* Did Pat Buchanan need medical attention? – Watching his commentary on MSNBC during the Republican convention it was obvious that he was sporting a more than 4-hour political erection over the Sarah Palin VP nomination. His gushing over the Alaskan governor made motor-mouth Chris Matthews seem a Forrest Gump. What does this tell us? If Buchanan is for Palin, Palin would not be good for America. Buchanan’s prejudice against anyone whose ancestors did not land at Plymouth Rock is well-documented. He and his sister Bey Buchanan speak for that minority of Americans who would rather live in a world where poor people, people of color and non-fundamentalist Christians know their place. The Palin pick is an attempt to solidify the Republican bases of social conservatives and political ultra-conservatives while disingenuously presenting her to mainstream America as a woman of the people. Let’s take a closer look.
* What have we learned about Sarah Palin? She is an ideal Republican candidate – long on rhetoric and short on ever-elusive truth, giving voice to religious fundamentalism while muting science. Not mentioned in Palin’s remarks to the GOP delegates and what the McCain campaign does not want us to know about her:
~ Palin recently said that the war in Iraq is "God's task."
~ Palin has actively sought the support of the fringe Alaska Independence Party that advocates Alaska seceding from the U.S.
~ Palin wants to teach creationism in public schools.
~ Palin doesn't believe that humans contribute to global warming.
~ Palin has close ties to Big Oil. Her inauguration was even sponsored by BP.
~ Palin is extremely anti-choice. She doesn't even support abortion in the case of rape or incest
~ Palin opposes comprehensive sex-education in public schools. She's said she will only support abstinence-only approaches – approaches that are demonstrable failures.
~ As mayor, Palin tried to ban books from the library. Palin asked the library how she might go about banning books because some had inappropriate language in them—shocking the librarian, Mary Ellen Baker. According to Time, "news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire Baker for not giving "full support" to the mayor."
~ She DID support the Bridge to Nowhere while now claiming she opposed it.
What can we conclude about Sarah Palin? She is George Bush in high heels with silicone-enhanced integrity and experience.
For a penetrating analysis of the Sarah Palin speech and why it was so off base (for anyone not of the base) I recommend the blog Consenting Adult written by Sue Katz. One of these two women has a sense of community and what it means to be an American. The other is running for Vice President.
*What do Republican spokespeople think about the Palin nomination? – During an MSNBC broadcast of the Republican convention the moderator and guests thought the telecast had gone to break. That was not the case. Wall Street Journal columnist and former Reagan speechwriter Peggy Noonan and former John McCain adviser and Time columnist Mike Murphy were caught on tape disparaging the selection of Palin. "It's over," Noonan said. When Chuck Todd asked her if this was the most qualified woman the Republicans could nominate, Noonan responded, "The most qualified? No. I think they went for this, excuse me, political bullshit about narratives.” Murphy characterized the Palin selection as "cynical" and "gimmicky." You can see a video of this cinema vérité at this link.
* Republican platform on gays in the military - "To protect our servicemen and women and ensure that America's Armed Forces remain the best in the world, we affirm the timeliness of those values, the benefits of traditional military culture, and the incompatibility of homosexuality with military service." Recall when the Bush administration fired a large number of translators in Iraq because they were gay and left the U.S. Command in Baghdad with almost no personnel that spoke Arabic. For not the first time ideology trumped humanity, practicality and America’s interest. By commission the Republican Party has no room at the inn for Americans with alternative lifestyles. By omission, these pillars of the community have little room for minorities. It was noted during a broadcast this week that 5% of Latinos are registered Republicans and 2% of African Americans are registered with the Grand Old Party. The Buchanans must be very proud!
* Republicans and “special” needs – There was much fanfare when Palin, a parent of a special needs child, said that when she is in Washington she will be a voice for this constituency. The reality is that Republicans are deaf to people with real needs. Recall that this year it was Republicans that attempted to block health insurance for 10 million children. They are spending our treasure on weapons of questionable value and to bail out American financial industry icons Bear Stearns, Fanny Mae and Fanny Mac who lost billions of dollars due to incompetent and avaricious business decisions. The bailout is costing taxpayers billions of dollars. The American flag was waving fervently in the background during the speeches at the Republican convention but their promises, as usual, are limp.
* 64 percent ~ people concerned that Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) "would pursue policies that are too similar to what George W. Bush has pursued," according to a new USA Today/Gallup poll conducted over Labor Day weekend. Forty-seven percent fall into the "very concerned" category and 17 percent rate themselves "somewhat concerned." Other polls of interest this week: Obama, for the first time, reached 50% in a national poll (Gallup); in a CNN/Time opinion poll in Iowa, a state with a 95% white population, Obama leads McCain 55% to 40%.
* Four more years ~ the Republican platform in need of CPR – With a recent history of little if any accomplishment and a future of no promise for the majority of the American people Republicans once again have opened their Karl Rove book by creating non-issues and lies on which to run their campaign. On Tuesday night they invited a former Democrat and current Independent to address their convention. With the economy, meaningful jobs, infrastructure and the standing of the U.S. in the world community all in decline what did Joe Lieberman focus on - film maker and political activist Michael Moore. That will always energize the base. Did any Republican orator discuss methods to improve the economy, help the deteriorating economic situation of middle class and poor citizens, improve health care for those most in need? They did offer one solution to one of the issues of concern to most Americans – fossil fuel dependence. Their solution and subsequent coordinated chant by the assembled Republican delegates – drill, drill, drill. Watching this display I felt like I was at the dentist.
* Republican Presidential Slogan - "McCAIN-PALIN: A BRIDGE TO NOWHERE"
What did John McCain embrace during his acceptance speech in St. Paul? With one arm around Bush (he voted with him 90% of the time in 2007 and 2008), with one arm around Karl Rove (a very influential advisor) and one arm around Sarah Palin (and the religious right) McCain painted himself a maverick that will change the way Washington does business – while being remiss in not mentioning the over 120 lobbyists involved with his campaign. If this is change you can believe in McCain must believe that the electorate are atheists.
* Yes Virginia, and 49 other states, there is a critical need for clean energy in America the beautiful - The clean energy tax credit will expire at the end of 2008. This tax credit encourages industry to develop renewable energy such as wind and solar power and its extension would appear to be a no brainer. But logic and good governance in Washington D.C. is not something we can assume. EarthJustice is providing a petition to congress urging the renewal of this important legislation.
* $1 billion in aid for Georgia ~ the country, not the state – The Bush administration announced a $1 billion package of aid to help rebuild Georgia after its rout by Russian forces last month. Are I and Ron Paul the only ones that find this “charity” curious? The U.S. is not exactly rolling in assets as our deficit grows as fast as the dishonesty emanating from the McCain campaign. The aid package is intended to rebuild Georgia’s infrastructure and its economy. One wonders if the President of the United States ever heard of the country whose infrastructure is in great need of repair and whose economy is facing major struggles – a country that goes by the name ‘United States.”
* Speaking of Georgia ~ the state, not the country ~ meet the Derriere Orifice of the Week, Representative Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA). He was asked to compare Sarah Palin and Michelle Obama and said, “Just from what little I’ve seen of her and Mr. Obama, Sen. Obama, they’re a member of an elitist-class individual that thinks that they’re uppity.” The word “uppity” was used by Westmoreland’s ancestors when not wearing a white sheet and carrying a flaming cross. When dressed in their drag the “N” word was their mot du choice. Recall that Westmoreland was the lawmaker who co-sponsored legislation requiring that the Ten Commandments be displayed in court houses. He then appeared on the Colbert Report where he was asked to recite the Commandments. He barely was able to name five of them. I guess this was the reason he needed them displayed in public places – constitutional law aside.
* No way to treat a lady ~ I find it amusing the intensity with which the political pundits caution Joe Biden that he will have to be careful when he debates Sarah Palin. Do not be condescending; do not be a bully. I say Biden should use the approach that our adversaries will bring to the negotiating table should Palin lead this country: Russia will bring Baked Alaska, China will bring Cherries Jubilee and North Korea will bring Candied Moose Ears. Maybe Biden should just send flowers and not show up. Oops, that was George Bush’s approach to foreign policy negotiation. Never mind.
* Politicians are like diapers. They both need changing regularly and for the same reason.
Author Unknown
Showing posts with label earthjustice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label earthjustice. Show all posts
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Friday, November 30, 2007
12/1/07
*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
~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
Saturday, September 8, 2007
9/8/07
*Mad George, mad at George - My brother has a science background and has often told me that he does not believe in coincidence. There are 30 days in September and the Bush administration has selected the 11th for General Patraeus to give his Iraq report. If Bush could sell peace as well as he can sell fear he would be seen as Martin Luther King instead of King George III. In 1776 America revolted against Mad George III.
*View from the Canadian Rockies – Transitioning from a big eastern city to the mountains, lakes, parks, ice fields and glaciers of Montana, Alberta and British Columbia was quite an experience. The spectacular scenery and exhilarating vistas were a reminder of nature’s grandeur, power and interdependence. I was amazed to learn that the Columbia Ice Field melted over a triple continental divide flowing to the Artic, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The resulting rivers flowing to the Atlantic and Pacific nurture vast areas of wheat production and provide water and electricity to millions of people. I was saddened by the thought that our federal government has been so lax in protecting our environment and ignoring the effects that poor planning and policing will have on our future. It is as if these leaders, these elected officials, these watchdogs at the Departments of Agriculture, Interior and the EPA do not have children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters and neighbors. Perhaps there is truth to the characterization that government employees are automatons that are produced in labs and factories. Where is the sense of responsibility? Where is the sense of humanity?
*Traveling to Canada requires a passport but I felt right at home reading the news:
-General Motors of Canada Ltd. will eliminate 1000 jobs (they employ just over 3000) at a truck plant in Ottawa. The U.S. market is the destination of 85% of this plant. This follows a cut of 2000 workers by Chrysler in Windsor Ontario earlier this year and the permanent shutdown of dozens of auto parts plants that supplied Detroit automakers.
-Three Canadian legislators are being investigated for influence peddling and misuse of funds.
-Millions in aid money by the Canadian government in Afghanistan has gone astray. There has been an absence of oversight. The Senlis Council, a think tank that examines security and development issues, has been working in Afghanistan for 2 years and says it is hard-pressed to find positive results of the $139 million expended during that time.
-Canadian Forces (CF) (air force) paid millions of dollars for maintenance work on its Airbus fleet that was never performed over the last 5 years. An audit showed that the CF are not supervising the elements of the contract that have been awarded to contractors. The audit did praise the quality of the maintenance work that was performed.
-In Calgary I saw a political ad on a park bench for the man running for 5th Ward Alderman. I thought that he had the quintessential name for a politician – Pay Jones. Later in the day I was disappointed to learn from another park bench with the same ad that Mr. Jones’ first name had been vandalized when someone painted over the right leg of the “R”.
*John Ibbitson writes a column about America for the Canadian newspaper Globe and Mail. With Idaho Republican Senator Larry Craig all over the news for soliciting men in a restroom Ibbitson asks, “What is it about conservative politicians that drive so many of them to destroy their lives in pursuit of illicit sex?” He opined that many political careers begin in high school or college before they are fully socially or sexually mature. Because they advocate tolerance, liberal politicians have room to adjust their lives to their adult reality. But conservatives must adhere to the Victorian ideal at odds with their internal urges. They learn to rationalize public positions and embrace party platforms. This denial becomes corrosive. Ibbitson says, “People who lie to themselves (a life unexamined) are poor stewards of the public trust.”
*Larry Craig’s voting record on gay issues:
Voted YES on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)Voted NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)Voted NO on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation. (Jun 2000)Voted YES on prohibiting same-sex marriage. (Sep 1996)Voted NO on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation. (Sep 1996)
*Still under scrutiny 1 - Sen. Ted Stevens (Republican from Alaska) infamously known for the Bridge to Nowhere and more recently for multiple corruption investigations once again comes under our scrutiny. In June, the House of Representatives voted by a wide margin to stop subsidizing new logging roads in the Tongass National Forest, our nation’s largest national forest. Over the last 25 years, more than 1 billion taxpayer dollars have been spent to clearcut and build roads through this irreplaceable forest. Stevens is now working to offset this House decision as well as to shield the National Forest Service from the courts for dereliction of duty. Fortunately, there are organizations such as Earthjustice that work through the courts to protect our natural resources. You can sign a petition to your congressmen to neutralize Stevens’ efforts at this link: http://action.earthjustice.org/campaign/Tongass_Alert_Sept_2007/wdn67ig24enet57?
*Still under scrutiny 2 – Rudy Giuliani continues talking about his impeccable role of hero following the attacks of 9/11 on the World Trade Center. He wants us to believe that this qualifies him to be President of the U.S. Robert Greenwald interviewed experts, police, firemen and their families to see if the Mayor’s claims have validity. You can be the judge. The link to the short video is: http://therealrudy.org/facts
*It has been 2 years since Katrina devastated New Orleans. In the days that followed I remember our president standing in the French Quarter and telling the citizens of New Orleans and the United States that America would help to re-build the city and help get its citizens back on their feet. What did follow were too many empty promises, incompetence and graft. Senators Dodd and Obama have introduced the Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act of 2007 aimed at addressing the inadequacies of the Bush plan. You can sign a petition urging your elected representatives to support this bill and force Bush to administrate responsibly. The link is:
http://pol.moveon.org/katrina07/petition/?r_by=&rc=paste
*At least it ain’t guns - Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican from Kentucky, is the Minority Leader and front man for the Bush administration. He recently approved an $8.3 million contract for a company to provide iPod-like devices to Afghani tribesmen. McConnell’s former aid Hunter Bates was paid $200,000 for his connection to McConnell. Bates, representing the company, helped McConnell raise $120,000 in contributions from his clients. It is comforting to know that when the tribesmen’s laptops go down they can listen to Eric Clapton singing Cocaine while working the poppy fields. It is less comforting to know that too many of our country’s elected leaders continue to be low-class prostitutes earning high-class fees and the only ones getting screwed are the constituents.
*Obscene – would be the word to describe what federal authorities have allowed credit card companies to do with interest charges and policies that at one time would have been illegal under usury laws. The Federal Reserve Board is considering new rules favorable to consumers although not likely to put a reasonable ceiling on interest rates. You can sign a petition supporting rule changes that are more consumer friendly at:
https://secure.npsite.org/cu/site/Advocacy?JServSessionIdr007=xozg932f81.app7a&cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1647
*The longer we stay the ‘longerer’ we stay - I recently watched part of a C-SPAN interview of Zbigniew Brzezinski, former National Security Advisor to Jimmy Carter. He observed that the escalation and continuance of the Iraq War could result in an enlarged war that could last for 20 years in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. The conventional wisdom is that Bush will leave the settlement of the Iraq War to his successor. The question now becomes how many successors?
*Crunched by the numbers – In 2006 the Iraqi ministries of defense, health and interior reported Iraqi civilian casualties to total 12,357. The U.N reported that the casualties were 33,717. Embarrassed by the high reported death toll, the Iraqi government refused the U.N. access to Health Ministry statistics in 2007.
*The devil takes many forms - In 2003 the Defense Department started an anti-terrorism data base called TALON to protect military bases in the U.S. It soon strayed from its intended mission and expanded the database to include reports by local law enforcement agencies and military security personnel about nonviolent demonstrations and anti-war rallies, activities protected by the First Amendment of our constitution. In 2006 the ACLU filed a lawsuit against this activity and it was just announced that the Pentagon will shut down the data base of secret information on peaceful groups. This is an excellent example of what can happen when government is allowed to conduct domestic spying activities with no oversight and guards. To those who advocate ceding freedoms to protect us from terrorists I would suggest that ceding freedoms ushers in equally dangerous threats.
*I dreamt in a dream – The war in Iraq is now costing $3 billion per week. With this amount of money how many children could receive health insurance, how many roads and bridges could be repaired, how many border guards could be hired, how many alternative fuel projects could be funded, how many diseases could be cured, how many …?
*He dreamt in a dream - Progress (definition): positive development; development, usually of a gradual kind, toward achieving a goal or reaching a higher standard - We will hear progress used frequently this week as Bush forwards his Iraq fantasy. Bush has claimed progress since 2003 while lacking a plan, a goal or a standard.
*Why I decided not to purchase Exxon/Mobil products – A report last February by 600 scientists from governments, academia, green groups and businesses in 40 countries concluded, "Warming of the climate system is unequivocal. Worse, there was now at least a 90 percent likelihood that the release of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels is causing longer droughts, more flood-causing downpours and worse heat waves, way up from earlier studies.” StopGlobalWarming.org reports that, “A conservative think tank long funded by Exxon/Mobil has offered scientists $10,000 to write articles undercutting the new report and the computer-based climate models it is based on.” Rather than garnering its vast resources to research and develop fuels more compatible with the environment and healthier for the human beings living on this planet, Exxon/Mobile has chosen to dig in its business-as-usual heels and obstruct both the truth and the progress for a better global community. Equal culpability belongs to our government which has been a tool of big oil interests rather than a progressive influence for constructive, positive change. Not to be forgotten in this equation is you and me. We have not been sufficiently pro-active in demanding better leadership from our elected representatives. AND, I am ticked that Mobil has stopped supporting Mystery Theater on PBS.
* ”Perhaps Special Places exist only in the minds of the observer, the special places where the human spirit joins freely to the movement of the land, where happiness within is expressed in the beauty without.”
Tom Willock, Canadian photographer
*View from the Canadian Rockies – Transitioning from a big eastern city to the mountains, lakes, parks, ice fields and glaciers of Montana, Alberta and British Columbia was quite an experience. The spectacular scenery and exhilarating vistas were a reminder of nature’s grandeur, power and interdependence. I was amazed to learn that the Columbia Ice Field melted over a triple continental divide flowing to the Artic, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The resulting rivers flowing to the Atlantic and Pacific nurture vast areas of wheat production and provide water and electricity to millions of people. I was saddened by the thought that our federal government has been so lax in protecting our environment and ignoring the effects that poor planning and policing will have on our future. It is as if these leaders, these elected officials, these watchdogs at the Departments of Agriculture, Interior and the EPA do not have children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters and neighbors. Perhaps there is truth to the characterization that government employees are automatons that are produced in labs and factories. Where is the sense of responsibility? Where is the sense of humanity?
*Traveling to Canada requires a passport but I felt right at home reading the news:
-General Motors of Canada Ltd. will eliminate 1000 jobs (they employ just over 3000) at a truck plant in Ottawa. The U.S. market is the destination of 85% of this plant. This follows a cut of 2000 workers by Chrysler in Windsor Ontario earlier this year and the permanent shutdown of dozens of auto parts plants that supplied Detroit automakers.
-Three Canadian legislators are being investigated for influence peddling and misuse of funds.
-Millions in aid money by the Canadian government in Afghanistan has gone astray. There has been an absence of oversight. The Senlis Council, a think tank that examines security and development issues, has been working in Afghanistan for 2 years and says it is hard-pressed to find positive results of the $139 million expended during that time.
-Canadian Forces (CF) (air force) paid millions of dollars for maintenance work on its Airbus fleet that was never performed over the last 5 years. An audit showed that the CF are not supervising the elements of the contract that have been awarded to contractors. The audit did praise the quality of the maintenance work that was performed.
-In Calgary I saw a political ad on a park bench for the man running for 5th Ward Alderman. I thought that he had the quintessential name for a politician – Pay Jones. Later in the day I was disappointed to learn from another park bench with the same ad that Mr. Jones’ first name had been vandalized when someone painted over the right leg of the “R”.
*John Ibbitson writes a column about America for the Canadian newspaper Globe and Mail. With Idaho Republican Senator Larry Craig all over the news for soliciting men in a restroom Ibbitson asks, “What is it about conservative politicians that drive so many of them to destroy their lives in pursuit of illicit sex?” He opined that many political careers begin in high school or college before they are fully socially or sexually mature. Because they advocate tolerance, liberal politicians have room to adjust their lives to their adult reality. But conservatives must adhere to the Victorian ideal at odds with their internal urges. They learn to rationalize public positions and embrace party platforms. This denial becomes corrosive. Ibbitson says, “People who lie to themselves (a life unexamined) are poor stewards of the public trust.”
*Larry Craig’s voting record on gay issues:
Voted YES on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)Voted NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)Voted NO on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation. (Jun 2000)Voted YES on prohibiting same-sex marriage. (Sep 1996)Voted NO on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation. (Sep 1996)
*Still under scrutiny 1 - Sen. Ted Stevens (Republican from Alaska) infamously known for the Bridge to Nowhere and more recently for multiple corruption investigations once again comes under our scrutiny. In June, the House of Representatives voted by a wide margin to stop subsidizing new logging roads in the Tongass National Forest, our nation’s largest national forest. Over the last 25 years, more than 1 billion taxpayer dollars have been spent to clearcut and build roads through this irreplaceable forest. Stevens is now working to offset this House decision as well as to shield the National Forest Service from the courts for dereliction of duty. Fortunately, there are organizations such as Earthjustice that work through the courts to protect our natural resources. You can sign a petition to your congressmen to neutralize Stevens’ efforts at this link: http://action.earthjustice.org/campaign/Tongass_Alert_Sept_2007/wdn67ig24enet57?
*Still under scrutiny 2 – Rudy Giuliani continues talking about his impeccable role of hero following the attacks of 9/11 on the World Trade Center. He wants us to believe that this qualifies him to be President of the U.S. Robert Greenwald interviewed experts, police, firemen and their families to see if the Mayor’s claims have validity. You can be the judge. The link to the short video is: http://therealrudy.org/facts
*It has been 2 years since Katrina devastated New Orleans. In the days that followed I remember our president standing in the French Quarter and telling the citizens of New Orleans and the United States that America would help to re-build the city and help get its citizens back on their feet. What did follow were too many empty promises, incompetence and graft. Senators Dodd and Obama have introduced the Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act of 2007 aimed at addressing the inadequacies of the Bush plan. You can sign a petition urging your elected representatives to support this bill and force Bush to administrate responsibly. The link is:
http://pol.moveon.org/katrina07/petition/?r_by=&rc=paste
*At least it ain’t guns - Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican from Kentucky, is the Minority Leader and front man for the Bush administration. He recently approved an $8.3 million contract for a company to provide iPod-like devices to Afghani tribesmen. McConnell’s former aid Hunter Bates was paid $200,000 for his connection to McConnell. Bates, representing the company, helped McConnell raise $120,000 in contributions from his clients. It is comforting to know that when the tribesmen’s laptops go down they can listen to Eric Clapton singing Cocaine while working the poppy fields. It is less comforting to know that too many of our country’s elected leaders continue to be low-class prostitutes earning high-class fees and the only ones getting screwed are the constituents.
*Obscene – would be the word to describe what federal authorities have allowed credit card companies to do with interest charges and policies that at one time would have been illegal under usury laws. The Federal Reserve Board is considering new rules favorable to consumers although not likely to put a reasonable ceiling on interest rates. You can sign a petition supporting rule changes that are more consumer friendly at:
https://secure.npsite.org/cu/site/Advocacy?JServSessionIdr007=xozg932f81.app7a&cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1647
*The longer we stay the ‘longerer’ we stay - I recently watched part of a C-SPAN interview of Zbigniew Brzezinski, former National Security Advisor to Jimmy Carter. He observed that the escalation and continuance of the Iraq War could result in an enlarged war that could last for 20 years in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. The conventional wisdom is that Bush will leave the settlement of the Iraq War to his successor. The question now becomes how many successors?
*Crunched by the numbers – In 2006 the Iraqi ministries of defense, health and interior reported Iraqi civilian casualties to total 12,357. The U.N reported that the casualties were 33,717. Embarrassed by the high reported death toll, the Iraqi government refused the U.N. access to Health Ministry statistics in 2007.
*The devil takes many forms - In 2003 the Defense Department started an anti-terrorism data base called TALON to protect military bases in the U.S. It soon strayed from its intended mission and expanded the database to include reports by local law enforcement agencies and military security personnel about nonviolent demonstrations and anti-war rallies, activities protected by the First Amendment of our constitution. In 2006 the ACLU filed a lawsuit against this activity and it was just announced that the Pentagon will shut down the data base of secret information on peaceful groups. This is an excellent example of what can happen when government is allowed to conduct domestic spying activities with no oversight and guards. To those who advocate ceding freedoms to protect us from terrorists I would suggest that ceding freedoms ushers in equally dangerous threats.
*I dreamt in a dream – The war in Iraq is now costing $3 billion per week. With this amount of money how many children could receive health insurance, how many roads and bridges could be repaired, how many border guards could be hired, how many alternative fuel projects could be funded, how many diseases could be cured, how many …?
*He dreamt in a dream - Progress (definition): positive development; development, usually of a gradual kind, toward achieving a goal or reaching a higher standard - We will hear progress used frequently this week as Bush forwards his Iraq fantasy. Bush has claimed progress since 2003 while lacking a plan, a goal or a standard.
*Why I decided not to purchase Exxon/Mobil products – A report last February by 600 scientists from governments, academia, green groups and businesses in 40 countries concluded, "Warming of the climate system is unequivocal. Worse, there was now at least a 90 percent likelihood that the release of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels is causing longer droughts, more flood-causing downpours and worse heat waves, way up from earlier studies.” StopGlobalWarming.org reports that, “A conservative think tank long funded by Exxon/Mobil has offered scientists $10,000 to write articles undercutting the new report and the computer-based climate models it is based on.” Rather than garnering its vast resources to research and develop fuels more compatible with the environment and healthier for the human beings living on this planet, Exxon/Mobile has chosen to dig in its business-as-usual heels and obstruct both the truth and the progress for a better global community. Equal culpability belongs to our government which has been a tool of big oil interests rather than a progressive influence for constructive, positive change. Not to be forgotten in this equation is you and me. We have not been sufficiently pro-active in demanding better leadership from our elected representatives. AND, I am ticked that Mobil has stopped supporting Mystery Theater on PBS.
* ”Perhaps Special Places exist only in the minds of the observer, the special places where the human spirit joins freely to the movement of the land, where happiness within is expressed in the beauty without.”
Tom Willock, Canadian photographer
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