If I were Santa Claus I would have delivered the following stocking stuffers:
* A brain for Sen. John Ensign (R-NV), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. While appearing on Face the Nation he said of the economic meltdown: "Unfortunately, it was allowed to be portrayed that this was a result of deregulation, when in fact it was a result of overregulation."
* A jar of jalapeño Vaseline for the SEC employees who watched porn rather than "protecting investors and maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets," as is their mission.
* A rasher of humility for Stephen Views the News to embrace reader comments such as, “You sir are masterfully demonstrating your own ignorance.”
* An imported deluxe kerosene heater for Wal-Mart’s heart. On Tuesday the company said it would pay between $352 million and $640 million to settle lawsuits across the country claiming that it forced employees to work off the clock.
* The 2009 Sarah Palin Calendar for John McCain, even though he is setting land speed records running from his former running mate.
* A shiny house-arrest ankle bracelet for Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich for auctioning the senate seat vacated by Barack Obama.
* A bar of mouth soap and truck driver’s license for Mrs. Blagojevich for her picante comments recorded during a federal wiretap investigation of her husband the governor.
* A yuletide apology to truck drivers for associating them with the First Lady of Illinois.
* A basket of experience for Caroline Kennedy seeking to inherit Hillary Clinton’s senate seat in New York.
* A ride on Santa’s sleigh for the auto executives embarrassed into abandoning their private jets.
* A sleigh full of Pepcid for president-elect Barack Obama as he embarks on the journey of leading a country beset with a multitude of serious challenges.
* A duly elected Senator for the citizens of Minnesota and preferably not the candidate under federal investigation.
* A time-out for the Obama administration before deciding to commit tens of thousands of U.S. troops to Afghanistan. The complexity of that country’s politics and the corruption of its leadership demand extreme caution.
* Harvey the imaginary rabbit for Malia and Sasha Obama as they seek solitude from the harsh world of celebrity they will encounter over at least the next four years.
* Fifty billion days of homelessness on the streets of New York City for Bernard “Bernie” Madoff. He is one of the all-time goniffs (crooks) of the investment world. His soulless greed wreaked economic havoc and, in some cases destruction, on schools, charities, pension funds and so much more.
* A punch bowl of common sense for Madoff’s Ponzied investors who believed that Madoff was Santa Claus.
* A wake up call for the inhabitants of planet Earth to not be misled by low gasoline prices. Santa cannot reverse limited oil reserves or a debilitated environment that is ignored.
* A revised mission statement for the IRS whose audits of large companies declined for the third year in a row. Santa’s trust of business and government also declined for the third year in a row.
* A slightly used and toxic post-Katrina mobile home to transport departing Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff to a lucrative book signing deal. In America incompetence has its rewards.
* A mega-warehouse for the U.S. Department of the Navy to store $7.5 billion in UNNEEDED parts. One of the factors contributing to the unnecessary purchases was “inefficiency in the Navy's inventory management.” No surprise to Santa who understands “overstocked” with a North Pole laden with unsafe toys outsourced from Asia.
* Light-blocking window drapes for American banks accepting billions of dollars of bailout money sans accountability. Santa does not blame the banks – at least on this account. He does have queries for the little elves on Ritalin running the Bush administration and running around the halls of Congress.
* A cruise on the Titanic for the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). This conservative “think” tank spawned much of the neocon nonsense and “free” market malarkey that dominated Bush administration strategy.
* A set of barbells to put more muscle into credit card reform regulations scheduled to go into effect in 2010.
* A chapel for the gay citizens that Pastor Rick Warren suddenly “loves” but is not likely to welcome to his church.
* Public financing of elections legislation to improve an electoral process that has become the antithesis of democratic principles.
* A frontal lobotomy for Rush Limbaugh for positing his conspiracy theory that the economic crisis was created by Democrats to generate a financial panic and ensure the election of Obama.
* Thorazine prescriptions for Bill O’Reilly and Karl Rove. They have suggested the conspiracy theory that journalists deliberately manufactured the financial crisis so that Obama would be elected.
* A lump of coal for the energy interests spending millions of dollars to convince the American public that there is such a thing as “clean coal.” Perhaps they can donate some of this money to residents in Tennessee to recover from the flood of sludge that broke through a dike at TVA's Kingston coal-fired plant Monday. This could prove to be an environmental disaster of very significant proportions. Al Gore’s Alliance for Climate Protection and the “Reality” coalition have a new ad about the myth of “clean coal.”
* For those that can, websites to help those in need:
~ Feeding America is a network of over 200 food banks covering all 50 states.
~ Operation USO Care Package provides care packages of needed and requested items for our troops overseas
These websites are noted in Michelle Obama’s Holiday Greetings.
* Peace, goodwill and wisdom for a world on multiple brinks.
* 2009 hugs and best wishes for the New Year to readers of Stephen Views the News.
* “I don't make jokes... I just watch the government and report the facts.”
Will Rogers (1879 – 1935) Cherokee-American cowboy, comedian, humorist, social commentator, vaudeville performer and actor.
Showing posts with label Chertoff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chertoff. Show all posts
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
*A surprise in Pakistan – When we learned on Tuesday that the parliamentary elections in Pakistan resulted in the sound defeat of President (dictator) Pervez Musharraf I was quite surprised and wondered why. He rigged the elections in 2002 and recently suspended the Supreme Court (for fear they would rule against his powers) and he arrested many of his opposition. My question was answered by Trudy Rubin, someone I feel is an outstanding observer and analyst of international politics. In her column in the Philadelphia Inquirer “...these elections were unexpectedly fair due to the new army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who recently succeeded Musharraf” (previously Musharraf headed both the military and the government). The army did not interfere in elections and as Rubin noted, “The general appears determined to focus on providing necessary security for Pakistan.” If only our Commander-In-Chief were so focused.
*No surprise in Bush – “The Bush administration is pressing the opposition leaders who defeated Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to allow the former general to retain his position, a move that Western diplomats and U.S. officials say could trigger the very turmoil the United States seeks to avoid... The U.S. is urging the Pakistani political leaders who won the elections to form a new government quickly and not press to reinstate the judges whom Musharraf ousted last year” (Bush fears the judges would try to remove Musharraf). A number of foreign policy experts have criticized Bush for investing U.S. energy and treasure in a particular individual, Musharraf. The Bush push to keep Musharraf in power could be dangerous. “The effort to persuade Pakistan's newly elected parliament not to reinstate the judges could be perceived in Pakistan as a U.S. attempt to keep Musharraf in power after voters overwhelmingly rejected his Pakistan Muslim League-Q political party”. Aside from Bush protecting his best friend/dictator he wants to have it both ways – pontificate about bringing democracy to the world until inconvenience presents itself.
*Justification to stop some people from propagating - Someone called into CSPAN insisting that Barack Obama was Muslim and would be sworn in on a Koran, should he win the presidency. When the show’s host explained that Obama is not Muslim the caller responded,” Well, that's what I heard, and it was on the television."
*They don’t build walls like they used to – The Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to build an 18 foot high steel and concrete fence along the Texas/Mexico border that will pass through the backyards of family homes (whose owners face condemnation lawsuits if they protest). Further angering homeowners is the decision to stop the wall at one end of the property of River Bend Resort and Golf Course and resume the wall at the other end of the resort. This same procedure is being used in another part of Texas on the property of Dallas billionaire Ray L. Hunt, a close friend of President Bush who “recently donated $35 million to Southern Methodist University to help build Bush’s presidential library.” Aside from being another costly and seemingly bungled project of Michael Chertoff and the DHS I find it curious that the wealthy and privileged Texans don’t want to be as “protected” as the proletariat. I also wonder about the merit of building a multi-million dollar defensive wall that is designed with large openings. Reference the Berlin Wall. The East Germans knew how to build a wall.
*Speaking of the DHS - In 2002 the DHS attempted to create a separate personnel system for its employees outside of the civil service labor-management agreement that covers federal workers. In 2005 this anti-union move was denied in District court and once again by a Federal Appeals court in 2006. In the fiscal 2008 appropriations bill for the DHS congress denied funding for a new personnel system. DHS has announced it will not seek further litigation on the matter.
“Bush officials contended that the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks required changes that would give more discretion to managers and permit quicker deployment of workers without notifying their union representatives.” Given the incompetence and lack of forthrightness of DHS management its actual intent is open to question. The Bush administration’s record on (anti-)union policy may be a hint.
*The McCain Double-Flip-Flop with One-and-A-Half Twists – Matt Corley at ThinkProgress.com notes that prior to his presidential bid John McCain repeatedly was against the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. For example, "I am disappointed that the Senate Finance Committee preferred instead to cut the top tax rate of 39.6% to 36%, thereby granting generous tax relief to the wealthiest individuals of our country at the expense of lower- and middle-income American taxpayers." [McCain Senate floor statement, May 21, 2001]. Appearing on ABC’s This Week last Sunday Mitt McCain reversed his engines like a 747 that has overshot the landing strip. He performed a political polka around the definition of wealthy and then vowed, “under no circumstances would he increase taxes”. To categorically ignore the current tax structure is absurd.The Iraq war is now costing $250 million per DAY. America’s infrastructure (bridges, roads, toxic bodies of water) is in disrepair. The military and National Guard equipment is shot to hell. Education is sorely under-funded. McCain’s economic alchemy is as spurious as his claim to be at arms length from lobbyists where “virtually every one of his closest advisors are part of the Washington lobby culture. “A review of campaign finance filings shows that the Arizona Republican has accepted more than $100,000 in donations from employees of Greenberg Traurig, the very firm where Abramoff once reigned”. “According to opensecrets.org Sen. McCain has received over $400,000 from lobbyists.” ABC News on January 29, 2008 reported that McCain has 59 lobbyists raising money for his campaign – more than any of the other presidential candidates. Responding to his lobby connection on Friday McCain called his senior staff “honorable” for their lobbying work. "These people have honorable records, and they're honorable people, and I'm proud to have them as part of my team." When he recently made the statement that “economics” was not his strength it was the most straight talk we have heard from the Senator.
*The “equal time” principle – Both Clinton and Obama have benefitted from campaign donations from Greenburg Traurig and other lobbyists. RawStory.com has a rundown of major donations these Democratic candidates have received from this industry of lawyers and influencers. Lobbyists do serve a function in our system. Unfortunately, their influence and impact have far exceeded an appropriate role as their economic resources skyrocketed and in too many instances their ethics became questionable. In today’s election system candidates need huge sums of money and special interests are a gold vein waiting to be mined. The answer appears obvious - public financing of elections and stronger ethics regulations for lobbyists and politicians. The problem is that the inmates make the rules. The solution is substantial public pressure.
*The Dukester’s devil is going to hell – Former congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham (R-CA) is currently in prison for accepting over $700,000 in bribes. The briber is defense contractor Brent Wilkes and he was just sentenced to 12 years in prison. The Washington Post points out, “Wilkes is a Republican Party "Pioneer" who raised more than $100,000 for President Bush's reelection in 2004 and donated -- in concert with his business colleagues -- $656,396 to 64 other Republican lawmakers and the national Republican Party committees in Washington from 1995 through the third quarter of 2005, according to campaign finance records.” It is no secret that defense contractors and companies such as Halliburton and Blackwater have been major donors to Republican interests. It appears that their investments were quite prudent in light of the billions of dollars they have reaped from the Iraq war. Since there was no legitimate reasons for Bush to invade Iraq it seems reasonable to examine possible illegitimate reasons.
*Modern Reform - John Halpin, a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress was a recent guest blogger at ThinkProgress. I recommend his brief review of reform movements in America and his suggestion that together they have a place in today’s world. Mr. Halpin concludes: “To build a real case for modern reform efforts, we should draw on and defend all three traditions: Liberalism (liberty with economic opportunity); Populism (a stand on the side of the people and “equal rights for all, special privileges for none”); and Progressivism (honest government and a commitment to the common good). From one perspective it is not considered hip or cool or desirable in current society to associate with ism labels. I would suggest that current conditions in America warrant that each of us commit to ideas or concepts beyond the amorphous “political party” affiliation that in recent history has not served the interest of ourselves or our nation.
*Did the earth move for you? – The attempt of the religious right to dictate how we should lead our lives is not limited to activity in the U.S. or Afghanistan or Iran. Even Israel has its “interpreters” of the Almighty’s verse and word. A parliamentary member of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish Shas Party, Shlomo Benizri, is blaming two recent earthquakes in Israel on Parliament’s tolerance of gays. Israel decriminalized homosexuality in 1988 and has since passed several laws recognizing gay rights. Israeli court rulings in recent years have granted inheritance rights to gay couples and recognized same-sex marriages performed abroad. I find it interesting that these “religious” reproachers spend more time judging others than aiding a neighbor, the sick or the needy. They prefer tearing down over building up. Recall some of the religious right in the U.S. claiming that 9/11 resulted from America’s tolerance of gays. Shlomo may be correct that God is ticked off. For the reason I suggest he look in the mirror.
*Quote of the week – From the blogger Blue Gal: Did you ever wonder that the reason everyone is talking about what Michelle Obama “thinks” is because she can?
The Great Debate – On Thursday I watched the debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama that took place in Austin, TX. As I suspected, it would not really be a “great” debate since their positions are so close on so many key issues. What particularly impressed me about the event was witnessing two intelligent and knowledgeable adults discussing serious issues of import to me and my country and proposing reasonable solutions.
~Afterthought – Did you look forward to the day when you could have confidence your leader when Obama said he would be willing to meet with leaders of countries at odds with the U.S. “with preparation but no preconditions”? It is a different approach than Bush has taken and even his predecessor, as noted by Katrina Vanden Heuvel at The Nation: “during his two terms President Clinton did not meet with Fidel Castro or with Hugo Chavez or with the leaders of Iran, Syria, and North Korea--while generally pursuing a policy of trying to isolate these countries. But what did the Clinton approach actually accomplish?”
*The children of Iraq – Little is spoken of the effect of the Iraq war on its children. UNICEF just asked for $37 million to support vulnerable Iraqi children and their families. The cold reality: “A large number of children, estimated in the tens of thousands, have lost parents, siblings and other family members to violence; At least one in five primary school-age children is unable to go to school: Only 40 per cent of children have regular access to safe drinking water; Some 600,000 children are among the 1.2 million Iraqis displaced over the past two years. Most families are still unable to return home.”
When we see much of the violence around the world our hearts may be touched but a shrug usually follows because we are helpless to do anything about it. I would suggest that there is a difference with Iraq because America’s fingerprints are all over the smoking gun. It is beyond time that we do something about it. John McCain is comfortable with American troops being in Iraq for 10 to 100 years. Americans can do something about that on November 4, 2008.
*Quotes - Mahatma Gandhi (1869 – 1948)
~ If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children.
~ An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.
~What do I think of Western civilization? I think it would be a very good idea.
~ God has no religion.
*No surprise in Bush – “The Bush administration is pressing the opposition leaders who defeated Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to allow the former general to retain his position, a move that Western diplomats and U.S. officials say could trigger the very turmoil the United States seeks to avoid... The U.S. is urging the Pakistani political leaders who won the elections to form a new government quickly and not press to reinstate the judges whom Musharraf ousted last year” (Bush fears the judges would try to remove Musharraf). A number of foreign policy experts have criticized Bush for investing U.S. energy and treasure in a particular individual, Musharraf. The Bush push to keep Musharraf in power could be dangerous. “The effort to persuade Pakistan's newly elected parliament not to reinstate the judges could be perceived in Pakistan as a U.S. attempt to keep Musharraf in power after voters overwhelmingly rejected his Pakistan Muslim League-Q political party”. Aside from Bush protecting his best friend/dictator he wants to have it both ways – pontificate about bringing democracy to the world until inconvenience presents itself.
*Justification to stop some people from propagating - Someone called into CSPAN insisting that Barack Obama was Muslim and would be sworn in on a Koran, should he win the presidency. When the show’s host explained that Obama is not Muslim the caller responded,” Well, that's what I heard, and it was on the television."
*They don’t build walls like they used to – The Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to build an 18 foot high steel and concrete fence along the Texas/Mexico border that will pass through the backyards of family homes (whose owners face condemnation lawsuits if they protest). Further angering homeowners is the decision to stop the wall at one end of the property of River Bend Resort and Golf Course and resume the wall at the other end of the resort. This same procedure is being used in another part of Texas on the property of Dallas billionaire Ray L. Hunt, a close friend of President Bush who “recently donated $35 million to Southern Methodist University to help build Bush’s presidential library.” Aside from being another costly and seemingly bungled project of Michael Chertoff and the DHS I find it curious that the wealthy and privileged Texans don’t want to be as “protected” as the proletariat. I also wonder about the merit of building a multi-million dollar defensive wall that is designed with large openings. Reference the Berlin Wall. The East Germans knew how to build a wall.
*Speaking of the DHS - In 2002 the DHS attempted to create a separate personnel system for its employees outside of the civil service labor-management agreement that covers federal workers. In 2005 this anti-union move was denied in District court and once again by a Federal Appeals court in 2006. In the fiscal 2008 appropriations bill for the DHS congress denied funding for a new personnel system. DHS has announced it will not seek further litigation on the matter.
“Bush officials contended that the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks required changes that would give more discretion to managers and permit quicker deployment of workers without notifying their union representatives.” Given the incompetence and lack of forthrightness of DHS management its actual intent is open to question. The Bush administration’s record on (anti-)union policy may be a hint.
*The McCain Double-Flip-Flop with One-and-A-Half Twists – Matt Corley at ThinkProgress.com notes that prior to his presidential bid John McCain repeatedly was against the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. For example, "I am disappointed that the Senate Finance Committee preferred instead to cut the top tax rate of 39.6% to 36%, thereby granting generous tax relief to the wealthiest individuals of our country at the expense of lower- and middle-income American taxpayers." [McCain Senate floor statement, May 21, 2001]. Appearing on ABC’s This Week last Sunday Mitt McCain reversed his engines like a 747 that has overshot the landing strip. He performed a political polka around the definition of wealthy and then vowed, “under no circumstances would he increase taxes”. To categorically ignore the current tax structure is absurd.The Iraq war is now costing $250 million per DAY. America’s infrastructure (bridges, roads, toxic bodies of water) is in disrepair. The military and National Guard equipment is shot to hell. Education is sorely under-funded. McCain’s economic alchemy is as spurious as his claim to be at arms length from lobbyists where “virtually every one of his closest advisors are part of the Washington lobby culture. “A review of campaign finance filings shows that the Arizona Republican has accepted more than $100,000 in donations from employees of Greenberg Traurig, the very firm where Abramoff once reigned”. “According to opensecrets.org Sen. McCain has received over $400,000 from lobbyists.” ABC News on January 29, 2008 reported that McCain has 59 lobbyists raising money for his campaign – more than any of the other presidential candidates. Responding to his lobby connection on Friday McCain called his senior staff “honorable” for their lobbying work. "These people have honorable records, and they're honorable people, and I'm proud to have them as part of my team." When he recently made the statement that “economics” was not his strength it was the most straight talk we have heard from the Senator.
*The “equal time” principle – Both Clinton and Obama have benefitted from campaign donations from Greenburg Traurig and other lobbyists. RawStory.com has a rundown of major donations these Democratic candidates have received from this industry of lawyers and influencers. Lobbyists do serve a function in our system. Unfortunately, their influence and impact have far exceeded an appropriate role as their economic resources skyrocketed and in too many instances their ethics became questionable. In today’s election system candidates need huge sums of money and special interests are a gold vein waiting to be mined. The answer appears obvious - public financing of elections and stronger ethics regulations for lobbyists and politicians. The problem is that the inmates make the rules. The solution is substantial public pressure.
*The Dukester’s devil is going to hell – Former congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham (R-CA) is currently in prison for accepting over $700,000 in bribes. The briber is defense contractor Brent Wilkes and he was just sentenced to 12 years in prison. The Washington Post points out, “Wilkes is a Republican Party "Pioneer" who raised more than $100,000 for President Bush's reelection in 2004 and donated -- in concert with his business colleagues -- $656,396 to 64 other Republican lawmakers and the national Republican Party committees in Washington from 1995 through the third quarter of 2005, according to campaign finance records.” It is no secret that defense contractors and companies such as Halliburton and Blackwater have been major donors to Republican interests. It appears that their investments were quite prudent in light of the billions of dollars they have reaped from the Iraq war. Since there was no legitimate reasons for Bush to invade Iraq it seems reasonable to examine possible illegitimate reasons.
*Modern Reform - John Halpin, a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress was a recent guest blogger at ThinkProgress. I recommend his brief review of reform movements in America and his suggestion that together they have a place in today’s world. Mr. Halpin concludes: “To build a real case for modern reform efforts, we should draw on and defend all three traditions: Liberalism (liberty with economic opportunity); Populism (a stand on the side of the people and “equal rights for all, special privileges for none”); and Progressivism (honest government and a commitment to the common good). From one perspective it is not considered hip or cool or desirable in current society to associate with ism labels. I would suggest that current conditions in America warrant that each of us commit to ideas or concepts beyond the amorphous “political party” affiliation that in recent history has not served the interest of ourselves or our nation.
*Did the earth move for you? – The attempt of the religious right to dictate how we should lead our lives is not limited to activity in the U.S. or Afghanistan or Iran. Even Israel has its “interpreters” of the Almighty’s verse and word. A parliamentary member of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish Shas Party, Shlomo Benizri, is blaming two recent earthquakes in Israel on Parliament’s tolerance of gays. Israel decriminalized homosexuality in 1988 and has since passed several laws recognizing gay rights. Israeli court rulings in recent years have granted inheritance rights to gay couples and recognized same-sex marriages performed abroad. I find it interesting that these “religious” reproachers spend more time judging others than aiding a neighbor, the sick or the needy. They prefer tearing down over building up. Recall some of the religious right in the U.S. claiming that 9/11 resulted from America’s tolerance of gays. Shlomo may be correct that God is ticked off. For the reason I suggest he look in the mirror.
*Quote of the week – From the blogger Blue Gal: Did you ever wonder that the reason everyone is talking about what Michelle Obama “thinks” is because she can?
The Great Debate – On Thursday I watched the debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama that took place in Austin, TX. As I suspected, it would not really be a “great” debate since their positions are so close on so many key issues. What particularly impressed me about the event was witnessing two intelligent and knowledgeable adults discussing serious issues of import to me and my country and proposing reasonable solutions.
~Afterthought – Did you look forward to the day when you could have confidence your leader when Obama said he would be willing to meet with leaders of countries at odds with the U.S. “with preparation but no preconditions”? It is a different approach than Bush has taken and even his predecessor, as noted by Katrina Vanden Heuvel at The Nation: “during his two terms President Clinton did not meet with Fidel Castro or with Hugo Chavez or with the leaders of Iran, Syria, and North Korea--while generally pursuing a policy of trying to isolate these countries. But what did the Clinton approach actually accomplish?”
*The children of Iraq – Little is spoken of the effect of the Iraq war on its children. UNICEF just asked for $37 million to support vulnerable Iraqi children and their families. The cold reality: “A large number of children, estimated in the tens of thousands, have lost parents, siblings and other family members to violence; At least one in five primary school-age children is unable to go to school: Only 40 per cent of children have regular access to safe drinking water; Some 600,000 children are among the 1.2 million Iraqis displaced over the past two years. Most families are still unable to return home.”
When we see much of the violence around the world our hearts may be touched but a shrug usually follows because we are helpless to do anything about it. I would suggest that there is a difference with Iraq because America’s fingerprints are all over the smoking gun. It is beyond time that we do something about it. John McCain is comfortable with American troops being in Iraq for 10 to 100 years. Americans can do something about that on November 4, 2008.
*Quotes - Mahatma Gandhi (1869 – 1948)
~ If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children.
~ An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.
~What do I think of Western civilization? I think it would be a very good idea.
~ God has no religion.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
10/4/07
*Civics Class 101 – A recent poll found that 55 percent of Americans believe the U.S. Constitution establishes a Christian nation. When John McCain was asked, “What do you think”, he responded, “I would probably have to say yes, that the Constitution established the United States of America as a Christian nation.” This from a U.S. Senator and presidential candidate!
Article IV of the U. S. Constitution:
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.
The First Amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
The founders of our country did not establish a Christian or any other religious nation. The founders established a secular nation. They were aware that many of the Europeans who first settled America were fleeing religious persecution, Christians fleeing Christians. The founders specifically required the separation of church and state to avoid such miscarriages in “the name of God”. And yes, I take offense to anyone who would undermine the bedrock of our freedoms.
*The Christian Right has announced it is considering forming a political party that would launch a presidential candidate. Perhaps they have come to the conclusion that in the foreseeable future they will not own another president as they did George W. Bush - lock, stock and bible.
*Don’t touch that dial – Free speech is “free speech” whether it is a Fourth of July parade, the Skinheads marching, the Ku Klux Klan prancing or Rush Limbaugh frothing. Under our system of democracy an individual or group has the freedom to express their point of view even if a minority or majority of citizens deem the message offensive or mindless. Many are now calling for Limbaugh to be removed from his very successful radio program. His recent remark that Iraq war vets who feel we should get out of Iraq were phony soldiers was offensive and mindless. Our Constitution and democratic tradition provide Mr. Limbaugh the right and freedom to speak his mind. We have the freedom to not listen.
*Words of wisdom - When you open your mouth your mind is on parade.
*A transmission with no “reverse” - For the first time I heard a reasonable explanation of why Bush and Cheney did not have an exit strategy for Iraq. Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) explains that they did not intend to leave. I guess this also explains the permanent huge military bases we have built in Iraq as well as the largest and most expensive embassy the U. S. has ever built. The State Department refused comment when I asked if the embassy included an Exxon/Mobil wing.
*Legislative Masturbation - Congress has extended funding for a core abstinence-education program established by the Bush administration. As I previously noted, the program is a demonstrable failure. "Their actions defy logic and common sense," said James Wagoner, president of Advocates for Youth. First, Congress funds what Mr. Wagoner called unproven abstinence programs. Then it commissions a study that shows they don't work, but lawmakers ignore those results and continue to fund the programs.” I was optimistic that the new Democratic congress, at a minimum, would not continue ineffective, counter-productive and wasteful programs established by a Republican-led legislature that was unfettered during Bush’s first six years. My disappointment is palpable.
*How do you want your burger? – Hold the E-Coli. Topps Meat Co. has recalled 22 million pounds or the equivalent of over 80,000,000 frozen hamburgers. The USDA said that 25 illnesses are under investigation in 8 states. I would suggest that the time to investigate is before product is shipped. U.S. regulatory agencies in recent years have been hampered by under-funding and a federal government philosophy of under-investigating. It will probably take 25 deaths before congressmen trip over each other calling for greater inspection of America’s food supply. Perhaps Joe Lieberman will introduce a resolution in the Senate condemning the E-Coli bacteria as a threat to the American people. This threat we know is real.
*Last minute holiday shopping - On September 30th, with only 86 days left until Christmas, Wal-Mart began cutting prices in its toy department. One game in particular caught my eye and I decided to rush over to my nearest neighborhood temple of shopping. With the price reduced from $18.96 to $10.00 I knew that “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” would not stay on the shelves for long. I was sure that the 535 senators and representatives in Congress would not pass up the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, especially if the price is right. I ignored the sale on imported toothpaste.
*Can’t wait for the Olympics - A Philadelphia Inquirer editorial discussed the lack of management and the mismanagement of China’s environment. The devastating health implications for the world’s most populous country is daunting. It points out how government leadership is vital to a people’s well-being. The environmental degradation cited in the editorial leads a reasonable person to question the wisdom of consuming any edible product originating in China. If you plan on attending the Olympics in China next year it would be prudent to pack a large quantity of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Never mind. A large quantity of U.S. produced peanut butter was recently recalled for botulism infection. Go with jelly sandwiches.
*Speaking of environmental hazards - The number of environmental cases brought by the EPA between 2002 and 2006 is down 70% from that of the mid-nineties. This must be a good sign for our environment. No. The agency now employs only 85% of the minimum number of investigators required by law. Compounding the problem is the laissez faire approach the Bush administration has employed as a watch-dog of the environment and industry. This deficiency in oversight exacerbates the problem because polluters are emboldened to ignore anti-pollution laws. Can you say “perfect storm”?
A pro-environment Bush official – It has taken almost seven years to hear those words but DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff went on the record. He was defending the building of a wall along the Mexican border to keep out illegal immigrants. He said, "Illegal migrants really degrade the environment. I've seen pictures of human waste, garbage, discarded bottles and other human artifact in pristine areas. And believe me, that is the worst thing you can do to the environment." Mr. Chertoff did not comment on “lesser” things you can do to the environment such as greenhouse gasses, chemical waste being dumped into rivers and lakes, strip mining or not inspecting cargo from foreign countries that potentially contain nuclear, chemical or biological hazards.
~In a related story, the mayors of 4 Texas cities bordering Mexico object to the government’s building of the wall and have refused permits and access necessary to begin construction. This should make for some very interesting court cases.
*Don’t Be a Litter “Bug” – While Dept. of Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff is busy fighting trash I wonder if he saw the AP article about vulnerable germ research labs. “Federal terror-fighting agencies can't identify all the American research laboratories that could become targets of attackers, congressional investigators have found”. At least 409 facilities work with 72 of the world’s deadliest organisms and poisons “The Government Accountability Office asked a dozen agencies whether they kept track of all the labs handling dangerous germs and toxins, or knew the number. All responded negatively.” And please remember to pick up your human artifact when visiting a pristine area.
*Friends in high places policy - Last week I noted the higher cost of Blackwater contractors in Iraq performing the security job a soldier used to do. Some specifics: “A single Blackwater security contractor costs the government $1,222 per day to guard U.S. civilian personnel, or $445,000 per year. That's six times the cost than a U.S. Army soldier performing the same function.” Since 2003 Blackwater no-bid contracts have totaled $1,000,000,000 (billion). The CEO of Blackwater is Erik Prince. He has strong ties to the White House and his family is very influential in the Republican Party. His company employs many prominent Republicans including Joseph Schmitz. He was appointed by Bush in 2002 to "oversee and police the Pentagon's military contracts as the Defense Department's Inspector General." Can you say “cozy”?
*Society Page ~ Rudy and Bo hanging out - Rudy Giuliani did not attend the presidential debate addressing the concerns of Black America (he had also skipped the Latino Americans debate). His alibi was a scheduling issue. His “issue” was a fundraiser with Bo Derek at the Santa Barbara Biltmore. A West Coast party with the beautiful star of the movie “10”! Who could blame him? Well, any citizen looking for a presidential candidate that is serious about understanding their needs and problems.
*Flash Observations:
~ In the 2008 elections for the Senate, Democrats will be defending 12 seats while Republicans will have to defend 22. This could prove to be the Catch 22 that will minimize the GOP influence in Congress.
~In another Mea Culpa Post Factum Newt Gingerich says that the Republicans ran a cheap and nasty campaign against John Kerry in 2004. Ya think?
~The U.S. debt is approaching $10,000,000,000,000 (TRILLION). The amount equates to $30,000 for every citizen in this country. Allowing congress to continually raise the debt ceiling is akin to hiring Mel Gibson to be the bartender at a Bar Mitzvah.
~Australia has been steadfast in its support of the U.S. military action in Iraq. It has announced that it will not participate in any military action against Iran. It is alleged that Bush is contacting allies to gain support for his Iran policies. I believe that the disrespect that Bush has garnered internationally will leave him isolated on his Iran quest.
*Children of God - I have listened to all of the reasons that President Bush spewed in justifying his veto of health insurance for 10 million uninsured children. As usual, his narrow and myopic reasoning did not account for the future cost and misery that poor health for these youngsters and soon-to-be-adults will bring. He and his brethren stand upon their respective pulpits sermonizing about the sanctity of unborn babes. Once they navigate the womb, screw them.
*Republican strategy ~ subtle and practical – Thomas B. Edsall at the Huffington Post offered an interesting explanation as to why the Republican Party is doing everything it can to lose the presidential election in 2008.
“Perhaps Republican kingpins consider the best possible long-term strategy letting Democrats take over responsibility for the extraordinary mess Bush will leave behind. The next president will have to deal with Iraq, Iran with the bomb, biological and chemical threats, $8.98 trillion in national debt, global warming, rising gas prices, a Mideast on fire, overstretched troops, a legion of returning wounded soldiers, a country unprepared for its aging population, North Korea's supply of nuclear technology to Syria, a steadily eroding dollar, a surging China, and an exponential increase in the number of those who wish America ill.”
Bush believes that history will see him as another Winston Churchill. His successor best have the ability to part the Red Sea and turn water into wine.
*Friends of Mr. Clean – Mitt Romney recently said, "our numbers have shown that we are able to raise the money." While Hillary Clinton has been rightfully criticized for accepting money from fugitive Norman Hsu one hears little about Romney’s sugar daddies. Meet Alan Fabian, one of Mitt’s largest fundraisers. He is currently under indictment on 23 charges including fraud, money laundering, perjury, and obstruction of justice. Meet Robert Lichfield. Founder of Worldwide Association of Specialty Schools, Lichfield is named in a federal lawsuit charging that students of the "behavior modification" schools … were subjected to "physical abuse, emotional abuse and sexual abuse." The suit had 140 defendants at last count. Lichfield has been asked to resign his spot on the Romney finance team. Imagine the turpitude of the person Romney would appoint as Secretary of the Treasury. Also of interest is that 25% of the money raised by the Romney campaign has come from Mitt Romney. I guess there is something to be said for a self-starter.
*"Be not intimidated... nor suffer yourselves to be wheedled out of your liberties by any pretense of politeness, delicacy, or decency. These, as they are often used, are but three different namesfor hypocrisy, chicanery and cowardice."
John Adams (1735 – 1826), Founding Father, 2nd US President
Article IV of the U. S. Constitution:
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.
The First Amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
The founders of our country did not establish a Christian or any other religious nation. The founders established a secular nation. They were aware that many of the Europeans who first settled America were fleeing religious persecution, Christians fleeing Christians. The founders specifically required the separation of church and state to avoid such miscarriages in “the name of God”. And yes, I take offense to anyone who would undermine the bedrock of our freedoms.
*The Christian Right has announced it is considering forming a political party that would launch a presidential candidate. Perhaps they have come to the conclusion that in the foreseeable future they will not own another president as they did George W. Bush - lock, stock and bible.
*Don’t touch that dial – Free speech is “free speech” whether it is a Fourth of July parade, the Skinheads marching, the Ku Klux Klan prancing or Rush Limbaugh frothing. Under our system of democracy an individual or group has the freedom to express their point of view even if a minority or majority of citizens deem the message offensive or mindless. Many are now calling for Limbaugh to be removed from his very successful radio program. His recent remark that Iraq war vets who feel we should get out of Iraq were phony soldiers was offensive and mindless. Our Constitution and democratic tradition provide Mr. Limbaugh the right and freedom to speak his mind. We have the freedom to not listen.
*Words of wisdom - When you open your mouth your mind is on parade.
*A transmission with no “reverse” - For the first time I heard a reasonable explanation of why Bush and Cheney did not have an exit strategy for Iraq. Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) explains that they did not intend to leave. I guess this also explains the permanent huge military bases we have built in Iraq as well as the largest and most expensive embassy the U. S. has ever built. The State Department refused comment when I asked if the embassy included an Exxon/Mobil wing.
*Legislative Masturbation - Congress has extended funding for a core abstinence-education program established by the Bush administration. As I previously noted, the program is a demonstrable failure. "Their actions defy logic and common sense," said James Wagoner, president of Advocates for Youth. First, Congress funds what Mr. Wagoner called unproven abstinence programs. Then it commissions a study that shows they don't work, but lawmakers ignore those results and continue to fund the programs.” I was optimistic that the new Democratic congress, at a minimum, would not continue ineffective, counter-productive and wasteful programs established by a Republican-led legislature that was unfettered during Bush’s first six years. My disappointment is palpable.
*How do you want your burger? – Hold the E-Coli. Topps Meat Co. has recalled 22 million pounds or the equivalent of over 80,000,000 frozen hamburgers. The USDA said that 25 illnesses are under investigation in 8 states. I would suggest that the time to investigate is before product is shipped. U.S. regulatory agencies in recent years have been hampered by under-funding and a federal government philosophy of under-investigating. It will probably take 25 deaths before congressmen trip over each other calling for greater inspection of America’s food supply. Perhaps Joe Lieberman will introduce a resolution in the Senate condemning the E-Coli bacteria as a threat to the American people. This threat we know is real.
*Last minute holiday shopping - On September 30th, with only 86 days left until Christmas, Wal-Mart began cutting prices in its toy department. One game in particular caught my eye and I decided to rush over to my nearest neighborhood temple of shopping. With the price reduced from $18.96 to $10.00 I knew that “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” would not stay on the shelves for long. I was sure that the 535 senators and representatives in Congress would not pass up the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, especially if the price is right. I ignored the sale on imported toothpaste.
*Can’t wait for the Olympics - A Philadelphia Inquirer editorial discussed the lack of management and the mismanagement of China’s environment. The devastating health implications for the world’s most populous country is daunting. It points out how government leadership is vital to a people’s well-being. The environmental degradation cited in the editorial leads a reasonable person to question the wisdom of consuming any edible product originating in China. If you plan on attending the Olympics in China next year it would be prudent to pack a large quantity of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Never mind. A large quantity of U.S. produced peanut butter was recently recalled for botulism infection. Go with jelly sandwiches.
*Speaking of environmental hazards - The number of environmental cases brought by the EPA between 2002 and 2006 is down 70% from that of the mid-nineties. This must be a good sign for our environment. No. The agency now employs only 85% of the minimum number of investigators required by law. Compounding the problem is the laissez faire approach the Bush administration has employed as a watch-dog of the environment and industry. This deficiency in oversight exacerbates the problem because polluters are emboldened to ignore anti-pollution laws. Can you say “perfect storm”?
A pro-environment Bush official – It has taken almost seven years to hear those words but DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff went on the record. He was defending the building of a wall along the Mexican border to keep out illegal immigrants. He said, "Illegal migrants really degrade the environment. I've seen pictures of human waste, garbage, discarded bottles and other human artifact in pristine areas. And believe me, that is the worst thing you can do to the environment." Mr. Chertoff did not comment on “lesser” things you can do to the environment such as greenhouse gasses, chemical waste being dumped into rivers and lakes, strip mining or not inspecting cargo from foreign countries that potentially contain nuclear, chemical or biological hazards.
~In a related story, the mayors of 4 Texas cities bordering Mexico object to the government’s building of the wall and have refused permits and access necessary to begin construction. This should make for some very interesting court cases.
*Don’t Be a Litter “Bug” – While Dept. of Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff is busy fighting trash I wonder if he saw the AP article about vulnerable germ research labs. “Federal terror-fighting agencies can't identify all the American research laboratories that could become targets of attackers, congressional investigators have found”. At least 409 facilities work with 72 of the world’s deadliest organisms and poisons “The Government Accountability Office asked a dozen agencies whether they kept track of all the labs handling dangerous germs and toxins, or knew the number. All responded negatively.” And please remember to pick up your human artifact when visiting a pristine area.
*Friends in high places policy - Last week I noted the higher cost of Blackwater contractors in Iraq performing the security job a soldier used to do. Some specifics: “A single Blackwater security contractor costs the government $1,222 per day to guard U.S. civilian personnel, or $445,000 per year. That's six times the cost than a U.S. Army soldier performing the same function.” Since 2003 Blackwater no-bid contracts have totaled $1,000,000,000 (billion). The CEO of Blackwater is Erik Prince. He has strong ties to the White House and his family is very influential in the Republican Party. His company employs many prominent Republicans including Joseph Schmitz. He was appointed by Bush in 2002 to "oversee and police the Pentagon's military contracts as the Defense Department's Inspector General." Can you say “cozy”?
*Society Page ~ Rudy and Bo hanging out - Rudy Giuliani did not attend the presidential debate addressing the concerns of Black America (he had also skipped the Latino Americans debate). His alibi was a scheduling issue. His “issue” was a fundraiser with Bo Derek at the Santa Barbara Biltmore. A West Coast party with the beautiful star of the movie “10”! Who could blame him? Well, any citizen looking for a presidential candidate that is serious about understanding their needs and problems.
*Flash Observations:
~ In the 2008 elections for the Senate, Democrats will be defending 12 seats while Republicans will have to defend 22. This could prove to be the Catch 22 that will minimize the GOP influence in Congress.
~In another Mea Culpa Post Factum Newt Gingerich says that the Republicans ran a cheap and nasty campaign against John Kerry in 2004. Ya think?
~The U.S. debt is approaching $10,000,000,000,000 (TRILLION). The amount equates to $30,000 for every citizen in this country. Allowing congress to continually raise the debt ceiling is akin to hiring Mel Gibson to be the bartender at a Bar Mitzvah.
~Australia has been steadfast in its support of the U.S. military action in Iraq. It has announced that it will not participate in any military action against Iran. It is alleged that Bush is contacting allies to gain support for his Iran policies. I believe that the disrespect that Bush has garnered internationally will leave him isolated on his Iran quest.
*Children of God - I have listened to all of the reasons that President Bush spewed in justifying his veto of health insurance for 10 million uninsured children. As usual, his narrow and myopic reasoning did not account for the future cost and misery that poor health for these youngsters and soon-to-be-adults will bring. He and his brethren stand upon their respective pulpits sermonizing about the sanctity of unborn babes. Once they navigate the womb, screw them.
*Republican strategy ~ subtle and practical – Thomas B. Edsall at the Huffington Post offered an interesting explanation as to why the Republican Party is doing everything it can to lose the presidential election in 2008.
“Perhaps Republican kingpins consider the best possible long-term strategy letting Democrats take over responsibility for the extraordinary mess Bush will leave behind. The next president will have to deal with Iraq, Iran with the bomb, biological and chemical threats, $8.98 trillion in national debt, global warming, rising gas prices, a Mideast on fire, overstretched troops, a legion of returning wounded soldiers, a country unprepared for its aging population, North Korea's supply of nuclear technology to Syria, a steadily eroding dollar, a surging China, and an exponential increase in the number of those who wish America ill.”
Bush believes that history will see him as another Winston Churchill. His successor best have the ability to part the Red Sea and turn water into wine.
*Friends of Mr. Clean – Mitt Romney recently said, "our numbers have shown that we are able to raise the money." While Hillary Clinton has been rightfully criticized for accepting money from fugitive Norman Hsu one hears little about Romney’s sugar daddies. Meet Alan Fabian, one of Mitt’s largest fundraisers. He is currently under indictment on 23 charges including fraud, money laundering, perjury, and obstruction of justice. Meet Robert Lichfield. Founder of Worldwide Association of Specialty Schools, Lichfield is named in a federal lawsuit charging that students of the "behavior modification" schools … were subjected to "physical abuse, emotional abuse and sexual abuse." The suit had 140 defendants at last count. Lichfield has been asked to resign his spot on the Romney finance team. Imagine the turpitude of the person Romney would appoint as Secretary of the Treasury. Also of interest is that 25% of the money raised by the Romney campaign has come from Mitt Romney. I guess there is something to be said for a self-starter.
*"Be not intimidated... nor suffer yourselves to be wheedled out of your liberties by any pretense of politeness, delicacy, or decency. These, as they are often used, are but three different namesfor hypocrisy, chicanery and cowardice."
John Adams (1735 – 1826), Founding Father, 2nd US President
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