PB Rescue Open Thread
Here's a sample of what's there:
- Anatomy Of A Media Manipulation, by D. Tree.
- National Debt Growing and Growing, by Sam Schoolsky.
Chat away...
Comments (93) «
Good evenin
And on Global Warming:
Global-Warming Deniers: A Well-Funded Machine
by: Sharon Begley 6 August 2007
Sen. Barbara Boxer had been chair of the Senate's Environment Committee for less than a month when the verdict landed last February. "Warming of the climate system is unequivocal," concluded a report by 600 scientists from governments, academia, green groups and businesses in 40 countries. Worse, there was now at least a 90 percent likelihood that the release of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels is causing longer droughts, more flood-causing downpours and worse heat waves, way up from earlier studies. Those who doubt the reality of human-caused climate change have spent decades disputing that. But Boxer figured that with "the overwhelming science out there, the deniers' days were numbered." As she left a meeting with the head of the international climate panel, however, a staffer had some news for her. A conservative think tank long funded by ExxonMobil, she told Boxer, had offered scientists $10,000 to write articles undercutting the new report and the computer-based climate models it is based on. "I realized," says Boxer, "there was a movement behind this that just wasn't giving up."
If you think those who have long challenged the mainstream scientific findings about global warming recognize that the game is over, think again. Yes, 19 million people watched the "Live Earth" concerts last month, titans of corporate America are calling for laws mandating greenhouse cuts, "green" magazines fill newsstands, and the film based on Al Gore's best-selling book, "An Inconvenient Truth," won an Oscar. But outside Hollywood, Manhattan and other habitats of the chattering classes, the denial machine is running at full throttle—and continuing to shape both government policy and public opinion.
http://www.stopglobalwarming.org/sgw_read.asp?id=102958862007
Truth matters.
Florida's Geller joked about his amendment: "sarcasm and audible laughter in chamber"
Now the Florida party is asking people not to donate to the DNC. They use propaganda, and then try to hurt the party. Because they want to be first.
sunny, they can NEVER be "first". The NH State Constitution MANDATES that NH will ALWAYS be first.
How Gobbler's Knob got the honors as THE vote is anyone's guess.
Here's yet ANOTHER example of the BushCo "economy".
At one time THIS was THE LARGEST candy factory in the WORLD!!!
So, what do they do?
BLOW UP THE PLACE AND CHARGE "BATMAN" TO DO IT!!!!
That place used to employ almost 4,000 people, and now the neighborhood is DYING!
It's just like when Sears moved Allstate out of Lawndale, and soon followed. THAT neighborhood died in just a few years.
Brach's was a particularly shitty situation; they closed the plant on New Year's Eve so the workers couldn't even say "Well, See ya next year".
They couldn't, and never have.
Posted by rjsnj on August 29, 2007 at 06:41 PM
RJ....Something I never associated...I'm slow...was watching Nova the other night...a hurricane like Katrina has the power of many atomic bombs....but what really surprised me is that if the average temperature of the water in the Gulf of Mexico goes up just 1/2 of one degree, it creates additional energy equal to 100,000 atomic bombs...which means that there is that much more additional energy to feed and strengthen future hurricanes....combine this with the technology that is being used to rebuild the levees, it does not look good for the future of New Orleans...
Olbermann is doing a "Dragnet" style reenactment of the Craig bust, coming up.
Sign the petition
11,597 signers
We, the undersigned, urge the United States Senate to pass Senator Dodd's Gulf Coast Recovery Bill of 2007 (S1668) to assist the Gulf Coast region in rebuilding the infrastructure lost after the Katrina and Rita disasters.
Passage of this bill is an important step towards returning the Gulf Coast residents to their homes.
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The GOP, MC Rover, Chimpy and Shooter should be booted out the country for what they did during and after Katrina. Please don't forget that this was the day Bush drowned an American city.
Impeach the Chimp
Impeach the Shooter
Impeach them all!
Olbermann is doing a "Dragnet" style reenactment of the Craig bust, coming up.
Posted by DPD on August 29, 2007 at 08:03 PM
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dpd, that should be good. These GOP-PER degenerates must go!
Katrina: Slavery's back in Miss. and Ala.
Submitted by Rick Perlstein on August 29, 2007 - 9:35am.
The invaluable Center for Southern Studies tell the story of a labor "recruiter" who dispatched a police captain to kidnap a group of Mexican pipe-fitters and welders who fled an abusive work site. The cop said the recruiter was their "owner." Read the workers testimony:
We are welders and pipefitters from Veracruz, Mexico, who entered the United States on H2B visas in July 2007. We are fathers and husbands, with families to feed. Like all workers we came to the United States because of economic desperation. We are here to feed our children, to send money to our families. We came to work for a Texas shipyard called Southwest Shipyards, LP.
Within days of our arrival we realized that recruiters had lied to us about the living and working conditions in the United States. Several of our co-workers sustained life-threatening injuries on the job. One man was electrocuted. When we organized to ask for safer conditions, we were threatened.
Faced with retaliation, we ran away from Southwest. We went to Alabama, where a recruitment agency named Black Hawk promised us jobs. We signed up with Black Hawk, but the agency packed all 30 of us in two trailers in rural Alabama -- and abandoned us. We stayed in the trailers for 6 days without food or transportation.
Desperate again, we escaped from the Alabama trailers to Pascagoula, Mississippi. There we were kidnapped by Captain George Tillman of the Pascagoula Police Department.
On the night of August 2, 2007, Captain George Tillman of the Pascagoula Police Department arrived at our doorstep in uniform, with his badge and gun. He was accompanied by another officer and the recruiter from Black Hawk. Tillman told us that the recruiter from Black Hawk was our "owner," and that we had to go with him. He said that if we didn't, we would face prison and deportation.
http://commonsense.ourfuture.org/katrina_slavery_returns_mississippi_and_alabama?tx=3
Dodd and Edwards speak out against new funding request
by mcjoan
Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 01:58:49 PM PDT
Dodd was asked about the impending $50 billion funding request from Bush during the Q&A at his IAFF endorsement press conference.
Reporter: "Senator, there were reports this morning that President Bush will ask Congress for $50 billion more dollars for the Iraq war. What do you have to say about that?
Dodd: "Well, I'm not surprised and I'd be very resistant to that request. I think we've, as I said we're spending well over now half a trillion dollars in this conflict. And again, it's a civil war in Iraq. This is the middle of a civil war and those who have understood this issue have argued from the very beginning that there was never going to be a military solution to the civil war in Iraq. And so I'd be very resistant and I intend to fight any efforts here, I'll do whatever I can to support whatever our troops need to have a safe and secure withdrawal from Iraq. But I don't intend to continue to fund the war over there that I think has no end. As long as we're there, I think the Iraqis are not going to come together as a people it's about time we wound down our military presence there."
GOP Malaise Is Deeper Than The Scandal Du Jour
by DemFromCT
Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 05:44:47 AM PDT
This is not a good time to be a Republican. There's of course, the Larry Craig scandal, which is not playing well in Idaho according to SUSA:
55% in Idaho Say U.S. Senator Larry Craig Should Resign
Less than 36 hours after the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call first broke the story of Larry Craig's arrest in an airport bathroom, 89% in Idaho are aware. SurveyUSA interviewed 600 Idaho adults the evening of 8/28/07 to measure initial reaction, including 475 registered voters who have heard the news accounts. Of Idaho voters, 55% today say Craig should resign. 34% say Craig should remain in office. 11% are not sure. Among Idaho Republicans, 45% say Craig should resign, 42% say Craig should remain in office. Democrats and Independents overwhelmingly say Craig should resign. There are many sides to a complex story, and as new facts come to light, opinions can be expected to change.
There's little one can find in defense of Craig online in R Blogistan, and that goes along with the sighs of relief for Gonzo's resignation a day earlier. In fact, Sheryl Gay Stolberg in the NY times captures the moment with this piece entitled A Scandal-Scarred G.O.P. Asks, ‘What Next?’
Fire Tucker Carlson. NOW. (updated)
by Louise
Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 01:57:22 PM PDT
Tucker Carlson appeared with Joe Scarborough last night on Dan Abrams' MSNBC Live (click thru for video) to discuss Larry Craig's speech. Normally I rarely watch Tucker; he never fails to irritate. But Abrams' program is frequent evening viewing for us, as he directly follows Olbermann, and Olbermann is a must-see (my teenage son loves his show especially}.
Carlson finished the segment by bragging about gay-bashing someone when he was in high school. Tucker relates a story about how he was approached, as a high school student, by a gay guy in a mens' room in Georgetown. Carlson described how he left the room, got a friend, and they proceeded to return to the mens' room and beat the man up.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/8/29/162641/728
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Hey MSM, it's time for you to get rid of these conservative bozos that everyone hates. Start with Tucker Carlson and Glenn Beck.
rjsnj, what wasn't asked is why he should resign. My guess is that the Republican's in Idaho don't give a rat's care over the fact that Craig is a hypocrite, but want him out because he the majority of Idaho Republicans are homophobic.
GOP Malaise Is Deeper Than The Scandal Du Jour
by DemFromCT
Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 05:44:47 AM PDT
This is not a good time to be a Republican. There's of course, the Larry Craig scandal, which is not playing well in Idaho according to SUSA:
The last couple of nights while watching TV, watching Republican talking heads on ANY of the shows, there is an absence of the bluster, optimism, Rhetoric they had for the last 6 years! They seem wan and tired and some have the grace to show disgust for their party.
I feel sorry for those who are truly the old Conservative types. This new Neo Con, Hate filled, Theocracy based party has destroyed the old one.
Larry Craig was like the last straw on a party that has sold itself based on family values and morals. They have nothing left!
Here are another group of (R)'s to add to the wall of Shame and Corruption and Perversion!
Judge Links Ben Stevens to FBI Probe
By Pat Forgey
Juneau Empire
Son of powerful US senator publicly identified in corruption investigation for the first time.
A federal judge has for the first time publicly linked former Alaska Senate President Ben Stevens, son of U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, to the corruption investigation that has been underway since 2004.
At the same time, a federal prosecutor revealed there are "multiple, ongoing nonpublic investigations" related to the ongoing inquiry into ties between Alaska lawmakers and the oil industry.
Investigations have so far resulted in one criminal conviction, of former state Rep. Tom Anderson, R-Anchorage, and indictments of former Reps. Bruce Weyhrauch, R-Juneau; Pete Kott, R-Eagle River, and Vic Kohring, R-Wasilla.
just a drive by tonight. gonna log out .
(ps, just had a call from the President of the local Dem committee. They want me to chair a committee! 2 years ago, I was not involved in any politics, now I am going to be chairing a committee ! I will have to do it, because I am always preaching " get involved locally". Hope more of you do, too.)
Have a fine evening, Dems.
DPD, a local Idaho blog ran a poll early today, 88% said he should resign immediately.
I personally chuckle when these hypocrites get caught with their pants down, but I do agree with Barney Frank's opinion that he wasn't abusing the priveldege of the office he holds and Idaho can show their displeasure by not re-electing him, but stepping down shouldn't be necessary.
I do find this part of Frank's statement funny.
Added Frank: "It’s one thing to say that someone can’t be trusted to vote without being corrupt, it’s another to say that he can’t be trusted to go to the bathroom by himself."
Pat Buchannon is such a republican hypocrit. He just tried to make the case that Craig was not a hypocrit inspite of the fact that he was an outspoken critic of gays. Pat tried to claim Craig had "fallen" and couldn't help himself, but that did not mean he does not believe in "family values". What a bunch of Crap. Typical republican hypocrasy. "Do as I say, not as I do". Gingrich, Livingston, Vitter, Craig, etc. The entire stinking lot of them should go.
Bite me Chubby Schlub. We need a USA health plan.
Maybe you can start a "banned troll" MENTAL HEALTH plan?
What we need is health care system that works for the health of the people in it, NOT for the profits of the fat-cats who own it.
My guess is that the Republican's in Idaho don't give a rat's care over the fact that Craig is a hypocrite, but want him out because he the majority of Idaho Republicans are homophobic.
Posted by Kristen on August 29, 2007 at 08:36 PM
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Kristen that could very well be.
Here's another post along similar lines:
ID-Sen: Sali for Senate?
by mcjoan
Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 10:31:12 AM PDT
The vultures are circling Republican Larry Craig. Despite his defiant denial yesterday that he did anything wrong other than pleading guilty, Craig is toast. According to SUSA 55% of Idahoans want him gone. Conservative king maker Bryan Fischer at the Idaho Values Alliance wants him gone, the Idaho Statesman is taking a bead on him, the Idaho Falls Post Register didn't even wait for his press conference to call for his resignation. But most critically, GOP leadership in DC have cut him loose, if you can believe Russert.
So the opportunists jump into the fray. Pat Toomey, Club for Growth president and BFF of crazy Idaho Rep. Bill Sali took aim yesterday against Idaho's other representative in Congress and fellow Republican, Mike Simpson, one of Idaho's most popular Republicans.
But the anti-tax Club for Growth, which has played a pivotal role in Republican primaries, attacked Simpson today, calling him "one of the m ost economically liberal Republicans in Washington."
"Given his liberal record on economic issues, it is hard to imagine how Mike Simpson wins a Republican primary in the event that this Senate seats opens up," said Club for Growth President Pat Toomey.
I think the odds of having an interesting Republican primary in Idaho next year just got a lot better.
Maybe you can start a "banned troll" MENTAL HEALTH plan?
Posted by DPD on August 29, 2007 at 09:21 PM
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troll mental health care plan ... now that would be a waste of money.
Baird floats $200 billion blank check for Iraq?
by Kagro X
Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 07:12:58 AM PDT
As Turkana noted earlier, this morning's WaPo says:
President Bush plans to ask Congress next month for up to $50 billion in additional funding for the war in Iraq, a White House official said yesterday, a move that appears to reflect increasing administration confidence that it can fend off congressional calls for a rapid drawdown of U.S. forces.
The request -- which would come on top of about $460 billion in the fiscal 2008 defense budget and $147 billion in a pending supplemental bill to fund the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq -- is expected to be announced after congressional hearings scheduled for mid-September featuring the two top U.S. officials in Iraq.
$50 billion more on top of another $147 billion in a pending supplemental.
What? You haven't heard anything about this $147 billion supplemental? Really? Oops, my bad.
****
So, what's the story with this dude Baird? Is he a Blue Dog / Bush Dog?
How Hurricane Katrina Exposed The Fallacies of Conservatism
by Randolph T Holhut | Aug 29 2007 - 3:22pm |
article tools: email | print | read more Randolph T Holhut
DUMMERSTON, Vt. —Two years ago this week, a great American city was left to die.
An incompetent, corrupt administration showed its true colors as Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in one of the worst natural disasters in our nation's history.
It took a strong wind to blow away the nonsense and expose the fallacy of what has been an article of faith for conservatives for decades — that government is the problem, not the solution.
Don't even bother, Chicago. It's just another name for the banned troll. He uses ******* ********* as a proxy server, yet doesn't realize that its code has been broken, and is too stupid to know that HE forgot a "> sign so his posts opened up his own account.
What we need is health care system that works for the health of the people in it, NOT for the profits of the fat-cats who own it.
Posted by Chicago on August 29, 2007 at 09:29 PM
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Chicago, sounds to me like a single payer system. I don't see how mandated insurance really does much to get the profit out. It may help some people afford insurance but what will constrain the insurance companies from raising their premiums. We already seen how something like that functions with privatized Medicare ... it actually got more expensive rather despite the claims of cost reduction through competition.
I seen three approaches that work:
1) Socialized medicine as in the UK where doctors work for the government on salary and there is no outside insurer.
2) Single payer systems as in Canada where doctors work for themselves and the government acts as an insurer.
3) Multi payer systems where doctors work for themselves, the government outsources if you will insurance to private insurers who are strictly regulated.
Our form of health care is an oddity in the world.
A purely private system with an endless series of bandaids to subsidize the cost of the private insurer premiums. It doesn't work too well.
Larry Craig was like the last straw on a party that has sold itself based on family values and morals. They have nothing left!
Posted by PamB on August 29, 2007 at 08:47 PM
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PamB,
It's time the networks wise up. People have turned them off and tuned the media out. They need a different perspective. Put some liberals on already. I am sure people like Rachel Maddow would be willing to step up. Stephanie Miller is alread doing a good job.
The two biggest turkeys the media should dump is Tucker Carlson and Glenn Beck. The latter has absolutely horrible ratings.
rjsnj,
I think you have it right. Our system only lines the pockets of those who "own" the system. People who cannot afford health care just go to the emergency room. And who pays for that? We all do. And we pay through the nose because the people don't take care of things before they get into a crisis situation. People who work in the health industry know this. People who work billing in the Dr.'s offices know this, they see thousands and thousands of dollars each year "written off". Do the Dr.'s eat that loss? No, their prices for those WITH health care go up.
Insurance is all about on-hand money. If you have enough money in hand, you don't need insurance. Why do you think the US government is "self insured". They don't need to pay some company to use that company's money to pay the bills when something bad happens. The US government uses the cash "in-hand" it has to pay those bills and spreads it out. That way, they don't pay interest. If the American people can put all their money together, and if we don't allow some company to use that as a source of revenue, there will be more than enough money to pay ALL the bills and then some. Especially if we get people into health maintenance systems so they can stay out of the emergency rooms.
Thanks for letting me rant.
i.e., to wit the EIGHT DOLLAR ASPIRIN TABLET that they billed for my last hospital visit!
No, their prices for those WITH health care go up.
Posted by Chicago on August 29, 2007 at 09:50 PM
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chicago, it's a vicious circle. The doctors raise prices, insurers pay higher bills and then raise premiums ... It's called a feedback loop in economics. "Free enterprise" is incapable of breaking the feedback loop. The reason is simple - people don't price shop health care. To take a somewhat absurd example, does a person get two heart transplants just because two may cost less than one? Would you really travel 60 miles to a doctor just because the doctor costs 10 dollars less? Can you even get accurate pricing beforehand and will the doctor stick to it?
Health care is a "commodity" that requires price controls and cost regulation.
By the way, many nations health care is really more complex than the three types I outlined. Some offer option to "opt out" of the system and use private health care with doctors that work for themselves and private insurance (UK has this for instance).
Good evening, everyone.
So this is where you all are...even the irritating one.
I've been over at the old open thread rambling on for about the last 15 minutes. I thought it was something I said or that my jokes were worst than usual.
I'll repeat one of my better posts:
Chavez said on the “Hello, President” radio programme
Posted by Johnedwrd on August 29, 2007 at 09:17 PM
Now there is an idea, John.
Why doesn't one of those worthless propoganda flaks in the White House suggest to Bush that he could do a "better" weekly radio program than Chavez?
"Hello Dumbell" would be an instant hit. I think we should all have a chance to call in and tell him what we think of the "heck of a job" that he and his staff have done in the last six and half years. Think of the many "magic moments" we could re-live.
There could be promotions and contests. Those that win would get to send Bush on assignment to our favorite hot spots in the world.
Darfur would be my first choice. Just drop him out of a helicopter with his mountain bike and pick him up a week later if he's still breathing. Gonzales could run behind him and serve as his water boy...just like old times, right?
"Twisted" "Urges"???????????
How about being BORN that way, and the FACT that it's imprinted in the the DNA at the genetic level?
Being born gay has NOTHING to do with PUBLIC LEWDNESS IN AN AIRPORT RESTROOM!
THAT is what that hypocrite prick was charged with, NOT being "the gay".
Pull your own head out of some phony Preacher's ass and get a clue.
I've been over at the old open thread rambling on for about the last 15 minutes. I thought it was something I said or that my jokes were worst than usual.
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Sandy, your jokes are always good. It's hard to bounce back and forth between these threads.
"Hello Dumbell" would be an instant hit.
LOL ... He could recite his Bushisms. Sure to get a laugh.
Forgot all about this:
Please Forward to Your Local Media
Michael Collins
First puboished in
“Scoop” Independent News
Washington, DC
“No Work, No School, No Shopping – Hit the Streets”
The 911 General Strike called by a coalition of antiwar, 911 Truth, and pro impeachment groups is gaining strength with gatherings scheduled across the country and rapidly expanding activity on the Internet, where the idea originated.
We see this action as one against the injustices listed on the site but also one against our own fear, apathy, and cynicism. We want this to be an opportunity for citizens to reclaim a sense of power in defining their own destiny and running our own government. www.strike911.org Truth mover 27 August 2007
Strike activities are growing by the day. Formal events are listed below but there’s more. Every citizen is empowered by this essentially leaderless, egoless movement. This is one case where the people will actually lead if they choose. The impact of major public participation would shock those in power who ignore what they see as a passive public.
http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/9616
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Yes, I know it isn't politics per se; it's a form of protest. But, sometimes the two work together very well.
Posted by IrritatedDemocrat on August 29, 2007 at 10:00 PM
Twisted or seedy as in the case of Craig?
Arty Johnson and Ruth Buzzy used to do a skit on "Laugh In" that comes to mind. The recent cast of twisted characters from the Far Right need their own television show...or perhaps Robertson would like to feature them on the "700 Club?"
Countering Ann Coulter at Xavier University
by Joe Sudbay (DC) · 8/29/2007 10:08:00 PM ET
Discuss this post here: Comment (0) · digg it · reddit · FARK · · Link
Some of the progressive students at Xavier University in Ohio aren't too happy that the nasty, bigoted homophobe Ann Coulter is appearing on their campus. But, they've turned their anger into action at their blog, Counter Ann Coulter. They're raising money -- in $5.00 increments -- to bring progressive speakers to campus:
She has every right to speak her mind (and she's paid well to do it, her $20,000+ speaking fee equals about $5 for every Xavier student). But we speak our minds, too; for values like compassion, equality, and diversity. The same values Xavier students work to uphold with groups like Xavier's Gay-Straight Alliance, Amnesty International, Habitat for Humanity, and Earthcare.
http://www.americablog.com/2007/08/countering-ann-coulter-at-xavier.html
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Now that's a good idea. Instead of just getting pissed that Ann Coldsore is coming to town raise money for progressive speakers.
Worried Republicans start calling for Craig to resign
by Joe Sudbay (DC) · 8/29/2007 04:57:00 PM ET
Discuss this post here: Comments (247) · digg it · reddit · FARK · · Link
Tick, tick, tick. The clock is running out for Larry Craig. His Republican colleagues have started calling for him to quit. Senator/Presidential candidate John McCain and Senator Norm Coleman, who is facing a tough re-election in Minnesota, are leading the charge:
Craig "represents the Republican party," said Rep. Pete Hoekstra of Michigan, the first fellow GOP member of Congress to urge a resignation.
Craig said Tuesday he had committed no wrongdoing and shouldn't have pleaded guilty. He said he has only recently retained a lawyer to advise him in the case that threatens to write an ignominious end to a lifetime in public office.
Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Norm Coleman of Minnesota joined Hoekstra in urging Craig to step down.
McCain spoke out on an interview with CNN. "My opinion is that when you plead guilty to a crime, you shouldn't serve. That's not a moral stand. That's not a holier-than-thou. It's just a factual situation."
Coleman said in a written statement, "Senator Craig pled guilty to a crime involving conduct unbecoming a senator."
Where's all the outrage in the GOP about David Vitter?
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As discussed on Olbermann last night, I think Vitter got more support because he knuckled under and did what the RNC told him to do. Craig on the other hand has been arrogant and tried to deny the entire situation. Stupid! There is solid evidence against him. So, that is why I think the Pugs are ditching him big time.
Chicago, I HAVE health care, AND my Heart Studies (I'm involved in 2 separate programs being run by 2 different Universities) are paid for by the NIH. They still have to send me a "bill of services" which I don't have to pay, but when I gave it a good look-see I noticed that they FORCE me to wear their "special" booties, (which are nothing but foam rubber slippers) and eat 1 tablet of their "special" drug (which was billed as "acetylsalicylic acid"--and I KNOW what that is, IT'S ASPIRIN!!) it just points out in SPADES how the Pugs have Fundie loyalists who can't even read run the entire government.
BTW, the foam rubber booties cost $28.00 for 1 use.
Posted by IrritatedDemocrat on August 29, 2007 at 10:14 PM
I quite agree. We have our own banana republic dictator in Washington who under whose rule is fast eroding our freedoms. Our people will soon regret, if not already, electing this fascist leader.
Have you ever read the Constitution or Bill of Rights? Are you aware of the provisions of the Patriot Act? Have you taken a look at the size of our national debt lately?
Are you that teenage beauty queen who doesn't have a map or a clue?
Excuse me. Pat Robertson has probably featured them on the 700 Club in the past. Whoops.
Being born gay has NOTHING to do with PUBLIC LEWDNESS IN AN AIRPORT RESTROOM!
THAT is what that hypocrite prick was charged with, NOT being "the gay"
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dpd, you knew that sort of nonsense was going to come out of the GOP-PERS mouths (plus their waterboz and pundits), right?
Of course it has nothing to do with being gay. It's public lewdness that is the charge against Craig. It would be the same charge if it was hetero instead of gay sex.
So, can't the pervo afford a hotel room? He does get paid lots of money by the american taxpayer.
Freedoms are fast eroding under his rule and his people will soon regret, if not already, electing this fascist leader.
Posted by IrritatedDemocrat on August 29, 2007 at 10:14 PM
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So Americans are worried about Hugo? Geez, start worrying about the Chimp in the WH and what he's doing to take your rights away.
Representative Barney Frank who was also very guilty of such behavior yet still remains in his office.
Posted by IrritatedDemocrat on August 29, 2007 at 10:27 PM
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Phoohey. Yes, Barney Frank is gay. He openly admits it. But, unlike Craig, he wasn't arrested for public lewd behavior.
I think Vitter got more support because he knuckled under and did what the RNC told him to do
The GOP leadership treated him just like those prostitutes...gave him a good spanking. No wonder he's now content to do what they say.
I'm getting out of here before *sally shows up. These naughty boy references are just too tempting.
Sorry for distracting from the serious discussion on other political topics. It's not really funny, but sometimes you can't help laughing at what they are doing to their own Party.
Good night, all.
GOP Operative: "The real question for Republicans in Washington is how low can you go"
by Joe Sudbay (DC) · 8/29/2007 09:38:00 AM ET
Discuss this post here: Comments (81) · digg it · reddit · FARK · · Link
The Republicans Party presents itself as the model of virtue and familiy values. The Republican Party has an agenda based on hate and divisiveness. That Republican Party is falling apart. Read this article in today's New York Times:
Just when Republicans thought things could not get any worse, Senator Larry E. Craig of Idaho confirmed that he had pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct after an undercover police officer accused him of soliciting sex in June in a Minneapolis airport restroom. On Tuesday, Mr. Craig, 62, held a news conference to defend himself, calling the guilty plea “a mistake” and declaring, “I am not gay” — even as the Senate Republican leadership asked for an Ethics Committee review.
It was a bizarre spectacle, and only the latest in a string of accusations of sexual foibles and financial misdeeds that have landed Republicans in the political equivalent of purgatory, the realm of late-night comic television.
http://www.americablog.com/2007/08/gop-operative-real-question-for.html
Katrina, two years later
by Pam Spaulding · 8/29/2007 08:26:00 AM ET
Discuss this post here: Comments (56) · digg it · reddit · FARK · · Link
The French Quarter, relatively untouched by hurricane Katrina, is bustling, and businesses are being courted to New Orleans, but a good deal of the rest of the city and the Gulf region remain devastated. Awash in corruption, cronyism and incompetence, the reconstruction effort is a mess. Billions of money designated to the effort is not getting to those in need -- 42% of funds set aside for rebuilding and relief has not even been spent. The federal H2B "guestworker" visa program was set up for employers to hire people for the rebuilding effort. Because of the lack of oversight, abuse of workers, kidnapping and even modern-day slavery is occuring on the Gulf Coast.
To get a true sense of what it is like two years later, go to Voices from the Gulf from ColorofChange.org -- unvarnished video perspectives from the region.
The Institute for Southern Studies has published Blueprint for Gulf Renewal: The Katrina Crisis and a Community Agenda for Action.
http://www.americablog.com/2007/08/katrina-two-years-later.html
Updates from Take A Stand Day
by Joe Sudbay (DC) · 8/28/2007 09:20:00 PM ET
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It's wild out there. Across the country, thousands and thousands of Americans are showing up to take a stand.
Here's one of the latest updates:
From Philadelphia, PA town hall targeting Sen. Specter:
"It's Standing Room only at least 30 people are standing up!!! There is over 100 people here and they are still coming in !!!! We keep asking for more chairs but the Library can't get them in here fast enough. I am looking around at young people, seniors, men, women, and children are all here demanding that Senator Specter Takes a Stand against the War. John Grant is up now speaking.. He is a Vietnam war veteran who has traveled to Iraq several times. "The Petraues Report is only a Distraction--- to keep our sons and daughters in Iraq"
More to come--- Up next is Rand Beers--- Director of the National Security Network." -- Jotaka, PA organizer
From Springfield, NJ town hall targeting Rep. Ferguson:
"The turnout for the event is great. We have about 75 to 80 people and there are still activists trickling in. Congressman Ferguson did not show up therefore we have a cutout of Ferguson for the activists to address their questions to him. The 7th district constituents are upset that Ferguson did not take the time to listen to their concerns about the war. Our mfso speaker just asked the question what would life be like if your son or daughter diéd in Iraq, or who returned but has ptsd?" -- Esther, NJ organizer
Breaking -- "Wait -- we just surpassed 100!"
http://www.americablog.com/2007/08/updates-from-take-stand-day.html
Posted by SandyH on August 29, 2007 at 10:08 PM
Sandy, Carter did that. It was called "Talk to the President". I think Cronkite may have been the host, but people could call in and vent their personal spleens and Jimmy tried to answer as honestly as he could, and when he didn't have the answer readily at hand he said flat out "I don't know, but I'll ask the Secretary about that". Before the show was over, either the Department Secretary was in the room, or he/she was on the phone answering the question on live TV.
70 with spines. Can we get 218?
by mcjoan
A little over a month ago,
70 House Dems wrote to Bush:
Reprimand for officer charged in
Abu Ghraib scandal
Human rights groups are denouncing a military court for acquitting an army officer of the most serious charges laid in the Abu Ghraib abuse scandal and issuing him a reprimand.
Full Story:
Before the show was over, either the Department Secretary was in the room, or he/she was on the phone answering the question on live TV.
Posted by DPD on August 29, 2007 at 10:40 PM
****
dpd, I miss Jimmy Carter's honesty. I have to admit that he had a tough presidency. He inherited an absolutely terrible economy from Nixon/Ford. But, I always felt that he spoke the truth.
Good evenin DKA. I sure hope we can get enough Dems and Repubs to stand up to Bush's demand for more money. Enough is enough!
I find it outrageous that no officer other than Karpinsky has paid a price for Abu Ghraib. This went all the way up to Sanchez and to Rumsfeld.
Also, unlike Craig, he allowed one of his boy toys, an under aged male prostitute, to operate a ring out of his townhouse. That alone should have been sufficient to ask him for his resignation.
****
if so, why wasn't he charged with a crime? Hmmm....
GAO report leaked, rips Iraq happy talk
by quaoar
Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 07:18:26 PM PDT
The GAO report that is due out soon has already made it to the media -- leaked by someone who was afraid its scathing review of the situation in Iraq and the scant progress there would be watered down once the White House got its hands on it.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional auditors have determined that the Iraqi government has failed to meet the vast majority of political and military goals laid out by lawmakers to assess President Bush’s Iraq war strategy, The Associated Press has learned.
The Government Accountability Office, or GAO, will report that at least 13 of the 18 benchmarks to measure the surge of U.S. troops to Iraq are unfulfilled ahead of a Sept. 15 deadline for Bush to give a detailed accounting of the situation eight months after he announced the policy, according to three officials familiar with the matter.
Craig SIGNED A LEGALLY BINDING PLEA OF "GUILTY".
Talk your Pug Lovin' ASS out of THAT!
Craig SIGNED A LEGALLY BINDING PLEA OF "GUILTY".
****
dpd, craig is cooked. So is he going to serve his term from prison? Craig must leave now!
I have to say, that I watched the Olberman recreation of the Craig thing in the MSP airport bathroom. Obviously there are things I don't understand going on in those bathrooms. Foot tapping, hand waving, crack peeking...
But I did not see anything that, on the face of it, represented lewd conduct. I realize that their is "understood" signaling going on, but how do you prove the intent.
The entire situation seems weird to me. The really weird part is I have used some of those bathrooms recently. I'll make sure my stall door is locked tightly next time...
SCHIP: Govs. Spitzer and Schwarzenegger Call on Bush to Reverse New Rules
by The Maven
Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 05:56:19 PM PDT
In an unusual, but hopefully not unique, example of bipartisan cooperation, Governors Eliot Spitzer and Arnold Schwarzenegger joined together today in a letter to President Bush calling for the withdrawal of new rules proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) relating to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
As noted in Gov. Spitzer's press release (and discussed extensively in a wide variety of diaries here at Daily Kos, two weeks ago CMS announced that under the new rules, "until a state enrolls 95 percent of those eligible for SCHIP in households making under 200 percent of the poverty line ($41,300 for a family of four), they cannot provide coverage to children in families making above 250 percent of the poverty line ($51,625 for a family of four)." Not only is this a horrible idea on its own, but it would be a disaster for children in states with higher costs of living.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/8/29/182549/759
****
Of course, SCHIP is just another bandaid to this terrible system but it's what we have right now.
The Chimp is an absolute disgrace - he's asking for 80 billion more to waste on Iraq but is willing to create a situation where millions of children have no health care. What a punk!
The really sad part to all this is how easily we are all side-tracked by the sex related controversy when what we should be talking about are important national things like health care, the deficit, Iraq, etc.
I think it is related to the evolution of our media from news based, to tabloid based. We suffer from our environment until we better understand.
We suffer from our environment until we better understand.
Posted by Chicago on August 29, 2007 at 11:17 PM
****
Chicago, I agree. The Craig situation is basically yet another circus. I think the man is finished because he in effect pleaded guilty. I don't understand on what basis was he arrested but for him to plead guilty he must have been caught doing something.
Of course, the media will go on and on about this.
I say good riddance. Craig never cast a vote that helped progressives. So adios Craig.
rjsnj,
you have it. You understand. Bush's priorities are all screwed up. He still believes in "trickle-down economics". He thinks it applies to health care, Iraq, and Katrina. He thinks that if you create a situation where corporations can make money, that is automatically good for the people. This has been proven to be wrong AGAIN and AGAIN. But of course, we all know Bush is stupid and does not get it. I hope everyone who voted for the idiot Bush understand the consequences to the future of this country.
I can see the Headlines now: "Craig Gets A Big Kiss Off" ... "Voters Tell Craig To Just Blow Away"..."Hey Craig, Suck On THIS!".......
He thinks that if you create a situation where corporations can make money, that is automatically good for the people.
****
chicago, this seems to start with the 1920's Republicans. Recall it was Coolidge who said that the business of America is business.
I think darn few Republicans ever really understood Keynesian and bottom up economics.
I give Theodore Roosevelt credit for at least understanding the danger of monopolies but that's about it.
rjsnj/DPD,
I can stay a couple minutes longer.
I blame the media for it's lack of accurate reporting on the results of the Reagan era. A majority of the American people are still walking around with the thought in their heads that Reagan's policies were good for America and Americans. It is the big lie. Reagan's policies were good for the rich and did great harm to this country.
I heard a segment on Air America radio a couple of days ago that was eye-opening. I think it was on the Rob Hartman show. It was related to the fact that prior to Reagan, we were importing raw materials and exporting manufactured goods. Thanks to Reagan and the "trickle-down" economic agenda we have become a country that exports our raw materials and imports finished products. And think we all understand the impact that shift has had on manufacturing jobs.
Reagan sucked eggs through a straw. (Literally.)
That doofus was a worthless POS as a B movie actor, and became the template for the alcoholic crack head we are now suffering under. Incompetence became the norm with Ray-Gun, and this current imbecile just took it to the Nth degree.
Tonight I just happen to flip through the channels and on the O'Reilly Factor at the start of the show when it mentions what stories will be covered Ted Nugent was mentioned how he used foul, horrible language at a concert in California against Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Obama. I think Ted Nugent is an idiot and has gone too far this time. I think that it's time that liberals fight back by asking concert places not to allow him to play shows due to his terrible disrespectful behavior. Ted Nugent is a disgrace and is no postion to judge anyone. This jerk also wants to run for office. I hope that liberals will take a stand and protest this fool. He also seems to think it's a joke to hunt and kill innocent animals. I'd like to see this idiot try to run for office, quite a few people already know his horrible record that he has no morals. He use to always chase several women, cheating on them and he is going to speak against others morals? Talk about double standards. Nugent is an obstructionist, he stands for nothing! By the way folks if he claims to be a Christian don't buy into it. The horrible language he used about Hillary and Obama, real Christians don't behave that way. If anything Nugent's behavior is more like the devil but then again what more can we expect from a far right mental case? It's one thing for a person to have an opinion but he has gone way too far and I have no respect for him and others like him. I guess the true colors of Republicans are coming out. As far as I'm concerned Ted Nugent is nothing but scumbag!
Evening all good Dems,
I was over on the other open thread until the lightning storm hit. After it passed I couldn't remember where the hell I was. It turns out I had been posting on the other thread all evening.
Must have been ray-gun moment.
DPD,
Things can't get much worse. I thought ray-gun was the worst but bush has him beat all to hell.
The sad thing is that no one seems to give a damn.
These two misfits must be arrested, put in chains, taken to the Hague, tried for crimes against humanity and hanged. The world would be our instant friend.
just dropped in to see what condition our condition is in...see you all in the morning.
Ted Nugent, for all his proclamations of being the "Motor City MadMan" went to St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights Illinois.
His mother wrote a weekly column for the "Illinois Entertainer" magazine until she died called "Dear Ma Nugent". Scroll down a bit for the obit.
An interesting point to make about that jerkwad Teddie Nugent, when I was in College a friend of mine worked at a Mobil Station at an exit ramp and this pure black Chevy Blazer came screaming off the exit ramp and screeched to a halt in front of the pumps with his stereo blasting. The jerk "driving" barked at my friend "Fill 'ER UP, and DON'T get any gas on my paint" and went to the men's room.
Guess what the "Nuge" was listening to?
HIMSELF!!! An album that was at least 5 years old, to boot. My friend switched his tape with a Pink Floyd or Jethro Tull tape just to piss the prick off.
He has always been a blowhard POS.
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From: "Nita Chaudhary, MoveOn.org Political
Subject: $15m for an endless war
Date: Wed 08/29/07 02:50 PM
White House allies are going on the air with millions of dollars in ads, making the case for staying in Iraq for years. Can you contribute $25 so we can fight back?
Contribute Now!
Dear MoveOn member,
This morning, in cities around the country, $15 MILLION in pro-war TV ads are going on the air. The ads, sponsored by a White House front group, push for us to stay in Iraq for years or decades more.
The Republican ads are emotional, and they'll be able to saturate the airwaves most of the cities they're running in. They lie— linking Iraq and 9/11. And unless we can get up on the air to fight back, they may be effective in helping President Bush keep the war going.
Our ad producers have been working day and night to put together ads that we think can counter the White House onslaught. But to produce, test, and start to run the ads, we need to raise about $200,000 in the next 24 hours. Can you chip in $25 to help?
https://pol.moveon.org/donate/15mil.html?id=11129-6923278-fgn.c_&t=
Posted by PamB on August 29, 2007 at 08:55 PM
Congratulations Pam, I know that you will do a good job!
What happened to "infallible"???? Did he get sent to the minor leagues, his contract optioned to a class double A team?.....
Morning JohnBoy,
We had another rain last night with a little slam bang. It's 63 this morning. Looks like the weather is returning to normal.
good morning goodfoe and johnedwrd.
4:36am here and already 94 degrees. expected high of about 119.
i grow weary of the desert:)
Morning Marsh,
Are you in Northern California? I spent some a summer in Redding on evening. At midnight the temperature was 96 degrees.
That didn't come out right. Should be "I spent a summer in Redding one evening".
Sounds more like you are either in Phoenix or Las Vegas.
southern cali here. the temps are actually just a bit above normal.
Has the "rapture" happened yet or is bush just in a drunken stupor?
I love the way his cronys piss away our money advertising his infamous illegal war. The bush crime family should all be sent to the Hague.
Good morning, Dems! Start your day with a smile. This landed in my inbox this am:
Gonzales to Spend More Time Eavesdropping on His Family
‘Domestic Surveillance Begins at Home,’ Former A.G. Says
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigned today, effective immediately, telling reporters that he wanted to spend more time eavesdropping on his family.
Mr. Gonzales, a champion of domestic surveillance and warrantless wiretaps while in office, said he was “totally stoked” about turning his prying eyes on his own family.
“Domestic surveillance begins at home,” Mr. Gonzales said at a White House press conference. “That means nobody in my family is above suspicion, not even the little ones,” an apparent reference to Mr. Gonzales’ children.
Standing by Mr. Gonzales’ side, President George W. Bush praised his former Attorney General, singling out his “courage” for ramping up his domestic spying program on his own family.
“If every head of every household was as willing to eavesdrop on his own family as my man Alberto is, we wouldn’t need a Homeland Security Department,” Mr. Bush chuckled.
Mr. Gonzales was noncommittal when a reporter asked him a question about the role that waterboarding and other forms of torture might play in his interrogation of family members.
“Nothing is off the table,” he said.
Asked about his tenure as Attorney General, Mr. Gonzales was candid about his stormy time in office: “Frankly, I can’t believe it took this long for them to shitcan me.”
PS, Jacque, that kid in the video was amazing. Thanks for sharing it.
When I lived in Sunland back in the late 60's, it only got hot in September. Otherwise it was tolerable. The climate has really changed.
One time I got off the plane in Burbank in the late sixties and when they opened the door the air was orange and very oppressive. One morning I stood on my inlaws deck overlooking the valley and Interstate 5? and I could see an orange cloud hanging along the length of the freeway.
I personally think we are now paying for all this pollution with global warming.
Morning Cyn_NY,
Good Nazi children used to turn in their parents for being bad Nazis.
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