"Bush Defends Military Buildup in Iraq" (WaPo) President Bush called for patience with his Iraq surge operations.... "we're seeing some hopeful signs."
"The great enemy of truth is very often not the lie... deliberate, contrived and dishonest... but the myth... persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic. Belief in myths allows the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought." John F. Kennedy
"Six Members of Sunni Bloc Quit Iraq Cabinet in Protest" (WaPo) ... The Sunnis have a sense of alienation within Iraq's Shiite-dominated government. And, the "lack of progress on important legislation, coupled with the failure to reconcile with minority Sunnis, ranks among the greatest obstacles to stability in Iraq."
"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved." Franklin Roosevelt
"Democrats Plan to Press GOP on Iraq" (WaPo) After the 4th of July break, Senate and House Democrats intend to demand greater accountability from Bush and the Iraqi government with binding troop-withdrawal timelines.... "they will offer weekly votes to force Republicans, and the president, to defend the war."
"Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president." Theodore Roosevelt.
"Bush Is Told to Justify Executive Privilege" (WaPo).... The White House invoked executive privilege to block the release of documents surrounding the firing of U. S. Attorneys. The chairmen of the House and Senate Judiciary committees accused the administration of a "veil of secrecy.... unprecedented and damaging to the tradition of open government."
"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crises. The great point is to bring them the real facts." Abraham Lincoln
"Justices to Weigh Detainee Rights" (WaPo) Yesterday the Supreme Court reversed an earlier decision and will now consider whether Guantanamo Bay detainees have been "unfairly barred from the federal courts by the Bush Administration and Congress."
"...And there is distrust in Washington. I am surprised, frankly, at the amount of distrust that exists in this town. And I'm sorry it's the case, and I'll work hard to try to elevate it." George W. Bush
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Pres. Cheney: Depends What "Is" Is
It was left to Tricky Dick's Chief of Staff, David Addington, to parse the argument for why his boss falls between all of the accountability cracks.
Here's Addington's spin.... "Given that the executive order treats the Vice President like the President rather than like an 'agency' it is not necessary in these circumstances to address the subject of any alternative reasoning, based on the law and the legislative functions of the vice presidency....." (WaPo)
Ummmmmm, think I get it. Since Tricky Dick actually is the President, the order doesn't apply.
Well, at least now it's out in the open.
Actually, this tortured "I"m outside the law" reasoning has already been rejected by the director of the National Archives Information and Security Oversight Office, William Leonard.
You go Leonard!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Bush Bandwagon Loses Steam
There's good news.... and since good news is about as rare these days as a non-political Justice Department decision, we'll run with it.
There are a few U.S. Senators who are well-respected by other U.S. Senators, and Richard Lugar (R-IN) is one of them. Up until now, he's been in lockstep with The Decider on the Iraq War. Well, he's now broken ranks. He says the Iraq plan is not working. (WaPo)
And, rather than wait for the stalling September date to hear once again that the administration is going to "stay the course," yesterday Lugar announced on the Senate floor: "In my judgment, the costs and risks of continuing down the current path outweigh the potential benefits that might be achieved..... Persisting indefinitely with the surge strategy will delay policy adjustments that have a better chance of protecting our vital interests over the long term"
Although lauding Lugar's change of heart, in a transparent attempt to look in charge of events, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) plans to force votes on several anti-war proposals although they are expected to fall short of the 60 votes needed.
He thinks that is what frustrated voters want. It isn't. Such voter pandering only keeps the Senate polarized and sends moderate voices scurrying back to party safety.
Instead, the next step should be to get other influential Iraq war voices like Sen. John Warner (R-VA) to join Lugar's, and to get behind a plan such as Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) is putting forward for a federalized Iraq that is currently enjoying bipartisan support.
Maybe voters could propose a deal, if the Republicans get rid the scary Dick Cheney, the Democrats will replace Reid as majority leader. As far fetched as that may sound, Cheney is the subject of the next piece of good news.
There is a GOP plan afoot to oust Tricky Dick. In an article by Sally Quinn in WaPo, she reports that Cheney is viewed by many Republicans as toxic, dangerous and a net minus for the party going into next year's elections.
The showdown would unfold something like this.... senior Republican message carriers led by someone like Sen. Warner.... a la Barry Goldwater who went to the White House and told President Nixon he had to go.... would lay the words on Cheney.
Look for this possible move this summer when Cheney is scheduled for surgery to replace his pacemaker.... after which he may have to leave office amid much regretful fanfare.... doctor's orders don't you know.
The person being mentioned as his replacement is ex-Senator Fred Thompson. Talk about getting a leg up on positioning for the presidential race. We'll find out this summer if Cheney needs to spend more time with his family and Fred is the anointed one.
And, if you can stand it, another piece of good news. "Ex-Aides Break With Bush on 'No Child'."
Even as The Decider urged lawmakers to renew his fatally flawed No Child Left Behind program, his former aides who helped craft and implement his education initiative are speaking out against the law. One aide, Eugene Hickok, now says he always had second thoughts, and feels the lawmakers should step back and "see if there are other ways to solve the problem."
The messages are loud and clear.... The Decider's decisions stink. The Iraq war, No Child Left Behind, even his choice for Vice President have imperiled our country.
Now, if the Senate can just find the fortitude to go against their corporate masters, The Decider's immigration and North American Union schemes can be thwarted, and perhaps the country can start to limp back toward some sort of non-ideological sanity.
A final word, just to prove that nonpartianship is possible. Like Howard Kurtz, WaPo staff writer, a recent remark by the GOP stiletto-mouth, Ann Coulter on "Good Morning America" took my breath away.
Referring to The Decider, she slashed: "We're all just waiting for this nincompoop to be gone."
Amen, Ann. Amen.
There are a few U.S. Senators who are well-respected by other U.S. Senators, and Richard Lugar (R-IN) is one of them. Up until now, he's been in lockstep with The Decider on the Iraq War. Well, he's now broken ranks. He says the Iraq plan is not working. (WaPo)
And, rather than wait for the stalling September date to hear once again that the administration is going to "stay the course," yesterday Lugar announced on the Senate floor: "In my judgment, the costs and risks of continuing down the current path outweigh the potential benefits that might be achieved..... Persisting indefinitely with the surge strategy will delay policy adjustments that have a better chance of protecting our vital interests over the long term"
Although lauding Lugar's change of heart, in a transparent attempt to look in charge of events, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) plans to force votes on several anti-war proposals although they are expected to fall short of the 60 votes needed.
He thinks that is what frustrated voters want. It isn't. Such voter pandering only keeps the Senate polarized and sends moderate voices scurrying back to party safety.
Instead, the next step should be to get other influential Iraq war voices like Sen. John Warner (R-VA) to join Lugar's, and to get behind a plan such as Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) is putting forward for a federalized Iraq that is currently enjoying bipartisan support.
Maybe voters could propose a deal, if the Republicans get rid the scary Dick Cheney, the Democrats will replace Reid as majority leader. As far fetched as that may sound, Cheney is the subject of the next piece of good news.
There is a GOP plan afoot to oust Tricky Dick. In an article by Sally Quinn in WaPo, she reports that Cheney is viewed by many Republicans as toxic, dangerous and a net minus for the party going into next year's elections.
The showdown would unfold something like this.... senior Republican message carriers led by someone like Sen. Warner.... a la Barry Goldwater who went to the White House and told President Nixon he had to go.... would lay the words on Cheney.
Look for this possible move this summer when Cheney is scheduled for surgery to replace his pacemaker.... after which he may have to leave office amid much regretful fanfare.... doctor's orders don't you know.
The person being mentioned as his replacement is ex-Senator Fred Thompson. Talk about getting a leg up on positioning for the presidential race. We'll find out this summer if Cheney needs to spend more time with his family and Fred is the anointed one.
And, if you can stand it, another piece of good news. "Ex-Aides Break With Bush on 'No Child'."
Even as The Decider urged lawmakers to renew his fatally flawed No Child Left Behind program, his former aides who helped craft and implement his education initiative are speaking out against the law. One aide, Eugene Hickok, now says he always had second thoughts, and feels the lawmakers should step back and "see if there are other ways to solve the problem."
The messages are loud and clear.... The Decider's decisions stink. The Iraq war, No Child Left Behind, even his choice for Vice President have imperiled our country.
Now, if the Senate can just find the fortitude to go against their corporate masters, The Decider's immigration and North American Union schemes can be thwarted, and perhaps the country can start to limp back toward some sort of non-ideological sanity.
A final word, just to prove that nonpartianship is possible. Like Howard Kurtz, WaPo staff writer, a recent remark by the GOP stiletto-mouth, Ann Coulter on "Good Morning America" took my breath away.
Referring to The Decider, she slashed: "We're all just waiting for this nincompoop to be gone."
Amen, Ann. Amen.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Supremes Weaken Wall
The protective wall of separation between Church and State took a big hit today.... "Court Bars Suits Against Faith-Based Initiatives." (WaPo)
The Supreme Court ruled that taxpayers cannot challenge the constitutionality of the White House faith-based initiative program that helps religious groups obtain government funding for their social programs.
The decision states that "ordinary taxpayers do not have standing" to make such a challenge.
Using the type of dodge that VP Cheney is using.... that he isn't a part of the Executive Branch of government and thus isn't accountable.... the White House winning argument was that taxpayers lacked standing because the faith-based initiatives office was not specifically funded by Congress.
By this lawyerly device, the intent of the Constitutions First Amendment.... that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion".... was set aside by five of the nine Supremes because the funds come "from Executive Branch appropriations."
In the dissenting opinion of Justice David Souter, he wrote that the ruling "closes the door on these taxpayers because the Executive Branch, and not the Legislative Branch, caused their injury.... I see no basis for this distinction in either logic or precedent...."
The Decider and Tricky Dick don't need logic, precedent, the Constitution or the rule of law.... they've taken on the power of dictators, and our Congress is too timid, or too culpable, to stand up to them.
The Supreme Court ruled that taxpayers cannot challenge the constitutionality of the White House faith-based initiative program that helps religious groups obtain government funding for their social programs.
The decision states that "ordinary taxpayers do not have standing" to make such a challenge.
Using the type of dodge that VP Cheney is using.... that he isn't a part of the Executive Branch of government and thus isn't accountable.... the White House winning argument was that taxpayers lacked standing because the faith-based initiatives office was not specifically funded by Congress.
By this lawyerly device, the intent of the Constitutions First Amendment.... that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion".... was set aside by five of the nine Supremes because the funds come "from Executive Branch appropriations."
In the dissenting opinion of Justice David Souter, he wrote that the ruling "closes the door on these taxpayers because the Executive Branch, and not the Legislative Branch, caused their injury.... I see no basis for this distinction in either logic or precedent...."
The Decider and Tricky Dick don't need logic, precedent, the Constitution or the rule of law.... they've taken on the power of dictators, and our Congress is too timid, or too culpable, to stand up to them.
Who Likes Mike?
Ed Rollins likes Mike.
This ex-Ross Perot campaigner just can't help himself, he likes mavericks and cheers former NY mayor Bloomberg on in "Come on In, Mike. It Could Be a Wild Ride."
Changing horses from Republican to Independent has worked successfully before, but only at the state level. Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) did it in the last election after the Democratic primary voters threw him out because of his pro-Iraq war, Bush-hugging ways.
So what are Bloomberg's chances? Rollins insightfully reviews and compares other Independent candidate campaigns and decides.... "Bully for Bloomberg."
This ex-Ross Perot campaigner just can't help himself, he likes mavericks and cheers former NY mayor Bloomberg on in "Come on In, Mike. It Could Be a Wild Ride."
Changing horses from Republican to Independent has worked successfully before, but only at the state level. Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) did it in the last election after the Democratic primary voters threw him out because of his pro-Iraq war, Bush-hugging ways.
So what are Bloomberg's chances? Rollins insightfully reviews and compares other Independent candidate campaigns and decides.... "Bully for Bloomberg."
You Go Joe!
One presidential candidate has long advocated a different approach to Iraq war policy, Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del). With the elections looming, pressure is building on The Decider to look at policy options.... "Bush aides consider Iraq truce at Capitol." (LATimes)
".... some senior administration officials - including Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad - have been quietly talking with lawmakers about how to adjust policy in the months ahead. Among other ideas, they have discussed whether the United States should advocate a sharply decentralized Iraq, a notion that has seen a resurgence on Capitol Hill."
"A sharply decentralized Iraq" .... called a federal system of government.... is what Biden has been advocating. Proponents of this idea, which is favored by an unusually broad bipartisan group of senators, were brought together this month by Biden, who is the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.
On a recent trip to Iraq, Gates reflected that "Perhaps we have gotten too focused on the central government, and not enough on the provinces and on the tribes and what is happening in those areas."
Now, we'll see if a childish Decider can climb down from his Iraq-policy hobby horse and listen to the grownups.
Don't hold your breath.
".... some senior administration officials - including Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad - have been quietly talking with lawmakers about how to adjust policy in the months ahead. Among other ideas, they have discussed whether the United States should advocate a sharply decentralized Iraq, a notion that has seen a resurgence on Capitol Hill."
"A sharply decentralized Iraq" .... called a federal system of government.... is what Biden has been advocating. Proponents of this idea, which is favored by an unusually broad bipartisan group of senators, were brought together this month by Biden, who is the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.
On a recent trip to Iraq, Gates reflected that "Perhaps we have gotten too focused on the central government, and not enough on the provinces and on the tribes and what is happening in those areas."
Now, we'll see if a childish Decider can climb down from his Iraq-policy hobby horse and listen to the grownups.
Don't hold your breath.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
EU Takes a Detour
The European Union still needs a constitution because the countries can't agree on a unifying structure. It's proposed constitution is the across-the-pond version of our Homeland Security Department.... "an unwieldy, bureaucratic entity run by leaders far removed from the European people." (WaPo)
But, if el Presidente Bush has his way he'll barge forward with his own unifying plan, to wed our already unworkable corporista government to the corrupted and dangerous drug-warlord land of Mexico and a Canada with attitude.... the North American Union, his legacy.
In a Rovian move, the EU leaders are making an end run around the constitution concept, and instead are offering a "treaty" to its 27 capitals. Even this treaty was resisted, so some of its symbolism was removed, such as an EU anthem. "My Countries Tis of Thee".... er "Those".... er "Them".... just didn't work.
But, the original intent is still there. The treaty sets out rules for the future enlargement of the EU.
Our el Presidente Bush is taking notes. Expect a North American Treaty in the near future.
But, if el Presidente Bush has his way he'll barge forward with his own unifying plan, to wed our already unworkable corporista government to the corrupted and dangerous drug-warlord land of Mexico and a Canada with attitude.... the North American Union, his legacy.
In a Rovian move, the EU leaders are making an end run around the constitution concept, and instead are offering a "treaty" to its 27 capitals. Even this treaty was resisted, so some of its symbolism was removed, such as an EU anthem. "My Countries Tis of Thee".... er "Those".... er "Them".... just didn't work.
But, the original intent is still there. The treaty sets out rules for the future enlargement of the EU.
Our el Presidente Bush is taking notes. Expect a North American Treaty in the near future.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Bush Trashes Our Inheritance
Timothy Egan makes these sad observations..... "I drove through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest on my way to climb Mount Hood, and found the place in tatters. Roads are closed, or in disrepair. Trails are washed out. The campgrounds, those that are open, are frayed and unkempt. It looks like the forestry equivalent of a neighborhood crack house." (The New York Times)
A century ago, it was the vision of president Teddy Roosevelt and his first chief of the Forest Service Gifford Pinchot, both rich men, that unlike Europe where only the lords of privilege enjoyed nature, in this country everyone could enjoy the outdoors.
Roosevelt and Pinchot stood for the every man, and against the interests of railroads, timber barons, mine owners.... and helped established our 565 million-acre birthright.
Then came The Decider.
"In the Pinchot woods, you see the George W. Bush public lands legacy. If you want to drill, or cut trees, or open a gas line - the place is yours. Most everything else has been trashed or left to bleed to death."
The national wildlife system, started by Roosevelt, has been gutted by The Decider who has systematically reduced the budget to where this year more than 200 refuges could be unstaffed.
The Bureau of Land Management was given the green light by The Decider early in his administration to allow drilling for gas and oil.... his first priority.
Forest Service policy is set by an ex-timber industry insider and the budget has been cut once again, while the Interior Department had been run by a former coal lobbyist... until he plead guilty to obstruction of justice.
For The Decider, our beautiful public lands are nothing more than assets to be exploited by his corporate buddies.... the new landlords of our government.
"Roosevelt had his place on Oyster Bay. Pinchot had a family estate in Pennsylvania. Bush has the ranch in Crawford. Only one of them has never been able to see beyond the front porch."
A century ago, it was the vision of president Teddy Roosevelt and his first chief of the Forest Service Gifford Pinchot, both rich men, that unlike Europe where only the lords of privilege enjoyed nature, in this country everyone could enjoy the outdoors.
Roosevelt and Pinchot stood for the every man, and against the interests of railroads, timber barons, mine owners.... and helped established our 565 million-acre birthright.
Then came The Decider.
"In the Pinchot woods, you see the George W. Bush public lands legacy. If you want to drill, or cut trees, or open a gas line - the place is yours. Most everything else has been trashed or left to bleed to death."
The national wildlife system, started by Roosevelt, has been gutted by The Decider who has systematically reduced the budget to where this year more than 200 refuges could be unstaffed.
The Bureau of Land Management was given the green light by The Decider early in his administration to allow drilling for gas and oil.... his first priority.
Forest Service policy is set by an ex-timber industry insider and the budget has been cut once again, while the Interior Department had been run by a former coal lobbyist... until he plead guilty to obstruction of justice.
For The Decider, our beautiful public lands are nothing more than assets to be exploited by his corporate buddies.... the new landlords of our government.
"Roosevelt had his place on Oyster Bay. Pinchot had a family estate in Pennsylvania. Bush has the ranch in Crawford. Only one of them has never been able to see beyond the front porch."
Friday, June 22, 2007
Classify Cheney as "Arrogant"
Make it disappear......
Is this an order from Tony Soprano to his crew? In a sense.
Same mob secrecy, same ruthless response to being crossed.... the office of Vice President Cheney "has refused to comply with an executive order governing the handling of classified information for the past four years and recently tried to abolish the office that sought to enforce those rules..." (WaPo)
In 2004, when the Archives' Information Security Oversight Office tried to conduct an on-site inspection of Cheney's office to see how sensitive material was handled, they were blocked by his crew.
This January the Archives Director, William Leonard, wrote Attorney General Gonzales asking him to render a legal ruling on whether Cheney is violating the executive order. Gonzales has not replied.
Of course not, he's too busy throwing law-enforcing border agents in prison and politicizing the Justice Department.
Under this executive order, which mandates a uniform system for safeguarding government classified information, an "entity within the executive branch that comes into possession of classified information" must report each year how much it is keeping secret.
For over six years an arrogant Cheney has kept his actions from public scrutiny.... like refusing to name the industry executives who advised his energy task force, or giving up Secret Service logs showing who visits his office or official residence.... even the costs and other details about his travel.
Snarly Cheney obviously has a lot to hide. As evidenced by the conviction for perjury and obstruction of justice by his chief lieutenant, Scooter Libby, who is probably taking the fall for Cheney's misdeeds and directions.
Maybe Cheney has forgotten that he works for us.... that he can't decide which documents to withhold from our view and knowledge.
Shine a light into Cheney's murky den.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Department of Injustice
Attorney General Gonzales's Justice Department has opted out of at least 10 whistle-blower suits against Iraq war profiteering companies. (The Boston Globe)For example, in April, DOJ opted out of a lawsuit against heavyweight military contractor Kellogg Brown & Root and three of its subcontractors for the billing of almost 10,000 meals per day that were never served, adding up to more than $10 million in excess charges.
The whistle-blower no longer has a job.
Saint George Marches On....
Our megalomaniac president yesterday decided for us all.... Saint George vetoed legislation to expand federally funded embryonic stem cell research leading to the creation of medically useful stem cells without destroying human embryos. (WaPo)
Parading not only his monumental ignorance, but his despotic moralism, Saint George preached that Congress had sent him legislation for "the deliberate destruction of human embryos."
Wrong.
Actually, by Saint George's slaying of this legislation, he insures that the donated, frozen embryos at fertility clinics will now be destroyed.... denying the benefit of the most promising forms of stem cell research to millions who suffer each day.
Parading not only his monumental ignorance, but his despotic moralism, Saint George preached that Congress had sent him legislation for "the deliberate destruction of human embryos."
Wrong.
Actually, by Saint George's slaying of this legislation, he insures that the donated, frozen embryos at fertility clinics will now be destroyed.... denying the benefit of the most promising forms of stem cell research to millions who suffer each day.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The Bag Man Cometh
"Heck of a job Nussie.... "
So impressed was The Decider with the record of former Iowa Rep. Jim Nussle's chairmanship of the House Budget Committee.... where he presided over turning a projected 10 year $5.6 trillion budget surplus into a $2.6 trillion deficit.... he picked Nussle for his new Director of the White House budget office, OMB. WaPo
Nussle's stunning rise to GOP prominence was because of the bag....er, on the bag.... er, in the bag.... well, he put a paper bag over his head when he spoke on the House floor in 1991 about "perk" abuses by the lawmakers, although prior to his speech Nussle was just one of the many members taking advantage of the franking perk.
Recognizing his gravitas regarding financial matters, Nussle's appointment as chairman of the House budget committee in 2001 was a slam dunk, and set the tone for the GOP pork barrel polka fest.
When making his announcement of his choice of Nussle as his budget point man, The Decider gushed over Nussle's dedication to fiscal conservatism.
Wonder who The Decider would consider a big spender?
Monday, June 18, 2007
Giuliani, McCain Bail on Bales
Ho hum.... that may be the interest in the Ames, IA straw poll, an early test of GOP presidential campaigns.
Two major GOP candidates have opted out of the straw poll scheduled for August 11.... former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Arizona Senator John McCain.
Interestingly, though not a candidate, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich plans to attend. Hmmmmm.
The bada bing of the poll may now hang by a straw.... the champion of "going to announce soon," former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson. His participation would make the event a match between at least two GOP superstars.... former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, and Fred.
Perhaps the reason Giuliani and McCain have basically abandoned Iowa is the rush by many big states to hold their primaries right after Iowa's January 14 caucuses.... 20 plus state primaries are within 3 weeks of Iowa's caucuses.
It takes money, money, money.... and campaign organization in Iowa to successfully compete in the Ames bus-in.... I mean straw poll. In a crowded primary calendar the effort may not seem worth it.
McCain thought he didn't need Iowa in 2000, and how did that work out for him (and the nation)? We got The Decider. McCain's Straight Talk bus seems to need a map.
First impressions do count, and for many voters their first impression of a winner in the primary contests will be from Iowa's first-in-the nation results . Any GOP candidate not participating in the Iowa straw poll can expect to suffer in the caucuses.
Democrats wisely don't hold a straw beauty pageant before the caucuses, but they have to contend with a crowded primary calendar too. That is why New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is nesting in Nevada.... their caucuses on January 19 will make them the second after Iowa on the nominating calendar.
The really disappointing new Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, elbowed his home state forward, upsetting New Hampshire, the traditional second-in-the nation state. Besides the obvious higher-profile and income payoffs for Nevada and Reid... it jump-starts the Democrats chase for the Latino vote, whose population is 23 percent in Nevada.
Richardson, unlike other Democratic candidates, can easily travel from New Mexico to Nevada, and understands the Latino population. He hopes for a slam dunk there in the presidential sweepstakes.
But, even Richardson acknowledges, "South Carolina and Nevada are players.... Iowa and New Hampshire are in a class by themselves.
Two major GOP candidates have opted out of the straw poll scheduled for August 11.... former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Arizona Senator John McCain.
Interestingly, though not a candidate, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich plans to attend. Hmmmmm.
The bada bing of the poll may now hang by a straw.... the champion of "going to announce soon," former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson. His participation would make the event a match between at least two GOP superstars.... former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, and Fred.
Perhaps the reason Giuliani and McCain have basically abandoned Iowa is the rush by many big states to hold their primaries right after Iowa's January 14 caucuses.... 20 plus state primaries are within 3 weeks of Iowa's caucuses.
It takes money, money, money.... and campaign organization in Iowa to successfully compete in the Ames bus-in.... I mean straw poll. In a crowded primary calendar the effort may not seem worth it.
McCain thought he didn't need Iowa in 2000, and how did that work out for him (and the nation)? We got The Decider. McCain's Straight Talk bus seems to need a map.
First impressions do count, and for many voters their first impression of a winner in the primary contests will be from Iowa's first-in-the nation results . Any GOP candidate not participating in the Iowa straw poll can expect to suffer in the caucuses.
Democrats wisely don't hold a straw beauty pageant before the caucuses, but they have to contend with a crowded primary calendar too. That is why New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is nesting in Nevada.... their caucuses on January 19 will make them the second after Iowa on the nominating calendar.
The really disappointing new Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, elbowed his home state forward, upsetting New Hampshire, the traditional second-in-the nation state. Besides the obvious higher-profile and income payoffs for Nevada and Reid... it jump-starts the Democrats chase for the Latino vote, whose population is 23 percent in Nevada.
Richardson, unlike other Democratic candidates, can easily travel from New Mexico to Nevada, and understands the Latino population. He hopes for a slam dunk there in the presidential sweepstakes.
But, even Richardson acknowledges, "South Carolina and Nevada are players.... Iowa and New Hampshire are in a class by themselves.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
D.C.'s Mob Rule
This Father's Day many are still pondering the fate of David Chase's enigmatic father figure Tony Soprano.... Godfather, suburban father.... a welcomed distraction for reality-overloaded Americans.
Did Tony Soprano die in the fade-to-black last Sunday?
Who wants to know?
Well, not everyone. One not enamored with Tony and his family is a real mobster's widow, Victoria Gotti. "It's disgusting that people are still obsessed with Gotti and the mob. They should be obsessed with that mob in Washington. They have 3000 deaths on their hands."
Oh yes, the Washington mob isn't an ordinary bunch of gangsters. Even John Gotti's widow disdains the moral sewer of The Decider's administration. And, Tony and his crew seem like petty thieves by comparison.
Frank Rich of The New York Times brings this into focus in, "Scooter's Sopranos Go to the Mattresses."
"True, the Washington mob isn't as sexy as the Gotti or Soprano clans, but there is now a gripping nonfiction dramatization of its machinations available..... For this we can thank U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton" and, as Scooter Libby's presiding judge, for his "decision to make public the testimonials written to the court by members of the Washington establishment pleading that a criminal convicted on four felony counts be set free."
These Scooter excusers never acknowledge the undisputed fact that their hero leaked classified information about a covert C.I.A. officer.... whose husband was trying to shed light on Iraq's WMD Big Lie.... and, his lying repeatedly to mislead investigators.
Nor does there seem to be any shame in the hypocrisy of these same Scooter supporters who were a part of the baying pack relentlessly pursuing President Clinton and calling for his impeachment... over a farcical sexisode.
The Last Supper scenario in the final Sopranos was a masterful fictional ending.
The D.C. nightmare will yet live on as our soldiers still make the "ultimate sacrifice for this gang's hubristic folly."
Did Tony Soprano die in the fade-to-black last Sunday?
Who wants to know?
Well, not everyone. One not enamored with Tony and his family is a real mobster's widow, Victoria Gotti. "It's disgusting that people are still obsessed with Gotti and the mob. They should be obsessed with that mob in Washington. They have 3000 deaths on their hands."
Oh yes, the Washington mob isn't an ordinary bunch of gangsters. Even John Gotti's widow disdains the moral sewer of The Decider's administration. And, Tony and his crew seem like petty thieves by comparison.
Frank Rich of The New York Times brings this into focus in, "Scooter's Sopranos Go to the Mattresses."
"True, the Washington mob isn't as sexy as the Gotti or Soprano clans, but there is now a gripping nonfiction dramatization of its machinations available..... For this we can thank U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton" and, as Scooter Libby's presiding judge, for his "decision to make public the testimonials written to the court by members of the Washington establishment pleading that a criminal convicted on four felony counts be set free."
These Scooter excusers never acknowledge the undisputed fact that their hero leaked classified information about a covert C.I.A. officer.... whose husband was trying to shed light on Iraq's WMD Big Lie.... and, his lying repeatedly to mislead investigators.
Nor does there seem to be any shame in the hypocrisy of these same Scooter supporters who were a part of the baying pack relentlessly pursuing President Clinton and calling for his impeachment... over a farcical sexisode.
The Last Supper scenario in the final Sopranos was a masterful fictional ending.
The D.C. nightmare will yet live on as our soldiers still make the "ultimate sacrifice for this gang's hubristic folly."
Friday, June 15, 2007
Where's the National Outrage?
Thanks to elgringocolombiano for bringing "Americans Unready to Revolt, Despite Revolting Conditions" to our attention. Joel S. Hirschhorn makes a convincing, if disturbing, case for what is happening to our country. Excerpts:
"Why is there insufficient pain for revolution? This is a deadly serious issue. What is historically unique about America is that even the most oppressed and unfairly treated people are distracted by affordable materialism, entertainment, sports, gambling, and myriad other aspects of our frivolous, self-absorbed culture. Even failed school and health care systems do not drive people, paying enormous sums to fill up their SUVs, to rebellion.
"So, Americans are aware of their oppression, but the power elites have successfully drugged them with a plethora of pleasure-producing distractions sufficient to keep them under control. We are free to bitch, but too weak to revolt. The Internet has provided a release valve for some pent up anger and frustration. But it too has mostly become another source of distraction, rather than an effective tool for rebellion.....
"Even as the population has growing awareness of the dire condition of their nation, the move by the politically powerful on the right and left continues to seek a new immigration law that will solidify the selling out of America. Business interests want more of those fleeing Mexico and other nations to keep wages low.
The parallels are chilling.... we're in a Roman Empire free fall.
"Why is there insufficient pain for revolution? This is a deadly serious issue. What is historically unique about America is that even the most oppressed and unfairly treated people are distracted by affordable materialism, entertainment, sports, gambling, and myriad other aspects of our frivolous, self-absorbed culture. Even failed school and health care systems do not drive people, paying enormous sums to fill up their SUVs, to rebellion.
"So, Americans are aware of their oppression, but the power elites have successfully drugged them with a plethora of pleasure-producing distractions sufficient to keep them under control. We are free to bitch, but too weak to revolt. The Internet has provided a release valve for some pent up anger and frustration. But it too has mostly become another source of distraction, rather than an effective tool for rebellion.....
"Even as the population has growing awareness of the dire condition of their nation, the move by the politically powerful on the right and left continues to seek a new immigration law that will solidify the selling out of America. Business interests want more of those fleeing Mexico and other nations to keep wages low.
The parallels are chilling.... we're in a Roman Empire free fall.
A Crisis of Confidence
The most powerful attorney in the nation, Attorney General Gonzales, reviewed his version of events surrounding the dismissal of nine U.S. attorneys with a departing senior aide who would be testifying about these events.When the aide spilled the beans about the meeting, Gonzales' defense..... "he never attempted to influence or shape the testimony or public statements of any witness," his comments to the aide "were intended only to comfort..."
This obvious attempt to coach a witness deserves much more than a "no confidence" slap on the wrist.
After all, Gonzales has already lied under oath about this.... he told the Senate Judiciary Committee in April that he had not talked to any potential witnesses about the firings.
A letter from DOJ investigators to the Senate Judiciary Committee confirms "that the scope of our investigation does include" the matter of the meeting with Gonzales aide.
Gonzales better find himself a good attorney.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Lambert to the Slaughter
Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.... and sometimes even sweet justice.
Donald McEachin upset 30-year veteran state Sen. Benjamin J. Lambert yesterday in a Democratic primary in the Richmond, Virginia area.
Lambert, a Democrat, is the politico who not only supported GOP Senator "Macaca" Allen in his race against successful Democratic challenger Jim Webb, but Lambert rode in The Decider's limo to an appearance onstage with Bush at a rally for Allen.
The now U.S. Senator Webb actively campaigned for McEachin who enthused, "Jim Webb did everything we asked him to," .... Webb appeared in advertisements and made recorded phone messages on McEachin's behalf.
Lambert said his support of Allen probably cost him his job. "I thought the Allen folks would have helped me more, but it didn't work out that way."
He thought wrong. The "Allen folks" were being true to character... none.
Donald McEachin upset 30-year veteran state Sen. Benjamin J. Lambert yesterday in a Democratic primary in the Richmond, Virginia area.
Lambert, a Democrat, is the politico who not only supported GOP Senator "Macaca" Allen in his race against successful Democratic challenger Jim Webb, but Lambert rode in The Decider's limo to an appearance onstage with Bush at a rally for Allen.
The now U.S. Senator Webb actively campaigned for McEachin who enthused, "Jim Webb did everything we asked him to," .... Webb appeared in advertisements and made recorded phone messages on McEachin's behalf.
Lambert said his support of Allen probably cost him his job. "I thought the Allen folks would have helped me more, but it didn't work out that way."
He thought wrong. The "Allen folks" were being true to character... none.
Bush Flops on Hill
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) summed up the reaction of GOP Senators after a Capitol luncheon meeting with The Decider who was re-selling his immigration amnesty legislation.... "It was a good give-and-take. We didn't expect anybody to stand up and holler that they had an epiphany."
Indeed.
If the remarks by Iowa's only GOP Senator, Charles Grassley, are a sample, it was far from an epiphany. Grassley said following the meeting that he will continue to oppose any legislation that includes amnesty, and that he "didn't think the meeting changed anybody's mind."
On Tuesday, Grassley and eight other GOP senators sent a letter to The Decider telling him to enforce the border security laws already approved by Congress, as that "is the best way to restore trust with the American people and facilitate future improvements of our immigration policy."
Grassley gets it.
So why won't The Decider just enforce current laws? Why is he so insistent on a "comprehensive" bill?
Ah, the Devil is in the details.
On page 211 of the draft immigration legislation: "Sense of Congress Regarding Partnership for Prosperity - It is the sense of Congress that the United States and Mexico should accelerate the implementation of the Partnership for Prosperity....."
This partnership was embarked upon by The Decider and Mexico's former president Fox without discussion with U.S. citizens or Congress, let alone approval. But, it's a critical cornerstone of The Decider's stealth plan for a North American Union. Obviously, he's willing to tear our national house down to hammer home this policy nail.
Hopefully, our elected representatives will continue to reject The Decider's schemes, or the voters will register their grand epiphany come November 2008!
Indeed.
If the remarks by Iowa's only GOP Senator, Charles Grassley, are a sample, it was far from an epiphany. Grassley said following the meeting that he will continue to oppose any legislation that includes amnesty, and that he "didn't think the meeting changed anybody's mind."
On Tuesday, Grassley and eight other GOP senators sent a letter to The Decider telling him to enforce the border security laws already approved by Congress, as that "is the best way to restore trust with the American people and facilitate future improvements of our immigration policy."
Grassley gets it.
So why won't The Decider just enforce current laws? Why is he so insistent on a "comprehensive" bill?
Ah, the Devil is in the details.
On page 211 of the draft immigration legislation: "Sense of Congress Regarding Partnership for Prosperity - It is the sense of Congress that the United States and Mexico should accelerate the implementation of the Partnership for Prosperity....."
This partnership was embarked upon by The Decider and Mexico's former president Fox without discussion with U.S. citizens or Congress, let alone approval. But, it's a critical cornerstone of The Decider's stealth plan for a North American Union. Obviously, he's willing to tear our national house down to hammer home this policy nail.
Hopefully, our elected representatives will continue to reject The Decider's schemes, or the voters will register their grand epiphany come November 2008!
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