*The world as a village of 100 people – A reader sent me this interesting website that examines the premise: If we could reduce the world’s population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all existing human ratios remaining the same, the demographics would look something like this:
~60 Asians – 12 Europeans – 5 North Americans – 8 Latin Americans – 14 Africans
~49 females – 51 males
~82 non-white – 18 white
~89 heterosexual – 11 homosexual
~33 Christian – 67 non-Christian
~5 would control 32% of the entire world’s wealth, and all of them would be US citizens
~80 would live in substandard housing
~24 would not have any electricity
~67 would be unable to read
~1 would have a college education
~50 would be malnourished and 1 dying of starvation
~33 would be without access to a safe water supply
~1 would have HIV and 1 would be near death
Seeing oneself in this context is enlightening. Most of the time my thoughts of the “world” revolve narrowly around what directly affects me. I imagine that this same phenomenon applies to you, our elected leaders and our national and foreign policies. Perhaps if we saw the world in a broader way we would have a greater appreciation for our good fortune to live in America. If our leaders saw the world in a broader context perhaps polices would have more positive results. America is not the world – it is a small part of a much larger and diverse community. The site offers some interesting implications of this data and is worth a visit.
*Once in a while the good guys win – In May of 2000 Pacific Northwest timber moguls donated $1 million to the Republican Party to help elect George W. Bush. In return they were promised that the Bush administration would lift certain logging restrictions that protected the environment and salmon populations. The administration kept its bargain with the devil by intentionally misinterpreting and ignoring the scientific data. Environmental groups and local communities stood up to this not untypical sell-out by Bush to big business interests. “In April a federal court ruled the administration acted illegally by suppressing scientific dissent when it illegally modified environmental safeguards, known as the Aquatic Conservation Strategy, developed in 1994 as part of the Northwest Forest Plan.” "In the end the government wasted millions of dollars in staff and attorney time all for nothing. We were able to keep the salmon protections in place because the government couldn't get any reputable scientist to go along with their scheme” said Earthjustice attorney Patti Goldman. I say don’t blame the President. His belief system precludes science.
*Pondering profit motives - In Eugene Jarecki's documentary film Why We Fight, about the U.S. military-industrial complex, U.S. foreign policy critic Chalmers Johnson states: "I guarantee you when war becomes that profitable, you are going to see more of it." The Iraq war has generated billions of dollars for defense and supply companies. The privatization of many military functions in Iraq has resulted in 180,000 personnel (more than the number of our military personnel) working for private companies in Iraq – most of which have strong ties to Bush, Cheney and the Republican party. No recession in this sector - merely a loss of life, limb and taxpayer assets.
*Standing up for your candidate – A politician in Thailand is distributing Viagra to older men in hopes of gaining their vote in the December elections. I think that this tactic is an excellent way to maximize the use of campaign funds. It gains the vote of the older man and probably the vote of a surprised but happier wife.
*Lott trots to K Street - Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) indicated that he may resign from the Senate (after 30-plus years) before the end of the year. Having just been re-elected in 2006, the move raises questions about the timing of the decision. It is likely that Lott is racing a new law that goes into effect January 1, 2008. Under current law a Senator or Representative must wait one year after leaving office before becoming a lobbyist. The new law requires a two-year waiting period – a law that Lott voted against. Former senators, representative, staff and family have made huge amounts of money working for Washington D.C. (K Street) lobbyists where they use their connections to influence legislators and public officials. Industry and trade groups fund this influence. The musical chairs of influence benefit all but the disenfranchised average citizen. I suggest that former elected officials and staff have a waiting period of 5 years before they can register as lobbyists. In the mean time they can seek real jobs and avoid the stigma of prostitution.
*The two faces of Cheney – As VP of the U.S Dick Cheney has been a leading force against Iran with threats of bombing the country and the imposition of sanctions. As CEO of Halliburton Cheney danced around the law to do business with Iran. In 1995 President Bill Clinton signed an executive order barring U.S. investments in Iran’s energy sector. Halliburton then set up an offshore subsidiary that engaged in dealings with Iran, a country the U.S. deemed a terrorist state. Of course, such epiphanies for the disingenuous members of the Bush administration generate little surprise. The offshore subsidiary gambit by Cheney may have been a loophole in the law but it demonstrates an even larger loophole in his integrity. He was for Iran (when it benefited his personal gain) before he was against it. Does Halliburton manufacture bombs?
*The third face of Cheney ~ Energy – Some may recall that in the early days of the Bush presidency Dick Cheney held secret policy meetings with America’s major oil companies – Exxon/Mobil, BP, Chevron and many of their fellow goniffs (crooks). Since it was a secret meeting we do not know what was discussed. What we do know is that when Bush took office a gallon of gasoline cost $1.45. Today, that same gallon costs $3.07. Coincidence?
*Romney’s tolerance of intolerance – Mitt Romney has faced anti-Mormon attacks in his primary run for the Republican presidential nomination. He subsequently has been asking Americans not to adversely judge him because he is a Mormon. However, he has no problem feeding the salivating racism of the political right in order to curry their favor. Steve Benen at the carpetbaggerreport.com notes that when Romney was asked if he would consider Americans of the Islamic faith for his cabinet if elected president Romney replied, “…based on the numbers of American Muslims [as a percentage] in our population, I cannot see that a cabinet position would be justified. But of course, I would imagine that Muslims could serve at lower levels of my administration.” As Benen notes, discriminating against Muslims or gays is a plus situation in appealing to the Republican base. Recall how Karl Rove energized the religious right to vote for Bush with the promise to “protect” them from gays and this was supported by the majority of the Republican leadership. What a sad commentary that a major political party in 21st Century America fuels itself with hate and prejudice. Of course, using Romney’s “demographics”, a Mormon would not qualify to run for president.
*Sex question of the week – Palm Beach Community College has approved medical insurance for employees’ pets. The Board of Trustees, however, voted down medical insurance for employee domestic partners even though the plan would not have cost the school anything because it pays employee premiums only, not those of dependents. The question this raises for me: If an employee has 2 dogs or 3 cats or 4 gerbils of the same sex are the pets disqualified from plan participation?
*I would laugh if not so sad ~ I would cry if my eyes didn’t burn – Twelve states are suing the Environmental Protection Agency for “weakening regulations that for two decades have required businesses and industries to report the toxic chemicals they use, store and release.” The “protection” that the EPA currently provides is no better than a condom with a hole. Where is congressional oversight? I guess it does not really matter since congress is so impotent there is no need for a condom.
*Star-dudded endorsement – Barack Obama is being supported by Oprah so Hillary Clinton lined up Barbara Streisand. Flash has its place but I would prefer to see a bit more substance in what the candidates stand for and what solutions they propose for the monumental problems facing this nation. And yet, perhaps this approach makes sense since as a nation we are consumed with the next media download on the Ipod, Blackberry, computer, X-Box, Sling Box, Hi Def TV, satellite radio and cell phone ring tone. There just is not enough time to devote to what is going on in our country. Bush and Cheney and Rove understood this phenomenon. They realized that too few were paying attention thus enabling them to get away with almost anything.
*President Bush’s best friend 1 – Russian President Vladimir Putin is up for re-election. In addition to critical journalists and political opponents disappearing/dying under unusual circumstances and political rivals being arrested it is now being reported that, “With the Kremlin determined to see a high turnout in Sunday's election, many Russians say they are being pressured to vote at work under the watchful eyes of their bosses or risk losing their jobs.” There is nothing like bringing back the good old days.
*President Bush’s best friend 2 – John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia was overwhelmingly voted out of office due to two policies he closely held with Bush - the Iraq war and denial of climate change. The once widely popular Howard has served as PM since 1996.His defeat was considered humiliating given that a year ago his re-election was considered a given. The new PM Kevin Rudd campaigned on removing Australia’s 550 combat troops from Iraq and joining the Kyoto Treaty whose aim is to address climate change. This now leaves America as the only industrialized country not participating in the Kyoto Treaty (172 nations participate). And most of the minimal support that comprised the Iraq “coalition” is disappearing. It is also interesting to note that the former heads of Great Britain and Italy and Spain join Howard in being forced out of office largely due to their Iraq positions. America and President Bush truly “stand alone” in the world.
*Another friend of President Bush 1 – Meet Mark W. Everson. He is a Republican family values kind of guy (with a wife and two children) who worked in the Bush administration from 2001 until recently. His jobs included Commissioner of the IRS, a position he left in May to become President and CEO of the Red Cross with a $500,000 salary. He has stepped down after revelations that he was "engaged in a personal relationship with a subordinate employee." I say it could have even been worse for Mr. Everson. The subordinate employee was a female, thereby avoiding the embarrassment experienced by a number of other prominent Republicans in recent months whose trysts were with the same gender.
*Another friend of President Bush 2 – Meet the Saudis. “Saudi Arabia has released 1,500 prisoners suspected of belonging to a radical Islamic group after the prisoners underwent what was described as a five-week counseling program”. What a novel approach - fighting terrorism with sensitivity seminars. Not so sensitive was the Saudi decision to order a young woman to be physically beaten as “punishment” for being in a situation where she was gang-raped. When Middle East leaders complain that Americans do not understand them they are spot on.
*Rudy, Rudy, Rudy ~ Another “law and order” derriere orifice – We now learn that while Giuliani was Mayor of NYC his extra-marital affair with the woman now his current wife cost the taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars. When hizzoner snuck off to the Hamptons to cavort with Judith Nathan he billed NYC agencies for security costs. The funding came from agencies responsible for regulating loft apartments, aiding the disabled and providing lawyers for indigent defendants. Republicans like Giuliani believe that such agencies should not even exist so there is no problem stealing their funds. Let’s call it reallocating the resources to benefit the “benefitted”.
*Victoria’s Secret ~ no longer – If you lust for Victoria’s Secrets (VS) products or catalog allow me to temper your libido. The National Labor Committee has issued a report that VS abuses foreign guest workers in Jordan. “D.K. Garments is a subcontract factory with 150 foreign guest workers (135 from Bangladesh and 15 from Sri Lanka), which has been producing VS garments for the last year.... The VS workers toil 14 to 15 hours a day, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 or 10:00 p.m., seven days a week, receiving on average one day off every three or four months. Despite being forced to work five or more overtime hours a day, the workers are routinely shortchanged on their legal overtime pay, being cheated up to $18.48 each week in wages due them... Workers are allowed just 3.3 minutes to sew each $14 Victoria's Secret women's bikini, for which they are paid four cents... The workers are housed in primitive dorms which have only irregular access to water. During winter months, when the temperatures can drop to freezing, the workers' dorms have neither heat nor hot water.” I find that what goes into Victoria’s bra and panties is no longer hot to me. In fact, it is very cold.
* ... the 20th century has been characterized by three developments of great political importance: The growth of democracy, the growth of corporate power, and the growth of corporate propaganda as a means of protecting corporate power against democracy.
Alex Carey, Australian social scientist
Showing posts with label Putin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Putin. Show all posts
Friday, November 30, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
10/10/07
*Humility and Jubilation – I was speaking with a good friend who is generally on the opposite side of the political spectrum than me. He said that if he did not love me so much he would use my writing for bath tissue. Although I find the imagery somewhat unsettling it does point out that in America we share the freedom to express our ideas and opinions. To agree to disagree is a highpoint of a civilized society. It generally results in a mediated middle ground that benefits the common good.
*The General, Hillary and Iran – Gen. Wesley Clark (retired, former presidential candidate) wrote an article at the Huffington Post supporting Sen. Clinton’s (D-NY) position on Iran. I take exception to his conclusions. He points out that 8 months ago she gave a speech on the senate floor and said, "If the administration believes that any, any use of force against Iran is necessary the President must come to Congress to seek that authority." And recently Clinton (and 75% of the Senators) voted for a non-binding resolution that designates the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization “in order to strengthen our diplomatic hand”. Clark says that, “she is committed to ending the unilateralism of the Bush-Cheney administration.” Her objective may be honorable but we must remember the context in which this all takes place. President Bush is less than honorable. He is disdainful of Congress and the American people. Hiding behind a phalanx of lawyers he makes his own rules. Oversight is stonewalled. Hillary’s speech had no more impact on Bush than my blog. On the matter of the “non-binding” resolution, calling a group “terrorist” by the Senate strengthens nothing but the President’s hand to attack Iran if he chooses. Our Constitution states that only Congress can declare war. Bush and Cheney could not care less. They have operated with impunity for almost 7 years and the resolution about the Revolutionary Guard is merely red meat for Cujo.
*The Senator, Hillary, and Iran – Last week Sen. Clinton joined Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) in co-sponsoring a bill that would prohibit the use of funds for military action in Iran without specific authorization by Congress. This is legislation worthy of our support. I would suggest one amendment. If the President ignored this legislation, on the day he attacks Iran impeachment proceedings would be instituted.
*Just one click a day – There is no cost and each day that you visit The Breast Cancer Site a contribution is made that helps fund breast exams for disadvantaged women. It will make you feel in the pink.
*Support our volunteer troops, while we still have them – thinkprogress.org reports that: approximately 2,600 members of the Minnesota National Guard recently returned home after serving multiple tours of duty in Iraq. They served 22 months - longer than any other ground combat unit - suffered nine fatalities, and were awarded dozens of Purple Hearts. But the Army wrote the orders for 1,162 of these soldiers for 729 days, making them ineligible for full educational benefits under the GI Bill, which requires written orders saying they were deployed for 730 days or more. These soldiers were shorted more than $200 per month for college. As the truth about how this administration has waged war and abused U.S. military men and women becomes known, future armed force requirements may only be met by a draft or a hired mercenary force.
*Assault on principles – When a National Rifle Association member opposed a ban on assault rifles Rudy Giuliani responded angrily, “Now the reason why the N.R.A. has lost all credibility is statements like that. By definition these are attack weapons. They are used for offense. It really is absolutely astounding that the N.R.A. continues to have influence in areas in which they make no sense at all.” This took place in 1994 when Rudy was mayor of NYC. In 2007 Giuliani needs the support of the NRA in his presidential bid so he has had an epiphany. NRA support, money and influence now make a lot of sense as he genuflects for their endorsement.
*The state of church and state - Last week I excoriated John McCain for his insisting that the U.S. Constitution established a Christian nation. It was obvious that he was pandering to the religious right, a core segment of the Republican Party. Mitt Romney has the opposite problem. As noted by conservative guru and CIA leak accomplice Robert Novak, a recent Newsweek poll found that 28% of Americans are more likely to vote for a Jewish or Black person than for an individual of the Mormon faith. He concludes that at some point Romney has to address the situation by declaring "the imposition of a religious test on U.S. politics is unfair, unreasonable and un-American." The Republican Party allowed itself to be hijacked by the religious right and now the GOP presidential candidates are being held for ransom. It may not be pretty but it just seems just.
*Public restrooms ~ political restrooms – We are more than familiar with Sen. Larry Craig’s (R-ID) arrest for soliciting sex in a men’s room. (Robert Novak is also reporting that many of Craig’s colleagues in the Senate were aware of other “strange” behavior by the conservative public servant.) We now learn of Joey DiFatta, a prominent Louisiana Republican who just withdrew from a race for state senator. He also has been arrested for lewd behavior in a restroom. Suggestion: designated public restrooms be marked “Republican” so that trolling on the white tiles does not leave one flush with embarrassment.
*Pray for President Bush – In September 2000 the web site prayforgoergewbush.com was established. It offers daily prayers one can say for the 43rd U.S. President. The dismal performance of the Bush presidency may lead some to question the power of prayer.
*The apolitical and political nature of money - Much of the funding of the military dictatorship in Myanmar comes from the millions of dollars it receives from the sale of its Yadana offshore gas to Chevron, which also owns Texaco. Burma Campaign UK offers a “dirty” list of dozens of other corporations supporting this repressive regime. Similar insidious corporate-political relationships are occurring around the world. Commercial globalism often functions with no geographical, legal, ethical or moral boundaries. One may wonder why responsible democratic governments are not exposing these relationships and making it uncomfortable for corporations like Chevron. One may wonder.
*Traversing the Yellow Brick Road – Any American concerned with the Bush administration’s “approval” of torture can relax and move on to hugging trees. At a press briefing White House spokeswoman Dana Perino was queried, “You maintain that the administration still does not torture?” Response: “Correct”. Question: “How can you say that?” Response: “Because we follow the law.” It is not likely that Ms. Perino has vacationed at the Hotel Abu Ghraib or the island of Guantanamo or the secret interrogation kiosks throughout Europe. Asked if she waterboarded she replied that she cannot even swim.
*Getting a grip – I have discussed contractors operating in Iraq with little oversight and increasing abuses. The House of Representatives just overwhelmingly passed legislation that would bring some accountability to all armed private contractors working overseas. The Senate will now consider similar legislation. It is important that they pass it with sufficient votes to override a probable Bush veto. You can send a petition to your senators at this link: truemajorityaction.org
*With so much yet to accomplish - Vladimir Putin is approaching the end of his term-limit as President of Russia. Ever the innovative leader, Putin has indicated that he will take the job of Prime Minister if a president is chosen that he can work with. It is considered a done deal. Facing his own term-limit, President Bush has been meeting with key White House insiders, Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito and John Roberts, to make it happen for him.
*The Liberty Seven or 2 out of 3 – I recently commented that following the arrest by the FBI of a rag-tag group in Miami for intending to blow up the Sears Tower in Chicago nothing further had been heard. That has now changed with the start of the trial. The LA Times asks are they terrorists or naïve losers? Prosecutor: they planned to take over the world. Defense: they are victims of an election-year ploy (the arrest was in June 2006). The prosecutor outlined the planned attacks which included poisoning salt shakers in restaurants, blowing up the Sears Tower, and flooding “secret tunnels” under the Tower from "Lake Toronto", an obviously “secret” lake. The accused lived in an abandoned warehouse with no resources until an undercover federal agent appeared, providing most of the plans, weapons and other equipment. These men were homeless, hapless and clueless. The government’s case will likely be two of the three. Larry Arnstein at the HuffingtonPost has an interesting column on the trial. If this is the worst of domestic threats against America we can all breathe a sigh of thank goodness. If this is the best efforts of our government, we best hold our breath.
*Quote of the week – “We cannot replace corporate Republicans with corporate Democrats.” John Edwards said this on Meet the Press. I agree with this sentiment, but, unfortunately, wonder if the current system of electing our national leaders allows for a candidate to be independent of special interest funding. The huge sums of money required for a campaign inherently require financing by interests that usually are not reflective of the electorate. Unless we institute public financing of elections our leaders necessarily mortgage their independence and our interests. Can you say “sub-prime mortgages”?
*The Taj Mahal Baghdad – Last week I noted that the U.S is building in Baghdad its biggest and most expensive embassy in U.S. history. To almost no one’s surprise the project is more expensive than budgeted. The original cost of $592 million faces a cost overrun of $144 million “and will open months behind schedule because of poor planning, shoddy workmanship, internal disputes and last-minute changes sought by State Department officials”. But it will be quite a place. Covering an area of 104 acres the compound will include 21 buildings. Besides two major diplomatic office buildings, homes for the ambassador and his deputy, and the apartment buildings for staff, the compound will offer a swimming pool, gym, commissary, food court and American Club. Unlike most buildings in Baghdad the facility will have treated water and electricity 24 hours a day. One would expect no less for three-quarters of a billion dollars.
*Corporate dilemma ~$500 or a life – Last week 2 security guards were murdered during the robbery of an armored car in Philadelphia. Both died from gunshot wounds to the chest or abdomen. Neither wore bullet-proof vests. Officials of the armored car company that employed them, Loomis, does not require guards to wear the vests but, it encourages their use according to a company spokes person. The vests cost between $350 and $700. The company pays for part of the cost of the vests and offers interest-free loans to employees for the rest. Interest-free loans! Armor for the cash, not for the guards. Common sense and decency shot to hell.
Washington D.C. ~ tarnishing the silver – Neil Volz recently received a sentence of probation for accepting bribes while on the staff of disgraced representative Bob Ney (R-OH) and for giving bribes whiled employed by disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff (the sentence reflected his cooperation with prosecutors). In a Columbus Dispatch interview he comments, “I came to Washington this total idealist. … But it's kind of like I took on this mind-set that there was a machine at work and I was just a cog in the machine. And, therefore, I need to get mine." The article notes, “It was part of what Volz calls "Ney World," where ambition and greed overcame the small-town Ohio scruples and idealism that Volz had brought to Washington, a slippery slope toward unethical and ultimately criminal behavior.” Reading about people like Mr. Volz leads me to wonder how many of us would not be blinded by the bright lights?
*Never mind – A report by the London-based think tank Oxford Research Group says that “the war on terror is failing and instead fueling an increase in support for extremist Islamist movements…invasion of Iraq was a "disastrous mistake" which has helped establish a "most valued jihadist combat training zone" for al Qaeda supporters.” The report also said, "Going to war with Iran will make matters far worse, playing directly into the hands of extreme elements and adding greatly to the violence across the region. Whatever the problems with Iran, war should be avoided at all costs." These conclusions mirror those of the U.S.-based think tank “the citizens of the United States of America.”
*The first was least - The Washington Post has an interesting article on some of the top Bush administration officials who have resigned over the last several months. Many are exhausted or discouraged or angry or soul-searching the legacy of their work. I would imagine that those with a sense of their soul will spend the remainder of their lives questioning what their efforts supported and enabled. I feel little sympathy for them as history places a magnifying glass on probably the worst administration this country has endured. It took more than George W. Bush to support the lies, obfuscations, mismanagement, subterfuges, and avoidance of our laws, our Constitution. History will similarly judge their policy and planning. The interest of the American people rarely entered their plans and objectives. Under Bush and his minions we were never first option.
*We all leave footprints in the sand. The question is will we be a big heel or a great soul?
Author unknown
*The General, Hillary and Iran – Gen. Wesley Clark (retired, former presidential candidate) wrote an article at the Huffington Post supporting Sen. Clinton’s (D-NY) position on Iran. I take exception to his conclusions. He points out that 8 months ago she gave a speech on the senate floor and said, "If the administration believes that any, any use of force against Iran is necessary the President must come to Congress to seek that authority." And recently Clinton (and 75% of the Senators) voted for a non-binding resolution that designates the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization “in order to strengthen our diplomatic hand”. Clark says that, “she is committed to ending the unilateralism of the Bush-Cheney administration.” Her objective may be honorable but we must remember the context in which this all takes place. President Bush is less than honorable. He is disdainful of Congress and the American people. Hiding behind a phalanx of lawyers he makes his own rules. Oversight is stonewalled. Hillary’s speech had no more impact on Bush than my blog. On the matter of the “non-binding” resolution, calling a group “terrorist” by the Senate strengthens nothing but the President’s hand to attack Iran if he chooses. Our Constitution states that only Congress can declare war. Bush and Cheney could not care less. They have operated with impunity for almost 7 years and the resolution about the Revolutionary Guard is merely red meat for Cujo.
*The Senator, Hillary, and Iran – Last week Sen. Clinton joined Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) in co-sponsoring a bill that would prohibit the use of funds for military action in Iran without specific authorization by Congress. This is legislation worthy of our support. I would suggest one amendment. If the President ignored this legislation, on the day he attacks Iran impeachment proceedings would be instituted.
*Just one click a day – There is no cost and each day that you visit The Breast Cancer Site a contribution is made that helps fund breast exams for disadvantaged women. It will make you feel in the pink.
*Support our volunteer troops, while we still have them – thinkprogress.org reports that: approximately 2,600 members of the Minnesota National Guard recently returned home after serving multiple tours of duty in Iraq. They served 22 months - longer than any other ground combat unit - suffered nine fatalities, and were awarded dozens of Purple Hearts. But the Army wrote the orders for 1,162 of these soldiers for 729 days, making them ineligible for full educational benefits under the GI Bill, which requires written orders saying they were deployed for 730 days or more. These soldiers were shorted more than $200 per month for college. As the truth about how this administration has waged war and abused U.S. military men and women becomes known, future armed force requirements may only be met by a draft or a hired mercenary force.
*Assault on principles – When a National Rifle Association member opposed a ban on assault rifles Rudy Giuliani responded angrily, “Now the reason why the N.R.A. has lost all credibility is statements like that. By definition these are attack weapons. They are used for offense. It really is absolutely astounding that the N.R.A. continues to have influence in areas in which they make no sense at all.” This took place in 1994 when Rudy was mayor of NYC. In 2007 Giuliani needs the support of the NRA in his presidential bid so he has had an epiphany. NRA support, money and influence now make a lot of sense as he genuflects for their endorsement.
*The state of church and state - Last week I excoriated John McCain for his insisting that the U.S. Constitution established a Christian nation. It was obvious that he was pandering to the religious right, a core segment of the Republican Party. Mitt Romney has the opposite problem. As noted by conservative guru and CIA leak accomplice Robert Novak, a recent Newsweek poll found that 28% of Americans are more likely to vote for a Jewish or Black person than for an individual of the Mormon faith. He concludes that at some point Romney has to address the situation by declaring "the imposition of a religious test on U.S. politics is unfair, unreasonable and un-American." The Republican Party allowed itself to be hijacked by the religious right and now the GOP presidential candidates are being held for ransom. It may not be pretty but it just seems just.
*Public restrooms ~ political restrooms – We are more than familiar with Sen. Larry Craig’s (R-ID) arrest for soliciting sex in a men’s room. (Robert Novak is also reporting that many of Craig’s colleagues in the Senate were aware of other “strange” behavior by the conservative public servant.) We now learn of Joey DiFatta, a prominent Louisiana Republican who just withdrew from a race for state senator. He also has been arrested for lewd behavior in a restroom. Suggestion: designated public restrooms be marked “Republican” so that trolling on the white tiles does not leave one flush with embarrassment.
*Pray for President Bush – In September 2000 the web site prayforgoergewbush.com was established. It offers daily prayers one can say for the 43rd U.S. President. The dismal performance of the Bush presidency may lead some to question the power of prayer.
*The apolitical and political nature of money - Much of the funding of the military dictatorship in Myanmar comes from the millions of dollars it receives from the sale of its Yadana offshore gas to Chevron, which also owns Texaco. Burma Campaign UK offers a “dirty” list of dozens of other corporations supporting this repressive regime. Similar insidious corporate-political relationships are occurring around the world. Commercial globalism often functions with no geographical, legal, ethical or moral boundaries. One may wonder why responsible democratic governments are not exposing these relationships and making it uncomfortable for corporations like Chevron. One may wonder.
*Traversing the Yellow Brick Road – Any American concerned with the Bush administration’s “approval” of torture can relax and move on to hugging trees. At a press briefing White House spokeswoman Dana Perino was queried, “You maintain that the administration still does not torture?” Response: “Correct”. Question: “How can you say that?” Response: “Because we follow the law.” It is not likely that Ms. Perino has vacationed at the Hotel Abu Ghraib or the island of Guantanamo or the secret interrogation kiosks throughout Europe. Asked if she waterboarded she replied that she cannot even swim.
*Getting a grip – I have discussed contractors operating in Iraq with little oversight and increasing abuses. The House of Representatives just overwhelmingly passed legislation that would bring some accountability to all armed private contractors working overseas. The Senate will now consider similar legislation. It is important that they pass it with sufficient votes to override a probable Bush veto. You can send a petition to your senators at this link: truemajorityaction.org
*With so much yet to accomplish - Vladimir Putin is approaching the end of his term-limit as President of Russia. Ever the innovative leader, Putin has indicated that he will take the job of Prime Minister if a president is chosen that he can work with. It is considered a done deal. Facing his own term-limit, President Bush has been meeting with key White House insiders, Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito and John Roberts, to make it happen for him.
*The Liberty Seven or 2 out of 3 – I recently commented that following the arrest by the FBI of a rag-tag group in Miami for intending to blow up the Sears Tower in Chicago nothing further had been heard. That has now changed with the start of the trial. The LA Times asks are they terrorists or naïve losers? Prosecutor: they planned to take over the world. Defense: they are victims of an election-year ploy (the arrest was in June 2006). The prosecutor outlined the planned attacks which included poisoning salt shakers in restaurants, blowing up the Sears Tower, and flooding “secret tunnels” under the Tower from "Lake Toronto", an obviously “secret” lake. The accused lived in an abandoned warehouse with no resources until an undercover federal agent appeared, providing most of the plans, weapons and other equipment. These men were homeless, hapless and clueless. The government’s case will likely be two of the three. Larry Arnstein at the HuffingtonPost has an interesting column on the trial. If this is the worst of domestic threats against America we can all breathe a sigh of thank goodness. If this is the best efforts of our government, we best hold our breath.
*Quote of the week – “We cannot replace corporate Republicans with corporate Democrats.” John Edwards said this on Meet the Press. I agree with this sentiment, but, unfortunately, wonder if the current system of electing our national leaders allows for a candidate to be independent of special interest funding. The huge sums of money required for a campaign inherently require financing by interests that usually are not reflective of the electorate. Unless we institute public financing of elections our leaders necessarily mortgage their independence and our interests. Can you say “sub-prime mortgages”?
*The Taj Mahal Baghdad – Last week I noted that the U.S is building in Baghdad its biggest and most expensive embassy in U.S. history. To almost no one’s surprise the project is more expensive than budgeted. The original cost of $592 million faces a cost overrun of $144 million “and will open months behind schedule because of poor planning, shoddy workmanship, internal disputes and last-minute changes sought by State Department officials”. But it will be quite a place. Covering an area of 104 acres the compound will include 21 buildings. Besides two major diplomatic office buildings, homes for the ambassador and his deputy, and the apartment buildings for staff, the compound will offer a swimming pool, gym, commissary, food court and American Club. Unlike most buildings in Baghdad the facility will have treated water and electricity 24 hours a day. One would expect no less for three-quarters of a billion dollars.
*Corporate dilemma ~$500 or a life – Last week 2 security guards were murdered during the robbery of an armored car in Philadelphia. Both died from gunshot wounds to the chest or abdomen. Neither wore bullet-proof vests. Officials of the armored car company that employed them, Loomis, does not require guards to wear the vests but, it encourages their use according to a company spokes person. The vests cost between $350 and $700. The company pays for part of the cost of the vests and offers interest-free loans to employees for the rest. Interest-free loans! Armor for the cash, not for the guards. Common sense and decency shot to hell.
Washington D.C. ~ tarnishing the silver – Neil Volz recently received a sentence of probation for accepting bribes while on the staff of disgraced representative Bob Ney (R-OH) and for giving bribes whiled employed by disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff (the sentence reflected his cooperation with prosecutors). In a Columbus Dispatch interview he comments, “I came to Washington this total idealist. … But it's kind of like I took on this mind-set that there was a machine at work and I was just a cog in the machine. And, therefore, I need to get mine." The article notes, “It was part of what Volz calls "Ney World," where ambition and greed overcame the small-town Ohio scruples and idealism that Volz had brought to Washington, a slippery slope toward unethical and ultimately criminal behavior.” Reading about people like Mr. Volz leads me to wonder how many of us would not be blinded by the bright lights?
*Never mind – A report by the London-based think tank Oxford Research Group says that “the war on terror is failing and instead fueling an increase in support for extremist Islamist movements…invasion of Iraq was a "disastrous mistake" which has helped establish a "most valued jihadist combat training zone" for al Qaeda supporters.” The report also said, "Going to war with Iran will make matters far worse, playing directly into the hands of extreme elements and adding greatly to the violence across the region. Whatever the problems with Iran, war should be avoided at all costs." These conclusions mirror those of the U.S.-based think tank “the citizens of the United States of America.”
*The first was least - The Washington Post has an interesting article on some of the top Bush administration officials who have resigned over the last several months. Many are exhausted or discouraged or angry or soul-searching the legacy of their work. I would imagine that those with a sense of their soul will spend the remainder of their lives questioning what their efforts supported and enabled. I feel little sympathy for them as history places a magnifying glass on probably the worst administration this country has endured. It took more than George W. Bush to support the lies, obfuscations, mismanagement, subterfuges, and avoidance of our laws, our Constitution. History will similarly judge their policy and planning. The interest of the American people rarely entered their plans and objectives. Under Bush and his minions we were never first option.
*We all leave footprints in the sand. The question is will we be a big heel or a great soul?
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