England announced that it is pulling 1,600 of it's 7,100 troops out of Iraq by August and the rest by the end of 2008 (which dick spun as a plus). Prime Minister blair came out against the "war with Iran" crowd. Iran's president said Iran is ready to halt its enrichment program if the West does the same. In his words "We are for talks but they have to be fair negotiations. That means, both sides hold talks under equal conditions,". Denmark is pulling it's 460 members out of the "coalition". The Prime Minister of Italy has resigned because the Italian government voted against "the Afghan war and ties with the U.S. military". And Congress has finally come up with the idea to take action to repeal the outdated, far too broad and vague, "authorization" bill they (minus 21 Democrats) approved back in 2002.
I have tried to refrain from a real debate on the candidates for the 2008 Presidential election, simply because it is far too early to. But, just in case you're wondering, the New York Times has their stances on the war in IraQ. Oh and Tom Vilsack is out of the race. I know, Tom who????
The Year and Nine Month wait until Election '08 hasn't slowed uncle rupert's propaganda channel from battling the purple-headed yogurt slinger with Fox Attacks on Democratic candidates, most of which are complete fabrications, leaving the rest of the "stories" to trumped up non-stories, most of which simply prey on people's prejudices. I know it's a little "you're with us or against us", but anyone who watches Fox for news should be ashamed of themselves. News is based in fact. Fox is empty rhetoric, and I'm glad Senator Obama has "frozen them out". They are not alone in false propaganda. The Washington Times, owned by respected newsman Sun Myung Moon, made up quotes they claimed were made by President Abraham Lincoln to further their belief that debate in a democracy is treasonous. But what can you expect from a schadenfreude riddled media that is more concerned with repulsive custody battles for dead and embalmed celebrity corpses and the self destruction of idols which they created and placed firmly on foundationless pedestals.
Why report on Pakistan testing missiles that can hold nukes? Why report on the US soldier sentenced to 100 years (parole at 10) for four counts of rape and murder in Iraq? Why report on how Our government inflated terrorism statistics? Why report on the trial of dick's former Chief of Staff, scooter, and what dick did to get us to start the War in IraQ and hack and smear its (and his) opponents?
DICK says "we want to return [from Iraq] with honor". This from the "man" that gave Us "we KNOW where they [WMD's] are", and IraQ Is a "unique and urgent threat". The man who was fine with abu ghraib torture, sending Our prisoners to other countries to be tortured, not to mention throwing Habeus Corpus and Our Constitutional rights out the window. Mr. Vice President, you and your minions have been destroying this country's honor with your misguided, if not malicious, policies, actions and words for the past six years. Is destroying the United States's credibilty in the world an act of treason? Should dick be impeached? GQ has decided to take on the Articles of Impeachment themselves, since no elected official seems to have to courage to.
It is important that We the People stay informed, and that We do not take one source's word for it.
"Half of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for President. One hopes it is the same half." - Gore Vidal
Saturday, February 24, 2007
News vs. faux news
England announced that it is pulling 1,600 of it's 7,100 troops out of Iraq by August and the rest by the end of 2008 (which dick spun as a plus). Prime Minister blair came out against the "war with Iran" crowd. Iran's president said Iran is ready to halt its enrichment program if the West does the same. In his words "We are for talks but they have to be fair negotiations. That means, both sides hold talks under equal conditions,". Denmark is pulling it's 460 members out of the "coalition". The Prime Minister of Italy has resigned because the Italian government voted against "the Afghan war and ties with the U.S. military". And Congress has finally come up with the idea to take action to repeal the outdated, far too broad and vague, "authorization" bill they (minus 21 Democrats) approved back in 2002.
I have tried to refrain from a real debate on the candidates for the 2008 Presidential election, simply because it is far too early to. But, just in case you're wondering, the New York Times has their stances on the war in IraQ. Oh and Tom Vilsack is out of the race. I know, Tom who????
The Year and Nine Month wait until Election '08 hasn't slowed uncle rupert's propaganda channel from battling the purple-headed yogurt slinger with Fox Attacks on Democratic candidates, most of which are complete fabrications, leaving the rest of the "stories" to trumped up non-stories, most of which simply prey on people's prejudices. I know it's a little "you're with us or against us", but anyone who watches Fox for news should be ashamed of themselves. News is based in fact. Fox is empty rhetoric, and I'm glad Senator Obama has "frozen them out". They are not alone in false propaganda. The Washington Times, owned by respected newsman Sun Myung Moon, made up quotes they claimed were made by President Abraham Lincoln to further their belief that debate in a democracy is treasonous. But what can you expect from a schadenfreude riddled media that is more concerned with repulsive custody battles for dead and embalmed celebrity corpses and the self destruction of idols which they created and placed firmly on foundationless pedestals.
Why report on Pakistan testing missiles that can hold nukes? Why report on the US soldier sentenced to 100 years (parole at 10) for four counts of rape and murder in Iraq? Why report on how Our government inflated terrorism statistics? Why report on the trial of dick's former Chief of Staff, scooter, and what dick did to get us to start the War in IraQ and hack and smear its (and his) opponents?
DICK says "we want to return [from Iraq] with honor". This from the "man" that gave Us "we KNOW where they [WMD's] are", and IraQ Is a "unique and urgent threat". The man who was fine with abu ghraib torture, sending Our prisoners to other countries to be tortured, not to mention throwing Habeus Corpus and Our Constitutional rights out the window. Mr. Vice President, you and your minions have been destroying this country's honor with your misguided, if not malicious, policies, actions and words for the past six years. Is destroying the United States's credibilty in the world an act of treason? Should dick be impeached? GQ has decided to take on the Articles of Impeachment themselves, since no elected official seems to have to courage to.
It is important that We the People stay informed, and that We do not take one source's word for it.
"Half of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for President. One hopes it is the same half." - Gore Vidal
peace.
David Calamoneri
Hoboken, NJ
I have tried to refrain from a real debate on the candidates for the 2008 Presidential election, simply because it is far too early to. But, just in case you're wondering, the New York Times has their stances on the war in IraQ. Oh and Tom Vilsack is out of the race. I know, Tom who????
The Year and Nine Month wait until Election '08 hasn't slowed uncle rupert's propaganda channel from battling the purple-headed yogurt slinger with Fox Attacks on Democratic candidates, most of which are complete fabrications, leaving the rest of the "stories" to trumped up non-stories, most of which simply prey on people's prejudices. I know it's a little "you're with us or against us", but anyone who watches Fox for news should be ashamed of themselves. News is based in fact. Fox is empty rhetoric, and I'm glad Senator Obama has "frozen them out". They are not alone in false propaganda. The Washington Times, owned by respected newsman Sun Myung Moon, made up quotes they claimed were made by President Abraham Lincoln to further their belief that debate in a democracy is treasonous. But what can you expect from a schadenfreude riddled media that is more concerned with repulsive custody battles for dead and embalmed celebrity corpses and the self destruction of idols which they created and placed firmly on foundationless pedestals.
Why report on Pakistan testing missiles that can hold nukes? Why report on the US soldier sentenced to 100 years (parole at 10) for four counts of rape and murder in Iraq? Why report on how Our government inflated terrorism statistics? Why report on the trial of dick's former Chief of Staff, scooter, and what dick did to get us to start the War in IraQ and hack and smear its (and his) opponents?
DICK says "we want to return [from Iraq] with honor". This from the "man" that gave Us "we KNOW where they [WMD's] are", and IraQ Is a "unique and urgent threat". The man who was fine with abu ghraib torture, sending Our prisoners to other countries to be tortured, not to mention throwing Habeus Corpus and Our Constitutional rights out the window. Mr. Vice President, you and your minions have been destroying this country's honor with your misguided, if not malicious, policies, actions and words for the past six years. Is destroying the United States's credibilty in the world an act of treason? Should dick be impeached? GQ has decided to take on the Articles of Impeachment themselves, since no elected official seems to have to courage to.
It is important that We the People stay informed, and that We do not take one source's word for it.
"Half of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for President. One hopes it is the same half." - Gore Vidal
peace.
David Calamoneri
Hoboken, NJ
Monday, February 19, 2007
Debate Iraq!
Every Senator should stand up and clearly state his/her assessment of the sitution currently in Iraq. Every Senator should stand up and state his/her ideas as to what is in America's best interest in this War in Iraq. The debate is not on the importance of a "non binding" resolution. The debate is about whether or not the US Senate should join the people's House of Representatives in helping the president take control of the War in Iraq, which has killed over 3000 American troops, cost $400 billion dollars in treasure ($10 Billion of which is currently unaccounted for) and has put the United States in the most precarious foreign policy position in history. The 109th Congress ignored their responsibility as a co-equal branch of government and as the voice of the American people. The 110th can not make the same mistake.
Here's the Full text of the Resolution passed by the House of Representatives:
The Democratic resolution expressing disapproval of President Bush's troop increase in Iraq that the House will debate this week:
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), that:
(1) Congress and the American people will continue to support and protect the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq; and
(2) Congress disapproves of the decision of President George W. Bush announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional U.S. combat troops to Iraq.
Source: The Associated Press
Here's the Full text of the Resolution passed by the House of Representatives:
The Democratic resolution expressing disapproval of President Bush's troop increase in Iraq that the House will debate this week:
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), that:
(1) Congress and the American people will continue to support and protect the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq; and
(2) Congress disapproves of the decision of President George W. Bush announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional U.S. combat troops to Iraq.
Source: The Associated Press
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Diplomacy, trumped up charges, and a debate too late.
North Korea has agreed to dismantle its nuClEar plants and enrichment facilities as a result of the diplomatic efforts between them, the US and the neighboring countries in the region. What a novel idea, right? Maybe someday the United States will dismantle its own nuclear arsenal. It would probably take more than the $400 million dollars in aid that North Korea is getting. And imagine talking to neighboring countries in the region to get a "crazy" dictator to stop his nuCLEar Weapons program. Wasn't North Korea further along than even Iran in their nuCLEar program? Maybe we should bring Syria and Iran into talks. Maybe aid would work better than sanctions, but you know Iranians, they're "terrorists". Well maybe not the terrorists that hit us, but they all look the same right (I'm kidding) . They all have oil, that's for sure.
Instead of diplomatic negotiations with Iran, Our president and his secretary of defense would rather flaunt trumped up charges. Their "pretty good" evidence shows that Shiite militias (and Sunni insurgents) are using explosives like what has been used by Hamas. And those were most likely provided by Iran. Follow the logic? There are Iranian markings on some of the munitions used by those that want Us dead and/or out of Iraq. This logic reminds me of the old "gun manufacturer is responsible for gun deaths" argument that has been refuted by the very people that are using it now to start a war with Iran. A stockpile of Austrian rifles was seized from insurgents. Does that mean we're gonna blow up the airports, bridges and cities of Austria now? Hell, there's some of Our own arsenal being fired at us. And I've never heard of rogue agents of a government (foreign or domestic) acting illegally without the knowledge or consent of its leaders. Sounds like a show on fox, doesn't it? At least Iraq has a new "security plan". They plan to do something the United States has been unable to do, secure their country's border.
So as the 110th Congress debates a war the 109th Congress should have debated four years ago, it's no wonder the head republican is crying. It's no wonder that once the Libby trial began to expose the lead up to the war in Iraq, vice president dick, rover, and little lying libby decided not to testify. Are the Chicken hawks running from the fight? Maybe someday the workings of this administration and their war of choice will finally be brought to light. You can not blame this failure of an invasion and the fatally flawed foreign policy that lead to it on those who disagree with it, which now seems to be the only defense that the president's remaining pets in Congress have against those who are finally united in voicing their dissent.
In case you missed it, here are my favorite two bush quotes from his February 14th press conference:
"It's an interesting question. One of the problems, not specifically on this issue, just in general, that - let's put it this way: Money trumps peace, sometimes.
In other words, commercial interests are very powerful interests throughout the world. And part of the issue in convincing people to put sanctions on a specific country is to convince them that it's in the world's interest that they forego their own financial interest."
"It's hard for me living in this beautiful White House to give you an assessment, a first hand assessment. I haven't been there. You have, I haven't."
Instead of diplomatic negotiations with Iran, Our president and his secretary of defense would rather flaunt trumped up charges. Their "pretty good" evidence shows that Shiite militias (and Sunni insurgents) are using explosives like what has been used by Hamas. And those were most likely provided by Iran. Follow the logic? There are Iranian markings on some of the munitions used by those that want Us dead and/or out of Iraq. This logic reminds me of the old "gun manufacturer is responsible for gun deaths" argument that has been refuted by the very people that are using it now to start a war with Iran. A stockpile of Austrian rifles was seized from insurgents. Does that mean we're gonna blow up the airports, bridges and cities of Austria now? Hell, there's some of Our own arsenal being fired at us. And I've never heard of rogue agents of a government (foreign or domestic) acting illegally without the knowledge or consent of its leaders. Sounds like a show on fox, doesn't it? At least Iraq has a new "security plan". They plan to do something the United States has been unable to do, secure their country's border.
So as the 110th Congress debates a war the 109th Congress should have debated four years ago, it's no wonder the head republican is crying. It's no wonder that once the Libby trial began to expose the lead up to the war in Iraq, vice president dick, rover, and little lying libby decided not to testify. Are the Chicken hawks running from the fight? Maybe someday the workings of this administration and their war of choice will finally be brought to light. You can not blame this failure of an invasion and the fatally flawed foreign policy that lead to it on those who disagree with it, which now seems to be the only defense that the president's remaining pets in Congress have against those who are finally united in voicing their dissent.
In case you missed it, here are my favorite two bush quotes from his February 14th press conference:
"It's an interesting question. One of the problems, not specifically on this issue, just in general, that - let's put it this way: Money trumps peace, sometimes.
In other words, commercial interests are very powerful interests throughout the world. And part of the issue in convincing people to put sanctions on a specific country is to convince them that it's in the world's interest that they forego their own financial interest."
"It's hard for me living in this beautiful White House to give you an assessment, a first hand assessment. I haven't been there. You have, I haven't."
Friday, February 09, 2007
We the People: the rant
Former Presidential candidate, patrick buchanan, is right when he says that the 108th Congress (controlled by the Democratic Party) made the greatest mistake in Our history when it voted (minus 21 Democratic Senators) to pass a resolution with language, so vague, it gave the President of the United States "authority" to wage a new war in Iraq with only the most tenuous of connection to the "terrorists" for whom said resolution was meant. The "blank check" was given in good faith. The "blank check" was given with the proper respect due the Office of President of the United States of America. The "blank check" was given based on the understanding that the receiver knew what they hell he was doing. The "blank check" was given knowing that the President of the United States would Only use the power of the American Military as a DIRE and ACTUAL LAST RESORT. This, unfortunately for Us all, was not the case with george w. bush and this war in Iraq. More and more citizens, law makers, and former framers of this debacle are coming to realize that and speak out. Though there are still those in the Senate will continue to obstruct a debate on this most ill advised foreign policy. You know where I have stood on bushco.'s war from before we went in.
Five United States helicopters have been shot down since January 20th, Thirty Seven more soldiers died, and who knows how many civilians. It is getting worse. Blaming the president's appointees for bad decisions during and leading up to bush's war in Iraq is a start, but to be sure the buck stops firmly on the President of the United States desk. At least the hard questions are starting to move up the food chain a little.
The Constitution starts with the phrase "We the people". Who are the people? Are they the masses? The majority of people in this country? Or are they the richest people? Sometimes it seems that depends on your party affiliation. I speaking, of course, of their policy decisions and choice of legislation, and not of their personal wealth. There are plenty of rich democrats. In fact, it's tough to find a non rich (middle class, working class, or poor) in elected office at all. But it was not the Democrats who tried to block minimum wage. Agreeing only after adding another "owner class" tax break to the legislation. While Exxon Mobil made an all time high profit ($39.5 Billion) in 2006, they also received Federal tax breaks. You'd think with the help "We the People" are giving them, they would drop the price at the pump to pre-bush Gas prices.
This lack of compassion for those making under $100,000.00+ per year (and that's most of us) is almost matched by Our government's lack of foresight. Just take a look at bush's "energy policy" or lack thereof. Ford is "a wreck". GM isn't doing much better. Toyota is doing great. Why? Two words... Cheap and Green. Higher miles per gallon or "CAFE" standards is something this president has stayed far away from, and without giving automakers this push, via the "bully pulpit", he has helped to put them in the position they are in today. We are behind everyone, with the exception of China, on the Science and the policy to deal with Global Warming. A recent report by a group of 600 International Scientists, sanctioned by the United Nations, stated that it was 90% or "very likely" that humans have caused the rapid increase in greenhouse gases since 1950. There are those who say the UN is a liberal group conspiring against us. I always thought the left were the conspiracy theorists. People, like senator inhoffe, are so paranoid and delusional they think Weather Channel has a political agenda. To these people I say if someone doesn't agree with you on something they are not, necessarily out to get you, and everyone is wrong sometimes. If global warming was not real or not an issue why would the bush administration pressure scientists not to talk about it? The thing about the international scientific community is that they do not vote on decisions. Theories are tested, information and data is collected, and a conclusion based on that study is reached. That's why medicine works. That's how we can make plastic and twinkies. It's how the internet machine works (along with the funding that Al Gore was essential in securing). Science is essential. It is not an affront to any belief in God. Albert Einstein once said "Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind." They do not have to be mutually exclusive. We the people can believe and strive for what is good and right for ALL MANKIND, or we can continue to give Our leaders the blind faith of Our apathy as we have for way too long.
I leave you with this from the last column of Molly Ivins, who died last week. She will certainly be missed. She was the first to call him "Shrub".
"We are the people who run this country. We are the deciders. And every single day, every single one of us needs to step outside and take some action to help stop this war. Raise hell. Think of something to make the ridiculous look ridiculous. Make our troops know we're for them and trying to get them out of there."
Five United States helicopters have been shot down since January 20th, Thirty Seven more soldiers died, and who knows how many civilians. It is getting worse. Blaming the president's appointees for bad decisions during and leading up to bush's war in Iraq is a start, but to be sure the buck stops firmly on the President of the United States desk. At least the hard questions are starting to move up the food chain a little.
The Constitution starts with the phrase "We the people". Who are the people? Are they the masses? The majority of people in this country? Or are they the richest people? Sometimes it seems that depends on your party affiliation. I speaking, of course, of their policy decisions and choice of legislation, and not of their personal wealth. There are plenty of rich democrats. In fact, it's tough to find a non rich (middle class, working class, or poor) in elected office at all. But it was not the Democrats who tried to block minimum wage. Agreeing only after adding another "owner class" tax break to the legislation. While Exxon Mobil made an all time high profit ($39.5 Billion) in 2006, they also received Federal tax breaks. You'd think with the help "We the People" are giving them, they would drop the price at the pump to pre-bush Gas prices.
This lack of compassion for those making under $100,000.00+ per year (and that's most of us) is almost matched by Our government's lack of foresight. Just take a look at bush's "energy policy" or lack thereof. Ford is "a wreck". GM isn't doing much better. Toyota is doing great. Why? Two words... Cheap and Green. Higher miles per gallon or "CAFE" standards is something this president has stayed far away from, and without giving automakers this push, via the "bully pulpit", he has helped to put them in the position they are in today. We are behind everyone, with the exception of China, on the Science and the policy to deal with Global Warming. A recent report by a group of 600 International Scientists, sanctioned by the United Nations, stated that it was 90% or "very likely" that humans have caused the rapid increase in greenhouse gases since 1950. There are those who say the UN is a liberal group conspiring against us. I always thought the left were the conspiracy theorists. People, like senator inhoffe, are so paranoid and delusional they think Weather Channel has a political agenda. To these people I say if someone doesn't agree with you on something they are not, necessarily out to get you, and everyone is wrong sometimes. If global warming was not real or not an issue why would the bush administration pressure scientists not to talk about it? The thing about the international scientific community is that they do not vote on decisions. Theories are tested, information and data is collected, and a conclusion based on that study is reached. That's why medicine works. That's how we can make plastic and twinkies. It's how the internet machine works (along with the funding that Al Gore was essential in securing). Science is essential. It is not an affront to any belief in God. Albert Einstein once said "Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind." They do not have to be mutually exclusive. We the people can believe and strive for what is good and right for ALL MANKIND, or we can continue to give Our leaders the blind faith of Our apathy as we have for way too long.
I leave you with this from the last column of Molly Ivins, who died last week. She will certainly be missed. She was the first to call him "Shrub".
"We are the people who run this country. We are the deciders. And every single day, every single one of us needs to step outside and take some action to help stop this war. Raise hell. Think of something to make the ridiculous look ridiculous. Make our troops know we're for them and trying to get them out of there."
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