk" as defined above.
Posted by Esmeralda on January 18, 2007 at 06:31 PM (good golly, but I'm stuck in between both those generations)
I know! Bummer isn't. You break something if you dance and you're not eligible for Medicare.
bob,
During our first Leadership class in 2005, we were asked to draw a picture of the kind of animal we think/we wish to be. All the ladies had kitties & puppies, the guys bears & lions...me, a hawk. (not in the war sense though)
(Christy did say let it all hang out)
Posted by Esmeralda on January 18, 2007 at 06:34 PM should I shout ollie ollie oxen free!
Thanks for the smile. :)
I've got to split for awhile actually. cya later, iPod lady.
Posted by Esmeralda on January 18, 2007 at 06:29 PM
I agree with you, Es. I'm proud of the fact we Democrats have such a good relationship with the African-American churches however, we need to reach out to all churches. Issues such as global warming, the minimum wage, healthcare, and other social causes are a good place to start. There is no doubt in my mind we can split the evangelical vote and keep the Republicans in the "political wilderness" for at least another four decades.
Redeploy the troops where they're needed like Afghanistan and the hunt for UBL and Al-Qaeda.
Posted by BobVADemHawk-Gore-Clark2008 on January 18, 2007 at 06:10 PM
on this we are in total agreement. If only Bush had left them there in the first place.
dors,
I dance in my jammies all the time! And the only thing I've ever broken were both my thumbs (never take a bike down the stairs) and a vertibra (#7) from a car wreck.
No Medicare for a few more years.
For gregg,
Unscientific American: US Almost Last in Understanding Evolution
Americans rank next-to-last on a survey of 34 nations' acceptance of evolution as a scientific fact. (See the chart, below.) Our awareness of this scientific reality has actually gone down over the past 20 years, no doubt as a result of the so-called "intelligent design" movement and other Christian fundamentalist campaigns. In fact, frequent churchgoers in the US are most likely to doubt evolution. How will their children - and ours - become the great scientists, doctors, and engineers of tomorrow?
The US scores well behind nine European countries in its acceptance of scientific fact. Jon Miller, the primary author of the survey on evolution, notes one likely cause:
"The biblical literalist focus of fundamentalism in the United States sees Genesis as a true and accurate account of the creation of human life that supersedes any scientific finding or interpretation. In contrast, mainstream Protestant faiths in Europe (and their U.S. counterparts) have viewed Genesis as metaphorical and--like the Catholic Church--have not seen a major contradiction between their faith and the work of Darwin and other scientists."
Posted by PamB on January 18, 2007 at 06:41 PM
In retrospect, you're absolutely correct. Removing Saddam Hussein from power, which is the only valid reason left for invading Iraq, was not worth over 3000 American casualties, hundreds of thousand Iraqi caualties, and nearly a trillion dollars.
Bob:
Since the second definition is circular, I will address the first:
a political stance of preparedness for aggression, by diplomatic and ultimately military means, against others to improve the standing of their own government, country, or organization.
Really? This is what makes you a "hawk"?
I guess I truly am not one then.
Leahy to Gonzalez: "We knew damn well if he went to Canada he wouldn't be tortured. He'd be held and he'd be investigated. We also knew damn well if he went to Syria, he'd be tortured. And it's beneath the dignity of this country, a country that has always been a beacon of human rights, to send somebody to another country to be tortured."
http://www.crooksandliars.com/
BRAVO Leahy!
A while back, I had recommended to gg, "The Language of God" a scientist presents evidence for belief. In it, President Clinton said, "Without a doubt, this is the most important, most wonderous map ever produced by humankind. Today, we are learning the language in which God created life." He was speaking of the human genome.
If unqualified people were taking money from FEMA and are now refusing to pay it back, they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Fraud is fraud, period.
Posted by BobVADemHawk-Gore-Clark2008 on January 18, 2007 at 06:00 PM
If they were unqualified then why did FEMA give them money? If the agency determined that they were entitled and gave them the money, it's a little bit wrong to hold them accountable for FEMA's mistake.
If FEMA wants the money then they should get it back from the Schools insurance company.
From the link on last open thread:
Brandon Carter, a sophomore chemistry pre-engineering major, was one of the students who was confused when he received a letter from FEMA.
"When I did my application, I was honest about my losses. I was shocked when I received the letter and showed it to my mother. My initial reaction was to brush it off, yet after speaking with my mom, I realized that actions needed to be taken. Regardless of what FEMA's decision is after my appeal, I have no intention of paying them. I stayed in Module A in the Nelson Modular Complex and lost everything. The money was much in need; I had nothing," Carter said.
"I never received any type of insurance," said Channel Prothro, a former Dillard student. "FEMA was the only assistance I received for losing everything, yet I'm being treated as if I cheated them.
"I am still struggling due to the hurricane and this FEMA situation is making it worse. It took them two months after the hurricane to give me anything and now they are asking for their money back? That is just ridiculous for them to be so idiotic."
Rodi, the FEMA spokeswoman, said that the precise number of students involved and the total they would have to repay was not available.
In late July, FEMA began sending letters demanding repayment because of an investigation in early May of fraudulent claims, said Freddye Hill, Dillard's vice president of campus life. FEMA then began an investigation.
"I received a call from one of the investigators. He told me that FEMA had received more than 3,000 applications for assistance from 2601 Gentilly Blvd.," the address of a Dilliard dormintory. "The large number of applications from 2601 prompted an investigation," Hill said.
FEMA has been asking for money back from disaster victims for a number of reasons, even if the agency had already determined an individual eligible for assistance.
Posted by BlueinIdaho on January 18, 2007 at 06:48 PM
That's what makes America great, Blue. People like you and I with different views working to a common goal, the betterment of the American people and society. Politics is liking ordering pizza for a room full of people. You all agree on the basics, cheese, sauce, and crust however, you'll never get a total agreement on toppings.
Iraq rape soldier to plead guilty
A US soldier has agreed to plead guilty in the rape of a 14-year-old girl and the murder of her and her family in the Iraqi town of Mahmudiya last year. Full Story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6277145.stm
*****
Spate of attacks kills at least 19 people in Baghdad. A series of explosions and shootings rocked Baghdad on Thursday morning, killing at least 19 people and wounding dozens, police said.
Read more:
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/01/18/baghdad-attacks.html
*****
The Surge in Iraq - What's the Toll on America's Soldiers?
NOW
t r u t h o u t | Programming Note
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/011807U.shtml
*****
Bush/McCain: From Bad to Worse
John McCain wants U.S. escalation in Iraq probably more than any other senator. He's liked by the media and claims to be "moderate." But he's helping push us into disaster in Iraq with his support of escalation. In many ways, Iraq escalation is his idea. Help Spread the Word: Send This Ad to Your Friends
http://moveon.org/pac/iraqad/index.html
*****
Last but not least if you haven't done so yet please Add your name to the petition in support of Senator Kennedy's legislation to block an escalation of troops in Iraq:
Reminder: The time is rapidly getting closer so please spread the word as some serious activism is needed if the Iraq war is going to stop. Bring the Peace Mandate to D.C. on January 27, 2007
Join CODEPINK 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!
http://www.codepink4peace.org/article.php?list=type&type=185
Posted by Robert_Burnsey_Koenig on January 18, 2007 at 06:52 PM
We both agree that FEMA's management under "Brownie's" tenure was a joke. But that article that you cite stated that you cannot receive benefits except on your primary residence. A college dormitory is not a primary residence. Therefore, give my tax money back, prosecute those who don't, and fire the FEMA people who issued the checks in the first place.
There is no doubt in my mind we can split the evangelical vote and keep the Republicans in the "political wilderness" for at least another four decades.
Posted by BobVADemHawk-Gore-Clark2008 on January 18, 2007 at 06:41 PM
I was thinking more of the lines of bringing those in the church back to God...and get their vote too.
My Gawd, Brahamm of MN was just on for a 5 minute talk on the House floor!
She gave absolutely New meaning to the terms, SPIN, Rhetoric, Propoganda, just plain idiocy!
Those bad, bad Dems just passed policies to increase taxes! yadda yadda.
Dors, hope this broad is not your Rep!
Posted by Esmeralda on January 18, 2007 at 07:04 PM
Six of one, half a dozen of another...
I had the pleasure of listening to CSpan on my office computer today. The repugs could hear it in the outer offices...kinda got them bristled up.
No one there discusses news. They find me very odd. And I only got one reply from my election peers concerning the new HAVA bill. They better not moan if something negative comes out of it.
If Abraham Lincoln was a Democrat
We will be celebrating Lincoln’s birthday next month and I can already anticipate the Republican rhetoric on the national level about Bush’s greatness in comparison to Lincoln. During the previous election campaign a few months ago, the local Republican Party was pushing Lincoln over any other candidate. I wondered why that was so. I have now realized that the Republicans, at least locally here in Wisconsin, had no other viable (and living) candidate. During their campaign push, the following quote by Abraham Lincoln was presented:
“You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the small men by tearing down the big men. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot lift up the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer. You cannot build character and courage by taking away a man’s initiative and independence. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatreds. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.”
I have read and reread this quote countless times. I was perplexed as to the meaning of why this, above any other campaign message, was used to sway voters. I was perplexed because I was looking at this quote through the eyes of a Democrat. After realizing that, I have decided that if Abraham Lincoln were a Democrat, he would have said this:
“You will not weaken the strong by strengthening the weak. You will not tear down the big men by helping the small men. You will not destroy the rich by helping the poor. You will not pull down the wage payer by lifting up the wage earner. You will not take away a man’s initiative and independence by building character and courage. You will not incite class hatreds by furthering brotherhood. You will not permanently help others what you, yourself, do not have the ability to accomplish first.”
Posted by BobVADemHawk-Gore-Clark2008 on January 18, 2007 at 07:08 PM
;)
I'm in a mood tonight, Bob. Stir crazy. Lots of bulb, plants & seed books on my kitchen table has me antsy!
Posted by BobVADemHawk-Gore-Clark2008 on January 18, 2007 at 07:02 PM
Well, when I was in college, my dorm was my primary residence as I had no family home. And if you look at the section I posted, they approved over 3,000 claims from this schools address. Then it took 2 months to get them the money. If they applied and were honest about being in school and this was their dorm, as the one said he did, then why did it get approved?
The folks were honest and it wasn't just 1 or 2 people trying a scam. Their loss was real and someone in FEMA seemed to agree. I think they deserve the funds, and if FEMA believes the school's insurance company is responsible to repay the students, then FEMA should go after the school, not the people they erroneously approved. But that's just my take.
Posted by Esmeralda on January 18, 2007 at 07:12 PM
Es, you're the thoughtful, intelligent person you always are here. It is always a pleasure to debate with you. Good luck with the big horticulture project. I'm sure it will be well worth the effort come springtime.
Posted by Robert_Burnsey_Koenig on January 18, 2007 at 07:19 PM
Aw shucks, Burnsey, we'll just have to agree to disagree about this one though I understand where you're coming from and respect your opinion.
Coulter: Iraq is like Los Angeles
Peter King said Baghdad was just like Manhattan and now Coulter screeches that it's just like LA.
Crooks and Liars
hillary is on pbs news tonite. i am maintaining my anti-hype position on the 08 beauty contest at this early stage in the game but i must say listening to her she comes off very somber, sober and thoughtful.
also there is a superb interview with art buchwald wherein he gives his take on death ( he died last night ) and for me it was quite helpful.
Posted by Domingo on January 18, 2007 at 07:28 PM
Far be it from me to start endorsing the likes of Ann Coulter (aka Satan's Barbi doll) however, she is correct in one facet of that statement. Both cities are melting pot of culturally diverse people. The difference is law and order. L.A. has it; Baghdad, through the incompetence of the Bush administration, does not and will not in the forseeable future.
I guess she doesn't want to go "down the tubes" like she sees that fool, John McCain going, gregg.
Hillary Clinton, back from Iraq and facing a challenge from Obama, decides she's not so pro-war after all.
LA Times
The difference is law and order. L.A. has it; Baghdad, through the incompetence of the Bush administration, does not and will not in the forseeable future.
They'll have if Bush gets out of the way and let's them have it. He doesn't want them to have it because he wants to keep them weak and dependent on him so he can force them to sign over their oil to his cronies.
Obama will get my vote. Reid, Pelosi, Clinton and the other old-timers have been neck deep in the corrupt Washington machine and "third party" money for decades. Abramoff and Cunningham are the rule, not the exception. The system sacrifices a couple people every now and then to give the impression that everything is working fine.
Time for the "mainstream, experienced" Democrats to retire. They have no credibility anymore. In case you didn't notice, it's not their kind who won the last election. It's the populists, stupid.
Look at the fool laugh. The more death and destruction there is, the funnier he finds it.
On Countdown last night, Keith replayed an extended portion of President Bush's interview with Jim Lehrer where he displayed, once again, his increasing disconnect from reality. Afterwards, Jonathan Alter chimed in and broke down Mr. Bush's delusional nonsense and "Orwellian doublespeak."
To echo Bob Cesca's post over at HuffPo, it really bothers me when President Bush answers questions about the personal sacrifices in Iraq with a smile and a chuckle. I understand that his folksy demeanor helped him get elected but there is nothing funny about the thousands of deaths and trillions of dollars we're losing in Iraq. Nothing funny at all.
Crooks and Liars
Posted by The_Decider on January 18, 2007 at 07:52 PM
I respectfully disagree with your assessment. You stated,
Time for the "mainstream, experienced" Democrats to retire. They have no credibility anymore. In case you didn't notice, it's not their kind who won the last election. It's the populists, stupid.
It was the moderates and independents that won this election for us as polling data suggests. This country is bascially 30% conservative, 40% moderate, and 30% liberal based on the polling data I've seen over the years. It was those same moderates and independents that gave the Republicans the Congress in 1994 and the White House in 2000 and 2004 because we Democrats governed too far, in their opinions as shaped by various media outlets, to the left. The Republicans lost because they governed too far to the right. Former Sen. Edwards (D-NC) is a populist candidate. Let's see how well he does in the primaries. My guess is a distant third behind Clinton and Obama. Fourth, if my guy, VP Gore decides to run. I could be wrong. Let's see.
OK, I'm going home for sure this time. Y'all have a good night. Once again, thanks for the debate to everyone.
Hi Wysocki,
Abraham Lincoln never said that.
Erroneously attributed to ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Since the 1940s these “Ten Points” attributed to Lincoln have been widely reprinted. They have appeared in such places as magazines, Christmas cards, and the Congressional Record. The Library of Congress and Lincoln scholars believe that any connection made between Lincoln and the “Ten Points” is spurious.
It was William J. H. Boetcker, 1916
This country is bascially 30% conservative, 40% moderate, and 30% liberal based on the polling data I've seen over the years
Bob, polling I have seen, shows the same breakdown, however they do not call the 40% not party aligned as Moderates. They call them Independents/Swing voters.
I know lots of people here in this state for instance, who are basically a Conservative or a Liberal, who just chose not to declare a party when registering to vote.
They are listed as Unaffiliated here in this state.
I watch these people consistently favor either the right or the left, not a little bit of both.
A note from my spiritual leader in honor of the passing of Art Buchwald from
He'll Always Have Paris @ Salon
Art Buchwald said he came to the [Republican national] convention in order to see his pals, mostly other news people. He told our table about a column he had just written. The comical premise was that the Republican Party had attracted so many campaign contributions that it found itself with two billion dollars it couldn't spend. It decided to buy something nice for the American people. Here was the gift: a free week's bombing of Vietnam. (Miami Beach, Fla., 1972)
From "Wampeters, Foma & Granfallons," by Kurt Vonnegut (Delacorte Press/Seymour Lawrence, 1974)
It is always a pleasure to debate with you. Good luck with the big horticulture project. I'm sure it will be well worth the effort come springtime.
Posted by BobVADemHawk-Gore-Clark2008 on January 18, 2007 at 07:19 PM
hahaha! Dear Bob! I don't debate my good man! I leave that to those who enjoy that sort of thing. I prefer being a diplomat over a debater. It fits my nature.
Gardening is a lifestyle. It relieves stress, is good exercise, and has one on their knees digging in God's earth. Ya might as well send a word or two up while in that state of mind, body, & soul. Not only can you reap a yield of crops that feeds the body, a person who tends their plot could win yard of the month in their tiny hamlet. ;)
domingo, if you get a chance listen to her. i guess what struck me is that she already seemed much more presidential than bush ever seemed...and her thinking is pretty complex on things.
not asking anybody to contribute money or anything...still would rather have spitzer with one week on the job as governor of ny become president than most of the potential prom queens and kings being paraded around.
Here's something in the in the September 18, 1858 debate, racist Lincoln DID say:
I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races - that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of making voters or jurors of Negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And in as much as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race.
nice one fade. i am looking foward to reading his obit in the ny times tomorrow. he was really deep on the pbs interview.
So...anybody want to place bets about whether we are already involved in war with Iran? Is Bush building up forces for an invasion of that country? Some think so. What has anybody here heard about it?
I think we'll hear about the war we are in with Iran next Tuesday. Code speak, just like all his speeches.
cheney goes on Fox to fire up the neonuts, we get prime time bullshit.
Boo-hoo. The "Giggler" can dish it out, but he can't "take it".
WH Press Corpse Bans Roasting Bush At Upcoming Dinner
Rich Little won't be mentioning Iraq or ratings when he addresses the White House Correspondents' Dinner April 21.
Little said organizers of the event made it clear they don't want a repeat of last year's controversial appearance by Stephen Colbert, whose searing satire of President Bush and the White House press corps fell flat and apparently touched too many nerves.
"They got a lot of letters," Little said Tuesday. "I won't even mention the word 'Iraq.'"
"They don't want anyone knocking the president. He's really over the coals right now, and he's worried about his legacy," added Little, a longtime Las Vegas resident.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2007/Jan-17-Wed-2007/news/12023803.html
my guess why Sen. Clinton is still on the hawkish side...she knows we need to bomb Afghanistan to smithereens. One can't back off from the war when we "need" that one. Send more troops there now. The administration didn't do it right, but then, how could they profit? Anyway, Iran & Syria will attack us good and hard. I'd place bets that w is antagonizing.
Has anybody heard about Iran's nukes lately?
Just a quick hello to my fellow Democrats while I sit in a long late meeting at work (gotta love laptops and wireless networking).
Tonight I get to perform my duties as a duly elected PCO by participating and voting in our legislative district party re-organization meeting. There are also a couple of issues that should get some attention... the issue of "clean" elections, i.e. public funding, and the continuing saga of replacing the Alaska Way Viaduct, an elevated roadway that is a horrible eyesore and separates the downtown of Seattle from its waterfront. Our Democratic gov. has pretty much decided it is too expensive to build a tunnel and thus is trying to push a new elevated highway. I know my district is totally against a new elevated highway, so there should be some energetic discussion of this tonight.
As for Iran... it is very clear that Bush wants another war and he is totally detached from the reality that we don't have the troops for another war. I hope our generals will refuse an insane order, say one to invade, but I'm afraid I will be holding my breath until Bush's successor is sworn-in.
Ahmadinejad be damned
By Pepe Escobar
It's all over the Iranian press: President Mahmud Ahmadinejad, self-described "street cleaner of the people", is in deep political trouble at home, subjected to crossfire from conservatives and reformers alike. All the more ironic considering the biblical tsunami of Washington spin portraying Ahmadinejad as the newest "new Hitler" (Saddam Hussein, after all, fell victim to a lynch mob).
As far as geopolitical strategy is concerned, it's as if Ahmadinejad might be as clueless as his US counterpart, President George W Bush.
more @ Asia Times
we get prime time bullshit
I can't listen to it anymore. I just wait and read the reviews. But yeah, I think Bush is going to launch a war against Iran "just because he can."
Posted by fade2bluz on January 18, 2007 at 08:47 PM
oh goodie! 2 insane war freaks. good times are just around the corner!
Which country has the balls to overthrow their dictator?
Whose side is China on?
Debka files is an Israeli "Drudge" report. They have a banner that says Rice is bitching about daily breaches of Iran's nuclear agreement. I paraphrase. They're over there stirrin' it up, and there is floating headline that says Maliki can whoop ass in six months if the U.S. would only give him enough weaponry.
Iran is overplaying its hand in the belief that the US is weakened by setbacks in Iraq, says defense secretary Robert Gates
He spoke at US 5th Fleet HQ in Bahrain Thursday, Jan. 18, where he is supervising US military and naval preparations to stress the US presence in the Persian Gulf and American opposition to Iran’s nuclear plans. He added: "I think our difficulties have given the Iranians a tactical opportunity in the short term, but the United States is a very powerful country." Gates is also visiting Gulf capitals to underline the US commitment to defend its allies. Washington has been applying pressure on Iran for harboring networks attacking US troops in Iraq. Thursday, Gates met with US and coalition naval commanders in Bahrain to plan operations in the Persian Gulf including the arrival next month of another US aircraft carrier, the USS Stennis has taken aboard 80 fighter-bombers, and 600 more Patriot anti-missiles meant as a warning to Iran.
The secretary flew to Qatar for a private meeting with Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. Later, he visited an air base that hosts a high-tech war room which is the nerve center of all US and coalition air operations through the Middle East and Central Asia. Reporters traveling with the secretary of defense were prohibited from identifying the base or the country in which it is located.
In Tehran, president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in response to Gates’ activities: Iran is prepared for any possibility in the standoff with the West over its nuclear activities.
Wednesday night, Gates spent two hours with King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan at a royal hunting lodge outside Riyadh. They discussed Iran’s nuclear aspirations and US military moves in the Gulf and Iraq. DEBKAfile’s military sources report that the air and naval forces of the six member states of the GCC will hold a joint exercise next month codenamed Peninsula Shield.
Jacque, i'm hoping it's we the people, with the 51% majority leading the action. With our fearless leader in the House, we're six for six.
Rice, however, does pose a problem. And Steven Hawkings thinks we're entering a second nuclear age with horrifying environmental consquences.
'tini time--cheers!
Ahmadinejad might be as clueless as his US counterpart
Hm. I hope Bush will pay attention to that. Why not let Iran's citizens do to Ahmadinejad what we are hoping to do to Bush? If we make invasion moves, Ahmadinejad's poll ratings will soar. A country under attack will rally 'round its leader no matter how poor a job he's doing. Hey, look at us!
Hi {{{Mary}}}
Debka files would be one of the first to let us know if Israel strikes. That's the way it's supposed to be, with them doing the 'low level' nuclear strikes.
I've been eating chocolate and indulging in Stohli with reckless abandon. A few more fronts of this insanity and i might go back to rollin' my own.
Our Democratic gov. has pretty much decided it is too expensive to build a tunnel and thus is trying to push a new elevated highway. I know my district is totally against a new elevated highway, so there should be some energetic discussion of this tonight. Posted by Marc on January 18, 2007 at 08:46 PM
I know they already voted against the Mono-rail.
Is Lieberman the antichrist?
Posted by BlueinIdaho on January 17, 2007
The AC will have no desire of the love of a woman. So, it's either a woman, or a male homosexual.
Posted by Esmeralda on January 17, 2007
------------------
ROVE! Cheney is a good actor too. Notice how Dick and Lynne look together? No hand holding, and they look cold. I bet the girl was cooked up somehow.
Moron Bush puts our country in danger, again! He let his business buddy Osama attack us, and now this. Oh that's right, he doesn't know Osama and "never met the man". Just like he doesn't know Kenny "boy" Lay and Jack Abramoff and never met them either.
U.S. official: Chinese test missile obliterates satellite
China last week successfully used a missile to destroy an orbiting satellite, U.S. government officials told CNN on Thursday, in a test that could undermine relations with the West and pose a threat to satellites important to the U.S. military.
Low Earth-orbit satellites have become indispensable for U.S. military communications, GPS navigation for smart bombs and troops, and for real-time surveillance. The Chinese test highlights the satellites' vulnerability.
"If we, for instance, got into a conflict over Taiwan, one of the first things they'd probably do would be to shoot down all of our lower Earth-orbit spy satellites, putting out our eyes," said John Pike of globalsecurity.org, a Web site that compiles information on worldwide security issues.
"The thing that is surprising and disturbing is that [the Chinese] have chosen this moment to demonstrate a military capability that can only be aimed at the United States," he said.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/space/01/18/china.missile/index.html
That's another reason why they can't say Bill Clinton was the AC. LOL.
Doesn't it say that the church goers will support the AC too? We know who fits that one too.
I believe that it is time for our Congressional representatives to begin a necesary alteration of US Foreign Policy. First and foremost should be a moritorium on military exercises which may be perceived as threatening to other nations. There is no need to antagonize anyone, like Iran.
A few short years ago we found ourselves once again working with the Iranians. They assisted us in our effort to rid Afghanistan of terrorist training camps. Decades before this we had a very healthy trade relationship them.
Everything fell apart because we failed to respond appropriately to political/social developments there. We saw that the population was becoming disenfranchised with a government with extremely close ties to the United States and we failed to adjust. Were the decision, on the part of Iranians, made overnight and not after years of contemplation then we could say that we were powerless to alter the result, but that was not the case. Iranians rebelled after the United States and Iranian leaders failed to adapt to the changing political/social environment of Iran.
Our NeoCon friends like to simply blame one side or the other, as though political matters were so simple. Their attacks scheme demands that any person intelligent enough to seek an alternative to force be harshly criticized, if not ostrocized. As a matter of fact, NeoCons don't have any intension of practicing diplomacy, not even when their own countrymen (and women) are involved.
It's time to open the world's eyes and show them just how much their point of view concerning the Iranian threat has been manufactured and how much of that which we perceive to be a threatening posture is a result of unnecessary threats made against them by the Bush administration.
As stated before, I'm not a supporter, but the claims of his having no experience are bogus, and he's had more political experience than most of the last 4 Presidents....
Posted by Robert_Burnsey_Koenig on January 17, 2007
--------------------------
Actually, you'll find that the State Senate is LOTS of deal making, and IL is no exception.
I'm sorry, but the State Senate is nothing to write home about. And if he would've done really good, don't you think people would've picked him over Congressman Rush? After all, someone here said Rep. Rush was "ineffective," and being a BP could make him too radical. But no, Rush trounced him. So his backgound is NOT proven on the campaign trail, IMO.
As four the last 4 Presidents, Clinton and Bush had MAJOR EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE, expecially Clinton. Executive Exp. is VERY IMPORTANT.
You see, real leaders are EXECUTIVES first.
"The thing that is surprising and disturbing is that [the Chinese] have chosen this moment to demonstrate a military capability that can only be aimed at the United States," he said.
Posted by Domingo on January 18, 2007 at 09:16 PM
Thanks, willie d, that answers my question.
PoE
UnExplained Stuff
Throughout the Bible the Antichrist bears many titles: Son of Perdition, Man of Sin, Man of Lawlessness, the Prince of Destruction/Abomination, and the Beast. The prophet Daniel describes the man in great detail: He shall be an evil king who will "…exalt himself and magnify himself above every god and shall speak outrageous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper until the indignation is accomplished: for that which has been determined shall come to pass. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. But in his estate he shall (secretly) honor a god of forces and a god whom his fathers never knew. To these he will worship with gold and silver and with precious stones and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in his fortress with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many and shall divide the land for gain" (Daniel 11:36).
In both the prophecies of Daniel and John the Revelator, the evil king, the Antichrist, is associated with 10 rulers who give their power and allegiance to him in order to form a short-lived empire of bloodshed and destruction. "And the ten horns of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them, and he shall be diverse…and speak great words against the most high God and shall wear down the saints of the Highest One and think to make changes in times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand for three and one half years" (Daniel 7:24). "And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he comes, he must continue only for a short time" (Revelation 17:10).
oops! wrong one. here is what I wanted:
The Antichrist will reign for three and a half years (42 months).
After being released from the Abyss the Antichrist will begin a world-wide reign of terror which is scheduled to last three and a half years or 42 months. During this period virtually every person on earth will worship the Antichrist as God!
Dan.7: 25: And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Time = 1 year.
Times = 2 years.
Dividing of Times = half a year.
This makes a total of three and a half years or 42 months.
Rev.13: 5: And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
6: And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7: And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8: And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Honestly, I think I'm sick of executives who pretend to know everything because they've sucessfully managed personnel. These people are figure heads no matter how you look at it. It's organizational skills and leadership ability that we are talking about here, abilities which are possessed by millions of Americans. And, as in the private sector, there is no telling who is best able to juggle these responsibilities best. Heck, sometimes we find that people we'd thought had proven themselves had simply slipped through the cracks unnoticed. At least this is what we say when we find a supposedly experienced individual who fails to perform to expectations.
LET IT ALL OUT? can you handle it? well, I work in one of those bleeding heart liberal social programs. today the BIG boss came by. she reported that the federal government is cutting 80% of the funding to one of our programas. that's about 1 million dollars. every non profit organization (similiar to us) will face the same cut. the state and local governments are hoping to pick up the slack. also one of our programs is going to completely shut down. and it's called some sort of "deficit reduction" plan. in other words, Americans kids in foster care and people with disabilities are going into the street to pay for bush's war. and not only will they be on the street but people like me will be too. and so state taxes will go up. and then the lying right will pin that on the Democrats. that's all they ever say anyway "tax and spend tax and spend" think of the good we can do here instead of bombing and fueling a civil war in Iraq.
did you hear about o'reily's comments about that poor kidnapped boy? he said the kid liked being where he was with that psycho molesting him. keith o. said tonight that basically o'reily has finally crossed the line and deserves no place on a public stage. he is so right as always. maybe if we just ignore o'reily he will go away like skanky ann coulter did.
I've gotten quite a few shitty emails lately. I don't know whether it is from my adventures here or elsewhere but just let me inform you that YOU DON'T SCARE OR UPSET ME! I welcome your zealous opinions and if they aren't too long, boring and ignorant I might read them. and if you are really lucky maybe I will email you back.
Posted by Esmeralda on January 18, 2007 at 06:38 PM
I too would have drawn a hawk. When I see a hawk I know it is going to be a good day.
Have you ever seen the movie Lady Hawk?
Posted by Esmeralda on January 18, 2007 at 09:33 PM
Dick Cheney.....
evening dems
sadie- we are dealing with the same thing here in ohio with social services- over trillion dollars spent on war, massive tax cuts for the top 1% who own over 40% of everything= no money for anything else, higher state and local taxes and continued erosion of social services-
saw the conversation about "hawks" above- there's no getting around it, if you are a hawk who supports this kind of thing (going to war all over the globe to further the interests of one country, namely the u.s.), then you can't be for social services, internal infrastructure, national health care, good hospitals, etc. etc.- it means you have sided with the multi-nationals who do support our imperialistic adventures around the globe
just now reading this essay from "the nation" surveying several recent books on the state of our system- "the work cut out for us" by george scialabba- this section seemed appropriate to your comments sadie (and to the hawk discussion above):
The environment, antitrust, civil liberties, executive power, science policy, the electoral system, the separation of church and state--here too the record of the Bush Administration has been one of nearly unbroken success. That is, they have implemented nearly all the policies they wanted to, with very much the results they intended, however unfortunate for the rest of us. Even their national security policies have largely accomplished their real goals: to channel tens of billions of dollars to corporate cronies, to further undercut international law and institutions, to demonstrate the United States' awesomely destructive military technology, to distract the electorate from the Administration's domestic policies. Permanent bases in Iraq and regime change in Iran may be unattainable for now, but the costs the United States is willing to impose on anyone threatening its energy dominance have been made starkly clear. Malevolent people inclined to propose changing the currency of the international oil market from the dollar to something else, as Saddam did, can't say they haven't been warned. The security of most Americans has not been enhanced, but that was never the point.
looks like the democrats are writing and passing some legislation that people might actually want!
Senate passes Democrats’ ethics-lobbying bill
Measure designed to raise accountability; ban gifts, travel paid by lobbyists
Updated: 9 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - The Senate, responding to voter frustration with corruption and special interest influence in Washington, on Thursday overwhelmingly approved far-reaching ethics and lobbying reform legislation.
Under the bill, passed 96-2, senators will give up gifts and free travel from lobbyists, pay more for travel on corporate jets and make themselves more accountable for the pet projects they insert into bills.
Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who made the bill his first initiative as head of the Senate, called it the “most significant legislation in ethics and lobbying reform we’ve had in the history of this country.”
republicans get on board pelosi/reid train
everywhere the little piggies:
GSA Chief Scrutinized For Deal With Friend
No-Bid Contract A Mistake, She Says
By Scott Higham and Robert O'Harrow Jr.
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, January 19, 2007; Page A01
The chief of the U.S. General Services Administration attempted to give a no-bid contract to a company founded and operated by a longtime friend, sidestepping federal laws and regulations, according to interviews and documents obtained by The Washington Post.
Administrator Lurita Alexis Doan, a former government contractor appointed by President Bush, personally signed the deal to pay a division of her friend's public relations firm $20,000 for a 24-page report promoting the GSA's use of minority- and woman-owned businesses, the documents show.
The contract was terminated last summer after GSA lawyers and other agency officials pointed out possible procurement violations, including the failure to adequately justify the no-bid deal or have it reviewed in advance by trained procurement officers, officials said.
The GSA's Office of Inspector General has launched an investigation into the episode and briefed Justice Department lawyers, according to sources who said they were not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation. Officials at the inspector general's office and the Justice Department declined to comment.
oink,oink
Coburn, Brownbeck and Gregg. What a wild coincidence that last name on the list is, eh dere?
Under the agreement reached Thursday, the sponsor of the line-item veto amendment, Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., will be allowed to offer his proposal as part of the next bill to reach the Senate floor, a proposal to raise the minimum wage while giving small businesses several tax breaks. That will take place on Monday.
Keep those cards and letters flowing, boys and girls. Let Gregg know that if he's going to be buttboy for bushits line item veto, he will become much more well known than he might like.
Then-Sen. William Proxmire (D-Wis.) gave the deal one of his famous "Golden Fleece" awards for the misuse of tax dollars, saying Commerce already had 112 public relations employees.
We need a few more like Bill Proxmire, even though he was a little ahead of his time with hair plugs...bald is beautiful. but i digress
Doan said she has been misunderstood and is trying to do the best job she can.
that little vomit taste is coming up...
"I bring the sensibility of someone whose favorite song is the national anthem. I love this country," Doan said. "I was one of the chosen ones who has had a chance to really live all aspects of the American dream. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to give back."
okay, i'm going to vomit. be blessed. don't let the anti-you know who bite you in the ass...
With the passage of a bill today that rolls back subsidies to oil companies, the Democrats have accomplished their '100 Hours' campaign pledge — in 42 hours and 15 minutes.
Jane Hamsher had surgery today, she's okay...and Colbert with loofah boy...good stuff.
keep it lit~
it ain't the french revolution fade but i am more satisfied with the democratic congress so far than i thought i would be. and the new york times style section had high praise today for pelosi's fashion sense and i thought for sure they would snark her on that score....that giant red drape she had around her the other day freaked me out ( way too papal for me ) but the big city trend setters loved it!
and she seems to be able to stick the knife in without her victims even feeling it...hey mombo, mombo italiano!
nite fade.
GOOD EVENING,
Ya'll see Bill O'Liely on Colbert tonight? He got his azz handed to him on a plater. I LOVED it!
:)
Oh, it looks like everyone hit the sack already. I'm going to go gloat on HuffPo.
BBL,
Lurkers
:)
Gonzales hit on wiretap oversight delay
Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales was challenged yesterday by members of the Senate Judiciary Committee on why the Bush administration took more than five years to seek oversight by an independent court for its domestic terrorist-surveillance program.
"For years, this administration has engaged in warrantless wiretapping of Americans contrary to the law," said Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, Vermont Democrat and committee chairman. "I welcome the president's change of course to not reauthorize this program and to, instead, seek approval for all wiretaps from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, as the law requires.
"This reversal is a good first step, but there are still several outstanding questions that remain," Mr. Leahy said. "The president must also fully inform Congress and the American people about the contours of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court order authorizing this surveillance program and of the program itself."
Just peeking in to drop a link to my website it has a few bugs,yet. All of the designs on the one page are not opening, I think the SSI is correct now (on aoo pages).
The poetry and designs were done in college five years ago. It seems like 30 years ago. Haven't had time to play with it, maybe if this new job comes through I'll be able to upgrade and put some new things on it.
Oh well, I'm tired! All have a fine night and day ahead!!
China hails satellite killer - and stuns its rivals in space
In the first such test since the cold war era, the White House confirmed that China had used a medium-range ballistic missile, launched from the ground, to destroy an ageing weather satellite more than 500 miles into space. "We are aware of it and we are concerned, and we made it known," the White House spokesman, Tony Snow, told reporters.
Snow added that this doesn't change the GOP's ideological agenda to bankrupt the U.S. Government by eliminating capital gains taxes at home and letting estates worth over $2 million pass from generation to generation without paying taxes. He stated that the administration is grateful for the opportunity to place the country in hoc and borrow even money from the Chinese to advance the GOP's ideological agenda if the San Francisco liberal who controls the House lets them.
Snow stated that "The Bush tax cuts are American and any old Democratic liberal war horse who thinks otherwise is just doing Democratic liberal war horse stuff.
I am trying to think. What next? So what do we do now? Have you considered political suicide? Pardon me, when I cannot think of an answer I try to think of a question. No relationship exists between questions and answers. There is either an answer or a question. No middle ground exists. When I think in questions I have no answers. So it goes.
OK
I once rented a car or should I say once I had to go between two cities and I chose to drive? If traveling between two cities is necessary driving is the best option. Far better than flying or else. Driving is luxurious.
So I told a couple of my friends and they said,” I would like to go to San Diego too” When you are homeless one city is as good as another. Me too.
I rented a four wheel drive SUV. Rental cars all cost the same. Too much. So I got an SUV.
As I was driving along one of my friends asked,” Can I drive?”
Knock yourself out.
I am sure he could drive as surely as he had never driven a new car. So I let him. Before I explain why I let him drive the car I well tell you what he did.
Help me!
We had not driven a mile before he drove off the freeway and out into the desert. Off roading. Get it> Way fun! And so on.
He then chose the worst most impassible spot. Drove directly into it and hit the brakes.
So now we are stuck in the middle of the desert in a newly rented SUV and now, finally now, He asks, “What do we do now”?
And I said, “Bitch, it is time to send in the twins”.
Posted by DanaForshey on January 19, 2007 at 02:57 AM
;p
Posted by dorsano on January 19, 2007 at 02:17 AM
What China is doing freaks the heck out of me. If they damage our Sats, won't that effect the inernet? Now, that kind of threat is enough for us on the Left to urge the launch of a "pre-emptive" right there. Don't mess with our internet(s) access. (LOL) Seriously though, if they try anything, I'm sure there's a young Generation X Wizard who will be able to manuver around it and get the nation back up and running. I'm telling you. Todays Youth must not be underestimated. They learn stuff just being bored and playing around on the computer these days.
;p
Good Morning Dem's...I've deen waiting for someone else to show up before I posted, but finally gave up...get up you sleepy heads and lets get after it!!
Good morning goofoe and FOS
I'm here goodfoe, but getting ready to run. Gotta take Dad to local hospital for labs and the earlier one goes the better.
Everyone have a great day
FOS keep the faith :)
Peace \/
good morning goodfoe, j and fos.
here is some environmentalists reaction to the democratic congress:
Energizer Money
Enviros delighted with House Democrats' energy bill
By Amanda Griscom Little
17 Jan 2007
"I can't find anything wrong with it. Really, there is no catch. It's all good."
Let the record show that these contented words were spoken by an environmentalist -- Jim Presswood, a top lobbyist for the Natural Resources Defense Council to be exact. He's talking about the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007, introduced on Friday, which would repeal billions in tax breaks for the oil and gas industry and steer the resulting funds toward energy efficiency and renewable energy.
It's jarring to hear such a positive assessment from a member of the green community, which for six years has been consistently expressing disappointment and outrage over energy and environmental proposals in Washington, D.C. And Presswood isn't the only one kvelling over the legislation. At a press conference enviros held on the bill yesterday, participants were nearly in conniptions of excitement, and nary a quibble could be heard.
"It's a launch pad for our nation's new energy system ... a profound signal of change," said Jeff Rickert, senior vice president of the Apollo Alliance. "This is truly a stunning reversal from last year ... a huge opportunity for America," said Anna Aurilio, an environmental lobbyist for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. After the press conference, more than 70 enviros descended en masse on Capitol Hill to push the bill. Said Aurilio, "We've got all hands on deck."
from Grist
I went over to the UAW website and was reading "Solidarity" magazine...article about 40,000 new union members in Mich....seems that there are child care providers who care for children so that low income people can go to work...they get paid $1.80 per hr. per child by the statr of Mich. and have not had an increase in pay in 10 yrs. so they joined the UAW...rather interesting...possibly when Fade ot Esmeralda, one on the good blogers, come on line, they might go over and link the story back here....
Good morning Gregg....the pooch said to thank you for his share of the martunis last nite....he was grinin' and pickin' all nite...
good bloggers?? waddaya mean good bloggers!!!! well it did take fade and jen and lizzy and others about a year to teach me how to link stuff but now not only can link stuff but i can stuff links to make kielbasa...
is this the magazine goodfoe?
solidarity.com
Gregg...you're cracking me up buddy!...did the cashews arrive ok......
By J,
It was another slow night. I answered your email as well as sent you one. So enjoy and take care of yourself.
Gregg...yes, thats it...good morning FOS.....
Posted by goodfoe on January 19, 2007 at 07:23 AM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Good Morning,
:)
good morning fos. how is da wedda by u? here we actually have about a half inch of snow. i knew i was smart to spend four hundred dollars on snow tires.
goodfoe, not only did the cashews show up but so did a car load of nuts from the local asylum, there sitting by the woodstove in their gument issued pj's and i'm making them cashew pancakes and kielbasa...nice crowd.
good morning fos. how is da wedda by u? here we actually have about a half inch of snow. i knew i was smart to spend four hundred dollars on snow tires.
BRRRR! I'm so not liking this weather gregg. It's freezing out here. I wish I hasd snow tires, I hate slippin and sliden all over the place. At least it's not like OREGON. my Lord. Did you see those resports?
BRRRR! I'm so not liking this weather gregg. It's freezing out here. I wish I had snow tires, I hate slippin and sliden all over the place. At least it's not like OREGON. my Lord. Did you see those reports?
yes fos they have been bombarded all winter. a poster named kristen who lives out in the northwest has written about it some. be careful driving with or without snows...once you get on ice it doesn't matter much what you have for tires....and were the goddam seatbelt!!!! he said as if he were her father.
Good morning Greg, I wondered why my ears were burning. ;)
The snow here is gone and the kids finally went back to school yesterday after a week of snow days.
mornin' y'all,
SMU resisters with their own website saying NO to the bushit library!
Remember when Ohio vote fruad was a daily feature?
yes fos they have been bombarded all winter. a poster named kristen who lives out in the northwest has written about it some. be careful driving with or without snows...once you get on ice it doesn't matter much what you have for tires....and were the goddam seatbelt!!!! he said as if he were her father.
Posted by gregg on January 19, 2007 at 07:42 AM
That was just crazy. (YES DADDY) I do wear my seatbelt and I don't go out unless I really have to like today. I have to get a compuer desk today and we're having snow flurries. I hope it doesn't get worse. That's all I'm gonna do.
Kristen,
Did you have problems driving though?
Hi Fade,
I sent you a message.
:)
again we find that just by electing the democrats to run congress things start to make a little bit more sense than they did when the wing nuts were staffing all the levers of government:
A Coalition for Firm Limit on Emissions
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 —
Ten major companies with operations across the economy — utilities, manufacturing, petroleum, chemicals and financial services — have banded together with leading environmental groups to call for a firm nationwide limit on carbon dioxide emissions that would lead to reductions of 10 to 30 percent over the next 15 years.
A New Alliance in the Climate Debate Introduction of this group, which includes industry giants like General Electric, DuPont and Alcoa, is aimed at adding to the recent impetus for Congressional action on emissions controls and the creation of a market in which allowances to emit carbon dioxide could be traded in a way that achieves the greatest reduction at the lowest cost.
The diversity of the coalition — some members had already come out for other forms of emissions control, like a carbon tax or voluntary controls, but others had been silent on climate-change issues until now — could send a strong signal that businesses want to get ahead of the increasing political momentum for federal emissions controls, in part to ensure that their long-term interests are protected.
Many energy producers and manufacturers have expressed concern that various state efforts, if not coordinated, could lead to a scattershot system of regulation. Others worry that harsher measures, like a stiff tax on fossil fuels, the biggest contributor to global-warming gases, could be imposed if they do not reach a consensus on a legislative approach.
The group’s formal announcement is scheduled for Monday, the day before President Bush is to deliver his State of the Union address and offer the administration’s newest basket of proposals to promote energy security and combat global warming.
Aside from General Electric and Alcoa, Caterpillar is the leading manufacturing company among the group, which also includes four utilities — Duke Energy, based in North Carolina; PG&E of California; the FPL Group of Florida; and PNM Resources of New Mexico. The group counts the multinational oil company BP and Lehman Brothers as members as well.
it's not a panacea but industry feels the pressure, politicians feel the pressure, parents are worried and looking for a sense that the world will be habitable for their kids....these forces interact synergistically and just maybe we save the planet...a thirty percent reduction of co2 emmisions in the next 15 years in this country would be an amazing accomplishment
good morning kristen.
ok fos you can take the bmw suv to go to staples but put some gas in it!
Posted by gregg on January 19, 2007 at 07:51 AM
Great post.
:)
Okay EVERYONE have a great weekend. I'll TTYL!
Peace Out!
FOS, I didn't really have problems driving but I only went to the store and to get coffee(I'd brave ice storms for my morning Mocha) but it only takes an inch of snow to shut down school around here.
udge Postpones Start of CIA Leak Trial
- - - - - - - - - - - -
By MICHAEL J. SNIFFEN Associated Press Writer
January 18,2007 | WASHINGTON -- The prosecutor took a more aggressive stance and jury selection slowed so much in the CIA leak trial Thursday that the judge postponed opening statements until next Tuesday.
Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald successfully objected to the way defense lawyers for former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby were questioning prospective jurors. The lawyers had been asking for their opinions of top Bush administration officials and whether the officials lied to push the nation into the Iraq war.
"The jury will not be asked to render a verdict on the war or what they think of the war," Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald also changed his own questioning to put Libby's attorneys, Theodore Wells and William Jeffress, more on the defensive.
The slow pace elicited a rare display of legal humor when the judge and prosecutors returned before the defense from an afternoon break. Noticing his opponents' absence, Fitzgerald stepped to the podium and joked, "This may go faster, judge."
Libby, former aide to President Bush and chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, is charged with perjury and obstruction of the investigation into the disclosure in 2003 of the identity of CIA officer Valerie Plame. Her husband, ex-ambassador Joseph Wilson, claimed that the Bush administration lied about intelligence to get approval to invade Iraq.
U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton had hoped to have a jury of 12 and four alternates seated by Thursday and begin opening statements next Monday. But by day's end, only 30 potential jurors had been qualified.
And questions arose in nonpublic bench conferences about two who were qualified earlier; Walton said he would rule Friday on whether they now must be excused.
Walton needs to qualify 36 potential jurors because defense attorneys have 12 peremptory, or unexplained, strikes and prosecutors have eight.
After the defense got two jurors excused Thursday morning -- a woman who thought the war was a mistake and a man skeptical of all politicians -- Fitzgerald struck back.
He objected that defense lawyers were telling jurors the "case is about politics and the war" instead of just about Libby's alleged lies about his conversations with reporters regarding Plame. Wells quickly agreed to say instead that the war and administration candor about it were "background issues."
From then on, Fitzgerald began asking jurors right off the bat whether they could put aside personal views on the war or the administration and rule solely on evidence introduced at trial. Questioning after Fitzgerald, the defense then was forced to ask jurors what their opinions of the war were and see if they were willing to reverse themselves on whether those views would bias them.
Before that, defense lawyers had been the first to mention the war. They then asked jurors if there was any potential their views might bias them. Fitzgerald had been forced to come back and ask if they would try to put those aside.
Fade...good morning ...on all those emails I sent out to Dem Congressmen, I had just one reponse....from Bill Nelson in Florida....non commital, but at least he did respond....hope all is well with you.....have a great day!!!....John Boy.....
Good morning, John Boy--have a great day!
Keep up the good work, regardless of response rates, my friend. Hope it's thawing out for you. Be safe and well.
Fade...the ice is gone here in Spring...kids went back to school yesterday....thx....Oh, almost forgot, we mailed a copy of the book to the pres. of M.D. Anderson...just "strirring the pot" a little....John Boy...
{{{Kristen}}}
Are you ready for the schools to open?
Nice to see you so early, now that Cyn is sleeping in...
{{{FOS}}} drive ever so carefully, young lady. That Colbert was hilarious, wasn't it?
gregg, keep an eye on the kids.
"dog poop"..looks like freedom of political expression to me....
{{{Cyn}}}
my thoughts are with you, keep your hopes high!
John Boy, just don't send their junk mail back with a little load of dog poop smeared on it. Might be a problem....
Wow, it just dawned on me that today is FRIDAY!
keep it lit~
Just heard our (Independant) Senator Lieberman voice his opinions on Imus. He's admitted that Iraq is currently troubled by three wars and that the cause was the removal of Saddam Hussein from power. There is one war near Baghdad in which Sunni and Shia militia groups fight for control. There is another in Anbar Province in which Al-Queda fights to wrestle control from Sunni. Then there is another in the south in which Shia fight Shia.
This is what we've been trying to tell them for a long time. That Iraq is responding to the void of power created by our invasion. Iraqis fight for top billing and they don't generally care who they are fighting. Remember, Al-Queda in Iraq is as often populated by Iraqis and so the thought that they are not involved in this process is simply wrong.
The problem here is that Lieberman admits to not having considered any alternative to the current strategy that has failed time and time again. In fact, he openly admits to not being ready to begin that consideration. He would rather hope and pray that it does not come to that.
These men and women who support the president's strategy have tricked themselves into believing that the strategy has been changed and must be rescued from themselves. We can not allow these individuals to send to their deaths countless more American troops simply because they are not willing to consider an alternative to success on their terms. They must come to understand instead success on the terms currently defined by most Americans, which is an Iraq free of American military forces and working for itself to solve the problems that are uniquely Iraqi.
This is success for Iraq, as difficult as that is for others to accept. That Iraq should learn to solve its own problems is obvious, it's also the very definition of independence. It may not always be pretty, as it was not pretty here in the United States, but it is independence.
So the laid back 'ol Methodists don't want Bush's library at S.M.U.....hmmmm....knew there was something about those folks that I liked....
Marine...good post at 8:35...one thing I am not clear on,..why are the Shia fighting other Shia in the south?....
You know, Goodfoe, it just so happens that I know another John Boy. He's in his 80's now, is a veteran of the Navy of French/Mi'kmaq heritage. I still talk to him every now and again, although not daily as I did for some time. I find that I learn a lot from these exchanges.
Control, Goodfoe. All they want is control and they'll take it from whomever has it. The populations there are mainly Shia and so their is noone else from whom to wrestle control.
Marine...I'm doing a lot better today...yesterday was rough...thx forasking...about this Shia thing in the south,...the media has reported that the south is fairly peaceful and that the Britts are pulling 3-5000 troops out of the south...what's the real deal with this?.....
You know how people like to blame Shia/Sunni violence on long standing religious differences? Well these peoples argued but did not fight until we invaded Iraq. They have always had differing opinions but have not resorted to violence on such a large scale as they do now.
This is a cop-out. Some Americans would rather avoid any blame in this and blame religious difference. It is, however, obvious that something more stimulated the violence we see today. The removal of Saddam Hussein and the failure by our president to heed military recommendations regarding troop level requirements post invasion, for the purposes of maintaining order, are the culprits responsible for this violence. If you seek such a trigger mechanism regarding the religious based violence you will see that none exist until some time after chaos had already become the norm.
Marine...9:01...I agree completely...prob. needed 3-400,000 troops post invasion to "secure" the country....how you doing?...are you working on something else? did you see my post where I said that you and I should take our "nines" and go to the range together....in our next lifetime?....John Boy...
Marine...I'm doing a lot better today...yesterday was rough...thx forasking...about this Shia thing in the south,...the media has reported that the south is fairly peaceful and that the Britts are pulling 3-5000 troops out of the south...what's the real deal with this?.....
Posted by goodfoe on January 19, 2007 at 08:55 AM
I'm thinking that the Brits have come to the conclusion that they are not going to stop all Shia on Shia violence in the south. They are departing because they have done all that can be done by outsiders. There is obviously a limit to what can be done by those who do not understand the culture and do not wish to become a permanent part of the environment, and the Brits have reached that limit.
Marine...the Britts have it right, to bad Bush does not....
I'm doing good, John Boy. I am working on a couple things right now, which is why I'm leaving here in a minute. I did see your post regarding our "nines" and thought that I would enjoy a day at the range with one who most certainly has more experience than I with the weapon. I'm also fairly certain that I have an opening in my next lifetime. How about yourself? You're not booked solid yet are you?
By the way, that 400,000 troop mark was a bare minimum suggested by those officers who investigate the issue long before the invasion began. Even then it was suggested that the situation may deteriorate.
I've got to get moving now, John Boy. I'll talk to you later.
Marine...I'm up for that but I think you are hustling me just a little bit...It's harder to fire expert on the militaary range than it is on the civilian range...You will need to spot me some points when we go, other wise I will be forced to cheat and use my Colt National Match .45. ...if you are on your way out...have a great day!!!......John Boy....
Posted by Marine on January 19, 2007 at 09:11 AM
Your are correct. The Brits have it together. God willing, bush and cheney will resign and we can get on with getting back our country.
I read last week where the group that uses the Dooms Day Clock has moved the hands to 11:55.
The year 1953 was the last time the hands were above this at 11:58.
I heard a good theory yesterday. Some people, whose initials are bush and cheney, think that we are going all out to control all mideastern oil, no matter what the cost to America. They will do anything and get us into any conflict to reach this goal. I wonder where they got this idea?
Boy, that last post had a lot of errors. My fingers keep stumbling over the keys on this laptop.
Here in New Mexico we are expecting a snow storm centered over my house and dropping up to 4 inches of snow. This will be the fifth weekend in a row that we have had a snowstorm.
Good morning, everyone.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2805714
There may be a growing battle between Congress and President Bush over the Iraq War strategy, but new House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she won't block funding for additional troops.
Pelosi's position, revealed in an exclusive interview with ABC News' Diane Sawyer, comes days after a group of senators announced a bipartisan resolution condemning the Bush administration's plan to increase U.S. forces in Iraq by more than 20,000 troops.
JohnE....NEW THREAD....I'm over here in s e Texas...the ice just left us...not as bad as where you are......see you on the new thread...
Hi Wysocki,
Abraham Lincoln never said that.
Erroneously attributed to ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Since the 1940s these “Ten Points” attributed to Lincoln have been widely reprinted. They have appeared in such places as magazines, Christmas cards, and the Congressional Record. The Library of Congress and Lincoln scholars believe that any connection made between Lincoln and the “Ten Points” is spurious.
It was William J. H. Boetcker, 1916
Posted by fade2bluz on January 18, 2007 at 08:08 PM
fade,
Be that as it may about Lincoln not saying those things, the reverse sentiments that Wysocki gave are just the type of things Democrats should be putting out there.
johnedwrd,
We've had a lot of rain the past few weeks that delayed schools because of high water on the roads. I'd rather have snow than rain.
Actually, I'd like to just jump into spring so I can work in the gardens. Wishing my life away!
As four the last 4 Presidents, Clinton and Bush had MAJOR EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE, expecially Clinton. Executive Exp. is VERY IMPORTANT.
You see, real leaders are EXECUTIVES first.
Posted by Power_of_Equality on January 18, 2007 at 09:27 PM
Yea, and we see where that executive experience got us in regards to BUSH. An Iraq War, 1 trillion in debt for that war, illegal spying, the list could go on.
As I continue to state, Obama is not my candidate, I just think if you are going to be voicing opposition, then at least be honest.
And actually an FYI, the job description of Governor in Texas DOES not entail too much, it is a figurehead position much like the Queen of England...
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