Thursday Open Thread
Chat away...
Comments (268) «
guess who:
these are the folks who hit themselves in the face with garden rakes because it feels good when they stop.
I'm beginning to get a complex. Stephanie or Mike always put up a new thread when I get on a roll.
They ain't the only ones who can post news about the repugs. ;p
Gingrich assails Bush, Rove for GOP 'collapse'
President Bush has presided over a Republican Party in "collapse." Karl Rove's strategy in the 2004 presidential election was "maniacally dumb" for focusing so heavily on the conservative base, and the CIA, among other agencies, begs "radical transformation."
The words of Howard Dean, the Democratic National Committee chairman, perhaps? Or John Edwards, a Democratic candidate for president? House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of San Francisco, maybe?
None of the above.
Freshman Democrats work with 'rainmaker'
The class of 41 freshman House Democrats has selected a registered lobbyist to form its political action committee, in what ethics watchdogs and Republicans are calling a contradiction of their promise to end a "culture of corruption" in Washington.
Morning essie,
I just happened to have BBC-USA news on my TV this morning thanks to Tivo.
This station is just like faux news. The announcer was talking about Czheckoslovakia(sp?) and how the Russians are upset because we want to build a "radar" station in their country. "Russia is just trying to get back at the U.S. for their poor treatment in the 1990's." They are putting the whole thing on Bill Clinton.
What planet is this neoconservative moron from. bush and cheney started treating Russia like crap from the start. KKKrove and cheney omitted them from their "axis of evil" list.
Then they went on about the Czheck people. They are against the "radar" station because they are afraid of Russia. Russia supplies all of their electricity. The Czheck president was bad-mouthing Russia. There are and have been demonstrations against the U.S. but we certainly haven't seen it on our MSM.
Meanwhile the "Cold War" has started up again.
Russia is testing new missiles and we are continuing to treat them like crap.
LA Mayor To Endorse Clinton
Tied to the endorsement Clinton received today from Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, campaign strategist Mark Penn and pollster Sergio Bendixen have released a memo -- in both English and Spanish -- touting her strength among Hispanic voters in key February 5 states, and listing key Hispanic aides and endorsements she has received.
But we have a couple of questions: What happens to this support for Clinton if Richardson catches fire?
On Tuesday, members of a 911 truth activist group confronted former Mayor Rudy Giuliani at a New York fundraiser about the fall of the World Trade Center.
"How come people in the buildings weren't notified?" asked one member of the group. "And how can you sleep at night?"
Giuliani's politely-phrased response, caught by WNBC newscameras filming the event, was "I didn't know that the towers were going to collapse."
That response contradicts remarks the former New York City mayor made about being warned about the collapse during a phone interview with onetime ABC anchor Peter Jennings on September 11, 2001, as shown in a transcript WNBC obtained from the Giuliani 2008 campaign.
Giuliani told Jennings, "I--I went down to the scene and we set up headquarters at 75 Barkley Street, which was right there with the police commissioner, the fire commissioner, the head of emergency management, and we were operating out of there when we were told that the World Trade Center was going to collapse. And it did collapse before we could actually get out of the building, so we were trapped in the building for 10, 15 minutes, and finally found an exit and got out, walked north, and took a lot of people with us."
The following video from We Are Change and Infowars.com juxtaposes the two quotes.
good morning, bluzy, johne, everyone else.
I enjoyed a cup or two of coffee on the deck with the carpenter before he headed out to work, then took in a few minutes of morning joe before reading internet news. highs in the 80's today, with a chance of evening showers. I hope! my gardens need it!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
speaking of gardening, here's a plant I'm sure gg would love (maybe a few others here would as well)
Lion's Tail, Lion's Ear, Wild Dagga
I guess the Hottentot tribesmen smoke it. It will look great in my garden. ;)
good morning, John and Essie
can you guess who made that comment about the rake? i think it's exceptionally accurate.
wonder why there hasn't been more discussion about the Plame leak and the sentencing of criminal leaker Irving Libby...
Government's Sentencing Memorandum
one more, then I'm off to see the ultra sound of my grandchild. we're going to find out if it's a boy or a girl this morning. (i want a girl, pretty bird wants a son)
enjoy the day, everyone.
Clinton defends jet travel during Las Vegas campaign stop
gg made the comment about the rake, referring to s* & co.
I skipped the plame news this morning.
gotta hit the road. have a great day, all.
now, I'm really gonzo!
{{{bluzy}}} you know I read news from sources other than left leaning. I promise, I never read or watch fox though!!!
i hope you can tolerate the repugs in your office today. i'm at wits end. the repug dd gets her boyfriend to come in to intimidate me on a regular basis. sigh...
Think Progress:
Impeach Gonzales 2.0.
Robert Greenwald’s Brave New Films released the second online video that calls for the commencement of impeachment proceedings against Attorney General Alberto Gonzales (Watch the first video here). You can sign the petition here.
Good Morning Fade...saw all the work you did the other day...sure are glad you're on our side!....Have a great day!....John Boy.....
Posted by Esmeralda on May 31, 2007 at 08:18 AM
i feel your pain, sistah~and just wanted to 'flag' that piece
the Moonie news
Lie-man lost the Democratic primary. Notice how that fact is glossed over here--keep an eye on moveon.org. RNC emails confirm that they are a serious threat--much more than DNC.
ROBERTS: Is MoveOn.org losing relevance? And I ask that question because you did target Senator Joe Lieberman in 2006. He won, despite your best efforts to unseat him. You led a campaign against this wartime supplemental and it got passed.
Do you still have the clout you used to have?
PARISER: You know, I think, you know, our members are more active and more powerful than they've ever been. You know, I think you saw that in the first round of the supplemental where the Democrats, with our support, sent a bill to President Bush that did have timelines and did have teeth to end the war.
ROBERTS: Right, but you lost, so how do you explain that? PARISER: I think you saw that in the 2006 elections. Well, you know, I think some of the Democrats are not on that page yet, but what we have is we have a majority of the public, a vast majority, not just Democrats, but Independents and Republicans, who feel this war is a terrible mistake, and who are working through MoveOn and through other organizations to make a correction. And with that kind of -- with that kind of political wind at our back, you know, I think you're going to see a change in the policy in the near future.
ROBERTS: All right. Well, we'll take a look and see if you can be effective on that front.
{are you up the the challenge, folks?)
ACLU Sues Boeing Subsidiary for Participation in CIA Kidnapping and Torture Flights
NEW YORK - The American Civil Liberties Union today filed a federal lawsuit against Jeppesen Dataplan, Inc., a subsidiary of Boeing Company, on behalf of three victims of the United States government's unlawful "extraordinary rendition" program. The lawsuit charges that Jeppesen knowingly provided direct flight services to the CIA that enabled the clandestine transportation of Binyam Mohamed, Abou Elkassim Britel and Ahmed Agiza to secret overseas locations where they were subjected to torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
"American corporations should not be profiting from a CIA rendition program that is unlawful and contrary to core American values," said Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the ACLU. "Corporations that choose to participate in such activity can and should be held legally accountable."
another "suicide" at gitmo yesterday
Suicide Bombing in Fallujah
Leaves 25 Dead, 50 Wounded
Associated Press
BAGHDAD -- A suicide bomber hit a police-recruiting center in Fallujah on Thursday, killing at least 25 people and wounding 50, police said. U.S. forces backed by helicopter gunships clashed with suspected al Qaeda gunmen in western Baghdad in an engagement that lasted several hours.
At least 10 policemen were among the dead in the Fallujah attack, which occurred at about 11 a.m., according to a police official in the city who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to release the information. Fallujah, in restive Anbar province, is 40 miles west of Baghdad.
Police said the bomber detonated his explosives vest at the third of four checkpoints as he stood among recruits who were lining up to apply for jobs on the force. The center had only been opened on Saturday in a primary school in eastern Fallujah. The U.S. military and Iraqi army and police were running the center along with members of Anbar Salvation Council, a loose grouping of Sunni tribes that have banded together to fight al Qaeda.
morning JohnBoy,
Take care Essie and fade,
I heard on the CNN radio news yesterday that liverlips is going to Iraq. Did I hear that right?
That's a pretty plant Essie.
Yeah fade why aren't we hearing more about the Plame case. What is the result of the Subpeona to KKKarl for his emails. When are they going to charge these people for obstruction of justice. They are ignoring Congress and need to be (what do you do with a dog?) pull up hard on their collars to get their attention then slap them in jail. At least Nixon had the sense to resign. These people are so arrogant that nothing short of arrest and imprisonment will get their attention. Hitler and his cronies were the same way, very arrogant and considered themselves above the law.
It has to end.
Good Morning, ALL!
Johnedwrd, Holy Joe is already there, claiming that things are going swimmingly.
Lieberman Confronted By Troops In Iraq: ‘When Are We Going To Get Out Of Here?’
fade2bluz on May 31, 2007 at 08:32 AM
This concern is mine about the framing of the legislative defeat of the time limits of the Iraq occupation. This is exactly how the RNC will frame the issue in the future and the DNC better be prepared to counter it with the facts of this legislative defeat with talking points of their own.
Like, where were the Republicans to help pass this bill when they all (but two) voted nay? Where were the Republicans again when it came time to over ride Mr. Bush's veto? Why did the Republicans choose to vote for their politics instead of for the change that would end this occupation respectfully?
There ya go, three talking points. Can anybody add more to drive down this Republican misadventure and continuation of their occupation in Iraq? It is important for our democracy, and the Democratic party. No infighting, NO split and running. Give it back to them, it's the socially responsible thing to do.
Johnedwrd on May 31, 2007 at 09:31 AM
History tells how Hitler ended, but I doubt the same fate will partake this illicit regime we currently have.
Posted by davidual on May 31, 2007 at 09:50 AM
I have a feeling the neocons studied Hitler and learned from his mistakes. I have a feeling they would never go quietly or even think about suicide.
DPD on May 31, 2007 at 09:43 AM
Haha, and they laughed at Michael Dukakis(sp?) riding in that tank. Lie-man looks positively hideous in that flak jacket and helmet, and then saying real progress is being made? Well, hell then Joe take off that flak jacket and helmet and go for a long walk through despair.
Azrael,
I have a feeling this is going to lead to civil unrest in this country. Specifically, the U.S. military going after these mercenaries that have been so well funded by Mr. Bush. To top that off, I think that's why Mr. Bush is trying to completely wear out our military. It ain't gonna be pretty, and China and Russia are salivating over the outcome.
Clinton Says No to Indian Country
Candidate Refuses to Meet with the First Americans
May 30, 2007
Democratic presidential candidate Senator Hillary Clinton today became the first and only candidate to refuse an invitation to speak at a first-ever candidate forum in Indian Country. The forum, called Prez on the Rez by its organizers, the INDN's List Education Fund (ILEF), will be August 23, on the reservation of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians in Cabazon, Calif. Senator Clinton was invited to Prez on the Rez more than six months ago.
Kalyn Free, president of the Tulsa-based ILEF, said, "Hillary Clinton's willingness to ignore Indian voters on the campaign trail has made it clear that she lacks the courage to change lives in Indian Country."
"I'm both disappointed and astonished that Senator Clinton has turned her back on American Indians. By refusing to participate in this historic event, she lost an opportunity to inspire an entire generation of American Indians to engage in the democratic process. Sadly, that reflects the hollowness of her rhetoric and the narrowness of her vision," said Free. "Just as tribes are gaining recognition for building political power in key states throughout the country, Senator Clinton is ignoring the needs - large and small - of Indian People. We demand a president who truly cares about who we are, who has the courage to change the shameful state of life in Indian Country and throughout America, and who has the vision to build a society all Americans can be proud of. I'm disheartened to say that Senator Clinton has proven she is not that leader."
Free said Senator Clinton made "starting a conversation" about strengthening the middle class, making healthcare more affordable, and bolstering the lives of children and families, the centerpieces of her campaign. On each of these counts, reflected in a staggering array of statistics, Indian Country falls far behind the rest of the nation, yet her proposals - detailed over the past two weeks - reflect the priorities of her campaign: they ignore Indian Country entirely.
On Memorial Day, Senator Clinton declared expanded healthcare coverage "a moral imperative," and proposed a solution involving investments in modernizing medicine and eliminating waste in the industry. While these improvements may cut costs for the majority of Americans who already have access to adequate healthcare, it will do nothing for the 30 percent of Indians who lack health coverage and the millions more whose reservations lie far from the modern medical facilities Senator Clinton hopes to improve. The waiting list for new "priority" healthcare facilities in Indian Country is nearly 60 years. Tribal citizens need champions that are not afraid to increase funding for tribal health programs. The need for this health funding is staggering: life expectancy of Native Americans is nearly six years less than any other race or ethnic group in America and 13% of Native deaths occur in citizens under 25, a rate three times higher than the average U.S. population.
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights reported in 2003 that "American Indian youths are twice as likely to commit suicide. Native Americans are 630 percent more likely to die from alcoholism, 650 percent more likely to die from tuberculosis, 318 percent more likely to die from diabetes, and 204 percent more likely to suffer accidental death compared with other groups. "In a plan Senator Clinton outlined the following day, the Democrat proposed strengthening the middle class by protecting workers, reining in federal spending, punishing corporations that move jobs overseas, and supporting higher education. Yet outsourced jobs can hardly account for the 46% unemployment rate in Indian Country, where one in four live in poverty.
Clinton's indifference to Indian Country extends to the women and families that comprise its future. Free argues that Clinton should take a look at the lifelong disparities that face American Indians as they age, both on and off the reservation. A recent publication issued by Amnesty International reported one in three American Indian women will be raped at some point in their lives, a rate that is more than double that for non-Indian women. "The crisis of children and families in Indian Country continues to limit the opportunities for American Indians to build a better future, while Senator Clinton's willingness to ignore the state of Indians ensures the continuation of a terrible status quo," Free said.
INCONVENIENT MEMORIAL AND DEATH OF SOLDERS
The inconvenient death of solders and the mounting numbers of ceremony to honor them with burial rites have given way to group services in Texas and Washington to follow.
Fort Hood, Texas - Due to increase in death of solders, the base has changed it policy from individual services for the fallen solder to group rites of burial.
Fort Lewis, Washington – Brig. General William Troy, following the tradition of Texas group burial, have issued a memorandum on May 22 to have group burial rites.
What next?
Bulldozer burial rites for civilians and solders who died in Iraq, with mass grave ceremony and plow-over to reduce cost of inconvenient death.
It's so nice to see Laura Bush comfort all the people attending the first mass burial in Texas on May 8th.
Concerned
Posted by davidual on May 31, 2007 at 10:03 AM
The mercenaries could have up to 150,000 troops. How accurate that is? who knows. If they are getting better equipment then our men which I am sure they are then you may be right. Our troops can be used as "pawns" to the slaughter while the "Rooks, Bishops, Knights, Kings, and Queens" take time to make their moves and enhance their private military.
If this happens then it will take alot of courage by regular citizens to stand up. If it happens regular citizens will have mass casualties. Russia and China would love to see a second revolutionary war in the USA. Even if the regular citizens won somehow then we become severley weak and have to fight off other countries from our land.
This sure sounds like a nice fictional book to write but someday it could be fact.
For Lieber-rouser! I think the depiction of the puppet in this video is so fitting of the Independent class clown, but he's so cute!
Mornin' {{Y'all}},
Azrael: That "some day" is a lot closer than anyone is comfortable admitting. There seems little question that the Bushmahdi-Cheneyburton private (highly unconstitutional and illegal) militia would turn arms on fellow Americans. They already did, with impunity, in NOLA.
However, they alone aren't enough to hold down an enraged and righteously patriotic resistance. What worries me is that the neoKKKons have the keys to the world's most dangerous arsenal -- and will not hesitate to smoke city after city until they get their way. AFAIC, fine, they'll have my corpse, but they'll never get me to turn my back on the Constitution as they have.
Okay, okay it was a junior jumper, but a man a string is close enough for Liebermanwork!
From todays QT column:
Feel safer now?
From the Annals of the Federal Bureau of Police Squad (cont'd):
A TV director was detained for five hours by airport security in Los Angeles when he commented that he was there to "shoot a pilot."
Does the headline below say it all for the GOP? They are so strung out over Raygun, that they want to nominate an actor to portray an actor who was elected president decades ago. Why don't they just get to the ultimate conclusion where they dig up Ronnie and wheel him around on a handtruck. Is the nation ready for Presidency ala Weekend at Bernies???
Schneider: Can Thompson play the role of Reagan?
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/05/30/schneider.thompson/index.html
Look! The MSM has actually taken notice that this GOP candidate is as phony as Prince George's military experience...
Mitt Romney is the fastest-talking presidential candidate I have ever seen. He dashes through his stump speech like a racehorse in full gallop — he even looks a bit equine — his feet barely touching the ground as he skims the surface of issues. He conveys a sense of power and fluency — and fun. He has a self-deprecating sense of humor and uses it to good effect. But his speed of delivery also has an element of sleight of hand.
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1626721,00.html?xid=site-cnn-partner
BlueinIdaho on May 31, 2007 at 11:04 AM
Republicans just continue walking laterally as opposed to literally, they continue their besiege of liberals because they cannot be literal, it's just all a day in the life as a Republican.
Just as they loved Bush the younger's swagger, even when it turned into a stagger they refused to see the facts. Conservatives will never be literal!
AP) - WASHINGTON-A half-dozen federal investigations into the activities of Republican lawmakers are raising new worries for party leaders who hope to regain in 2008 the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives that they lost last November.
In recent weeks, two veteran Republicans surrendered prominent committee seats after FBI agents raided the offices of family businesses. Others have long-running investigations hanging over them. Some conservative activists are criticizing the party's handling of the matters.
http://news.lp.findlaw.com/ap/p/56/05-31-2007/f20900395144d5c7.html
I say we profile republicans the same as they wished to do to middle easterners. If they have an 'R' next to their name, arrest them, torture them and see if they admit to any crimes....
WASHINGTON — For more than 15 years, clean-cut, square-jawed Tom Heffelfinger was the embodiment of a tough Republican prosecutor. Named U.S. attorney for Minnesota in 1991, he won a series of high-profile white-collar crime and gun and explosives cases. By the time Heffelfinger resigned last year, his office had collected a string of awards and commendations from the Justice Department.
So it came as a surprise — and something of a mystery — when he turned up on a list of U.S. attorneys who had been targeted for firing.
Part of the reason, government documents and other evidence suggest, is that he tried to protect voting rights for Native Americans.
At a time when GOP activists wanted U.S. attorneys to concentrate on pursuing voter fraud cases, Heffelfinger's office was expressing deep concern about the effect of a state directive that could have the effect of discouraging Indians in Minnesota from casting ballots.
Good morning, all.
we are continuing to treat them like crap.
Posted by Johnedwrd on May 31, 2007 at 07:54 AM
Haven't you noticed, John. The Republicans treat everyone like crap.
* * * *
Schneider: Can Thompson play the role of Reagan?
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/05/30/schneider.thompson/index.html
Posted by BlueinIdaho on May 31, 2007 at 11:04 AM
Blue,
He couldn't even play the role of a district attorney convincingly enough on NBC to keep the ratings from plummetng this season...shades of the bad actors from the DOJ scandal?
The network made it clear that if it wasn't so desperate, that show would have been cancelled this season. Thompson is just bailing out of a sinking boat...like most of the Republicans.
Reagan? Freddie doesn't have the likeable quality or sense of humor it would take to play Reagan. But he's already shown he could do justice to the role of Rush Limbaugh...commuinicating hate and bravado to the Base. It should make him an instant flob with moderate and Independent voters.
The Republican pundits have been saying all along that this guy is pretty boring on the stump. Without writers giving him something to say, he comes across stiffer than Al Gore. At least Spunky is funny when he tries to ad lib sounding intelligent and winging it on his own.
I think the GOP may have found someone to play Howard Taft.
I wonder what the "Good Luck" cake will look like? A subpoena?
Rove-Protege Tim Griffin Resigns As U.S. Attorney
This is the guy who is rumored to be Fred Thompson's campaign manager. How can he manage a campaign from prison?
Luckily, the rest of the world is watching our neoconservative adventures. This is what some say about Mr. Bush's pick for World Bank Chief:
Executive Director of the Global AIDS Alliance, Paul Zeitz said that Mr Zoellick "has been a close friend to the brand-name pharmaceutical industry".
"The bilateral trade agreements he has negotiated effectively block access to generic medication for millions of people.
"He has no significant experience in economic development in poor countries and from a public health standpoint, Zoellick is a terrible choice for World Bank President."
And Greenpeace International, citing Mr Zoellick's role in a US legal challenge to European restrictions on biotech crops and foods, said: "Once again Bush has put loyalty ahead of merit."
Robert Zoellick
Posted by DPD on May 31, 2007 at 11:44 AM
We all assume Libby will be working with Cheney from prison?
Gotta run. later.
I can't believe that fatboy Newt Gingrich is going to run. I guess he is going to announce it sometime this fall. What is the guy thinking??? He has to know that everybody hates him. I'm just amazed that some people will have the balls to run when even most in the GOP think he's nuts...wait a sec, they probably think he is the real deal. If they think that, they got another one coming.
Ziggy
www.FuzzySnake.com
Posted by davidual on May 31, 2007 at 11:47 AM
The bar has been lowered so much that all he has to do is slither under it. He'll probably grease up beforehand to make the transition seamless.
And that's what we are left with from this administration: a bunch of greased up republicans that have a knack for doing the limbo.
US economy weakest in four years
Worker at General Motors plant in Michigan
Firms have been cutting down on their supplies
The US economy grew at a pace of 0.6% in the first three months of 2007, its weakest rate in more than four years, official figures have shown.
Hit by Americans importing more goods and firms cutting their supply stockpiles, the figure was a downward revision on the initial 1.3% estimate.
The latest figure from the Commerce Department was also worse than market expectations of 0.8%.
It was the slowest rate of growth since the final three months of 2002.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6708395.stm
Man, I remember that time...and here am I again with unemployment almost expired. Sh**!
republicans that have a knack for doing the limbo.
Posted by BlueinIdaho on May 31, 2007 at 11:54 AM
And, I might add, forcing all in this country to live in limbo. It comes down to having to fear just the Republican party, and what atrocity they will employ on the American citizenry next.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said a recent ballistic missile test was in answer to US plans to create a defence shield in Central Europe.
Mr Putin said it was a "response to maintain the strategic balance in the world", in what he called a "new round of the arms race".
Putin may be an articulate leader, but what will the next president of Russia be like; Nikita Khrushchev?
We are still in our drought with no rain in sight for the majority of the state (FL)that will even begin to replenish the aquifer that has 17 million folks with a daily demand.
And our great Lake Ochechobee can actually be walked on in some places. With no sufficient water replenishing in two years, we have to wonder if those nine Atlantic hurricanes predicted might be some kind of blessing.
With golf courses being built rampantly by developers, where's the water going to come from?
Water, water. We need water.
GIG, might need a pipeline soon. :)
Peace \/
Another plant closing, kiss offs for all.
Hershey plant to kiss Oakdale goodbye
Globalization hits Oakdale, Calif., as Hershey moves its factory to Mexico. Protesters ask, 'Who's next?'
That plant was the largest employer there, according to the article.
I remember when Brach's Candy closed the world's largest candy factory and moved to Argentina. The last shift was on New Year's Eve, so there were none of those "See ya next year" jokes. At one time the place had several thousand workers, and now it's a deteriorating eyesore that looms over a devastated neighborhood.
In an interview with USA Today, the 64-year-old politician-turned-actor said he had already made his mind up and would test the waters in the coming weeks.
"I can't remember exactly the point I said, 'I'm going to do this'. But when I did, the thing that occurred to me [was], 'I'm going to tell people that I am thinking about it and see what kind of reaction I get to it'." [emphasis mine]
Well, at least he's got the Republican talking points down!!
BlueinIdaho:
You are correct when you say they have lowered the bar so low and so far to the right, if they ever had it their way, they would trash the first amendment and go crazy with the second amendment. This country is already turning into a shoot 'em up cowboy type of crap that I'm sick of. Newt is probably the lowest of them all, but watch out for Romney, who looks like a greased up used car salesman.
Never forget VATech
Posted by DPD on May 31, 2007 at 12:11 PM
The American people should keep tabs on these companies who move to hire cheap non represented workers. We should avoid as many of their producst as possible. Sure its a nice idea that the american public would never buy into, but talk about turning your back on the country that helped you become rich.
Clinton 'planned to divorce Hillary to be with one of his many lovers'
By WILLIAM LOWTHER - More by this author » Last updated at 20:13pm on 25th May 2007
Bill Clinton was ready to divorce Hillary to be with one of his lovers, according to a book out next month.
The marriage crisis is said to have ended with his wife talking him out of the move, telling a friend "there are worse things than infidelity".
The story is among a string of revelations in two books detailing Mrs Clinton's rise to the U.S. Senate and her push for the presidency.
Both works document her husband's many affairs when he was governor of Arkansas.
Carl Bernstein claims in A Woman in Charge that the love of the former president's life was business executive Marilyn Jo Jenkins.
According to the Watergate journalist, Miss Jenkins was spirited into the governor's mansion for a final, furtive meeting with him the day he left to claim the White House.
Miss Jenkins is said to have played such a "pivotal role" in Mr Clinton's life that in 1989 he offered to divorce Hillary to be with her.
The ensuing crisis apparently led to Betsey Wright, Mr Clinton's chief of staff, taking him to see a therapist.
Mrs Clinton later told her best friend Diane Blair that she believed the presidency would help her marriage because her husband's "sexual compulsions would be tempered by the White House and the ever-present press corps".
As Mr Bernstein makes clear, in light of the Monica Lewinsky scandal that turned out to be "a flawed assumption".
In the 640-page book, Bob Boorstin, who
worked for Mrs Clinton when she was trying to restructure the nation's healthcare system, blamed her for the collapse of her own plans.
"I find her to be among the most self-righteous people I've ever known," he told Mr Bernstein. "It's her great flaw."
Mark Fabiani, who defended the Clintons as White House counsel, said Hillary was "so tortured by the way she's been treated that she would do anything to get out of the situation.
"If that involved not being fully forthcoming, Mr Fabiani said she would say: 'I have a reason for not being forthcoming.'"
The second book, Her Way by New York Times reporters Jeff Gerth and Don Van Natta Jr, claims that Mrs Clinton hired a private detective to investigate one of her husband's mistresses.
According to the book, she ordered the detective to undermine Gennifer Flowers "until she is destroyed".
The incident took place when Mr Clinton was running for president in 1992.
Her Way looks in detail at Mrs Clinton's Senate vote in support of the Iraq war, suggesting she may have been motivated by a desire not to abandon her husband's toughon-Iraq policy and a need "to prove that she was tough".
Both books were leaked to the Washington Post yesterday ahead of publication next month.
The Post said Mrs Clinton emerges as a "complicated, sometimes compromised figure who tolerated Bill Clinton's brazen infidelity, pursued her policy and political goals with methodical drive".
The New York Senator, it said, had "occasionally skirted along the edge of the truth along the way" to power.
It said the books posed "a number of assertions and anecdotes that could confront her campaign with unwelcome questions".
Last night political analysts said the books would damage Mrs Clinton in the eyes of some voters. They added, however, that most would find little to surprise them in the allegations.
One of the most unsettling charges in Her Way is that the Clintons made a "secret plan" when they were in Arkansas in which they would each have two terms as president.
The authors said that even before the pair married, they formulated a "secret pact of ambition" aimed at the White House.
Mr Bernstein said that both Clintons went to great lengths to "keep the lid on his infidelities".
On one occasion Hillary personally interviewed one of her husband's lovers and helped persuade her to sign a statement saying she had never had sex with him.
Mrs Clinton's Senate office dismissed the books as offering no new material.
Her spokesman Philippe Reines told the Washington Post: "Is it possible to be quoted yawning? If past books on Mrs Clinton were cash for trash, these books are nothing more than cash for rehash."
Her campaign spokesman, Howard Wolfson, told the paper: "The news here is that it took three reporters nearly a decade to find no news.
"Two overwhelming Senate victories in the toughest media market in the country demonstrated that voters have put these issues behind them."
DPD on May 31, 2007 at 11:44 AM
One can only hope for a double here. One subpoena for Griffin and one for Rove, and then we can put them in matching orange suits, or red, and let the share a cell at the minimum security hotel.
blah, blah blah...Who the H cares what Bill did before he became Prez, while Prez, after Prez...etc.
Hey, btw, how many times did Gingrich and Gooooliani and all the other holier than thou greased GOPers dump their wives?
THE GOP DIVORCE SCORE
Number of divorces by the five top Republican presidential candidates:
Giuliani: 2
McCain: 1
Thompson: 1
Gingrich: 2
Romney: 0
blah, blah blah ...Who the H cares what Bill did before he became Prez, while Prez, after Prez...etc.
Posted by BlueinIdaho
Well, it seems Old Bill is out there in the public campaigning for his "bride" Hillary so I think that the American public does care about the character of this man. Also, Hillary's behavior during all this reveals much about her intense drive for power, albeit at the time through her presidential husband.
Now that she is a declared candidate it most certainly is an issue for the public's review.
Hey, btw, how many times did Gingrich and Gooooliani and all the other holier than thou greased GOPers dump their wives?
Divorce and remarriage is one issue, infidelity is quite another.
Wouldn't you agree?
I know that Rudy had two or three divorces, Newt had one or two himself. The others probably cheated on their wives while waving their finger at Bill Clinton. Such hypocrites.
BlueinIdaho on May 31, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Now do you see why I say that Rove and the repub spin/mud machine wanted Hillary to run for president, and spoke of it fondly almost two years ago?
I know that Rudy had two or three divorces, Newt had one or two himself. The others probably cheated on their wives while waving their finger at Bill Clinton. Such hypocrites.
Posted by Ziggy
That is quite an assumption based on the zero actual facts you have in your possession. An awful flimsy limb to climb out on.
Bill's infidelities are quite well known and well documented.
Divorce and remarriage is one issue, infidelity is quite another.
Wouldn't you agree?
Divorce and remarriage is one issue, infidelity is quite another.
Wouldn't you agree?
Posted by GoresAgenda on May 31, 2007 at 12:46 PM
It might be, except for the fact that at least one of the morons divorced the wife and married the mistress.
And if you want to get down to it, marriage is supposed to be a life long bond, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, till death do them part. Regardless of the conduct of either partner. Speaks better of the Clintons that they worked through their problems as far as I'm concerned. Period, end of story, go away now troll
Good afternoon fellow Democrats.
WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. military commanders are talking with Iraqi militants about cease- fires and other arrangements to try to stop the violence, the No. 2 American commander said Thursday.
Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno said he has authorized commanders to reach out to militants, tribes, religious leaders and others in the country that has been gripped by violence from a range of fronts including insurgents, sectarian rivals and common criminals.
"We are talking about cease-fires, and maybe signing some things that say they won't conduct operations against the government of Iraq or against coalition forces.," Odierno told Pentagon reporters in a video conference from Baghdad.
"It's just the beginning, so we have a lot of work to do on this," he said. "But we have restructured ourselves to organize to work this issue."
Odierno said the effort goes hand in hand with reconciliation efforts by the Iraqi government.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and other leaders are under increasing pressure from Washington to do more to achieve reconciliation among factions because, officials argue, no amount of military force can bring peace to the country without political peace.
Al-Maliki announced a national reconciliation proposal nearly a year ago that has made limited progress. It offered some amnesty to members of the Sunni-led insurgency and a change in a law that had removed senior members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party from their jobs.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Gee, I wonder how that is going to go over when for the last four years our guys have been kicking all the doors in around Iraq? Has the GOP finally come to its senses and decided to sue for peace? Is this a mixed message?
Mr. President, you have two options. Increase the force size to 500K and maintain that for about two years to secure the country like should have been done four years ago or remove all of the combat troops except those covering the Kurds and the Green Zone. In other words, bring the U.N. in or we get out.
Like I said, a bunch of greased republicans who can fool only the most gullible among us...
Not so long ago, the folks who marketed themselves as exemplars of traditional "family values" were insisting that President Bill Clinton should be thrown out of office for lying about his personal peccadilloes. Yet today, these same folks have anointed, as their front-runner, a thrice-married former mayor whose kids barely speak to him. And Rudy Giuliani's chief challenger is John McCain, a self-confessed youthful philanderer who courted his future second wife while still married to his first, then launched his political career with his second wife's money.
Newt Gingrich, who is now on his third marriage, and who famously cheated on his second wife while leading the impeachment crusade against Clinton.
Indeed, some religious conservatives still insist that private and public behavior are synonymous and that candidates should be judged accordingly. Richard Land, an influential leader who runs the Southern Baptist Convention, was dissing Giuliani on Fox News the other day when he said: "If a man will be dishonest to his wife, he'll be dishonest with anybody." Land was referring, in part, to the fact that Rudy's second wife didn't know she was kaput until she heard her husband announce it at a news conference.
http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/printedition/2007/05/23/edpolman0523.html
GoresAgenda on May 31, 2007 at 12:46 PM
I agree. So, tell me, what do you sense of Newt Gingrich divorcing his wife after she had been diagnosed with cancer? Oh, and I'm sure there was no infidelity there. Well, at least, not that was publicized all over the MSM.
However, I guess one must be a cut and dried republican to claim usage to Jesus's frame of 'Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.' The republicans cast many a stone, and then hid behind the sins of others to cover their own.
I, for one, did not need, nor do I want, to hear about anybodies sexual adventures. This totally depicted a media that was totally broken in the 1990's, and the republicans took the press to a new level of obliteration over the past seven years.
Don't take the bait. We all know about Newt at the hospital, and Rudy's presser with his GF announcing his divorce, and Thompson's losing out on the Veep job due to his rampant skirt chasing, and Ray-Gun abandoning his family for Nancy...
It obviously doesn't matter to the Pug "Base". Just another hypocrite's talking point.
Posted by BlueinIdaho on May 31, 2007 at 01:04 PM
What I find amusing about the whole thing is that you hear the religious conservative leaders screaming about adultery all the way up until when? You guessed it...all the way until they get caught in it themselves. Then it's all about "forgiveness and redemption".
Seriously, which ones haven't been caught yet?
Posted by GregL on May 31, 2007 at 01:01 PM
Take pity on the troll. When you get all your news from Hannity and Limbaugh, what do you expect?
Personally, I couldn't care less if Bill slept with a mule and brayed at the moon while he was president. If the current person in the WH would spend more time screwing other women and less time screwing our country, we would all be the better for it.
Posted by HillWilliam4Edwards08 on May 31, 2007 at 10:43 AM
Hey Hill...I know you're an x-vet so you would have got a kick out of this. The article is just on a year old, but is relevant. I think we can pretty much count on our own military sorting out the private contractors back here on home turf.
Their doing a great job over there!! :)
http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=12349
Twenty or 30 other Marines
watched and laughed, he added, as
a uniformed woman with a military dog snapped photographs. Taunts were made about the large salaries
of private security contractors, which are often more than $100,000 a year -- sometimes more than $200,000.
The gathering crowd of Marines was saying things like “how is that contractor money now,” said Blanchard, a Marine veteran.
The Marines tell a different story.
WASHINGTON - BY JAMES GORDON MEEK
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU
Thursday, May 31st 2007, 4:00 AM
The FBI has increased its use of secret search warrants over the past two years because of a "high tempo of terrorist activity," a top official said yesterday.
FBI Assistant Director John Miller said the 2,176 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act search warrants approved last year, compared with only 1,754 granted in 2005, mostly targeted plotters inside America.
"We're seeing a very high tempo of terrorist activity, not just based on the cases you're seeing being brought in the United States," Miller said in an interview yesterday for C-SPAN's "Newsmaker" program.
Miller said the warrants, issued by a secret federal court in Washington, are usually not a "way to a prosecution," but are "an intelligence tool."
The FBI's chief spokesman - who as a TV newsman conducted a 1998 interview with Osama Bin Laden - echoed other counterterror officials who say the U.S. may have underestimated top Al Qaeda leaders' ability to oversee operations in recent years.
One measure is the record-high output of video and audio messages from Bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri.
Typically there has been "a two-year arc between major attacks to develop the plan and execute it," Miller said.
Al Qaeda is "on a bell curve and they're getting more effective" at planning new strikes while pushing propaganda to inspire others to "take that ball and run with it."
"They're counting on both happening at once," Miller said. "They're better at this than they were before and they're thinking about it differently."
So, UBL and his crew are using their roaming minutes and getting hit with overages? Perhaps they should get a plan with free nights and weekends.
Come on DHS, y'all should do better than this. How about disseminating some credible threat data. Until you do that, we all just sit back yawn and wait for the Special Report screen to flash up.
I agree. So, tell me, what do you sense of Newt Gingrich divorcing his wife after she had been diagnosed with cancer? Oh, and I'm sure there was no infidelity there. Well, at least, not that was publicized all over the MSM.
Posted by davidual
I say someone doing that would be of low character. Seeing how Newt Gingrich hasn't yet declared his candidacy, I could care less. Issue at hand is declared candidates like Hillary. Someone who may desire it but does declare is a mute issue with me.
However, I guess one must be a cut and dried republican to claim usage to Jesus's frame of 'Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.' The republicans cast many a stone, and then hid behind the sins of others to cover their own.
This is politics. Secular. Adultery is still a civil violation of a civil contract of marriage.
I, for one, did not need, nor do I want, to hear about anybodies sexual adventures. This totally depicted a media that was totally broken in the 1990's, and the republicans took the press to a new level of obliteration over the past seven years.
Unfortunately (or fortunately) issues like this really do seem to be indicative of a person's personal character. Also, such behavior can be used to blackmail and could be used to influence policies and decisions.
Serious business.
OMG Troll! Even my cat is laughing at you now!
bahahahahaha...snort...
Posted by BlueinIdaho
Take pity on the troll. When you get all your news from Hannity and Limbaugh, what do you expect?
Actually, my first post was from the UK Daily Mail
Personally, I couldn't care less if Bill slept with a mule and brayed at the moon while he was president. If the current person in the WH would spend more time screwing other women and less time screwing our country, we would all be the better for it.
I think most people of reputable character would have problem accepting a president who slept with a mule. People expect higher morals of their leadership.
Serious buisness.
Many killed in Iraq suicide bomb
At least 20 people have been killed in a suicide bombing at a police recruitment centre in the Iraqi city of Falluja, police say.
Dozens more people were wounded in the attack.
Full Story:
Divorce and remarriage is one issue, infidelity is quite another.
Sonofabitch...where do these primates come from? Honest to God, they must walk with their hands.
Ok, lets use your logic. Your statement is correct but can not be used to support your argument.
Familiar with the catholic church? Well even if you are not..here's how it works. If you can't practice fidelity in your marriage, you go in the box and confess your sin, recieve a free get out of jail card and bingo, you are sitting in the front row on Sunday.
But, get a divorce, go to the penalty box and unfortunately, no free get out of jail card and well, no communion for you. And if you decide to marry the mole that you had the affair with, that caused your divorce in the first place, you can't get married in the catholic church.
So pray tell oh calloused knuckled one, which sin does the church grade as worse than the other? Remember, you are debating with the wisdom of the Catholic Church which goes all the way back to 300 CE.
blah, blah blah ...Who the H cares what Bill did before he became Prez, while Prez, after Prez...etc.
Posted by BlueinIdaho
question is how many times was gingrich cheating on his wife during the impeachment procedings?
Good Morning to All,
Regarding the contractors being paid as “Solders of Fortune”, these people are not considered US military or military of any country; they are mercenaries therefore are not covered under Geneva Convention. A solder is sworn to protect his nation and obey his commanders. A mercenary is entering warfare under his/her own accord for purpose of monetary gain. Solders of Fortune and mercenary are not under USA protection. They are hired to secure protection for others, not for USA military to defend these profiteers. For all intensive purpose these Solders of Fortune are enemy combatants without country.
If anyone wants to argue to the contrary, then please explain when it became the mission of USA military to protect war profiteers?
Concerned
The REAL question is why was Gannon/Guckert sleeping over in the White House every time Laura went to Crapford?
Remember, you are debating with the wisdom of the Catholic Church which goes all the way back to 300 CE.
Posted by gnois
No, you're debating that, not me. I said Bill Clinton committed adultry.
adultery
Consensual sexual relations by a married person with someone other than his or her spouse. In many states, adultery is technically a crime, though people are rarely prosecuted for it. In states that have retained fault grounds for divorce, adultery is always sufficient grounds for a divorce.
I don't think Bill and Hillary are Catholics. They were married legally so what he did was a violation of civil law.
You crazy troll - get out of here! You're like all the other right-wing crazies out there (O'Reily, Rush, etc.). C'mon man, you don't think slick snakes like Romney never had an affair. But really, who cares if they did or not. I really could care less if Bill was screwing 72 virgins, at least he didn't screw the country like Bushie is doing now w/ this war ( $3 Billion a week)! Get real dude.
Posted by goodfoe on May 31, 2007 at 01:34 PM
In every sense of the debate, the equalizing factor will be this. You can't pay more money to somebody doing the same job. Our military boys and gals would see private military contractors for exactly what they are. High paid Hired Guns.
Now, if I'm a grunt over there on $50.00 a day and I spot a hired gun grunt making four times that....what's going through my mind??
And don't be surprised if it doesn't spill over to here when it's all said and done. Could be another Blood and Crips thing.
This private military thing is going to melt down. There are probably a whole bunch of incidents that don't get reported or get buried. If you are a private military contractor over there, you are probably being shot at from all sides.
don't think Bill and Hillary are Catholics. They were married legally so what he did was a violation of civil law.
where on a civil marriage certificate is this printed? or is it just implied? i just looked on mine and there really are no rules listed on it. i wish there was so i could sue/imprison my wife over the honor/obey rule Ha-Ha j/k
Good Day to All,
C-WOT!
Isn't it just amazing whenever the repugnant x-tian reich begin to lose an argument or debate they resort to “Circular Waste of Time” ethics and moral debate of pure bull and imagination.
Isn’t there more important issues to debate than repugnant x-tian reich wing titillation of ethics and moral circular logic of he said, she said, they said and those people stated therefore it must be …. “REPUGNANT!”
This private military thing is going to melt down. There are probably a whole bunch of incidents that don't get reported or get buried. If you are a private military contractor over there, you are probably being shot at from all sides.
Posted by gnois
it sounded more to me like they were doing the firing on the Marines towers. P.S. where do insurgents get brand new white SUV's to trick everyone
I don't think Bill and Hillary are Catholics. They were married legally so what he did was a violation of civil law.
Posted by GoresAgenda on May 31, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Oh for Fuck's sake...(banging head on desk now) I didn't say they were Catholic...I was using it as a guide...for behaviorial conduct and the consequence of actions as determined by what is considered to be the #1 Christian authority on the orb we call earth.
So if I follow your literal interpetation of the law, Bill Clinton should have been punished and prosecuted under a civil law action and not impeached?
Right??
Now, before you reply, smack yourself in the front of your head real hard and make sure it hurts. Then if it does hurt, smack the back of your head real hard until that part hurts and your eyes water.
It will stimulate brain wave activity and remember, not until your eyes water.
Good Day to All,
Let me see, these are the things the repugnant x-tian reich support and supported:
1) Gambling
2) Vice
3) Anti-vice
4) Anti-gambling
5) Shock radio and television
6) Anti-shock radio and TV
7) Explicated sex on TV
8) Anti-sex on TV
It seems the repugnant x-tian reichs are profiteering from playing both sides of the ethics and moral game in a circular logic bull.
Posted by jimmyc451 on May 31, 2007 at 01:52 PM
Did you get your rib back?? My wife's origin apparently can be traced back to my rib and she wasn't all that impressed about that. Then theres that part about obeying and being subservient.
How's that going for ya'? :):)
where on a civil marriage certificate is this printed? or is it just implied? i just looked on mine and there really are no rules listed on it.
Posted by jimmyc451
Its the law. Just like all the laws dealing with the operation of an automobile aren't printed on the license on your wallet, the laws regarding marriage and divorce aren't on the marriage certificate.
State Divorce Laws: Alabama
Grounds for Filing: The Complaint for Divorce must declare the appropriate Alabama grounds upon which the divorce is being sought. The appropriate lawful ground will be that which the parties agree upon and can substantiate, or that which the filing spouse desires to prove to the court. The divorce grounds are as follows:
The circuit court has power to divorce persons from the bonds of matrimony, for the causes following:
No-Fault:
(1) Incompatibility of temperament that the parties can no longer live together.
(2) Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage and that further attempts at reconciliation are impractical or futile and not in the best interests of the parties or family.
(3) voluntary abandonment from bed and board for one year next preceding the filing of the complaint.
Fault:
(1) A party being physically and incurably incapacitated from entering into the marriage state. (2) adultery.
i wish there was so i could sue/imprison my wife over the honor/obey rule Ha-Ha j/k
Sorry you had an accident. The rules still apply.
Good Day to All,
Please change the dynamics of this debate and focus on the profiteers not their C-WOT issues.
Posted by BlueinIdaho on May 31, 2007 at 01:12 PM
Animal Sex??!!! You guys are way to liberal in Idaho. Hmmmmm....come to think of it. Idaho, long cold nights, small isolated population, lots of animals..
Yep...I'm thinking mule's baby.
To All,
If one engage in the C-WOT issue debate then the repugnant x-tain reich controls the debate. If one change the focus of the debate onto the profiteers who argue both sides of the C-WOT and fund the C-WOT then you control the moral high ground.
Stop getting sucked into ridiculous Circular Logic Waste of Time.
FOCUS:
1) The military and solders won the war.
2) The republicans lost the peace through incompetence, cronies, and war profiteers.
To All,
The message I want to spread is:
THE SOLDERS WON THE WAR, THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION AND REPUBLICANS LOST THE PEACE!
Divorce and remarriage is one issue, infidelity is quite another.
Wouldn't you agree?
it's a sin just to have the thought.
throw no stones, and all that jazz.
Posted by gnois
Oh for Fuck's sake...(banging head on desk now) I didn't say they were Catholic...I was using it as a guide...for behaviorial conduct and the consequence of actions as determined by what is considered to be the #1 Christian authority on the orb we call earth.
yes, you were using it as a guide but since being president is a civil position and marriage is a civil legal agreement, there is no use to bring in the Catholic Church or her laws. If you choose to use their laws as a guide in your life, so it be. You introduced that aspect into the discussion as a red herring. Sorry, I don't eat fish.
So if I follow your literal interpetation of the law, Bill Clinton should have been punished and prosecuted under a civil law action and not impeached?
You just mixed two issues. Technically, his crime of adultery if prosecuted, would be a matter of state law and of no consequence to congressional interest unless it was a felony. Lying under oath at a federal trial, the issue for which he was impeached, was a violation of a federal law.
Right??
Wrong.
To All,
The message:
Solders won the war!,
Bush lost the peace!,
tells the world who we support as proud American Democrats!!!
Ok, shit for brains. I asked you to do an exercise that would prevent you from possibly looking stupider than you already do. You didn't listen and this is the last time that I will ask you to repeat the exercise.
If you have to...smack harder or use something like a pot or a stainless steel fry pan. If you don't have any modern appliances, use a hammer and if you don't have that, look for a big rock.
For example, in Pennsylvania, adultery is technically punishable by 2 years of imprisonment or 18 months of treatment for insanity (for history, see Hamowy) (criminal statute repealed 1972), while in Michigan the Court of Appeals, the state's second-highest court, ruled that a little-known provision of state criminal law means that adultery carries a potential life sentence.[2] In Maryland, adultery is punishable by a fine of ten dollars. That being said, such statutes are typically considered blue laws and are rarely, if ever, enforced
Posted by gnois on May 31, 2007 at 02:01 PM
I'm from the first woman The Almighty made. I don't need no man rib to be a person. First there was the equal, then there was the helper. Lucky Adam. Now, when will we all believe we have power over all other living creatures? ;)
Genesis 1
26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, [b] and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
Genesis 2:22
22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib [a] he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Posted by HybridFuel on May 31, 2007 at 02:09 PM
Done, I promise :)
Ignore the Minnesota moron. His alter-ego will "pop up" soon anyway. They are LOSING big time, and so they are coming unglued. They see the handwriting on the wall, and it says "Get Lost, Pugs". The more they whine, the more we know we are right and they have always been wrong. The diaper comments can't be far behind.
Honestly,
Is infidelity of one man no-longer in office as important at the mass funeral burial of 17 solders who died this week!
In any debate one needs to understand, what are the conclusion of the arguments and debate before entering the discussion! So, what is the conclusion and argument of your debate about one man’s infidelity?
Do we need to put every man and women in jail for infidelity?
Capital punishment for infidelity?
Bedroom lose of privacy?
Where the hell do you think this circular logic of go nowhere debate is going? You are only driving the titillation new into profit from this debate. Is that your goal to drive money into the hands of titillation news profiteers!
Hybrid, the latest count is 122 and the month isn't over yet. This number only is for "confirmed" deaths of Soldiers murdered BY Bush in HIS occupation.
White House envisions "Korean model" in Iraq
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003728832_iraq31.html
Michael O'Hanlon, a defense analyst at Brookings
Institution, said Snow's comparison of Iraq to South Korea would hurt efforts to convince Iraqis and others that the United States does not plan an indefinite military stay.
"In trying to convey resolve, he conveys the presumption that we're going to be there for a long time," O'Hanlon said.
Hey, what do you think those pesky Shia's and Sunni's are gonna think when they read about the chimps plan to camp in the middle east for the next 50 years??
This will really piss them off.
Posted by gnois
Sonofabitch...where do these primates come from? Honest to God, they must walk with their hands.
Oh for Fuck's sake...
Ok, shit for brains. I asked you to do an exercise that would prevent you from possibly looking stupider than you already do.
Hmmmm... I see how this blog works...
You are all good friends who all think exactly alike and if someone says something you don't approve of you start with insults and profanities.
Quite the forum for discussion for issues.
Someone earlier posted an article that said: "Democratic presidential candidate Senator Hillary Clinton today became the first and only candidate to refuse an invitation to speak at a first-ever candidate forum in Indian Country.
Well, I guess that's OK to say because its about Indians.
Oh, BTW, seeing how this was a "first-ever" candidate forum in Indian Country, wouldn't it be an automatic that whatever she did, accept or decline, be automatic "first and only"?
Redundant statement.
Right?
these are the folks who hit themselves in the face with garden rakes because it feels good when they stop.
Posted by fade2bluz on May 31, 2007 at 07:49 AM
HAHAHAHAHA!! o gawd and I shouldn't even laugh cuz it's so freaking seriously TRUE that they are THAT S T U P I D O !!
I guess the Hottentot tribesmen smoke it. It will look great in my garden. ;)
Posted by Esmeralda on May 31, 2007 at 08:07 AM
woo HOO I'll smoke it! ;-) j/k hey we NEED some RAIN here 4 REAL!! What was beautiful green grass a week ago is now brown and dry and ready to burn.
HOLA DNC dudes and dudettes!
Pardon me while I catch up. I've got the puter for a bit. YAY! btw I'm back on the CLARK TRAIN! ;-)
Gnois,
Thank you,
Please drive the appropriate response we want from our politician and the correct message.
Our objective is not to drive profit into the hands of titillation news or x-tian reich or the repugnant party.
To American Democrats these are the enemies of our state. We must use the power of our word to convey the message that their actions are not condoned. We do not support what they are doing. At the same time we must send strong message on what we do support.
The repugnant x-tian reich have been having strategy sessions in churches all over the country. They are testing moral the ethical questions to regain power lost.
Do not let their test messages gain ground!
Do not get sucked into circular logic debates of go nowhere arguments!
Stay with the message!
Democrats believe:
OUR SOLDERS WON THE WAR!
BUSH LOST THE PEACE!
I found this out on the 'tubes' in response to the disgusting lack of representation provided to us by the Democratic leadership regarding teh war funding bill. It makes me sick but I AGREE with the writer.
"Equal Blame" = Disingenous Framing
Democratic complicity, like the cowardice and corruption which fuels it, is not some rippling mirage constructed in the fevered brains of frothing leftists.
The complicity of the Democratic Party is real. It has been since well before Day One of George W. Bush's Reign of Profitable Terror. Your response to that complicity is to assign liability to the war's architects and enablers as though you are an insurance representative handling a dented fender claim.
Has the Democratic Party done everything in its power to stop this war? We both know the answer to that question, Dems, even if only one of us will answer it. NO. I would add an emphatic far from it. You would likely disagree.
Play all the semantical games you want. It is, after all, your gig. But don't expect the rest of us to play along. Of course, we don't have to so long as there are millions of voters willing to give them another chance. Given the national propensity for self-delusion and magical thinking, the rest of us will always be outnumbered. That's okay, too, because the rest of us are damn tired of being forced into accommodating the rest of you.
One day, perhaps the rest of us will recognize the obstacles to democratic and Democratic reform, then confront them directly without the usual liberal angst. What separates progressives from our ideological ancestors is our unwillingness to make hard choices and take action. Until we overcome that weakness, we will be failures as citizens and as human beings.
The Republican Party sells fear. Fear of terrorists. Fear of liberals. Fear of impoverishment. Fear of oppression.
The Democrats sell fear, too: Fear of Republicans.
Both parties are selling the same can of botulism. Only the labels differ.
I used to think the Democratic Party which so often aided and abetted George W. Bush did not represent the voters who sustain it. Unfortunately, as your commentary increasingly reflects, that party is a fair representation of its rank & file. Talk about an ugly truth. Were it otherwise, there would be a serious campaign to exact a toll on the Democrats who actively and passively promote the NeoCon agenda. Instead, with the rarest of exceptions, their failures are rationalized and excused by the few centrist and "progressive" figures whose opinions are promulgated via corporate media. Funny how that works.
A party which cannot oppose a tyrant like George W. Bush possesses neither the qualifications nor the will to lead America out of the dark valley of fear. That the Republicans are likewise unfit to lead gives me no comfort. A coward is a coward and a crook is a crook regardless of political affiliation.
This Democratic Party needs to be destroyed so that something useful can be constructed in its place. I don't see that happening because, frankly, not enough people give a damn. By the time you're done prostituting yourself for the Democratic Beltway Elites, it is possible Americans will understand that an '08 Democratic "victory" - just like The Bush Years - will have been constructed from a mountain of lies and our own persistent suspension of disbelief.
So, by all means, go ahead and pin your hopes on an '08 White House victory. When the champaign corks are flying and you're signing up to play White House Spokesperson, remember that it will have been "won" by the needless death and misery of thousands of human beings.
this commentary provided courtesy of Arvin Hill Y
Posted by HybridFuel on May 31, 2007 at 02:40 PM
well THAT was profound!
OUR SOLDIERS WON THE WAR!
BUSH (and his lemming cabal) LOST THE PEACE!
Uh Oh, I think it's getting real close to "fall to floor and chew the carpet" time. Chimpy is starting to snap for real.
Report: In Meeting, ‘Wild-Eyed’ Bush Thumped Chest While Repeating ‘I Am The President!’
Clinton turned down an appearance at a 527 org of undetermined origin. Would you have wanted Kerry to attend a meeting of the SwiftBoaters for the Chimp?
That organization is NOT tax deductible, and therefore it's organizational set up is a mystery. They are so new that the IRS and Open Secrets don't have A THING about them on file. (I checked).
Give it up, tommy.
Guantanamo Saudi 'kills himself'
A Saudi Arabian prisoner has died in an apparent suicide at the US detention facility at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, the US military has said. You have five-and-a-half years of desperation there with no legal way out
Michael Ratner
US Center for Constitutional Rights
Full Story:
Canadian confirmed dead in Afghanistan helicopter crash
A Canadian was among seven NATO soldiers killed when their helicopter was reportedly shot down in southern Afghanistan, military officials confirmed on Thursday.
Full Story:
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/05/31/chinook-afghanistan.html
{{DPD}} when his scared little rat pals get OVER being so afraid of that "mental case" things may start to change in the house and senate
more little frightened RATS need to jump ship first! THE DECIDER is sinking fast, fast, fast boi!
lol some one should just slap him and send him to his room (a padded cell maybe). spoiled rotten son of a so and so and there was a most disturbing picture of cheney/wife and grand child in our newspaper today...... it was seriously a disturbing photo! i'm not sure which was more sick - the look on Lynne's face or dick's
There was more to Bill C's antics than just diddling a Whitehouse intern...
S P E C I A L R E P O R T
Clinton administration failed to monitor China's use of missile-technology exports
WHITE HOUSE IGNORED PENTAGON WARNINGS ABOUT
DIVERSION OF TECHNOLOGY TO CHINESE MILITARY.
BY MURRAY WAAS | The Clinton administration between 1993 and 1996 allowed numerous exports of potential ballistic-missile technology to the Chinese government despite China's refusal, in some instances, to allow inspections to assure that the technology was only being used for civilian purposes, according to classified documents and four U.S. government officials.
Moreover, as early as 1993, a classified Pentagon study raised questions about the possible diversion of U.S. technology by the Chinese military for China's ballistic-missile program, according to the documents and sources. Defense Department officials privately charge that the Clinton administration ignored its warnings regarding the potential diversions.
U.S. oversight of high-technology exports to China has been hampered by the fact that there has been no formal arrangement with China to allow for inspections, according to a Clinton administration official: "We don't have an agreement with China for postshipment verification checks."
Two senior administration officials told Salon that the Clinton administration has been quietly discussing with the Chinese the possibility of reaching an agreement to allow for inspections. "We have made it clear to them that our ability to license dual-use technology in the future will be in part dependent upon our ability to satisfy ourselves through our postshipment checks," said one senior official.
Last week, House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott announced that they were going to coordinate congressional investigations of the Clinton administration's China policy. Congressional Republicans demanded an investigation after the New York Times disclosed last week that the Clinton administration had granted a waiver to Loral Space and Technology Ltd. on February 18 to export communications satellite technology to China that might potentially assist China's ballistic-missile program.
Loral's chairman, Bernard Schwartz, has personally been the single largest campaign contributor to the national Democratic Party during the Clinton presidency, making $1.1 million in contributions in recent years.
When Loral was granted the waiver in February by the Clinton administration, the aerospace corporation was under investigation by the Justice Department for providing unauthorized assistance to China's ballistic-missile program. Justice Department officials were concerned that a waiver might make it tougher to bring a potential criminal prosecution against Loral.
Justice Department officials were reportedly not properly consulted before the administration's waiver decision. Loral has denied any wrongdoing, while the Justice Department continues its investigation.
In interviews with Salon, Clinton administration officials asserted that their policy regarding exports of "dual-use" technology -- advanced technological exports that have both civilian and military applications -- has been little different than that of the Reagan and Bush administrations. They also pointed out that the Chinese routinely denied inspections to the Bush administration. The officials contended that Republican criticism of Clinton's China policy has been motivated by partisanship.
Ironically, during the 1992 presidential campaign, then-candidate Bill Clinton accused the Bush administration of carrying out a failed foreign policy by allowing dual-use technology to Iraq -- prior to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait -- that had assisted Saddam Hussein in his efforts to develop ballistic missiles, and chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. During the '92 campaign, Clinton also criticized the Bush administration for its China export policy.
The flow of high-technology exports from the U.S. to China in recent years has been significant. Between 1990 and 1993 -- during both the Bush and Clinton presidencies -- the Commerce and State Departments approved a total of 67 dual-use technology export licenses, worth more than $530 million, to China, according to an April 1994 report by the General Accounting Office, the congressional watchdog agency. More recent figures have not yet been made public by the Clinton administration.
A highly classified 1993 Pentagon study circulated to other government agencies raised questions about the potential diversion by China of some U.S. technology exports for military purposes, according to documents and sources. The study, prepared by the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency, cited numerous examples of potential diversion of U.S. technology for use in China's ballistic-missile program.
The DIA report said that many of the technology exports' "end users" were connected to the Chinese military. The study pointed out that the Chinese military often oversees facilities and factories that produce both civilian and military goods. Further, it has been difficult for U.S. intelligence agencies to determine which companies in China are privately owned and operated and which are adjuncts of the Chinese military, the report pointed out.
Long after the shipments were made, U.S. intelligence agencies determined that a number of the end users of U.S. technology were in fact involved in the Chinese military's program to modernize its ballistic missiles.
The DIA report led to a debate about ballistic-missile technology exports to China among Defense, State and Commerce Department officials.
But the concerns raised by the DIA report were largely dismissed because of the ambiguity of the evidence, three officials recalled in interviews. A senior State Department official said the DIA's conclusions were "flimsy and speculative." According to the official, evidence in the Pentagon study had "hardly constituted a high enough threshold to consider changes in policy."
Shortly after the DIA completed its study, the CIA's nonproliferation center also weighed in with its own classified report on the same subject, according to documents and sources. The CIA concluded that the Pentagon study had overstated the technology diversion risk.
Two officials said they believed that the Pentagon's intelligence on export controls was sometimes skewed because of the Defense Department's historical opposition to exports: "They don't even want a personal computer that anyone can buy at Circuit City sent overseas," said one official.
A midlevel Pentagon official countered in an interview, however, that the dispute could have been resolved had the Clinton administration pressed China to allow for inspections of the end use of the U.S. technology.
But when the issue of inspections was raised by the U.S. embassy in Beijing, according to documents and sources, China simply refused to allow some inspections, despite the fact that the Chinese government had agreed in some instances to inspections as a condition for the technology exports. After China's refusal to allow the inspections, the State Department did not press the issue.
An April 1994 report by the Congressional GAO concluded -- as did the DIA study -- that efforts to monitor U.S. exports to China were "hampered by Chinese government reluctance to co-operate" with surveillance efforts. As a result, the report said, "The U.S. Embassy conducted no post-shipment verifications related to missile technology."
The U.S. government "cannot ensure that such U.S. exports to the People's Republic of China are kept from sensitive end users," stated the GAO report. "Our review indicates that a U.S. end-use check program to monitor license conditions has only marginal effectiveness for exports to China."
A single official in the U.S. embassy in Beijing was responsible for conducting prelicense checks, the report said. Making matters even worse was the fact that this embassy official's role has been "split between conducting checks and his trade promotion activities. The export controls function was secondary to the trade promotion role."
In 1996, two years after the GAO report, Loral chairman Bernard Schwartz cosigned a letter with the chairman of Lockheed Martin Marietta asking that President Clinton weaken even further controls of satellite-technology exports to China and other troubling nations. The chairmen of the two aerospace concerns asked Clinton to transfer approval of the satellite exports from the State Department to the Commerce Department.
Historically, the Commerce Department has favored more lax export controls, because its primary goal has been to promote overseas trade. The State Department, however, normally considers several foreign policy issues, such as nonproliferation and human rights concerns, as well as the promotion of overseas commerce.
"By making possible real 'one stop shopping' for all export authorizations related to commercial communications satellite systems, your decision will greatly enhance the ability of U.S. manufacturers to retain our global competitiveness," the chairmen of Loral and Martin Marietta wrote Clinton.
Over the objections of both the State and Defense Departments, sources said, President Clinton decided in favor of the aerospace corporations, transferring the primary approval of satellite-technology exports to Commerce.
Then, in February, Clinton signed the controversial export waiver for Loral.
Late last week, the White House declassified some records regarding the waiver in an effort to show that Clinton's decision had more to do with foreign policy than with campaign contributions from Loral's chairman.
A key document made public was a Feb. 12, 1998, memorandum to President Clinton from his National Security Advisor, Samuel R. Berger, which related that the State Department, Defense Department, the Arms Control and Disarmament and the National Security Council had all supported the waiver. Berger's memorandum underscored the importance of trade with China, observing that the Loral deal would "help maintain the competitiveness of U.S. satellite exporters in a most important satellite market."
A senior administration official, however, said it was hardly a case of the president simply doing what the bureaucracy wanted him to. "Despite the effort by the White House to distance the president from his own policy, this has been a president who has been fully engaged on this issue," said the official. "It's yet another example of them placing trade policy ahead of nonproliferation concerns."
May 29, 1998
Posted by gnois on May 31, 2007 at 02:09 PM
Them there are fightin' words! BTW, I'm a transplant, but I love it here. Also, may I suggest that you conclude your battle of wits with the unarmed troll?
I mean really, are we really talking about Clinton (and btw, that is Bill, not Hillary) and his philandering? Sins of the fathers, my a--, apparently wives bear the sins now too. What a crock of greasy republican cr-p.
He was a rather busy fellow...
The China Connection Is the Real Scandal
Now we know why the Democrats were so vicious in their attacks on Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN) and Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN). Theirs were the committees that were closing in on the China connection, the scandal that can bring down the Clinton presidency, the scandal that has made Congressmen start to utter the T word (treason). A series of front-page news stories in the New York Times (May 15, 16, 17) essentially vindicated Thompson's charge that the Chinese Communist Government tried to influence the 1996 U.S. election with campaign contributions.
Bill Clinton's friend and ubiquitous Democratic fundraiser Johnny Chung told Federal investigators that he funneled nearly $100,000 from the Communist Chinese military to the Democratic campaign in the summer of 1996. The money was handed to Chung by the daughter of the top commander of China's People's Liberation Army, General Liu Huaqing, who was also one of the top five members of the Chinese Communist Party's ruling Politburo.
Chung's liaisons with the Clinton Administration were so cozy that he was able to arrange for the daughter, who goes by the name of Lt. Col. Liu Chaoying, to get a speedy visa and come to America to be photographed with Clinton on July 22, 1996. She is what is called a "princeling," one of the privileged offspring of China's ruling elite. In addition to her title as Lieutenant Colonel in the People's Liberation Army, she is a senior manager and vice president for China Aerospace International Holdings, which is the Hong Kong arm of China Aerospace Corporation, a state-owned jewel in China's military-industrial complex, with interests in satellite technology, rocket launches, and missiles.
Johnny Chung told Federal investigators that Col. Liu actually gave him $300,000, which she said originated with China's military's intelligence arm, and told him to use the money for Democratic campaign contributions. He apparently kept $200,000 for his "businesses." Soon after the picture-taking fundraiser, Col. Liu had Chung open a California branch of Marswell Investing, another of her Hong Kong enterprises, whose chief "business" was parking Chinese money in the United States. She also invested $300,000 in Chung's facsimile business. Chung was quite a hustler; he visited Clinton's White House 49 times.
After fundraising investigations began last year, the Democratic National Committee returned $366,000 to Chung which were suspected of being illegal foreign contributions. Chung has pleaded guilty to campaign-related bank and tax fraud.
The Democrats' Largest Contributor
U.S. intelligence discovered in 1993 that China had sold missile technology to Pakistan. Because of bipartisan Congressional demands, Clinton barred the U.S. space industry from using Chinese rockets to launch their satellites. U.S. satellites were put on the "munitions" list, the list of our most sensitive military and intelligence-gathering technology. The reason these commercial satellites are important is because they carry technological secrets essential to "significant military and intelligence interests."
In June 1994, the CEO of Loral Space and Communications, Bernard Schwartz, made a $100,000 contribution to the Democratic National Committee. He then joined a Ron Brown trip to China that led to a $250 million telecommunications deal for Loral's satellites to be launched by Chinese rockets.
In October 1994, Clinton lifted the sanctions he had imposed on China for selling missile technology to Pakistan. In early 1995, Schwartz sent a letter to Clinton urging that responsibility for satellite-export licenses be shifted from the State Department to the Commerce Department. Meanwhile, both Schwartz and Johnny Chung made more huge donations, in excess of $100,000, to the Democratic Party.
On February 6, 1996, despite reports that China continued to export nuclear technology to Pakistan and missiles to Iran, and over the objections of our State and Defense Departments, Clinton signed waivers for four U.S. satellites to be launched by Chinese rockets. On the very same day, Wang Jun (a "Chinese arms dealer") attended one of Clinton's now-famous campaign coffees in the White House and spent some time in Ron Brown's Commerce Department office. Wang Jun owns a huge stake in a Chinese enterprise that benefited from Clinton's waivers, China International Trade and Investment Corporation.
On Feb. 15, 1996, the Chinese rocket launching a $200-million Loral satellite blew up. Without telling the U.S. Government, Loral scientists prepared a 200-page report advising China how to improve the guidance of its missiles and forwarded this helpful advice to China without Pentagon approval.
The rationale for allowing U.S. satellites to be launched by Chinese rockets is that the technology is safely locked up in a black box, and Americans monitor the launch to assure that it stays secured. But when the Loral rocket blew up, the parts were scattered. The Pentagon refused comment on the Drudge report that the Loral engineers who reviewed the recovered debris said that the encryption hardware was missing.
U.S. intelligence has reported that China has targeted 13 of its 18 CSS-4 long-range missiles against U.S. cities. The CIA says that China's targeting was made more accurate by Loral's unauthorized help. The Justice Department started a criminal investigation of Loral, and the State Department warned that Loral's actions were "criminal, likely to be indicted, knowing and unlawful."
In March 1996, despite the objections of Secretary of State Warren Christopher, the Defense Department and our intelligence agencies, Clinton personally transferred jurisdiction over satellite-export licensing from the State Department to his pal, Commerce Secretary Ron Brown. Meanwhile, Bernard Schwartz stepped up his contributions to the Democratic Party and became the largest single contributor in the 1996 election cycle. Clinton signed another waiver this year to allow Loral Space to export a satellite that is scheduled to be launched by the Chinese in November.
Congress is finally starting to realize that American national security is at stake. On May 20, the House voted 364 to 54 to ban the export of all satellites to China. And, by 417 to 4, the House passed a resolution warning Clinton not to enter into any new agreements with China involving space or missile technology during his forthcoming trip to Beijing. The resolution also rebuked Clinton by declaring that his decision to issue the waiver to Loral Space and Communications earlier this year was "not in the national interest of the United States," and instructed the President to indefinitely suspend all U.S. satellite exports to China, including a pending Loral deal.
The fact that Clinton personally issued the waivers to allow shipments of U.S. technology that greatly improved the accuracy and reliability of Communist China's missiles is grounds for impeachment, regardless of whether or not there was any quid pro quo for those decisions. U.S. space technology was just what China needs to make intercontinental ballistic missiles and point them more accurately at U.S. cities. And he did it despite the objections of the U.S. State Department, Defense Department, Justice Department, and intelligence agencies.
Because China shared U.S. technology and equipment with Pakistan, Clinton is also responsible for India starting the nuclear race in Asia. India has fought three wars with its neighbor, Pakistan, since the end of World War II and looks upon Pakistan's new military capabilities as a direct threat.
Clinton's policy decisions were, on their face, damaging and dangerous to U.S. national security. And the calendar provides an ominous frame of reference. When Clinton's policy decisions that dramatically benefited China's military capability and Loral's profits, and the hundreds of thousands of dollars of campaign donations from the Chinese government and from Loral, are all placed on the calendar, the sequence shows a pattern of corruption that cannot be ignored. That's the real campaign finance scandal.
The Chinese Military Threat
Communist China views the United States as its major adversary and is building an awesome military arsenal, with modern weapons, planes and missiles. China already has the world's largest army (3 million men), 5,000 combat aircraft, and 300 nuclear warheads. The Chinese shopping list includes aircraft carriers, missile-equipped warships, nuclear attack submarines, fighter aircraft, and land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles with multiple warheads.
China is capable of buying such costly, warlike luxuries only because of the U.S. cash that flows from the pockets of Americans, known as our trade deficit, which has been running about $40 billion a year for some years. That's enough money to build up a military/nuclear force capable of threatening the United States, as well as dominating the Pacific.
China's expansionist aspirations are no secret. Now that China has pocketed Hong Kong, China can turn its avaricious eyes on Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Guam, and even threaten the sailors of the U.S. Seventh Fleet. When China was harassing Taiwan during its election, General Chi of the People's Liberation Army crudely commented about China's ability to deliver a nuclear warhead on Los Angeles.
A classified Air Force report released in May 1997 warned that China's effort to build an advanced ICBM capability is "steadily increasing." The report stated that this missile "will be a significant threat not only to U.S. forces deployed in the Pacific theater, but to portions of the continental United States and to many of our allies."
China is determined not only to become a nuclear superpower but also a world-class industrial power, and the Communist bosses expect slave labor, theft, and U.S. folly to help them achieve those goals. They require a transfer of U.S. high technology as part of every business deal so that, in the next round, they expect to manufacture the goods without U.S. help and become a major exporter of cars, chemicals, steel, electronics, and aircraft. China has made several spectacular deals, which pretended to be merely commercial, but will vastly expand China's military and industrial espionage and subversive capabilities.
The China Ocean Shipping Company (Cosco), a 600-ship global shipping company controlled by the People's Liberation Army, is trying hard to acquire a 20-year lease on the U.S. Naval Shipyard in Long Beach. Clinton personally lobbied for the Cosco deal at a White House meeting in September 1995. U.S. taxpayers recently spent $500 million to modernize this deep-water port at the epicenter of our defense research and production in southern California. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) is trying to amend the Defense Authorization bill to stop the deal from going through.
A Cosco subsidiary made an agreement to lease the ports of Colon and Cristobal at both ends of the Panama Canal (the strategic American property that Jimmy Carter gave away). Another Cosco subsidiary made a deal for a shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, facilitated by a $138 million, 25-year, U.S.-taxpayer-subsidized loan guarantee. It was arranged under a 40-year-old Transportation Department program that was intended to help the American shipping industry.
Congress Must Stop Kowtowing to China
The vote on Most Favored Nation (MFN) status for Communist China is coming up again. Taking a principled position against MFN would give Republicans the high ground on morals, national security, and economics. It would put them on the side of human rights, freedom, fair trade, and jobs for Americans, while at the same time exposing Clinton's policy of abandoning human rights, exporting U.S. jobs, and endangering national security in order to get cash for his reelection.
We were promised that trade relations would encourage the Chinese Communists to become civilized members of the family of nations and open up a billion-person market. We gave them 17 years of MFN to prove it, and they flunked the test.
The Chinese cracked down brutally on all the brave Tiananmen Square youngsters in 1989. If we care about human rights, we must not forget those who marched with the papier-maché Statue of Liberty.
China leads the world in the persecution of people of all religious faiths, especially Christians. China bans all religious activity and expression unless directed by Communist Party officials. Priests have been arrested for saying Mass. Evangelical "house churches" have been disrupted and closed. Christians have been interned for "re-education." The police intimidate the people with anti-religious slogans painted in public places. China's policy of forced abortions, sterilizations, and infanticide is a festering scandal.
The Chinese are professional thieves. Chinese plants openly steal, then manufacture and sell, our computer software, video films, musical recordings, compact disks, books, and other intellectual property. These illegal products are sold all over the world, resulting in a loss to Americans of $2 billion a year.
In 1996, the Chinese were caught red-handed smuggling 2,000 AK-47 automatic assault rifles to Los Angeles street gangs. Our BATF uncovered a sophisticated operation, which must have enjoyed the complicity of the Chinese government, to sell weapons at a 400% mark-up to U.S. big-city gangs that want to wipe out their rivals. Those arrested had direct links to China's Defense Ministry, Deng Xiaoping's son-in-law, and arms dealer Wang Jun (the same one who attended a Clinton White House coffee).
Chinese "businessmen" are into weapons trafficking in a big way. China sells missiles, nuclear components, and chemical and germ warfare equipment to our enemies such as Libya, Iran and Iraq.
Why do the advocates of "free trade" and "global economy" continue to insult our intelligence with the fiction that friendly commercial relations will cause China to respect democracy and human rights? The evidence is overwhelming that China looks on the United States, not just as an economic competitor, but as the enemy.
U.S. trade with China is a one-way street: China sells to us but won't buy from us, resulting in our annual trade deficit with China of $40 billion. People who won't buy aren't much of a "market." China has a 35% tariff on U.S. goods going to China, while we have only a ridiculously low 2% tariff on Chinese products imported to America. Congress should impose a tariff on imported Chinese goods equal to the tariff they impose on our goods going into China. It's more important to reduce U.S. income taxes than to favor the people who want to buy imports from China made with slave labor.
Congress should reject Most Favored Nation (MFN) status for China and notify the World Trade Organization that, if it admits China, we pull out -- not only for national security reasons, not only because of its persecution of Christians, not only because of its massive theft of our intellectual property, not only because of its outrageous arms trafficking with our enemies, but also because of China's scandalous attempt to influence the 1996 American elections.
Congress should move rapidly with Congressional investigations of Asian attempts to influence U.S. policy through cash contributions to Bill Clinton and the Democratic National Committee.
Something more recent yet dead on...
China Acquires Missile Technology
Charles R. Smith
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The summer of 2006 was filled with missile news.
North Korea fired a volley of missiles right after Independence Day, followed by its first ever nuclear weapons test. Now the fireworks of 2007 may turn out to be even more exciting. May has been the month of missiles.
Satellite photos of a North Korea parade show that Kim Jung Il has been a busy dictator. The termite kingdom put an upgraded version of a 1960s Russian ballistic missile, the SSN-6, NATO codename "SERB," on display.
The 14-ton missile, which uses a storable liquid fuel, first entered service in 1968 on Russian ballistic missile submarines. The North Korea version is slightly modified with the addition of a second stage, which boosts the range of this missile to 3,000 miles. The new storable fuel also allows the North Korean army to move the missiles from site to site and fire them rapidly.
The missile's extended range has brought new concerns inside Tokyo and Washington because North Korea can now target U.S. bases on Okinawa, including the all-important Kadena airbase. North Korea is well aware that U.S. aircraft based at Kadena can respond to any crisis in the region. USAF B-2 stealth bombers and F-22 stealth fighters have recently been deployed to Kadena.
Ironically, the Clinton administration provided North Korea with detailed satellite photos of the air base at Kadena during the 1990s as part of an "earth resources" deal with China.
U.S. Dept. of Commerce documents show the Chinese satellite "remote Sensing Center" was supplied with "world class remote sensing data acquisition, processing, archive and distribution" equipment. The state-of-the-art satellite equipment was provided by Hughes Corp.
According to a 1997 Commerce Dept. report, the Clinton administration gave the Chinese "fine images of rural China and Beijing as well as Siberian port cities, Seoul, and Kadena Air Force Base on Okinawa." According to the same 1997 document, Commerce officials "were told that two North Koreans visited the station some time ago but did not buy any (satellite) imagery. The North Koreans do not have any significant earth resources satellite utilization capability." There are indications that Kim Jung Il will test his new rocket sometime this summer.
Japan has already witnessed a North Korean Tae Po Dong missile wing its way over the most populated islands in 1998. The new missile does not have the range of the Tae Po Dong, but any test is likely to pass over Japan and land in the Pacific Ocean.
China, not to be outdone by their North Korean comrades, has issued a nose cone load of new missile news. First, the U.S. Defense Department has determined the Chinese anti-satellite test was carried out by a newly developed mobile missile system.
Posted by BlueinIdaho on May 31, 2007 at 02:56 PM
agreed
the PUGS can't seem to get OVER Bill Clinton's being elected TWICE and probably would still be President (he was performing so well) if it was legal!
That just kills them that his POLLS are still so HIGH compared to their madhatter leader Wicked W.
I mean really, are we really talking about Clinton (and btw, that is Bill, not Hillary) and his philandering? Sins of the fathers, my a--, apparently wives bear the sins now too. What a crock of greasy republican cr-p.
Posted by BlueinIdaho
Same Clintons... rotten to the core. Hillary knew everything about how Bill ran his show and she's as guilty of treason as he is.
Posted by BlueinIdaho on May 31, 2007 at 02:56 PM
agreed
the PUGS can't seem to get OVER Bill Clinton's being elected TWICE and probably would still be President (he was performing so well) if it was legal!
That just kills them that his POLLS are still so HIGH compared to their madhatter leader Wicked W.
GoreAgenda,
Go check you information again. The guidance system and missile technology transfer to China occurred under Reagan and Bush I. This was an attempt by USA to destabilize USSR by cooperation with China! You stupid dork!
China saw USSR as a threat to its western boarder in the early 80’s and wanted a relationship with the west. USA and Europe saw this as an opportunity to destabilize USSR. That is why they started to send technology to China!
Mister half the news got it wrong again!
Oh, Jeeze Louise.
First we get an UNLINKED opinion piece from This Guy, then an article from 1998!!, then something from "The Phyllis Schlafly Report" on "The Eagle Forum" dated (once again) 1998!!
Why weren't the skirt chasers and child molesters in the Pug party bringing up charger 9 years ago instead of playing "gotcha" about a BJ? Because ALL of that was disproven.
HAHAHAAAA The Pugs got NUTTIN! Why aren't we hearing all about the wonderful attributes that their candidates will bring to the table?
Oh, that's right, they got nuttin'.
Posted by HybridFuel
The guidance system and missile technology transfer to China occurred under Reagan and Bush
Your drinking your hybrid ethanol fuel.
OK, once more for emphasis...
Note the dates... Clinton era.
Chinese Missile Allegations: Key Stories
Hughes Electronics and Loral Space & Communications Ltd. are both under investigation by the Justice Department and two Congressional committees for their role in transferring sensitive U.S. space technology to the Chinese after Hughes and Loral satellites were destroyed in two Chinese rocket explosions.
Panel Faults Space Aid to China
December 31, 1998
Two American aerospace companies damaged U.S. national security when they provided Chinese space engineers with technical rocketry data that could have assisted Beijing's ballistic missile program, a House committee concluded in a classified 700-page report.
U.S. Probes Company's Covert Operations
December 30, 1998
The rise and fall of Vector Microwave Research Corp., a firm in the business of covertly acquiring foreign weapons for the U.S. government, illustrates the awkward bargain that can result when intelligence agencies such as the CIA privatize covert operations.
Report Faults Hughes on Data Given China
December 9, 1998
A preliminary Defense Department assessment has concluded that Hughes Electronics Corp. provided China with information potentially damaging to U.S. national security following the 1995 crash of a Chinese rocket carrying a Hughes-built commercial satellite.
CIA Role in Satellite Case Spurs Probe
December 5, 1998
The Justice Department has initiated a criminal probe of the CIA to determine whether the agency obstructed justice when it provided information to Hughes Electronics Corp. about the scope of an ongoing congressional investigation into the transfer of sensitive U.S. space technology to China.
Hill Conferees Agree to Return Satellite Export Licensing to State
September 19, 1998
A House-Senate conference has agreed to transfer export licensing authority, reversing a 1996 decision by President Clinton that came under fire this year amid allegations of unauthorized technology transfers to China and favoritism to a big campaign contributor.
2 Executives Defend Hughes's China Deals
July 30, 1998
Two current and former high-ranking executives of Hughes Electronics Corp. defended their company's patriotism before a Senate committee, disputing suggestions that their practice of launching satellites in China helped Beijing's ballistic missile program.
All those articles are from 1998. History is all dates and facts. Clinton sold out the US for re-election funs so he and his odd-ball partner Al could get back into office.
I know that should bother you and it should have bothered his bride Hillary if any of you had souls.
I'm through with little tommy.
Check this date:
Charles R. Smith
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The summer of 2006 was filled with missile news.
Maybe Bubble-Boy should stop getting stone cold snockered EVERY summer and start doing his job. Maybe spend less time at his luxury estate in Crapford (The Lazy W "Ranch") and give his liver a rest.
Go check you information again. The guidance system and missile technology transfer to China occurred under Reagan and Bush I. This was an attempt by USA to destabilize USSR by cooperation with China! You stupid dork!
China saw USSR as a threat to its western boarder in the early 80’s and wanted a relationship with the west. USA and Europe saw this as an opportunity to destabilize USSR. That is why they started to send technology to China!
Mister half the news got it wrong again!
Posted by HybridFuel
Quote your information sources for this allegation .
Ok, Clinton was Baaaaad. Now can we move on to non-historical items of interest?
How many of the troops have died this month because the GOP doesn't want to admit they made a mistake?
How many lies were we told by the sitting president? By the VP?
How many innocent lives were lost in Iraq because republicans put politics over ethics and morals?
How much debt will our children have to bear because the republicans wanted to enrich their own pocketbooks?
How many jobs have been lost to hard working Americans because republicans looked the other way?
HOw many failed spending policies have the republicans created?
Oh, I could go on. Let me know when you've moved on to the year 2007. BTW, that 8track you listen to in your car is outdated.
Clintons are untrustworthy and the Bush clan are a bunch of fascist pigs. Pointless fighting going on here.
Posted by GoresAgenda on May 31, 2007 at 03:20 PM
you dare to use GORES name in your phoney attempt at truth???? Shameful and a sin to boot! You have no knowledge of ANY one's S O U L here. Keep adding the black marks in the book - as we have only pity for your worthless existence of hate and lies! (that goes to all the trolls here)
Oh, I could go on. Let me know when you've moved on to the year 2007. BTW, that 8track you listen to in your car is outdated.
Posted by BlueinIdaho
I will address those issues this evening.
Network censors dissenting general
CBS is not alone in icing out perspectives critical of the Iraq war, especially when it mattered. Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, a media watchdog group, did a study analyzing the major nightly newscasts for the two weeks surrounding then-Secretary of State Colin Powell's speech for war before the United Nations on Feb. 5, 2003. On the major evening newscasts on ABC, CBS, NBC and PBS, FAIR found 393 interviews on the issue of war, of which only three were with anti-war leaders. This, when a majority in the U.S. either opposed war or supported more time for inspections. This is not a mainstream media, but an extreme media, beating the drums for war.
you dare to use GORES name in your phoney attempt at truth???? Shameful and a sin to boot! You have no knowledge of ANY one's S O U L here. Keep adding the black marks in the book - as we have only pity for your worthless existence of hate and lies! (that goes to all the trolls here)
Posted by Dawnie
Oh, and where was deal old Al during all these shenanigans? Seems to me Bill used him as the bagman for the Buddhist money exchange. Yeah, good old clean hands Almer Gantry Gore.
He's as dangerous now as he was then...
Even more so as he's running a greater scam.
Global Warming my ass.
Don't bother. Bill ain't running, and he never invaded and occupied a country due to alcohol and cocaine abuse. And Hilary never murdered an ex-boyfriend.
Pointless fighting going on here.
Posted by AzraelsJudgement on May 31, 2007 at 03:23 PM
pretty much - yeap! :-\
GO WES IN 08!!
must go now.......
PEACE
have I missed something? is gw bush in office or al gore?
where is the gore parallel universe? I wanna live there!
USA and European Support for China,
The story about tech support for China is a difficult issue. ...but here are the background information to check to verify what I am stating with regards to China’s feeling of insecurity over USSR’s actions in the 70’s and 80’s:
1. USSR entered Afghanistan.
2) USSR gave aide to Pakistan who had ambitions in Cashmere and Nepal.
3) USSR support of Mongolia.
4) USSR support of North Korea.
5) USSR encroachment within the Gobi Desert of China.
You see China started to see USSR as a bigger threat for it’s stability than the West. China was getting challenged from the South, West and Northern boarders.
Go check the news. I am certain it will back my stories! That is why today China is very cooperative with the west in pushing forward economic development. Everyone is hoping this also translate to social freedoms. …let us hope for the best. It’s a big country with a history of peasant upheaval when there is economic or social injustice.
Concerned about false news!
AND
Al Gore can be dangerous around me ANY time! yea baby! ;-)
peace out {{{peeps}}
I will keep borrowing this thing until my kid disowns me......heehee! j/k I watch her dog so we are into bargaining!
Posted by Esmeralda on May 31, 2007 at 02:23 PM
Essie, is it possible that Eve came first???
Mitochondrial Eve
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitochondrial_Eve
Just as mitochondria are inherited matrilineally, Y-chromosomes are inherited patrilineally.[8] Thus it is possible to apply the same principles outlined above to men. The common patrilineal ancestor of all humans alive today has been dubbed Y-chromosomal Adam. Importantly, the genetic evidence suggests that the most recent patriarch of all humanity is much more recent than the most recent matriarch, suggesting that 'Adam' and 'Eve' were not alive at the same time. While 'Eve' is believed to be alive 140,000 years ago, 'Adam' lived only 60,000 years ago.[2]
I will address those issues this evening.
Posted by GoresAgenda on May 31, 2007 at 03:26 PM
Oh, I can't wait. In the meantime, I will pray for your soul. It is truly sad that you use your life to bring out and support the very worst in this world. Your life must be empty and burdensome. I'll pray that you find people who will accept you and bring peace and change to your heart.
Posted by BlueinIdaho on May 31, 2007 at 02:56 PM
I've been reading about Eve :):)
GoreAgenda,
Please read NSDD (Natinal Security Decision Directives) Reagan Administration:
http://www.fas.org/irp/offdocs/nsdd/index.html
NSDD 11 Munitions/Technology Transfer to the People's Republic of China
NSDD 76 Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation with China
The New York Times
February 22, 1992
U.S. Lifts its sanctions on China Over High-Technoilogy Transfers
The Bush Administration lifted sanctions against China's ftansfer fo high technology today after accepting its promise to abide by rstrictions on the sale of missiles and missile tchnology to the Middle East.
Is this enough information to go on or do you need more!
Posted by gnois on May 31, 2007 at 03:34 PM
now that's interesting!
I'll stick to my original though...I am made as an equal. ;p
(our wedding program has the Gen. 1:27 verse. no "obey" bullcrap either!!! but there is the most wonderful blessing from the heart & soul of our dear friend, hillbill)
Dearest DorkAgenda,
Do you have anything similar to a NSDD (National Security Decision Directive) signed by the President of United States and placed into historical archive to back your stupid position!
I'll pray that you find people who will accept you and bring peace and change to your heart.
Posted by BlueinIdaho on May 31, 2007 at 03:39 PM
Let's do it together. Were 2 or more are gathered, and all that jazz.
If his heart doesn't change, the devil in him will rack his mind & body.
gnois, (1 's') there has been research that shows that most, if not all, humans start out as females and don't become males until several weeks into gestation due to hormonal changes. PBS did a program about this years ago, and the studies continue.
Does the Fetus Begin as Female?
This is also being looked at in regards to an inherent predisposition toward "gayness", in that everyone seems to have some degree of it.
BTW, CONGRATS GRANNY {{BUTTERS}}! Make her a Tom Boy.
Seems to me Bill used him as the bagman for the Buddhist money exchange. Yeah, good old clean hands Almer Gantry Gore.
The Rules for the Buddist Money Exchange and all Buddist Bagman (or is that Bagmen??)
With this rule, the Buddha has prohibited all the possible ways in which money could be accepted. If someone tries to offer money to a monk in any of these three ways he cannot say: `Such and such is my kappiya. Give this money to my kappiya. Take this money for me. Put the money over there.´ All he can do is refuse to accept that money by saying, `This is not allowable.´ Refusal is the only action he needs to remember to do.
p-rick! a spoiled tom boy! if she is half as beautiful as her mother, she will be gorgeous!
Posted by GoresAgenda on May 31, 2007 at 02:55 PM
Whatever's wrong in this whole world,
Clinton is blame-o
It's still Clinton's fault,
It's still Clinton's fault
Clinton is to blame-O
Posted by Esmeralda on May 31, 2007 at 02:23 PM
And people wonder why others have trouble believing the Bible is literally true. If I was gunna be a fundie whackjob, I'd have to believe God made the world twice!
Posted by DPD on May 31, 2007 at 03:51 PM
With two "D's"...See Essie..there is a real chance that somehow the story got reversed and Adam came out of Eve's rib and so, based on that theory a husband should obey and be subservient to his wife.....which is the way most sucessful marriages survive anyways.
Natures way :):)
I'd have to believe God made the world twice!
Posted by GregL on May 31, 2007 at 04:02 PM
the law of perpetual transformation, my dear friend.
it's all in the heart & how one perceives. it's high minded thinking, not deep thinking. (did you see my 8:07 post?)
Posted by gnois on May 31, 2007 at 04:03 PM
i'll have to have the carpenter read your post.
And what about Lilith? She was a co-equal to Adam (his first "partner" NOT "wife") who got fed up with him and left him. He must have left his fig leaf lying on the bathroom floor all the time.
"What, couldn't find the hamper? Well, I'm NOT your maid. There's roast dinosaur in the fridge, I'm outta here."
Congrats on your granddaughter, Esmeralda. Your enthusiasm is well-founded. Grandchildren are a true joy.
"What, couldn't find the hamper? Well, I'm NOT your maid. There's roast dinosaur in the fridge, I'm outta here."
Posted by DPD on May 31, 2007 at 04:15 PM
reminds me of a joke that when lucy like this...a young man, who throughout his 18 years, constantly had his mother tell him to pick up his dirty laundry, always adding, "I'm not your maid!". When he went off to college, there was a dorm maid, who when she would find the young man's dirty laundry on the floor would sternly say, "I'm not your mother!"
Posted by GregL on May 31, 2007 at 04:02 PM
Here you go Greg...A literal tenet and belief of the Mormons...
Independence, Missouri is supposed to be the epicenter of the Mormon faith.
Probably out of the tornado zone or something.
"We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory."
thanks mary & pdp, and everyone else! I'm excited.
now I have to go take my mother to her radiation treatment.
enjoy the evening, everyone.
How did I miss this?
Breaking: Another country found adding melamine to exports
The FDA announced today that a second country has been found adding melamine to an ingredient it exports.
That country? The United States.
But that's OK, we are shipping it OUT of here. Gotta maintain that stock value, ya know.
BushCo HAS GOT TO GO!
Well, I hope everyone have a good afternoon!
Remember the message!
Our solders won the war!
Bush lost the peace!
So true Hybrid. Our military most certainly accomplished the mission. The president simply moved the benchmark when that happened, leaving our military to struggle towards yet another goal.
We are currently working on goal number 3. Saddam was taken from power, that was goal one. We've ensured that WMD do not exist in Iraq, that was goal number two. Then the president suggested that we alter all of Iraq's social structure to appear more "democratic". We are still working on that one, which is of no surprise to those who would actually contemplate the near impossibility of such a feat.
Our military accomplished in Iraq, what was humanly possible to accomplish in just over 4 years. It would take generations to alter the entire social structure. The failure was brought about by the overzealous and unrealistic ambitions of an administration that failed to understand the difficulty of the task assigned.
Pentagon ‘Migrated’ Soviet Cold War Torture Techniques to Guantanamo, Iraq
Let's waterboard Abu Gonzales and see if he will talk about WHY he Okayed this.
Mayor Ray Nagin busted Bush in New Orleans, now it is time for the "We The People" Democrats to strike back and ask what is holding up support for New Orleans, it seems Bush's Washington New Orleans reconstruction is like an Bush’s Iraq reconstruction job, where they have Halliburton's raping, I mean raking in billions for defective pumps and buildings. The Halliburton Democrats can support Bush's War plans, where their pockets are filled with corporate five star country club treats of well wishes of contributions.
Congress let’s get an amendment in Congress adding Louisiana to our Conservative country or are they still too French and too black to suit the Old Guard of both parties. It seems that the Old Guard of power brokers want to bulldoze America where there is only one big Texas redneck Republican cowboy attitude.
Purge the Old Guard, let’s bring on those Constitutionalist patriots.
Let Paul Revere ride to Washington DC to tell President Bush, General Jackson is still waiting for Bush’s cathedral promise of support and return to save New Orleans. It is a good thing Bush is not a general, he may have given Louisiana back to the French. Maybe the mayor needs to ask for France’s help, it would have a heart of love with it.
Have can President Bush and President Lincoln be with the same Republican Party? Why Lincoln is more a Democrat today in human and international relations.
Oh, Boy. I can hardly wait. ABC "News" is going to broadcast "live" from the Billy Graham tax dodge extravaganza and Museum.
Now THAT'S "news"! It will also have 3 Presidents on hand, Carter, GHWB, and Clinton. Chimpy has NEVER been a President, and besides, this would cut into his valuable Jack Daniels time. The third bottle of the day is his favorite, doncha know.
woo-hoo! I just completed my time sensitive survey that the DNC sent me!
p.s. please read the little message as to why I won't send a contribution.
that, and my board members denied me the 3% raise the rest of the county employees got. asswipes.
time to get to evening chores.
I am having a really hard time reconciling myself to the loss of Cindy Sheehan from the Democratic Party. Certainly she is not the first person to be broken by hurling herself against the wall of public indifference, but she was one of the most promising. In an interview with Amy Goodman yesterday on "Democracy Now," she said that after resting and gathering her forces she would be back, but in a different way that had nothing to do with politics. What then? The very essence of responsible American citizenship is political. It's how we are and how we become. Nothing involving progressive social advancement can be accomplished without politics. Nothing advancing civic morality can be achieved outside of politics. Good citizenship is politics, plain and simple. I think that is probably how the founders meant it to be.
hi radlib. nice to have you here.
i do not agree with this statement:
"Nothing involving progressive social advancement can be accomplished without politics. Nothing advancing civic morality can be achieved outside of politics. Good citizenship is politics, plain and simple."
a really good social studies teacher or math teacher or doctor or policeman or carpenter can achieve a great deal by how they carry themselves, what kind of role model they present to kids and adults and so on. the person who jumped onto the subway tracks to save the person having a seizure set an example, a standard for others to emulate. each act of altruism shows others how they can choose to act in the world.
i mean no disrespect to you or to the importance of the political life of america...but it is one part of the ongoing effort to build and maintain a civil society where humanistic values and actions are promoted, not the whole story by a long shot.
whatever cindy sheehan does will have huge impact on the total social network in which we operate for she has become a hero to many of us. lets see what, if anything after all she has been through, she has the energy to do and support her in it if it resonates with our values and hopes.
Reuters reports:
"U.S. "imperialism" means new arms race: Putin"
Putin says:
"There is a clear desire by some international players to dictate their will to everyone without adhering to international law," Putin said. "International law has been replaced by political reasons."
Reuters says:
In another move putting Russia at odds with the West, Putin has frozen Russia's commitments under the 1990 Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) pact, which limits heavy weapons deployed between the Atlantic and the Urals mountains.
bush is not only ignoring our law by proclaiming he is above the law. Now he is ignoring International Law. I seem to remember Hitler doing that too. bush is also violating his own father's pact with Russia. When is daddy bush going to speak up and slap down his chimp son?
U.S. "imperialism" means new arms race: Putin
And Hillary's ass is too big as well. People simply aren't going to vote for a woman with a big ass. Big asses imply laziness and a slugish lifestyle.
Look, I realize that Arvin Hill isn't your typical mainstream kind of blogger! I do believe he has hit the nail on the head in regard to the Democratic party's duplicity in EVERYTHING that has occurred since the Worst President In History was appointed to office in 2000. Jeaus! DPD, I am a contributing MEMBER of the Democratic party and I am disgusted. Words can not convey how miserable a job the Democrats have done as the 'opposition party'. Something, damn, ANYTHING has GOT to change in the way we hold the elected officials of OUR OWN PARTY accountable. What is wrong with me voicing my opinion about that? There a many things about the platform that I am damn proud to call my own goals. But, look at the piss poor way elected dems have executed some of these goals! Cheifly, the opposition to in invasion and occupation of Iraq. I'm thrilled to death about the way dems pulled off the 'first 100 hours' agenda but, THAT IS NOT WHY many people voted for them.
Look, I realize that Arvin Hill isn't your typical mainstream kind of blogger! I do believe he has hit the nail on the head in regard to the Democratic party's duplicity in EVERYTHING that has occurred since the Worst President In History was appointed to office in 2000. Jeaus! DPD, I am a contributing MEMBER of the Democratic party and I am disgusted. Words can not convey how miserable a job the Democrats have done as the 'opposition party'. Something, damn, ANYTHING has GOT to change in the way we hold the elected officials of OUR OWN PARTY accountable. What is wrong with me voicing my opinion about that? There a many things about the platform that I am damn proud to call my own goals. But, look at the piss poor way elected dems have executed some of these goals! Cheifly, the opposition to the invasion and occupation of Iraq. I'm thrilled to death about the way dems pulled off the 'first 100 hours' agenda but, THAT IS NOT WHY many people voted for them.
Congratulations, {{{{Essie}}}}!!! girlz rawk the world, sistah! this one is going to have one fine grand. good news!
Posted by gregg on May 31, 2007 at 06:13 PM
interesting observation. just a quick comment:
all those public servants you mentioned, with the exception of the carpenter, is by definition a government worker. they're paid by the public to serve the public.
and even the carpenter is working under guidelines set by government, building codes, permits, etc.
on the other side of the argument, Ghandi was a lawyer, Dr. King a pastor--who mobilized the people they influenced to collectively demonstrate their power through peaceful resistance. even churches and businesses have a hierarchy that is political
the power of one cannot be underestimated, but it's difficult to separate the political from the private lives we lead.
Cindy's frustration is one that many have shared when trying to work in groups where the inevitable power struggles and clashes of personality, vision and mission tug at the will
i think the intense division and hateful attacks are something for each of us to consider, carefully. something's happening here...
rust never sleeps:
U.S. Attorney Mulls Challenge To Dem Rep. Chris Carney In Pennsylvania
By Paul Kiel and Greg Sargent |
Thomas Marino, the U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania who appeared on a short list of U.S. attorneys to be fired last November, is considering a run for Congress, he confirmed in an interview with us yesterday.
Marino is eyeing the state's 10th District seat, currently held by Dem Chris Carney, who defeated incumbent Don Sherwood last November amid allegations that Sherwood choked his mistress.
In a phone interview, Marino told us that he was "considering" a run for the seat -- but added that it was "one of several options that I have." It's certainly an active consideration: Marino said that he'd met a number of Pennsylvania Republicans, including Republican National Committee staffers, to discuss a possible bid. When asked whether he was being recruited for a run, he only said that there had been people at the federal, state, and local level who have been "encouraging" him to run for the seat.
The NRCC's operatives have privately described Marino as a choice candidate for the district, and the local Pennsylvania press has floated his name, but this is the first time to our knowledge that Marino has publicly acknowledged or discussed that he was actively considering a run. The earliest that Marino would decide whether to seek a bid, he said, would be early next year.
Marino's active consideration of a run is noteworthy partly because U.S. attorneys risk skirting ethics regulations when they move to run for office.
good point fade but the actions of all citizens toward each other help set the gestalt ( damn i love to use that word ) for the rest of the population. i share alot of cindy's frustrations with the political process in this country but i developed that frustration around 1964...anyhow i am in the political stuff up to my eyeballs but sometimes i think the way i might resolve a conflict among some kids in a playground might have more impact on the future of the world. just sayin.
WASHINGTON: Former US vice president Al Gore, a staunch critic of George W Bush, has said he doesn't agree with calls for impeaching the president due to lack of "time" and "consensus."
Many democrats feel that Bush should be impeached for allegedly misleading the country deliberately in the lead up to the war in Iraq.
"With a year and a half to go in his term and with no consensus in the nation as a whole to support such a proposition, any realistic analysis of that as a policy option would lead one to question the allocation of time and resources," Gore said during an interview with PBS.
Pressed on whether he believed that impeachment is a good use of time, Gore replied, "I don't think it is. I don't think it would be successful."
On being asked whether he threw the towel in too soon in the 2000 presidential elections, where he narrowly lost to Bush, Gore said he had taken the fight as far as he could, and the only other option left was a "violent revolution".
"I took it all the way to a final Supreme Court decision. And in our system, there is no intermediate step between a final Supreme Court decision and violent revolution. So, at that point, having taken it as far as one could, then the question becomes, are we going to be a nation of laws and not people?" Gore replied.
"Do I support the rule of law, even though I disagree with the Supreme Court's decision? I did disagree with it, and I think that those of us who disagreed with it will have the better of the argument in history," he added.
interesting, yes?
Posted by gregg on May 31, 2007 at 07:15 PM
gestalt...where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts...wonderful concept, indeed.
i was thinking in the shower this morning, about the day i saw jack ruby shoot lee harvey oswald --live. i mean shot dead, live--as it happened. i remember the look on my dad's face.
and then i thought about that woman who was so concerned about the damage inflicted by janet jackson's wardrobe malfunction on her child.
and the subsequent FCC fines and so on.
we're an odd lot, we old farts. i'm going to read Cat's Cradle
again.
see the cat
see the cradle
there is no cat
there is no cradle
damn! i miss old Kurt.
yes indeed young lady, can we get him to run?
Posted by gregg on May 31, 2007 at 07:21 PM
he already is running, gregg. JFK didn't announce until August. that certainly wasn't a lesson lost to this wise man.
we need wisdom
Get real, Gore didn't even carry his own home state' If he had he would have won. If the people that knew hm best didn't like then that is all I need to know. Kucinich Feingold 08!
first there is a mountain
then there is no mountain
then there is
i hope you are right about gore fade. i am ready to see it all go on the line this time. and if he runs the media itself and the bullshit they have done to him in the past is in play, in fact the msm is in play and we are approaching the point where as jim morrison said...
They got the guns
But we got the numbers
Gonna win, yeah
Were takin over
KucinichFeingold08,
Dearest Liar for the repugnant x-tian reich,
The NIE was classified. Only 6 people viewed the entire report. The president and his men have the right to block anyone from seeing the report. That included the 911 commission.
Who the fuck do you think you are to assume that everyone and anyone was allowed to view this report? Secondly the Senator Clinton did not expect the president’s men to lie to her. To defend a bunch of liar over someone who entered a hearing in good faith is absurd.
What is your point, it’s OK to block information discloser and lie to Congress and the American people? Is this what you are defending, the ability for the president and his men to lie with impunity?
Remember during the 911 commission assembly the people requested information from the Bush administration. Bush and his men block the information discloser. They block the discloser of the NIE!
Damn you Liars!
May 31, 2007 | Editor's note: Last month, the Pentagon quietly declassified a stunningly detailed report on the genesis of brutal interrogation techniques that were used at Guantánamo, techniques that later metastasized in Iraq. The chronology in the report shows exactly how the military reverse-engineered techniques that were originally designed to train U.S. Special Operations soldiers at Fort Bragg, N.C., how to resist, if captured, abusive interrogations that violate the Geneva Conventions. When Salon's Mark Benjamin wrote about the possibility of reverse engineering in June 2006, the Army denied it had happened.
"We do not teach interrogation techniques," Carol Darby, chief spokeswoman for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, insisted in an e-mail then. "Interrogation policy and techniques are taught by other military schools."
so Carol, what do you say now?
I don't think Al Gore has the numbers. Ever since he lost in 2000 he has been behaving like some kind of retard or at least a lunatic. Kucinich Feingold 08!
Gonna win, yeah
Were takin over
Posted by gregg on May 31, 2007 at 07:33 PM
the kids are very much involved in drafting Gore. it's going to be an interesting 599 days
yes, we're getting there...
Dearest dirtbag lying basterds for the repugnant x-tian reich,
According to the records, only 6 people signed in to read the entire document. Two of those were Democrats. The house and the senate were occupied by repugnant republicans. Therefore I can comfortably state that majority (except for McCain) did not read the NIE document; because they would have been required to sign in to the special room to read the document!
Where were all the fuck nuts defending the country! Oh yea, they were too involved in lying to the country and the rest of congress they had no time to read the document.
Posted by HybridFuel on May 31, 2007 at 07:34 PM
Whatever, but her ass is still too big.
To all the repugnant x-tian liars,
There were more than 6 people in congress and the house of representative for the last 6 years!
Please defend all those who did not read the document.
It was expected the presidents men were to give a fair and honest reporting of the facts. They decided to lie to congress, the American people and the world!
For those who defend the lying nut jobs from the white house, I hope your republican candidate was signed in to read the NIE document!
hybrid, your smokin tonite. carry on my wayward son...i'll bbl.
Good Evening
The Chimp Bush came to central NJ yesterday to raise money for the flailing NJ GOP party. I joined a group to give his Chimpiness a "warm NJ farewell". His exit was greeted with a chorus of "back to the ranch". A coupld of birds was seen flying in his direction. See ya Chimp and don't come back again.
To add to the humor:
The NJ GOP ordered the TV media out of the event. In fact, there was a complete media blackout. It would seem that none of the NJ GOP wants to admit they were hanging with the Chimp.
I got the gut feeling we will somehow find out who was there ...
Turn the table on these nut jobs and expose all the repugnant x-tian idiots that did not read the NIE document! If they did not sign in they could not have read the document. There are only 6 signatures.
More on the Chimp's visit to NJ:
The $300 plastic cup
by: njdem
Thu May 31, 2007 at 04:23:20 PM EDT
It sounds like guests of yesterday's gala event with the President had the red, errr... tin foil carpet rolled out for them. Tucked in the Gloucester County Times article is this little piece of info...
Only a handful of legislators attended the event held at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, where attendees drank from plastic cups and were entertained by the Montgomery High School Jazz Band, an award-winning group from Wilson's hometown of Killman.
I'm sure the band was fantastic and well worth the show, but plastic cups? Why not just go with styrofoam? I know you don't pay for the food at fundraisers, but i might be a little insulted being given the plastic for a $300 event.
So lets recap: many were afraid to acknowledge publicly they were attending, only a handful of legislators actually did attend, those who came had to drink out of plastic cups and the media were forced to move their TV trucks because the owner of the property didn't want to acknowledge he was holding the event. So with all this wondeful information, what did the NY Times have to say?
The most prominent New Jersey Republican officials on hand were the party's top leaders in the Legislature: Leonard Lance, Senate minority leader, and Alex DeCroce, Assembly minority leader.
The event also played out without a hitch, in contrast to what happened last year when Vice President Dick Cheney traveled to Newark for a fund-raiser on behalf of Mr. Kean, the Senate candidate.
Mr. Kean was tardy after taking the usually traffic-clogged Route 1 from Trenton rather than the speedier New Jersey Turnpike. That generated speculation that while Mr. Kean wanted the money that was raised ($400,000), he did not want to be photographed with the vice president.
Wow, has the bar been lowered so much that as long as you don't give a pathetic excuse, the event went off without a hitch? Yeah, sounds like a huge success to me.
Update: While i've had alot of fun railing on this event for the past few weeks and the plastic cups may not be a huge issue, I think the fact that they only raised $700,000 having the President of the United States in town is very telling. Compare that number with the fact that in Dec. 2003, the Star Ledger reported on Dec 2. that Bush took $1 M for his campaign at an event in Morris County. In July 2001, The Bergen Record on July 31 reported that Vice President Cheney raised $3.5 for Gubernatorial Candidate Bret Schundler. In fact, in 1999, Bush earned $800,000 for the assembly republicans alone, not even the State Party.
****
Well, it's back to Chimp farm with Bush ... home on the range cutting brush.
Plame sues CIA for blocking her memoir.
Outed former CIA agent Valerie Plame and her book publisher are “suing the Central Intelligence Agency, accusing it of unconstitutionally interfering with publication of her memoir. … The suit said although the CIA had released Plame’s dates of service in an unclassified document, ‘the CIA now purports to classify or reclassify Ms. Wilson’s pre-2002 federal service dates’ so it cannot be published in her memoir ‘Fair Game.’ The CIA had also demanded ’significant portions’ of Wilson’s manuscript be ‘excised or rendered “fiction”‘ to protect the secrecy of Wilson’s service before 2002.” In March, Plame’s husband Joe Wilson referenced the potential suit during an interview with Keith Olbermann:
The CIA is taking a look at it and they have no particular objections to the contents. They are trying to claim that she did not work for them before 2002, or cannot acknowledge she worked for them before 2002, which is sort of an Alice in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass. We may have to litigate that. This is not the USSR. This is America and she has a right to tell her story.
TV Trucks kicked out of Bush Bash
by: njdem
Wed May 30, 2007 at 06:48:16 PM EDT
So if you hold a party and only the hosts are willing to publicly say they will attend, what's the logical next step? According to PoliticsNJ, its kick out the TV trucks...
Local news trucks prepared to cover President George W. Bush's attendance at a New Jersey Republican State Committee fundraiser in Edison this afternoon were asked to leave their designated area by police and secret service agents before the President's arrival. Apparently the owner of the property did not grant proper permissions and wanted the television trucks out.
Hmm.. the owner didn't grant proper permissions, thats an excuse i hadn't planned on. How embarrassing that not even the property owner wants to be associated with this disaster. They want his money but will go to great lengths to avoid the proof. Anyone out there go to the protests? Give us your stories if so...
Bush Envisions US Presence in Iraq Like South Korea
By Steve Holland
Reuters
Wednesday 30 May 2007
Washington - President George W. Bush would like to see a lengthy U.S. troop presence in Iraq like the one in South Korea to provide stability but not in a frontline combat role, the White House said on Wednesday.
The United States has had thousands of U.S. troops in South Korea to guard against a North Korean invasion for 50 years.
Democrats in control of the U.S. Congress have been pressing Bush to agree to a timetable for pulling troops from Iraq, an idea firmly opposed by the president.
White House spokesman Tony Snow said Bush would like to see a U.S. role in Iraq ultimately similar to that in South Korea in which "you get to a point in the future where you want it to be a purely support model."
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/053107J.shtml
****
Okay, so how long does a oil PSA last? At least 25 years. So maybe these bozos figure they can get another and drain Iraq dry in 50 years. See the pattern now.
Bush invaded Iraq for the oil.
Bush builds permanent bases.
Bush pushes for a oil PSA (with Dems absurdly making it a benchmark).
We stay 50 years pumping out Iraq's oil.
Do we need a more damning case that this is imperialism?
Iraq's Bloodiest Month for US Troops Since Fallujah
By Joseph Krauss
Agence France-Presse
Thursday 31 May 2007
Two more US soldiers have been killed in Iraq, the military announced Thursday, confirming that May had become the deadliest month for American forces in two-and-a-half years.
Meanwhile, the hunt was continuing for five Britons who were snatched at gunpoint from a finance ministry building in the capital earlier this week.
The soldiers were killed Wednesday when a roadside bomb hit their foot patrol and brought US casualties for the month to 116, the most since November 2004, when marines fought a fierce battle to retake the city of Fallujah.
Unlike at Fallujah, US forces have fought no major set-piece enounters in May, but instead have been fanning out through Baghdad and a belt of flashpoint towns around the capital in a bid to quell sectarian violence.
"First and foremost, it's been a tough month," Brigadier General Perry Wiggins, deputy director of regional operations with the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters at a Defence Department briefing on Wednesday.
"We're moving into places where we haven't been, not necessarily before."
April was also bloody for the US-led coalition, with 104 deaths. Taken together, the two past months have been the deadliest since the war began.
The news will increase pressure on US President George W. Bush, who has already seen domestic support for his war strategy fall to an all-time low and is facing calls to set a timetable for troops withdrawals.
May's casualties coincide with a "surge" in US reinforcements, which is due to peak next month. Under this plan, US and Iraqi troops are basing themselves in exposed patrol bases in order to control Baghdad street by street.
The result has been a drop off in attacks by sectarian death squads, with every day bringing more arrests of kidnappers and weapons smugglers, but bomb attacks have continued and US troops now face an insurgent backlash.
Dearest Senator Clinton and others, who signed to support the war,
Please tell the American people you signed a bill to support the war effort because you were told there was a threat against America.
Our solders have accomplished the mission and subdued that threat.
This president and his men lost the peace through incompetence.
I, ________, can no longer support a group of incompetent men who lost the peace after our solders sacrifice to win the war and subdue the initial threat.
Thank you for giving me your time.
hey rj,
i wondered if anyone had a camera at that event...thought it was rather puzzling that there were no photos on any of the news articles.
sometimes all i can do is sigh and shake my head
We need to get more people involved in this blog. I notice that there are only a few posters here and the same ones post the same things over and over again. I think we need more diversity.
Oh, I can't wait. In the meantime, I will pray for your soul. It is truly sad that you use your life to bring out and support the very worst in this world. Your life must be empty and burdensome. I'll pray that you find people who will accept you and bring peace and change to your heart.
Posted by BlueinIdaho on May 31, 2007 at 03:39 PM
No, that can't be it! My life is empty and burdensome and I don't lend any credence to the likes of people that live to oppress others.
No, the troll(aka minnietom) is just ignorant of any moral values, and compensates for his imbalance by hiding behind mistakes of others. It's the only thing that makes him feel good, that is, once his meds wear off.
‘The Constitution in Crisis.’
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, has announced a series of hearings titled “The Constitution in Crisis: The State of Civil Liberties in America.” Topics to be covered by the hearings include:
– The National Security Agency’s wiretapping program and proposed expansions;
– The erosion of Habeas Corpus through the Military Commissions Act;
– The sanctioning of torture through the Military Commissions Act and other government policies;
– The practice of “extraordinary rendition,” or government sponsored kidnapping;
– PATRIOT Act threats to privacy rights, including the FBI’s abuses of the National Security Letter authority and intrusions into Americans’ “Freedom to Read”;
– Government surveillance of First Amendment-protected activities; and
– The gutting of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights and Voting Rights Divisions.
keep it lit~
This is the message I want the Democrats to hammer home!
Our solders won the war!
Bush lost the peace!
i wondered if anyone had a camera at that event...thought it was rather puzzling that there were no photos on any of the news articles.
****
Fade, TV was not allowed anywhere near the Chimp. Thankfully, the Edison mayor, who I helped elect two years ago, (Jun Choi) is a Democrat and he got us out of the assembly area the secret secret put us in that was 2 miles away from the Chimp.
One of the DFA people took photos of some of the event, look here:
http://www.bluejersey.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4859
Nice picture of my Rep Frank Pallone and Mayor Jun Choi speaking.
Jerry Nadler had a really big ass, a world class big ass but then he got one of those tummy tucks.
Fred Thompson's groupies
by kos
Thu May 31, 2007 at 02:26:21 PM PDT
Greg Saunders:
Since it worked for Reagan, Schwarzenegger, Bono, the Republican starfuckers are setting their sights on a new celebrity, Fred Thompson. Here’s what his ads should look like :
It really is hilarious how right-wingers can whip themselves up into a frenzy about "Liberal Hollywood", but shriek like little girls when a Hollywood celebrity winks at them.
****
freddy boy is a joke. So when is the cheese ball second rate actor going to announce ...
Our solders won the war!
Bush lost the peace!
Posted by HybridFuel on May 31, 2007 at 08:17 PM
I think you said that before. MAYBE 100 TIMES!
FOX Ratings Nosedive Continues - Olbermann Soars
by KingOneEye [Subscribe]
Thu May 31, 2007 at 03:39:20 PM PDT
The all-important May ratings (PDF) period has produced what is becoming a predictably recurrent theme: MSNBC is growing faster than any of its cable news rivals.
Both Fox and CNN declined in persons 2+ for the total day as well as for primetime. Their numbers for the 25-54 demo were better, but still far below the increases at MSNBC. Keith Olbermann's "Countdown" again set the pace for growth at the network, advancing 63% (P2+) and 35% (25-54) over May 2006. Compare that with the O'Reilly Factor's tepid 12% (25-54) rise, and an actual drop in total viewers of 1%. ~ More numbers and analysis below...
Brought to you by...
News Corpse
The Internet's Chronicle Of Media Decay.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/5/31/18139/9101
****
The Faux News just keeps dropping in the rating ... can't undersstand why ...
Putin: US Has Triggered New Arms Race
By Vladimir Isachenkov
The Associated Press
Thursday 31 May 2007
President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that tests of new Russian missiles were a response to the planned deployment of U.S. missile defense installations and other forces in Europe, suggesting Washington has triggered a new arms race.
In a clear reference to the United States, he harshly criticized "imperialism" in global affairs and warned that Russia will strengthen its military potential to maintain a global strategic balance.
"It wasn't us who initiated a new round of arms race," Putin said when asked about Russia's missile tests at a news conference after talks in the Kremlin with Greek President Karolos Papoulias.
Putin described Tuesday's tests of a new ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and a new cruise missile as part of the Russian response to the planned deployment of new U.S. military bases and missile defense sites in ex-Soviet satellites in Central and Eastern Europe.
He assailed the United States and other NATO members for failing to ratify an amended version of the 1990 Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty, which limits the deployment of heavy non-nuclear weapons around the continent.
"We have signed and ratified the CFE and are fully implementing it. We have pulled out all our heavy weapons from the European part of Russia to (locations) behind the Ural Mountains and cut our military by 300,000 men," Putin said.
"And what about our partners? They are filling Eastern Europe with new weapons. A new base in Bulgaria, another one in Romania, a (missile defense) site in Poland and a radar in the Czech Republic," he said. "What we are supposed to do? We can't just sit back and look at that."
Putin and other Russian officials have repeatedly rejected U.S. assurances that the planned missile defense installations are meant to counter a potential threat from nations such as Iran and pose no danger to Russia.
Putin reaffirmed his warning that Russia would opt out of the CFE treaty altogether if NATO nations fail to ratify its amended version.
"Either you ratify the treaty and start observing it, or we will opt out of it," Putin said.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/053107E.shtml
****
Another absymal failure by Chimp Brains Bush ... Bush is proof of de-evolution.
Economy Has Worst Growth Since 2002
By Jeannine Aversa
The Associated Press
Thursday 31 May 2007
Washington - The economy nearly stalled in the first quarter with growth slowing to a pace of just 0.6 percent. That was the worst three-month showing in over four years.
The new reading on the gross domestic product, released by the Commerce Department Thursday, showed that economic growth in the January-through-March quarter was much weaker. Government statisticians slashed by more than half their first estimate of a 1.3 percent growth rate for the quarter.
The main culprits for the downgrade: the bloated trade deficit and businesses cutting investment in supplies of the goods they hold in inventories.
"We are still keeping our head above water - barely," said economist Ken Mayland of ClearView Economics.
For nearly a year, the economy has been enduring a stretch of subpar economic growth due mostly to a sharp housing slump. That in turn has made some businesses act more cautiously in their spending and investing.
The economy's 0.6 percent growth rate in the opening quarter of this year marked a big loss of momentum from the 2.5 percent pace logged in the final quarter of last year.
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke doesn't believe the economy will slide into recession this year, nor do Bush administration officials. But ex Fed chief Alan Greenspan has put the odds at one in three.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/053107H.shtml
***
There goes Chimp's phoney economy.
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, has announced a series of hearings titled “The Constitution in Crisis: The State of Civil Liberties in America.” Topics to be covered by the hearings include:
****
Very good fade. I am glad someone is taking this seriously.
Changing things for a sec - I watched a few minutes of that conservative nazi Glenn Beck show, he had a man named Dr. Jerry Woodall of Purdue University. This guy actually has invented a way for engines to run on water. He said that someone is standing in his way though - the Department of Energy. What a surprise, Bush and his oil buddies wouldn't want that invention, now would they?
But if Olberman went up 35% that is 105,00 viewers. If O'reilly went up by 12% that is 420,000 viewers.
Sorry, Jerry Nadler had his tummy stapled not tucked.
Rep. John Conyers Backs Impeachment
by David Swanson | May 30 2007 - 9:37am | permalink
article tools: email | print | read more David Swanson
Advocates for impeachment can take some measure of encouragement not just from the 85 cities and towns and 14 state Democratic parties that have passed impeachment resolutions, or the 11 state legislatures that have introduced them (Maine was #11 on Tuesday), but also from comments made Tuesday evening in Detroit by House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers.
For about a year now there have been two Congressmen Conyers, the defender of our Constitution and the follower of Nancy Pelosi in her ban on impeachment. Citizens in Detroit organized a town hall forum on impeachment and invited the Congressman. Both John Conyerses came on Tuesday, and they both left partway through the event. But, judging by the Associated Press story, Conyers the impeachment advocate was winning the internal battle.
There's a very short version of the AP report posted on websites. [See here and here.]
The report reads in its entirety:
"Detroit Congressman John Conyers says he supports a national effort calling for the impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. But he stopped short today of pledging to take action to back it. The veteran democratic [sic] lawmaker chairs the House Judiciary Committee, which would lead any impeachment hearings. Conyers did say that he encourages nationwide efforts to build support for impeaching Bush."
Judging by that story, Conyers is not yet committed to acting, but he wants to be able to, and he wants to see an increase in public pressure to make it easier for him to move ahead. Let's give it to him!
There's a longer AP article posted on websites. [See here and here.]
This longer article begins:
"U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., said Tuesday he supports a national effort calling for the impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, but stopped short of pledging to take action to back it. 'I've been supportive of that movement,' said Conyers, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee that would lead impeachment hearings. 'I encourage that nationwide.' But Conyers, who left a Detroit church before a town-hall meeting attended by a standing-room-only crowd of about 250 people, remained noncommittal about lending his official backing for impeachment proceedings. Conyers had also convened a separate town-hall meeting in Detroit on Tuesday evening to discuss high gas prices. 'The goal is whether to impeach or follow up on the defects and disabilities of an administration' that has shut out Congress, he said."
Paul Wolfowitz's tomb
by Sidney Blumenthal | May 30 2007 - 9:32am | permalink
article tools: email | print | read more Sidney Blumenthal
Paul Wolfowitz's doctrines are a summa of numerous failed political dogmas of the 20th century. His notion of politics was essentially Bolshevik, but less democratic in practice than Lenin's. Wolfowitz had no concept of mass politics. Nor did he have an idea of democratic centralism, the core of Leninism, by which the vanguard led the cells of the party. Wolfowitz believed only in the vanguard.
The dutiful student of obscurantist authoritarian philosopher Leo Strauss operated as a solitary intellectual at the head of a single cell, the lone Wolfowitz. His view of international political dynamics was a strange concoction of the most heated, impassioned idea of Leon Trotsky (the permanent revolution) admixed with the most rigid, Manichaean metaphor of John Foster Dulles (the domino theory of the cold war). Dulles' idea, applied to southeast Asia, was a reaction to his mistaken understanding of communist expansion as Trotskyist in conception. From this thesis and antithesis came the synthesis of Paul Wolfowitz. Welcome to the dustbin of history.
The squalid ending of Wolfowitz's glittering career, bickering over lies about payments to his girlfriend submerged his grandiosity. Wheedling with the World Bank board, he appeared as a shadow of his former self, the intellectual field-marshal pulverising the opposition with the artillery of his arguments, reduced to using a Washington lawyer to make fine points. His class enemies - the CIA and the Ba'athists, the United States state department and the McGovernites - had retreated under his barrages, but he found himself at last whining of persecution at the hands of the sort of bureaucrats he had brushed aside throughout his long rise.
Wolfowitz's vision promised nothing less than a rupture with the entire world order. By one decisive act of will, all that existed - all - would be transformed. After a brief, very brief, interval, collective happiness and universal harmony would be ushered in. With shock and awe, change would roll in mighty waves, pounding all with its unceasing force.
Bush Talks Oil
Submitted by davidswanson on Thu, 2007-05-31 20:31. Media
Bush Holds a Joint News Conference With Iraqi President Jalal Talabani
CQ Transcripts Wire
SPEAKERS: PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH
IRAQI PRESIDENT JALAL TALABANI
BUSH: It is my honor to welcome the president of a free Iraq back to the Oval Office.
President Talabani, thank you for coming. I admire your courage. I admire your dedication to a united Iraq. I admire the leadership you have shown, and I welcome you.
We had a good conversation today about a variety of subjects. I told the president that I'm fully committed to helping the Iraq government achieve important objectives. We call them benchmarks, political law necessary to show the Iraqi citizens that there is a unified government willing to work on the interests of all people.
The president fully understands the need for the Iraqi government to meet certain benchmarks, and he is dedicated to achieving those benchmarks. We're working very hard, for example, on getting an oil law with an oil revenue sharing code that will help unite the country, working very hard on a de-Baathification law and on reform, as well as provincial elections.
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/23152
****
I bet Bush is working very hard to get the PSA. That was the reason for the invasion after all.
[S]ome big money players up from Texas recently paid a visit to their friend in the White House. The story goes that they got out exactly one question, and the rest of the meeting consisted of The President in an extended whine, a rant, actually, about no one understands him, the critics are all messed up, if only people would see what he’s doing things would be OK…etc., etc. This is called a “bunker mentality” and it’s not attractive when a friend does it. When the friend is the President of the United States, it can be downright dangerous. Apparently the Texas friends were suitably appalled, hence the story now in circulation.
Report: In Meeting, ‘Wild-Eyed’ Bush Thumped Chest While Repeating ‘I Am The President!’
Maybe a little insight as to why our democratic leaders needed to back down to a man that is, or at least presents an out of control demeanor.
Two points grip you:
•The first is found in the words of French scholar Bernard Rougier, author of Everyday Jihad: The Rise of Militant Islam Among Palestinians in Lebanon. "The main point is that these camps are no longer part of Palestinian society," he told The Washington Post . "They are only spaces – now open to all of the influences running through the Muslim world."
•The second is that Iraq, where we were supposed to be "containing terrorism," is now clearly exporting insurgents to other regions – to Lebanon, to Syria, to Gaza, to Bangladesh, to Kurdistan.
And so, on the one hand, you have weakened societies vulnerable to the "new answers" of "new insurgencies," and on the other hand, you have Iraq set up as a school for terrorists with American troops and policy providing the constant inspiration for their fight.
This, of course, is not the way the Bush administration sees it.
Dobbs Fact File
These are some of the facts from tonight's broadcast that you might find interesting.
Cindy Sheehan Has Earned a Rest
By William Rivers Pitt
t r u t h o u t | Columnist
*Updated*
Iraq Suicide Bombing Kills 25, Wounds 50
By Sinan Salaheddin
The Associated Press
Maybe a little insight as to why our democratic leaders needed to back down to a man that is, or at least presents an out of control demeanor.
Posted by davidual on May 31, 2007 at 09:20 PM
As Hitler descended into insanity, he reportedly became a "rug chewer". He would become so violent that he would throw himself to the floor and chew the edges of the rug.
This IS very scary behavior especially for the person with access to the nuclear button.
Posted by Ziggy on May 31, 2007 at 08:30 PM
I have heard of engines which run on water. Back in my younger days we called them steam engines. I do not wish to go back there so I'll just fork over the cash for gasoline.
Posted by Harpos_All_For_Fred_Dalton_Thompson on May 31, 2007 at 10:48 PM
As the chimp would say, "Youre doing a fine job, Harpy".
its going to be funny watching freddie kill off the other republican datenuts and then fall on his rubber face himself. what a bunch of morons.
i see bush is trying to get on the global warming bandwagon now that the train is way the hell out of the station. no one seems to be fooled by his obvious attempt to stall the whole issue but i like the fact that the intensity of interest in the issue is so great and the scientific consensus so overwheling that even the nuts are getting on board.
putin is threatening us with nuklar escalation and on and on....and the trolls are up sitting around the near beer keg gumming deer skins so they can make their own soft sling shot pouches to take down invading chinese soldiers when the feared red dawn comes...
god love them. goodnight. see you in the morning.
Actually, Harpo, Xian probably predated the term Christian, or was a password during the Roman occupation in areas where "people of the way" (earliest term for Christians) were worshipping. The "X," of course, was for the cross and represented Christ.
In any case, it isn't laziness. It is a theological statement whether HybridFuel knew it or not.
For the life of me, though, I can't understand why you spend so much time on a site dedicated to the elimination of as many of your like as possible. You're not going to convince any of us. You just waste bandwidth and increase the ozone hole.
Also, the very thought that calling people names (as some of the Democrats and many of the Republicans do on this site) such as you do is just nasty. If anything, when you do that, you're just making the Democrats more determined to see that you don't get your way.
Clinton lied, but no one died.
Impeach Cheney, then Bush.
EEEEEK!!! (From the Right Wing Moonie Times)
The Republican National Committee, hit by a grass-roots donors' rebellion over President Bush's immigration policy, has fired all 65 of its telephone solicitors, Ralph Z. Hallow will report Friday in The Washington Times.
Faced with an estimated 40 percent fall-off in small-donor contributions and aging phone-bank equipment that the RNC said would cost too much to update, Anne Hathaway, the committee's chief of staff, summoned the solicitations staff last week and told them they were out of work, effective immediately, the fired staffers told The Times.
RNC fires phone solicitors
It's SOOOOOO BAD that even their "fundraisers" can't raise enough funds to protect their OWN jobs! Maybe they will outsource the work to India, like the Chimp's campaign committee did in 2004.
Heck of a job, Chimpy! Have another bottle of Jack.
and the trolls are up sitting around the near beer keg gumming deer skins so they can make their own soft sling shot pouches to take down invading chinese soldiers when the feared red dawn comes...
Posted by gregg on May 31, 2007 at 11:18 PM
Don't you think that they would have rifles and shotguns to shoot them chnks down? Why would you think that they would have to make slingshots. Slingshots would not be very effective against a modern army even the chinks.
OOPS! Good thing it's archived.
State Dept. Orders Site To Take Down Photos Of The $592 Million U.S. Embassy In Iraq
Whassa matter, Chimpy? Your dream of PERMANENT EMPIRE finally has a face? Why don't YOU move there, TOMORROW?
Maybe THIS is why. WE are outsourcing to a subcontractor who uses SLAVE LABOR to build it.
U.S. embassy ‘built with coerced labor.’
Heck of a job, Chimpy. Have ANOTHER bottle of Jack, and 2 more lines of blow!
Not only is the Chimp THE WORST PRESIDENT for ALL time, he is a despicable poor excuse for a human being. What a waste of DNA.
Jmichaelman,
X-tian is also a term that was used during the split in the Christian faith to denote person or group that was excommunicated or disfellowed from the congregation.
And before THAT the X was used as a code for Christians to hide the fact that they were Christians, but others of like mind could figure it out. They appropriated the Greek letter X (Chi) for their own purposes).
once again...I am tired of coming here and reading about the repug candidates and the corruption in bush's den of vipers. I can read that all over the internet. I want to know what OUR PROGRESSIVE candidates are doing.
GORE/OBABMA 2008
or
GORE/EDWARDS 2008
or
GORE/RICHARDSON 2008
GORE GORE GORE
It's all about Al Gore.
Okey Dokey, Sadie, but I don't think Gore is running. BUT Gore / Richardson would be an entire ticket AND a Cabinet all rolled up in 2 people.
Hi, folks.
Just stopping by to say, Hi. What's up?
Have you noticed now that Thompson is going to get into the GOP race, all the Republicans are acting up a storm and emoting for the cameras?
This is the latest Shakesperean tragedy to hit the House floor:
John Boehner Breaks Down Again, Weeps Openly On House Floor During Iraq Debate
Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) broke down on the House floor today, sobbing uncontrollably as he urged his colleagues to vote in favor of the $100 billion Iraq war spending bill.
“Members on both sides of the aisle feel differently about our mission in Iraq and our chances of success there,” Boehner said, pausing to compose himself. As he continued, Boehner began to weep openly, crying out: “After 3,000 of our fellow citizens died at the hands of these terrorists, when are we going to stand up and take them on? When are we going to defeat them?” Watch it:...
//thinkprogress.org/2007/05/24/boehner-weeps-again/
Put a wig and a fake mole on him, and Boehner could be one of the witches in Macbeth. He wasn't concerned at all about Iraq until Murtha pointed out we had been over there longer than WW II.
Our troops have been taking "them" on for almost five years now. If he doesn't like the progress that is being made, he can bring them home...and send his own family members over there to stand up to chaos.
And since when are the Republicans upset about anything but money?
Throw him a fish and maybe he'll bark for the camera between sobs...and threats to the troops. He acts like they aren't dancing fast enough for his taste?
Anne Hathaway, the committee's chief of staff, summoned the solicitations staff last week and told them they were out of work, effective immediately, the fired staffers told The Times.
DPD,
So that's where Jethro and Ellie Mae have been working the last few elections. That Miss Hathaway is a cruel taskmaster...or was it her incompetent GOP banker boss who cracked the whip?
Since the folks at Enron forbid the refining of any any domestic crude, it's been hard times for the Clampets. It's a sign of the times. Now they have lost their minimum wage jobs and are without health insurance coverage...their jobs outsourced to India.
I don't think Granny isn't going to take this lying down.
* * * *
So the Baghdad Embassy Suites were built by slave labor and Rove forgot to delete the blueprints from his GOP e-mail account. Why wouldn't al Sadr post them on E-bay? That pretty much sums up the way the GOP does business. Incompetents-R-Us.
Good night, folks.
Sandy, phony tears are nothing new for the Pug Party. I saw the video of this assclown and I couldn't believe how he could turn on the waterworks at the drop of a hat. Just like Alito's ugly wife during his hearing. These Pug pirates are all show and no go.
The Many Faces of Dr. Coburn.
I'll look for the video.
3-5 days every month the whole world would be on edge as she rages around the Oval office like the infamous Stomping Mare.
Posted by Harpos_All_For_Fred_Dalton_Thompson on May 31, 2007 at 10:48 PM
I know you guys don't believe in science...only abstinence and creationism, so maybe you haven't noticed that menopasual women don't have periods. So Senator Clinton could be on a rampage every time she has a hot flash.
Be worried. Very worried if she isn't on some kind of hormone therapy once she take office.
Good Evening to All,
I think the idea of giving Senator Clinton the opportunity to clear all the repugnant x-tian reich that has threaten her family, just like the reich thought it would be a good idea to give shrub an opportunity to go after Saddam for threatening his father. Yup, I think that would be good to clean house in USA. Watch all those UnAmerican Unpatriotic Moron run for Dubai.
DPD,
You mean the face like Jimmy Swaggart!
"I have sinned against you..."
Hybrid, they NEVER "sin" they "stumble". Keep yer Pug talking points straight, son.
"The Next President of the United States, Hillary Clinton"....those words drive stark, total fear into the hearts of both poor little Harpo and poor little Frostie. After she is sworn into office, both poor Little Harpo and poor little Frostie will both be PMSing a full 30 days every month. Poor little 'ol ladies!........Have a nice evening ladies.....John Boy........
Big asses imply laziness and a slugish lifestyle.
Posted by KucinichFeingold08 on May 31, 2007 at 07:03 PM
kind of reminds me of my ex who said bench pressing 100 lbs would make my arms lean. bulked me up pretty well.
he's a certified nut too.
boe meeting for live hard and die bold users being held in another county today. more like a bitch session, which I really can't stand to be a part of, but, I'm authorized to go and partake.
this morning, z is having a regional meeting concerning broadband in our district here in my county. I would have much rather attend that meeting! Production, action!
frosty, you should quit manifesting such negative thoughts. they'll come back at you.
time for me to move with the cloud.
Numbers 9:21
Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out.
enjoy the day, everyone.
Believing as I do "That knowledge is power" and "know thy enemy"...I read News,ax.com to see what the opposition is talking about. Interesting story: Reporter and FBI consultant Paul Williams states in his new book, "Day of Islam" that al-Qaida has been working on plans and acquiring nuclear weapons for over ten years and plans to attack New York City,Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Miami, Boston, Houston,and Los Angeles. It appears that the Bush administration has had access to this information and has done very little to protect our country. I think that they feel they will have enough warning to flee to Paraguay before the bombs go off and just leave the American people to be blown up and our way of life and economy destroyed. These criminals need to be impeached......John Boy.....
ha, ha sally preaching about joy. too much. i wonder if sally, sally and other sally made it to the kentucky on their dinosaurs yet? what morons.
in this story the european union's environment chief calls the presidummie a dog. the presidummie is reported to have responded...woof, woof.:
Bush climate plan "the classic U.S. line": EU
Fri Jun 1, 2007 6:09AM EDT
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - President George W. Bush's plan to tackle climate change merely restates U.S. policy which has been ineffective in the past in cutting emissions blamed for global warming, the EU's environment chief said on Friday.
"The declaration by President Bush basically restates the U.S. classic line on climate change -- no mandatory reductions, no carbon trading and vaguely expressed objectives," EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said, according to his spokeswoman.
"The U.S. approach has proven to be ineffective in reducing emissions," Dimas added of Bush's call on Thursday for 15 major countries to agree by 2008 on a long-term goal for cutting emissions.
European Commission President Jose Manual Barroso and German Chancellor Angela Merkel had emphasized that Bush's announcement did at least create more opportunities for dialogue, he said, adding that there was growing bipartisan support within the United States for a cap-and-trade system.
"Mandatory reductions, carbon trading and specific commitment and timetables have allowed the EU to reduce its emissions by 1.5 percent in 2005 under the 1990 levels, while the U.S. has increased them by more than 16 percent in the same period," Dimas had said.
nobody believes anything bush says
scalia's pied daughter gets treated just like you would...NOT!
WHEATON, Illinois (AP) -- The daughter of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was sentenced to 18 months of court supervision after pleading guilty to drunken driving.
Ann S. Banaszewski, 45, of Wheaton, Illinois, on Wednesday accepted a plea agreement under which prosecutors dropped four other charges including endangering the life of a child and failure to secure a child younger than 8 in a child-restraint system.
She was arrested February 12 while driving away from a fast-food restaurant in Wheaton, 20 miles west of Chicago. Three of her children were inside her 1996 Ford van when someone called police to report a suspected intoxicated driver, authorities have said.
Banaszewski didn't contest the automatic six-month suspension of her driver's license for refusing to take a breath test.
morning JohnBoy,
A Northern California woman sued the online dating service eHarmony on Thursday, alleging it discriminates against gays, lesbians and bisexuals.
Looks like Neil Clark Warren is showing his true colors. He is a big contributor to the repig party. He contributes nothing to the Democratic party. He must buy into their Koolaid drinking bullcrap and is no coubt a card carrying pseudo KKKristian.
fred thompson...an edsel for our times...
boy is this gonna be fun to watch
« Hide Comments
Comments are now closed for this entry.
