*A surprise in Pakistan – When we learned on Tuesday that the parliamentary elections in Pakistan resulted in the sound defeat of President (dictator) Pervez Musharraf I was quite surprised and wondered why. He rigged the elections in 2002 and recently suspended the Supreme Court (for fear they would rule against his powers) and he arrested many of his opposition. My question was answered by Trudy Rubin, someone I feel is an outstanding observer and analyst of international politics. In her column in the Philadelphia Inquirer “...these elections were unexpectedly fair due to the new army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who recently succeeded Musharraf” (previously Musharraf headed both the military and the government). The army did not interfere in elections and as Rubin noted, “The general appears determined to focus on providing necessary security for Pakistan.” If only our Commander-In-Chief were so focused.
*No surprise in Bush – “The Bush administration is pressing the opposition leaders who defeated Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to allow the former general to retain his position, a move that Western diplomats and U.S. officials say could trigger the very turmoil the United States seeks to avoid... The U.S. is urging the Pakistani political leaders who won the elections to form a new government quickly and not press to reinstate the judges whom Musharraf ousted last year” (Bush fears the judges would try to remove Musharraf). A number of foreign policy experts have criticized Bush for investing U.S. energy and treasure in a particular individual, Musharraf. The Bush push to keep Musharraf in power could be dangerous. “The effort to persuade Pakistan's newly elected parliament not to reinstate the judges could be perceived in Pakistan as a U.S. attempt to keep Musharraf in power after voters overwhelmingly rejected his Pakistan Muslim League-Q political party”. Aside from Bush protecting his best friend/dictator he wants to have it both ways – pontificate about bringing democracy to the world until inconvenience presents itself.
*Justification to stop some people from propagating - Someone called into CSPAN insisting that Barack Obama was Muslim and would be sworn in on a Koran, should he win the presidency. When the show’s host explained that Obama is not Muslim the caller responded,” Well, that's what I heard, and it was on the television."
*They don’t build walls like they used to – The Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to build an 18 foot high steel and concrete fence along the Texas/Mexico border that will pass through the backyards of family homes (whose owners face condemnation lawsuits if they protest). Further angering homeowners is the decision to stop the wall at one end of the property of River Bend Resort and Golf Course and resume the wall at the other end of the resort. This same procedure is being used in another part of Texas on the property of Dallas billionaire Ray L. Hunt, a close friend of President Bush who “recently donated $35 million to Southern Methodist University to help build Bush’s presidential library.” Aside from being another costly and seemingly bungled project of Michael Chertoff and the DHS I find it curious that the wealthy and privileged Texans don’t want to be as “protected” as the proletariat. I also wonder about the merit of building a multi-million dollar defensive wall that is designed with large openings. Reference the Berlin Wall. The East Germans knew how to build a wall.
*Speaking of the DHS - In 2002 the DHS attempted to create a separate personnel system for its employees outside of the civil service labor-management agreement that covers federal workers. In 2005 this anti-union move was denied in District court and once again by a Federal Appeals court in 2006. In the fiscal 2008 appropriations bill for the DHS congress denied funding for a new personnel system. DHS has announced it will not seek further litigation on the matter.
“Bush officials contended that the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks required changes that would give more discretion to managers and permit quicker deployment of workers without notifying their union representatives.” Given the incompetence and lack of forthrightness of DHS management its actual intent is open to question. The Bush administration’s record on (anti-)union policy may be a hint.
*The McCain Double-Flip-Flop with One-and-A-Half Twists – Matt Corley at ThinkProgress.com notes that prior to his presidential bid John McCain repeatedly was against the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. For example, "I am disappointed that the Senate Finance Committee preferred instead to cut the top tax rate of 39.6% to 36%, thereby granting generous tax relief to the wealthiest individuals of our country at the expense of lower- and middle-income American taxpayers." [McCain Senate floor statement, May 21, 2001]. Appearing on ABC’s This Week last Sunday Mitt McCain reversed his engines like a 747 that has overshot the landing strip. He performed a political polka around the definition of wealthy and then vowed, “under no circumstances would he increase taxes”. To categorically ignore the current tax structure is absurd.The Iraq war is now costing $250 million per DAY. America’s infrastructure (bridges, roads, toxic bodies of water) is in disrepair. The military and National Guard equipment is shot to hell. Education is sorely under-funded. McCain’s economic alchemy is as spurious as his claim to be at arms length from lobbyists where “virtually every one of his closest advisors are part of the Washington lobby culture. “A review of campaign finance filings shows that the Arizona Republican has accepted more than $100,000 in donations from employees of Greenberg Traurig, the very firm where Abramoff once reigned”. “According to opensecrets.org Sen. McCain has received over $400,000 from lobbyists.” ABC News on January 29, 2008 reported that McCain has 59 lobbyists raising money for his campaign – more than any of the other presidential candidates. Responding to his lobby connection on Friday McCain called his senior staff “honorable” for their lobbying work. "These people have honorable records, and they're honorable people, and I'm proud to have them as part of my team." When he recently made the statement that “economics” was not his strength it was the most straight talk we have heard from the Senator.
*The “equal time” principle – Both Clinton and Obama have benefitted from campaign donations from Greenburg Traurig and other lobbyists. RawStory.com has a rundown of major donations these Democratic candidates have received from this industry of lawyers and influencers. Lobbyists do serve a function in our system. Unfortunately, their influence and impact have far exceeded an appropriate role as their economic resources skyrocketed and in too many instances their ethics became questionable. In today’s election system candidates need huge sums of money and special interests are a gold vein waiting to be mined. The answer appears obvious - public financing of elections and stronger ethics regulations for lobbyists and politicians. The problem is that the inmates make the rules. The solution is substantial public pressure.
*The Dukester’s devil is going to hell – Former congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham (R-CA) is currently in prison for accepting over $700,000 in bribes. The briber is defense contractor Brent Wilkes and he was just sentenced to 12 years in prison. The Washington Post points out, “Wilkes is a Republican Party "Pioneer" who raised more than $100,000 for President Bush's reelection in 2004 and donated -- in concert with his business colleagues -- $656,396 to 64 other Republican lawmakers and the national Republican Party committees in Washington from 1995 through the third quarter of 2005, according to campaign finance records.” It is no secret that defense contractors and companies such as Halliburton and Blackwater have been major donors to Republican interests. It appears that their investments were quite prudent in light of the billions of dollars they have reaped from the Iraq war. Since there was no legitimate reasons for Bush to invade Iraq it seems reasonable to examine possible illegitimate reasons.
*Modern Reform - John Halpin, a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress was a recent guest blogger at ThinkProgress. I recommend his brief review of reform movements in America and his suggestion that together they have a place in today’s world. Mr. Halpin concludes: “To build a real case for modern reform efforts, we should draw on and defend all three traditions: Liberalism (liberty with economic opportunity); Populism (a stand on the side of the people and “equal rights for all, special privileges for none”); and Progressivism (honest government and a commitment to the common good). From one perspective it is not considered hip or cool or desirable in current society to associate with ism labels. I would suggest that current conditions in America warrant that each of us commit to ideas or concepts beyond the amorphous “political party” affiliation that in recent history has not served the interest of ourselves or our nation.
*Did the earth move for you? – The attempt of the religious right to dictate how we should lead our lives is not limited to activity in the U.S. or Afghanistan or Iran. Even Israel has its “interpreters” of the Almighty’s verse and word. A parliamentary member of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish Shas Party, Shlomo Benizri, is blaming two recent earthquakes in Israel on Parliament’s tolerance of gays. Israel decriminalized homosexuality in 1988 and has since passed several laws recognizing gay rights. Israeli court rulings in recent years have granted inheritance rights to gay couples and recognized same-sex marriages performed abroad. I find it interesting that these “religious” reproachers spend more time judging others than aiding a neighbor, the sick or the needy. They prefer tearing down over building up. Recall some of the religious right in the U.S. claiming that 9/11 resulted from America’s tolerance of gays. Shlomo may be correct that God is ticked off. For the reason I suggest he look in the mirror.
*Quote of the week – From the blogger Blue Gal: Did you ever wonder that the reason everyone is talking about what Michelle Obama “thinks” is because she can?
The Great Debate – On Thursday I watched the debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama that took place in Austin, TX. As I suspected, it would not really be a “great” debate since their positions are so close on so many key issues. What particularly impressed me about the event was witnessing two intelligent and knowledgeable adults discussing serious issues of import to me and my country and proposing reasonable solutions.
~Afterthought – Did you look forward to the day when you could have confidence your leader when Obama said he would be willing to meet with leaders of countries at odds with the U.S. “with preparation but no preconditions”? It is a different approach than Bush has taken and even his predecessor, as noted by Katrina Vanden Heuvel at The Nation: “during his two terms President Clinton did not meet with Fidel Castro or with Hugo Chavez or with the leaders of Iran, Syria, and North Korea--while generally pursuing a policy of trying to isolate these countries. But what did the Clinton approach actually accomplish?”
*The children of Iraq – Little is spoken of the effect of the Iraq war on its children. UNICEF just asked for $37 million to support vulnerable Iraqi children and their families. The cold reality: “A large number of children, estimated in the tens of thousands, have lost parents, siblings and other family members to violence; At least one in five primary school-age children is unable to go to school: Only 40 per cent of children have regular access to safe drinking water; Some 600,000 children are among the 1.2 million Iraqis displaced over the past two years. Most families are still unable to return home.”
When we see much of the violence around the world our hearts may be touched but a shrug usually follows because we are helpless to do anything about it. I would suggest that there is a difference with Iraq because America’s fingerprints are all over the smoking gun. It is beyond time that we do something about it. John McCain is comfortable with American troops being in Iraq for 10 to 100 years. Americans can do something about that on November 4, 2008.
*Quotes - Mahatma Gandhi (1869 – 1948)
~ If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children.
~ An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.
~What do I think of Western civilization? I think it would be a very good idea.
~ God has no religion.
Showing posts with label thinkprogress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thinkprogress. Show all posts
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Thursday, December 20, 2007
12/20/07
*To my Christian readers I wish you a Merry Christmas, Peace and Joy.
To my Jewish readers I wish you Peace and Joy and offer this youtube video Chinese Food on Christmas
*The gelding of Democrats – A gelding is a castrated male horse. It seems an appropriate word to describe Democrats in congress who are giving in to Bush on war funding without troop withdrawals, not holding telecommunication companies accountable for assisting the Bush administration to spy on Americans without a legal warrant, approving an Attorney General that does not oppose torture and is aiding the Bush administration in covering up CIA torture activities and, and and...To Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid I say NEIGH.
*Over-reaching authority meets resistance ~ a refreshing and important development – The Bush administration announced that they will take over control of promotions of military lawyers at Guantanamo Bay. My guess is that the administration is concerned that JAG lawyers know too much about the terrible, disgraceful and probably illegal activities occurring at Guantanamo and it wants to silence this knowledge. “Retired Major General Thomas Romig, the Army's top JAG from 2001 to 2005, called the proposal an attempt "to control the military JAGs" by sending a message that if they want to be promoted, they should be "team players" who "bow to their political masters on legal advice." Even I did not think there was much left for Bush to politicize and place under his control. Like it or not, admit it or not, President Bush’s policies entail the early stages of a fascist state. The saving grace for America is that the outrage and outspokenness many of us have called for from the military and other leadership positions in the country is finally beginning to take place. Following considerable objection to this proposal by a number of retired JAG officials it was announced on Wednesday that the White House backed off from its proposal.
*Bail to the Chief ~ Republican fealty – Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC) reminds me a lot of Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA). They both offer much rhetoric against Bush policy but in the final analysis they support it. Graham has recently had much to say against the use of torture. Last week, “Graham raked Brigadier General Thomas W. Hartmann, the legal adviser at Guantanamo Bay, over the coals for refusing to call waterboarding torture, even if done by Iranian “secret security agents” on an American pilot.” True to form Graham then puts a hold on a Senate bill that would ban waterboarding. It makes one wonder if Bush threatened to waterboard the South Carolinian.
*Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) and grass roots activism – There are many of us who believe that telecommunication companies should be held responsible for illegally aiding Bush to spy on Americans without appropriate warrants (court approval). A Senate bill was proposed that would offer immunity to the telecoms and I say shame on Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) for allowing it to happen. However, through Senator Dodd’s threat of a filibuster and through his web site encouraging over 500,000 emails being sent to senators expressing opposition to this legislation the bill was pulled and is pending further negotiations. Dodd is only one example of public interest groups such as the ACLU, People for the American Way, Democracy for America and others who voiced concern that offering immunity for breaking the law is contrary to a democracy. I do not doubt that the Bush administration put a great deal of pressure on Verizon, AT&T and others. However, the law requires warrants to spy on citizens. Over many months we have seen evidence that the administration is using this spying for unauthorized programs beyond preventing terrorist threats. This is why the law requires a warrant and why it would set a terrible precedent to offer retroactive immunity for breaking the law.
~You can read Sen. Russ Feingold’s (D-WI) statement as to what is wrong with the pulled FISA legislation at this link.
~As a result of Dodd’s show of strong leadership on the Senate floor there is now a momentum of support calling for him to replace Reid as Majority Leader of the Senate. I strongly support this effort.
*Participating in one’s government – Most of us experience frustration about many laws and decisions made by our elected leaders. Instead of feeling alienated and left behind there are times that one’s voice can be heard. This is especially true with the technology that the internet provides. Below are some instances where, within a couple of minutes (or less), you can tell a senator or representative or government agency or a company how you feel about a specific topic.
~Democracy left behind – As expected this week Bush’s appointees to the Federal Trade Commission voted to allow already large media conglomerates to expand their holdings. This is in direct opposition to the needs of a democracy to have open and varied free speech, opinions and dialogue. Congress has the power to throw out these rules and we have seen that Congress will act if and when the people make their voices heard. You can sign a petition to congress to oppose these new FTC rules at this link.
~General Electric ~ tough choices – “GE is promoting new, energy saving light bulbs known as compact fluorescents, or CFLs. These bulbs last longer and use less energy than the typical incandescent bulbs found in most U.S. homes. GE is asking consumers and its employees to sign a pledge to "go green" and start purchasing the CFL light bulbs, which are imported from China. The problem is that each pledge leads to the loss of jobs in U.S. lighting plants. GE is actually asking workers in its lighting plants to pledge to put themselves out of a job.” While going green is laudable, asking employees to concurrently eliminate their own jobs is senseless. You can sign a petition to GE urging the company to produce CFL light bulbs in the U.S. at this link.
~Don’t ask, don’t tell ~ but speak up – Under current law a gay or lesbian person in the military will be discharged if their sexual preference becomes known. The House of Representatives is considering a new bill, The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1246) that would repeal the current law that is discriminatory as well as depriving our military of dedicated service people. I say “dedicated” because these people volunteered to serve their country. If you agree that the law should be changed, you can send a petition to your representative at this link as well as learn more about this issue
~Improving product safety – Over the last six months I have made several observations about the inadequate safety inspection of consumer products before they reach the retail shelves. There is a bill before congress, Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act of 2007 that would strengthen the Commission and provide additional resources for ensuring safe products. Under the Bush administration we cannot count on the Commission improving its record but at least the tools will be there when a new president takes over the White House a year from now. Consumers Union is providing a petition to congress urging the passage of this bill at this link.
*Preaching the truth ~ Huckabee style – Mike Huckabee recently said that he was the only Republican presidential candidate with a degree in theology. Well, it appears that the Hucker may have been pumping his resume. He attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX for one year before dropping out to work for a televangelist – and not earning a degree. I do not know much about the Baptist religion but where I was raised I was taught that it was a sin to tell a lie. Preacher Huckabee must have his own unique set of Commandments.
*Huckabee and the Stepford Wives – I saw this item at americablog.com. “In June 1998, the Southern Baptist convention amended its official statement of beliefs for the first time in 35 years to declare that "a wife is to submit graciously to the servant leadership of her husband." And Huckabee, a former Southern Baptist minister then serving as governor of Arkansas, signed a full-page ad in USA Today in support of the statement (along with 129 other evangelical leaders).” I am certain that if I had signed this statement, and after my wife recovered from exhaustive laughter, my rear end would find itself sleeping on the back patio.
*Bush’s last day ~ January 20, 2009 – A reader sent me the web site bushslastday.com that celebrates George W. Bush’s last day as president of the U.S. There is a countdown clock, products you can purchase that highlight this theme and organizations that you can support that are working to combat the negative effects of this president from Hell, Texas.
*Every child left behind – Once again our elected leaders genuflect to corporate pressure to the detriment of the citizens they represent. An amendment to the farm bill would have updated nutrition requirements for schools by banning fatty foods and high-calorie beverages at school snack bars, stores and vending machines. “The National School Nutrition Standards Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), would have been the first legislation to update the nutrition standards since 1979, a period in which scientific opinion on what foods are appropriate has drastically shifted.” At a time when child obesity and diabetes is growing in epic proportions congressional leadership once again failed us. Reference gelding. Reference the need for public financing of elections. Reference the minuscule approval of Congress.
*Quote of the Week ~ Derriere Orifice Category - Nobody is happy about losing lives but remember these are not draftees, these are full-time professional soldiers."
Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican Minority Leader
*Surprise of the week – Two groups that conventional wisdom would expect to be supporting Republicans over Democrats in campaign contributions are the military and the clergy. The leading recipient of contributions from the military is Barack Obama, a Democrat opposed to the Iraq war and calling for the withdrawal of all U.S. troops by the end of 2008. AND, “Thus far in the ‘08 cycle, 56 percent of religious groups’ and leaders’ donations have gone to Democrats, and 43 percent to Republicans”. Sometimes I imagine that only a small percentage of Americans have a sense of what Bush and the Republicans have wrought on this country. At other times information like this offers me hope that positive change is possible.
*Torture – The U.S. Army manual bans torture. The Army does not want to condone any behavior that could be used on its soldiers. The House of Representatives just passed a law banning torture based on the Army’s manual that would apply to other agencies including the CIA. Guess who said he would veto the ban on torture? Hints: the poster boy for the religious right; the compassionate conservative; the man who said the U.S. does not torture; the leader of the free world with the lying lips. For those 20+% of Americans still voicing approval of the Decider the answer is G.W. Bush.
*A Bush/Republican policy that is working ~ the rich are getting richer faster – From thinkprogress.org: “The increase in incomes of the top 1 percent of Americans from 2003 to 2005 ($524.8 billion) exceeded the total income of the poorest 20 percent of Americans ($383.4 billion), according to a new report by the Congressional Budget Office. “On average, incomes for the top 1 percent of households rose by $465,700 each, or 42.6 percent after adjusting for inflation. The incomes of the poorest fifth rose by $200, or 1.3 percent, and the middle fifth increased by $2,400 or 4.3 percent.”
*America’s business plan ~ greed, incompetence and globalization – President Bush and the Republicans continue to tell us to trust in the business community while avoiding any oversight of their actions. This shell game has lead to many of our major financial institutions suffering billions of dollars in losses for making greed-driven stupid lending decisions in what is known as the subprime mortgage fiasco. It has led to untold numbers of people losing their homes and financial havoc within the financial community. It has also led to another piece of America being sold to foreign interests. Last week we learned that a significant percentage of Citibank was sold to Arab interests and this week it was announced that Morgan Stanley has sold a $5 billion interest in its company to China. Also this week, in a close the barn door after the cow has left strategy, the Federal Reserve has proposed tougher restrictions to curb unfair and deceptive mortgage lending practices. These restrictions include: bar lenders from making loans without proof of a borrower’s income; restrict lenders from penalizing subprime borrowers who pay off loans early; require lenders to make sure subprime borrowers set aside money to pay for taxes and insurance; prohibit certain types of misleading or deceptive advertising; and require lenders to provide financial disclosures so borrowers could use them while shopping for a mortgage. I wish I was making this crap up. HELLO – now we are requiring sound and ethical business practices of the financial industry and protection for borrowers? And the chairman of the Federal Reserve Ben S. Bernanke does this with a straight face, or two or three.
*Republicans and oil definitely mix – While the Senate passed a bill to raise gas mileage standards at the same time 40 senators (39 are Republican) blocked a provision that would have eliminated $13 billion in tax loopholes and subsidies for big oil companies. Over the last 4 years oil companies contributed a total of $4,097,810 to these senators. Quite a return on investment! The Center for Responsive Politics offers a list of these oily senators and what each has received in campaign contributions at this link. Some prostitution is legal.
*Much ado about little – Can anyone explain to me the hoopla over the just-passed energy bill that raises automobile gas mileage minimums to 35 mpg by the year 2020 – 13 years from now?
*One person, one vote ~ maybe – “All five voting systems used in Ohio, a state whose electoral votes narrowly swung two elections toward President Bush, have critical flaws that could undermine the integrity of the 2008 general election, a report commissioned by the state’s top elections official has found.” Experts involved in the study were able to pick locks and use hand-held devices to enter false voting data. It would certainly be ironic if the man who has done so much damage to this country was not legitimately elected to be president.
*I don't believe in an afterlife but please don't quote me. I've been wrong before.
Ruth Deming - friend, activist, mental health therapist and advocate, and founder of New Directions (the largest bipolar support group in the Philadelphia area)
To my Jewish readers I wish you Peace and Joy and offer this youtube video Chinese Food on Christmas
*The gelding of Democrats – A gelding is a castrated male horse. It seems an appropriate word to describe Democrats in congress who are giving in to Bush on war funding without troop withdrawals, not holding telecommunication companies accountable for assisting the Bush administration to spy on Americans without a legal warrant, approving an Attorney General that does not oppose torture and is aiding the Bush administration in covering up CIA torture activities and, and and...To Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid I say NEIGH.
*Over-reaching authority meets resistance ~ a refreshing and important development – The Bush administration announced that they will take over control of promotions of military lawyers at Guantanamo Bay. My guess is that the administration is concerned that JAG lawyers know too much about the terrible, disgraceful and probably illegal activities occurring at Guantanamo and it wants to silence this knowledge. “Retired Major General Thomas Romig, the Army's top JAG from 2001 to 2005, called the proposal an attempt "to control the military JAGs" by sending a message that if they want to be promoted, they should be "team players" who "bow to their political masters on legal advice." Even I did not think there was much left for Bush to politicize and place under his control. Like it or not, admit it or not, President Bush’s policies entail the early stages of a fascist state. The saving grace for America is that the outrage and outspokenness many of us have called for from the military and other leadership positions in the country is finally beginning to take place. Following considerable objection to this proposal by a number of retired JAG officials it was announced on Wednesday that the White House backed off from its proposal.
*Bail to the Chief ~ Republican fealty – Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC) reminds me a lot of Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA). They both offer much rhetoric against Bush policy but in the final analysis they support it. Graham has recently had much to say against the use of torture. Last week, “Graham raked Brigadier General Thomas W. Hartmann, the legal adviser at Guantanamo Bay, over the coals for refusing to call waterboarding torture, even if done by Iranian “secret security agents” on an American pilot.” True to form Graham then puts a hold on a Senate bill that would ban waterboarding. It makes one wonder if Bush threatened to waterboard the South Carolinian.
*Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) and grass roots activism – There are many of us who believe that telecommunication companies should be held responsible for illegally aiding Bush to spy on Americans without appropriate warrants (court approval). A Senate bill was proposed that would offer immunity to the telecoms and I say shame on Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) for allowing it to happen. However, through Senator Dodd’s threat of a filibuster and through his web site encouraging over 500,000 emails being sent to senators expressing opposition to this legislation the bill was pulled and is pending further negotiations. Dodd is only one example of public interest groups such as the ACLU, People for the American Way, Democracy for America and others who voiced concern that offering immunity for breaking the law is contrary to a democracy. I do not doubt that the Bush administration put a great deal of pressure on Verizon, AT&T and others. However, the law requires warrants to spy on citizens. Over many months we have seen evidence that the administration is using this spying for unauthorized programs beyond preventing terrorist threats. This is why the law requires a warrant and why it would set a terrible precedent to offer retroactive immunity for breaking the law.
~You can read Sen. Russ Feingold’s (D-WI) statement as to what is wrong with the pulled FISA legislation at this link.
~As a result of Dodd’s show of strong leadership on the Senate floor there is now a momentum of support calling for him to replace Reid as Majority Leader of the Senate. I strongly support this effort.
*Participating in one’s government – Most of us experience frustration about many laws and decisions made by our elected leaders. Instead of feeling alienated and left behind there are times that one’s voice can be heard. This is especially true with the technology that the internet provides. Below are some instances where, within a couple of minutes (or less), you can tell a senator or representative or government agency or a company how you feel about a specific topic.
~Democracy left behind – As expected this week Bush’s appointees to the Federal Trade Commission voted to allow already large media conglomerates to expand their holdings. This is in direct opposition to the needs of a democracy to have open and varied free speech, opinions and dialogue. Congress has the power to throw out these rules and we have seen that Congress will act if and when the people make their voices heard. You can sign a petition to congress to oppose these new FTC rules at this link.
~General Electric ~ tough choices – “GE is promoting new, energy saving light bulbs known as compact fluorescents, or CFLs. These bulbs last longer and use less energy than the typical incandescent bulbs found in most U.S. homes. GE is asking consumers and its employees to sign a pledge to "go green" and start purchasing the CFL light bulbs, which are imported from China. The problem is that each pledge leads to the loss of jobs in U.S. lighting plants. GE is actually asking workers in its lighting plants to pledge to put themselves out of a job.” While going green is laudable, asking employees to concurrently eliminate their own jobs is senseless. You can sign a petition to GE urging the company to produce CFL light bulbs in the U.S. at this link.
~Don’t ask, don’t tell ~ but speak up – Under current law a gay or lesbian person in the military will be discharged if their sexual preference becomes known. The House of Representatives is considering a new bill, The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1246) that would repeal the current law that is discriminatory as well as depriving our military of dedicated service people. I say “dedicated” because these people volunteered to serve their country. If you agree that the law should be changed, you can send a petition to your representative at this link as well as learn more about this issue
~Improving product safety – Over the last six months I have made several observations about the inadequate safety inspection of consumer products before they reach the retail shelves. There is a bill before congress, Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act of 2007 that would strengthen the Commission and provide additional resources for ensuring safe products. Under the Bush administration we cannot count on the Commission improving its record but at least the tools will be there when a new president takes over the White House a year from now. Consumers Union is providing a petition to congress urging the passage of this bill at this link.
*Preaching the truth ~ Huckabee style – Mike Huckabee recently said that he was the only Republican presidential candidate with a degree in theology. Well, it appears that the Hucker may have been pumping his resume. He attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX for one year before dropping out to work for a televangelist – and not earning a degree. I do not know much about the Baptist religion but where I was raised I was taught that it was a sin to tell a lie. Preacher Huckabee must have his own unique set of Commandments.
*Huckabee and the Stepford Wives – I saw this item at americablog.com. “In June 1998, the Southern Baptist convention amended its official statement of beliefs for the first time in 35 years to declare that "a wife is to submit graciously to the servant leadership of her husband." And Huckabee, a former Southern Baptist minister then serving as governor of Arkansas, signed a full-page ad in USA Today in support of the statement (along with 129 other evangelical leaders).” I am certain that if I had signed this statement, and after my wife recovered from exhaustive laughter, my rear end would find itself sleeping on the back patio.
*Bush’s last day ~ January 20, 2009 – A reader sent me the web site bushslastday.com that celebrates George W. Bush’s last day as president of the U.S. There is a countdown clock, products you can purchase that highlight this theme and organizations that you can support that are working to combat the negative effects of this president from Hell, Texas.
*Every child left behind – Once again our elected leaders genuflect to corporate pressure to the detriment of the citizens they represent. An amendment to the farm bill would have updated nutrition requirements for schools by banning fatty foods and high-calorie beverages at school snack bars, stores and vending machines. “The National School Nutrition Standards Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), would have been the first legislation to update the nutrition standards since 1979, a period in which scientific opinion on what foods are appropriate has drastically shifted.” At a time when child obesity and diabetes is growing in epic proportions congressional leadership once again failed us. Reference gelding. Reference the need for public financing of elections. Reference the minuscule approval of Congress.
*Quote of the Week ~ Derriere Orifice Category - Nobody is happy about losing lives but remember these are not draftees, these are full-time professional soldiers."
Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican Minority Leader
*Surprise of the week – Two groups that conventional wisdom would expect to be supporting Republicans over Democrats in campaign contributions are the military and the clergy. The leading recipient of contributions from the military is Barack Obama, a Democrat opposed to the Iraq war and calling for the withdrawal of all U.S. troops by the end of 2008. AND, “Thus far in the ‘08 cycle, 56 percent of religious groups’ and leaders’ donations have gone to Democrats, and 43 percent to Republicans”. Sometimes I imagine that only a small percentage of Americans have a sense of what Bush and the Republicans have wrought on this country. At other times information like this offers me hope that positive change is possible.
*Torture – The U.S. Army manual bans torture. The Army does not want to condone any behavior that could be used on its soldiers. The House of Representatives just passed a law banning torture based on the Army’s manual that would apply to other agencies including the CIA. Guess who said he would veto the ban on torture? Hints: the poster boy for the religious right; the compassionate conservative; the man who said the U.S. does not torture; the leader of the free world with the lying lips. For those 20+% of Americans still voicing approval of the Decider the answer is G.W. Bush.
*A Bush/Republican policy that is working ~ the rich are getting richer faster – From thinkprogress.org: “The increase in incomes of the top 1 percent of Americans from 2003 to 2005 ($524.8 billion) exceeded the total income of the poorest 20 percent of Americans ($383.4 billion), according to a new report by the Congressional Budget Office. “On average, incomes for the top 1 percent of households rose by $465,700 each, or 42.6 percent after adjusting for inflation. The incomes of the poorest fifth rose by $200, or 1.3 percent, and the middle fifth increased by $2,400 or 4.3 percent.”
*America’s business plan ~ greed, incompetence and globalization – President Bush and the Republicans continue to tell us to trust in the business community while avoiding any oversight of their actions. This shell game has lead to many of our major financial institutions suffering billions of dollars in losses for making greed-driven stupid lending decisions in what is known as the subprime mortgage fiasco. It has led to untold numbers of people losing their homes and financial havoc within the financial community. It has also led to another piece of America being sold to foreign interests. Last week we learned that a significant percentage of Citibank was sold to Arab interests and this week it was announced that Morgan Stanley has sold a $5 billion interest in its company to China. Also this week, in a close the barn door after the cow has left strategy, the Federal Reserve has proposed tougher restrictions to curb unfair and deceptive mortgage lending practices. These restrictions include: bar lenders from making loans without proof of a borrower’s income; restrict lenders from penalizing subprime borrowers who pay off loans early; require lenders to make sure subprime borrowers set aside money to pay for taxes and insurance; prohibit certain types of misleading or deceptive advertising; and require lenders to provide financial disclosures so borrowers could use them while shopping for a mortgage. I wish I was making this crap up. HELLO – now we are requiring sound and ethical business practices of the financial industry and protection for borrowers? And the chairman of the Federal Reserve Ben S. Bernanke does this with a straight face, or two or three.
*Republicans and oil definitely mix – While the Senate passed a bill to raise gas mileage standards at the same time 40 senators (39 are Republican) blocked a provision that would have eliminated $13 billion in tax loopholes and subsidies for big oil companies. Over the last 4 years oil companies contributed a total of $4,097,810 to these senators. Quite a return on investment! The Center for Responsive Politics offers a list of these oily senators and what each has received in campaign contributions at this link. Some prostitution is legal.
*Much ado about little – Can anyone explain to me the hoopla over the just-passed energy bill that raises automobile gas mileage minimums to 35 mpg by the year 2020 – 13 years from now?
*One person, one vote ~ maybe – “All five voting systems used in Ohio, a state whose electoral votes narrowly swung two elections toward President Bush, have critical flaws that could undermine the integrity of the 2008 general election, a report commissioned by the state’s top elections official has found.” Experts involved in the study were able to pick locks and use hand-held devices to enter false voting data. It would certainly be ironic if the man who has done so much damage to this country was not legitimately elected to be president.
*I don't believe in an afterlife but please don't quote me. I've been wrong before.
Ruth Deming - friend, activist, mental health therapist and advocate, and founder of New Directions (the largest bipolar support group in the Philadelphia area)
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?
Author unknown
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