July 7, 2006
Contact: Matt Angle
On the web at www.LoneStarProject.net
Texas U.S. Supreme Court Decision
Mid-Decade and Partisan Redistricting Unchecked, African American Voting Rights Ignored, South Texas Map Scramble Underway
Overview
While the Supreme Court’s Texas decision was split 5/4, included six separate opinions and over 132 pages of text, the bottom line is clear:
The Court did not step in to halt mid-decade redistricting;
There is virtually no conceivable circumstance in which the Court will find illegal partisan gerrymandering;
Regardless of whether African Americans repeatedly demonstrate political control of a district, their voting rights will not be protected unless their voting age population in the district is at or near a raw majority; and
Hispanic districts with a clear majority of registered voters and demonstrating the potential ability to elect the candidate of their choice will continue to be protected.
The following Lone Star Project analysis is divided into two parts. Part One deals with plaintiff claims the Supreme Court rejected. Part Two looks at some various map options that may be offered to the Federal District Court
Part One
Green Light to Mid-Decade Redistricting
The Court refused to block mid-decade redistricting. The Court disagreed with the Jackson Plaintiffs who argued that mid-decade redistricting is illegal when the sole purpose is partisan gain and with the Travis County Plaintiffs who argued that mid-decade redistricting violated the one person-one vote principle because the census information used was outdated. The result of the Court’s opinion is that any state or locality, for solely political reasons, may engage in mid-decade redistricting to take advantage of, or to head-off, a change in the political fortunes of one party or the other.
Partisan Redistricting – It Quacks and Waddles, But It’s Not a Duck
While acknowledging that the sole purpose and ultimate result of the Republican redistricting effort in Texas was to guarantee the election of Republicans at the expense of Democrats, the Court refused to find illegal partisan gerrymandering. Most observers agree with the Washington Post’s opinion that although the Court, “again formally leaves open the question of whether any gerrymander could be bad enough to warrant judicial intervention. But if Texas's case is not bad enough, then the one that is can exist only in some place other than the real world.” (Source: The Washington Post, Editorial, July 5, 2006)
African Americans Voting Rights Discounted
The Court was unmoved by the detailed analysis conducted by both Republican and Democratic experts that demonstrated African Americans in a Fort Worth based congressional district (CD24) had consistently demonstrated that they dominated and controlled the Democratic primary and that their candidate of choice always won the General Election. Instead, the Court cited that the District was only 21 percent voting age African American and relied on non-expert witness testimony. Specifically, they used the comments of now defeated African American former State Representative Ron Wilson who worked with Republicans throughout the redistricting effort. They also took a comment made by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson out of context to justify their decision. Congresswoman Johnson’s quote was actually made when commenting about a different district in an earlier plan and NOT the district and plan that was before the Court. To read the conflicting expert and non-expert testimony, click here
Part Two
South Texas Map Scramble
The Supreme Court struck down Congressional District 23, represented by Henry Bonilla, ruling that the Republican Legislature violated the Voting Rights Act when it removed over 100,000 Hispanics from CD23 reducing its voting age Hispanic population from 63 percent to only 50.9 percent (source: Texas Legislative Council) and attempted to replace the district with a newly drawn Hispanic CD25 now represented by Lloyd Doggett. The Court ruled that Hispanic voting strength in CD23 was reduced in order to protect Henry Bonilla and that CD25 was not sufficiently compact to serve as a “replacement” Hispanic district. The Court has ordered all parties to the suit to present their proposed maps by July 14, 2006.
A scramble is now underway among Republicans representing the State of Texas, Members of Congress and Hispanic advocacy groups to construct a newly drawn plan. Each has their own priorities which will be reflected in their submissions to the Court. Below are some approaches we can expect to see.
Key Target Figures to look for in CD23
The Court determined that Hispanic Voting strength was sapped in CD23 just as Hispanics were on the verge of controlling the District. With this in mind, it is reasonable to suppose that the District Court will require that any remedy to CD23 restore its Hispanic percentages to their previous levels. They were as follows:
Total Hispanic Population - 66.8%
Voting Age Hispanic Population - 63.0%
Citizen Voting Age Population - 57.4%
Percentage Hispanic Registered Voter - 55.3%
Further, the District Court may not accept any map that materially reduces these key racial numbers in any of the other Voting Rights protected Districts in South Texas which are CD15 (Hinojosa), CD16 (Reyes), CD20 (Gonzalez), CD28 (Cuellar).
Potential Re-Map Options
Under a precedent set in the Supreme Court case Upham v. Seamon, the District Court is required to impose a “narrowly tailored” remedy, which requires that any new map (remedy) be limited to correcting the violation of law the Court has found. With this in mind, the options described below are those that would impact relatively few districts. It is assumed that options rippling across the entire State, or far outside South Texas, will not be seriously considered by the District Court.
All of Webb County into CD28 Option
All of Webb County would be moved into CD28 (Cuellar).
The Hispanic population in CD23 (Bonilla) would be increased by moving West Texas Hispanics currently in CD11 (Conaway) and Bexar County Hispanics in CD28 (Cuellar) into CD23.
This also may require population shifts within Bexar County involving CD20 (Gonzalez).
Hill Country Republicans currently in CD23 would move to CD11 (Conaway).
This option may, or may not, include changes in CD25 (Doggett).
Who might support? This option may be favored by Henry Cuellar and some congressional Republicans because it would increase Cuellar’s Webb County base, would not “pair” Bonilla with Cuellar, and it would add relatively low turnout West Texas and Bexar Hispanics to CD23, thus presenting less of a threat to Bonilla.
Who might oppose? Conaway and Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick, may object to significant changes to CD11, especially the deep cuts into Ector and Midland Counties that might be required under this option. Also, if map drawers attempt to shift population in Bexar County and impact CD20 (Gonzalez), then Gonzalez may object.
Cautionary Note: CD20 (Gonzalez) is a Voting Rights protected district. Any shifts in population that result in lower Hispanic percentages may not be accepted by the Court.
All of Webb County to CD23 Option
This option most directly addresses the specific concerns of the Supreme Court
Webb County in its entirety would return to Bonilla’s 23rd District.
CD28 (Cuellar) would, in turn, pick up new Hispanic voters in Hidalgo and other nearby S. Texas Counties from CD25 (Doggett).
CD25 would shift northward picking up voters in and around Travis County from CD21 (L. Smith).
CD21 (L. Smith) would reclaim Republican Hill Country Counties currently in CD23.
Who might support? Travis County plaintiffs would likely support the notion of creating a clearly Austin-based district as this option would do. Also, Democrats who have been disappointed and often angered by Cuellar’s consistent support for President Bush, Governor Perry, and Republican House initiatives will like the idea of moving Cuellar’s base out of CD28, leaving it open for a more trustworthy Democrat. Finally, Hispanic advocacy organizations might favor an option that clearly returns the Hispanic voting strength that was removed from CD23, while addressing the Court’s concerns about CD25 compactness.
Who might oppose? It is doubtful Cuellar, Bonilla or Congressional Republicans would like this option. Because Bonilla draws very little support from Hispanic voters, Bonilla’s re-election would be in jeopardy by a return of all of Webb County and the loss of strong Hill Country GOP supporters. Cuellar would not want to be “paired” with Bonilla, who beat him by over 6,000 votes in a head-to-head match-up in 2002.
Leave Districts 28 and 25 Alone Option
Some believe that because the Supreme Court did not specifically direct that CD25 (Doggett) or CD28 (Cuellar) must be changed, that a map may be accepted that leaves them unchanged. This line of thought asserts that the Court simply directed that CD23 (Bonilla) be restored as a Hispanic opportunity district. It is possible to enhance the Hispanic population in CD23 without disturbing the current boundaries of CD28 or CD25.
Move Hispanics from CD11 (Conaway) into CD23.
Replace CD11 population with Hill Country and other West Texas Anglos now in CD23.
Shift population within Bexar County between CD23, CD20 (Gonzalez) and CD21 (L. Smith) to increase the overall Hispanic population of CD23.
Who might support? Congressional Republicans and Bonilla might see this as a better option than moving all of Webb back into CD23. Cuellar would also like the idea of CD28 remaining a Webb based district, not being “paired” with Bonilla and not facing a new primary. Some Hispanic advocacy groups might like the idea of CD23 being enhanced while also maintaining a heavily Hispanic CD25 (Doggett), which would leave seven rather than six majority Hispanic Districts that are S. Texas based.
Who might oppose? Charlie Gonzalez would not want to be embroiled in correcting a problem he has skillfully avoided. It is important to note that Gonzalez’s district 20 is a Voting Rights Act protected district and thus Hispanic voting strength cannot be reduced to any significant degree. Also, Travis County would like changes to be made in CD25 that would return it to an Austin-based District. Finally, the District Court may be leery of ordering a map that leaves CD25 untouched since the Supreme Court stated that it was not “sufficiently compact” to be considered an effective Hispanic district and indicated CD25 would likely change as a result of remedying the voting discrimination against Hispanics that the Republican Legislature did in dismantling District 23.
Cautionary Note: CD20 (Gonzalez) is a Voting Rights protected district. Any shifts in population that result in lower Hispanic percentages may not be accepted by the Court.
Hinojosa Option
Many Democrats and some Hispanic advocacy groups remain concerned that Hispanic voting strength in CD15 (Hinojosa) was significantly weakened under the current Republican-drawn map. Hispanic voting age population in the CD15 was reduced from 74.3 percent to 64 percent. In reviewing the plan, voting rights experts in the Department of Justice specifically noted that Hispanic voting strength in CD15 had been reduced to the point that it may not consistently perform as an effective Hispanic District. (Source: DOJ Section 5 Recommendation Memorandum, December 12, 2003)
An option to correct this would:
Move all of Webb County into CD23 (Bonilla).
Move some of the Hidalgo County population now in CD25 (Doggett) into CD28 (Cuellar).
Shift the remaining Hidalgo County population into CD15 (Hinojosa).
Contract (CD25) to the North and absorb new population in and around Travis County now in CD10 (McCall) and perhaps CD21 (L. Smith).
Rural counties to the north currently in CD15 would move into CD10 (McCall). GOP Hill Country counties now in CD23 would move to CD21 (L. Smith).
Who might support? Hidalgo County and Ruben Hinojosa may favor this type of solution. Also, Democrats who are concerned about the long-term viability of CD15 might like the idea.
Who might oppose the plan? Both Cuellar and Bonilla would likely oppose this approach. Also, those who are concerned that this approach does not meet the “narrowly tailored” requirement.
Will the Remedy Be Enforced in 2006?
While it is not unprecedented for the Court to allow an election to go forward before correcting a Voting Rights Violation, doing so is unusual. Most observers expect that the Court will order its remedy enforced in the 2006 election.
Texas Precedent
The precedent in Texas was set in 1996, when a three-judge Federal District Court ruled that three Texas Districts were unconstitutional and ordered a remedy that changed a total of 13 of 30 districts. Under this scenario:
The Court would vacate the already conducted 2004 primary in effected districts and order an “open” or “Louisiana Style” primary wherein all candidates from either party file and run together on the same ballot.
The primary would take place on the General Election date parallel to the regular General Election.
In any district in which one candidate does not garner more than 50 percent of the vote, a run-off is held 30 days later involving the top two finishers.
In 1996, Nick Lampson (CD9), Ken Bentsen (CD25) and Kevin Brady (CD8) were elected to Congress in December run-offs.
An important note to remember is that under this scenario “straight-ticket” votes would not be recorded in the congressional races. Voters who cast a “straight ticket” ballot would have to also mark their specific preference for Congress.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Hate Groups Are Infiltrating the Military, Group Asserts - New York Times
Hate Groups Are Infiltrating the Military, Group Asserts - New York Times: "July 7, 2006
Hate Groups Are Infiltrating the Military, Group Asserts
By JOHN KIFNER
A decade after the Pentagon declared a zero-tolerance policy for racist hate groups, recruiting shortfalls caused by the war in Iraq have allowed 'large numbers of neo-Nazis and skinhead extremists' to infiltrate the military, according to a watchdog organization.
The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks racist and right-wing militia groups, estimated that the numbers could run into the thousands, citing interviews with Defense Department investigators and reports and postings on racist Web sites and magazines.
'We've got Aryan Nations graffiti in Baghdad,' the group quoted a Defense Department investigator as saying in a report to be posted today on its Web site, www.splcenter.org. 'That's a problem.'
A Defense Department spokeswoman said officials there could not comment on the report because they had not yet seen it.
The center called on Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld to appoint a task force to study the problem, declare a new zero tolerance policy and strictly enforce it.
The report said that neo-Nazi groups like the National Alliance, whose founder, William Pierce, wrote 'The Turner Diaries,' the novel that was the inspiration and blueprint for Timothy J. McVeigh's bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building, sought to enroll followers in the Army to get training for a race war.
The groups are being abetted, the report said, by pressure "
This is very frightening. Can you imagine a Balkans-style ethnic cleansing in our country? Perhaps it hits home to me because I have a friend from Bosnia who survived the war, was taken prisoner, and lived to tell about it. Her stories are blood curdling. This type of behavior should have been nipped in the bud, but again, The Pentagon seems to be ignoring this issue, as they have many others.
Hate Groups Are Infiltrating the Military, Group Asserts
By JOHN KIFNER
A decade after the Pentagon declared a zero-tolerance policy for racist hate groups, recruiting shortfalls caused by the war in Iraq have allowed 'large numbers of neo-Nazis and skinhead extremists' to infiltrate the military, according to a watchdog organization.
The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks racist and right-wing militia groups, estimated that the numbers could run into the thousands, citing interviews with Defense Department investigators and reports and postings on racist Web sites and magazines.
'We've got Aryan Nations graffiti in Baghdad,' the group quoted a Defense Department investigator as saying in a report to be posted today on its Web site, www.splcenter.org. 'That's a problem.'
A Defense Department spokeswoman said officials there could not comment on the report because they had not yet seen it.
The center called on Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld to appoint a task force to study the problem, declare a new zero tolerance policy and strictly enforce it.
The report said that neo-Nazi groups like the National Alliance, whose founder, William Pierce, wrote 'The Turner Diaries,' the novel that was the inspiration and blueprint for Timothy J. McVeigh's bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building, sought to enroll followers in the Army to get training for a race war.
The groups are being abetted, the report said, by pressure "
This is very frightening. Can you imagine a Balkans-style ethnic cleansing in our country? Perhaps it hits home to me because I have a friend from Bosnia who survived the war, was taken prisoner, and lived to tell about it. Her stories are blood curdling. This type of behavior should have been nipped in the bud, but again, The Pentagon seems to be ignoring this issue, as they have many others.
Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers - Trailer
If there’s one movie I’m anxiously awaiting this year it’s Robert Greenwald’s Iraq For Sale: The War Profiteers. It’s a subject that gets almost no media coverage but should be making the blood pressure of all the Angry Dad Jack Caffertys in the world reach the boiling point. I’m proud to say I’m on the list of the 3010 people who donated $5, $10, $50 at a time to make this movie possible. Thanks so much to Robert who has kindly made a copy of the new trailer available on YouTube for our readers to see.
For those interested in the topic, our own Matt O. has been doing a fantastic weekly series every Saturday at 4pm PT/7pm ET. It’s really important stuff. Time to take the country back from the kleptocrats.
If there’s one movie I’m anxiously awaiting this year it’s Robert Greenwald’s Iraq For Sale: The War Profiteers. It’s a subject that gets almost no media coverage but should be making the blood pressure of all the Angry Dad Jack Caffertys in the world reach the boiling point. I’m proud to say I’m on the list of the 3010 people who donated $5, $10, $50 at a time to make this movie possible. Thanks so much to Robert who has kindly made a copy of the new trailer available on YouTube for our readers to see.
For those interested in the topic, our own Matt O. has been doing a fantastic weekly series every Saturday at 4pm PT/7pm ET. It’s really important stuff. Time to take the country back from the kleptocrats.
Bush does Chicago
President Bush Holds a News Conference in Chicago:
Whereas, CNN Money noted: Stocks tumbled Friday, with the Dow and Nasdaq closing down over 1 percent, after disappointing corporate news and the monthly jobs report pointed to slowing growth and rising inflationary pressure in the world's largest economy. link
Is Bush on crack? Gas prices are up, wages are stagnant, it's nearly impossible to send a kid to college, and economically speaking for the middle class, it sucks. Of course, if you saw him on Larry King live last night, you understand that he is totally deluded, and has no clue about what the rest of the US or the world, for that matter, are feeling right now.
The Prez says: "Major companies have announced plans to add even more jobs.This morning we got some good news: The nation added 121,000 new jobs for the month of June. That's over 5.4 million jobs since August of 2003. That's 34 months of job increases.
First quarter, our economy grew at 5.6 percent. Productivity is high. People are better off. Things are working.
Whereas, CNN Money noted: Stocks tumbled Friday, with the Dow and Nasdaq closing down over 1 percent, after disappointing corporate news and the monthly jobs report pointed to slowing growth and rising inflationary pressure in the world's largest economy. link
Is Bush on crack? Gas prices are up, wages are stagnant, it's nearly impossible to send a kid to college, and economically speaking for the middle class, it sucks. Of course, if you saw him on Larry King live last night, you understand that he is totally deluded, and has no clue about what the rest of the US or the world, for that matter, are feeling right now.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Until Then
slide show
An excellent slide show of picture from Iraq. Take a few minutes to watch, then spend some time contacting our government about equipping them properly and getting them home.
An excellent slide show of picture from Iraq. Take a few minutes to watch, then spend some time contacting our government about equipping them properly and getting them home.
Support Lt. WatadaHis moral and ethical reasons for refusing duty in Iraq are of value and we should pay attention.link
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
CIA Reportedly Disbands Bin Laden Unit
"A CIA unit that had hunted for Osama bin Laden and his top deputies for a decade has been disbanded, according to a published report.
Citing unnamed intelligence officials, The New York Times reported Tuesday that the unit, known as 'Alec Station,' was shut down late last year. The decision to close the unit, which predated the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, was first reported Monday by National Public Radio.
Osama bin Laden speaks in this 1998 file photo at a meeting at an undisclosed location in Afghanistan. Bin Laden urged Iraqi militants in an Internet message Saturday July 1, 2006 to continue fighting the U.S.-led coalition in Baghdad, or else 'all the capitals in the region will fall to the crusaders.' The message also endorsed Abu Hamza al-Muhajer as the new leader for his terror network al-Qaida in Iraq, succeeding Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who was killed last month in a U.S. airstrike."
So where is Bin Laden? IMHO, holed up at home in Saudi, and issuing tapes whenever Bush needs a boost in his poll numbers. Call me a cynic, but this report shows that when Bush said he doesn't think about Osama Bin Laden, it is true. Why care Mr. Bush? You have other fish to fry, your Iraq war that was not necessary.
And....about North Korea? Gosh you think that's a problem?full article
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Daily Kos: Right-Wing Blog Asks Readers to "Hunt Down" Info About NYT Editors' Children
Daily Kos: Right-Wing Blog Asks Readers to "Hunt Down" Info About NYT Editors' Children: "Let me just sum up the known facts here, and for the best big treatment of the story go see Glenn Greenwald.
The short story is that what passes for the conservative braintrust these days -- a collection of repulsive little scabs no smarter than their own shoes -- has seized upon an article in the New York Times' Travel section describing the small town of St. Michaels, Maryland, home to the vacation homes of numerous famous and wealthy Americans, notable among them Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld. There's a picture there of Rumsfeld's driveway.
This, the right-wing bloggers assert, is an intentional 'exposure' of Cheney and Rumsfeld to terrorists, done with malice by the New York Times. No, I'm not kidding.
There's only a few problems with this 'theory', as Greenwald admirably points out with the help of others in the blogosphere. First, noting the astonishing fact that Cheney and Rumsfeld have vacation homes in St. Michaels is hardly new information. In addition to being public information, it was printed in a similar soft story in the Washington Post last year. So did, in fact, NewsMax -- one of the rightwing outlets now pretending that publishing that information now is treason.
Second, the New York Times printed a similar story in 2003 about the Clinton's Chappaqua home, demonstrating that these puff pieces are, golly gee, done all the time. Guess how many right-wing bloggers had a very public and ceremonially overdressed cow over that one? Yeah.
So essentially, this 'affront' to the delicate sensibilities of these overstuffed sausages known as the 'right' is a completely bogus story. It's all spin; there's no 'there'. None. NewsMax itself could tell you where Cheney lived -- they even cited the Wa"
The short story is that what passes for the conservative braintrust these days -- a collection of repulsive little scabs no smarter than their own shoes -- has seized upon an article in the New York Times' Travel section describing the small town of St. Michaels, Maryland, home to the vacation homes of numerous famous and wealthy Americans, notable among them Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld. There's a picture there of Rumsfeld's driveway.
This, the right-wing bloggers assert, is an intentional 'exposure' of Cheney and Rumsfeld to terrorists, done with malice by the New York Times. No, I'm not kidding.
There's only a few problems with this 'theory', as Greenwald admirably points out with the help of others in the blogosphere. First, noting the astonishing fact that Cheney and Rumsfeld have vacation homes in St. Michaels is hardly new information. In addition to being public information, it was printed in a similar soft story in the Washington Post last year. So did, in fact, NewsMax -- one of the rightwing outlets now pretending that publishing that information now is treason.
Second, the New York Times printed a similar story in 2003 about the Clinton's Chappaqua home, demonstrating that these puff pieces are, golly gee, done all the time. Guess how many right-wing bloggers had a very public and ceremonially overdressed cow over that one? Yeah.
So essentially, this 'affront' to the delicate sensibilities of these overstuffed sausages known as the 'right' is a completely bogus story. It's all spin; there's no 'there'. None. NewsMax itself could tell you where Cheney lived -- they even cited the Wa"
Can't Win the War? Bomb the Press!
Frank Rich | Can't Win the War? Bomb the Press!: "Can't Win the War? Bomb the Press!
By Frank Rich
The New York Times
Sunday 02 July 2006
Old Glory lost today,' Bill Frist declaimed last week when his second attempt to rewrite the Constitution in a single month went the way of his happy prognosis for Terri Schiavo. Of course it isn't Old Glory that lost when the flag-burning amendment flamed out. The flag always survives the politicians who wrap themselves in it. What really provoked Mr. Frist's crocodile tears was the foiling of yet another ruse to distract Americans from the wreckage in Iraq. He and his party, eager to change the subject in an election year, just can't let go of their scapegoat strategy. It's illegal Hispanic immigrants, gay couples seeking marital rights, cut-and-run Democrats and rampaging flag burners who have betrayed America's values, not those who bungled a war.
No sooner were the flag burners hustled offstage than a new traitor was unveiled for the Fourth: the press. Public enemy No. 1 is The New York Times, which was accused of a 'disgraceful' compromise of national security (by President Bush) and treason (by Representative Peter King of New York and the Coulter amen chorus). The Times's offense was to publish a front-page article about a comprehensive American effort to track terrorists with the aid of a Belgian consortium, Swift, which serves as a clearinghouse for some 7,800 financial institutions in 200 countries.
It was a solid piece of journalism. But if you want to learn the truly dirty secrets of how our government prosecutes this war, the story of how it vilified The Times is more damning than anything in the article that caused the uproar. "
By Frank Rich
The New York Times
Sunday 02 July 2006
Old Glory lost today,' Bill Frist declaimed last week when his second attempt to rewrite the Constitution in a single month went the way of his happy prognosis for Terri Schiavo. Of course it isn't Old Glory that lost when the flag-burning amendment flamed out. The flag always survives the politicians who wrap themselves in it. What really provoked Mr. Frist's crocodile tears was the foiling of yet another ruse to distract Americans from the wreckage in Iraq. He and his party, eager to change the subject in an election year, just can't let go of their scapegoat strategy. It's illegal Hispanic immigrants, gay couples seeking marital rights, cut-and-run Democrats and rampaging flag burners who have betrayed America's values, not those who bungled a war.
No sooner were the flag burners hustled offstage than a new traitor was unveiled for the Fourth: the press. Public enemy No. 1 is The New York Times, which was accused of a 'disgraceful' compromise of national security (by President Bush) and treason (by Representative Peter King of New York and the Coulter amen chorus). The Times's offense was to publish a front-page article about a comprehensive American effort to track terrorists with the aid of a Belgian consortium, Swift, which serves as a clearinghouse for some 7,800 financial institutions in 200 countries.
It was a solid piece of journalism. But if you want to learn the truly dirty secrets of how our government prosecutes this war, the story of how it vilified The Times is more damning than anything in the article that caused the uproar. "
Lyrics to "Fortunate Son" by Creedence
This means as much today as it did back in 1969.
Protest Songs: "Fortunate Son
Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)
Album: Willy & The Poor Boys
Although they hailed from the San Francisco area, they rarely succumbed to the psychedelic indulgences of the era. John Fogerty was very good at voicing the concerns of the working class in songs like 'Fortunate Son,' which is an anti-government, anti-rich and anti-war song all rolled into one.
Lyrics:
Some folks are born made to wave the flag
Ooh, they're red, white and blue
And when the band plays 'Hail To The Chief'
Ooh, they point the cannon at you,
Lord It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no senator's son
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate one
Some folks are born silver spoon in hand
Lord, don't they help themselves, oh
But when the taxman come to the door
Lord, the house look a like a rummage sale, yes
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no millionaire's son
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate one
Yeah, some folks inherit star spangled eyes
Ooh, they send you down to war
And when you ask them, how much should we give
Ooh, they only answer, more, more, more, yeah
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no military son
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate one
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate one
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate son"
Protest Songs: "Fortunate Son
Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)
Album: Willy & The Poor Boys
Although they hailed from the San Francisco area, they rarely succumbed to the psychedelic indulgences of the era. John Fogerty was very good at voicing the concerns of the working class in songs like 'Fortunate Son,' which is an anti-government, anti-rich and anti-war song all rolled into one.
Lyrics:
Some folks are born made to wave the flag
Ooh, they're red, white and blue
And when the band plays 'Hail To The Chief'
Ooh, they point the cannon at you,
Lord It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no senator's son
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate one
Some folks are born silver spoon in hand
Lord, don't they help themselves, oh
But when the taxman come to the door
Lord, the house look a like a rummage sale, yes
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no millionaire's son
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate one
Yeah, some folks inherit star spangled eyes
Ooh, they send you down to war
And when you ask them, how much should we give
Ooh, they only answer, more, more, more, yeah
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no military son
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate one
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate one
It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no fortunate son"
TPMmuckraker
TPMmuckraker: "Top Ney Aides Jump Ship
By Paul Kiel - June 29, 2006, 4:24 PM
John Bresnahan over at Roll Call has the scoop.
Rep. Bob Ney's (R-OH) legislative director is already out the door, and his chief of staff and communications director are on the way out.
And that's not all. One of Ney's aides in Ohio was recently subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury, and 'Additional subpoenas of Ney's staffers are expected soon.'
Brian Walsh, Ney's battle-tested flack (thanks for the memories!), apparently hasn't had enough of the Abramoff scandal. He's leaving Ney to be the spokesman for Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who's come up repeatedly because of his role in shutting down the casino of the Tigua tribe in West Texas when he was Attorney General there. Ralph Reed, working for Abramoff, was very active in pushing along Cornyn's crusade, something Cornyn has claimed to know nothing about. Oh, but there are emails.
It looks like the Justice Department really has built up a head of steam."
And for more on Cornyn:
E-mails refute Cornyn's denial.
Ralph Reed claimed in a November 30th, 2001 e-mail to Abramoff that he choreographed John Cornyn's efforts as Texas attorney general to shut down the casino. Several other e-mails would seem to refute Cornyn's claims of obliviousness to Abramoff and Reed:
- Nov. 12, 2001: Reed to Abramoff: "I'm scheduled to talk to Cornyn today. He has also been called by Ed Young, pastor of second Baptist, a good friend who he is counting on big time in the Senate race."
- Nov. 12, 2001: Reed to Abramoff: "get me the details so i can alert cornyn and let him know what we are doing to help him."
- Nov. 13, 2001: Reed to Abramoff: "I strongly suggest we start doing patch-throughs to perry and cornyn. We're getting killed on the phone."
- And Jan. 7, 2002 (with victory apparently in sight), Reed to Abramoff: "I think we should budget for an ataboy for cornyn."
Cornyn received a $1,000 campaign contribution from Abramoff.
When Cornyn ran for Senate in 2002, Abramoff contributed $1,000, the maximum amount legally allowed.
By Paul Kiel - June 29, 2006, 4:24 PM
John Bresnahan over at Roll Call has the scoop.
Rep. Bob Ney's (R-OH) legislative director is already out the door, and his chief of staff and communications director are on the way out.
And that's not all. One of Ney's aides in Ohio was recently subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury, and 'Additional subpoenas of Ney's staffers are expected soon.'
Brian Walsh, Ney's battle-tested flack (thanks for the memories!), apparently hasn't had enough of the Abramoff scandal. He's leaving Ney to be the spokesman for Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who's come up repeatedly because of his role in shutting down the casino of the Tigua tribe in West Texas when he was Attorney General there. Ralph Reed, working for Abramoff, was very active in pushing along Cornyn's crusade, something Cornyn has claimed to know nothing about. Oh, but there are emails.
It looks like the Justice Department really has built up a head of steam."
And for more on Cornyn:
E-mails refute Cornyn's denial.
Ralph Reed claimed in a November 30th, 2001 e-mail to Abramoff that he choreographed John Cornyn's efforts as Texas attorney general to shut down the casino. Several other e-mails would seem to refute Cornyn's claims of obliviousness to Abramoff and Reed:
- Nov. 12, 2001: Reed to Abramoff: "I'm scheduled to talk to Cornyn today. He has also been called by Ed Young, pastor of second Baptist, a good friend who he is counting on big time in the Senate race."
- Nov. 12, 2001: Reed to Abramoff: "get me the details so i can alert cornyn and let him know what we are doing to help him."
- Nov. 13, 2001: Reed to Abramoff: "I strongly suggest we start doing patch-throughs to perry and cornyn. We're getting killed on the phone."
- And Jan. 7, 2002 (with victory apparently in sight), Reed to Abramoff: "I think we should budget for an ataboy for cornyn."
Cornyn received a $1,000 campaign contribution from Abramoff.
When Cornyn ran for Senate in 2002, Abramoff contributed $1,000, the maximum amount legally allowed.
Big brother and friends on Fox....
#38353: "FOX really doesn't do a lot to try and combat the widely held opinion that they're the most Republican-friendly news channel out there. In this clip, Big Brother & Friends co-hosts E.D. Hill and Steve Doocy practically fall over themselves to make Arizona Rep. J.D. Hayworth look good.
Hayworth was on the show to give the daily two minutes' hate. Today's enemy? The New York Times.
It's quite possible that a transcript from 1984 was actually streaming across their teleprompters during this segment. "
Hayworth was on the show to give the daily two minutes' hate. Today's enemy? The New York Times.
It's quite possible that a transcript from 1984 was actually streaming across their teleprompters during this segment. "
Friday, June 30, 2006
Bush plans to rig Mexican elections
Articles @ Greg Palast: "GEORGE Bush's operatives have plans to jigger with the upcoming elections. I'm not talking about the November 06 vote in the USA (though they have plans for that, too). I'm talking about the election this Sunday in Mexico for their Presidency.
It begins with an FBI document marked, “Counterterrorism” and “Foreign Intelligence Collection” and “Secret.” Date: “9/17/2001,” six days after the attack on the World Trade towers. It’s nice to know the feds got right on the ball, if a little late.
In 1988, the candidate for Obrador’s Party of the Democratic Revolution (PDR), who opinion polls showed as a certain winner, somehow came up short against the incumbent party of the ruling elite. Some of the electoral tricks were far from subtle. In the state of Guerrero, the PDR was leading on official tally sheets by 359,369. Oddly, the official final count was 309,202 for the ruling party, only 182,874 for the PDR. Challenging the vote would have been dangerous. Two top officials of Obrador’s party were assassinated during the campaign.
Crucial to the surprise victory of the ruling party was the introduction of computer voting machines and the centralization of voter databases."
Read on to see how Bush evidently has found a way to influence elections in Mexico and beyond. He must think he is more than dictator, he's more like a master-mind criminal in an old James Bond movie. You remember, the guys out to dominate the world.
It begins with an FBI document marked, “Counterterrorism” and “Foreign Intelligence Collection” and “Secret.” Date: “9/17/2001,” six days after the attack on the World Trade towers. It’s nice to know the feds got right on the ball, if a little late.
In 1988, the candidate for Obrador’s Party of the Democratic Revolution (PDR), who opinion polls showed as a certain winner, somehow came up short against the incumbent party of the ruling elite. Some of the electoral tricks were far from subtle. In the state of Guerrero, the PDR was leading on official tally sheets by 359,369. Oddly, the official final count was 309,202 for the ruling party, only 182,874 for the PDR. Challenging the vote would have been dangerous. Two top officials of Obrador’s party were assassinated during the campaign.
Crucial to the surprise victory of the ruling party was the introduction of computer voting machines and the centralization of voter databases."
Read on to see how Bush evidently has found a way to influence elections in Mexico and beyond. He must think he is more than dictator, he's more like a master-mind criminal in an old James Bond movie. You remember, the guys out to dominate the world.
Save the Internet � Blog Archive � Stopping the Big Giveaway - by John Kerry
Save the Internet � Blog Archive � Stopping the Big Giveaway - by John Kerry: "Everyone says they don't want the new world we're living in to be marked by the digital divide, the term is so cliched it's turned to mush but yesterday was a test of who is willing to ask corporate America to do anything to fix it, and the Commerce Committee failed miserably. Why are United States Senators afraid to say that companies should be expected to foster growth by building out their broadband networks to increase access?
Free and open access to the internet is something all Americans should enjoy, regardless of what financial means they're born into or where they live. It is profoundly disappointing that the Senate is going let a handful of companies hold internet access hostage by legalizing the cherry-picking of cable service providers and new entrants."
Free and open access to the internet is something all Americans should enjoy, regardless of what financial means they're born into or where they live. It is profoundly disappointing that the Senate is going let a handful of companies hold internet access hostage by legalizing the cherry-picking of cable service providers and new entrants."
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Remember when the laptop with the veterans data was stolen?
This is a copy of the letter that they send to you. I got one. I am pissed. Then today the Feds say they found the laptop and nobody accessed it. Hello, do I look totally stupid? I sincerely doubt they are telling the truth. After all, what happened, did the fed employee just lose the laptop on the way to the bathroom, or what?
Total B.S. period.
Oh there was a second page listing FAQ's, such as
How can I tell if my information was compromised?
what is the earliest date at which suspicious activity might have occurred due to this breach...and the answer is May 2006...gosh thanks for the timely notice guys
Where should I report suspicious or unusual activity? The letter says to contact the 3 major credit bureaus....duh. Like all the information they have is totally correct.
Ok, I am truly pissed off. The feds should have done more to help veterans out such as free credit watch, guaranteeing that veterans are fully covered for their breach of security, and more.
Here is a very scary fact: As noted in the news, data on 26.5 million veterans was stolen.Here is an interesting fact that I just learned. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2005, there were 24.5 million military veterans in the United States. So I guess that means the information on almost all US veterans was potentially compromised. Great job Brownie...er VA. Kiss my big, zoftig derriere Mr. Bush. I do not believe a friggin word you or your paid cronies have to say.
District Court Issues Schedule for Texas Re-map
The three-judge Federal District Court has issued an order and provided a schedule for determining a remedy in response to the recently released opinion of the U.S. Supreme Court on Texas redistricting.
The Schedule is below
July 14, 2006 - All parties (plaintiffs and defendants) required to file remedial proposals including briefs and proposed maps.
July 21, 2006 - responses to remedial proposals must be filed.
August 3, 2006 - 9:00 a.m. - Oral arguments on proposals before the three-judge panel in Austin, Texas
link
The Schedule is below
July 14, 2006 - All parties (plaintiffs and defendants) required to file remedial proposals including briefs and proposed maps.
July 21, 2006 - responses to remedial proposals must be filed.
August 3, 2006 - 9:00 a.m. - Oral arguments on proposals before the three-judge panel in Austin, Texas
link
Flooding in the east
Easton, PA My family lives west of here in Allentown where there is much less flooding, except in low lying areas. The last time I recall flooding like this was during Hurricane Agnes when I got married in Allentown. The Morning Call in ALLENTOWN, Pa. noted that heavy rains brought flooding to eastern and central Pennsylvania, forcing thousands to evacuate and damaging businesses and homes as officials braced for the possibility that major rivers would jump their banks. At least four people died.
Global warming?
Helen Thomas
Helen Thomas was on the Daily Show the other night and as usual, she was pithy, direct and oh so correct. Watch it here
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
We need Texas Voting Rights Act extension
Texas African American Leaders Call on Bush for Help on VRA Extension
State House Legislators Send Stinging Letter to Bush asking
him to reign in Texas Congressional Republicans
In a direct and often stinging letter from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, African American leaders in the Texas State House challenge President Bush to directly intervene with Texas Congressional Republicans currently blocking extension of the Voting Rights Act. The letter is signed by nine Legislators, including three officers: Rep. Senfronia Thompson, Chair; Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, 2nd Vice Chair; and Rep. Marc Veasey, Treasurer. Copies of the letter to Bush were sent to all Members of the Texas Congressional Delegation and to Congressional Black Caucus Chair Mel Watt.
Following are selected excerpts from the Legislative Black Caucus Letter
(Read the Whole Letter Here)
We were deeply disappointed to learn that Republican Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, led by the Republicans in the Texas Delegation, are attempting to block the extension of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). This hostile action against the VRA is deeply troubling…
We need your help in immediately demanding that members of your own party, in particular Republican Members from our shared home state of Texas, do the right thing and extend the VRA…
During the 78th Legislative Session we saw the rights of our constituents trampled by then Majority Leader Tom DeLay in his brutal pursuit of mid-decade redistricting. Your Administration abetted, rather than prevented, Mr. DeLay's overt attack on minority voters. ..
The Department of Justice (DOJ) had the opportunity to stop this attack on minority voting strength in Texas. Professional voting rights experts in the DOJ recommended that an official objection be filed. Instead your political appointees overruled the professionals and supported the onerous plan. You failed us then. We ask that you not fail us again...
You are the leader of your party and have direct influence over the most partisan and ideological Members in the U.S. House of Representatives...We humbly ask that you use your powers of persuasion and the influence of your high office to convince
Republican Members of Congress, particular those in Texas, to drop their opposition to the extension of the Voting Rights Act.
Support the VRA, call your representative today!
State House Legislators Send Stinging Letter to Bush asking
him to reign in Texas Congressional Republicans
In a direct and often stinging letter from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, African American leaders in the Texas State House challenge President Bush to directly intervene with Texas Congressional Republicans currently blocking extension of the Voting Rights Act. The letter is signed by nine Legislators, including three officers: Rep. Senfronia Thompson, Chair; Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, 2nd Vice Chair; and Rep. Marc Veasey, Treasurer. Copies of the letter to Bush were sent to all Members of the Texas Congressional Delegation and to Congressional Black Caucus Chair Mel Watt.
Following are selected excerpts from the Legislative Black Caucus Letter
(Read the Whole Letter Here)
We were deeply disappointed to learn that Republican Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, led by the Republicans in the Texas Delegation, are attempting to block the extension of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). This hostile action against the VRA is deeply troubling…
We need your help in immediately demanding that members of your own party, in particular Republican Members from our shared home state of Texas, do the right thing and extend the VRA…
During the 78th Legislative Session we saw the rights of our constituents trampled by then Majority Leader Tom DeLay in his brutal pursuit of mid-decade redistricting. Your Administration abetted, rather than prevented, Mr. DeLay's overt attack on minority voters. ..
The Department of Justice (DOJ) had the opportunity to stop this attack on minority voting strength in Texas. Professional voting rights experts in the DOJ recommended that an official objection be filed. Instead your political appointees overruled the professionals and supported the onerous plan. You failed us then. We ask that you not fail us again...
You are the leader of your party and have direct influence over the most partisan and ideological Members in the U.S. House of Representatives...We humbly ask that you use your powers of persuasion and the influence of your high office to convince
Republican Members of Congress, particular those in Texas, to drop their opposition to the extension of the Voting Rights Act.
Support the VRA, call your representative today!
Texas 23rd Congressional District
Rick Bolanos, who is running against Henry Bonilla in the 23rd Congressional district, had this to say about the SCOTUS decision today:
RICK BOLANOS STATEMENT ON SCOTUS DECISION TO REDRAW LINES OF 23RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
A tremendously large number of Texans were disenfranchised by the Republican redistricting of the Congressional map. Today’s Supreme Court decision will allow many of those Texans, and particularly a large number of Hispanics who were cut out of the 23rd Congressional District, to again exercise their inalienable right to vote as guaranteed by the constitution of the United States. Furthermore, those disenfranchised voters will have a strong voice in deciding who they want to represent them in Washington.
This is a tremendous victory for those Hispanic voters whose Voting Rights were trampled by the partisan agenda of Tom DeLay, Henry Bonilla, Governor Rick Perry, Republican legislative leaders and the political appointees of the Bush Administration Justice Department, all of whom argued in support of an egregious plan that violated Hispanic voting rights in a deliberate and blatant manner. It was morally reprehensible to violate the Voting Rights of those Hispanics in an obvious attempt to ensure Henry Bonilla’s re-election. The actions of those persons was a repugnant and shameful act that is indicative of the crisis of corruption that has left our great nation with leaders more interested in accumulating power and economic gain, rather than enacting responsible public policy that responds to the needs of our American populace.
In a recent interview Mr. Bonilla, whose voting record has been very anti-hispanic, and who has been feeling very "safe" in his gerrymandered district, was asked if he was forgetting that more than fifty per cent of his constituents were Hispanic. Mr. Bonilla responded by saying "it doesn't matter they don't vote." It is my personal belief that this statement is going to come back to haunt the incumbent.
A three judge panel will now decide how to proceed to re-enfranchise those voters by redrawing the lines of the gerrymandered 23rd congressional district. In spite of the furtive attempts by Mr. Bonilla and his cohorts to violate the constitutional rights of our nation, I will continue my campaign to give all the voters of the 23rd congressional district the type of ethical, fervent and passionate representation that they have so long been denied and that they so dearly deserve. I want to personally thank LULAC for their relentless pursuit of justice for those Hispanics who were oppressed by the misguided, avaricious actions of the present administration.
RICK BOLANOS STATEMENT ON SCOTUS DECISION TO REDRAW LINES OF 23RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
A tremendously large number of Texans were disenfranchised by the Republican redistricting of the Congressional map. Today’s Supreme Court decision will allow many of those Texans, and particularly a large number of Hispanics who were cut out of the 23rd Congressional District, to again exercise their inalienable right to vote as guaranteed by the constitution of the United States. Furthermore, those disenfranchised voters will have a strong voice in deciding who they want to represent them in Washington.
This is a tremendous victory for those Hispanic voters whose Voting Rights were trampled by the partisan agenda of Tom DeLay, Henry Bonilla, Governor Rick Perry, Republican legislative leaders and the political appointees of the Bush Administration Justice Department, all of whom argued in support of an egregious plan that violated Hispanic voting rights in a deliberate and blatant manner. It was morally reprehensible to violate the Voting Rights of those Hispanics in an obvious attempt to ensure Henry Bonilla’s re-election. The actions of those persons was a repugnant and shameful act that is indicative of the crisis of corruption that has left our great nation with leaders more interested in accumulating power and economic gain, rather than enacting responsible public policy that responds to the needs of our American populace.
In a recent interview Mr. Bonilla, whose voting record has been very anti-hispanic, and who has been feeling very "safe" in his gerrymandered district, was asked if he was forgetting that more than fifty per cent of his constituents were Hispanic. Mr. Bonilla responded by saying "it doesn't matter they don't vote." It is my personal belief that this statement is going to come back to haunt the incumbent.
A three judge panel will now decide how to proceed to re-enfranchise those voters by redrawing the lines of the gerrymandered 23rd congressional district. In spite of the furtive attempts by Mr. Bonilla and his cohorts to violate the constitutional rights of our nation, I will continue my campaign to give all the voters of the 23rd congressional district the type of ethical, fervent and passionate representation that they have so long been denied and that they so dearly deserve. I want to personally thank LULAC for their relentless pursuit of justice for those Hispanics who were oppressed by the misguided, avaricious actions of the present administration.
SCOTUS rules on Texas redistricting
SCOTUS on DeLay's Gerrymander: It's Okay To Screw Democrats, But Not Latinos
by Adam B posted on dailykos
A majority of the Court determined that nothing in the Constitution prevented Texas (and, thus, every other state) from disrupting the stability of decennial redistricting and redrawing the map whenever it felt like, and rejected plaintiffs' contention that a mid-decade redistricting was sufficiently suspect on its own to determine that a redistricting was unconstitutional. The Court further declined to determine whether there was a general test to apply in the future.
However, partisanship was not the sole issue. The Court determined that new District 23, designed to protect weak Republican incumbent Henry Bonilla by making his district more Anglo-friendly, violated the Voting Rights Act by unlawfully diluting the voting rights of Latinos who remain in the district. Basically (and this is a complicated area of law), Latinos in the old District 23 were large and compact enough to constitute a majority of a district, but weren't any longer. Said the Court:
These are the basics, so far as I can tell. Bonilla's district will have to be redrawn, and who knows how many other districts will be affected. (I'm also not sure when this will take place; presumably, not in time for November.) The Court's opinion is a mess, and this is going to take a good amount of sifting. Thank goodness I'm not the only lawyer here.
::
by Adam B posted on dailykos
A majority of the Court determined that nothing in the Constitution prevented Texas (and, thus, every other state) from disrupting the stability of decennial redistricting and redrawing the map whenever it felt like, and rejected plaintiffs' contention that a mid-decade redistricting was sufficiently suspect on its own to determine that a redistricting was unconstitutional. The Court further declined to determine whether there was a general test to apply in the future.
However, partisanship was not the sole issue. The Court determined that new District 23, designed to protect weak Republican incumbent Henry Bonilla by making his district more Anglo-friendly, violated the Voting Rights Act by unlawfully diluting the voting rights of Latinos who remain in the district. Basically (and this is a complicated area of law), Latinos in the old District 23 were large and compact enough to constitute a majority of a district, but weren't any longer. Said the Court:
District 23's Latino voters were poised to elect their candidate of choice. They were becoming more politically active, with a marked and continuous rise in Spanish-surnamed voter registration. . . . In successive elections Latinos were voting against Bonilla in greater numbers, and in 2002 they almost ousted him. Webb County in particular, with a 94% Latino population, spurred the incumbent's near defeat with dramatically increased turnout in 2002. [] In response to the growing participation that threatened Bonilla's incumbency, the State divided the cohesive Latino community in Webb County, moving about 100,000 Latinos to District 28, which was already a Latino opportunity district, and leaving the rest in a district where they now have little hope of electing their candidate of choice. . . .
Against this background, the Latinos' diminishing electoral support for Bonilla indicates their belief he was "unresponsive to the particularized needs of the members of the minority group." Ibid. (same). In essence the State took away the Latinos' opportunity because Latinos were about to exercise it. This bears the mark of intentional discrimination that could give rise to an equal protection violation. . . . The State not only made fruitless the Latinos' mobilization efforts but also acted against those Latinos who were becoming most politically active, dividing them with a district line through the middle of Laredo.
These are the basics, so far as I can tell. Bonilla's district will have to be redrawn, and who knows how many other districts will be affected. (I'm also not sure when this will take place; presumably, not in time for November.) The Court's opinion is a mess, and this is going to take a good amount of sifting. Thank goodness I'm not the only lawyer here.
::
When The FBI Raids The Times, from Tom Paine.com
by: Dennis Persica
June 28, 2006
[Dennis Persica is a staff writer and editor at The Times-Picayune newspaper in New Orleans. He has worked at the daily newspaper for the last 20 years.]
To paraphrase Alice’s walrus, the time has come to talk of scary things.
The New York Times has spurred the anger of the Bush administration by reporting on a program to monitor international banking transactions as part of the government’s counterterrorism program. Critics argue this is the equivalent of reporting on troop movements or disclosing the existence of secret weaponry. You don’t have to look too hard online to find posters of the World War II “loose lips sink ships” variety that pretty much blame the Times for the deaths of American soldiers.
The National Review urged the administration to revoke the Times’ White House credentials. U.S. Rep Peter King, R-N.Y., said the Times should be brought up on charges of treason.
The current climate leads me to ponder a what-if scenario. One that I hope is as far-fetched as I believe it to be. But imagine the possibility suggested by the recent rhetorical attacks and threats of prosecution.
What if the U.S. Attorney’s office in New York—bolstered by a cadre of federal marshals or FBI agents—entered the offices of The New York Times, looking to rummage through the paper’s files and computers either to find the source of the leaks for the banking story or to make sure the Times isn’t about to publish another story allegedly damaging to national security?
In raising this possibility, I am not suggesting the administration would do this to shut down all news media and establish an authoritarian regime. Let’s just assume the government has good intentions—guarding the nation’s security—when it orders the raid. But historians and polemicists of all political stripes know that since the dawn of humanity the road to catastrophe has often been paved with good intentions.
Far-fetched? Remember, we are talking about an administration that has angered even some members of its own party in Congress with its my-way-or-the-highway approach. Republicans screamed the loudest when the FBI raided the office of Democratic Rep. William Jefferson (who, coincidentally, is my congressman). Critics say this administration has seized the powers of the imperial presidency and expanded them farther than ever before. There are echoes of the Cold War here, when we were engaged in a similar debate: To defeat the totalitarians of the Eastern Bloc, do we have to become more like them or can we win without sacrificing our democratic soul?
Conservatives have long warned citizens to be careful about what powers we allow the central government to arrogate because we’ll likely never recover what we’ve given up. Yet conservatives—and some not-so-conservative people—are up in arms over the fact that The New York Times and other newspapers have revealed major federal spying programs.
Consider the implications of this hypothetical scenario: Agents search the files inside The New York Times building. Perhaps some of those files are carted out; maybe even computer drives are taken. Such a scenario would make the Pentagon Papers dispute look like a minor disagreement among gentlemen. In that case, the government tried to stop the Times and other newspapers from printing a particular story. A raid, on the other hand, would shut down the entire paper. If it wanted to get really tough, the government could treat the Times as an enemy collaborator, seal off its headquarters and move toward seizing its assets.
Meanwhile, the administration could count on a portion of the blogosphere—as well as talk radio and cable TV personalities—to cheer on the raid.
Sure, other journalists would be outraged. But what could they do besides write a few editorials and columns? Perhaps a small majority of the American public would think the government had overstepped its bounds as well. But what can they do outside of expressing their opinions? Remember, we are talking about the power of the federal government arrayed against that of the press and the people. While the latter may win in the end, their victory will be a long time coming—if it comes at all. And there’s reason to be skeptical about the likelihood of ultimate victory. After all, the federal government has an arsenal of weapons—both figuratively and literally. And to be honest, I’ve never quite bought into the notion that the pen is mightier than the sword. Or the M16.
Since the days of Spiro Agnew’s “effete corps,” the press has been portrayed—with some success—as a liberal elite with a political axe to grind. Many of us in the media view these barbs as an occupational hazard. We are accustomed to being criticized for doing our jobs, so we tend to ignore the criticism if it strikes us as baseless.
But in recent years, the criticism has taken on an ominous tone. There are the famous statements by Ann Coulter about how Timothy McVeigh or the 9/11 plotters should have targeted The New York Times building. There was the ad I saw recently linking to a conservative website for t-shirts that featured a noose and some comment about journalists that I’ve since forgotten. I haven’t forgotten the implication, however.
This is more than just an attack on perceived bias; this is demonization. Journalists have now been caricatured as a group of people who are siding with a fanatical, barbaric enemy. Once Americans believe that, it then becomes easy to support our arrest.
Those who would grant the Bush administration extraordinary powers today must ask themselves whether they would be comfortable with the same authority in the hands of a President Clinton (Bill or Hillary), a President Kerry or a President Gore. That is one test of whether the grant of a certain power is a good idea: Are you comfortable with the government having that power no matter who is at the helm?
Let’s hope this scenario of raids on news outlets is nothing more than conjecture; one that can exist only in some made-up Bizarro World—a dark, hellish Wonderland of a society lacking the freedoms its leaders proclaim to uphold—and nothing that could ever happen in this America, our America.
June 28, 2006
[Dennis Persica is a staff writer and editor at The Times-Picayune newspaper in New Orleans. He has worked at the daily newspaper for the last 20 years.]
To paraphrase Alice’s walrus, the time has come to talk of scary things.
The New York Times has spurred the anger of the Bush administration by reporting on a program to monitor international banking transactions as part of the government’s counterterrorism program. Critics argue this is the equivalent of reporting on troop movements or disclosing the existence of secret weaponry. You don’t have to look too hard online to find posters of the World War II “loose lips sink ships” variety that pretty much blame the Times for the deaths of American soldiers.
The National Review urged the administration to revoke the Times’ White House credentials. U.S. Rep Peter King, R-N.Y., said the Times should be brought up on charges of treason.
The current climate leads me to ponder a what-if scenario. One that I hope is as far-fetched as I believe it to be. But imagine the possibility suggested by the recent rhetorical attacks and threats of prosecution.
What if the U.S. Attorney’s office in New York—bolstered by a cadre of federal marshals or FBI agents—entered the offices of The New York Times, looking to rummage through the paper’s files and computers either to find the source of the leaks for the banking story or to make sure the Times isn’t about to publish another story allegedly damaging to national security?
In raising this possibility, I am not suggesting the administration would do this to shut down all news media and establish an authoritarian regime. Let’s just assume the government has good intentions—guarding the nation’s security—when it orders the raid. But historians and polemicists of all political stripes know that since the dawn of humanity the road to catastrophe has often been paved with good intentions.
Far-fetched? Remember, we are talking about an administration that has angered even some members of its own party in Congress with its my-way-or-the-highway approach. Republicans screamed the loudest when the FBI raided the office of Democratic Rep. William Jefferson (who, coincidentally, is my congressman). Critics say this administration has seized the powers of the imperial presidency and expanded them farther than ever before. There are echoes of the Cold War here, when we were engaged in a similar debate: To defeat the totalitarians of the Eastern Bloc, do we have to become more like them or can we win without sacrificing our democratic soul?
Conservatives have long warned citizens to be careful about what powers we allow the central government to arrogate because we’ll likely never recover what we’ve given up. Yet conservatives—and some not-so-conservative people—are up in arms over the fact that The New York Times and other newspapers have revealed major federal spying programs.
Consider the implications of this hypothetical scenario: Agents search the files inside The New York Times building. Perhaps some of those files are carted out; maybe even computer drives are taken. Such a scenario would make the Pentagon Papers dispute look like a minor disagreement among gentlemen. In that case, the government tried to stop the Times and other newspapers from printing a particular story. A raid, on the other hand, would shut down the entire paper. If it wanted to get really tough, the government could treat the Times as an enemy collaborator, seal off its headquarters and move toward seizing its assets.
Meanwhile, the administration could count on a portion of the blogosphere—as well as talk radio and cable TV personalities—to cheer on the raid.
Sure, other journalists would be outraged. But what could they do besides write a few editorials and columns? Perhaps a small majority of the American public would think the government had overstepped its bounds as well. But what can they do outside of expressing their opinions? Remember, we are talking about the power of the federal government arrayed against that of the press and the people. While the latter may win in the end, their victory will be a long time coming—if it comes at all. And there’s reason to be skeptical about the likelihood of ultimate victory. After all, the federal government has an arsenal of weapons—both figuratively and literally. And to be honest, I’ve never quite bought into the notion that the pen is mightier than the sword. Or the M16.
Since the days of Spiro Agnew’s “effete corps,” the press has been portrayed—with some success—as a liberal elite with a political axe to grind. Many of us in the media view these barbs as an occupational hazard. We are accustomed to being criticized for doing our jobs, so we tend to ignore the criticism if it strikes us as baseless.
But in recent years, the criticism has taken on an ominous tone. There are the famous statements by Ann Coulter about how Timothy McVeigh or the 9/11 plotters should have targeted The New York Times building. There was the ad I saw recently linking to a conservative website for t-shirts that featured a noose and some comment about journalists that I’ve since forgotten. I haven’t forgotten the implication, however.
This is more than just an attack on perceived bias; this is demonization. Journalists have now been caricatured as a group of people who are siding with a fanatical, barbaric enemy. Once Americans believe that, it then becomes easy to support our arrest.
Those who would grant the Bush administration extraordinary powers today must ask themselves whether they would be comfortable with the same authority in the hands of a President Clinton (Bill or Hillary), a President Kerry or a President Gore. That is one test of whether the grant of a certain power is a good idea: Are you comfortable with the government having that power no matter who is at the helm?
Let’s hope this scenario of raids on news outlets is nothing more than conjecture; one that can exist only in some made-up Bizarro World—a dark, hellish Wonderland of a society lacking the freedoms its leaders proclaim to uphold—and nothing that could ever happen in this America, our America.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Truthdig - Ear to the Ground - Supreme Court to Fact-Check Bush's Global Warming Distortions
Truthdig - Ear to the Ground - Supreme Court to Fact-Check Bush's Global Warming Distortions: "On the very day that Bush again peddled the blatant misrepresentation that �there�s a debate over whether [global warming] is man-made or naturally caused,� the Supreme Court injected some sanity into our discourse by announcing it will decide whether the federal government must regulate emissions of new cars to combat global warming.
Bush�s claims are only slightly more ludicrous in light of the fact that he made them while Washington, D.C., stands submerged in 18 inches of global-warming-propelled storm water. "
I have only one word to say...MORON!
Bush�s claims are only slightly more ludicrous in light of the fact that he made them while Washington, D.C., stands submerged in 18 inches of global-warming-propelled storm water. "
I have only one word to say...MORON!
Rush loooooves his drugs
Daily Kos: Rush loooooves his drugs: "Rush loooooves his drugs
by kos
Mon Jun 26, 2006 at 05:54:32 PM PDT
CBS 4 Miami:
Sources have confirmed to CBS4 News that conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh has been detained at Palm Beach International Airport for the possible possession of illegal prescription drugs Monday evening.
Limbaugh was returning on a flight from the Dominican Republic when officials found the drugs, among them Viagra.
Limbaugh entered a plea deal back in April in a previous case where his charge of fraud to conceal information to obtain prescriptions was dropped under the condition he continue undergoing treatment for addiction.
Limbaugh had admitted to being addicted to pain killers on his radio program and had entered a rehabilitation program prior to that arrest."
All I can say is....ewwwww, yucky! and Viagra...triple ewwwww, yucky, yuck, ewwwww! Disgusting.....horrible, nasty, and gross ! ! !
by kos
Mon Jun 26, 2006 at 05:54:32 PM PDT
CBS 4 Miami:
Sources have confirmed to CBS4 News that conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh has been detained at Palm Beach International Airport for the possible possession of illegal prescription drugs Monday evening.
Limbaugh was returning on a flight from the Dominican Republic when officials found the drugs, among them Viagra.
Limbaugh entered a plea deal back in April in a previous case where his charge of fraud to conceal information to obtain prescriptions was dropped under the condition he continue undergoing treatment for addiction.
Limbaugh had admitted to being addicted to pain killers on his radio program and had entered a rehabilitation program prior to that arrest."
All I can say is....ewwwww, yucky! and Viagra...triple ewwwww, yucky, yuck, ewwwww! Disgusting.....horrible, nasty, and gross ! ! !
Top 5 Myths About the Fourth of July!
Top 5 Myths About the Fourth of July!: "Top 5 Myths About the Fourth of July!
By HNN Staff
#1 Independence Was Declared on the Fourth of July.
America's independence was actually declared by the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776. The night of the second the Pennsylvania Evening Post published the statement: 'This day the Continental Congress declared the United Colonies Free and Independent States.'"
There's more and it's very informative. Thanks to the History News Network of George Mason University, Virginia. Read on!
By HNN Staff
#1 Independence Was Declared on the Fourth of July.
America's independence was actually declared by the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776. The night of the second the Pennsylvania Evening Post published the statement: 'This day the Continental Congress declared the United Colonies Free and Independent States.'"
There's more and it's very informative. Thanks to the History News Network of George Mason University, Virginia. Read on!
Whose Freedom...Lakoff's newest book
Whose Freedom?: "Whose Freedom? The Battle over America's Most Important Idea, by George Lakoff,a renowned linguist who explains how Republicans traded our definition of freedom for their own:
The traditional idea of freedom is progressive. One can see traditional values most clearly in the direction of change that has been demanded and applauded over two centuries. America has been a nation of activists, consistently expanding its most treasured freedoms:
-The expansion of citizen participation and voting rights from white male property owners to non-property owners, to former slaves, to women, to those excluded by prejudice, to younger voters
-The expansion of opportunity, good jobs, better working conditions, and benefits to more and more Americans, from men to women, from white to nonwhite, from native born to foreign born, from English speaking to non-English speaking
-The expansion of workers rights - freedom from inhumane working conditions through unionization: from slave labor to the eight-hour day, the five-day week, worker compensation, sick leave, overtime pay, paid vacations, pregnancy leave, and so on...
Progress has not always been linear, and the stages have been far from perfect, but the trends have been there until recently. The rise of radical conservatism in America threatens to stop and reverse these and other progressive trends together with the progressive ideal of freedom that has propelled them all."
Simply put, we need to rise up and work to restore the things that have made our country great. Taking back our country emcompasses many things: getting out to help your precinct chair, help a candidate running for office, and the nitty gritty block walking. Talk to your neighbors, co-workers, family, friends and even the person standing in line in front of you at the grocery store. Taking back our country means conversation, visiblity and effort. There are lot of people out there that are ignorant of history and can be gently reminded. Freedom is a progressive and liberal value. It's about the place our nation is headed. It should be for everyone, not just the rich and powerful. If we add our voices together, we are strong. Be one of those voices!
To learn more here are some resources:
UC Berkleley interview with Lakoff
The Framing of Immigration
Framing Versus Spin: Rockridge as opposed to Luntz
how to respond to conservatives
The traditional idea of freedom is progressive. One can see traditional values most clearly in the direction of change that has been demanded and applauded over two centuries. America has been a nation of activists, consistently expanding its most treasured freedoms:
-The expansion of citizen participation and voting rights from white male property owners to non-property owners, to former slaves, to women, to those excluded by prejudice, to younger voters
-The expansion of opportunity, good jobs, better working conditions, and benefits to more and more Americans, from men to women, from white to nonwhite, from native born to foreign born, from English speaking to non-English speaking
-The expansion of workers rights - freedom from inhumane working conditions through unionization: from slave labor to the eight-hour day, the five-day week, worker compensation, sick leave, overtime pay, paid vacations, pregnancy leave, and so on...
Progress has not always been linear, and the stages have been far from perfect, but the trends have been there until recently. The rise of radical conservatism in America threatens to stop and reverse these and other progressive trends together with the progressive ideal of freedom that has propelled them all."
Simply put, we need to rise up and work to restore the things that have made our country great. Taking back our country emcompasses many things: getting out to help your precinct chair, help a candidate running for office, and the nitty gritty block walking. Talk to your neighbors, co-workers, family, friends and even the person standing in line in front of you at the grocery store. Taking back our country means conversation, visiblity and effort. There are lot of people out there that are ignorant of history and can be gently reminded. Freedom is a progressive and liberal value. It's about the place our nation is headed. It should be for everyone, not just the rich and powerful. If we add our voices together, we are strong. Be one of those voices!
To learn more here are some resources:
UC Berkleley interview with Lakoff
The Framing of Immigration
Framing Versus Spin: Rockridge as opposed to Luntz
how to respond to conservatives
National Nurse
National Nurse I think this is a great idea. The only other thing we need to do is unionize nurses so they can better demand improved working conditions not only for themselves but for their co-workers. Perhaps the "National Nurse" should also represent the allied health professions as well. They need a voice in government as well. We aren't making too many Respiratory Therapists, Radiology Technicians or laboratory technicians, etc. Lord knows we will need all of these health care professionals to care for us baby boomers!
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Terrorists in Miami, Oh My!
Robert Parry Terrorists in Miami, Oh My!: " Terrorists in Miami, Oh My!
By Robert Parry
Consortium News
Saturday 24 June 2006
The Bush administration finally took action against alleged terrorists living in plain sight in Miami, but they weren't the right-wing Cuban terrorists implicated in actual acts of terror, such as blowing a civilian Cuban airliner out of the sky. They were seven young black men whose crime was more 'aspirational than operational,' the FBI said. "
If Americans can be charged with a crime of intent, then what's next? I don't like lack of healthcare, is that a crime of some sort of intent? Where does this B.S. end? Well, we know where it ends, when the eliminate the freedom of speech on the internet. After all, they have already eliminated it in the papers, the TV, and on the street near anything Bush-related. We must not speak out where we are seen or heard.
For instance, the Bush administration took no action in early April 2006, when a Spanish-language Miami television station interviewed Cuban terrorist Orlando Bosch, who offered a detailed justification for the 1976 mid-air bombing of a Cubana Airlines flight that killed 73 people, including the young members of the Cuban national fencing team.
Rev. Neimoller's poem, first they came for the socialists and I did not speak out.... then they came for me, rings more true every day.
For longtime observers of political terrorism in South Florida, the aggressive reaction to what may have been the Miami group's loose talk about violence, possibly spurred by an FBI informant posing as an al-Qaeda operative, stands in marked contrast to the US government's see-no-evil approach to notorious Cuban terrorists who have lived openly in Miami for decades.
But there's really nothing new about these two terrorists - and other violent right-wing extremists - getting protection from the Bush family.
For three decades, both Bosch and Posada have been under the Bush family's protective wing, starting with former President George H.W. Bush (who was CIA director when the airline bombing occurred in 1976) and extending to Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and President George W. Bush.
The evidence points to one obvious conclusion: the Bushes regard terrorism - defined as killing civilians to make a political point - as justified in cases when their interests match those of the terrorists. In other words, their moral outrage is selective, depending on the identity of the victims.
And...ladies and gentleman...they are working up the fear frenzy before the Nov. elections. Total B.S. What will they do next? Hmmmmm....more missle launch attempts from North Korea that will hit Chicago? Why don't they just tell us an asteroid is bearing down and will kill us unless we elect Republicans? It's about as plausible.
For instance, the Bush administration took no action in early April 2006, when a Spanish-language Miami television station interviewed Cuban terrorist Orlando Bosch, who offered a detailed justification for the 1976 mid-air bombing of a Cubana Airlines flight that killed 73 people, including the young members of the Cuban national fencing team.
By Robert Parry
Consortium News
Saturday 24 June 2006
The Bush administration finally took action against alleged terrorists living in plain sight in Miami, but they weren't the right-wing Cuban terrorists implicated in actual acts of terror, such as blowing a civilian Cuban airliner out of the sky. They were seven young black men whose crime was more 'aspirational than operational,' the FBI said. "
If Americans can be charged with a crime of intent, then what's next? I don't like lack of healthcare, is that a crime of some sort of intent? Where does this B.S. end? Well, we know where it ends, when the eliminate the freedom of speech on the internet. After all, they have already eliminated it in the papers, the TV, and on the street near anything Bush-related. We must not speak out where we are seen or heard.
For instance, the Bush administration took no action in early April 2006, when a Spanish-language Miami television station interviewed Cuban terrorist Orlando Bosch, who offered a detailed justification for the 1976 mid-air bombing of a Cubana Airlines flight that killed 73 people, including the young members of the Cuban national fencing team.
Rev. Neimoller's poem, first they came for the socialists and I did not speak out.... then they came for me, rings more true every day.
For longtime observers of political terrorism in South Florida, the aggressive reaction to what may have been the Miami group's loose talk about violence, possibly spurred by an FBI informant posing as an al-Qaeda operative, stands in marked contrast to the US government's see-no-evil approach to notorious Cuban terrorists who have lived openly in Miami for decades.
But there's really nothing new about these two terrorists - and other violent right-wing extremists - getting protection from the Bush family.
For three decades, both Bosch and Posada have been under the Bush family's protective wing, starting with former President George H.W. Bush (who was CIA director when the airline bombing occurred in 1976) and extending to Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and President George W. Bush.
The evidence points to one obvious conclusion: the Bushes regard terrorism - defined as killing civilians to make a political point - as justified in cases when their interests match those of the terrorists. In other words, their moral outrage is selective, depending on the identity of the victims.
And...ladies and gentleman...they are working up the fear frenzy before the Nov. elections. Total B.S. What will they do next? Hmmmmm....more missle launch attempts from North Korea that will hit Chicago? Why don't they just tell us an asteroid is bearing down and will kill us unless we elect Republicans? It's about as plausible.
For instance, the Bush administration took no action in early April 2006, when a Spanish-language Miami television station interviewed Cuban terrorist Orlando Bosch, who offered a detailed justification for the 1976 mid-air bombing of a Cubana Airlines flight that killed 73 people, including the young members of the Cuban national fencing team.
Thank You Lt. Ehren Watada - Home
Thank You Lt. Ehren Watada - Home Please learn more about Lt. Watada, and consider supporting him. His sincere belief that the war in Iraq is illegal and that participation in the war is also immoral is a valid statement of belief. I support him and his courage to stand up for what he believes in. After all, soldiers are told to disobey orders they feel are immoral or illegal and that is what he is doing.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Where's the oil?
A lot of folks can't understand how we came to have a oil shortage here in our country.
Well, there's a very simple answer.
Nobody bothered to check the oil.
We just didn't know we were getting low.
The reason for that is purely geographical.
Our OIL is located in
Alaska
California
Coastal Florida
Coastal Louisiana
Kansas
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
and
Texas
-------
Our
DIPSTICKS
are located in
Washington DC
Well, there's a very simple answer.
Nobody bothered to check the oil.
We just didn't know we were getting low.
The reason for that is purely geographical.
Our OIL is located in
Alaska
California
Coastal Florida
Coastal Louisiana
Kansas
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
and
Texas
-------
Our
DIPSTICKS
are located in
Washington DC
Jim Crow GOP
TomPaine.com - Jim Crow GOP: "What's a bigger problem with American elections: disenfranchisment of minority voters or new electronic voting machines stealing votes?
Most people on the political left will answer electronic machines. But on Wednesday, House Republicans showed America exactly why old-school election thuggery is a far more pressing problem. In fact, it was Jim Crow tactics, not computer hacking, which gave George W. Bush his Ohio victory in 2004. And such tactics are exactly what a handful of southern GOP congressmen defended on Wednesday when they derailed renewing the National Voting Rights Act, complaining it does not end federal oversight of elections in their states and requires multilingual ballots.
These Republicans want elections in their states to return to the good old days, when mostly white people voted�just substitute registered Republicans in 2006�and ballots were only in English�no Espa�ol, por favor. Their grassroots rebellion reveals a dirty secret about elections that liberals and Democrats still haven�t learned from the 2004 presidential race: The GOP wins elections by targeting likely Democrats, especially minorities and new voters, by creating barriers in voter registration and obstacles to voting itself and ballot counting."
And, 3.5 million voters were disenfranchised in the last presidential election by "caging" and those voters included US military personnel serving overseas! Stand up for voter's rights. Call your Congressman and let him/her know that they need to renew the National Voting Rights Act.
Most people on the political left will answer electronic machines. But on Wednesday, House Republicans showed America exactly why old-school election thuggery is a far more pressing problem. In fact, it was Jim Crow tactics, not computer hacking, which gave George W. Bush his Ohio victory in 2004. And such tactics are exactly what a handful of southern GOP congressmen defended on Wednesday when they derailed renewing the National Voting Rights Act, complaining it does not end federal oversight of elections in their states and requires multilingual ballots.
These Republicans want elections in their states to return to the good old days, when mostly white people voted�just substitute registered Republicans in 2006�and ballots were only in English�no Espa�ol, por favor. Their grassroots rebellion reveals a dirty secret about elections that liberals and Democrats still haven�t learned from the 2004 presidential race: The GOP wins elections by targeting likely Democrats, especially minorities and new voters, by creating barriers in voter registration and obstacles to voting itself and ballot counting."
And, 3.5 million voters were disenfranchised in the last presidential election by "caging" and those voters included US military personnel serving overseas! Stand up for voter's rights. Call your Congressman and let him/her know that they need to renew the National Voting Rights Act.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Look! I got my first hate mail!
Here it is:
Wasn't that interesting? I read this after I got home from work. I go to work too early in the morning to blog the latest news. Evidently this person thinks he(she?) is reading CNN? If he/she had ever read this blog they would know that I do not disdain the military. Those of us that support the military have done one or more of the following: served in the military (which I have), donated to the USO, Fisher House, Operation Helmet or donated their time by volunteering at a local military or VA Hospital.
As far as the death of the 2 soldiers who were beheaded....it's a tragedy, and I am certain that their deaths will be extremely difficult for their families to take, to understand and to cope with. I pray they have the strength to cope with their loss. However, 2.500 other military personnel have died, and scores more have been wounded. Where is the outrage over their deaths and injuries? Huh, Mr. or Ms. Repugnant? THere is none, because so many in the country like to pretend there is no war, they sacrifice nothing at all, and don't bother to even lend a hand to their military brothers and sisters families.
My friends and family have served admirably in this conflict, saving lives and helping our military personnel survive another day. The military deserve to be recognized for their sacrifices on a daily basis, not just when a soldier's death suits the administrations political purposes. These two poor boys are now just political fodder. They should be left to rest in peace. May God be with their families.
absolutely disgusting of you. Where are your comments about the Al Qaeda as they attacked, tortured, and beheaded 2 of our soldiers?
Libs are incredible - your disdain for the military and for the US in general is jaw-dropping...even in our greatest victories, you find a way to spit and moan.
Ah, to imagine a world w/o libs - aaahhhhhhh...utopia.
Wasn't that interesting? I read this after I got home from work. I go to work too early in the morning to blog the latest news. Evidently this person thinks he(she?) is reading CNN? If he/she had ever read this blog they would know that I do not disdain the military. Those of us that support the military have done one or more of the following: served in the military (which I have), donated to the USO, Fisher House, Operation Helmet or donated their time by volunteering at a local military or VA Hospital.
As far as the death of the 2 soldiers who were beheaded....it's a tragedy, and I am certain that their deaths will be extremely difficult for their families to take, to understand and to cope with. I pray they have the strength to cope with their loss. However, 2.500 other military personnel have died, and scores more have been wounded. Where is the outrage over their deaths and injuries? Huh, Mr. or Ms. Repugnant? THere is none, because so many in the country like to pretend there is no war, they sacrifice nothing at all, and don't bother to even lend a hand to their military brothers and sisters families.
My friends and family have served admirably in this conflict, saving lives and helping our military personnel survive another day. The military deserve to be recognized for their sacrifices on a daily basis, not just when a soldier's death suits the administrations political purposes. These two poor boys are now just political fodder. They should be left to rest in peace. May God be with their families.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Free grassroots training...consider attending
Nationally recognized expert comes to Austin and San Antonio
You won't want to miss out on this—June 24 and 25 we will be visited by nationally recognized expert on communications and activist training, Jon-Christopher Bua. Jon has worked with and trained many individuals and organizations, including Clinton/Gore, Kerry/Edwards, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Federation of Government Employees, American Civil Liberties Union, The Episcopal Church USA, and the United States Department of Energy. He'll be focusing on delivering your candidate's message effectively through hands-on voter contact practice. It promises to be fun!
This training will be provided to you at no cost. The sessions will be as follows, so mark your calendars! If you would like to attend (information provided will be useful for any volunteer), RSVP as soon as possible to Teri Sperry at tsperry@courageforcongress.org.
This is a great opportunity to learn and improve on speaking, messaging, and much more from an easy-to-understand perspective. We hope you’ll join us!
Austin--6/24 10am - 3pm (with a lunch break), location to be announced
San Antonio--6/25 12pm - 4pm, at the NE Service Center, 10303 Toolyard, off Wurzbach Pkwy, between Perrin Beitel and Thousand Oaks
You won't want to miss out on this—June 24 and 25 we will be visited by nationally recognized expert on communications and activist training, Jon-Christopher Bua. Jon has worked with and trained many individuals and organizations, including Clinton/Gore, Kerry/Edwards, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Federation of Government Employees, American Civil Liberties Union, The Episcopal Church USA, and the United States Department of Energy. He'll be focusing on delivering your candidate's message effectively through hands-on voter contact practice. It promises to be fun!
This training will be provided to you at no cost. The sessions will be as follows, so mark your calendars! If you would like to attend (information provided will be useful for any volunteer), RSVP as soon as possible to Teri Sperry at tsperry@courageforcongress.org.
This is a great opportunity to learn and improve on speaking, messaging, and much more from an easy-to-understand perspective. We hope you’ll join us!
Austin--6/24 10am - 3pm (with a lunch break), location to be announced
San Antonio--6/25 12pm - 4pm, at the NE Service Center, 10303 Toolyard, off Wurzbach Pkwy, between Perrin Beitel and Thousand Oaks
KCDAW Coffee chat news
An Inconvenient Truth is playing NOW at the Bijou at Crossroads. Click here for show times.
Note: the dates and times will also be posted on the Kendallian calendar for ready reference.
Parade July 4th in Comfort. Please join us! All are welcome. To march in the parade just wear a royal blue shirt and white pants. We will be meeting at the park and ride across from Chili's at 0930 hrs. The parade starts at 1030 hrs.
The regular meeting of the KCDAW will be on July 13th at 30260 Saratoga Lane at 1130 hrs. Directions: Ralph Fair road to Keneland to Saratoga Lane. John Courage will be the speaker.
Note: the dates and times will also be posted on the Kendallian calendar for ready reference.
Parade July 4th in Comfort. Please join us! All are welcome. To march in the parade just wear a royal blue shirt and white pants. We will be meeting at the park and ride across from Chili's at 0930 hrs. The parade starts at 1030 hrs.
The regular meeting of the KCDAW will be on July 13th at 30260 Saratoga Lane at 1130 hrs. Directions: Ralph Fair road to Keneland to Saratoga Lane. John Courage will be the speaker.
Guess who is coming for dinner?
Robert Loretta and his wife Roslyn had just sat down to dinner of a nice barbecued teryaki chicken when the knock came at the front door.
'Guess who's coming to dinner?' Mrs Loretta joked as she got up to answer the door.
The hammering grew louder, so luckily she looked out of the peep-hole, as she often does, before opening up - and saw a 6ft alligator scrambling up the wall as though it was trying to ring the bell. link
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Frontline: The battle between Vice President Cheney and CIA to control the 'dark side'
I think this might be worth watching. Who knows.
The Raw Story | Frontline: The battle between Vice President Cheney and CIA to control the 'dark side': "Tuesday's episode of the PBS public affairs series Frontline will probe the battle between Vice President Dick Cheney and the CIA to control the 'dark side,' according to a press release for the show."
The Raw Story | Frontline: The battle between Vice President Cheney and CIA to control the 'dark side': "Tuesday's episode of the PBS public affairs series Frontline will probe the battle between Vice President Dick Cheney and the CIA to control the 'dark side,' according to a press release for the show."
Obama has it going on!
Obama's Profile Has Democrats Taking Notice: "EAST ORANGE, N.J. -- Barack Obama was standing before a packed high school auditorium when he noticed a familiar face in the crowd -- none other than singer Dionne Warwick. He paused, flashed a mischievous smile, then let loose with a perfectly on-key performance of the opening line of her hit song 'Walk On By.'"
I want a video of this one!
Here is a video of an older one from the campaign for America's future in D.C. on June 24, 2006. One quote attributed to Obama: The time for our identity crisis as progressives is over!"
Can we believe? Inshallah, God willing.
I want a video of this one!
Here is a video of an older one from the campaign for America's future in D.C. on June 24, 2006. One quote attributed to Obama: The time for our identity crisis as progressives is over!"
Can we believe? Inshallah, God willing.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Gene Gerard: Religion Running Roughshod Over Cancer Science
Truthdig - Reports - Gene Gerard: Religion Running Roughshod Over Cancer Science: "The Food and Drug Administration advisory panel approved a vaccine for the human papilloma virus (HPV) last week. The vaccine appears to be 100% effective at protecting against the most prevalent viruses that cause cervical cancer. While public health professionals view the vaccine as miraculous, many conservative organizations oppose it on the grounds that it might encourage promiscuity among adolescent girls. Now that the FDA has approved the vaccine, conservatives are already working feverishly to limit or even prevent its use.
Funny, it's usually right wing type men that deride anything that has to do with the female reproductive system. Well guess what? Men get HPV too. Men get what is called genital warts. The National Institutes of Health (where I worked for many years in the National Cancer Institute) says this about HPV:
So, it's not just women that get this disease and men spread this disease as well as women. The right-wingers only want to tell half of the story, as usual. Best practice is safe sex, use a condom, and if you are a teen, consider waiting for that first sexual experience....and that includes oral and anal sex. Talk to your parents or an older sibling, an grandparent, Aunt, Uncle or other adult that you are comfortable that you feel you can ask about sex. We older folks won't be shocked, usually, and we will be glad to give you some direct information or help you find the information you need. For more information on sexually transmitted diseases go here
Funny, it's usually right wing type men that deride anything that has to do with the female reproductive system. Well guess what? Men get HPV too. Men get what is called genital warts. The National Institutes of Health (where I worked for many years in the National Cancer Institute) says this about HPV:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. More than 100 different types of HPV exist, most of which are harmless. About 30 types are spread through sexual contact. Some types of HPV cause genital warts—single or multiple bumps that appear in the genital areas of men and women including the vagina, cervix, vulva (area outside of the vagina), penis, and rectum. Many people infected with HPV have no symptoms.
There are high-risk and low-risk types of HPV. High-risk HPV may cause abnormal Pap smear results, and could lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis. Low-risk HPV also may cause abnormal Pap results or genital warts. Genital warts (sometimes called condylomata acuminata or venereal warts) are the most easily recognized sign of genital HPV infection. Many people, however, have a genital HPV infection without genital warts. The only way you can prevent getting an HPV infection is to avoid direct contact with the virus, which is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. If you or your sexual partner has warts that are visible in the genital area, you should avoid any sexual contact until the warts are treated.
Research studies have not confirmed that male latex condoms prevent transmission of HPV, but studies do suggest that using condoms may reduce your risk of developing diseases linked to HPV, such as genital warts and cervical cancer. Unfortunately, many people who don’t have symptoms don’t know that they can spread the virus to an uninfected partner.
So, it's not just women that get this disease and men spread this disease as well as women. The right-wingers only want to tell half of the story, as usual. Best practice is safe sex, use a condom, and if you are a teen, consider waiting for that first sexual experience....and that includes oral and anal sex. Talk to your parents or an older sibling, an grandparent, Aunt, Uncle or other adult that you are comfortable that you feel you can ask about sex. We older folks won't be shocked, usually, and we will be glad to give you some direct information or help you find the information you need. For more information on sexually transmitted diseases go here
Did you wonder why...
at the state Democratic Convention we did not have an opportunity to hear John Courage or Rick Bolanos address the convention? I know I wondered about it. I wish I had been able to read this email before the convention. However, it arrived the day I left for Ft. Worth, a day I did not check my email. All I can say is that I feel vindicated that all along I was a Maxey supporter and not a Richie supporter. Richie, IMHO, is just a blowhard and will not do anything of value to change our direction.
Here is some information from the Rick Bolanos campaign.
Rick Bolanos the democratic candidate for the 23rd congressional district in Texas speaking at a breakfast in San Elizario, Texas blasted Boyd Ritchie and the Texas Democratic party for their lack of vision and common sense. Bolanos stated that it was "incomprehensible" the Mr. Ritchie and the democratic party would refuse to let the "congressional" candidates address the convention during the common gatherings.
Bolanos stated that " state races are absolutely and without a doubt important races and every candidate running for a state position should be permitted to expound their platform to our patriot democrats who give of their time to defend the conceptual precepts upon which our nation is founded."
He went on to say that it was just as important for the congressional candidates to be offered that same opportunity. Bolanos went on to say that "We have some tremendous congressional candidates like John Courage, Ted Ankrum, John Morris, and David Harris jus to name a few. They are tremendous speakers that can instill the desire of our party to work hard to create the impetus for change.These candidates have an opportunity to change the course of human events in this nation and they absolutely need to be able to speak to our democrats so that they can enflame the passions of those great patriots and encourage them to work hard to get all democrats elected.
Bolanos stated that "Boyd Ritchie and the democratic party refuses to give us the time to address our democrats at a time when we are facing a crisis of corruption. It is extremely imperative that our democrats know that my opponent (Mr. Bonilla) has prostituted his vote and his record shows it. He votes his donors and not his constituents, and for my district it is essential that they hear these facts directly from the candidate that is attempting to unseat an incumbent who's only loyalty is to the almighty dollar. Unfortunately they won't be able to hear this because the actions of Boyd Ritchie and the party won't permit it."
Here is some information from the Rick Bolanos campaign.
Rick Bolanos the democratic candidate for the 23rd congressional district in Texas speaking at a breakfast in San Elizario, Texas blasted Boyd Ritchie and the Texas Democratic party for their lack of vision and common sense. Bolanos stated that it was "incomprehensible" the Mr. Ritchie and the democratic party would refuse to let the "congressional" candidates address the convention during the common gatherings.
Bolanos stated that " state races are absolutely and without a doubt important races and every candidate running for a state position should be permitted to expound their platform to our patriot democrats who give of their time to defend the conceptual precepts upon which our nation is founded."
He went on to say that it was just as important for the congressional candidates to be offered that same opportunity. Bolanos went on to say that "We have some tremendous congressional candidates like John Courage, Ted Ankrum, John Morris, and David Harris jus to name a few. They are tremendous speakers that can instill the desire of our party to work hard to create the impetus for change.These candidates have an opportunity to change the course of human events in this nation and they absolutely need to be able to speak to our democrats so that they can enflame the passions of those great patriots and encourage them to work hard to get all democrats elected.
Bolanos stated that "Boyd Ritchie and the democratic party refuses to give us the time to address our democrats at a time when we are facing a crisis of corruption. It is extremely imperative that our democrats know that my opponent (Mr. Bonilla) has prostituted his vote and his record shows it. He votes his donors and not his constituents, and for my district it is essential that they hear these facts directly from the candidate that is attempting to unseat an incumbent who's only loyalty is to the almighty dollar. Unfortunately they won't be able to hear this because the actions of Boyd Ritchie and the party won't permit it."
House Accepts $3,300 Raise
House Accepts $3,300 Raise: "Despite record low approval ratings, House lawmakers Tuesday embraced a $3,300 pay raise that will increase their salaries to $168,500.
The 2 percent cost-of-living raise would be the seventh straight for members of the House and Senate.
Lawmakers easily squelched a bid by Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, to get a direct vote to block the COLA, which is automatically awarded unless lawmakers vote to block it."
My only comment...what pigs!
The 2 percent cost-of-living raise would be the seventh straight for members of the House and Senate.
Lawmakers easily squelched a bid by Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, to get a direct vote to block the COLA, which is automatically awarded unless lawmakers vote to block it."
My only comment...what pigs!
Sarah Olson | Is the US Army Trying to Silence Lt. Watada?
Sarah Olson | Is the US Army Trying to Silence Lt. Watada?: " US Army First Lieutenant Ehren Watada says, 'I've come to believe this is an illegal and an immoral war, and the order to have us deploy to Iraq is unlawful. I won't follow this order and I won't participate in something I believe is wrong.'
On Wednesday, June 7th, Lieutenant Watada became the first commissioned officer to publicly announce his refusal to deploy to Iraq. He said, 'The war in Iraq violates our democratic system of checks and balances. The wholesale slaughter and mistreatment of the Iraqi people with only limited accountability is not only a terrible moral injustice, but a contradiction to the Army's own Law of Land Warfare.'
The very next day, Watada's commanding officers read him his rights. They opened an investigation into Lieutenant Watada's alleged violations of Articles 133 and 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ): conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, and making 'contemptuous' statements against the president, respectively. "
Let us all applaud the courage of this military officer. As the daughter of a military officer (an a Veteran myself) who resigned in protest to the Vietnam War in 1967, with mistletoe on his coat-tail, and who braved WWII without a weapon larger than his communion chalice, I give LT Watada a salute.
On Wednesday, June 7th, Lieutenant Watada became the first commissioned officer to publicly announce his refusal to deploy to Iraq. He said, 'The war in Iraq violates our democratic system of checks and balances. The wholesale slaughter and mistreatment of the Iraqi people with only limited accountability is not only a terrible moral injustice, but a contradiction to the Army's own Law of Land Warfare.'
The very next day, Watada's commanding officers read him his rights. They opened an investigation into Lieutenant Watada's alleged violations of Articles 133 and 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ): conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, and making 'contemptuous' statements against the president, respectively. "
Let us all applaud the courage of this military officer. As the daughter of a military officer (an a Veteran myself) who resigned in protest to the Vietnam War in 1967, with mistletoe on his coat-tail, and who braved WWII without a weapon larger than his communion chalice, I give LT Watada a salute.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Bonilla votes against internet freedom
Your representative, Henry Bonilla, dealt a blow to Internet freedom on Thursday.1
As millions of us raised our voices to defend the free and open Internet2, Internet operators like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast spent millions lobbying the House of Representatives to kill Net Neutrality. A majority of the House members caved—voting for a telecommunications law that would give these companies more control over what you see and do online.
All eyes are now on the Senate, which considers this issue next. We face a more friendly environment there, but we've got to act fast—the telecom lobbyists are working on every vote.
Can you call Rep. Bonilla to express your outrage, and then call Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn to demand support for Net Neutrality?
Here are the numbers:
Congressman Henry Bonilla
Phone: 202-225-4511
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
Phone: 202-224-5922
Senator John Cornyn
Phone: 202-224-2934
Please click here to let us know you called and to share how it went:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=1866&id=8021-3757815-PqRGI_X7kFk_UIUZWJcDwA&t=1
Tell your Senators to protect Net Neutrality by supporting the bipartisan Snowe-Dorgan Internet Freedom Preservation Act (S. 2917).
As millions of us raised our voices to defend the free and open Internet2, Internet operators like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast spent millions lobbying the House of Representatives to kill Net Neutrality. A majority of the House members caved—voting for a telecommunications law that would give these companies more control over what you see and do online.
All eyes are now on the Senate, which considers this issue next. We face a more friendly environment there, but we've got to act fast—the telecom lobbyists are working on every vote.
Can you call Rep. Bonilla to express your outrage, and then call Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn to demand support for Net Neutrality?
Here are the numbers:
Congressman Henry Bonilla
Phone: 202-225-4511
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
Phone: 202-224-5922
Senator John Cornyn
Phone: 202-224-2934
Please click here to let us know you called and to share how it went:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=1866&id=8021-3757815-PqRGI_X7kFk_UIUZWJcDwA&t=1
Tell your Senators to protect Net Neutrality by supporting the bipartisan Snowe-Dorgan Internet Freedom Preservation Act (S. 2917).
Bonilla votes against internet freedom
Your representative, Henry Bonilla, dealt a blow to Internet freedom on Thursday.1
As millions of us raised our voices to defend the free and open Internet2, Internet operators like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast spent millions lobbying the House of Representatives to kill Net Neutrality. A majority of the House members caved—voting for a telecommunications law that would give these companies more control over what you see and do online.
All eyes are now on the Senate, which considers this issue next. We face a more friendly environment there, but we've got to act fast—the telecom lobbyists are working on every vote.
Can you call Rep. Bonilla to express your outrage, and then call Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn to demand support for Net Neutrality?
Here are the numbers:
Congressman Henry Bonilla
Phone: 202-225-4511
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
Phone: 202-224-5922
Senator John Cornyn
Phone: 202-224-2934
Please click here to let us know you called and to share how it went:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=1866&id=8021-3757815-PqRGI_X7kFk_UIUZWJcDwA&t=1
Tell your Senators to protect Net Neutrality by supporting the bipartisan Snowe-Dorgan Internet Freedom Preservation Act (S. 2917).
As millions of us raised our voices to defend the free and open Internet2, Internet operators like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast spent millions lobbying the House of Representatives to kill Net Neutrality. A majority of the House members caved—voting for a telecommunications law that would give these companies more control over what you see and do online.
All eyes are now on the Senate, which considers this issue next. We face a more friendly environment there, but we've got to act fast—the telecom lobbyists are working on every vote.
Can you call Rep. Bonilla to express your outrage, and then call Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn to demand support for Net Neutrality?
Here are the numbers:
Congressman Henry Bonilla
Phone: 202-225-4511
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
Phone: 202-224-5922
Senator John Cornyn
Phone: 202-224-2934
Please click here to let us know you called and to share how it went:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=1866&id=8021-3757815-PqRGI_X7kFk_UIUZWJcDwA&t=1
Tell your Senators to protect Net Neutrality by supporting the bipartisan Snowe-Dorgan Internet Freedom Preservation Act (S. 2917).
Monday, June 12, 2006
Zarqawi's death
Per CNN: The first bomb fell on the safe house at 6:12 p.m. local time on June 7 and coalition personnel were on the scene at about 6:40 p.m., he said.
A medic arriving at the site treated al-Zarqawi as he lapsed in and out of consciousness, his breathing labored and shallow, his airway expelling blood, Caldwell said.
His pulse was "barely palpable and quickly deteriorated," he said. By 7:04 p.m., al-Zarqawi was dead, Caldwell said.
Now I have ethics questions. Is it reasonable for a medical person to avoid rendering aid or comfort to a dying person? They watched him suffer for 52 mins? It appears that way. So how ethical is that?
According to the Geneva convention (which of course, we no longer believe in)...
Art. 3. In the case of armed conflict not of an international character occurring in the territory of one of the High Contracting Parties, each Party to the conflict shall be bound to apply, as a minimum, the following
provisions:
2) The wounded and sick shall be collected and cared for.
Ok by saying these things I will be seen as being "too liberal." I am not sorry for saying it. As a nurse, I believe wholeheartedly, that my mission is to care for everyone on the planet as I can. My Episcopal priest father survived WWII as a pacifist, and he was right, IMHO, that we owe an obligation to our fellow man, as Jesus said. So, I am NOT SORRY that I think that the way in which this incident was handled was UNETHICAL. Period, the end. After all, there was secondary gain to be hand, and that fact or facts will only come out in the future.
A medic arriving at the site treated al-Zarqawi as he lapsed in and out of consciousness, his breathing labored and shallow, his airway expelling blood, Caldwell said.
His pulse was "barely palpable and quickly deteriorated," he said. By 7:04 p.m., al-Zarqawi was dead, Caldwell said.
Now I have ethics questions. Is it reasonable for a medical person to avoid rendering aid or comfort to a dying person? They watched him suffer for 52 mins? It appears that way. So how ethical is that?
According to the Geneva convention (which of course, we no longer believe in)...
Art. 3. In the case of armed conflict not of an international character occurring in the territory of one of the High Contracting Parties, each Party to the conflict shall be bound to apply, as a minimum, the following
provisions:
2) The wounded and sick shall be collected and cared for.
Ok by saying these things I will be seen as being "too liberal." I am not sorry for saying it. As a nurse, I believe wholeheartedly, that my mission is to care for everyone on the planet as I can. My Episcopal priest father survived WWII as a pacifist, and he was right, IMHO, that we owe an obligation to our fellow man, as Jesus said. So, I am NOT SORRY that I think that the way in which this incident was handled was UNETHICAL. Period, the end. After all, there was secondary gain to be hand, and that fact or facts will only come out in the future.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Want fresh local produce?
It is a short drive to Kendalia Farms! Their web site will keep you updated as far as what produce is available. After talking with Richard and his brother today, I was told that they were good democrats. So consider driving out for some fresh tomatoes, onions, shelled peas and watermelon.
Progressivegrannie's convention travelogue part two
On the way home, we took the scenic route, avoiding interstate 10 and taking Rt. 281 instead.
Here are some of the sights:
An old haunt from our TCU college days.
Dinosaur tracks in Glen Rose. They are of a small relative of T. Rex that roamed even here in south Texas. Similar foot prints can be seen at the Cibolo Wilderness trail in Boerne, Tx. There were also larger lizard prints in Glen Rose. It is a great place to visit, but wear proper footwear (I did not so hiking was difficult in my slippery shoes). And you can also take a dip in the creek:
Almost home
And don't forget to stop in Kendalia for fresh produce at Kendalia Farms Produce, Richard Rathburn Proprietor. Surprisingly, all in the family are democrats! Buy Blue Ya'll.
Here are some of the sights:
An old haunt from our TCU college days.
Dinosaur tracks in Glen Rose. They are of a small relative of T. Rex that roamed even here in south Texas. Similar foot prints can be seen at the Cibolo Wilderness trail in Boerne, Tx. There were also larger lizard prints in Glen Rose. It is a great place to visit, but wear proper footwear (I did not so hiking was difficult in my slippery shoes). And you can also take a dip in the creek:
Almost home
And don't forget to stop in Kendalia for fresh produce at Kendalia Farms Produce, Richard Rathburn Proprietor. Surprisingly, all in the family are democrats! Buy Blue Ya'll.
Progressivegrannie's convention travelogue part one
our room at Etta's Place
The living room at Etta's Place
Spiral staircase at Etta's Place from the living room. All we could think of was the old computer game "Maniac Mansion" where one of the rooms was the library, and there was a spiral staircase that we swore must go somewhere, but there was always a sign on it that said "out of order." This looked like the real version of that staircase!
Where Tom DeLay belongs!
Argentine lizard named Ginobili!
For more on the convention
Check out the live blogging from our group blog. My friends did a great job, I commend them. It's worth the read.
More from the convention from Vtexan
I want to attribute this entry to another friend from The Kendallian Voice. (I am thinking I need a laptop, as their live blogging (his and madmomma's) was so great).
General Clark just left the stage after a rousing speech which left us here in the auditorium with sore hands from clapping, and sore leg muscles from standing up and sitting down with ovation after ovation.
He was critical of the Bush administration on a very deep level. His distrust--his anger--at how they've misled this country was clear, and was felt by everyone here.
His charge to Texas Democrats was that we've got to take back control of this country, and the time is now. In his speech the recurring theme was Enough is Enough! and the crowd chanted right along with him. It sure made a lot of us wonder if the 2004 election might have gone differently if he had been our nominee.
posted by VTexan
General Clark just left the stage after a rousing speech which left us here in the auditorium with sore hands from clapping, and sore leg muscles from standing up and sitting down with ovation after ovation.
He was critical of the Bush administration on a very deep level. His distrust--his anger--at how they've misled this country was clear, and was felt by everyone here.
His charge to Texas Democrats was that we've got to take back control of this country, and the time is now. In his speech the recurring theme was Enough is Enough! and the crowd chanted right along with him. It sure made a lot of us wonder if the 2004 election might have gone differently if he had been our nominee.
posted by VTexan
Texas Democratic Convention June 8-10
Ok, I can't live blog like my friends at The Kendallian Voice so I am going to try to catch up. For progressivegrandpa and I it was a trip down memory lane (more later). Here is madmomma's first entry from Ft. Worth:
Thursday, June 08, 2006
The Dems have hit Fort Worth!
Six of us Dems spent our first evening at Joe T. Garcia's, a famous Mexican restaurant. We had margaritas and tons of food. I'd like to say we had a strategy session, but I'd only be lying! We DID discuss Greg Palast's new book, as well as the Patriot Act, so we definitely took care of a smidge of business. We'll head to the convention center tomorrow morning to sign in and start participating in the Democratic process. What fun!
Thursday, June 08, 2006
The Dems have hit Fort Worth!
Six of us Dems spent our first evening at Joe T. Garcia's, a famous Mexican restaurant. We had margaritas and tons of food. I'd like to say we had a strategy session, but I'd only be lying! We DID discuss Greg Palast's new book, as well as the Patriot Act, so we definitely took care of a smidge of business. We'll head to the convention center tomorrow morning to sign in and start participating in the Democratic process. What fun!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
That ugly Ann Coulter...
Greg Palast says it well:
“Godless” is Gutless
Greg Palast
June 7th, 2006
Anne Coulter says we’re “Godless” — we “liberals.” And by “liberals,” she means anyone who wants to keep the government out of our underpants, out of Iraq, and out of the business of helping Big Business shoplift America.
It’s time someone took on the blonde bully.
Anne, I realize yesterday was special day for you, releasing your book on June 6 — 06-06-06.
Going through it, I must, admit, is heavy going: ‘Godless’ is a 300-page brick of solid meanness and pin-head hatreds packaged like a fashion magazine: Big Brother wears Prada.
You accuse those who don’t sign on to your list of prejudices as the Lord’s enemies. That’s not original, Anne: the Taliban thought of it before you and they too were partial to dressing in black.
You want to talk about Godless? OK, let’s go:
Would the Lord lie us into a war?
Would the Lord let thousands drown in New Orleans while chilling at a golf resort?
Would the Lord have removed tens of thousands of Black soldiers from the voter rolls as the Republican Party did in 2004?
You talk about being “Christian” — but with all your zeal to fire up electric chairs and Abrams tanks, you sound more like a Roman.
I suggest this, Anne: let’s debate. Set the time, set the place, and I’ll be there. Nose to nose, my facts versus your fanaticism.
But I know you don’t have the guts to do anything but lob idiocies from your electronic Fox-hole.
Your new book is called, “Godless.” Your autobiography should be called, “Gutless.”
“Godless” is Gutless
Greg Palast
June 7th, 2006
Anne Coulter says we’re “Godless” — we “liberals.” And by “liberals,” she means anyone who wants to keep the government out of our underpants, out of Iraq, and out of the business of helping Big Business shoplift America.
It’s time someone took on the blonde bully.
Anne, I realize yesterday was special day for you, releasing your book on June 6 — 06-06-06.
Going through it, I must, admit, is heavy going: ‘Godless’ is a 300-page brick of solid meanness and pin-head hatreds packaged like a fashion magazine: Big Brother wears Prada.
You accuse those who don’t sign on to your list of prejudices as the Lord’s enemies. That’s not original, Anne: the Taliban thought of it before you and they too were partial to dressing in black.
You want to talk about Godless? OK, let’s go:
Would the Lord lie us into a war?
Would the Lord let thousands drown in New Orleans while chilling at a golf resort?
Would the Lord have removed tens of thousands of Black soldiers from the voter rolls as the Republican Party did in 2004?
You talk about being “Christian” — but with all your zeal to fire up electric chairs and Abrams tanks, you sound more like a Roman.
I suggest this, Anne: let’s debate. Set the time, set the place, and I’ll be there. Nose to nose, my facts versus your fanaticism.
But I know you don’t have the guts to do anything but lob idiocies from your electronic Fox-hole.
Your new book is called, “Godless.” Your autobiography should be called, “Gutless.”
6/6/06 Ann cultures evil book is released, and shows her evil side
Crooks and Liars: "Kathy: I'd like to go after Ann Coulter, I saw that nut-bag on the show earlier. What's she doing wearing a cocktail dress at seven in the morning. She got home from the party last night. Doesn't she just make stuff up Al? Who fact checks? You can't just let Ann Coulter..."
Kathy is sooo right! Matt questioned Ann Coulter to the point that Ann said..."don't get testy with me!" However, who couldn't get testy with that bitch? I was astounded at the names she called the widows of 9/11, and as for calling liberals atheists...I am sure that the inside of my church sees me more often in prayer than Ann Coulter's does. You see, IMHO, Ann is one of the hypocrites that goes to services and bad mouths every one there...you know the type, they are present in EVERY church. Trust me. Just look around and pay attention to the lip service, gossip and back stabbing the next time you darken the door of a church. It's easy to spot, all the Ann Coulter bitch types. And she thinks liberals are Godless...think again Ann..you are evil, nasty and cold. Isn't that what the attributes of a succubus are?
Meow! Grannie here is feeling pretty ugly about this woman.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Statement Of Sen. Patrick Leahy on S. J. Res. 1, The Marriage Protection Amendment
Statement Of Sen. Patrick Leahy on S. J. Res. 1, The Marriage Protection Amendment: "It should come as no surprise to any observer of partisan politics that the Republican Leader has decided that today our Nation's most pressing priority is concern over committed relationships between same sex couples. That we are devoting the precious few Floor days we have left in this session to this issue, when so many of us are trying to focus on solutions to high gas prices, the rising costs of healthcare, the ongoing situation in Iraq, and strengthening our national security, is a testament to the misplaced priorities of the Senate Republican leadership. News reports have clearly revealed how this proposed constitutional amendment is being used to satisfy the most extreme right-wing supporters of Republican politicians. I do not believe that Americans are well served by this strategy."
Yeppers Sen. Leahy you have got it right. These desperate right wingers will do anything to get out what they perceive as their base. However, and I am hoping here, most Americans are waking up to the fact that they have been led down the garden path by politicians who do not have their best interests at heart. They are beginning, albeit slowly, to realize that they have been had. What gay partnership, marriage, whatever impacts my 33 year old marriage? Or to quote my 11 year old grandson...."they [gay people] are only listening to their bodies, like we listen to ours." And grandma here, thinks the kid is pretty astute. Of course, he had a gay great-uncle, much beloved by the family, as is his partner, and my grandson realizes that we are all made in the creator's image. Hugs to my daughter, who is doing an excellent job parenting.
Yeppers Sen. Leahy you have got it right. These desperate right wingers will do anything to get out what they perceive as their base. However, and I am hoping here, most Americans are waking up to the fact that they have been led down the garden path by politicians who do not have their best interests at heart. They are beginning, albeit slowly, to realize that they have been had. What gay partnership, marriage, whatever impacts my 33 year old marriage? Or to quote my 11 year old grandson...."they [gay people] are only listening to their bodies, like we listen to ours." And grandma here, thinks the kid is pretty astute. Of course, he had a gay great-uncle, much beloved by the family, as is his partner, and my grandson realizes that we are all made in the creator's image. Hugs to my daughter, who is doing an excellent job parenting.
icWales - Mounties 'sold chemicals to terror suspects'
icWales - Mounties 'sold chemicals to terror suspects': "Mounties 'sold chemicals to terror suspects'Jun 5 2006
THE Mounties delivered three tons of potential bomb-making material to a group said to have been planning a string of al Qaida-inspired attacks, in an undercover operation, according to a report.
The Toronto Star said Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigators delivered the ammonium nitrate to a group of Muslim Canadians, then moved in quickly on what officials call a suspected home-grown terror ring.
The newspaper said investigators learned of the group's alleged plan to bomb targets around Ontario, then controlled the sale and transport of the fertiliser. "
So, to quote a Canadian friend, "at least we get them BEFORE they blow anything up." The saying goes that the Mounties always get their man, and obviously they do. Perhaps we can send our guys up there to learn a thing or two.
THE Mounties delivered three tons of potential bomb-making material to a group said to have been planning a string of al Qaida-inspired attacks, in an undercover operation, according to a report.
The Toronto Star said Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigators delivered the ammonium nitrate to a group of Muslim Canadians, then moved in quickly on what officials call a suspected home-grown terror ring.
The newspaper said investigators learned of the group's alleged plan to bomb targets around Ontario, then controlled the sale and transport of the fertiliser. "
So, to quote a Canadian friend, "at least we get them BEFORE they blow anything up." The saying goes that the Mounties always get their man, and obviously they do. Perhaps we can send our guys up there to learn a thing or two.
Monday, June 05, 2006
American Bar Association to Review Bush's Ignoring of 750 Laws
American Bar Association to Review Bush's Ignoring of 750 Laws: "The board of governors of the American Bar Association voted unanimously yesterday to investigate whether President Bush has exceeded his constitutional authority in reserving the right to ignore more than 750 laws that have been enacted since he took office."
Bush has appended statements to new laws when he signs them, noting which provisions he believes interfere with his powers.
Among the laws Bush has challenged are the ban on torturing detainees, oversight provisions in the USA Patriot Act, and "whistle-blower" protections for federal employees.
The challenges also have included safeguards against political interference in taxpayer-funded research. Bush has challenged more laws than all previous presidents combined.
I hope they nail him to the wall, as if that would really happen. My cynical side believes this will come to nothing. But...hope springs eternal.
Bush has appended statements to new laws when he signs them, noting which provisions he believes interfere with his powers.
Among the laws Bush has challenged are the ban on torturing detainees, oversight provisions in the USA Patriot Act, and "whistle-blower" protections for federal employees.
The challenges also have included safeguards against political interference in taxpayer-funded research. Bush has challenged more laws than all previous presidents combined.
I hope they nail him to the wall, as if that would really happen. My cynical side believes this will come to nothing. But...hope springs eternal.
An Interview with Glen Maxey
This is worth reading, and remember, vote for Glen Maxey at the convention in Ft. Worth. We need someone who will actually DO something. Glen has proven he can do that.
Burnt Orange Report: :: 40/40: An Interview with Glen Maxey: "What kind of new technologies do you believe the TDP should be utilizing?
I'd be willing to sit down and try and get the TDP to at least what they were doing, technology wise, in the 1980's. If we could just get there, it'd be a revolution. The fact that there is not an accessible web page for every county in this party - something we could build for nothing - is inexcusable. I had a hosting company, somebody I know, call me and tell me that if I become state party chair, they'd give free hosting to every Democrat in the state and the TDP. They'd work that out as an in-kind contribution to the candidates.
More than anything else, in organizing, I find people saying, 'I don't know who to talk to, I don't know where to go.' If I go to the TDP website, there is not a link to tell people how to register a voter or become a deputy registrar. There are all sort of those nitty-gritty things -- what I like to call a 'Campaign in a box' -- best tools that you can use to organize your county and your precinct. A precinct chair here in Travis County has created a tool where every precinct chair in the county can go list their volunteers and sign-up online. Once you build a tool like that, it's real easy to make that go statewide. The vote by mail project that we just used for Senator Radnofsky allows folks from outside the state -- people who may be at school or otherwise gone during the election season -- to easily vote by mail. That tool, for example, can revolutionize what a grassroots organizer can tell anyone when they go door-to-door.
Then there's the online phone banking, where you can build a list at one level and use it for any other race. It used to be, that when you did phone banking, you had to go to a vendor and purchase boxes of hard-copy lists. Now, tho"
Burnt Orange Report: :: 40/40: An Interview with Glen Maxey: "What kind of new technologies do you believe the TDP should be utilizing?
I'd be willing to sit down and try and get the TDP to at least what they were doing, technology wise, in the 1980's. If we could just get there, it'd be a revolution. The fact that there is not an accessible web page for every county in this party - something we could build for nothing - is inexcusable. I had a hosting company, somebody I know, call me and tell me that if I become state party chair, they'd give free hosting to every Democrat in the state and the TDP. They'd work that out as an in-kind contribution to the candidates.
More than anything else, in organizing, I find people saying, 'I don't know who to talk to, I don't know where to go.' If I go to the TDP website, there is not a link to tell people how to register a voter or become a deputy registrar. There are all sort of those nitty-gritty things -- what I like to call a 'Campaign in a box' -- best tools that you can use to organize your county and your precinct. A precinct chair here in Travis County has created a tool where every precinct chair in the county can go list their volunteers and sign-up online. Once you build a tool like that, it's real easy to make that go statewide. The vote by mail project that we just used for Senator Radnofsky allows folks from outside the state -- people who may be at school or otherwise gone during the election season -- to easily vote by mail. That tool, for example, can revolutionize what a grassroots organizer can tell anyone when they go door-to-door.
Then there's the online phone banking, where you can build a list at one level and use it for any other race. It used to be, that when you did phone banking, you had to go to a vendor and purchase boxes of hard-copy lists. Now, tho"
Army Manual to Skip Geneva Detainee Rule
Army Manual to Skip Geneva Detainee Rule - Los Angeles Times: "The Pentagon has decided to omit from new detainee policies a key tenet of the Geneva Convention that explicitly bans 'humiliating and degrading treatment,' according to knowledgeable military officials, a step that would mark a further, potentially permanent, shift away from strict adherence to international human rights standards."
What kind of nonsense is this? This is totally, utterly disgusting. The Bush crime family will turn our nation into the most hated nation in the world, while they stomp on the values inherent in our constitution! I guess they do not believe that the oath they took to protect and defend the constitution of the United States was very important. There is no excuse for torture, none. Period.
What kind of nonsense is this? This is totally, utterly disgusting. The Bush crime family will turn our nation into the most hated nation in the world, while they stomp on the values inherent in our constitution! I guess they do not believe that the oath they took to protect and defend the constitution of the United States was very important. There is no excuse for torture, none. Period.
From my friends at the Kendallian Voice
The Kendallian Voice: "Bolanos Bowls Over Boerne
If Democrats put the effort into getting out the vote as they do making finger foods for our meetings, we'd be declaring MISSION ACCOMPLISHED ourselves...(cymbal crash). But seriously folks, yesterday's soiree at the Boerne Middle School South was enjoyed by about a hundred of us. Party Chair John Weir introduced Virgil Yanta, who got the proceedings going by reminding us of how it used to be. His rememberances were spot-on and nostalgic, in a bitter-sweet way.
Party representative Anthony Gutierrez then appeared to remind us how we're re-building the state party from the grass roots up. It was Gutierrez's job to introduce the day's main speaker, Rick Bolanos.
He and two of his three brothers took the stage, and in near-preacheresque tones, Bolanos told his story, and of how his family's love of country was pretty near genetic. His charismatic speech also dealt with the brass tax of the current situation: that Henry Bonilla can't seem to find a large donor whose cause he can't support with a vote. As to representing his constituency, well...that's just not on his radar.
All in all, it was a very nice turnout with lots-n-lots of Kendall County, Bandera County, Kerr County checks finding their way into the jar that then went to Bolanos for his campaign.
Also there was 29-year Army vet Ann Wright, who resigned her commission to join Cindy Sheehan in her fight to end the war in Iraq.
Thank you to the Kendall County Area Democratic Women for organizing this thing. It was a great event that went off without a hitch, and raised a lot of money for a strong candidate. And thanks to lefties from all over the hill country for doing the most important thing: showing up. We'll get nowhere without that first step! Now...on to the Fort Worth Democratic Convention!
"
If Democrats put the effort into getting out the vote as they do making finger foods for our meetings, we'd be declaring MISSION ACCOMPLISHED ourselves...(cymbal crash). But seriously folks, yesterday's soiree at the Boerne Middle School South was enjoyed by about a hundred of us. Party Chair John Weir introduced Virgil Yanta, who got the proceedings going by reminding us of how it used to be. His rememberances were spot-on and nostalgic, in a bitter-sweet way.
Party representative Anthony Gutierrez then appeared to remind us how we're re-building the state party from the grass roots up. It was Gutierrez's job to introduce the day's main speaker, Rick Bolanos.
He and two of his three brothers took the stage, and in near-preacheresque tones, Bolanos told his story, and of how his family's love of country was pretty near genetic. His charismatic speech also dealt with the brass tax of the current situation: that Henry Bonilla can't seem to find a large donor whose cause he can't support with a vote. As to representing his constituency, well...that's just not on his radar.
All in all, it was a very nice turnout with lots-n-lots of Kendall County, Bandera County, Kerr County checks finding their way into the jar that then went to Bolanos for his campaign.
Also there was 29-year Army vet Ann Wright, who resigned her commission to join Cindy Sheehan in her fight to end the war in Iraq.
Thank you to the Kendall County Area Democratic Women for organizing this thing. It was a great event that went off without a hitch, and raised a lot of money for a strong candidate. And thanks to lefties from all over the hill country for doing the most important thing: showing up. We'll get nowhere without that first step! Now...on to the Fort Worth Democratic Convention!
"
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Global warming
The Republicans showed this advertisement over the Memorial weekend watch the one labeled glacier the one with the Time magazine picture. Science? We don't need no friggin science! Morons.
Legislating Hate
TomPaine.com - Legislating Hate: "What do the flag-burning amendment, the gay marriage amendment, the immigration issue and the national language amendment have in common? It's not just that they seek to solve "problems" that a month or two ago no one felt required urgent attention. The real common denominator is the lowest one: hatred. If you've got hatred in your heart, the GOP has a piece of legislation for you."
Today, tomorrow and Monday please consider calling our Senators and asking them to vote NO on the gay marriage amendment, and to stop the hate. No walls on our southern border and for heavens sake, when was the last time you heard of anyone burning a flag? The 60's?
Today, tomorrow and Monday please consider calling our Senators and asking them to vote NO on the gay marriage amendment, and to stop the hate. No walls on our southern border and for heavens sake, when was the last time you heard of anyone burning a flag? The 60's?
My friend's husband is coming home from Iraq
He will be here in the next day or so. She will know when he calls from the airport when he arrives. Sooner if he can.
Here's the most amazing thing. He had to be able to PROVE that he could afford a return trip to Iraq on his own before he could leave! As my friend put it, what does a private do in that case? After all her husband is a Col, and has a lot more cash in the bank than a private does.
She had to mail credit cards to him as proof. However, they never arrived. So, what is he using as proof? His paycheck and his checkbook.
One question we both had...is there some flunky in Kuwait who sits at a computer and checks your bank account and credit cards before they let you go home to the US?
Is this any way to treat out troops? NO !
Here's the most amazing thing. He had to be able to PROVE that he could afford a return trip to Iraq on his own before he could leave! As my friend put it, what does a private do in that case? After all her husband is a Col, and has a lot more cash in the bank than a private does.
She had to mail credit cards to him as proof. However, they never arrived. So, what is he using as proof? His paycheck and his checkbook.
One question we both had...is there some flunky in Kuwait who sits at a computer and checks your bank account and credit cards before they let you go home to the US?
Is this any way to treat out troops? NO !
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