"While Democrats across the country are anguished about the bitter fight for their presidential nomination, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid doesn't appear to be losing any sleep over it.

Asked about it last week, Reid said he remains convinced the nominee will be decided well before the August national convention. He wore a serene and mysterious smile.

But Reid isn't one for lengthy explanations. The conversation went like this:

Question: Do you still think the Democratic race can be resolved before the convention?

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Reid: Easy.

Q: How is that?

Reid: It will be done.

Q: It just will?

Reid: Yep.

Q: Magically?

Reid: No, it will be done. I had a conversation with Governor Dean (Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean) today. Things are being done.

That's all the Nevada Democrat would say about it.

Reid also weighed in on the controversy over Michigan and Florida, states whose Democratic convention delegates were stripped when they scheduled primaries before Super Tuesday, Feb. 5, without permission from the DNC.

http://www.lvrj.com/news/16948521.html

Thank You, Michael!

Good morning, ALL!

Happy Birthday, goodfoe!

Letterkenny Army Depot here in Franklin County, Pennsylvania recently marked the milestone of adding armor protection to 1,000 Army vehicles. These newly armored vehicles will provide protection to our troops from land mines. This program has also provided high-paying jobs to hundreds of skilled workers here in Pennsylvania. Funding to add armor to these Army vehicles initially faced opposition from the Bush administration. Thanks to the hard work of Democrats like Senate Armed Forces Committee Chairman Carl Levin, Representative John Murtha (D-Pennsylvania), and Senate Armed Forces Committee member Hillary Clinton, our troops are getting the equipment they need.

Good morning

Massive Antarctic Ice Shelf Collapses Hotlist
by DWG [Subscribe]
Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 03:13:22 AM PDT

While the professional liars of oil, gas, and coal industries continue their slick climate disinformation campaign, Antarctica melts and crumbles.

March 25, 2008—New satellite images reveal what scientists call the "runaway" collapse of an enormous ice shelf in Antarctica as the result of global warming.

The chunk of coastal ice was some 160 square miles (415 square kilometers) in area—about seven times the size of Manhattan.

[snip]

David Vaughan of the British Antarctic Survey noted that the larger formation from which the chunk detached—the Wilkins Ice Shelf—could itself collapse in 15 years.

"Wilkins is the largest ice shelf on West Antarctica yet to be threatened," Vaughan said in the statement. "This shelf is hanging by a thread.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/3/26/51745/9047/661/484450
=================================================

Okay tell me again GOP-PERS how there is no global warming ...

"When the other side is tearing itself apart you don't want to be distracting the public from watching that food fight," Ayers said. "You need to be spending your time raising money and uniting the party," said GOP strategist, Walt Ayers. Watch more on the Democratic dust up »

"Independents want solutions to be reached. The more the Democrats tear each other up the better John McCain looks as a problem solver," Ayers said.

This is just the reason why Hillary and Obama need to get their act together.

I think they should sit down, make a trace and then outline what needs to be done as far going after McCain. This bickering has got to end. If they won't sit down and call a truce, then memebrs of our party need to force them to do it.

If they continue to fight and not talk issues, it will only make us weaker. Nancy, Harry and Dean should knwo this! To do nothing is not acceptable!

4001.

As of today, that's the count of Americans in uniform who have lost their lives because of the invasion and occupation of Iraq.

If the past holds true, this means 37 to 300 Iraqis - mostly civilians - have also lost their lives since the number of U.S. dead clicked over from 4000 to 4001. However, we can't be sure because nobody is carefully counting the Iraqi dead.

Abu Aardvark writes:

Yesterday the UAE announced that it would begin exploring the prospects for a civilian nuclear program, after signing a deal with French President Sarkozy on nuclear cooperation in January. Today, the United States announced an agreement with Bahrain to support a civilian nuclear program. Qatar has been talking up nuclear power for years, and the GCC collectively has been talking of late of the need for a joint nuclear energy agenda. This all makes great sense. These large, energy-poor countries clearly need nuclear energy programs to meet the power needs of their vast populations and energy-dependent manufacturing economies. Where else could they find reliable supplies of energy? And from a security perspective, there really doesn't seem to be any better place to locate nuclear power plants than in small, weak states in the Persian Gulf, where would-be nuclear terrorists would have no chance of getting close and the plants themselves couldn't possibly become military targets.
================================================

Okay, so exactly why can't Iran have a civilian nuclear program?

Posted by GregL on March 26, 2008 at 09:13 AM

Thanks good Dem! I don't know about 73 more, but what I do have a need to be under a good Progressive government, not the criminal government we now have. The brave men and women who have given their lives defending our country did not make their sacrifice so these wanna be tyrants and criminal could loot our treasury and steal our liberties! We owe it to them to win in Nov!

Senate Armed Forces Committee member Hillary Clinton, our troops are getting the equipment they need. Posted by anne_smith on March 26, 2008 at 09:15 AM

That's a good thing since she voted for the war and has never apolozied for it......

I don't agree with everything he said, but what I do know is that freedom of speech does still exist in this country (more or less) in spite of George Bush's efforts to stifle and destroy it.

Posted by goodfoe on March 26, 2008 at 09:08 AM

That says it all! The separation between church and state declared in the 1st Amendment is essential to freedom of speech and religious freedom. When blurred or obliterated, it's just a matter of time before the "ethnic cleansing" begins. Witness the sectarian violence in Iraq!

The Founding Fathers, with memories of religious persecution suffered by their ancestors - the Thirty Years War [1618-1648] - understood this! I hope we never forget it. Happy Birthday!

From yesterday but worth posting again:

HEY! Hundreds of American soldiers are going to die Hotlist
by dday [Subscribe]
Tue Mar 25, 2008 at 03:41:07 PM PDT

Sorry to butt in, especially with a post that includes the words "Obama" or "Clinton" only in passing.

Thought you should know that the Mahdi Army cease-fire is over and we are back to facing a full resistance on multiple fronts in Iraq.

You know, maybe that's something you should look into.

* dday's diary :: ::
*

The Mahdi Army's seven-month-long cease-fire appears to have come undone.

Rockets fired from the capital's Shiite district of Sadr City slammed into the Green Zone Tuesday, the second time in three days, and firefights erupted around Baghdad pitting government and US forces against the militia allied to the influential Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

At the same time, the oil-export city of Basra became a battleground Tuesday as Iraqi forces, backed by US air power, launched a major crackdown on the Mahdi Army elements. British and US forces were guarding the border with Iran to intercept incoming weapons or fighters, according to a senior security official in Basra [...]

"The cease-fire is over; we have been told to fight the Americans," said one Mahdi Army militiaman, who was reached by telephone in Sadr City. This same man, when interviewed in January, had stated that he was abiding by the cease-fire and that he was keeping busy running his cellular phone store.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/3/25/18758/3454/978/484125
===============================================

Hey, Hey John McCain how many Americans and Iraqis are you going to kill today ...

Posted by Doo-Bee-Doo-Bee-Doo on March 26, 2008 at 09:12 AM

Thanks friend, keep up your good work!

Posted by anne_smith on March 26, 2008 at 09:15 AM

all democratic senators on the senate armed service committee deserve equal thanks
Edward M. Kennedy (Massachusetts)
Robert C. Byrd (West Virginia)
Joseph I. Lieberman (Connecticut)
Jack Reed (Rhode Island)
Daniel K. Akaka (Hawaii)
Bill Nelson (Florida)
E. Benjamin Nelson (Nebraska)
Evan Bayh (Indiana)
Mark L. Pryor (Arkansas)
Hillary Clinton (New York)
Jim Webb (Virginia)
Claire McCaskill (Missouri)

Posted by Kathy_from_Indiana on March 26, 2008 at 09:23 AM
==================================================

Kathy, it's not productive. I am dubious anyone can step in. It really all comes down to us. There is absolutely no reason why a normal election cycle can not start. You can still register voters. You can still get involved in Senate / Congressional races.
The beginning months of any campaign is always slow anyway. You can take the simple step of attending local meetups and building a group.

Here's a funny one for you. Despite the contentious race, Olbermann reported that McCain is actually falling in the latest polls. Maybe people are seeing what a dope he is as he makes daily gaffes.

McCain ... same as Bush

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid understands the art of politics. He knows that during a close contest, both sides say inflammatory things that they might later regret. Fortunately, the name calling among Democrats is merely keeping those in the media employed, and public entertained. The core question voters have on their minds is: “Who is best qualified to be our next Commander and Chief?” We’ll know their answer to this key question by August.

Good morning, all.

I am Catholic and I have never been told how to vote. What is usually said is to keep in mind that the church does not believe in abortion, war ect., but they are for basic human rights. To my knowledge they do not endorse political candidates. I would be offended if they did!

Posted by jenar on March 26, 2008 at 08:58 AM

Then start getting offended. The archbishop in our city sent out a letter to the parishes last election saying any who voted for a candidate who supported abortion rights should not take communion.

Just because you're snooping around in other people's churches trying to deny them the right to worship in the way they feel the Lord wants them to do, doesn't leave you off the hook for not paying attention to what's going on in your own church and communities.

Freedom of religion is a right extended to all faiths not just your own. Bigotry is not just about race, nationality, or sexual orientation. It's also about religion.

We haven't seen this degree of faith-baiting in this country since the KKK and White Supremacists were painting swastikas on synagogues and burning strings of black Christian churches in the South.

I bet you don't condone that sort of behavior just because some don't worship in the same way you do? So why is it O.K. to flame the members of black churches with your political rhetoric instead?

I'd actually be a little frightened if I were you. The same activist groups might be coming after your Catholic Church next because of the Bishops' stand on granting sanctuary for illegal aliens.

The Westboro Baptist Church certainly has been harassing veterans' funerals all over the country now for years. I've never once seen you come in here and condemn their actions or point by point dissect the words of their leader as being un-American.

Posted by MARZBAR on March 26, 2008 at 09:29 AM

Thanks for the birthday wishes. And I agree with your comments. I am one Christian that believes that separation of church and state must be maintained. Extremism in "religion" has contributed to much of the bloodshed in our history. The image of a Taliban thug dragging a poor woman out to a soccer field and shooting her in the head with his AK47 is what a religious theocracy is. And Roe v Wade must NOT be over turned! That is an individual decision that must be available to every women. "Ministers" like Hagee and Parsley, who condemn gays give us a look into the future of what this country would look like if "we aver became a "Christian' nation." Like I said, I'm Christian, but I'm not one of them. I pray in the woods!

Posted by rjsnj on March 26, 2008 at 09:30 AM

The "cease fire" was little more than a respite to rearm by both the Sunnis and the Shiites.

Unable to leave but unable to stay...

McCain's supposed 100 year gaffe may prove propethic as Bush is at the Pentagon this AM. Could he be asking his generals what it will take to suppress the Shiite militias in both Bagdhad and Basra? How many more additional troops are required to stay the course? He's a lame duck with a feckless Congress.

We're on a fast track slippery slope... in an election year!

Happy Birthday, goodfoe!

Ahhh, so good to hear from the conservative shithead who thinks being critical (and yes, a bit paranoid, although, like I said before, can you say "Tuskegee"?) about one's government is "unAmerican". You still here pretending to be a Democrat? Why don't you crawl back up Bush's ass. McCain will come to get you when it's time.

Posted by GregL on March 26, 2008 at 09:10 AM

Get a life!

Posted by rjsnj on March 26, 2008 at 09:26 AM

They're Shiites?

Hsppy Birthday, {{{John Boy!}}}

alright gregl report to the big nurse immediately, doctor doom is writing a new medication order for you.

for those who are unaware pbs is doing an excellent piece titled "bush's war". here is the description of tonights second ( and final ) part from crooks and liars:

"Tonight on PBS, part two of the Frontline special “Bush’s War” (or as I would call it, McCain’s War) will air. Part one — which covered the period from 9/11 to March 2003 — aired last night was absolutely remarkable in it’s grasp of the entire picture of how and why we are in Iraq. Although things will certainly evolve from where we find ourselves today, this special will undoubtedly be viewed as the definitive account of the Iraq War."

SandyH,

What the heck are you talking about? You obviously do not know the difference between a Catholic and a Baptist. Do some research before you lump all Christians into one.

I don't believe in abortion, but I think women should have the right to chose. I have realized that there is a separation between church and state and I make my own decisions. I am not led like a sheep!

...so quit thinking that I am the religious right and realize that there are many others out there like myself that you might want to stop attacking because we too are part of the democratic party.

Posted by SandyH on March 26, 2008 at 09:48 AM

Thanks Sandy, I always enjoy your well thought out posts....John Boy.....

Good morning dems,

Happy birthday goodfoe.

Saw Bush's War, and it had alot of the infighting and incompetence story. Just think it needs a supplemental tale of the oil industry and Opec and the backgrounds/interests of these players to get and idea of the agendas being waged. Cheney appeared in the program as some creature mysteriously just emerged from some cave and his motives opaque but dastardly.

Posted by PamB on March 26, 2008 at 09:56 AM

Thanks Pam, I have really missed your fire and your passion. So glad to see you posting again!

Posted by TomN on March 26, 2008 at 10:01 AM

Thanks Tom, keep on keepin' on. We need to read your thoughts, you always contribute meaningfully.

HAPPY 68th Birthday to Nancy Pelosi, too!

As for this "My God can beat up your God" crapfest. Who cares? Anyway, it's against the law!

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

(bold mine)

U.S. Constitution, Article VI

So if Hillary has a problem with that particular church, she should find a different one that she won't go to, just like she doesn't go to any church now.

What's the problem? It's not like she's any devout church going religious fanatic as it is.

And Roe v Wade must NOT be over turned! That is an individual decision that must be available to every women.

Posted by goodfoe on March 26, 2008 at 09:47 AM

I couldn't agree more. If child bearing is perceived as a gift from God given/assigned to women, then what women choose to do with this gift is between them and God. It is PRIVATE.

Moreover, to the extent that God is omnipotent and infinitely wise, male interference in this decision between God and women is tantamount to blasphemy. For men are questioning the wisdom of God!

In a more worldly setting, this interfernce has resulted in the patriarchal domination and the subsequent second class status of women in many religions based on these principles.

Finally, to insist that every child conceived be brought into this world, then turn around and deny any moral responsibility for the basic nutrition, health care, education, and nurturance required for their development as a human being is morally bankrupt! This hypocrisy is so obvious that many a religion is rethinking its position in light of these obligations...

I'll leave it that! BBL...

Time for me to go to Westco Donut shop. I have to keep my weight up. Going to wear my beat up old Resistol to protect myself from possible sniper fire.....Later.....John Boy.....

Posted by rjsnj on March 26, 2008 at 09:37 AM

rjsnj,

Excellent point. It's always the right time to register voters and work for state/local candidates.

Most voters will wait until October, look around them at what's going on with the economy and Iraq and then decide which candidate works best for change. Change is the only thing that matters now.

This current primary high drama is only for political junkies like us and the pundits.

The rest of the voters aren't even registering beyond the Final Four at this stage. Maybe openning day of the baseball season? Who is going to win Dancing with the Stars or American Idol?

The division in the Democratic party is not over issues. Our agenda is decided. It's over the impending failure (yet again) of the Centralist philosophy that never got us a super majority in Congress. It only worked for one man...Bill Clinton, who for some reason seems to think he's running for a third term just like McCain/Bush.

Gotta run. later.

Democratic Party Creed

“We the people” of the Democratic Party
Do promise to uphold the Constitution
From the onslaught of a Corporate Republic
America is a Trilogy of Scales of Justice
With check and balanced representation
It is not a White House Kingdom of Privilege

Work in Progress
Can you add some thoughts, I may add them. Comment, so far.

Posted by GregL on March 26, 2008 at 09:22 AM

Again, they do not endorse specific candidates. They may put out publications such as the one you cited, however, if you look further you will find that they promote human rights as well. There is no perfect party/candidate in either regard!

Posted by jenar on March 26, 2008 at 09:36 AM

It's over the impending failure (yet again) of the Centralist philosophy that never got us a super majority in Congress.

Posted by SandyH on March 26, 2008 at 10:12 AM

Music to my ears! More like the Republican-in-drag strategy...

In 35 years in ministry, I have exhorted my parishioners from the pulpit some 1,855 times, excluding weddings and funerals. I've rallied them to observe the Sabbath and Holy Days and kosher laws, to be more compassionate and socially conscious, and to love their neighbors and their God.

I have also exhorted them about some pretty nasty, mean-spirited things, too, particularly in my youth: Hate the Palestinians. Hate the Arabs. Hate Reagan. Hate the military-industrial establishment. Hate the Religious Right. Hate Falwell. Hate Jesse Jackson. Hate. Hate. Hate.

I don't preach hate any more, having attained the years that bring the philosophical mind. But, oh, there were the days. More importantly, though, my parishioners didn't really listen to too much of what I said, nor internalize it, nor certainly act upon it. To the contrary, they routinely renewed my contracts, invited me to dinner, and told me that my sermons were great.

more here

Happy Birthday John Boy...from a '34 model

The bottom line: Everyone has an association that is open for scrutiny. Our real focus should be on the candidates and their views on the issues, because one of them will stand before the nation and take the oath of office and swear to uphold and protect the Constitution of the United States.

This is a MUST READ!

Democratic Party Independence

From Wall Street to Main Streets to dirt streets,
“Made in America” dreams for our children.
Prayers of a nation in Katrina tear’s compassion,
“We the people” are the HeArt beats of a nation
Holding hands in harmony’s “God Bless America!”
We are the worker’s party of true Human Heritage
Working the land of our ancestors pure patriot pride
Never outsourcing our birthright for a price tag.
Our Public Schools must germinate red, white, ‘n blue
From generation to generation of American History.
We have our Declaration of Independence to teach.

Happy Birthday, {{JohnBoy}}!

Hey {{Y'all}}!

{{Mamalicious}}, where've you been, girl? Glad to see you back!

Posted by SandyH on March 26, 2008 at 10:12 AM
=================================================

Sandy, my points exactly. I don't think we should fret too much about the primary ans we should not be paralyzed waiting for the final result.

perhaps the most amazing thing about the repelicans lately ( presidummie, mcdog, paulson, burntacne ) is that they are still holding the line against any significant increase in regulation or oversight of the lending and banking bizznezzez....even with foreclosures rising, the once vibrant construction industry in the tank and a deepening recession they are cautioning against the much feared "government intervention" as they bail out their rich friends and let working people move from their foreclosed homes into all night train stations and culvert pipes.

electing pelicans to run the government is like hiring wily coyote to watch the hen house....

Posted by SandyH on March 26, 2008 at 09:45 AM
===================================================

Incredible double standards on these issues. I wonder why this poster didn't have anything to say when the Catholic hater Hagee endorsed McCain. Oh yeah, McCain sought his endorsement!

We're on a fast track slippery slope... in an election year!

Posted by MARZBAR on March 26, 2008 at 09:48 AM
==================================================

This has the same feel of the Vietnam era where we seen escalation after escalation. Also, the war expanded into surrounding countries. Sound familar?

Echoing that era, I say:

Hey, Hey John McCain, how many Americans and Iraqi are you going to kill today ...

Jacob Hacker (the person who both Clinton and Obama borrow heavily from for their health care plans) speaks out again:

Let's Try a Dose. We're Bound to Feel Better.

By Jacob S. Hacker
Sunday, March 23, 2008; B01

"Socialized medicine" is the bogeyman that just won't die. The epithet has been hurled at every national health plan since the New Deal -- even Medicare, which critics warned would strip Americans of their freedom.

And now it's back. Republicans from President Bush on down have invoked the specter of socialism in denouncing Democrats' attempts to expand publicly funded health insurance for children. Erstwhile GOP presidential contenders Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney lambasted the health plans of the leading Democratic candidates for mimicking "the socialist solution they have in Europe" (Giuliani) and trying to impose "a European-style socialized medicine plan" (Romney). The presumptive Republican nominee, Sen. John McCain, hasn't used the S-word yet, but after sewing up the nomination in early March, he criticized Democrats for intending "to return to the failed, big-government mandates of the '60s and '70s to address problems such as the lack of health-care insurance for some Americans."

Never mind that nobody is proposing to turn doctors into public employees and hospitals into government institutions -- the literal meaning of socialized medicine. The slogan gets its punch because it invokes a visceral public fear: that government involvement will drive up costs and drive down quality, wrecking the economy and damaging your health. Expanding government's role, the naysayers insist, will destroy what McCain calls "the world's best medical care."

But the critics have it backward. The best American medical care is indeed extremely good, but much of our system falls short -- especially when you consider how costly it is, how heavy a burden it places on employers and families, and how many it excludes. And far from being a threat, getting the government more involved in health care would actually reduce costs, improve quality and bolster the U.S. economy -- which helps explain why public insurance is the secret weapon in both of the leading Democratic candidates' plans. If socialized medicine means doing what our public-insurance programs and other nations' health systems do to control costs, expand coverage and improve the quality of care, it's high time for a little socialization.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/21/AR2008032102743_pf.html

Posted by Followthmoney on March 26, 2008 at 10:40 AM

Thanks for the good wishes, if you're a '34 model, then, you are a Super Anuated Citizen too!

Posted by TheOriginalHillWilliam on March 26, 2008 at 10:48 AM

Thanks Bill, I wish I had a "little slice of Heaven" like you do, so enjoy yours!

Happy b-day Goodfoe!!

McCain To Take Bold Non-Action on Economy Hotlist
by SusanG
Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 07:44:15 AM PDT

McCain laid out his bold, bold plan to deal with the mortgage crisis and the economy yesterday:

SANTA ANA -- - Sen. John McCain addressed the mortgage foreclosure crisis and the weakening economy in a speech in Santa Ana today but offered no major prescriptions for quelling turbulence -- instead calling for two panels to look at the problems.

Wow! No major prescriptions! Convening two panels! Can the electorate bear such vigorous and inspirational leadership? Such decisive, hard-nosed specifics issuing from the bowels of a proposed third Bush term?

Of course, for more than four years, McCain has had an opportunity as a senator to address the shaky underpinnings of the loan industry's effect on the economy and has refused to do so. Via Think Progress's new Wonk Room, check out the facts and weep:

– McCain voted against discouraging predatory lending practices. In 2005, McCain voted against an amendment prohibiting law-breaking high-cost predatory mortgage lenders from collecting funds from homeowners who are forced into bankruptcy court. [S. 256, 3/03/05]

– McCain failed to vote on bill to overhaul mortgage lending practices of FHA.In 2007, McCain failed to vote on passage of a bill that would overhaul the mortgage lending practices of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The bill would reduce the required minimum down payment for an FHA-insured loan and simplify its calculation, requiring a flat 1.5 percent of the appraised value of the home. [S. 2338, 12/14/07]

– McCain failed to sign on to the Predatory Lending Consumer Protection Act. In 2003, McCain failed to add his name to this legislation, which was intended to "protect consumers against predatory practices." The bill, which was endorsed by a host of civil rights and housing advocates, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, ACORN, and the Consumer Federation of America. [S. 1928, 11/21/03]

– McCain failed to sign on to Truth in Lending Act. Less than four months ago, McCain failed to sign on to this bipartisan initiative providing protection to consumers taking out home mortgage loans. Among other measures, it was designed to "establish new lending standards to ensure that loans are affordable and fair." McCain also refused to co-sponsor this legislation in the 107th Congress as well. [S. 2452, 12/12/2007]

Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton was singularly unimpressed with McCain's "solutions":

It's deeply troubling that John McCain is suggesting that the best way to address the housing crisis is to sit back and watch it happen – which is just further evidence that he would continue President Bush's failed economic policies. Barack Obama believes that the job of a president is to lead—and that's why he'll work to help struggling homeowners and lenders rework existing subprime loans into affordable long-term fixed loans, create a foreclosure prevention fund to help keep Americans in their homes, close the bankruptcy loophole for mortgage companies, provide a tax credit for the interest on new mortgages, fight mortgage fraud at every level, and require that borrowers have access to accurate information about their mortgage options.

And lest we forget ... McCain has a long and sordid history of worrying more about the financial welfare of the savings and loan institutions at the expense of the depositors. Democrats should school themselves to remind the public of this every time McCain, the economy, regulation and the mortgage crisis is brought up in the months ahead.
====================================================
What an empty head McCrap is! Of course, he won't go near the banking industry ... Mr. Keatings 5.

McCain = Keating 5 Bank Scandal
McCain ... at least as bad as Bush ... probably way worst.

jenar - could you please point out the aresa in the good Rev speech that is raciest and unAmerican to you? Please tell me - I'm waiting...

Posted by Kathy_from_Indiana on March 26, 2008 at 08:45 AM

Warning: graphic language

The following is a list of some of the inflammatory and anti-American comments made by Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., during his sermons at Trinity United Church of Christ.

– September 2001: “The government lied about inventing the HIV virus as a means of genocide against people of color. The government lied.”

WHAT THE HECK.... The government invented the HIV virus to kill people of color...Right???

– April 2003: “The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes three-strike laws and wants them to sing God Bless America. No! No No! God damn America … for killing innocent people. God damn America for threatening citizens as less than humans. God damn America as long as she tries to act like she is God and supreme.”

Sorry, but the government is not giving me drugs, so I would like to know who is getting free drugs? The prisons are being built because they are needed to house criminals.....you know people who didn't follow the rules or..... broke the law! It's not something the government is doing to the people...it is what the people are doing to themselves. It's a choice..Choose to better yourself and the situation would not occur.

– December 2007: “Barack knows what it means living in a country and a culture that is controlled by rich, white people. Hillary would never know that.”

I don't believe Hillary came from a well off family, so the point here would be that she is white and therefore privilaged? Come on now...

– December 2007: “Hillary ain’t never been called a nigger. Hillary has never had a people defined as a non-person.”

She hasn't called anybody that either. Neither have I or many other Americans. The only time that I have heard the n word has been when it comes out of a person of color's mouth. We have to rise above this non-sense. What purpose does it serve? It only gives reason for self pity and breeds hate.

– Jan. 13, 2008: “Hillary is married to Bill, and Bill has been good to us. No he ain’t! Bill did us, just like he did Monica Lewinsky. He was riding dirty.”

Please explain what Bill did that he was riding dirty?

– “Fact number one: We’ve got more black men in prison than there are in college.
That is a choice! This is a cultural issue, not a govermental issue.
… Fact number two: Racism is how this country was founded and how this country is still run.”

So our country is still racist and, therefore, more black men are in prison instead of in college. People of color have the same if not more opportunity as other races to attend college.

– “We are deeply involved in the importing of drugs, the exporting of guns and the training of professional killers. … We believe in white supremacy and black inferiority and believe it more than we believe in God. … We conducted radiation experiments on our own people. … We care nothing about human life if the ends justify the means.
And … And … And! God! Has got! To be sick! Of this shit!”

There are very few Americans that believe in white supremacy and black inferiority, however, a majority of the population does not think like that and especially not our government! Come on now!

Those are my problems with his statements. Just my two cents!

How about congressional hearings and possible legislation on the failure of the media to do its duty in a democracy. The media's failure to inform the public of the truth, and of being a propaganda tool for special interests to wage a war for profit.

Focus attention on the ones that are creating and framing the anti-democratic spin, expose and catch those GOP and business rascals. Or we will all be parroting the Obama-Clinton trivia while real trouble gets a pass.

The truth and history is coming out, it is only a matter of time till it sinks in to the public mind and we get some action. New book interview:
------

So Wrong for So Long: Greg Mitchell on How the Press, the Pundits—and the President—Failed on Iraq
*****
AMY GOODMAN: We’re moving into the sixth year of this war. What’s so interesting about your book is that you start from the beginning, and it’s almost like a diary, a journal, of how the foundation was built, the justifications were built, for war.

GREG MITCHELL: Right. Well, it’s really the first five-year history that anyone’s written, I think, and it goes from the run-up to the surge debate last fall. So it really is a chronology. It’s not in calendar form, of course, but it really does cover the whole period, so you do get all the arguments and the debate and the failures before the invasion was launched and then the five years of deceit and shortcomings ever since.

AMY GOODMAN: Talk about the pre-invasion period and what you felt was most—how the media was most successful in laying the false foundation.

GREG MITCHELL: Right, right. Well, as you said, it really was the mainstream media that, starting early on, relayed the false information that came from the administration—as we know, the New York Times and the Washington Post, among the worst in that—and it not only was putting forth the false information, but also the placement of it, putting it on the front page. So it wasn’t just a matter of carrying the information. So it had tremendous impact on everyone, including Democrats in Congress, who were afraid to speak out.

www.democracynow.org/2008/3/24/so_wrong_for_so_long_greg

Posted by rjsnj on March 26, 2008 at 11:06 AM

RJ, McCain is such a hypocrit! He's been on "socialized medicine" as a governmenbt employee all his lobbyist aided life! All we want is the same health care coverage that members of Congress have. If we can't have that, then we should cancel theirs and let them in our HMOs!
Later man!....John Boy....

"super anuated" sounds impressive, John Boy. Does it come with beni's?

Posted by peaceman on March 26, 2008 at 11:13 AM

Thanks for the good wishes peaceman, I hoe you have a great life too!...Now, I really am gone!

Posted by jenar on March 26, 2008 at 11:14 AM

jenar, please make an appointment to watch this film (five minute trailer at the bottom of the page). There you will find the answers you seek.

"riding dirty" has two definitions in the urban dictionary which seem appropriate:

1. To be caught checking out a person of the opposite sex
sex with a dirty whore

Interestingly under an alternative spelling "durty" Monica Lewinsky's photo comes up.

The core question voters have on their minds is: “Who is best qualified to be our next Commander and Chief?” We’ll know their answer to this key question by August.

Posted by anne_smith on March 26, 2008 at 09:38 AM

Ok, this really bugs me. People keep saying it, and it completely distorts reality. The question is who will be the best president? Commander in Chief is only a small part of the job, and not the most important. The civilian aspects of the job far outweigh the military ones, even in wartime.

Obama start concentrating on attacking McCain and taking the wind out of his sails. Obama use a USS Constitution broad side attack on McCain. Also it is time to work out an education plan to put our children to work with positive futures.

The more you attack McCain the more Clinton will attack, it will work for awhile but the venom will wear off as the Democratic sting backlash starts to work.

Hillary is dragging you down, elevate within who you are, a true leader that has no race or gender but a talented politician with "Made in America" dreams for our future.

How one candidate can fight three Clinton's and The Machine to come out ahead is beyond me, but I am proud Obama you are a real Democrat that brings all elements of the Democratic Party together, like you will this nation. I do not see you dividing the Party or the nation to achieve your goals.

By the way Obama, you can use my slogans and I will help you in any way I can. I want a "We the people" President in the White House. Let US Democrats unite and start working to defeat McCain's Bush legacy of failures.

Obama have a speech on the Constitution and its importance from its Philadelphia cradle. Talk of the importance of "We the people" rule that we inherited in our Declaration of Independence from Royal rulers. That it was important to break the yoke of tyranny. Talk of MLK,JFK, RFK, and other patriots dreams. Three speeches before the Pennsylvania primary. The last one three days before, to sail into history of oratory excellence. Hillary has a Kitchen Sink ready but make this speech shatter it in par excellence.

Democrats, we must turn to confronting McCain, so be positive, but attack his credibility.

JENAR,

You said you're catholic, right?

You have no place to judge Obama's relationship with a pastor given the fact that you're priests were raping children. Is pedophelia Un-american or just being a good catholic.

jenar this will explain the HIV paranoia

Last year on March 20th, over 400 Rutgers students walked out on their daily routine in protest of the occupation of Iraq, marched through downtown New Brunswick and onto Route 18, temporarily shutting down the major highway. Organizers for the March 27th 2008 Walkout Against the War expect a larger, more spirited demonstration this year. “Last year’s Walkout at Rutgers was the largest on the East Coast,” says event organizer Tiffany Cheng. “We can safely say we’re expecting the March 27th Walkout to far exceed last year’s in terms of the numbers of participants.”

Posted by jenar on March 26, 2008 at 11:14 AM
===================================================

No problem with McCain's spiritual advisor Rod Parsley:

An Ohio pastor whose $600 million ministry's finances is cloaked in secrecy, a man who sells ""covenant swords" and "prayer cloths" -- that he claims will bring...freedom from financial problems as well as any physical or emotional ailments," a man who calls himself a high priest who only has to blow in a whistle to have "every demon is coming off your shoulders, outta your mind, outta your finances,"

There is a ridiculous double standard here.

IMHO, I think you GOP trolls are "faith baiting" just to get the conversation off of Iraq and the economy. Does the GOP really have nothing at all to talk about?

Here's another link on race and crime

The indisputable elements of her Bosnian adventure affirm (again) the reluctant conclusion I reached in the final chapter of A Woman In Charge, my biography of her published last June:

“Since her Arkansas years [I wrote], Hillary Rodham Clinton has always had a difficult relationship with the truth… [J]udged against the facts, she has often chosen to obfuscate, omit, and avoid. It is an understatement by now that she has been known to apprehend truths about herself and the events of her life that others do not exactly share. ” [italics added]

To be fair, we should give HRC's pastor a chance go comment on the Reverend Wright issue.

rj,

I have had said this a million times before...I am not a troll and I am not the one who started the religious talk! just responding to it!

To be fair, we should give HRC's pastor a chance go comment on the Reverend Wright issue.

Posted by Cubilist on March 26, 2008 at 11:32 AM
==================================================

Cubi, I wouldn't go there and I suspect this is trolling.

Posted by jenar on March 26, 2008 at 11:14 AM

Are you familiar with the Bohemian Club Grove?

There are flaws in the Obama-Wright flap. First is the presumption that Obama heard this stuff weekly for 20 years based on what, 5 minutes from 2 sermons?

Second, there is no documentation that Obama has ever uttered a word that reflects such sentiments in his public life? Why is he being blamed for the words of others?

That would be like blaming HRC for these words, "I did not have sexual relations with that person, Miss Lewinsky."

Posted by KentDuffy on March 26, 2008 at 11:40 AM
==================================================

Checking the candidates web sites:

There is an Iraq issue.
There are several foreign policy issues.
There is an economic issue of various flavors from jobs, mortgage crisis, etc...
There is an education issue.
But alas ... I don't see:

A Reverend Wright issue ...

Funny that.

Interesting that 4000 Americans have died in Iraq, Basra is now in total chaos as Sadr's people are not listening to the cease fire, the economy is in shambles (record foreclosures and way more to come) but some come in here and want to discuss a phony issue called "the reverend wright" issue.

OBAMA'S PASTOR LOOKING BETTER ALL THE TIME

OBAMA'S PASTOR LOOKING BETTER ALL THE TIME

"But as the former Clinton pastor was sentenced Friday to three years in prison for inappropriately touching a 7-year-old girl at his home last March, Judge Michael L. Dwyer said Procanick sacrificed his honesty the day he testified.

jenar - thank you for that explanion however, on several fronts, I do beleive you are totally missing the point. The first and foremost is, the culture diffences between white and black are much deeper then a few words spoken in general. One has to look deep into the meaning to understand what they mean. For example: if a person were giving a speech and they refered to me as "you people" I wouldn't take that as an insult. But say those same words to a group of people of color and you'd get booed! Same words - different meaning. And you missed the point completely about Hillary calling someone sa n... she didn't. the Rev was saying that SHE has never been called a n... because she isn't one therefore she has never experienced the feeling of being a non-person. Whole difference meaniang then what you think he said.

We could probably go on and on but know what - I feel you just don't grasp what he was trying to say, Now I;m not saying that all hsaid was right but we shouldn't judge what the man meant if the discussion is on a different level. It doesn't work that way.

I mean look at Bush and now McCain - can you really say you understand their speech? If you do, then you're a whole lot smarter then the rest of us!

here's the entire article, Judge to ex-pastor: 'You lied'

and rj; Yeah I went there, for a reason.

Posted by jenar on March 26, 2008 at 11:42 AM
===================================================

You could have fooled me ... You are trying to divert the blog away from real issues and perpetuate on discussion on a non-issue.

So, what do you think about Iraq?
How about economic conditions?

More to the point, are you prepared to help elect Democrats on 2008? Otherwise, why would you be here?

rj - you are so right - the Rev Wright issue is a non issue right now. Case closed - move on....

Posted by Veneita on March 26, 2008 at 11:33 AM

I can see where Rev. Wright got that idea, as I've heard the same thing before. After WWII the US Army was trying to develop substitute blood and plasma for battlefield injuries and were using monkeys as test subjects. After the AIDS outbreak some scientist went back and checked the old tissue and blood samples of those primates and BINGO, the HIV virus was there.

Induction of AIDS by simian immunodeficiency virus from an African green monkey

Did The Green Monkey Start AIDS?

There are a TON of articles on the subject.

Google

I can see how Wright was informed on the subject of the experiments seeing as how he was a Medical Corpsman in the Marines, and was so good at his job that he WORKED ON LBJ during his emergency surgery.

Dearest Democrats,

Today, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, one of the Trustees for Social Security and Medicare, warned of a fiscal train wreck!!

Washington – “The trustees said the resources in the Social Security trust fund will be depleted by 2041. The reserves in the Medicare trust fund that pays hospital benefits were projected to be wiped out by 2019.”

“Medicare is the health-care program for 44 million seniors and people with disabilities; Social Security is the insurance program for nearly 50 million retirees, survivors, disabled workers and their dependents.”

So, as the Democrats attempt to elect a candidate for the executive office and go negative on less than 1% differences in policies the nation goes into the dumps!!!

Stay on message and unite!!

United we can win!!

United we can fix this fiscal mess!! (President Clinton and Democrats did it once before!! Historically the Democratic President Roosevelt and Democratic Congress fixed the depression after Republican Hoover and Republican Congress broke it. We have a history of fixing the republican mess.) We need to unite!!

Fine Tune Our Message, Don’t Play into Republicans!!

1) Democrats stop using Republican talk show negative campaign. Democrats using Republican swift-boaters lies are not a winning strategy. All of you are becoming talking heads for McCain campaign when you engage in these behaviors!!

2) Fine Tune the Message on the War Casualties: http://icasualties.org/oif/

a. DO NOT TALK ABOUT THE 4000 DEAD! This plays into the republican play book. It is dishonorable to discuss the number dead and the republicans will point to less dying with the surge!! Democrats do not want to be perceived as unpatriotic, scornful of the dead and disrespectful of the dead solders. We, Democrats, honor our solders, respect our dead, and are patriotic Americans!!
b. Talk about the Casualties!! Talk about the cost of the Casualties!! This is the Democratic strength!! Talk about the cost of the War!!
c. Talk about the 132,199 solders wounded and medical evacuations!
d. Talk about the 29,314 wounded so badly they cannot return to battle!
e. Talk about the 39,475 Iraqi and civilians who died!
f. Talk about the 145 Self-Inflicted death!!

Change the message to focus on the lack of budget to care for these veterans. We honor our solders therefore we care for them. Talk about the president’s budget which did not include care for the wounded solders and veterans!! Talk about the cost rising to $3 trillion dollars for the Iraq war!!! Talk about the Harvard University Study and many other think tanks that studied the budget and how this president and the republicans lied to USA!!

This is our strength, fine tune our message!! Don’t play into the republican hand and send out republican messages!!

United Colors for Better Democratic America!!

United we see no color!
United we see no race!
United we see no gender!
United we see no generation gap!

United we will win!

United Colors for Better Democratic America!

Posted by Kathy_from_Indiana on March 26, 2008 at 11:50 AM
=================================================

Kathy,

Here we are over 4000 dead in Iraq, a record number of foreclosures, an economy that clearly is in recession, 47 million with no health care insurance at all and we are discussing exactly what? Religion, culture ... oh yeah, I remember that - it's called the Republican culture war. How utterly useless! Look at the outrageous statements that ministers on the religious right have made. Come on people, we should be smarter than to get drawn into debates that the GOP want us to have for the only reason that they are meaningless and distract attention from the real issues.

UTICA — When the Rev. William Procanick put his hand on the Bible during his sex-abuse trial in Oneida County Court earlier this year, he swore to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

But as the former Clinton pastor was sentenced Friday to three years in prison for inappropriately touching a 7-year-old girl at his home last March, Judge Michael L. Dwyer said Procanick sacrificed his honesty the day he testified.

“As a minister of God, you got on the stand and you lied,” Dwyer told Procanick, the 54-year-old former pastor of Resurrection Assembly of God church on Kirkland Avenue.

A jury found Procanick guilty Jan. 22 of first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

jenar

Here's a link to Wright's Audacity of Hope sermon. There are two parts. The second part is above the hate videos posted by anti-Wright folks. watch it or read the full text here.

Here's another Wright Sermon. It has no hate and these two alone are longer than the 5 minutes the hate-Wright crowd has produced.

I have posted links on other threads on his sermons, on the ministeries in the church. If you look with an open heart you will find there's a lot more going on at that church than this.

19 You see, there is merit if, in awareness of God, you put up with the pains of undeserved punishment;

20 but what glory is there in putting up with a beating after you have done something wrong? The merit in the sight of God is in putting up with it patiently when you are punished for doing your duty.

21 This, in fact, is what you were called to do, because Christ suffered for you and left an example for you to follow in his steps.

New Jerusalem Bible

jenar

Here's a link to Wright's Audacity of Hope sermon. There are two parts. The second part is above the hate videos posted by anti-Wright folks. watch it or read the full text here.

Here's another Wright Sermon. It has no hate and these two alone are longer than the 5 minutes the hate-Wright crowd has produced.

I have posted links on other threads on his sermons, on the ministeries in the church. If you look with an open heart you will find there's a lot more going on at that church than this.

19 You see, there is merit if, in awareness of God, you put up with the pains of undeserved punishment;

20 but what glory is there in putting up with a beating after you have done something wrong? The merit in the sight of God is in putting up with it patiently when you are punished for doing your duty.

21 This, in fact, is what you were called to do, because Christ suffered for you and left an example for you to follow in his steps.

New Jerusalem Bible

Posted by Doo-Bee-Doo-Bee-Doo on March 26, 2008 at 11:55 AM
==================================================

Doo-Bee, it's sorta of an "urban myth" at this point. I am not surprised that a person of Wright's age may still believe it. People sometimes buy into these "urban myth" and there is nothing you can do to change their minds. Geez - consider the right wing Kool Aid drinkers who still believe Saddam Hussein was behind 9/11.

Time to move on from the Wright non-issue.

JENAR,

You said you're catholic, right?

You have no place to judge Obama's relationship with a pastor given the fact that you're priests were raping children. Is pedophelia Un-american or just being a good catholic.

Posted by Cubilist on March 26, 2008 at 11:32 AM

I did not judge Obama's relationship with his pastor. If you actually read the blog you would realize that GregL asked was what so racist and un-American about what he said. I posted it and someone wanted to know what I found so offensive, so I commented.

The Catholic church does not support Pat O'Files. The church has apologized several times regarding this. They also have done all they can to make sure it doesn't happen again. That is really old news, but since you brought it up I would like to add that the media coverage of this was only because it was the Catholic church. Please remember that Pat O'Files exist in our communities and in many other churches and organizations.

Cubilist Alternet has the story but not the MSM.

"The Reverend Jeremiah Wright is an outstanding church leader whom I have heard speak a number of times," Dean Snyder wrote.

Last week, Dean Snyder, the senior minister at the Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington D.C. -- which the Clintons famously attended while in the White House -- released a little noticed statement offering a sympathetic defense of the totality of Wright's work.

Now here is something worth discussing:

New Housing Crisis, Old Isms
CAF STAFF

By David Sirota

March 21st, 2008 - 12:28pm ET

For many folks, the term "The Fed" (ie. The Federal Reserve Bank) induces drowsiness. It sounds like such a boring institution, dealing in stuff like interest rates and basis points that seem so academic. But as I explain in my newspaper column out today, while The Fed's instruments may be esoteric, its power is enormous - and it is using that power to cut Wall Street a huge check in what is a public embrace of four isms that have taken over our government.

The column really tries to break down this very complex financial crisis in terms that anyone can understand (and I'll admit, it took a heckuva lot of research to be able to boil down all the jargon into a digestible format - I hope I succeeded). It shows that the isms at work in the Fed's decision to spend $200 billion of your taxpayer money - Disaster Capitalism, Big Boy Bailout-ism, Feed the Beast-ism, and Trickle Down-ism. These are ideologies that have been around for a long time, and have been a staple of public policy for the better part of three decades.

http://ourfuture.org/blog-entry/new-housing-crisis-old-isms

Pat O'Files???

Anti-Irish too?

The Church didn't really apologize and take steps to make sure it doesn't happen again until they were socked with MILLIONS of bucks. Before then they did everything they could to cover it up.

So, as the Democrats attempt to elect a candidate for the executive office and go negative on less than 1% differences in policies the nation goes into the dumps!!!
==================================================

Hybrid, it is amazing. This is what happens when campaigns become about the people running instead of issues. But keep in mind that GOP pundits, hacks and trolls have been fueling the flames the entire time. They can't talk about issues so they try to keep everyone focused on drivel.

Here is the statement of HRC's former DC pastor.

Also there is a story from the Guardian.

Posted by Doo-Bee-Doo-Bee-Doo on March 26, 2008 at 12:28 PM

THe churches steps were to move the priest to a new parish to rape again.

rjsnj,

Fine Tune our Message:

1) Ethics and Moral issues are going to get all of us stuck in a quagmire. Is this kind of non-issue what we want to get stuck in? Moral and Ethical issues will only get everyone stuck being responsible for someone else’s behavior. I did not commit these ethical and moral laps, you did not commit these moral and ethical laps, so why get us in the blame loop of other people’s moral and ethical laps?
2) We are Americans! We are capitalists!! We have accounting rules! …and we should understand budgets!! We have fixed these issues before, we are democrats!!

Talk about the failure of Republican President Hoover. Parallel this with Bush’s economic failures!! Point to the republican congress during the Hoover era, point to the parallel to the republican congress’s 6 years of failures.

Point to the Democratic President Roosevelt and Democratic Congress who fixed the depression economics. Talk about President Bush’s and McCain’s lack of support for veterans and lack of budget focus on injured veterans. Talk about the destruction of the Nations safety net, Social Security and Medicare trust funds!! Talk about the 50 million people who will be without healthcare. Talk about the bankrupted Medicare and another 50 million to join the 50 million children without healthcare. Talk about the 100 million left without care!! Talk about the banking mess.

The Catholic church does not support Pat O'Files. The church has apologized several times regarding this. They also have done all they can to make sure it doesn't happen again. That is really old news, but since you brought it up I would like to add that the media coverage of this was only because it was the Catholic church. Please remember that Pat O'Files exist in our communities and in many other churches and organizations.

jenar as are these remarks by Wright. They are from 2001. In the longer versions who learn more about what he was saying. Let me know if you want the link.

But it goes to the point, how would you like it if people condemned you for not leaving the Church because of the pedophiles? How would you like it if people said to you, "You didn't leave the church so obviously you support pedophilia."?

Shouldn't each parishoner of that church black and white (whites are members) be judged on their actions not on the preacher?

I'm still sticking with the Democratic candidate, whoever it may be, but I think that Hillary Clinton has badly handled a couple of things lately. I don't think the "sniper" thing is a big deal but it has really aroused the Clinton haters and there are a lot of them out there. That and the attack on Obama because of things his minister said on one occasion has really turned me off to the Clinton side of the campaign. I'm a little upset with the Obama reference to the "sniper" matter as well but it doesn't seem quite as negative.

As far as the "sniper" matter, what could have been a big plus for the Clinton campaign was turned into a negative. The actual account of her going to overseas at that time to visit the troops at the front lines back then should have had a major positive impact instead of a negative impact.

As this author suggested, there is unlikely a religious leader out there who has not been offensive.

Religion needs to be taken out of the equation and we need to get back to the issues.

Posted by Manymoonsago on March 26, 2008 at 12:39 PM

Just about 2 minutes ago a live interview ended with Major General (ret) Walter Stewart, (the guy who blew a fuse last night over that sniper story) and he said that she basically insulted everybody in uniform by implying that they would even consider sending the First Family into a dangerous area.

He called her story "THEFT OF VALOR" and compared it to the phony "patriots" and "War heroes" who buy medals at flea markets and show up at the 4th of July parade telling war stories and bragging about imagined heroism, knowing full well that RIGHT NOW there are REAL Soldiers who are dodging REAL bullets being fired by REAL snipers.

He is thoroughly disgusted with Hillary and says the rest of the Military has a sour taste in their mouths over this blatant piece of self puffery.

She owes the Military an apology.

Where are all the "Shame on you!" people now?

Posted by Manymoonsago on March 26, 2008 at 12:39 PM
==================================================

Yeah well, that happens when you exaggerate.

For the record, I will say that Hillary Clinton was an admirable First Lady - actually one of the best in recent history. I think it's unfortunate that her campaign chose to conflate being First Lady with being in office. There really are differences.

But whatever ... I will be voting for either candidate against the disgusting GOP-PER John McCrap.

Veneita,

That is exactly correct. When one brings up topics of moral and ethical laps, it plays into the hand of right wing religious leaders that are not implicated in the moral and ethical laps. Is this what we want to become, a talking head for the religious right!!???!! …on an ethics and moral crusade?!?!

When everyone talks about ethical and moral laps, who benefits? Who do people turn to when the population see moral and ethical lap in judgment? They turn to the religious right.

Doo-Bee-Doo-Bee-Doo,

Is your message going to resonate in the general election? An anti-Clinton message is going to defeat McCain? ...or are you becoming a talking head for McCain?

Refine your message.

Unite and we can win.

Solo the party may lose.

Become a team player rather than a speaker for the republicans.

...Being a speaker for the republicans will not ensure a winning strategy!!

Pat O'Files???

Anti-Irish too?

The Church didn't really apologize and take steps to make sure it doesn't happen again until they were socked with MILLIONS of bucks. Before then they did everything they could to cover it up.

Posted by Doo-Bee-Doo-Bee-Doo on March 26, 2008 at 12:28 PM

Please the Pat O'File was a joke.

Yes, you are right they did try to cover it up.

They turn to the religious right.

Posted by HybridFuel on March 26, 2008 at 01:01 PM

And they've never had any moral or ethical lapses in judgement.

Doo-Bee-Doo-Bee-Doo,

Is your message going to resonate in the general election? An anti-Clinton message is going to defeat McCain? ...or are you becoming a talking head for McCain?

Refine your message.

Unite and we can win.

Solo the party may lose.

Become a team player rather than a speaker for the republicans.

...Being a speaker for the republicans will not ensure a winning strategy!!

Will The Media Finally Report That The Surge Has Failed? Hotlist
by georgia10
Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 08:34:24 AM PDT

The centerpiece of John McCain's campaign is that "the surge is working" in Iraq. He has repeated this lie hundreds of times on the trail, and in doing so, he has rarely been challenged. The press has largely reported his contention as fact, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

The surge, the president's "New Way Forward," was supposed to provide stability, promote political progress, and otherwise assist the Iraqi government in meeting certain benchmarks. As to those expressed goals, the surge has, by any measure, failed.

Yet John McCain, this administration, and members of the press who dutifully repeated their spin as fact maintain that the surge "worked" because of there has been, in the last several months, a sharp decline in violence. The reality presents a much more complex situation. Ilan Goldberg summarizes:

The drop in violence in Iraq has generally been attributed to four elements 1) More American forces and the change in tactics to counterinsurgency; 2) The Awakening movement; 3) The Sadr ceasefire; and 4) The ethnic cleansing and physical separation of the various sides.

Goldberg goes on to explain that which the media and McCain refuse to acknowledge: the drop in violence is more attributable to the Sadr ceasefire than the escalation.

It's hard to say for sure, which of these factors was the most important. The Bush administration will tell you it's all about the troop levels. I've tended to believe it's more of a mix and was most inclined towards the Anbar Awakening and the sectarian cleansing as the important factors. But when you look at the data it really seems to indicate that the Sadr ceasefire may have been the key.

If you look at the graph that the military has been using on civilian casualties it looks to tell a pretty clear story. The first major drop in violence came in early 2007 before the troop surge. It looks like it was mostly based on the fact that the worst of the sectarian cleansing in Baghdad had been completed (I outlined this argument more thoroughly a few months back).

The second drop in violence came in September. By that time the full surge had already been in effect for 2-3 months and the Awakening had been going on for a year. The Sadr ceasefire occurred on August 28 and suddenly boom a big drop in violence. That could be a coincidence and it could be that all four factors came together. But the data seems to point to the fact that the Sadr Ceasefire more then anything else is what caused the drop in violence in the early fall.

That fragile ceasefire may be on the verge of being broken:

Iraq's leaders faced their gravest challenge in months Tuesday as Shiite militiamen loyal to anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr battled government forces for control of the southern oil capital, fought U.S. and Iraqi troops in Baghdad and unleashed rockets on the Green Zone.

Armed Mahdi Army militiamen appeared on some Baghdad streets for the first time in more than six months, as al-Sadr's followers announced a nationwide campaign of strikes and demonstrations to protest a government crackdown on their movement. Merchants shuttered their shops in commercial districts in several Baghdad neighborhoods. [...]<