DeLay Indicted in Texas Campaign Finance Probe
Are the dominoes beginning to fall with these cons?
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Tell Me What Democracy Looks Like..
This is What Democracy Looks Like!
If you support the protests in DC, but didn't go, there is a petition at International ANSWER you can sign to show it.
Be sure to check out George Galloway's speech from Saturday's rally.
If you support the protests in DC, but didn't go, there is a petition at International ANSWER you can sign to show it.
Be sure to check out George Galloway's speech from Saturday's rally.
7 and 7 (a rationalization)
7 reasons to go to the protests in DC this weekend.
1. Bush is ruining Our country's economy, destroying the environment, nullifying Our credibility and standing in the world, has willfully mislead a Nation to War, appoints cronies, with absolutely no experience, to jobs that have Our Safety in their descriptions, hires journalists to sell his programs, allows fake reporters into his pressroom to float softballs, and on and on and on.
2. Bush's war of choice in Iraq has cost Us $170,000,000,000.00+ and we still have not found the weapons of mass destruction or any other urgent or unique threat posed by saddam hussein that "justified" this "preemptive strike".
3. To visibly (and audibly) show the support, solidarity, and passion of those of us against this administration and its policies.
4. The 1907 American troops and 26054 Iraqi civilians that are dead.
5. To know that you are not alone in being angry and obsessed with Our Federal government and its policies.
6. To hear what Cindy Sheehan, Ian McKaye, Steve Earle, Wayne Kramer, Jello Biafra and a slew of others have to say .
7. To yell, scream, pump your fist and flash the peace sign at a White House that is incompetent, secretive, disconnected, uncaring, unethical, and immoral.
7 reasons not to go to the protests in DC this weekend.
1. Multiple signs, slogans, and rally chanting points have made recent protests seem like an unfocused mob of radicals.
2. Hurricane Rita re-breaching the levees of New Orleans make me think now might not be the best time. Even Michael Moore is focusing his energy on helping the people of Louisiana right now, instead of attending in DC. I know he has his cameras with him, but he is providing more than his fair share of aid.
3. Hurricane Rita will take all the media's attention this weekend, especially the 30 seconds worth of coverage they had planned for the protests.
4. They didn't work before the war, at the start of the war, or before the last election.
5. Both sides continuing to scream at eachother may actually be, in the words of John Stewart, "hurting America".
6. There may be more effective ways to use my energy for the betterment of my country and against these asses of evil.
7. Giving yourself a break, and sleeping in on Saturday.
Update: 8. Going to see the Dalai Lama speak at Rutgers University early Sunday morning.
1. Bush is ruining Our country's economy, destroying the environment, nullifying Our credibility and standing in the world, has willfully mislead a Nation to War, appoints cronies, with absolutely no experience, to jobs that have Our Safety in their descriptions, hires journalists to sell his programs, allows fake reporters into his pressroom to float softballs, and on and on and on.
2. Bush's war of choice in Iraq has cost Us $170,000,000,000.00+ and we still have not found the weapons of mass destruction or any other urgent or unique threat posed by saddam hussein that "justified" this "preemptive strike".
3. To visibly (and audibly) show the support, solidarity, and passion of those of us against this administration and its policies.
4. The 1907 American troops and 26054 Iraqi civilians that are dead.
5. To know that you are not alone in being angry and obsessed with Our Federal government and its policies.
6. To hear what Cindy Sheehan, Ian McKaye, Steve Earle, Wayne Kramer, Jello Biafra and a slew of others have to say .
7. To yell, scream, pump your fist and flash the peace sign at a White House that is incompetent, secretive, disconnected, uncaring, unethical, and immoral.
7 reasons not to go to the protests in DC this weekend.
1. Multiple signs, slogans, and rally chanting points have made recent protests seem like an unfocused mob of radicals.
2. Hurricane Rita re-breaching the levees of New Orleans make me think now might not be the best time. Even Michael Moore is focusing his energy on helping the people of Louisiana right now, instead of attending in DC. I know he has his cameras with him, but he is providing more than his fair share of aid.
3. Hurricane Rita will take all the media's attention this weekend, especially the 30 seconds worth of coverage they had planned for the protests.
4. They didn't work before the war, at the start of the war, or before the last election.
5. Both sides continuing to scream at eachother may actually be, in the words of John Stewart, "hurting America".
6. There may be more effective ways to use my energy for the betterment of my country and against these asses of evil.
7. Giving yourself a break, and sleeping in on Saturday.
Update: 8. Going to see the Dalai Lama speak at Rutgers University early Sunday morning.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
I was wrong.
Up until now, it has been very hard for me to restrain the rage that I have felt since tv cameras started to show the stranded, dying, and desperate in New Orleans. In private, that anger has been matched by guilt. I feel guilty for not mourning the death and devastation that Hurricane Katrina has caused. For the million plus people who were evacuated and have been rescued the nightmare of the past week and a half is over, but they have awakened to a life without their family, their home, their possessions or their job (those who held one). People from throughout the Country have come forward with help. For some that aid has been monetary. Others have sent food, clothing, diapers, toys, and other necessities. Cities are “adopting” cities and towns. People are opening up their homes to perfect strangers.
This is a National crisis of unprecedented proportion, and should be treated as such, by those in Our government and those of us who like to talk about Our government.
As they continue to rescue and recover Americans, the immediate focus should be on the quest to find “new lives” for the refugees of this storm. There may be towns in the US that have lost a lot of their workforce due to factory closings or other residential flight. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to set up housing where jobs exist, and get these people started as soon as possible. The feeling of abandonment must weigh heavy on those who waited for days for help, without any communication with or from the outside world. Taking these people to a place where they may have a “real” future may begin to reinstall a faith that Our government cares for Our people and does everything in its power to protect and support them. Once New Orleans is drained and decontaminated, perhaps refugees can be offered jobs in its reconstruction. Maybe this could happen in Mississippi even sooner, because there is no standing liquid there. This, too, is well off in the distance. Though, planning it certainly is not.
My only defense, and it really is not much of one, is the fear that things will be forgotten and/or covered up. There is a fear that web sites will be scrubbed of pages concerning the five days following Hurricane Katrina’s landfall and the three days before it. Such activity has occurred before. The scale and the cost of the failures that took place in response to this storm are far too large to be forgotten. An independent investigation will put together a timeline much more complete than anything we have seen as of yet. That investigation should be conducted sooner rather than later, but now is not the time.
I know this email/blog will attract negative responses, as the last one did. I am not writing it in an attempt to kowtow to any opinion, except that now is not the time. It is hard for me to contain my bile when I see Americans suffer, as these Americans did, on their/Our own land. Sympathy and support is what they need right now, not the angry focus on what went wrong or who should be held accountable. Those who are responsible for the safety of the American public failed. But first, we must figure out how to help those citizens who have survived, identify and count those that have not, and resurrect New Orleans, Biloxi, and the rest of the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Mississippi.
I apologize if my early politicizing detracted from what the people of this region of Our Country have endured and continue to endure. My anger would not have been as uncontrollable had things in the immediate wake of Hurricane Katrina gone differently.
This is a National crisis of unprecedented proportion, and should be treated as such, by those in Our government and those of us who like to talk about Our government.
As they continue to rescue and recover Americans, the immediate focus should be on the quest to find “new lives” for the refugees of this storm. There may be towns in the US that have lost a lot of their workforce due to factory closings or other residential flight. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to set up housing where jobs exist, and get these people started as soon as possible. The feeling of abandonment must weigh heavy on those who waited for days for help, without any communication with or from the outside world. Taking these people to a place where they may have a “real” future may begin to reinstall a faith that Our government cares for Our people and does everything in its power to protect and support them. Once New Orleans is drained and decontaminated, perhaps refugees can be offered jobs in its reconstruction. Maybe this could happen in Mississippi even sooner, because there is no standing liquid there. This, too, is well off in the distance. Though, planning it certainly is not.
My only defense, and it really is not much of one, is the fear that things will be forgotten and/or covered up. There is a fear that web sites will be scrubbed of pages concerning the five days following Hurricane Katrina’s landfall and the three days before it. Such activity has occurred before. The scale and the cost of the failures that took place in response to this storm are far too large to be forgotten. An independent investigation will put together a timeline much more complete than anything we have seen as of yet. That investigation should be conducted sooner rather than later, but now is not the time.
I know this email/blog will attract negative responses, as the last one did. I am not writing it in an attempt to kowtow to any opinion, except that now is not the time. It is hard for me to contain my bile when I see Americans suffer, as these Americans did, on their/Our own land. Sympathy and support is what they need right now, not the angry focus on what went wrong or who should be held accountable. Those who are responsible for the safety of the American public failed. But first, we must figure out how to help those citizens who have survived, identify and count those that have not, and resurrect New Orleans, Biloxi, and the rest of the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Mississippi.
I apologize if my early politicizing detracted from what the people of this region of Our Country have endured and continue to endure. My anger would not have been as uncontrollable had things in the immediate wake of Hurricane Katrina gone differently.
Why were they waiting?
The aircraft carrier, USS Bataan, went under used in the Gulf from day one. They stood there, awaiting orders, as we watched Americans plead for help. Whose orders were they waiting for? Why did they wait so long to give them?
The USS Bataan can make up to 100,000 gallons of its own water a day.
The USS Bataan can make up to 100,000 gallons of its own water a day.
For all of you talking point line toters out there.
There is a Katrina timeline (with plenty of back up) available at Think Progress. It shows that not only did Gov. Katheen Blanco declare a State of Emergency on the Friday before Katrina hit, but it was declared a FEDERAL emergency the Saturday before landfall. That gave rise to this White House statement, released on August 27, 2005 “Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.” Not to mention the fact that the Gulf Coast States requested troop assistance from the Pentagon back on Friday August 26, 2005. Lack of leadership at the Federal level is what is most at fault in the response to Hurricane Katrina. The buck stops at the president. Pictures of him with acoustic guitars and birthday cakes show you where his head was.
Absolutely Disgusting!
How low can this man's politics possibly go? Firefighters are told to assemble in Atlanta. They do. They wait... and wait for orders to proceed to assist those who are crying out for help. But after handing out FEMA flyers what's their first assignment. "Stand beside President Bush as he tours devastated areas". Absolutely disgusting!
Friday, September 02, 2005
Finally!
Finally help arrives. This after a desperate heartfelt plea from New Orleans Mayor and a pathetic photo op with the president. I only hope 7,000 Guardsman will be enough.
Update: There will be 30,000 National Guard Troops sent to the Gulf Region.
Update: There will be 30,000 National Guard Troops sent to the Gulf Region.
"The results are not acceptable"
You're GODDAM right they're not, Mr. president. As New Orleans police superintendent Edwin P. Compass III put it "We're in our fifth day and adequate help to quell the situation has not arrived yet,".
Why has it taken so long? Why do I not see a sky full of helicopters over New Orleans? Why are the waters not filled with boats? FIVE DAYS!!! Where is Operation New Orleans Rescue? It is absolutely unbelievable!
Why has it taken so long? Why do I not see a sky full of helicopters over New Orleans? Why are the waters not filled with boats? FIVE DAYS!!! Where is Operation New Orleans Rescue? It is absolutely unbelievable!
Thursday, September 01, 2005
They need Our help.
It's impossible to imagine what the people of coastal Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are going through. Their homes obliterated. Their belongings washed and/or blown out of existence. Family and friends killed or missing. They've gone days without water, food, electricity, or air conditioning. Thousands of refugees migrated to a Superdome shelter only to be shuttled to the Astrodome after the first fell victim to the rising waters and raging winds. Some families have lived in these southern towns and cities for generations, only to have everything destroyed. The liquid they walk through is a mix of water, sewage, gasoline, and death. There is no food left to even loot. 30,000 National Guard troops are being sent in. Why it took this long to have them sent in is part poor planning by the federal government (there was at least two to three days of warnings before this storm made land fall) and part because of the use and overuse of the National Guard as an occupying force in bush's War in Iraq. But now is not the time for that discussion.
These refugees need our help. Their lives, homes, livelihoods, and communities have been taken by Hurricane Katrina. It's going to be a long, long time before the million plus refugees of the gulf coast will be able to get their "life back in order" as the president optimistically put it Wednesday afternoon. Right now you can help by donating your money or your time to the Red Cross.
I'm not a religious person, but there is a candle wrapped in Mardi Gras beads lit in Hoboken in remembrance of one of my favorite cities in the world.
Update: There were and are plenty of National Guard in this Country to have brought aid and order to New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Regions of Lousiana and Mississippi, they were just waiting for orders.
These refugees need our help. Their lives, homes, livelihoods, and communities have been taken by Hurricane Katrina. It's going to be a long, long time before the million plus refugees of the gulf coast will be able to get their "life back in order" as the president optimistically put it Wednesday afternoon. Right now you can help by donating your money or your time to the Red Cross.
I'm not a religious person, but there is a candle wrapped in Mardi Gras beads lit in Hoboken in remembrance of one of my favorite cities in the world.
Update: There were and are plenty of National Guard in this Country to have brought aid and order to New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Regions of Lousiana and Mississippi, they were just waiting for orders.
Astounding!
This picture of the president of the United States was taken on Tuesday August 30, 2005. While victims of the worst natural disaster in our nation's history were wading through the south, looking for shelter, their "leader", in a "My Pet Goat" moment, was strumming away on his presidential guitar. In fairness, he is "cutting his vacation short" by two days to go back to work in Washington (poor guy only got a month off).
2.7 million people without power, families being rescued off of rooftops by helicopter, no air conditioning in 90+ degree Louisiana and Mississippi heat, hundreds of thousands evacuated not to return to their homes for months, if there is a home left at all, and what does Our president do on day one? He plays a little guitar backstage with country Singer Mark Wills. The lack of serious leadership from this man is astounding.
I'm sure there are 6,000+ National Guard soldiers, from Lousiana and Mississippi, that wish they were home to help.
You can help the relief effort by donating your money or your time to the Red Cross.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Right Wing Wackos, Leadership, and Our vacationer and chief
Pat robertson LIED when he first tried to back away from his statements on assassinating the democratically elected leader of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez. Mr. Chavez recently made the buried news for giving land titles to 6, of an eventual 15, indigenous tribes, who had rightful claim to their land. No wonder robertson was pissed off, that was down right christian of Chavez, don't you think? Chavez, who's now thinking of taking legal action against robertson, first responded with a "who is pat robertson?" Well Mr. Chavez, aside from inciting violence against you, robertson is an evangelist that has the ear of the president of the United States; much like an astrologer once had the ear of a former first lady. He also runs a "school of law" which I'm sure has been "intelligently designed" to make it illegal for anyone but him and his friends to yell fire in a crowded theater.
And speaking of conservative wackos speaking out, how about former dead head ann coulter saying "the residents [of New York] would immediately surrender" if attacked by terrorists. I guess there is still one person that needs the president to remind them of what happened on and right after September 11, 2001. Where's rudy guiliani with the rebuttal on this? How about some "Leadership" rudy?
Speaking of leadership, at least two Democrats seem to be stepping up. Wesley Clark, who is guest blogging at TPMCafe, had an excellent conversation starting piece on a real strategy for Iraq in the Washington Post last week. Senator Russell Feingold has also taken to the plate and the stump, speaking out for a target date for withdrawing troops. It is not a "cut and run" policy. It's called an "exit strategy". Something the reds, junior included, were in favor of before getting us into their quagmire in Iraq. That is one question I would like to see asked of this president and his administration, war mongers in particular, "Did Operation Iraqi Freedom have a clearly identified exit strategy before it began?" Of course Our president doesn't answer questions of those who oppose his views. His response to questions regarding the parent of fallen serviceman, Casey Sheehan, was "I think it's also important for me to go on with my life". That says a lot about this vacationer in chief, a spoiled man/child that has been handed everything his entire life, by daddy and his friends. That explains Our country's the rich get richer and the poor grow in number economy.
And speaking of conservative wackos speaking out, how about former dead head ann coulter saying "the residents [of New York] would immediately surrender" if attacked by terrorists. I guess there is still one person that needs the president to remind them of what happened on and right after September 11, 2001. Where's rudy guiliani with the rebuttal on this? How about some "Leadership" rudy?
Speaking of leadership, at least two Democrats seem to be stepping up. Wesley Clark, who is guest blogging at TPMCafe, had an excellent conversation starting piece on a real strategy for Iraq in the Washington Post last week. Senator Russell Feingold has also taken to the plate and the stump, speaking out for a target date for withdrawing troops. It is not a "cut and run" policy. It's called an "exit strategy". Something the reds, junior included, were in favor of before getting us into their quagmire in Iraq. That is one question I would like to see asked of this president and his administration, war mongers in particular, "Did Operation Iraqi Freedom have a clearly identified exit strategy before it began?" Of course Our president doesn't answer questions of those who oppose his views. His response to questions regarding the parent of fallen serviceman, Casey Sheehan, was "I think it's also important for me to go on with my life". That says a lot about this vacationer in chief, a spoiled man/child that has been handed everything his entire life, by daddy and his friends. That explains Our country's the rich get richer and the poor grow in number economy.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Yellow Chicken Hawks... the lott of them.
Operation Yellow Elephant
I was recently re-emailed this list of politicians and pundits. It makes me sick to see the red "chicken hawks" support the president's War of Choice and Aggression in Iraq, sending of the sons and daughters of others to fight for their political and material spoils.
Democrats:
Richard Gephardt: Air National Guard, 1965-71.
David Bonior: Staff Sgt., Air Force 1968-72.
Tom Daschle: 1st Lt., Air Force SAC 1969-72.
Al Gore: enlisted Aug. 1969; sent to Vietnam Jan. 1971 as an army journalist in 20th Engineer Brigade.
Bob Kerrey: Lt. j.g. Navy 1966-69; Medal of Honor, Vietnam.
Daniel Inouye: Army 1943-47; Medal of Honor, WWII.
John Kerry: Lt., Navy 1966-70; Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat V, Purple Hearts.
Charles Rangel: Staff Sgt., Army 1948-52; Bronze Star, Korea.
Max Cleland: Captain, Army 1965-68; Silver Star & Bronze Star, Vietnam.
Ted Kennedy: Army, 1951-53.
Tom Harkin: Lt., Navy, 1962-67; Naval Reserve, 1968-74.
Jack Reed: Army Ranger, 1971-1979; Captain, Army Reserve 1979-91.
Fritz Hollings: Army officer in WWII; Bronze Star and seven campaign ribbons.
Leonard Boswell: Lt. Col., Army 1956-76; Vietnam, DFCs, Bronze Stars, and Soldier's Medal.
Pete Peterson: Air Force Captain, POW. Purple Heart, Silver Star and Legion of Merit.
Mike Thompson: Staff sergeant, 173rd Airborne, Purple Heart.
Bill McBride: Candidate for Fla. Governor. Marine in Vietnam; Bronze Star with Combat V.
Gray Davis: Army Captain in Vietnam, Bronze Star.
Pete Stark: Air Force 1955-57
Chuck Robb: Vietnam
Howell Heflin: Silver Star
George McGovern: Silver Star & DFC during WWII.
Bill Clinton: Did not serve. Student deferments. Entered draft but received #311.
Jimmy Carter: Seven years in the Navy.
Walter Mondale: Army 1951-1953
John Glenn: WWII and Korea; six DFCs and Air Medal with 18 Clusters.
Tom Lantos: Served in Hungarian underground in WWII. Saved by Raoul Wallenberg.
Republicans:
George W. Bush: failed to complete his six-year National Guard; got assigned to Alabama so he could campaign for family friend running for U.S. Senate; failed to show up for required medical exam, disappeared from duty.
Dick Cheney: did not serve. Several deferments, the last by marriage.
Dennis Hastert: did not serve.
Tom Delay: did not serve.
Roy Blunt: did not serve.
Bill Frist: did not serve.
Mitch McConnell: did not serve.
Rick Santorum: did not serve.
Trent Lott: did not serve.
John Ashcroft: did not serve. Seven deferments to teach business.
Jeb Bush: did not serve.
Karl Rove: did not serve.
Saxby Chambliss: did not serve. "Bad knee." The man who attacked Max Cleland's patriotism.
Paul Wolfowitz: did not serve.
Vin Weber: did not serve.
Richard Perle: did not serve.
Douglas Feith: did not serve.
Eliot Abrams: did not serve.
Richard Shelby: did not serve.
Jon Kyl: did not serve.
Tim Hutchison: did not serve.
Christopher Cox: did not serve.
Newt Gingrich: did not serve.
Don Rumsfeld: served in Navy (1954-57) as flight instructor.
B-1 Bob Dornan: Consciously enlisted after fighting was over in Korea.
Phil Gramm: did not serve.
John McCain: Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross.
Dana Rohrabacher: did not serve.
John M. McHugh: did not serve.
JC Watts: did not serve.
Jack Kemp: did not serve. "Knee problem," although continued in NFL for 8 years.
Dan Quayle: Journalism unit of the Indiana National Guard.
Rudy Giuliani: did not serve.
George Pataki: did not serve.
Spencer Abraham: did not serve.
John Engler: did not serve.
Lindsey Graham: National Guard lawyer.
Arnold Schwarzenegger: AWOL from Austrian army base.
Ronald Reagan: due to poor eyesight, served in a non-combat role making movies.
Pundits & Preachers
Sean Hannity: did not serve.
Rush Limbaugh: did not serve (4-F with a 'pilonidal cyst.')
Bill O'Reilly: did not serve.
Michael Savage: did not serve.
George Will: did not serve.
Chris Matthews: did not serve.
Paul Gigot: did not serve.
Bill Bennett: did not serve.
Pat Buchanan: did not serve.
Bill Kristol: did not serve.
Kenneth Starr: did not serve.
Antonin Scalia: did not serve.
Clarence Thomas: did not serve.
Ralph Reed: did not serve.
Michael Medved: did not serve.
Charlie Daniels: did not serve.
Ted Nugent: did not serve. (He only shoots at things that don't shoot back.)
John Wayne: did not serve.
"From that day to this, our country has always counted on the bravest among us to answer the call of duty."
-Cheney
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Dr. Hunter S. Thompson's final farewell.
Our Doctor
Remains blast to the heavens
Hallowed be thy name
Our kingdom was dumb
When this War was begun
For fear that they'd be dubbed Ex-patriots
Give us this day to speak our rage
And forgive us our restrained dissent
As we sit and fear those that will rise up against us
Those who slander and mislead Our nation
And preach not the end of terror
But to displace Ours onto Them.
Forgive the US good doctor for buying the ticket to this ridiculous ride. For being bamboozled by a swine infested white house, spewing oil at every pore. For listening to the fear mongers and the corporate shark propagandists. Grant us peace and unity in our day. Let us offer each other a sign of peace.
Hunter S. Thomson's last wish was granted last Sunday, the first televised day on the 2005 football season. Coincidence? Though in hindsight, maybe the hilarious first Sunday (Go Simpsons!)of the new fall season on FOX would have fit nicely too. Way to remember September 11th, Rupert. Thompson's ashes were shot out of a 150 foot tall "Gonzo" cannon during a zambelli fireworks. Johny Depp, who paid for most of it, was there along with Ed Bradley, Senator John Kerry, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and about 250 other invited guests. The vacuum created by the loss of our icons seems to be growing. Who will wear the next set of shoes so impossible to fill. We'll miss you Dr. Thompson.
Friday, August 19, 2005
"I am a war president."
The vacationer in chief has officially broken the record for days off from Our White House. Imagine if he had to punch a clock or fill out a time sheet like so many of us have to.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Support the Troops, Oppose the War!
Yesterday (8/9/5) a man dressed in military blues looked me in the eye with incredible disdain and said "Fuck You Faggot!" as he spit at my feet. True story. I can only assume it was the peace sign on my bag that the man didn't like. Perhaps he had fought for Our freedom or more recently Iraq's freedom. I can understand his frustration with seeing an able bodied American male in shorts and a Jersey Fresh shirt running a community farmers' market. Not only was I not putting my life on the line for Iraq's freedom, but I was flaunting my opposition to both the war and the president by affixing a NO-W button and peace button to the bag on my back, not to mention the audacity of placing an American flag pin complete with red, white, and blue ribbon between them.
I think of Our troops everytime I pick up the newspaper. Everytime I read that more soldiers have been killed or injured by increasingly sophisticated roadside bombs or ambushes it gives me a sick feeling deep in my stomach. I am against bush's War of choice in Iraq, but I am not against Our troops. Soon to be "medically retired" US Army private Terry Rodgers said it best while lying in a Walter Reed hospital bed. A nurse had asked him if he would like to meet president bush He responded "I don't want anything to do with him," "My belief is that his ego is getting people killed and mutilated for no reason -- just his ego and his reputation. If we really wanted to, we could pull out of Iraq. Maybe not completely but enough that we wouldn't be losing people -- at least not at this rate. So I think he himself is responsible for quite a few American deaths." Mr. Rodgers's story is hard to read, but is certainly important. A friend of mine, whose son is currently fighting in Baghdad, tells me that we don't know the real story of what's going on over there. And, unfortunately, she is not refering to the rosy picture the administration and their friends say the "liberal media" is not covering.
War is hell. War is horror. War is violence unfathomable to me, as I'm sure it is to many. That is why it should be the "last resort". There should be no other choice. That was not the case with this war. We heard "urgent", "unique", "mushroom cloud", "Threat", "weapons of mass destruction". All of which were false. We told the inspectors to leave. This was a predetermined plan thrust upon a nation engulfed in feelings of fear and national vulnerability. A war that's only remaining rationale is humantarian, despite the fact that it is killing thousands.
Terry Rodgers is not the only military personnel speaking out against this war. I can't imagine what it's like to wake up, pick up a gun, and face an enemy willing to take their own life so that one more American or American sympathizer is killed. It takes bravery and discipline that should only be employed when the threat against the United States is clear, present, and dare I say it, imminent.
The bush administration needs to be held accountable for the selling of this War.
"After eleven years during which we have tried containment, sanctions, inspections, even selected military action, the end result is that Saddam Hussein still has chemical and biological weapons and is increasing his capabilities to make more. And he is moving ever closer to developing a nuclear weapon."
-the president October 7, 2002
WRONG!!!!
Support the Troops! Bring them home!
I think of Our troops everytime I pick up the newspaper. Everytime I read that more soldiers have been killed or injured by increasingly sophisticated roadside bombs or ambushes it gives me a sick feeling deep in my stomach. I am against bush's War of choice in Iraq, but I am not against Our troops. Soon to be "medically retired" US Army private Terry Rodgers said it best while lying in a Walter Reed hospital bed. A nurse had asked him if he would like to meet president bush He responded "I don't want anything to do with him," "My belief is that his ego is getting people killed and mutilated for no reason -- just his ego and his reputation. If we really wanted to, we could pull out of Iraq. Maybe not completely but enough that we wouldn't be losing people -- at least not at this rate. So I think he himself is responsible for quite a few American deaths." Mr. Rodgers's story is hard to read, but is certainly important. A friend of mine, whose son is currently fighting in Baghdad, tells me that we don't know the real story of what's going on over there. And, unfortunately, she is not refering to the rosy picture the administration and their friends say the "liberal media" is not covering.
War is hell. War is horror. War is violence unfathomable to me, as I'm sure it is to many. That is why it should be the "last resort". There should be no other choice. That was not the case with this war. We heard "urgent", "unique", "mushroom cloud", "Threat", "weapons of mass destruction". All of which were false. We told the inspectors to leave. This was a predetermined plan thrust upon a nation engulfed in feelings of fear and national vulnerability. A war that's only remaining rationale is humantarian, despite the fact that it is killing thousands.
Terry Rodgers is not the only military personnel speaking out against this war. I can't imagine what it's like to wake up, pick up a gun, and face an enemy willing to take their own life so that one more American or American sympathizer is killed. It takes bravery and discipline that should only be employed when the threat against the United States is clear, present, and dare I say it, imminent.
The bush administration needs to be held accountable for the selling of this War.
"After eleven years during which we have tried containment, sanctions, inspections, even selected military action, the end result is that Saddam Hussein still has chemical and biological weapons and is increasing his capabilities to make more. And he is moving ever closer to developing a nuclear weapon."
-the president October 7, 2002
WRONG!!!!
Support the Troops! Bring them home!
Friday, August 05, 2005
I think that is Bullsh*t!!!!!!
Did Mr. self righteous, james dobson, really say "In World War II, the Nazis experimented on human beings in horrible ways in the concentration camps, and I imagine, if you wanted to take the time to read about it, there would have been some discoveries there that benefited mankind."
Something done at a nazi concentration camp could have "benefited mankind"? WOW!
To quote bob novak "I think that's bullshit."
And do you know what else is "bullshit"? Our Commander in Chief telling us that "we are at war" while he's off to his vacation home in Texas. Maybe he'll sign the "energy bill" surrounded by all his old (and future) oil buddies. They're sure celebrating this latest corporate give away. Who knew the United States would further subsidize an industry that's already swimming in profit? Oh wait... we all did.
My favorite piece of dung flung this week came from the President's statements on "intelligent design" in our schools. "I think that part of education is to expose people to different schools of thought. You’re asking me whether or not people ought to be exposed to different ideas, the answer is yes."
You're right, Mr. President, people should be exposed to different ideas in school. The native american point of view of Our country's early history, for instance. That our "founding fathers" were human. That homosexuality exists and some people think that's just fine. How about the school of thought that there is no god? Now that would be a good class for a sixth grader, wouldn't it Mr. President? There is no evidence of creationism ("intelligent design"). It is strictly faith based, and religous faith should not be taught in Our Public schools.
Something done at a nazi concentration camp could have "benefited mankind"? WOW!
To quote bob novak "I think that's bullshit."
And do you know what else is "bullshit"? Our Commander in Chief telling us that "we are at war" while he's off to his vacation home in Texas. Maybe he'll sign the "energy bill" surrounded by all his old (and future) oil buddies. They're sure celebrating this latest corporate give away. Who knew the United States would further subsidize an industry that's already swimming in profit? Oh wait... we all did.
My favorite piece of dung flung this week came from the President's statements on "intelligent design" in our schools. "I think that part of education is to expose people to different schools of thought. You’re asking me whether or not people ought to be exposed to different ideas, the answer is yes."
You're right, Mr. President, people should be exposed to different ideas in school. The native american point of view of Our country's early history, for instance. That our "founding fathers" were human. That homosexuality exists and some people think that's just fine. How about the school of thought that there is no god? Now that would be a good class for a sixth grader, wouldn't it Mr. President? There is no evidence of creationism ("intelligent design"). It is strictly faith based, and religous faith should not be taught in Our Public schools.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Enemy Combative Treatment
Whether the bush boys call it "the War on Terror" or the "struggle against violent extremism", the open ended fight against "evil doers" has people worried. Red Senators, like former POW john mccain, are beginning to enter the fray concerning the treatment of prisoners, excuse me "unlawful enemy combatants". Even U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour sounded off on secret military tribunals and the right to counsel while sentencing the "millennium bomber" to 22 years for plotting to bomb Los Angeles airport on millennium eve. The Washington Post recently reported that some of the now infamous interrogation tactics used in abu ghraib began at guantanamo bay. No wonder the president is blocking the release of more images from the American controlled prison in Iraq. New reports of abuses continue to come in, from electrocution and extortion to beatings with sledgehammer handles.
Don't get me wrong. I understand that "these people behead their enemies". They certainly do not abide by the Geneva Conventions. But we should hold ourselves to a higher standard, and I believe, in part, that we do. But "in part" is not good enough. Aren't We there to fight oppression and torture chambers (not to compare Our torture with that of saddam's).
I am one of the 51% of Americans who believe We were mislead into this war. And life in Baghdad doesn't seem to have improved since We invaded. My problem is not with , it's with the chicken hawks in charge of them. This war is about greed, oil, Halliburton and a new guantanamo bay facility in the middle of the middle east. And with the "exit strategy" changing depending on who you talk to, the outcome of the struggle/war does not look good.
Don't get me wrong. I understand that "these people behead their enemies". They certainly do not abide by the Geneva Conventions. But we should hold ourselves to a higher standard, and I believe, in part, that we do. But "in part" is not good enough. Aren't We there to fight oppression and torture chambers (not to compare Our torture with that of saddam's).
I am one of the 51% of Americans who believe We were mislead into this war. And life in Baghdad doesn't seem to have improved since We invaded. My problem is not with , it's with the chicken hawks in charge of them. This war is about greed, oil, Halliburton and a new guantanamo bay facility in the middle of the middle east. And with the "exit strategy" changing depending on who you talk to, the outcome of the struggle/war does not look good.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Hey "Free" Press! Pull This!
Gary Trudeau has angered the "liberal" media again, causing certain papers to pull his comic strip "Doonesbury". At issue is the use of the president's nick name for karl rove. That nick name... "Turd Blossom". What would Uncle Duke do?
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
It's Away!
Space shuttle Discovery launched successfully at 10:39 AM, July 26, 2005. Marking the first shuttle launch since February 1, 2003. Congratulations NASA! Well done!
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