*On vacation, almost - The Caribbean is not a place for following the news. Enjoying eight days with white sand and blue/green warm waters allows one to relax, renew and separate from the everyday world. However, one news item that came to my attention was the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE), the combined intelligence of America’s 16 spy agencies, stating that Iran was not building nuclear weapons. It surprised me because only several weeks ago Bush and Cheyney were calling for World War III to stop Iran from doing what the NIE says they are not doing. Seymour Hersh, highly respected investigative reporter for The New Yorker, says that this information has been circulating at the highest levels of the Bush administration for over a year. Therefore, for many months Bush and Cheyney have been calling for support of military attacks on Iran knowing that their claims were false (Iraq redux). I do not believe for a moment that Iran is one of the good guys. I also do not believe anything that comes out of the lying lips of Bush and Cheney. They screwed our country with the Iraq “weapons of mass destruction” scare your pants off mass fear hysteria. What I do not understand is how they allowed the American intelligence community to release the truth. It is most curious. The Bush/Cheney history has been one of extreme secrecy, state secrets and a stranglehold on the truth about their machinations. Did these intelligence agencies act on their own to avoid duplicating the Iraq debacle?
*A new record ~ for hate – I received a fundraising call from the Southern Poverty Law Center. I have supported this organization for about 15 years because of their important work identifying, exposing and working against hate and extremist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, Neo-Nazis and Racist Skinheads. An equally important activity of the SPLCenter is its Teaching Tolerance programs for teachers of K-12 and other educators to promote respect for differences and an appreciation of diversity. The telephone solicitor pointed out the need for funds because the hate groups that they track are at a record number of 840. Twenty-one hate groups are identified in my state of Pennsylvania. I accept the sorrowful fact that racism and homophobia have a permanency in our society BUT, 840 hate groups in the United States of America is an unsettling number and an ugly statement about the somewhat delusional self-concept we profess about diversity and freedoms.
*The Lone Star state of pandering – The director of science curriculum for the state of Texas was forced to resign because she opposed the religious right’s attempt to force feed intelligent design into the curriculum. Offering agenda driven pseudo-science as an alternative to scientifically proven evolution reminds one of the Catholic church threatening Galileo with torture and excommunication when his scientific theories contradicted church teaching. I find John Aravosis’ comment at americablog.com engaging: “May all of your children be educated believing the uneducated garbage these people believe, and then may their children compete against the children of my friends and family for jobs.“ The religious right is welcome to believe whatever their narrow little hearts and minds divine. That is a freedom provided in the U.S. Constitution. The wheels fall off their wagon when they attempt to make their obfuscations mandatory for all citizens. That is prohibited by the U.S. Constitution. Our founding fathers intentionally conceived a secular system to avoid the foibles and detriments of the preaching profits (sic). Amen.
*Business’ Best Bud Bush – Anticipating the end of the Bush administration, business and their lobbyists are nervously rushing to get favorable regulations approved. Some examples: “trucking companies are trying to get final approval for a rule increasing the maximum number of hours commercial truck drivers can work; automakers are trying to persuade officials to set new standards for the strength of car roofs — standards far less stringent than what consumer advocates say is needed to protect riders in a rollover; coal companies are lobbying for a regulation that would allow them to dump rock and dirt from mountaintop mining operations into nearby streams and valleys; a priority for many employers in 2008 is to secure changes in the rules for family and medical leave; the National Chicken Council and the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association have petitioned for an exemption from laws and rules that require them to report emissions of ammonia exceeding 100 pounds a day; the EPA is drafting final rules that would allow utility companies to modify coal-fired power plants and increase their emissions without installing new pollution-control equipment.” Drug companies and defense contractors are especially concerned about Democrats controlling congress and the White House. The American consumer has not had a friend in the White House since Bush took residency (“enemy” would be a more accurate characterization). The end of the Bush presidency bodes well for policies and regulations that protect Americans in the marketplace and the environment.
*Good news for cell phone users – Cell phone carriers are relenting on some of their greedy policies (due to law suits and public outrage). The $200 penalty for cancelling your agreement they claim was justified because they subsidized the cost of the phone. However, that same $200 penalty was in effect if you cancelled you agreement after 1 month or after 23 months. Under a new policy some carriers will prorate the penalty so that the longer you keep the agreement the lower will be the cancellation penalty. Another greed-driven policy was if you made a change to you agreement, for example, one year into the 2-year plan, the plan would begin a new 2-year waiting period from the date of the change to avoid penalties. This policy is also being adjusted as long as the change does not involve a new phone. One would think that the FCC would have had some say about such usurious policies but we have learned the hard way that “our” government does not really work for us. Reference credit card companies policies and interest charges. We may elect them but that is where the fiduciary relationship ends.
*Guantanamo’s ambulance chasers – Six years have passed during which time there have been 775 detainees imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay. To date the military tribunal installed by the Bush administration has successfully prosecuted 1 (one) person. If memory serves me that individual was an Australian citizen who cut a deal so that his prison time could be served in Australia. Making this even more remarkable is that these detainees receive very limited defense representation and are not permitted to examine the evidence against them or know their accusers. What is not remarkable is that it is as pathetic, ill-conceived and ineffective as everything else that has the Bush imprimatur. This is the “justice” that results when a democratic legal system is abandoned. This is an excellent example of why we cannot allow our government to spy on us without a proper court order and operate outside the legal system. Either incompetence or iniquity will prevail.
*Idiot of the Week ~ Meet Sen. Kitt Bond (R-MO) – While appearing on PBS’ The News Hour Senator Bond stated that we should not talk about waterboarding (even though he says it is not being done) because this will allow the enemy to adapt to it. Could there be any truth to the rumor that al Qaeda has hired Acapulco cliff divers to train them to hold their breath for 19 minutes – which is actually longer than Sen. Bond is conscious each day?
*My new punching bag (move over Rudy) ~ Meet Mike Huckabee – The surging Republican presidential candidate has all of the qualities that would appeal to a citizen living in the Middle Ages. What brings him to my attention at the moment is information we learned this week. In 1985 the federal government had publicly concluded that AIDS was not spread through casual contact. In 1992 Huckabee stated, "If the federal government is truly serious about doing something with the AIDS virus, we need to take steps that would isolate the carriers of this plague. . . . It is difficult to understand the public policy toward AIDS. It is the first time in the history of civilization in which the carriers of a genuine plague have not been isolated from the general population . . ." When Huckabee was asked on FOX News this week about this statement that gays should be quarantined he replied, “I didn’t say that we should quarantine.” For someone with a fascist mentality Mr. Huckabee is quite the smooth talker.
*Life is important ~ until you are born – For the second time in recent months President Bush vetoed bi-partisan legislation providing health insurance for children of poor families. The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) provides coverage for 6 million poor children (reducing the number of uninsured children by a third) and has been one of the few successful healthcare programs in recent years. Bush is fond of lecturing about the sanctity of life of unborn babies and in the same vein opposed stem cell research. That deep concern evaporates once the birth takes place. In 2004 when Bush was campaigning for re-election he said, “America’s children must also have a healthy start in life. In a new term, we will lead an aggressive effort to enroll millions of poor children who are eligible but not signed up for the government’s health insurance programs. We will not allow a lack of attention, or information, to stand between these children and the health care they need.” Democrats and Republicans, in the House and the Senate, supported this legislation. The only opposition was Bush the Decider. Reference “lying lips”.
*Answering a question – “The parents of an Iraq war veteran who committed suicide and members of Congress on Wednesday questioned why there's not a comprehensive tracking system of suicide among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.” To me the answer is and has been obvious. Since day one of the Iraq invasion the people responsible for initiating this war have not given a crap about the young men and women sent into battle. And, if possible, the lack of concern about the welfare of our troops diminishes further when they return from duty. Inadequate health and mental care, not ensuring that former jobs are made available (it is a law not enforced by the Justice Department) and defeating legislation that would have increased educational benefits for veterans have been the norm for the Bush administration. Every time I hear a Bush operative pontificate about supporting the troops my skin crawls. Deplorable, reprehensible, criminal and shameful characterize their actions.
*The homogenization of church and state - I deemed it strange enough when Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) introduced a resolution that Christmas and Christians are important. You can read the full text of the resolution at this link. Where this story really goes off the road is that the House of Representatives actually held a vote on the resolution. At one time I thought that a few members of congress had little concept of our Constitution. I now believe that a random sampling of illegal immigrants would score higher on an American civics quiz than these morons running our government. Appearing on FOX News King said,” I recognized that we’re a Christian nation founded on Christian principles, and we’re coming up to Christmastime. … It’s time we stood up and said so, and said to the rest of America, Be who you are and be confident. And let’s worship Christ and let’s celebrate Christmas for the right reasons.” Next year I expect Rep. King to introduce legislation requiring that one’s voter registration card must be velcroed to one’s bible to be valid.
*Living in glass houses – A national co-chairman of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign said, “Democrats should give more thought to Sen. Barack Obama's admissions of illegal drug use before they pick a presidential candidate.” Obama has written about and discussed his experimenting with drugs and alcohol in high school and advises young people that he regrets having wasted a lot of time. Should this be criteria for choosing a president? Bill Clinton admitted that in college he smoked pot and although he puffed he did not inhale. He eventually admitted that he was puffed in the Oval Office by an intern. Overall he was a relatively good president and leader. George W. Bush has a history of drug and alcohol abuse while an adult. He will be judged as the worst president in U.S. history. I feel that most of us have a history of some type of “experimentation”. My focus on presidential candidates is their ability to lead and to understand their policies and visions. Indiscretions in high school and college have little to do with the mark of an adult other than to provide political campaign fodder.
*Another opposite result – “After the invasion of Iraq, the US government claimed that women there had 'new rights and new hopes'. In fact their lives have become immeasurably worse, with rapes, burnings and murders now a daily occurrence.” This is the introduction to a Special Report on Iraq that appeared in the Guardian (England). The following excerpt is disquieting and another indictment of what the U.S. invasion has inflicted upon the Iraqi people: “Even under Saddam, women in Iraq - including in semi-autonomous Kurdistan - were widely recognised as among the most liberated in the Middle East. They held important positions in business, education and the public sector, and their rights were protected by a statutory family law that was the envy of women's activists in neighbouring countries. But since the 2003 invasion, advances that took 50 years to establish are crumbling away. In much of the country, women can only now move around with a male escort. Rape is committed habitually by all the main armed groups, including those linked to the government. Women are being murdered throughout Iraq in unprecedented numbers.” This is the culture to which Bush confidently introduced “democracy”.
*Despicable company of the week – With much competition the number 2 hamburger chain in the world Burger King earns this dishonor. They are paying their farm workers to pick tomatoes for under $5.00 an hour – a rate that has not changed in almost 30 years. Workers must average 10 hours a day and pick 2 tons of tomatoes to earn $50. While McDonalds, Taco Bell and other chains have recently committed to higher wages and better working conditions Burger King is having it their way and resisting ethical and humane changes. A petition urging BK to change its ways can be signed at this link.
"I must do something" always solves more problems than "Something must be done."
Author Unknown
Showing posts with label FCC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FCC. Show all posts
Friday, December 14, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
11/11/07
*Make no mistake – On November 2, 2007 four former JAG officials (Admirals and Generals) wrote a letter to Sen. Patrick Leahy stating their views about waterboarding. You can read the letter in its entirety. Excerpts: “We write because this issue above all demands clarity: Waterboarding is inhumane, it is torture, and it is illegal... Abu Ghraib and other notorious examples of detainee abuse has been the product, at least in part, of a self-serving and destructive disregard for the well-established legal principles applicable to this issue. This must end...Waterboarding detainees amounts to illegal torture in all circumstances. To suggest otherwise - or even to give credence to such a suggestion - represents both an affront to the law and to the core values of our nation.” Many of us in America have waited a long time to see respected individuals address the obfuscations and fabrications committed by our country’s highest leadership. My question for these former JAGs is similar to the one I have for Colin Powell: “Where have you been”? Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo, and the use of torture approved by Bush/Cheney/Gonzales did not begin last month. Where have you been?
* Verschärfte Vernehmung – This German phrase translates as “enhanced interrogation”. In an article by Andrew Sullivan at The Atlantic he says,” It's a phrase that appears to have been concocted in 1937, to describe a form of torture that would leave no marks, and hence save the embarrassment pre-war Nazi officials were experiencing as their wounded torture victims ended up in court. The methods ... are indistinguishable from those described as "enhanced interrogation techniques" by the president (Bush).” Achtung! This article is a must read for an understanding of the despicable road this administration has chosen to travel. It affects the moral structure of America, the actions of other countries and the safety of the men and women who serve in our military.
*Imported toys ~ Not child’s play - With the amount of toxic lead recently found in Barbie Doll accessories it seems safe to say that Ken will be keeping his pants on. In a related matter, Ken denies that he gave Aqua Dots to Barbie for her birthday. Aqua Dots is a children’s toy just recalled for containing a chemical similar to GHB, also known as the date rape drug. When ingested, it metabolizes into GHB. At least 6 children in the U.S. and 3 in Australia have been hospitalized. The dangerous chemical was used to coat the beads because it is one-quarter the price of the chemical normally used for such purposes. One wonders what role U.S. importers have in these dangerous products due to price pressures they impose on Chinese producers. Do you yearn for the simple days when toys were made in America and companies responsibly inspected their products BEFORE they were put into distribution?
*Democracy & War on Terror debacles ~ Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan - The NY Times observes in an article “Straying Partner Leaves White House in a Lurch” that Pakistan could become a disaster for Bush and the Middle East.” For more than five months the United States has been trying to orchestrate a political transition in Pakistan that would manage to somehow keep Gen. Pervez Musharraf in power without making a mockery of President Bush’s promotion of democracy in the Muslim world... General Musharraf’s move to seize emergency powers and abandon the Constitution (on Nov. 2nd) left Bush administration officials close to their nightmare: an American-backed military dictator who is risking civil instability in a country with nuclear weapons and an increasingly alienated public.” A further complication is the fact that remote parts of Pakistan have been a safe haven for al Qaeda, the Taliban and probably Osama bin Laden. America and the Middle East region approach a new level of danger. The Middle East is an amalgam of diverse and conflicting ideologies irritated by centuries of hatred, distrust and religious extremism, and festered by decades of questionable American foreign policy, often fueled by “oil”. Almost seven years ago Bush and Cheney entered the fray and at almost every turn they exasperate the volatile situation. Their Iraq and Afghanistan policy has actually increased terrorism and done nothing to advance democracy. The situation in Pakistan may present even greater dangers. In a statement taken from the George W. Bush playbook, Musharraf said that he imposed the state of emergency to help fight Islamic militancy. Some would call it playing the boogeyman card.
*Engaging candidates – The blog crooksandliars.com recently identified two most interesting people involved in politics who embrace progressive ideas:
~Dennis Shulman is running for representative in northern New Jersey. He is a progressive Democrat. He is also a rabbi, a clinical psychologist, an author, a drummer and a blind man. His campaign motto is, “We can do better.” His opponent Scott Garrett is the personification of Bush politics and philosophy. The campaign will be a provocative match-up highlighting contrasts in today’s American political ideology. Howie Klein at firedoglake.com does an excellent write-up of Shulman that is worth reading.
~Doris Haddock recently ran for the Senate in New Hampshire. She is 94. Three years ago she walked from California to NH to highlight the need for campaign finance reform. In a serendipitous turn of events she became a candidate with few resources and much courage running against a two-term incumbent with significant campaign dollars. HBO will be airing a documentary about this amazing woman titled “Run Granny Run” – a true life story about how everyday people can do extraordinary things. You can learn more about Ms. Haddock and details about the air times at this HBO site.
*Coffee break takes on new meaning – Over 2% of the Ethiopian population is infected with HIV Aids and over 7% in the capitol, Addis Ababa. In a new initiative to fight the spread of this disease, coffee scented and colored condoms are being marketed around the country. Ethiopians have a coffee mania and it is hoped that this approach will increase the use of condoms, a proven method to reduce the spread of Aids. The promotion of abstinence in preventing unwanted pregnancies and communicable diseases in America and around the world has been a dismal failure. We should applaud innovation that impacts these serious problems.
*Best of the less bad – Sens. Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) (and 4 other Democrats) voted for Michael Mukasey for Attorney General because “it is the best nomination they could expect from President Bush”. This mentality does not serve our country. Instead of seeking the best leadership available our representatives settle for better than worse. It is one of the many reasons why this country has almost no respect for Congress. Its approval ratings are lower than the president. An interesting side note is that the 53 senators voting for Mukasey were the fewest ‘yeas” for an attorney general since 1952.
*Environmentally we are one world – Coal is inexpensive and abundant and it has fueled the economic growth of China and India. Unfortunately, the burning of coal has a tremendous down side. “It takes five to 10 days for the pollution from China's coal-fired plants to make its way to the United States, like a slow-moving storm. It shows up as mercury in the bass and trout caught in Oregon's Willamette River. It increases cloud cover and raises ozone levels. And along the way, it contributes to acid rain in Japan and South Korea and health problems everywhere from Taiyuan to the United States.” Under Bush the official U.S. policy on domestic and international environmental problems has been to pretend they do not exist. I doubt that I will ever understand this administration’s avoidance of the fact that they have children and grandchildren who will have to live with the consequences of the world’s rapidly deteriorating environment? In a new report the American Academy of Pediatrics said, “Global warming is likely to disproportionately harm the health of children, and politicians should launch "aggressive policies" to curb climate change”. Unfortunately, the few myopic fools who don’t get it are the ones setting policy.
The “in” crowd – Hedge funds are the relatively new way for wealthy entrepreneurs to invest in companies. They have been extremely profitable. However, through a loophole in the tax structure, the managers of these funds pay about a 15% capital gains tax instead of an income tax rate that should be in the 35% range. Billionaire Warren Buffet recently observed how ridiculous it is that he pays only 18% on his taxable income. When discussions have arisen to repair the tax laws, these new titans of industry have mustered their financial resources and inundated legislators with lobbyists and campaign contributions. Senator Chuck Schumer is the recipient of much of this attention. He has now decided he will oppose higher tax rates for hedge funds and private-equity firms. This is another example where the wealthy dominate the influence on legislators to the detriment of most Americans. Our elected leaders frequently respond like Pavlov’s dogs when they sniff the odor of money. Long-term senators and representatives too often become part of the problem rather than the solution because they have totally sold their independence to campaign contributors. The elections of 2006 brought some fresh integrity to congress in the likes of Webb and Tester and McCaskill but there is still much change needed if our country is to move forward in a responsible manner. I have often noted the need for public financing of elections. Perhaps it is also time for the U.S. to examine the merits of term limits for congressmen.
*Elect to improve the electoral process - The non-partisan group Common Cause has a petition to congress that you can sign demanding an immediate overhaul of our campaign finance system.
*Bush Galloping to history – “Bush reached an unwelcome record. By 64%-31%, Americans disapprove of the job he is doing. For the first time in the history of the Gallup Poll, over 50% say they "strongly disapprove" of the president. Richard Nixon had reached the previous high, 48%, just before an impeachment inquiry was launched in 1974.” I suspect the perception of Bush will continue to decline as the American people learn more about what he and his administration has perpetrated on this country.
*Addict in denial – The House of Representatives and the Senate voted to override a Bush veto of a water projects measure that included spending programs for health and labor. The President said he vetoed the bill because of the cost. I am reminded of a formers radio sports talk host. Mixed in with his sports commentary were barbs aimed at illegal drug users. The drug commentaries and his job ended when he was arrested for buying heroin in a neighborhood infamous for street sales of drugs. Bush has had no problem spending the surplus he inherited from Clinton. He ignores the consequences of the huge deficit he has created as he continues to ask congress for billions of dollars more for Iraq. As long as Bush gets his “Iraq” crack fix, spending is not an issue for him. Just don’t mention health and welfare for his citizens and repairing the infrastructure for his country.
*”Integrity” is a four-letter word - Last week I noted that the head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) took frequent expensive trips that were funded by the groups she was responsible for overseeing. In her self-defense she claimed that the travel was approved by an ethics official. The Washington Post is reporting, “In several cases, the agency made travel bookings before the trips were approved. For another industry-financed trip detailed in internal agency documents, written legal approval came after the trip.” The article points out that on at least one of these trips the “ethics official” was a member of the travel party. “R. David Pittle, who was appointed by President Richard M. Nixon to help found the agency in 1973 and served as a commissioner until 1982, said: "The CPSC is the only thing standing between a consumer and a potentially dangerous product. . . . For me, it doesn't matter if these trips and gratuities pass some legal test -- it's highly inappropriate public policy." It will be a refreshing change when public interest becomes a significant part of public policy.
*Hooray for the FCC (this is not a typo) – It appears that we are about to see a government action that will be to our benefit. The Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) “is preparing to impose significant new regulations to open the cable television market to independent programmers and rival video services after determining that cable companies have become too dominant in the industry.” For quite some time cable companies have been successful in lobbying the government to limit competition. Of course, we pay the price. I have seen articles that in France, where there is greater competition in the cable market, the average cost for telephone, cable TV and internet access combined is $44 per month. That is less than half of what I pay Comcast and I do not have the phone service. A consumer-friendly federal agency seems odd but it is certainly welcome.
*Boos for the FCC – The FCC has an ambitious plan to relax the decades-old media ownership rules, including repealing a rule that forbids a company to own both a newspaper and a television or radio station in the same city. I recently noted that a vibrant democracy requires the free exchange of diverse ideas. Many feel that the current level of media consolidation has not been a healthy development in this regard. Allowing further consolidation of media ownership would be a grievous error.
*A Family Affair – President Bush’s education initiative “No Child Left Behind” has had questionable success but it ensured that his brother Neil moved forward financially. “The inspector general of the Department of Education has said he will examine whether federal money was inappropriately used by three states to buy educational products from a company, Ignite Learning of Austin, TX, owned by Neil Bush... critics in Texas contend that school districts are buying Ignite’s signature product, the Curriculum on Wheels, because of political considerations... The product, they said, does not meet standards for financing under the No Child Left Behind Act”. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington stated that the products do not meet “scientifically proven methods”. Investors in Ignite Learning include the President’s parents. If memory serves me, when mother Barbara Bush donated money to Katrina victims the funds were earmarked for educational software produced by son Neil’s company. One could say of the Bush family that they left America behind.
* “In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.”
George Orwell (pen name of Eric Arthur Blair), 1903-1950, novelist, political and cultural commentator
* Verschärfte Vernehmung – This German phrase translates as “enhanced interrogation”. In an article by Andrew Sullivan at The Atlantic he says,” It's a phrase that appears to have been concocted in 1937, to describe a form of torture that would leave no marks, and hence save the embarrassment pre-war Nazi officials were experiencing as their wounded torture victims ended up in court. The methods ... are indistinguishable from those described as "enhanced interrogation techniques" by the president (Bush).” Achtung! This article is a must read for an understanding of the despicable road this administration has chosen to travel. It affects the moral structure of America, the actions of other countries and the safety of the men and women who serve in our military.
*Imported toys ~ Not child’s play - With the amount of toxic lead recently found in Barbie Doll accessories it seems safe to say that Ken will be keeping his pants on. In a related matter, Ken denies that he gave Aqua Dots to Barbie for her birthday. Aqua Dots is a children’s toy just recalled for containing a chemical similar to GHB, also known as the date rape drug. When ingested, it metabolizes into GHB. At least 6 children in the U.S. and 3 in Australia have been hospitalized. The dangerous chemical was used to coat the beads because it is one-quarter the price of the chemical normally used for such purposes. One wonders what role U.S. importers have in these dangerous products due to price pressures they impose on Chinese producers. Do you yearn for the simple days when toys were made in America and companies responsibly inspected their products BEFORE they were put into distribution?
*Democracy & War on Terror debacles ~ Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan - The NY Times observes in an article “Straying Partner Leaves White House in a Lurch” that Pakistan could become a disaster for Bush and the Middle East.” For more than five months the United States has been trying to orchestrate a political transition in Pakistan that would manage to somehow keep Gen. Pervez Musharraf in power without making a mockery of President Bush’s promotion of democracy in the Muslim world... General Musharraf’s move to seize emergency powers and abandon the Constitution (on Nov. 2nd) left Bush administration officials close to their nightmare: an American-backed military dictator who is risking civil instability in a country with nuclear weapons and an increasingly alienated public.” A further complication is the fact that remote parts of Pakistan have been a safe haven for al Qaeda, the Taliban and probably Osama bin Laden. America and the Middle East region approach a new level of danger. The Middle East is an amalgam of diverse and conflicting ideologies irritated by centuries of hatred, distrust and religious extremism, and festered by decades of questionable American foreign policy, often fueled by “oil”. Almost seven years ago Bush and Cheney entered the fray and at almost every turn they exasperate the volatile situation. Their Iraq and Afghanistan policy has actually increased terrorism and done nothing to advance democracy. The situation in Pakistan may present even greater dangers. In a statement taken from the George W. Bush playbook, Musharraf said that he imposed the state of emergency to help fight Islamic militancy. Some would call it playing the boogeyman card.
*Engaging candidates – The blog crooksandliars.com recently identified two most interesting people involved in politics who embrace progressive ideas:
~Dennis Shulman is running for representative in northern New Jersey. He is a progressive Democrat. He is also a rabbi, a clinical psychologist, an author, a drummer and a blind man. His campaign motto is, “We can do better.” His opponent Scott Garrett is the personification of Bush politics and philosophy. The campaign will be a provocative match-up highlighting contrasts in today’s American political ideology. Howie Klein at firedoglake.com does an excellent write-up of Shulman that is worth reading.
~Doris Haddock recently ran for the Senate in New Hampshire. She is 94. Three years ago she walked from California to NH to highlight the need for campaign finance reform. In a serendipitous turn of events she became a candidate with few resources and much courage running against a two-term incumbent with significant campaign dollars. HBO will be airing a documentary about this amazing woman titled “Run Granny Run” – a true life story about how everyday people can do extraordinary things. You can learn more about Ms. Haddock and details about the air times at this HBO site.
*Coffee break takes on new meaning – Over 2% of the Ethiopian population is infected with HIV Aids and over 7% in the capitol, Addis Ababa. In a new initiative to fight the spread of this disease, coffee scented and colored condoms are being marketed around the country. Ethiopians have a coffee mania and it is hoped that this approach will increase the use of condoms, a proven method to reduce the spread of Aids. The promotion of abstinence in preventing unwanted pregnancies and communicable diseases in America and around the world has been a dismal failure. We should applaud innovation that impacts these serious problems.
*Best of the less bad – Sens. Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) (and 4 other Democrats) voted for Michael Mukasey for Attorney General because “it is the best nomination they could expect from President Bush”. This mentality does not serve our country. Instead of seeking the best leadership available our representatives settle for better than worse. It is one of the many reasons why this country has almost no respect for Congress. Its approval ratings are lower than the president. An interesting side note is that the 53 senators voting for Mukasey were the fewest ‘yeas” for an attorney general since 1952.
*Environmentally we are one world – Coal is inexpensive and abundant and it has fueled the economic growth of China and India. Unfortunately, the burning of coal has a tremendous down side. “It takes five to 10 days for the pollution from China's coal-fired plants to make its way to the United States, like a slow-moving storm. It shows up as mercury in the bass and trout caught in Oregon's Willamette River. It increases cloud cover and raises ozone levels. And along the way, it contributes to acid rain in Japan and South Korea and health problems everywhere from Taiyuan to the United States.” Under Bush the official U.S. policy on domestic and international environmental problems has been to pretend they do not exist. I doubt that I will ever understand this administration’s avoidance of the fact that they have children and grandchildren who will have to live with the consequences of the world’s rapidly deteriorating environment? In a new report the American Academy of Pediatrics said, “Global warming is likely to disproportionately harm the health of children, and politicians should launch "aggressive policies" to curb climate change”. Unfortunately, the few myopic fools who don’t get it are the ones setting policy.
The “in” crowd – Hedge funds are the relatively new way for wealthy entrepreneurs to invest in companies. They have been extremely profitable. However, through a loophole in the tax structure, the managers of these funds pay about a 15% capital gains tax instead of an income tax rate that should be in the 35% range. Billionaire Warren Buffet recently observed how ridiculous it is that he pays only 18% on his taxable income. When discussions have arisen to repair the tax laws, these new titans of industry have mustered their financial resources and inundated legislators with lobbyists and campaign contributions. Senator Chuck Schumer is the recipient of much of this attention. He has now decided he will oppose higher tax rates for hedge funds and private-equity firms. This is another example where the wealthy dominate the influence on legislators to the detriment of most Americans. Our elected leaders frequently respond like Pavlov’s dogs when they sniff the odor of money. Long-term senators and representatives too often become part of the problem rather than the solution because they have totally sold their independence to campaign contributors. The elections of 2006 brought some fresh integrity to congress in the likes of Webb and Tester and McCaskill but there is still much change needed if our country is to move forward in a responsible manner. I have often noted the need for public financing of elections. Perhaps it is also time for the U.S. to examine the merits of term limits for congressmen.
*Elect to improve the electoral process - The non-partisan group Common Cause has a petition to congress that you can sign demanding an immediate overhaul of our campaign finance system.
*Bush Galloping to history – “Bush reached an unwelcome record. By 64%-31%, Americans disapprove of the job he is doing. For the first time in the history of the Gallup Poll, over 50% say they "strongly disapprove" of the president. Richard Nixon had reached the previous high, 48%, just before an impeachment inquiry was launched in 1974.” I suspect the perception of Bush will continue to decline as the American people learn more about what he and his administration has perpetrated on this country.
*Addict in denial – The House of Representatives and the Senate voted to override a Bush veto of a water projects measure that included spending programs for health and labor. The President said he vetoed the bill because of the cost. I am reminded of a formers radio sports talk host. Mixed in with his sports commentary were barbs aimed at illegal drug users. The drug commentaries and his job ended when he was arrested for buying heroin in a neighborhood infamous for street sales of drugs. Bush has had no problem spending the surplus he inherited from Clinton. He ignores the consequences of the huge deficit he has created as he continues to ask congress for billions of dollars more for Iraq. As long as Bush gets his “Iraq” crack fix, spending is not an issue for him. Just don’t mention health and welfare for his citizens and repairing the infrastructure for his country.
*”Integrity” is a four-letter word - Last week I noted that the head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) took frequent expensive trips that were funded by the groups she was responsible for overseeing. In her self-defense she claimed that the travel was approved by an ethics official. The Washington Post is reporting, “In several cases, the agency made travel bookings before the trips were approved. For another industry-financed trip detailed in internal agency documents, written legal approval came after the trip.” The article points out that on at least one of these trips the “ethics official” was a member of the travel party. “R. David Pittle, who was appointed by President Richard M. Nixon to help found the agency in 1973 and served as a commissioner until 1982, said: "The CPSC is the only thing standing between a consumer and a potentially dangerous product. . . . For me, it doesn't matter if these trips and gratuities pass some legal test -- it's highly inappropriate public policy." It will be a refreshing change when public interest becomes a significant part of public policy.
*Hooray for the FCC (this is not a typo) – It appears that we are about to see a government action that will be to our benefit. The Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) “is preparing to impose significant new regulations to open the cable television market to independent programmers and rival video services after determining that cable companies have become too dominant in the industry.” For quite some time cable companies have been successful in lobbying the government to limit competition. Of course, we pay the price. I have seen articles that in France, where there is greater competition in the cable market, the average cost for telephone, cable TV and internet access combined is $44 per month. That is less than half of what I pay Comcast and I do not have the phone service. A consumer-friendly federal agency seems odd but it is certainly welcome.
*Boos for the FCC – The FCC has an ambitious plan to relax the decades-old media ownership rules, including repealing a rule that forbids a company to own both a newspaper and a television or radio station in the same city. I recently noted that a vibrant democracy requires the free exchange of diverse ideas. Many feel that the current level of media consolidation has not been a healthy development in this regard. Allowing further consolidation of media ownership would be a grievous error.
*A Family Affair – President Bush’s education initiative “No Child Left Behind” has had questionable success but it ensured that his brother Neil moved forward financially. “The inspector general of the Department of Education has said he will examine whether federal money was inappropriately used by three states to buy educational products from a company, Ignite Learning of Austin, TX, owned by Neil Bush... critics in Texas contend that school districts are buying Ignite’s signature product, the Curriculum on Wheels, because of political considerations... The product, they said, does not meet standards for financing under the No Child Left Behind Act”. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington stated that the products do not meet “scientifically proven methods”. Investors in Ignite Learning include the President’s parents. If memory serves me, when mother Barbara Bush donated money to Katrina victims the funds were earmarked for educational software produced by son Neil’s company. One could say of the Bush family that they left America behind.
* “In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.”
George Orwell (pen name of Eric Arthur Blair), 1903-1950, novelist, political and cultural commentator
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