are you comforted yet?

Our war time commander in chief is looking mighty presidential on the White House side walk speaking with ABC's Elizabeth Vargas. He discusses with Vargas, who keeps a straight face, the difference between the merely "catastrophic" and a "major catastrophic" event.

Tune in tonight to hear the president sound better than his words read:

PRESIDENT BUSH: I agree that we didn't do as good a job as we could have done on Katrina. However, I would remind people that there was a hurricane right after Katrina that hit Louisiana and Texas, and the response was much better coordinated, and the situational awareness on the ground was much improved. And so while I can't predict a hundred percent success on a catastrophic—major catastrophic event, I can say that lessons learned from Katrina were being implemented quickly. And the case I make is that hurricane that hit down there in Texas is one where the response was much better. (The hurricane that hit Texas was not a Cat 5, but a Cat 3 and did not involve the kind of devastating flood and wind damage. There is simply no comparison. Coordinated my ass. People sat on State Hwy 59 20 hours and never left the Houston area.)

Listen, here's the problem that happened in Katrina. There was no situational awareness, and that means that we weren't getting good, solid information from people who were on the ground, and we need to do a better job. One reason we weren't is because communications systems got wiped out, (really? Then why didn't you prepare for that event? You only had about a week's notice) and in many cases we were relying upon the media, who happened to have better situational awareness than the government. (Really? They could broadcast with video and microwave and y'all don't know how to do that?) And when you have the media have better situational awareness than the government, the American people are saying, "Wait a minute. What is happening? How come the Federal Government and state government and local governments couldn't do a better job of providing information necessarily so that people could react better?"

ELIZABETH VARGAS: So you don't agree with that report that calls the U.S. "woefully unprepared?"

BUSH: I think the U.S. is better prepared than woefully unprepared. There's no question we've got more work to do, and our report on Katrina outlined the work that needs to be done.

I thought, for example, the reaction to the 9/11 attack (where you counting how many seconds it took Bush to mention 9/11? That disaster was several city blocks, not an entire region of the nation. It was falling buildings that quit burning quickly and there was no flooding) was a remarkable reaction, positively. When the terrorists attacked and destroy two buildings, there were rescue teams rushing in to save lives. There was a response by the city that was a coordinated response. Katrina was one that we could have done a much better job, and we're learning the lessons from Katrina. (The good folks of Louisiana called but no one answered the phone. There local response was blocked by floods. With all due respect to New York, their first responders had dry pavement to roll on up to the site. South Louisiana was the site.) But the country has got to constantly be evaluating our capabilities and preparing for the worst.

VARGAS: When you look back on those days immediately following when Katrina struck, what moment do you think was the moment that you realized that the government was failing, especially the people of New Orleans?

BUSH: When I saw TV reporters interviewing people who were screaming for help.
(No shit.I bet people jumping out of those burning towers thought that your government failed to protect us from foreign attack. Well, probably not. But their families certainly did every time you brought up their dead loved ones to save your political ass. The situation in South Louisiana and Mississippi called and told you it was coming but you were on vacation, not listening to the Weather Channel. Oh yeah, you were on vacation when you got the memo from the National Security Agency that bin Laden was determined to strike New York or D.C. ) It looked — the scenes looked chaotic and desperate. And I realized that our government was — could have done a better job of comforting people.

Lest we forget... New Orleans, Part 2

These are the rest of the legible pictures that we got at Halloween. And this is just in the Quarter and its outlying areas, so we didn't see that much remaining damage except for hotels that were dumping tons of ruined mattresses & carpet on the banquets (sidewalks) of the Quarter. When we went to the Dungeon Halloween party, we went straight to the Quarter and straight out, because travelling in the outlying areas was verboten. Too many looters (and too many of them were cops) and looky-loos. Notice the NY State Trooper car --- there were three cops for every civilian. Makes the white people feel safe, the black people feel controlled/watched, and makes the stoners more paranoid than ever.

I think that Oracle got me this map --- gives a pretty good idea of how much attention was actually paid at the time, eh?

We cannot forget Katrina and Rita, even as the parties and the parades roll on. We cannot forget the people who died. We cannot forget the way that "our" government committed widespread genocide in pursuit of neverending class warfare.

Those levees breaking WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT. Cutting the budget on the Army Corps of Engineering, year after year, ever since he invaded the White House, was not an accident. And now they've got primo "redevelopment"/"gentrification" territory, so that they can bring in young, wealthy, white Republicunts to replace the generations-faithful black Democrats who were dispersed all over the friggin' country.

Yeah, they're partying today, and you'll find pictures of that all over the web. Anderson Cooper, throwing beads with that evil, beady-eyed, republicunt troll Ed Muniz's Endymion krewe. Woo de fuckin' hoo. Dan Akroyd, drunk and falling off of the float. Nothing new there. But I was there Sunday for an Irish Wake (story to follow soon, with pictures), and it wasn't even a SIXTH of the crowds that it should've been. They're BEGGING people to come get drunk, piss in our streets, and fuck in our alleys this year, but it's still too much like a war zone. Even though the tourist areas have been prettied-up first (before providing housing for the poor LOCALS, certainly), there's still the taint of death and decay. There's still heaps of rotted sheetrock, splintered wood, destroyed artwork & dreams, laying all over the curbs of New Orleans, even in the French Quarter.

THIS AIN'T OVER. And I'm hardly the only person who really wants to go home. The local rednecks (especially in the Baton Rouge {toilet}paper) are just THRILLED that all of the poor blacks who were shipped-off to Arizona, New Mexico, Illinois, and UTAH (UTAH!!! Those people can't COOK!!!) are "thriving" in their new concentration camps. They're just shickled titless to have them off of the food stamp rolls and out of the decayed public housing of New Orleans. They couldn't be prouder. Isn't that just the sweetest thing you ever heard?

Wait 'til y'all read the conversation that I had with a redneck emigre to the white-flight suburbs, who doesn't know jack SHIT about New Orleans proper. White people piss me off SO much moreso these days... As if they weren't bad enough before Katrina...

Squinty-eyed Conspiracy Theorist's Smart-Ass Questions Of The Day:

Why would the PTB want to wipe out 94 percent of the world's population through such programs as "Global Cleanse 2000"? Isn't it more rewarding to have 6 billion adoring subjects bowing down before our emperor of the earth instead of a paltry 20 million or so?

Ack

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The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know

Here's an interesting story in BBC News: Bin Laden 'likes hugs not kisses'

I really don't give a hoot about that, but the story is about a 32 year old Australian man who converted to Islam and met bin Laden in Afghanistan but decided against orchestrating terror attacks in his home country because bin Laden wanted to recruit white men to be sleepers in non Muslim countries. He also had a problem with giving up beer for his religion.

"I never really thought I'd be a Muslim," he told ABC. "I'd say, 'Oh look, you know, I really love your religion but I really love my beer'."

Birth Of A Movement

Never before seen (by the public) photos from Birmingham News of the civil rights movement have been found in the news archives. Take a look at the photo galleries from c.1962 at the amazing struggle and fortitude of black people in the south to simply be treated like human beings.

My memories of this time are from listening to the radio my mom always had on in the kitchen. We heard of the "negro uprisings" in the south and the painful movement for desegregation. I remember wondering why the heck those negroes were causing such a stir and then I asked mom what a negro was. She explained that they were "colored" people- the dark skinned people and that in the south, black people couldn't sit near white people on buses or restaurants. She explained segregation. It finally dawned on me that black and white people were considered different. Up until that point, I had played happily with black kids at the playground and never gave it a thought. As far as I was concerned, some kids had dark kinky hair made orderly by those little braids in their hair. That's all. I wasn't taught to hate these people nor were black people ever pointed out as different. Then of course, as time went by, the shit really hit the fan in the mid-late 60's and I learned a lot about man's hatred for his fellow man.

These pictures brought to my eyes the painful struggle that went on in the south and to a lesser extent here in the north. Fear and hatred are taught.

Talk About Captive Audiences!

From The Nation:

Arundhati Roy, one of our era's more eloquent voices:

"On his triumphalist tour of India and Pakistan, where he hopes to wave imperiously at people he considers potential subjects, President Bush has an itinerary that's getting curiouser and curiouser.

"For Bush's March 2 pit stop in New Delhi, the Indian government tried very hard to have him address our parliament. A not inconsequential number of MPs threatened to heckle him, so Plan One was hastily shelved. Plan Two was to have Bush address the masses from the ramparts of the magnificent Red Fort, where the Indian prime minister traditionally delivers his Independence Day address. But the Red Fort, surrounded as it is by the predominantly Muslim population of Old Delhi, was considered a security nightmare. So now we're into Plan Three: President George Bush speaks from Purana Qila, the Old Fort.

"Ironic, isn't it, that the only safe public space for a man who has recently been so enthusiastic about India's modernity should be a crumbling medieval fort?

"Since the Purana Qila also houses the Delhi zoo, George Bush's audience will be a few hundred caged animals and an approved list of caged human beings, who in India go under the category of "eminent persons." They're mostly rich folk who live in our poor country like captive animals, incarcerated by their own wealth, locked and barred in their gilded cages, protecting themselves from the threat of the vulgar and unruly multitudes whom they have systematically dispossessed over the centuries.

"So what's going to happen to George W. Bush? Will the gorillas cheer him on? Will the gibbons curl their lips? Will the brow-antlered deer sneer? Will the chimps make rude noises? Will the owls hoot? Will the lions yawn and the giraffes bat their beautiful eyelashes? Will the crocs recognize a kindred soul? Will the quails give thanks that Bush isn't traveling with Dick Cheney, his hunting partner with the notoriously bad aim? Will the CEOs agree?

"Oh, and on March 2, Bush will be taken to visit Gandhi's memorial in Rajghat. He's by no means the only war criminal who has been invited by the Indian government to lay flowers at Rajghat. (Only recently we had the Burmese dictator General Than Shwe, no shrinking violet himself.) But when Bush places flowers on that famous slab of highly polished stone, millions of Indians will wince. It will be as though he has poured a pint of blood on the memory of Gandhi.

"We really would prefer that he didn't.

"It is not in our power to stop Bush's visit. It is in our power to protest it, and we will. The government, the police and the corporate press will do everything they can to minimize the extent of our outrage. Nothing the happy newspapers say can change the fact that all over India, from the biggest cities to the smallest villages, in public places and private homes, George W. Bush, the President of the United States of America, world nightmare incarnate, is just not welcome."

New Orleans, Part 1

When we went at Halloween, this is what little of New Orleans that we got to see. We were broke as hell and had very limited time to be there, so it's not much, but these are what we got. Cafe' Du Monde, which was, for the first time I've seen it, damned near empty at 12A. The river end of Canal Street, where the only lights were the few streetlights and that damned casino. The four or five people on Bourbon Street. The FEMA Tent City in the pay lots on Decatur. The t-shirts. And since apparently Blogger hates my guts tonight, that's it for Part 1. Lame, I know, but I'm trying to tell a story here, and eventually, there'll be a point.

SHE LIVES!!!!!!

Miss Missouri Mule JUST got home, and she's all in one piece, and the surgery went WONDERFULLY, and they have got her on the BEST drugs possible. So, while she feels like she's been beat-down with a 2-by-4, she really doesn't CARE.

So, there's your news alert for the day --- Miss Vicki is back on the ranch, and Long-Sufferin' is deserving a two-week vacation in Bermuda... And she knows that all of y'all have been worried sick about her crazy behind, and she just wants to let everybody know that she appreciates all of the kind thoughts & words that y'all have sent her way.

She's gonna be pretty much blind for the next 6 weeks, until the next surgery, but she IS going to have Long-Sufferin', Liz & me to read the blog to her, so she will DEFINITELY be keeping abreast of things here in BlondeLand, and she said to tell everybody howdy, send y'all a big hug, and to let y'all know that she'll be out there lurkin' her ass off... Which is probably good, 'cause from the way she sounded on the phone, her spelling is the least of her worries right now... heh heh heh... That's our Mule.

Oh, and the reason we haven't been able to track her or Long-Sufferin' down all this time is, they left the cellphone in AMES, IOWA, at the hotel they stayed at on the way up to Mayo Clinic, but they stopped back by on the way home, and got all of our messages, to boot!

And in blonde news...

THE modern gentleman may prefer blondes. But new research has found that it was cavemen who were the first to be lured by flaxen locks.

According to the study, north European women evolved blonde hair and blue eyes at the end of the Ice Age to make them stand out from their rivals at a time of fierce competition for scarce males.

The study argues that blond hair originated in the region because of food shortages 10,000-11,000 years ago. Until then, humans had the dark brown hair and dark eyes that still dominate in the rest of the world. Almost the only sustenance in northern Europe came from roaming herds of mammoths, reindeer, bison and horses. Finding them required long, arduous hunting trips in which numerous males died, leading to a high ratio of surviving women to men.

Lighter hair colours, which started as rare mutations, became popular for breeding and numbers increased dramatically, according to the research, published under the aegis of the University of St Andrews.

read on if you dare

More damning health news

So you spend your life trying to do the right thing. You don't drink, smoke or carouse. You're punctual, industrious, detail oriented, neat, clean, tidy and you avoid risk.

You should live a long healthy life, right?
Wrong.
Recent studies show that the above personalities are ripe for Parkinsons disease.

So you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Everything gives you cancer.

Forget the housework, let's go bungee jumping and then out for cocktails.

PS. This blonde doesn't fall into the parkinson's personality at all. What's housework?

Trip to Merry Olde England

My, but being from the UK is getting interesting. Let us see if we can follow the tinfoil dots (and yes, I'm sleep deprived so bear with me)

English legend says that a terrible evil will befall the kingdom if the Tower of London loses its ravens, which have lived at the landmark for more than 300 years. - enter the H5N1 bird flu, most recently spotted in migratory ducks in France.


America's secret service had been monitoring the Bruichladdich distillery because the difference between distilling a fine whisky and making chemical weapons was “just a small tweak”.

Yep, apparently our government is afriad not only of sex, but of whiskey too. Although they should know that popular myth has God creating whiskey to keep the Irish (and Scots) from taking over the world (Personally I'm good with the whole Celts rulling the world, gotta love a man in a kilt)

And now we find out that Chimpy is as bad at following the laws of other country's as he is at following ours, is ANYONE surprised by this?

In Scotland, an accident such as the one at Gleneagles could have led to police action. Earlier this year, Strathclyde Police issued three fixed penalty notices to errant cyclists as part of a crack-down on rogue riders. Legal experts also suggested lesser mortals could have ended up with a fixed penalty fine, prosecution, or at least a good ticking-off from officers. - It seems the officer was injured so badly that he was out for 14 weeks.

Anything else to add to the list? What about the prime minister? I saw that the mayor of London was suspended for four weeks due to Nazi comments. And let us not forget the Downing Street Memo, the pending lawsuit looking to charge the Iraqi war as a crime of aggression and a few other memorable (and hopeful) events.

Pulp Economics

If you haven't been reading Dark Wraith, you are missing out on very enlightening and colorful economics lessons made palatable. If you're like me, you slept through economics class or you skipped it altogether if you were smart. Now we can get up to speed.

I star in DW's latest post along with some babe named "Misty the Clam Digger", so naturally it's more interesting than usual. I even get to use and abuse Peter of Lone Tree in the story. What drama.

Amazingly, you get to learn that
"Inflation has one cause: too many clams chasing too few pineapples."

I would have been able to produce more pineapples, but I was busy designing a line of swimwear.

Plan B, Emergency Contraception in the News Again

I'm thinking that if you live in a red state, you ought to get your friends together and start educating your legislators about emergency contraception, namely Plan B. Citizens simply don't know what it's all about and legislators are making moral decisions for them for political gain. What's more, making Plan B hard to get actually may increase the chances for actual abortions to take place... and I thought we were trying to make abortions happen less. Silly me.

Right now, almost every state is embroiled in discussions over whether to make Plan B, which is a large dose of a birth control pill and not an abortion pill, more accessible or less accessible. It appears to be a red state/blue state thing. Unfortunately for those who live in red states, legislators who claim to be "pro-life" are trying to make it very hard for women to have access to emergency contraception after unprotected sex. These people pay no attention to science and medicine but consider that stopping an egg from being fertilized is akin to abortion. This is absolutely untrue. This is more proof that so many Americans are left behind ... or they just weren't paying attention in biology class as to when a pregnancy actually begins.

What's even more shocking is that there is a debate about whether or not to have Plan B available in emergency rooms for women who are raped. Catholic hospitals say they will refuse to administer Plan B.

Misogy-nazis: When I studied moral theology in the Catholic seminary, one of the reasons that Catholic theologians were against invitro fertilization was that the conception was missing the loving interaction between the couple. Yes, the physical part of pro-creating was not there and that was a big issue. It was all about love AND the physical act. (I remember that I had a lot to say about that as you can imagine.)

Now doesn't it seem strange that if a woman is raped, and we are talking about a possible conception based on hate and violence (not to mention that a rapist's violent tendencies could be further introduced into the gene pool) that simply giving the woman an option to prevent the egg from being fertilized, but not causing an abortion if the egg was already fertilized, would be the loving thing to do -to help the young woman heal from emotional and physical battering she underwent because of a deranged person's actions without furthering subjecting her to carrying the child of a rapist? She should be further punished by having to carry a hated life to birth when that life didn't even have to begin in the first place? Are these Catholic hospitals so inhumane as to believe that a raped woman's possible conception is blessed by god? This is yet another reason, that I am glad I am not Catholic anymore.

Get Your Telescopes Ready

NASA Detects 'Totally New' Mystery Explosion Nearby
By Robert Roy Britt
Space.com
23 February 2006

Astronomers have detected a new type of cosmic outburst that they can't yet explain. The event was very close to our galaxy, they said.

The eruption might portend an even brighter event to come, a supernova.

It was spotted by NASA's Swift telescope and is being monitored by other telescopes around the world as scientists wait to see what will happen.

Neil Gehrels, principal investigator for the Swift mission at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, called the event "totally new, totally unexpected."

If the eruption indeed precedes a supernova, then it would reach peak brightness in about a week, scientists said.

Experienced backyard astronomers can see the explosion with a telescope by using these coordinates: RA: 03:21:39.71 Dec: +16:52:02.6

The event, detected Feb. 18, looks something like a gamma-ray burst (GRB), scientists said. But it is much closer—about 440 million light-years away—than others. And it lasted about 33 minutes. Most GRBs are billions of light-years away and last less than a second or just a few seconds.

Other aspects of the newfound eruption were inexplicable, astronomers said. It was dimmer than most. Even so, the newly spotted point of light in the sky outshines the entire galaxy in which the event occurred.

"This could be a new kind of burst, or we might be seeing a gamma-ray burst from an entirely different angle," said Swift scientist John Nousek at Penn State University.

Astronomers don't fully understand gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). But they theorize that when one is pointed our way, it appears brighter than when the beams it produces shoot off in other directions.

The explosion has been catalogued as GRB 060218. It is the second-closest GRB ever detected. But it's not clear if it will ultimately be called one.

Italian researchers using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile found signs in the event's optical afterglow that it may become a supernova. The scenario outlined by some researchers is that a very massive star has collapsed into a black hole and then exploded.

If the event is indeed a supernova in the making, scientists may get the first look at one unfolding from start to finish.

The eruption occurred in the constellation Aries.

Pat Tillman

Kevin Drum:

Tillman, a genuine hero who wanted to go to Afghanistan to fight al-Qaeda, was instead sent initially to Iraq to fight in a war he thought was stupid and illegal. On the big screen, this would play out as a symbol of George Bush's feckless attitude toward Osama bin Laden that practically kicks you in the face. What's more, Tillman's death didn't come during combat, but instead was the result of an enormous fuckup by our own troops. His parents are convinced — not without reason — that the Army tried to cover this up, and that the Bush administration then spent five weeks touting a phony version of what happened in order to help their political cause during an election year. To cap it all off, his friends say Tillman blamed Bush for the mess in Iraq and supported John Kerry in the 2004 election.

Sounds like an Oliver Stone picture to me. Read the whole article

And even more on Tillman's sacrifice here.

Something to remember always

I hope Liz can forgive me for this (I feel like a bit of a piggy for posting so much in such a short time) but I saw this copied on several blogs I read (I apologize that I cannot find the original post or s/n name) and I feel it needs to be spread around, remembered and repeated as much as possible.

Bigotry and gay adoptionThe Rovian Republicans are at it again.

As the 2006 election approaches, right-wing strategists realize that to maintain power, they must again rile up their base. Give conservatives a reason to fight the culture war from the ballot box, the thinking goes, and their presence will help guarantee top-ticket results.What were statewide gay marriage bans in 2004 appear to be gay adoption bans this fall. Ballot initiatives in 16 states speak to the fact that the Republican Party is again relying on deeply held biases to stay in office.

To me, however, there's no moderation on this issue. There's no gray area. There's no coalition to be formed. There's right and there's wrong. There's love and there's hate. Call me stubborn and close-minded, but if you are against gay adoption, you are a bigot. A hateful, prejudiced bigot.Why put these shameful measures on the ballot now? Whatever happened to putting forward an agenda of real ideas and inspiring voters to choose which party most embodies their beliefs? When did playing on ignorance and hatred become a get-out-the-vote tactic?

Only a weakened party unable to govern would make this strategy its top priority.The fact that issues like this are even up for a vote proves that the Republican Party is not only morally bankrupt, but also absent ideas. It's not about helping people, of course, because to do so would mean a radical shift in Republican policy. It would mean treating actual human beings with the same respect the right treats clumps of cells. It would mean helping children in the early stages of their lives. It would mean teaching parents and potential parents to make educated decisions. Above all else, it would mean more attention paid to the very safety net Republicans have steadily eroded.Where are the Republicans stepping up to adopt children clearly starving for love? Where are the Republicans backing the comprehensive sex education that would help prevent unwanted pregnancies? Where are the Republicans working for solutions that don't involve hate, that don't involve the continued stigmatization of normal, good-hearted Americans?

Republicans supporting these bans, you see, don't care about families. Nor do they care about children. They care about using people as scapegoats. That way, they can divert attention from their own shortcomings to a common enemy. Government in tatters? Blame liberals! Economy in the tank? Blame immigrants! Marriage in trouble? Blame homosexuals! If the right couldn't answer charges with "They did it," they would have nothing. No group has better perfected buck passing and blame gaming than the Bush-era Republican Party.

Today's Republicans aren't about progress. They're about being a thorn in its side. How else could you explain a party whose constituents spend more time fighting evolution, complaining about Howard Stern and protesting outside of hospices and abortion clinics than working for solutions to more pressing problems? Only small-minded people think SpongeBob SquarePants is a greater threat to the American way of life than myriad actual concerns.

Like many people, I can speak to this story personally. One of my very best friends is a gay man who happens to have adopted a beautiful son. The only thing atypical about the situation is the love and attention the doting father provides his son. The only thing unusual about the situation is the undivided attention my friend gives his one and only. The only thing abnormal about the situation is the massive amount of toys, books and puzzles in their home.

In fact, he's a better father than those who would have prevented the adoption could ever hope to be. He's a better man, too. His son, accordingly, couldn't have it any better. The thought that there are people in this country who would fight to have kept them apart sickens me. And it should sicken you, too.This isn't, as the right would have everyone believe, about special rights. It's about equal rights. The rights we take for granted. The rights to start a family, to be able to tuck your child in at night and know that everything you've done has led to this. To attend the recitals, plays and games. To enjoy watching them grow from childhood to adolescence and into adulthood. To share the same love that my parents shared with me. If that is special, doesn't everybody deserve special?

I have no idea who originally wrote this, but I am so very glad they did, the distractions and 'hot button' issues (along with voter fraud, et al) has played a HUGE part in the elections since 2000 and we, as citizens, need to educate ourselves and our friends to see these antics for what they are. Distractions put in place by a government that has NOTHING to offer us, an adminstration that has failed us repeatedly. 9/11, Katrina - NOLA, Wiretapping, Illegal wars, Gulags, the list goes on and on.

RIP Barney Fife

I know it seems like 'fluff' on a basically political blog, but I grew up on his movies and my Da loved the Andy Griffith show. Don Knots passed away Friday, he was the all time nerd, trying so hard to fit in and be 'cool' and of course, no matter how hard he tried it just never worked out for him. Although I do seem to remember him getting the girl in Mr. Limpet and The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.

So, anyone else with any fond memories of Mr. Knots?

The Tide May Be Turning

After all the horrible news of the past week, perhaps some bits of hope might be welcomed. Or if not hope at least a few instances where the administration is facing a bit of a fight.

Scott Tooley, a Republican, and former Congressional aide and law school graduate, educated at renowned Christian universities, has filed suit against the President, Vice President and relevant federal agencies for their illegal surveillance programs.

The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Friday, February 17, 2006. Mr. Tooley is represented by Larry Klayman, former Chairman of Judicial Watch and former U.S. Senate candidate from Florida.



WASHINGTON - A federal judge dealt a setback to the Bush administration on its warrantless surveillance program, ordering the Justice Department on Thursday to release documents about the highly classified effort within 20 days or compile a list of what it is withholding.



Initially, Google resisted the request from the DoJ and in court documents filed over the weekend has formally rejected it. The 25 page document uses strong language to criticise the request for a list of the search terms used in a typical week.

The document expressed its disbelief in US government assertions that the list of search words would help understand user behaviour.

"This statement is so uninformed as to be nonsensical," comments the document.



State Senator Outraged, Says Machines, Certification Violates State, Federal Standards and Law... SoS' Own Report Agrees! McPherson Waits Until 5pm Friday of Holiday Weekend to Announce!

Last summer, after a massive mock election test with Diebold touch-screen machines revealed that 10% of them failed entirely with screens freezing and printers jamming -- later reports would reveal that as many as 30% of the machines actually failed!

Re-inspection in light of the news out of Leon County, Florida that the memory cards used "interpreted code" which is specifically banned by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). A "hack test" in that county revealed that an entirely election could have its results flipped by a hacker exploiting that "interpreted code" -- without a trace being left behind.


Campaigners ask courts to rule Iraq war a 'crime of aggression'
Britain's most senior judges will be asked today for a ruling that could lead to the war in Iraq being declared an illegal "crime of aggression". Until now, the courts have taken the view that they cannot rule on the Crown's prerogative powers to wage war. But today the law lords will start hearing appeals by peace protesters who claim they were entitled to commit "criminal" acts in an attempt to prevent what they saw as the greater crime of launching an illegal war.


The BEST science based site on the web, many science based blogs are housed under the SEED umbrella.

Utah: Stud Judge Ordered Off the Bench

SALT LAKE CITY - A small-town judge with three wives was ordered removed from the bench by the Utah Supreme Court on Friday.

He has 32 children by 3 wives who happen to be sisters.

He was disappointed by the decision:

"I had hoped that the court would see my case as an opportunity to correct the injustices that are caused by the criminalization of my religious beliefs and lifestyle," Steed said in a statement.

Well he has a point.. but then again- why couldn't we all come up with various religious sects that authorize the use of marijuana or ecstasy, hold orgies for worship, celebrate spaghetti or start street gangs for Christ? Plus we can be tax exempt as long as we don't get involved in electoral politics. Oops. This opens a can of worms.

Personally, I don't give a hoot about polygamy if all the parties are game and the stud muffin can afford to take care of the brood and they keep to their own Stepford neighborhoods. But the judge was breaking Utah law, along with some 10,000 other polygamists living there. At least twice as many children would be out on the streets if their parents were thrown in jail. Utah is an interesting state. I look forward to visiting there when I drive across the country in the spring.

Good news from the IRS.

Did I really write that?

Apparently I am not the only one who has written numerous complaint letters to the IRS regarding the tax exempt status of religious groups who are taking an active part in electoral politics. The IRS has been reviewing all the complaints of illegal electoral activity during the 2004 election season. These churches will have to shut the fuck up about guilting the flock into voting against their interests or pay their taxes to the government that they adore.

Good article by Frederick Clarkson at Talk To Action: IRS to Vigorously Enforce Rules on Church Politicking

Saturday Playtime

Take a visit to The Hospital
You'll be glad you did.

(and don't forget to use mouseovers and clicks on the images)

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Try another time waster: Moebius Syndrome

For You History Fans:

(And UFO students):

Today is the 64th anniversary of "The Battle of Los Angeles".

Another nice link: http://ufocasebook.com/battleoflosangeles.html
"Case and point: A UFO event of mass proportion: a giant Alien spaceship hovering over one of our major cities, threatening our very existence. A scenario from "War of the Worlds," "Independence Day," or "The Day the Earth Stood Still"? NO! it is NOT science fiction, it has ALREADY happened. When? February 25th, 1942 in the Los Angeles area."

This Link includes a photo of the Los Angeles Times with the headlines "Army Says Alarm Real" "Roaring Guns Mark Blackout"

Only On Fox

What Was I Just Talking About In the Previous Post?





Conservatives always look on the bright side.

If they can see a bright side to a civil war, then I want to know what they sip at happy hour.

Screen Shots Courtesy of Media Matters



UPDATE SATURDAY FEB 25:
Well it's not only Fox that is looking at the upside of a civil war in Iraq...

A pundit on CNN (via Think Progress) says "I think actually these attacks on Shia shrines can be attributed to the potential success of the Bush strategy."

So there ya go. When I tried to view the world as a conservative on Friday's post titled, "A Call For Peace" (Scroll down one post), I was right there with the president and the corporate media new channels! Who knew? Unfortunately while I was able to pay lip service to looking at the brighter side of disasters, in my heart I didn't feel it. I certainly hope I am wrong and that there is hope for Iraq. We'll see, now won't we?

A Call For Peace

I may turn conservative after reading how conservatives are happier. I want to be happy too. I think I will post some things from a more positive angle once in a while. God forbid that I seem grumpy.

Here's some good news: Religious leaders in Iraq called for peace after all "H-E-double hockey sticks" broke loose and a Shiite Shrine was toppled. Our president, George W. Bush said, "This is a moment of choosing for the Iraqi people."

Oh yes, indeed. They will most certainly choose something.

People want to look at the bright side of danger, death and explosions though.

U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad acknowledged the grave danger facing Iraq, but said the attack on the shrine also presented the country with a "moment of opportunity."

"I think this attack has had a major impact here, getting everyone's attention that Iraq is in danger ... that they must lead and compromise with each other to bring the people of Iraq together and to save this country," he told reporters.

President Bush acknowledged that there would be lots more bloodshed in Iraq, yet he also told a handpicked audience of veterans to look at the sunny side...

"But I'm optimistic because the Iraqi people have spoken and make their intentions clear... They want their freedom. They want their country to be a democracy," Bush said.

Now I'm not quite sure which intentions he is talking about but we'll just have to trust him. Ya know?

Toodles,
Conservative Blonde

ha ha?

"I used to consider myself a Democrat, but thanks to 9/11, I'm outraged by Chappaquiddick."

Roger Ailes on the rise of conservative comedians.

They Have Named It The Long War

The sun is shining but it is a dark day in southeastern North Carolina with Donald Rumsfeld jetting in for a ceremony to welcome the marines into the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) with the launch of the Marine Special Operations Command (MARCOC). This story is the headline on the local fishwrap this morning and I haven't been able to find it on the newswires yet. It may get five seconds on the evening news tonight certainly not enough time to consider all of the implications of the story.

It's part of a long-range plan as reported here by CNN on Feb. 3, 2006.

Here is Dick Cheney swooning with joy over it last summer. Yes, Iran/Conta taught him the importance of having secret forces doing covert operations all over the world. These boys do it all from setting up hospitals and providing aid to training death squads and overthrowing elected governments. They came to mind this week when I heard of the destruction of the golden mosque. Come on, you know you thought the same thing. If you didn't maybe you should brush up on some history.

How Dare They

Well how do you like that?

Pew Research concludes that conservatives are happier than liberals.

it was the best of times, it was the worst of times

Get on over to Democratic Underground and read It's Munich in America by David Michael Green. (Also available at Common Dreams and Information Clearinghouse)



And after you walk through it with Professor Green, come back here and help me think about when we weren't struggling to seize democracy from the hands of our government? The Japanese in internment camps--FDR how could you?--McCarthyism, domestic spying by the CIA and the FBI, Vietnam, Watergate, Nixon, Reagan, impeachment in the face of two elections where Clinton didn't do anything that rises to the level of illegal wiretaps, and now 9/11, which no one could foresee, Katrina that no one could foresee, Iraq where we were supposed to be greeted like the Americans liberating Paris, and as Senator Lindsey Graham said today, "the tone-deaf" presidency.

I agree with the Professor that things are at a new low with little relief in sight. No, Toto, we don't have the Warren Court anymore. Women are going to lose civil rights like sand through our fingers. With so much sand in our eyes, so many distractions, we won't even understand how it got that way. It gets more Orwellian everyday and I too have a difficult time remembering when we weren't at war with Eastasia.

It is tempting to romanticize the "good ol' days" and normally I wouldn't trade living in modern times. But I miss the optimism of Clinton, Johnson, and Kennedy. But we seem to be reliving the horror of Johnson's foreign policy under people who thought that Johnson and Nixon didn't try hard enough in Vietnam.

Today, President Bush did it again. He said something that was more absurd than the absurd statements he made yesterday. "People don't need to worry about security" after he has spent the last election scaring the hell out of us. But notice when commentators linked terror alerts with drops in Bush's popularity in his first term, those terror alerts have stopped. We don't need to be scared anymore: he got his second term. The one his father couldn't win.

And speaking of Freud, Bush said today that if we would just listen, we would see that the decisions made by "my government" are good decisions.

I thought that the government was us. The whole "my government" is grounded in a European view of government, close to the divine right of kings to govern, but more modernly rooted in the prime minister view of government. Woodrow Wilson thought that the presidency should be like the British model--a legislative body that rubber stamps the prime ministers desires into law. Bush and the unitary approach to government is just that. He can interpret law, make law, break law and it means that if the president does it, it isn't illegal.

Richard Nixon is George W. Bush's dark father.

If it is Mr. Bush's Republic, get a good look at him and what he has done. The port deal can be opposed because of the UAE's ties to terrorism and the Bush family ties to UAE. Mr. Bush is shocked, shocked that Americans don't want Arabs running their ports while they didn't mind the British running our ports. Well, that is true. We haven't been subjected to British terrorism in over 200 years. The British recognize Israel and the equality of women. The UAE does not.

But some perspective, please. We are not being arrested for what we write. We can protest the Bush government. We will find ourselves wiretapped without warrants.

Mississippi gets one right... ?

As unbelievable as it may seem, I'm actually almost wanting to side with the State of Mississippi against the ACLU on this one.

Putting the names & faces of "the most egregious cases" of sex offenders, especially those found guilty of statutory rape on BIG-ASS BILLBOARDS, all over the state of Mississippi --- yeah, on the one hand, it is more than vaguely reminiscent of "Big Brother" and the wall where they hung the bodies of those "convicted" of sex crimes in "The Handmaid's Tale" --- after the womenfolk had shredded them with their bare hands (but not NEARLY as permanent); on the other hand, can there really BE a punishment harsh enough for douchebags of this caliber? And don't tell me that "She lied about her age!" --- if you're old enough to be too old to fuck a minor, YOU KNOW BETTER.

The ACLU says that if they're "already serving," then what's the point?

Here's a hint:

THE POINT IS THAT THESE FACES & NAMES WILL BECOME KNOWN THROUGHOUT THE STATE, POSSIBLY PROTECTING POTENTIAL VICTIMS FROM THESE SCUMBAGS.

If only we could do so much in my own apartment building, which currently houses two douchebags convicted of molestation of minors, in a federally-subsidized building that HAS OVER A DOZEN KIDS LIVING HERE.

Like maybe lifesized cutouts of the two molesters in question, spray-painted with "CHILD MOLESTER!" in bright blood red, posted in the lobby for all visitors to see...

(And yes, I've been nagging Rural Development about this shit since I moved in, still waiting to see some action... And see how long it takes for the crooked-ass management company to find a reason to evict MY ass...)

BUT: Here's the problem(s): 1. Will every one of these alleged scumbags be convicted using the most up-to-date DNA technology available? With Mississippi's budget, don't hold your breath. I'm sure that they'll be convicted, but we won't know 100% if they're really the scumbags who did it. They've been wrong before, as have all of the other 49.

2. One thing that the Hinds County public defender brought up, and I think that it's a very salient point: How is going to feel, to the children/young women/young men who've been victimized, to be rolling down U.S. 61, and to see the face, about 20' high, of the animal who abused them? I'll take "SHITTY AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE" for $1,000, Alex.

Obviously, this is just another attempt to pander to the fearful suburbanite/rural white voters of Mississippi, to give them the ILLUSION that their government CAN protect them and WILL, when there is no such guarantee either promised or delivered. It's like promising old people that they won't get mugged down at the Piggly Wiggly, or telling someone who's lost a loved one to senseless drugs/violence/modern life that you're "fighting" for stricter punitive sentences: It sounds good, it might feel good, but it ain't really gonna deliver SHIT.

What the State of Mississippi NEEDS to do is to EDUCATE THEIR YOUNG PEOPLE. Equip them to defend themselves. TEACH YOUNG PRETEEN GIRLS THAT IT'S NOT COOL TO BE A MOMMY IN 5TH GRADE, AND NO, A 20-YEAR-OLD GUY DOES *NOT* REALLY "LOVE" THEM. The State Of Mississippi needs to do something about teenaged mothers who don't know their asses from a hole in the ground about raising their OWN kids, much less their GRANDkids, before they're THIRTY.

A little fucking sex education would be a good start.

(Of course, this goes QUADRUPLE for the State Of Louisiana.)

Teaching those girls how to remove testicles from the human body could be an excellent second step.

(It only requires 16 pounds of pressure to do so. Even with fibromyalgia & arthritis, I still have 45 lbs. of pressure in my left hand and 60 in my right.)

Now, as to the ACLU protecting the "privacy" of convicted child molesters, or considering this to be "cruel and unusual punishment"?

FUCK 'EM.

The Day Our Founders Lost Sleep Over

Found this at ICH:
It’s Munich In America. There Will Be No Normandy by David Michael Green.
(it's also at Democratic Underground and Common Dreams)

"If we flip completely over to the dark side, nobody will be storming our beaches and scrambling up our cliffs to liberate us from our own folly."

Indeed.

The article was written by my son's favorite poli-sci professor.

Could Be Juicy

Long Dong Silver's memoir is due out next year. His agent says there is a lot of interest in the book and he is going to talk quite openly about everything. The American people probably won't be interested in his judicial stories as much as his sex-capades if I know Americans.

What is the gay agenda anyway?

I keep reading about it at rightwing innernets sites, but no one really defines it. I can't imagine what a gay agenda would consist of other than fighting off homophobes and doing the same stuff that everyone else does.... wake up, go to work, come home, eat, watch tv, go to bed.

If anyone out there reading this is gay, what is your agenda?

Bush: What Me Worry?

"WASHINGTON - President Bush on Thursday sought to calm an uproar over an Arab company taking over operations at six major American ports, saying "people don't need to worry about security.""


And everyone breathed a sigh of relief.


UPDATE: This just came over the AP

"...Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, the panel's ranking Democrat, said the UAE backed the Taliban and allowed financial support for al-Qaida.

Levin also charged that the UAE has an "uneven history" as "one of only a handful of countries in the world to recognize the Taliban regime in Afghanistan." He added that millions of dollars in al-Qaida funds went through UAE financial institutions."

Then bush charged that no one had a problem with the ports being run by the British company, so what is the big deal.

Well the difference is that "London-based Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co., which previously operated at those ports, is a publicly traded company while Dubai Ports World is effectively controlled by the government there."

But bush never adressed the questions about The UAE's links to terrorists.

Keep Your Cats Indoors

Or kill sea otters. Your choice.

simply shocking

If I were a young woman living in SD, I'd move the hell out there. Today.

They are working hard to ban abortion in their godly state but this really really takes the cake:

"The momentum for a change in the national policy on abortion is going to come in the not-too-distant future," said Rep. Roger W. Hunt, a Republican who sponsored the bill. To his delight, abortion opponents succeeded in defeating all amendments designed to mitigate the ban, including exceptions in the case of rape or incest or the health of the woman. Hunt said that such "special circumstances" would have diluted the bill and its impact on the national scene.

So if daddy rapes his little girl, she gets to be a mommy and if the pregnancy kills her because she's only 11, all the better... we wouldn't want to dilute the bill, now would we?

Plan Or Stupidity?

Perhaps, like Flame said below about Katrina victims, "it's all part of the plan". I was just thinking after reading about Iraqi violence pitting Muslim against Muslim, that perhaps it was all part of the plan too. It's getting worse there.

But on the other hand maybe we shouldn't attribute to malice what can be explained by stupidity.

Tough call.

You KNEW it was bad, but Yeeshhh

Okay, we all know that the response to Katrina was less than stellar. No one (outside of the government) will argue that point with you. But how bad does it have to be that a bunch of Congressional yahoos can come up with 125 ways to improve response to national disasters.

The down side? They want the pentagon to take a more active role. NOW I'M WORRIED. Tinfoil hat aside, does anyone else get the sneaking suspicion that perhaps this was part of the goal all along? Sure we know they wanted some prime real estate, the dilution of the usually democratic vote in many of the wards, etc. But what about FEMA, what about Homeland Security? Why does the Pentagon need to be involved?

keep up with changing reality--there will be a test on this material

First a hearty "howdy" to the new blondes. Welcome!
Second, I realize that the topic has been covered but I already wrote this and a topic isn't covered until I have covered it, right?
Third, I am hunting and pecking because I am having problems with my wrists. Not carpal tunnel, but diabetic neuropathy. So bear with me.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a partial birth abortion ban case next fall. In the middle of campaign season. The Court probably granted certiorari in order to reverse the three appellate courts' ruling that banned the enforcement of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003. The Bush administration has appealed the appellate courts' decision that invalidated the federal law which denied doctors the ability to perform a medical procedure to terminate pregnancies in the second or third trimester. If doctors performed the procedure, they can be charged with a crime.

With the use of the word "ban" it is easy to be confused. Look at it this way: Bush v. Women's health. Bush wants to control women's health, the lower appellate courts want to protect women's health, and the Supreme Court that had once recognized a woman and her doctor's ability to protect her health, now believe that a woman's life must be endangered before her doctor can perform an abortion procedure to save her life. Abortion to protect her gynecological, reproductive, physical and or mental health isn't reason enough. So a woman must carry a fetus to term that endangers her health.

The Second, Eighth, and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeal struck the act as unconstitutional because while the law in question before the Supreme Court provides an exception which allows the procedure in order to save a woman's life, but not in order to protect a woman's health. The Supreme Court six years ago recognized that any law regarding abortion must provide doctors with the ability to not only to save a woman's life, but to preserve her health. All three appellate courts issued an injunction which prevents enforcement of the medical procedure's ban.

The Bush administration is appealing the ban on the enforcement of the ban of partial birth abortion. Not to belabor the point, the federal appellate courts have declared the law banning partial birth abortion unconstitutional, upheld the health exemption recognized by previous abortion laws, and the Bush administration wants the federal law which denies a woman a medical procedure that will protect her health enforced. Bush wants to prosecute doctors who perform the procedure that preserves a woman's health.

The Court is revisiting its earlier 5-4 decision in which they declared a previous attempt to ban the procedure unconstitutional because it did not provide an exception to protect the health of the woman. Evidently the Court is going to rule that the current law is constitutional or they would have allowed the lower appellate courts' rulings to stand. Or perhaps since there is a split--where some circuits believe the law in unconstitutional and other circuits have not ruled on the federal law--the Court thinks it should lay down a ruling for all circuits. In other words, the Court may reverse itself because the votes are there to change reality. Justice O'Connor is gone. Therefore Justice Alito is there. Stare decisis is after all, not carved in stone. (Recall that if stare decisis was carved in stone, Plessy v. Ferguson would not have been overturned by Brown v. the Board of Education.) So Congress' finding that the procedure is unnecessary to preserve a woman's health but might be necessary to save her life will become law.

And you thought Bill Frist's diagnosis of Terry Schiavo without ever touching her was odd. Congress has made their interpretation of medicine law without the benefit of a medical education.

While the Court may not have the votes to declare abortion unconstitutional, they can continue to erode a woman's right to chose until they have reached the critical point where abortions cannot be performed unless the woman's life is at stake.

Since it takes four justices to vote to hear a case, Scalia and Thomas probably voted to hear the case since they ruled in favor of the law that banned the procedure six years ago. They vote to hear the case on other grounds than simply abortion. Rehnquist and Kennedy also voted in favor of banning the procedure. Kennedy has voted in the past to uphold a woman's right to choose in the past so he is something of a wild card. He objected six years ago not on the subject of abortion, but on states' rights to decide such matters.

Breyer, Stevens, Ginsberg, O'Connor, and Souter voted to declare the Partial Birth Abortion Ban unconstitutional because it had no health exception. O'Connor is gone. Roberts and Alito are here. Assuming that these remaining four justices stay with their previous ruling and Roberts, Alito, Scalia, Thomas, and Kennedy rule against the appellate courts, partial birth abortion will be an option only to save the life of the woman.

Further proof that Kinky has sold out...

He's got a REALITY SHOW. On CMT.

Just break our fuckin' hearts, whydontcha Kinky?!

Just when I was starting to think that Texas wasn't a lost cause after all...

*sigh*

Spook Politics

I love this term, completely adore it.

There never was a “terrorist threat” to western civilisation or democracy, only to western lives and property. The threat becomes systemic only when democracy loses its confidence and when its leaders are weak, as now. Terror attacks are for the police. For George Bush and Blair to demand a “long war” against Bin Laden and, by implication, a long suppression of civil liberty is ludicrous. Western civilisation is not some simpering weakling that cowers before a fanatic ’s might, pleading for leaders to protect it by all means, however illegal.

This is an article well worth reading, I think it sums up the entire matter quite nicely and is an important tool in the re-re-educating of American citizens

The He-Man Woman Haters Club Is At It Again

The Supreme Court has reopened a key abortion case that attempted to ban late term abortions in 2003 that was deemed unconstitutional. Now with a SCOTUS consisting of a bunch of conservative men, here we are again.

Heinous, outspoken critics of abortion (mostly men) have labeled late term abortions barbaric and a key part of the US culture of death, overlooking the fact that the US is at war and plans to be at war for an indeterminate time. I'll give them a culture of death, right up their asses with my foot.

These men assume that pregnant women in their last trimester of pregnancy must wake up one morning and decide to have an abortion. I don't know what kind of women these sleezeballs associate with, but late term abortions are not the norm. We women know that these men conjure up scenarios that are completely ridiculous and that women with serious health risks during pregnancy may be sentenced to death if a total ban on late term abortions is signed by the courts regardless of the health and safety to the woman. There are no numbers available as to how many women undergo late term abortions but it is safe to assume that serious health issues lead up to such a decision. Anti-abortionists do not seem to care about women's health.

It's all political.

Bush To Objectors: Shut Up

The president said that he would veto any legislation that would prohibit Dubai Ports in control of 6 major US ports.

More senators and governors are speaking out against this idiocracy of the bush administration. Long Island's only Republican congressman, Peter King, chairman of the Homeland Security Commitee has vowed to fight the administration. Governor Corzine of NJ has joined the governors of NY and MD in the fight to stop this from happening. Even Dennis Hastert and Bill Frist called for a moratorium on this most secretive deal.

Bush has said that forbidding a UAE company from doing business at the ports may be viewed as discriminatory.

UPDATE: Oh get this: Bush Unaware of Ports Deal Before Approval












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Welcome to Blondesense Blog, Flame!

Latin America, the Newest Threat?

*Oiy, my first blog entry and I see NC Gal has the same topic. I’ll have to try harder next time*

So, has anyone else been following the Hugo Chavez tempest that is currently brewing to our South?

C Rice, our shoe-fetish Secretary of State seems to be going out of her way to inflame President Chavez (some of you may remember him as the man whose assassination was called for by televangelist Pat Robertson) and cause as much anger and indignation as possible in Central and South America.

While most of the USA’s citizenry is fixated on the Middle East and Muslims in general, things have been quickly spiralling out of control much closer to home. Bolivia and Chile have just elected far-left leaders and Peru looks to elect the VERY militant Ollanta Humala in April. And President Fox will more than likely be voted out of office in Mexico this July, possibly to be replaced by noted anti-US candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. And considering the porous nature of our Southern borders this should send the gun toting minute men into an absolute frenzy.

Now, before you think I’m going overboard on this, let me fill you in on a few details. Venezuela sits on approximately 8.5% of the world’s oil reserves and they are now the subject of an embargo. The administration is blocking US companies from sending them parts to fix and maintain their oil drilling and refining equipment. The Venezuelan government has evicted a group of evangelical ’missionaries’ for spying on the Venezuela for the CIA. Add to that US authorities “saw fit to enforce its own laws on other sovereign nations” by insisting that the Sheraton Maria Isabel (a hotel in Mexico City) expel 16 Cuban Energy Officials from their rooms. ( translated article here) The officials were there to meet with American Energy Officials and was situated in Mexico due to the trade embargo (still) in effect against Cuba. (Helms-Burton Act).

Now before you root Chavez on (tempting though it is) you should be aware that he has suggested an ‘indefinite’ extension of his term. But in his defence I don’t think there is anyone running against him. (translated story here )

Now, playing the devil here I have to wonder what the USA is thinking. I am sure that Venezuela could easily get the correct parts from Russia or China or Japan. Cuba (as you may recall from the Bay of Pigs) is close enough to become a REAL threat if another nation placed a military base or weapons there. And Mexico… well it wouldn’t take much for an army to come marching across the border would it, and don’t you feel comforted by the Administrations response to Katrina? I mean, surely they’ll do just as well with something of this nature, dontcha think?

Go On With Your Bad Self

Hugo Chavez to Condi Rice:"Don't mess with me, girl."

I hope he did it with a head roll, an eye roll and a snap of the fingers.

So It's All God's Fault

Everything that happens is God's fault according to America’s Providential History, by Mark A. Beliles and Stephen K. McDowell, who call it Divine Providence, and I call bullshit but fun reading. They do have a point though, but it's buried in fantastic allegory.

Various Excerpts From Harpers, Thy Kingdom Come:

"God’s plan for the nations has been unfolding in a specific geographic direction. This geographical march of history is called the Chain of Christianity or the Chain of Liberty. It seems as if God’s direction is westward."

"During the Revolutionary War, God performed many miracles on behalf of the American army, for God desired to see America win its struggle for freedom, become a nation, and fulfill its divine purposes."

"During the Civil War, the Confederate Army’s phenomenal success in almost every major battle induced Abraham Lincoln to seek God for the reasons why." Then Lincoln invoked God and the whole thing changed.

"After the war an ungodly, radical Republican element gained control of the Congress. They wanted to centralize power and shape the nation according to their philosophy. In order to do this, they had to remove the force of Calvinism in America..."

"The loss of Christian character and responsibility led to the failure of many state banks in the early 1900s. In an effort to remedy this situation, power was granted to a Federal Reserve Board in 1913. But this unbiblical economic structure produced even greater problems."

"While many secularists view the world as overpopulated, Christians know that God has made the earth sufficiently large, with plenty of resources to accommodate all the people He knew would come into existence. All the 5 billion people on the earth could live in the state of Texas in single-family homes with front and back yards and be fed by production in the rest of the United States."

Air Base in Despair

You didn't hear about this stuff in WWII.

Strain and battle fatigue of war hit home front

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --This sprawling airbase in the swamps of central Georgia sits 6,500 miles from the nearest battlefield in Iraq. But it hasn't escaped the death and injury brought on by war.

The situation at Robins, where thousands of workers repair military aircraft, is a case study on how the war overseas has affected those serving on the home front. Here, a different kind of strain and battle fatigue has surfaced, often in startling ways.

The wounded came not from engaging the enemy, but from scores of workplace injuries that increased as the war intensified. The low morale was measured in rises in drunken driving and domestic abuse, discrimination complaints and lost productivity. Most dramatic were the suicides -double the national rate in 2004 -and murders on the base, the first in Robins' 65-year history.

This is a startling story.

War is not good
for children
and other living things

US History Reshrouded In Secrecy

The NY Times reports today that thousands of historical documents which were in the public access have now been reclassified. Historians are baffled by the decision to reclassify documents that were accessible to the public for years and many were mundane and should be available as US history should be based on facts. Many of the documents have no bearing on national security. What's even more astounding is that the reclassification program is also shrouded in secrecy and costing tax payer dollars to keep it secret. The historians suspect that the CIA and other agencies are behind this. They don't know for sure because that part is also shrouded in secrecy.


On the other hand, Dead Eye Dick says that he has the power to declassify government secrets. So what's going on here?



Hat tip to Terrible

GOP Governors Threaten To Block Dubai Ports World

NY and MD governors Pataki and Erlich have spoken out against the ridiculous notion of Dubai Ports World securing US ports and will explore legal actions to cancel lease agreements at ports in these states. Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey said Monday that he and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, will introduce legislation prohibiting the sale of port operations to foreign governments. They had better hurry up.

The AP reports that "Critics have noted that some of the 9/11 hijackers used the UAE as an operational and financial base. In addition, they contend the UAE was an important transfer point for shipments of smuggled nuclear components sent to Iran, North Korea and Libya by a Pakistani scientist."

Didn't Bush say that you are either with us or with the terrorists? Didn't he say that he won't do business with countries that harbor terrorists? He must forget all the stuff that he tells the American people. He ought to pick a story and stick to it.

Amazingly Jimmy Carter approves of the Bush plan to allow this company to secure out ports. One wonders what to believe. Furthermore, why can't an American company secure the ports with American workers who could certainly use the jobs?

Is 'Murka Addicted To Oil or Tax Credits?

"Federal tax rules that took effect last month allow a credit of up to $3,150 for anyone buying a hybrid car. The credit is the same regardless of tax bracket.

However, owners of small businesses who buy a Hummer, Ford Excursion or other SUV weighing more than 3 tons get a deduction of up to $25,000 — depending on tax bracket — if they use the vehicle exclusively for work." -AP

And we all know that the majority of those 'tax break' SUV's are driven by their wives... well at least that's the case around here.

another old rant

(With all of the things that are going on right now, for some reason, this old rant is the one that won't get out of my head. I'm not trying to bring a bad omen on Vicki/MoMu as she's heading into surgery or anything like that, so please don't think it. I know that she's going to be just fine, she's at the MAYO Clinic after all --- but there are a number of factors that bring this rant to mind, and I can't rightly sort them all out at the moment. I wrote this three days before my Nannie (grandmother) died in 2000; and me being me, whenever someone I care about is going through seriously scary shit, I immediately go to the self-imposed guilt trip.)

5/4/00
8:20P

change

SUCKS. Nothing good has been wrought upon my life by change that others have brought.

Changes I have made—well, on occasion, have crashed & burned—I am at least more comfortable with the ashes. The Telecommunications Act Of 1994, for example—was NOT my idea. REAGANOMICS, for example—NOT my idea. My parents building a convenience store in the front yard & subsequently going bankrupt—WAAAAAAYYYYYYYY against my better judgement.

Some change is inevitable—had I had a choice, I would not have picked wrinkles & white hair. Let alone sarcoidosis & a broken back. Changes I have tried to effect to no avail—convincing asshole male sluts—interpret that as you will—that I am worthy of their approval… for instance. Call me a glutton for punishment, I'm a sucker for the underdog.

They say that "god" never changes—but the rules associated with deities always change. My grandmother's been tithing money "to god" all of her 86 years, and what the fuck did it buy her? She's been praying "to Jesus" forever, and what did she earn? Colon cancer. Probably more—we still don't have all the results yet. "God" would take care of her, "God" loves her, "Jesus" would protect her from all the evils in the world, right? Isn't that supposed to be the contract? Give your life to "god" and it all works out in the wash?

And now the bible-thumping troglodytes are calling it "God's Will". My mother says, "She's lived a long, full life—" –that bitch can't wait for her to be in the ground—she's got a ready-made bed and breakfast right next door, as soon as she gets rid of "that old-lady-smell."

If I could have, I would have kidnapped my Nannie a week ago, or longer, and taken her to a real hospital--NOT CHARITY—something like Baptist or Touro. If I could have, I wouldn't have let my mother take power of attorney—taking away Nannie's last scrap of control over her own damned life. And 95 times today, I have kicked myself for ever escaping the sticks for this shit-hole. If I'd have stayed, it might have been different. If I hadn't fucked-up so much, she might not be alone in that hillbilly ICU right now. Call me a narcissist, but I can't help the guilt trip—she doesn't have the strength to inflict it, so I do it to myself. I might still weigh 293, but I would have been there—but no, I had to make a change.

And I stand there, my thumb up my ass, and watch the tubes and wires hanging off of her body. Fluids go in, fluids come out, blood pressure too low, hit that Demerol button again… and she cries to go home after the second surgery. And I can't do a fucking thing. I can't change any of it—the Beastmaster has power of attorney.

I'm the only one she bitches at—despite the knuckle-walking cunt 'nurse' who talks to her like she's a retarded 5-year-old. I'm the only she bitches at—despite the inbred hillfuck cousin-in-law who prattles at top volume in the ICU. I'm the only one she bitches at—despite the Beastmaster telling anyone who'll listen how "confused" Nannie is.

I'm the only one she bitches at—because I'm the only one who gets it. Just for a moment, I wish that I could change that.

Club Gitmo Dining Room

The force fed prisoners experience nausea and bleeding but the commander of Guantanamo's hospital says that 'Experience teaches us' that such symptoms must be expected 'whenever nasogastric tubes are used.'

It is claimed that the staff always uses a lubricant when forcing tubes into the bodies of the tied down prisoners and does it slowly so as to not inflict pain deliberately. Nevertheless, it does cause a great deal of pain so the kindly medics give some ibuprophen to the prisoners. The important thing is that the prisoners are kept alive.

Scandal of force-fed prisoners

It's Not That America's Poor Don't Have Jobs...

I can't believe how many people I speak to who quote Jesus out of context when the issue of poverty in America is brought up, "The poor will always be with us." So that makes it ok? You can quote Jesus, the champion of the poor, while shrugging your shoulders at the working poor?

How about all the people who say that everyone has an equal opportunity in America? That would be true if people who work 40 hour work weeks actually earned a living wage.

Millions of poor in America who work several jobs and still end up on the bread lines? There is something wrong with this picture.

While 45.8 million Americans lack any health insurance, the top 20 per cent of earners take over half the national income. At the same time the bottom 20 per cent took home just 3.4 per cent.

The gap is ever widening. Obviously we are not all born with the same opportunities. Our children our going to bed hungry because the minimum wage is a farce and our legislators refuse to deal with it.

37 million poor hidden in the land of plenty

DON'T FEEL MUCH LIKE WRITING THIS A.M. SO I JUST COPIED PART OF THE FOLLOWING STRAIGHT OFF THE DARK WRAITH'S SITE

Special Announcement:Hell Made Permanent
By Dark Wraith

The following Proposal for Amendment to the Constitution of the United States has been submitted and referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the 22nd amendment to the Constitution. (Introduced in House)

HJ 24 IH
109th CONGRES
1st Session
H. J. RES. 24

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the 22nd amendment to the Constitution.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 17, 2005

Mr.HOYER (for himself, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. SABO, and Mr.PALLONE) introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

JOINT RESOLUTION
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the 22nd amendment to the Constitution.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification:

'Article --

'The twenty-second article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is repealed.'

Note carefully the date of submission as published.

With thanks to contributor Kaiyn at BlondeSense.
The Dark Wraith offers his condolences to the family of the departed democratic and free republic.

From http://www.termlimits.org/Current_Info/22nd-Amendment-text.html

"The 22nd Amendment Section1. No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. But this Article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when this Article was proposed by the Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this Article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term. Section. 2. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission to the States by the Congress."

Coming soon to a corner near you

Homeland security plans on expanding it's surveillance capabilities by installing cameras everywhere. Al posted this link in a comment the other day and while I find the whole thing very disturbing what really jumped out at me is that they have put cameras in forests. Forests? What are they looking for there? Terrorist squirrels? Bomb-making Bambis? Or could it be that they are watching for those tree-hugging eco-terrorists which the FBI would have you believe are the biggest threat to America today.

It seems to me that if Homeland Security really wanted to make this country safer they would install their security cameras in the White House and keep a closer eye on this administration. After all if they aren't doing anything wrong it shouldn't bother them.

Yeah, yeah, so the republicunts say that Cheney's Got A Gun jokes are SOOOO over, BUT:

Special thanks to Suzanne for the graphic!

DU in England?

Times Online: RADIATION detectors in Britain recorded a fourfold increase in uranium levels in the atmosphere after the “shock and awe” bombing campaign against Iraq, according to a report.

The article says that some speculate that DU from Iraq made its way via the wind all the way to Britain. The detectors noted a significant rise in uranium levels during the bombing campaign in March 2003.

I'm not sure I buy the above theory, but I'm not a radioactive specialist like some of our readers. hint hint.

Almost missed it

Longtime commenter bud AnnaMissed sent me this info a while back, but as we all know, I've been more than remiss in my online duties.

At any rate, if you're up Seattle way, he has this incredible exhibit going on until the 25th of his poignant, topical-at-the-point-of-a-spear work (beautiful stuff, and very true) at the Linda Hodges gallery.

The work pictured here is "untitled" --- but I know I've come up with a few good words for it... any contributions?

Update: When I posted this originally, I brain-farted the links. As y'all can see, they're here now. Early-onset Alzheimer's?

My Bags Are Packed---I'm Ready To Go

I swear, to hear ppl tell it, nobody ever just went in for surgery without dying or wishing they would die. There always seems to be a competition about who had the most intolerable level of pain, who had the the meanest doctor, and , of course, who had the most cruel, heartless, and unfeeling nurses. To hear these post-op tales would led one to believe that if a person retired as a torturer in a Turkish prison, or just got bored being one, they would get hired on as a nurse. That they would play the fiddle and dance a jig while the doctor yanked your eyeballs out and then stiched ya up with bailing wire (if your lucky, cuz they would prefer to let ya bleed to death).

I have spent my entire adult life in mortal dread of being "put under" in surgery. So firmly I am convinced of the treachery that now that I find myself in need of these services, I am......well, I am in a state, is all I can tell ya.

I'm leaving today for Mayo Clinic. I've been up since three a.m., baking about eight thousand of my famous chocolate-chip cookies........enough for the nurses who will actually be attending my surgery as well as all the nurses on the floor for every shift that day I arrive. I'm taking no chances with any of them. I'll arrive on the scene bearing gifts------and edible ones at that.

It doesn't hurt that I am what is known as a good patient. I do what the doctors say. I don't complain. I don't whine. I always thank everybody for everything they do for me, and I don't ask them to do stuff I can easily do myself. Yes, they are paid to take care of you, they are not, howerver, paid to take shit from you. And they are not maids. Nurses are people, for crying out loud, and they are people who have a direct effect on the quality of your hospital experience, therefore, it behooves you, as a patient (read: helpless, at their mercy) to be nice to these people. I have often marveled at the sheer, stupid bravado of sick people with balls enough to treat their caregivers like crap. What are they thinking? It's the same with ppl who are rude to waiters and waitresses. Yes, they will spit in your food and they should. Everybody within a six-table distance of you would love to come spit in your food, you asshole.....they're doing it for the team.

Moral: Be nice to people who are doing something for you, whether it's bringing drugs and bedpans or drinks and fries.


I want to thank all of you for your warm and best wishes. Y'all are the best, and I'll miss ya somethin fierce.

Oh, and for good measure, I'll be wearing my best tiara, and spurs, during the whole ordeal. Just in case they don't know, by gawd, I'm somebody, dadgumit!

Now Git

Dear Sweet Vicki, aka Missouri Mule,

I am going to miss the hell out of you while you are out on leave from Blondesense Blog. (I know I wasn't supposed to tell anyone that you were having boob reduction surgery since those DD's were doing a number on your back and hampering your ability to use the keyboard without making typos.)

You know I am not mushy but I am going to make an exception today in front of the world, and wish you all the best for a speedy recovery because I have really grown to care about you a lot. I know this is hard for you but it will be harder for me because I can't imagine what it will be like here without you, your always witty reparte and your horse wisdom.

I know that Long Suffering will keep us informed of your progress and let us know when you're back in the saddle again.

We love you,
Everyone at Blondesense

Just Bitch'en

Why can't parents own up to their own worthless anymore? I don't know about you, but I'm sick and tired of listening to these idiots blame everyone and everything else for their own shortcomings.

Little Joe shot his sister in the head.. What do the parents do? Blame TV instead of the fact that Joe's daddy is a alcoholic who threatens to shoot ppl because their skin color or sexual orientation. Then proceeds to keep the gun fully loaded above the couch on the wall with the safety off.

These morons will blame the first thing that pops into their empty heads.. Whether it be TV, movies, pop culture, video games, or the neighborhood kids.

I have a little secret for ya, and I want you to read this real slow, so you understand.
If your child kills another child because of what he saw in a video game, your child was fucked up long before he/she got anywhere near the video game. Perhaps you should take a look in the mirror.

Instead of planting your child in front of the TV all day every day, how about you sit your ass down and spend some time with them. Stop letting TV and video games and the school raise them. THAT'S YOUR JOB.

If you cannot do that, then put your child up for adoption There are tons of couples out their incapable of having children that would absolutely love to have a child they can pay attention to. And guess what, motherfuckers, many of them are couples of the same sex. You dig?

Playtime

Do enjoy a marvelous website of fantastic photography by Jonathan Clark:
After Life: Streatham Cemetary 4 Seasons

Hints: Be sure to click on each season (spring, summer, autumn, winter) and then the little crosses that appear after the names of the seasons to switch pictures. You must roll your cursor over the pictures for some very interesting and eerie effects... especially on the faces of characters. See what you can find.


Feel like clicking on some more flash fun? Check out Samorost
It's a game

Get over it already

Nine die in cartoon protests in Libya.

It's becoming comical.

Hmmm

Jane Hamsher asks what happened to the Ambassador of Switzerland since the shooting last week. She was the closest witness to the event as she was part of the threesome.

Scottie kept saying that Armstrong was a witness, but Armstrong said she saw Cheney’s security detail running toward the scene. "The first thing that crossed my mind was he had a heart problem," she told The Associated Press.

So she wasn't really a witness was she?

Harry Whittington Apologizes To Cheney

"My family and I are deeply sorry for everything Vice President Cheney and his family have had to deal with," he said. "We hope that he will continue to come to Texas and seek the relaxation that he deserves." -AP

Would someone please gag me with a spoon? "I'm so sorry I got in the way of your shotgun. I shouldn't have assumed that you would turn around and shoot behind you. How silly of me. It must have been a horrible ordeal for your family Mr Cheney. I tried to get better as fast as I could. I really did. My silly silly heart shouldn't have been in the way or I would have been out of there sooner."

at war with blogs and blackberries

"US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld announced sweeping plans to fight the war on terror in the media with information campaigns that target Internet blogs as well as traditional news outlets. "(AFP)

Today Donald Rumsfeld announced that the US is not as good at manipulating the media as al Qaida is. (You could have fooled me.) Rumsfeld believes we need to get up to par with al Qaida and use new weapons (but what about the bazillion dollar defense industry?) to fight terrorism like: Email, Blackberries, Instant Messaging, Blogs and traditional news outlets.

"And in this war, some of the most critical battles may not be in the mountains of Afghanistan or the streets of Iraq, but in newsrooms -- in places like New York, London, Cairo and elsewhere," he said in his prepared remarks.

Rumsfeld called for more agile military media relations with around-the-clock, seven-day-a-week operations and multi-faceted information campaigns directed at print, radio, television, and the Internet.

Oh goodie. They are going to bring their propaganda to newsrooms and fight a war. Like this is something new.

Principle of Fascism Number 6: A controlled mass media.
Under some of the regimes, the mass media were under strict direct control and could be relied upon never to stray from the party line. Other regimes exercised more subtle power to ensure media orthodoxy. Methods included the control of licensing and access to resources, economic pressure, appeals to patriotism, and implied threats. The leaders of the mass media were often politically compatible with the power elite. The result was usually success in keeping the general public unaware of the regimes’ excesses.

I went hunting with Dick Cheney and...

What would you write?
C'mon I know you have it in you to top it, although this one is pretty good.


Hat tip to Missouri Mule for this great find.

Christian Capitalism- The antithesis to Jesus' teachings but who cares

Fascist Principle Number 8. Religion and ruling elite tied together.
Unlike communist regimes, the fascist and protofascist regimes were never proclaimed as godless by their opponents. In fact, most of the regimes attached themselves to the predominant religion of the country and chose to portray themselves as militant defenders of that religion. The fact that the ruling elite’s behavior was incompatible with the precepts of the religion was generally swept under the rug. Propaganda kept up the illusion that the ruling elites were defenders of the faith and opponents of the “godless.” A perception was manufactured that opposing the power elite was tantamount to an attack on religion. (Fascism Anyone?)

America's Moral Decline and the Rise of False Christianity
by Karen Horst Cobb- Common Dreams

...Recently, Ted Taggard of mega church New Life Fellowship in Colorado Springs explained that Spirituality is a “commodity “ to be bought and sold. The writings of Milton Friedman are recommended for all new converts. This young minister must also be a free market convert . His small group is a satellite of World Harvest Church. The sermon themes of the mega churches are all very similar and reflect the cause of America‘s moral decline. Christianity is getting a makeover using the classic trappings of Money, domination and military aggression.

...

It seems today there is a need for a tougher, meaner Jesus, a government issue Jesus (GI-Joe) who comes complete with state of the art Kevlar tunic, two edged sword, and secret code book (the book of Revelation). Evangelical Christians are organizing and conspiring to manipulate governments to use weapons if necessary to kill some of God’s children so that prime real estate goes to people whom they believe God likes best.

....

The Evangelical Christian right is working to insure a manmade apocalypse develops in the Middle east. This powerful political faction runs parallel to the economic foreign policies of the slightly more secular neo-conservative “republican” party which has visions of empire and military rule as outlined in the Project for a New American Century's "Rebuilding America's Defenses: Strategies, Forces And Resources For A New Century". It was written a year before 9/11, and, prophetically, the plan to put bases throughout the Middle East is right on schedule.

It's Fascist Friday

Today's reading is Leo Strauss' Philosophy of Deception by Jim Lobe at AlterNet.org. Strauss was a German Jewish Professor/Philosopher who taught at US Universities in the 20th Century. Ethical people won't like this man.

Excerpts:

Rule One: Deception
"...Strauss believed that societies should be hierarchical – divided between an elite who should lead, and the masses who should follow. But unlike fellow elitists like Plato, he was less concerned with the moral character of these leaders."

"...This dichotomy requires "perpetual deception" between the rulers and the ruled..."

Second Principle: Power of Religion
"...Irving Kristol has long argued for a much greater role for religion in the public sphere, even suggesting that the Founding Fathers of the American Republic made a major mistake by insisting on the separation of church and state. And why? Because Strauss viewed religion as absolutely essential in order to impose moral law on the masses who otherwise would be out of control."

Third Principle: Aggressive Nationalism
"Because mankind is intrinsically wicked, he has to be governed," he once wrote. "Such governance can only be established, however, when men are united – and they can only be united against other people."
"Perpetual war, not perpetual peace, is what Straussians believe in."

The whole article isn't very long and it's a good description of Straussian influences in America specifically.

Bush On Cheney's Explanation

"Texas authorities closed the investigation into Vice President Dick Cheney's hunting accident Thursday without bringing any charges. President Bush said Cheney had handled the situation "just fine."

""I'm satisfied with the explanation he gave," Bush said, making his first public comments about Cheney's accidental shooting of 78-year-old attorney Harry Whittington while aiming for a quail. Bush said the vice president's explanation was "strong and powerful."" -SFGate

Maybe They Will Hire Osama to Guard Our Ports

We already know that we are being driven into hell by the neocons, but this takes the cake...

Washington lawmakers on Thursday expressed deep reservations about Dubai Ports World’s £3.9bn acquisition of P&O, the UK-based port operator, on the grounds that the deal represented a potential national security threat, and demanded that the White House re-open a regulatory review of the deal.

Yeppers, an Arab company would operate 6 east coast ports in the US- NY and NJ among them. The White House was just fine with this. Some senators are up in arms about this and rightfully so. The WH will probably shut them up and we'll soon be guarded by the 'axis of evil'.

Just how fucking stupid do the neocons think we are? Why they think we are idiots and that we wouldn't even notice that this is the most ass backwards thinking ever. Ever.

Today's Health News

EPA Your non-stick cookware may contain carcinogens.

Live Science: When a person over 65 is debilitated, the odds of dying within a year can increase dramatically for the spouse, a new study shows.

New Scientist: Don't mix ecstasy and loud music. It may cause brain damage.

New England Journalism of Medicine: Taking all that calcium for your bones may not be all it was cracked up to be.

Cruising the Internet Superhighway

The NY Times article starts with, "BEWARE, ladies."

I'd also say it should be followed by BEWARE, men. Beware anyone who has tried internet dating.

There are a variety of new websites popping up whereby a scorned woman can report a "bad" man. In the age of internet dating, I can see where there might be some place where a married man who only purports to be single on a matchmaking site should be reported. But this apparent trend reported in the NY Times where women can report all types of male transgressions in dating (including having less hair in person that was on a dating profile) makes you really wonder what is beneath the surface.

How can you tell if it's the man who is bad or if the woman scorned is crazy? You can't. The women remain anonymous while the man's name, location, photograph and description are all out there for the world to see.

Don'tDateHimGirl.com is a database of cheating men.
Manhaters.com was created to "help women avoid wasting time dating cheating men, lying men, abusive men or just plain assholes." How nice. One woman's 'asshole' may be another woman's treasure, though. The site also goes by the name "Women Savers."

In contrast, TrueDater.com is where both men and women can "share reviews of whether the information in people's online dating profiles is true or not." Some people are rated kindly. Some are lambasted for being shorter than their profiles indicated. I checked.
.

Legislating Patriotism

Arizonians came up with a bill to put flags in all Arizona school classrooms by 2007 because quite frankly, they don't think that people are patriotic enough or understand their heritage and American made flags in the classrooms will take care of that problem.

I don't know... how about teaching American history in the schools? The constitution? Nah, that's ok, you don't have to be book smart to be patriotic.

When you grew up didn't they have flags in your classrooms? Didn't you have to say the Pledge of Allegiance each morning? I went to Catholic schools and we had to pray in addition to the pledge. What a ritual... and most of us ended up being hippy pinkos (or pink hippos).

Principle of Fascism Number 1: Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism.

From the prominent displays of flags and bunting to the ubiquitous lapel pins, the fervor to show patriotic nationalism, both on the part of the regime itself and of citizens caught up in its frenzy, was always obvious. Catchy slogans, pride in the military, and demands for unity were common themes in expressing this nationalism. It was usually coupled with a suspicion of things foreign that often bordered on xenophobia.

A Story to Keep An Eye On

Saddam Reportedly Warned U.S. of Terrorism

"Terrorism is coming. I told the Americans," Saddam is heard saying, adding he "told the British as well."

"In the future, what would prevent a booby trapped car causing a nuclear explosion in Washington or a germ or a chemical one?" Saddam said.

But he insisted Iraq would never launch such an attack. "This story is coming, but not from Iraq," he said.

This information is from tapes released of Saddam's meeting with his cabinet in the mid 1990's... you know, back when Clinton was president, back when he had some bombs dropped on Iraq but the congress was more interested in the blow job and accused Clinton of wagging the dog.

I can still see the Saturday Night Live sketch in my mind's eye with Bill and Monica talking to Saddam on the phone, laughing it up because it was all a ploy to keep their love a secret.

Cheney: You don't hunt with people who drink.

Read the full transcript of Dead Eye's interview with Brit Hume last evening if you want.
Here's an excerpt:

Q Was anybody drinking in this party?

THE VICE PRESIDENT: No. You don't hunt with people who drink. That's not a good idea. We had --

Q So he wasn't, and you weren't?

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Correct. We'd taken a break at lunch -- go down under an old -- ancient oak tree there on the place, and have a barbecue. I had a beer at lunch. After lunch we take a break, go back to ranch headquarters. Then we took about an hour-long tour of ranch, with a ranch hand driving the vehicle, looking at game. We didn't go back into the field to hunt quail until about, oh, sometime after 3:00 p.m.

The five of us who were in that party were together all afternoon. Nobody was drinking, nobody was under the influence.

"I had a beer at lunch" and "Nobody was drinking" is so Clintonesque. How could he get away with that? Oh wait, he was being interviewed by Faux Spews, a safehaven for neocons.

Brit Hume forgot to ask Cheney what meds he is taking and whether or not they can be taken with alcohol.

It's a tough job to be Scottie McClellan. Tough job. Hard work... but he did a heck of a job with one paragraph of information at a press conference.

Q There is reporting to the effect that some in the White House feel you kind of -- well, look at what Scott McClellan went through the last couple days. There's some sense -- and perhaps not unfairly so -- that you kind of hung him out to dry. How do you feel about that?

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, Scott does a great job and it's a tough job. It's especially a tough job under these conditions and circumstances. I had a bit of the feeling that the press corps was upset because, to some extent, it was about them -- they didn't like the idea that we called the Corpus Christi Caller-Times instead of The New York Times. But it strikes me that the Corpus Christi Caller-Times is just as valid a news outlet as The New York Times is, especially for covering a major story in south Texas.

Yeah, blame the press corp. That's the ticket.

Q Well, perhaps so, but isn't there an institution here present at the White House that has long-established itself as the vehicle through which White House news gets out, and that's the pool?

THE VICE PRESIDENT: I had no press person with me, no coverage with me, no White House reporters with me. I'm comfortable with the way we did it, obviously.

Well of course he's comfortable with secrecy. Clearly the Veep has contempt for the WH:

Q Had you discussed this with colleagues in the White House, with the President, and so on?

THE VICE PRESIDENT: I did not. The White House was notified, but I did not discuss it directly, myself. I talked to Andy Card, I guess it was Sunday morning.

Q Not until Sunday morning? Was that the first conversation you'd had with anybody in the -- at the White House?

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q And did you discuss this with Karl Rove at any time, as has been reported?

THE VICE PRESIDENT: No, Karl talks to -- I don't recall talking to Karl. Karl did talk with Katherine Armstrong, who is a good mutual friend to both of us. Karl hunts at the Armstrong, as well --

Then Cheney goes on to not say anything about declassifying information.

Oy vay. This administration gets away with murder.

PS. The WH is supposedly livid over the way this was handled.

mendacity

So, Dick Cheney had a beer at lunch. But his host claimed only Dr. Pepper was served. She said she doesn't drink, which contradicts her earlier statement that, "there might have been a beer or two."

Was the U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland's husband around that weekend? At first the host, Katharine Armstrong, declined to name who was in the party until the Austin American-Statesman found out that the U.S. Ambassador was there. But once the pesky press found out that Dick Cheney was there and wasn't alone, the names poured forth. If there is an investigation, the police will ask the following people how they arrived, when they arrived, where were they when the shooting started, how was dinner, did they sleep well, did they call anyone else while they were there, and how much Cheney had to drink at lunch. According to the New York Times,

the other guests were Ms. Willeford, the ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and her husband, George, a physician in Austin; Ben Love, a West Texas rancher whom Ms. Armstrong called her "beau"; her sister, Sarita Hixon, a Houston museum chairwoman, and her husband, Bob, an insurance executive; Nancy Negley, an art philanthropist whose family once controlled Brown & Root, now a part of Halliburton; and Mr. Whittington, a 78-year-old Austin lawyer, Republican stalwart and presiding officer of the Texas Funeral Services Commission, and his wife, Mercedes.

Well, that was an impressive guest list that can now alibi each other.

After the incident, Cheney admitted he made himself another drink back at the house. And why not? He wasn't going to talk to the sheriff's department until the next day!

Criminal defense attorney Alan Dershowitz said that alcohol needs about fourteen hours to clear a person's system. Do other medications have any impact on that? What about the combination of other medications and alcohol on vision and judgment?

Dershowitz says that the delay in speaking to the press or to the sheriff's department was going to be questioned so we should consider if what he gained in not speaking to police or the press was more valuable than talking to the police and to the press?

Not talking to the police under the influence of alcohol is certainly valuable.

As for the Secret Service in all this: they will not talk to the sheriff's department or to the district attorney, God forbid, if Mr. Whittington dies and his death was caused by this accident. While the courts have stated that there is no Secret Service privilege and presidents have fought against having the Secret Service make statements to the press or law enforcement, it remains to be seen if they can be required to testify in a criminal matter.

No one runs to a someone they just shot and says, "I had no idea you were there." Wouldn't he say something like, "Goddamnit, I didn't see you, Harry! Harry? Can you hear me? Call the ambulance, get a doctor!" I don't believe that he said, "I had no idea you were there" although I do believe that he had no idea Harry was there.

Cheney told Fox New's ass-kisser Brit Hume that he would delay informing the press again because, "this is a complicated story." No, Joseph Wilson going to Niger on assignment from the CIA to investigate rumors of yellowcake purchases by Saddam Hussein is a complicated story. Outting Wilson's wife and CIA agent Valerie Plame, who was gathering intelligence on Iran's nuclear program, is a complicated story. One that Cheney may tell if he appears before a federal grand jury investigating Scooter Libby's leaking Plame's identity to reporters.

Why wasn't the White House told immediately when they were notified of a shooting in Cheney's hunting party that it was Cheney who did the shooting? And if they weren't immediately told, something that doesn't sound believable, why didn't they call Cheney?

Dick Cheney doesn't believe he should provide answers to these questions. He doesn't believe he owes anyone any explanations. He doesn't believe that delaying the release of information to the press was wrong and he said as much. For Cheney the story is over and the moral of the story is the privileged are different from you and me.

Do You Want To Know When You're Gonna Die?

If you're 50 or over, there's a test you can take to determine the odds that you will kick the bucket in the next 4 years.

Would you want to know? I don't want to know.

I read the questions: if you're a man you get 2 points against you right off the bat. That's not fair. They left out the risk factor of hunting with the vice president... or simply living in a world with neocons at the nuke button.

More On Quail Hunting

I find this whole thing fascinating...

Quail hunters advance on their prey by walking alongside one another, normally 3 abreast and the person on the right side should shoot to the right, the person in the center should shoot to the front, and the person to the left should shoot left... or they are supposed to shoot straight ahead.

Whittington was reportedly behind the group searching for a bird carcass when Cheney turned around to shoot birds that had taken flight. (From Does Dick Cheney Know How To Hunt?)

Full of Holes: "The hunters are supposed to maintain a horizontal line as they move forward, but this is easier than it sounds in rough country. When someone falls behind—someone, for instance, like Harry Whittington—the person in charge calls a halt until the line forms up again. Whittington, as we know, dropped back to pick up a bird. This happens all the time in quail hunting; the question is, why did the other two hunters keep going?"

Harry's office in Austin is very angry about the coverup and McClellan's nonsense spewing to the press corp. They are also skeptical about the "offical story" as many are quail hunters and don't think Harry was 30 yards away because of the damage he sustained.

Let Bygones Be Bygones

The NY Times has an article about psychoanalysis.

"At the moment," he said, "there is no evidence that understanding the origins of your problems is necessary for effective psychotherapy. And there is some evidence that a preoccupation with the past can actually interfere with making changes in the present.

"Obsessive rumination about past events can trap patients in a self-defeating cycle from which they cannot extricate themselves. It can actually retard healing."

Sure it's fun to sometimes get loaded talk about how your parents were drunk and how they beat you and compare notes with your friends, but if you're an adult, but you just have to let that stuff go after a while and/or write a book or a sitcom (my son has threatened to write a sitcom about our family). If you still have problems as a grown up, then you have to work on you. You can't change your parents. It's funny to have read this because this week my pill pusher mentioned that we do a little psychotherapy because while I am not depressed at the moment thanks to all the SSRI's, I am still holding myself back from doing what I want to do and what I know is right for me (get off this island). Rather than taking years to pinpoint what caused this procrastination, we are just going to work on me getting off my ass and taking the steps to achieve my goals. Amen.

IT'S THE COVERUP, STUPID!

I read that the winger bloggers are upset that this is such a big media obsession. Let's think back to the Lewinsky debacle: "...but he lied about it"

Someone on the radio said that Cheney's "accident" is a metaphor for what he's been doing to our country. Yeppers.



Just how drunk was the veep?

Taleban say attacks will increase, US “helpless”

Um... err... I thought that we rid Afghanistan of the Taleban, the terrorist group responsible for 9/11. Didn't we attack them a month after we were attacked? And didn't they have elections and the blue finger and everything was peachy? And didn't we divert troops to Iraq because the Taleban was toppled? And didn't bush eventually say that he wasn't interested in Osama bin Laden anymore?

Well the war in Afghanistan is still going on...

Britain, Canada and the Netherlands are leading an expansion of a NATO peacekeeping force into the volatile south while the United States is hoping to withdraw 3,000 of the more than 18,000 troops it has in a separate force battling the insurgency.

Rahmani said the more foreign forces there were, the more targets the Taleban would have to attack.

He said the Taleban had grown stronger since they were ousted by US and Afghan opposition forces after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, and the suicide bombers were helping to drive US forces out.

“American forces have become helpless before the Taleban’s suicide and other attacks,” he said.

“The Taleban are inflicting heavy losses on American forces in men and material and it is to hide the cowardice and failure of their troops that America is reducing its forces.” (khaleejtimes.com)

Meanwhile, al Qaida/Taleban has established an Islamic State in Pakistani province.

"The Taliban recently declared the establishment of an 'Islamic State' in North Waziristan, and they now, through the brutal elimination of criminal elements who previously held sway, in effect rule in the rugged territory," a latest report in 'Asia Times' magazine said.

It said that by "taking control of virtually all of Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal area on the border with Afghanistan, the Taliban have gained a significant base from which to wage their resistance against US-led forces in Afghanistan. (Times of India)

And in other news, the US and Israel deny a plot to overthrow the new Palestinian government which had been reported in the NY Times. And Israeli judges decide that if an Israeli marries a Palestinian, they can go live in Jenin. "The amendment to the law would prevent the unification of mixed families via the granting of Israeli citizenship to Palestinians married to Israelis." So there. (via Haaretz)

Aussie TV Has More Pics of Abu Ghraib

The US Government has done all it could to keep the pictures a secret. They are afraid that they might fuel anti-American sentiment. Oh they certainly will... if a Danish cartoon could spur anti-American sentiment, then these pics ought to stir up something. (Story is here and scroll way down to "more snaps from Abu Ghraib" if you really want to see the pictures)

Oh sure, now it comes out

that Dead Eye Dick shot the guy in the heart too. Mr Whittington suffered a mild (That's what they say) heart attack this morning. Yahoo


MEANWHILE: The WH finds humor in the "mishap"

and David Gregory gets wild with Scottie.

‘’Calm down, Dave, calm down,'' said McClellan, remaining calm throughout the exchange.

"I'll calm down when I feel like calming down,'' Greogry said. "You answer the question.'

"I have answered the question,'' said McClellan, who had maintained that the vice president's office was in charge of getting the information out and worked with the ranch owner to do that. "I'm sorry you're getting all riled up about.''

"I am riled up,'' Gregory said, "because you’re not answering the question,''

Is Iran Next?

It's kind of strange how the US corporate media isn't covering a possible attack on Iran and yet the foreign press is all over a looming US attack on Iran (supposedly in late March). Check out the google links.

Foreigners seem to think that Americans are stupid people who believe everything that their government tells them. How could they think that?

The other night I was speaking with my mom-in-law who lives in NH and is a faithful Lush Bimbo listener. Somehow she raised 6 pretty progressive kids, but that's because they all grew up in NY and went to Catholic schools here. We got to talking about world politics and I expressed my disgust at this administration's total disregard for truth telling, etc etc. She immediately told me that she was very disappointed that I was an al Qaida sympathizer. WTF! She asked me if I didn't remember what happened on 9/11? Excuse me? Where do I live? Antartica? We weren't even talking about 9/11 or OBL, but sure enough, once I mentioned that I suspect our government's fascist intentions and corporate interests while cruel capitalism is destroying our country, then I was immediately put into the terrorist supporter category.

I asked, "Are you still listening to Rush?"
She said, "Of course."
I said, "But he's a mouthpiece for the fascists and a liar."
And she said, "Well if he was a liar, then he would be charged with lying and put in jail."
That was the end of my discussion with her.

Why Love Has Lasted

Here's what has made love last for Long Suffering and I.

Here is the amazing Long Suffering on his bad azz reining horse, Skipper J. Bar.

And that's me on, I kid you not, My Funny Valentine. One of best cutting horses I've ever owned.
A Valentine gift from Long Suffering three years ago.

So if you are wondering why you can't find a "good man?" You guessed it. I've got him all to my-own-self. It's bitch, but there ya are.


Hey, different strokes for different folks. We do what we love and love what we do, together.

Obsessive Compulsive Valentine's

My favorites from Timothy McSweeney's written by By Jenny Traig

Sweetheart, I've got you under my skin. I'll wash and wash, but you'll never come out.

I'm crazy for you! Get it?

Honey, I'm hot for you! It's like a fever. Do you think it's viral meningitis? I bet it is.

You and me, sitting in a tree—oh, wait, that doesn't sound very safe, does it?

It's hard to tell, what with all the SSRIs in my bloodstream, but I think I feel something for you.

I bet you guys could come up with some good OCD Valentines since you're all so witty.

The Latest on The Mysterious Dead Eye Dick

Typical of the secrecy that surrounds the fascist administration.

Think Progress reports that Cheney was hunting illegally. He didn't have the bird stamp. But he was issued a warning. The NY Times reports that Cheney sent a $7 check to the hunting department in Texas for the bird permit.

It is also reported that hunting injuries are very very rare. Texas had only 2.7 hunting accidents per 100,000 hunting licenses. That's pretty rare and it is a big deal that this happened because hunters are usually very careful unless of course they are drunk (don't forget that Cheney has 2 felony convictions for drunk driving). Of course, Cheney isn't a real hunter because he hunts in those fake hunting grounds where it's like shooting fish in a barrel. Furthermore, the Secret Service prohibited Texas sheriffs from interviewing Cheney. They probably didn't have enough breath mints handy.

Jon Stewart had the most fun reporting on Dick's antics. "What kind of hunting story begins with, "Getting out of your car?" You can watch it at Crooks and Liars if you missed it. Rob Courddry had this to say and I cracked up:

Courdry: "Jon, tonight the Vice President is standing by his decision to shoot Harry Whittington. Now according to the best intelligence available, there were quail hidden in the brush. Everyone believed at the time-there-were-quail in the brush. And while the quail turned out to be the 78 year old man. Even knowing that today, Mr. Cheney insists-he still would have shot Mr. Whittington in the face.

The Washington Note reports that Valerie Plame was working on Iran WMD watching efforts and "If Cheney & Co. outed one of the key intelligence operations monitoring the inputs and outputs of Iran's nuclear program -- then Cheney & Co. did vast damage to our ability to know what is real and contrived inside Iran." I would add, that they wanted it that way.

Raw Story reports that the administration paid $2 billion in 2 years for PR. It costs a lot to keep Americans misinformed.

Musings on Love

I watched a program about love on National Geographic channel last evening. It appears that people are attracted to each other based on intelligence and fear. That may account for why smart married women are so attractive. The lust factor happens first according to scientists, then the almost obsessive romance phase leads to long term love. People wouldn't be sane enough to actually raise children if they were perpetually stuck in the romance phase nor would they be able to keep their jobs and focus on much else. The romance and the excitement really isn't love but more of an obsession. It may lead to real love. Propagation of the species plays the biggest part in attraction. I was thinking that waiting until you are married to have sex is counter to the laws of nature.

The Science of Chocolate:
Chocolate is made from the seeds of the tropical cacao tree. Theobroma is Greek for 'food of the gods'.
Chocolate cravings may be a symptom of addiction but studies show that there is genetic reason that some people crave chocolate.
Chocolate stimulates the release of endorphins, natural body hormones that generate feelings of pleasure and well-being.
Chocolate contains a natural 'love drug'. Tryptophan is a chemical that the brain uses to make a neurotransmitter called serotonin.

Altruistic Love Related to Happier Marriages
Forty percent of the married people ranked near the top for altruistic responses, while only 20 percent of those who had never married did so. The divorced and separated came in at around 25 percent.

Love More Powerful than Sex
Studies of neural activities shows that love is the winner.

Science of Love: I get a kick out of you
Because they are independent, these three systems can work simultaneously—with dangerous results. As Dr Fisher explains, “you can feel deep attachment for a long-term spouse, while you feel romantic love for someone else, while you feel the sex drive in situations unrelated to either partner.” This independence means it is possible to love more than one person at a time, a situation that leads to jealousy, adultery and divorce—though also to the possibilities of promiscuity and polygamy, with the likelihood of extra children, and thus a bigger stake in the genetic future, that those behaviours bring. As Dr Fisher observes, “We were not built to be happy but to reproduce.”

Are You Hot?
Take the test.

check it out

Play the Dick Cheney Quail Hunting Game Online Now!

When you see the birdie, click 'shoot'.

Homina Homina Homina

Scott McClellan was under fire today over the shooting incident on Saturday and it not being reported until Sunday. [Transcript at Raw Story] Scottie said that he heard there was a shooting accident on Saturday night but didn't know that Dead Eye Dick was the shooter until 6am on Monday.

I find it strange that people in the WH weren't talking about the VP accidentally shooting someone. But that is his story and he's sticking to it. He said the facts came in in bits and pieces but not the part about Cheney. They were more concerned about the victim at that point... yeah right.

He is a pretty lousy press liason because when asked who the third hunter in the party was [it was Pamela Willeford, US Ambassador to Switzerland-a Bush appointee], McClellan said he didn't know. He often referred reporters to ask Cheney's staff for particular answers. You would think that he would have had all the answers before he stood before an inquiring press who were lax in not asking whether or not they were waiting for the VP to sober up before making the news public.

Scott also said that everyone agreed that the owner of the ranch should report the news to the media. Now how ridiculous is that? He said that she and Dead Eye spoke about it and he told her to go ahead. It makes no sense that the most secretive and media controlling vice president in the history of the US wouldn't want to have his staff spin a golden yarn about the incident rather than having it dispersed by a civilian.

Give me a break. The whole thing reeks. I suspect that the VP's party was waiting to see if the victim was going to die before they decided what to do about it. How McClellan doesn't have a nervous breakdown on the job surprises me every time there is a breaking story. How can he not know details?

What's Happening In Alabama?

Oooh Alabama
The devil fools with the best laid plan.
Swing low Alabama
You got spare change You got to feel strange
And now the moment is all that it meant. -Neil Young

You, no doubt have been hearing or reading about Baptist Churches being torched in Alabama. The 10th church was hit over the weekend. It appear not to be racially motivated. Police are looking for 2 men in their 2o's or early 30's. (See Yahoo)

What could be their motivation?

corrected by editor

Hundreds of Teens Will Not Fuck on Valentine's Day

Many have vowed to make Valentine's Day a "Day of Purity".

Teens from about 200 schools and about 800 youth groups plan to participate, said Rena Lindevaldsen, a lawyer who put aside her customary work of litigating against same-sex marriage to coordinate the day's activities. She's encouraging teens to download and sign chastity pledges — and to spread the word with posters in the school cafeteria, letters to the local paper, and free handouts of white bracelets and T-shirts. (LA Times)

I had no idea that it was formerly a day of sex for teens. I thought it was a day of candy. It was when I was a teenager. Nevertheless it warms the cockles of my heart to know that hundreds of teens will not turn Valentines Day into an orgy.

More On Quail-Gate

JUICY UPDATE From E&P

More Questions Raised About Delay in Reporting Cheney Misfire
By Greg Mitchell
Published: February 12, 2006 10:20 PM ET

The more than 18-hour delay in news emerging that the Vice President of the United States had shot a man, sending him to an intensive care unit with his woundsgrew even more curious late Sunday. E&P has learned that the official confirmation of the shooting came about only after a local reporter in Corpus Christi, Texas, received a tip from the owner of the property where the shooting occured and called Vice President Cheney's office for confirmation.

The confirmation was made but there was no indication whether the Vice President's office, the White House, or anyone else intended to announce the shooting if the reporter, Jaime Powell of the Corpus Christ Caller-Times had not received word from the ranch owner.

....

In another bit of intrigue, The New York Times reported late Sunday that Whittington was commissioner of the state's Funeral Service Commission. In 1999, George W. Bush, then governor of Texas, named Whittington to head the Commission, which licenses and regulates funeral directors and embalmers in the state. "When he was named," The Times revealed, "a former executive director of the commission, Eliza May, was suing the state, saying that she had been fired because she investigated a funeral home chain that was owned by a friend of Mr. Bush.

This just gets juicier by the hour. The man was in ICU since the incident. That's not minor. The article appears to make the allegation that Dickster, et al, had no intention of making this story public.

It's very important for the American people to know when a Vice President shoots another person even if it is an apparent accident... but are there really any accidents?

If we had to endure months of blow job investigations, I think we can endure an investigation Cheney's competence in handling a gun and the alleged coverup (because no one is going to give Cheney a BJ). The WH is busy trying to come up with excuses as to why this story was delayed in being reported to the public. Can't wait to hear it.

Snow Cat Blogging

Early this morning, the cat formerly known as Prince woke me up because he wanted to go out and take care of business. Alas I couldn't open the storm door and it only got worse as the day progressed until a kind neighbor happened by with a snowblower.

Prince Faq: He's a scrawny 8lbs.-- All fur and no cat.

Dick Cheney’s Top 10 Excuses For Shooting Fellow Hunter

Leave it to BobGeiger.com to come up with this:

From the home office in blue-state New York, here’s Vice President Dick Cheney’s top 10 excuses for shooting fellow hunter Harry Whittington on Saturday:

10. Sick and tired of Whittington’s “Hey, I’m having a heart attack” jokes

9. Pushed over edge by Dixie Chicks and Streisand blasting on pick-up truck stereo

8. Ongoing dispute over whether it’s acceptable to torture quail before shooting them

7. Thought he saw Michael Moore on other side of tree line

6. Bombed out of his gourd on Wild Turkey and Lone Star Beer

5. Companion’s ill-advised decision to wear Moveon.org sweatshirt

4. Was trying to impress Jodie Foster

3. Whittington’s repeated ribbing that Bush is actually the “real president”

2. Targeting scope on rifle made by Halliburton

And the number one excuse given by Dick Cheney for almost blowing away hunting companion Harry Whittington…

1. Because he’s a wartime vice president, damn it

Thanks Rev Dave for the heads up

Cheney shoots man

Jesus H. Christ, Cheney was out "hunting" birdies Saturday and when the Dickhead turned around to shoot a bird, he shot a man instead. The bird is safe but the other man is in the hospital. BBC

A Darwin Award goes to the man who goes "hunting" with the vice president.

Thanks Terrible and Kyra for the heads up!


This newsbreaking photo just came in from a blondesense reader and concerned citizen.

UPDATE: James Brady made this statement after learning of Cheney's incident:

"Now I understand why Dick Cheney keeps asking me to go hunting with him," said Jim Brady. "I had a friend once who accidentally shot pellets into his dog - and I thought he was an idiot."

"I've thought Cheney was scary for a long time," Sarah Brady said. "Now I know I was right to be nervous."

US prepares military blitz against Iran's nuclear sites

From The Telegraph
By Philip Sherwell in Washington

"Strategists at the Pentagon are drawing up plans for devastating bombing raids backed by submarine-launched ballistic missile attacks against Iran's nuclear sites as a "last resort" to block Teheran's efforts to develop an atomic bomb.

"Central Command and Strategic Command planners are identifying targets, assessing weapon-loads and working on logistics for an operation, the Sunday Telegraph has learnt.


"They are reporting to the office of Donald Rumsfeld, the defence secretary, as America updates plans for action if the diplomatic offensive fails to thwart the Islamic republic's nuclear bomb ambitions. Teheran claims that it is developing only a civilian energy programme.

"This is more than just the standard military contingency assessment," said a senior Pentagon adviser. "This has taken on much greater urgency in recent months." " read more

Happy Birthday Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin would have been 197 years old today. Growing up, I only knew that Abe Lincoln's birthday was on Febuary 12th. Today there are Darwin celebrations all over the world, particularly at universities.

Polls show that many Americans don't believe in evolution. It appears that they didn't have much of a science education and didn't get to go to the Museum of Natural History on school trips.

Live Science has a great section on evolution and Darwin. Lots of stories, explanations and scientific theory here for you guys who are snowbound this weekend.

PZMyers at Pharyngula has a good angry post about how an evangelist boob destroys young minds with his anti-science spews and disinformation.

Simply Left Behind (Actor212) has a great post on the Evolution of Intelligent Design.

Payback is a muuuthafucker!

Recently, our beloved commenter Blackdog had this letter published by his local newspaper in Arkansas:

Now is time of decision
Now is the time to determine the future of this nation. Are we to abandon the Constitution and allow the executive branch effective power that essentially trumps the Congress, or are we to find through real investigation whether this pitiful excuse for an administration has broken numerous laws and should be impeached ?
I want the latter and demand action from my elected officials.
To oppose the Constitution of the United States for reasons cited by these goons is simply too much. This excuse for an administration has crossed the line and needs to be held in check. Impeachment is the best start, and then to achieve closure, the entire group should be held over to the international court for war crimes. What we are seeing is the dissolution of the U. S. A. ’s constitutional form of government, and the public seems deaf. I for one will not stand still for it. As an American, I expect much better even from the elected officials whom I do not agree with. I expect them to obey the law.

And within three days, his position as water/wastewater services supervisor for the town of Lonoke, AR was "eliminated" as part of a sudden "budget-cutting" initiative that included, coincidentally enough, JUST HIS JOB.

He had not committed any crime, he wasn't drunk on the job and pouring mescaline into the town water supply, all he had done "wrong" was speak up, in the public press, against an illegal war and an immoral government.

And then, just when it can't get any more cliche' Southern, the REAL scandal erupted.

Arrests were widespread and messy at Town Hall... but the Mayor (the one who sent the firing letter to Blackdog) says that he ain't budgin'... The Chief of Police, on the other hand... Cut & run.

"Jay Campbell, 46, faces felony charges of conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine, hindering apprehension or prosecution, conspiracy to commit residential burglary, theft by receiving, theft of services and a misdemeanor count of theft of property. He could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Kelly Campbell, 41, is charged with residential burglary. She also is accused of providing drugs and alcohol to state inmates and of taking two state inmates from the city jail on numerous occasions to have sex with her.
Two bail bondsmen linked to Jay Campbell — Bobby Cox, 61, of Little Rock, and Larry Norwood, whose age and address were unavailable — face charges of conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine. Cox also is charged with terroristic threatening and with intimidating a juror, witness or informant."

Now, the Mayor "was arrested Monday on a misdemeanor charge of theft of services and accused of using Act 309 inmates to do chores at his home" but he has not been asked to resign and barely had time to blink at the mugshot camera before he was bonded-out and free.

Is it just me, or does this strike anyone else as a microcosmic representation of what's going on in D.C.? Anyone who speaks heretical sedition against Dear Leader is disappeared faster than a witness against the Gambino family, and when the crooked bastards DO get busted, it's for MISDEMEANORS, not their TRUE crimes.

Y'all keep an eye on the town of Lonoke, Arkansas... I have a feeling that the sex-with-inmates-who-are-used-as-slave-labor thing is just the tip of the iceberg... And since we know that Blackdog didn't narc these piglets out, we can only assume that these dickheads getting caught with their thinking heads in the zippers is a divine work of karma.

Somebody call Fitz...

Wellstone- King Funerals

Have you read this piece by Al Franken?

He reminds us of the fake media acounting of Wellstone's funeral, but doesn't go into his "mysterious" and "timely" death. Franken compares the whining of the GOP at Wellstone's funeral to the subsequent whining of the GOP after King's funeral as per the corporate and "right wing" media.

Who said that you can't talk politics and grieve at the same time? It works well in left-blogistan.

ick

Snow will begin to coat and accumulate over New York City by late Saturday evening. Heavy snow will hit much of the Mid-Atlantic from West Virginia through D.C., Philly, Trenton and New York City, and eastward to the Delmarva and Jersey Coasts and Long Island.

Snowfall in this zone could be in the 8-to-12-inch range with some amounts over 1 foot, especially along the Jersey Coast and across Long Island (shit).

Snow accumulations from the Laurel Mountains to the Pocono and Catskill Mountains to Albany and westward should be light. By Sunday morning, the snow will be coming to an end south of New York City as the Mid-Atlantic quiets down. Gusty northerly winds over New Jersey will diminish by Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, as the storm churns northeastward, heavy and increasingly wind-driven snow will spread across most of southern New England early Sunday, reaching Portsmouth, N.H., by dawn and Portland, Maine, shortly thereafter. Down East Maine will quickly join in on the heavy snow during the remainder of Sunday morning.

From New York City to Hartford to coastal New Hampshire and coastal Maine, 8 to 12 inches of snow is possible. Rhode Island, Boston and southeast Massachusetts may be the big New England winners with snow accumulations of over a foot.

Strong northeasterly to northerly winds will buffet New York City later tonight into Sunday and both southern and eastern New England during the day Sunday.

Blizzard conditions are possible. By early Monday, the storm will move away through the Canadian Maritimes, ending the snow even in New England. The winds will quickly diminish as well.

AWOL immortalized

Awol's service in the National Guard has been immortalized in bronze.

Bush said very little about it and only thanked the man who raised money for it and said, "Charles caught me before my hair went gray ."

ShadenFreude 2-2666, just one moment, Mr. President, I'll connect you

The Bush administration had a bad day. The front page of the New York Times looked as if it were running a contest: Is Bush merely incompetent or simply arrogant? You decide.

Libby told the grand jury what we have really known all along: Cheney told him to out Plame. That's at least one federal law the Vice President may have broken. Can we get a congressional investigation? Can Cheney go to the grand jury? Will he claim executive privilege? Will the grand jury indict Cheney? Spiro Agnew was a slob. This man is evil and vindictive.

Brown told the U.S. Senate that he told the White House that the levees had broken. Homeland Security Officials said that Brownie didn't understand that he reported to them and not the White House so information didn't get to the right people quickly. (What did y'all want Mikey to do, ask, "Mother, may I?") That is like saying a private can't tell a general that troops are drowning in flood waters because he must respect the chain of command.

The U.S. trade deficit hit an all time high.

Bush doesn't know the difference between the Library Building and the Liberty Building which is now the U.S. Bank Building. The White House fact checker wouldn't last a week at Harper's Magazine. Who screwed up and didn't call the mayor of Los Angeles and tell him that Bush is going to talk about LA?

The NASA spokesperson is a fraud. He says he wrote his resume with "anticipation" that he would graduate from Texas A&M with a degree. He didn't graduate. Obviously it takes more than a rocket scientist to request an official transcript from a college. His job, learned from working on Bush's campaign, was to make the president "look good." It would take more than an undergraduate degree from A&M to do that. Perhaps he should talk to the Old Testament God about making people look good.

And speaking of trying to make the president look good, Alberto Gonzales a Rice University (Houston) and Harvard Law graduate said that Washington, Lincoln, Wilson, and Roosevelt authorized electronic surveillance without a warrant during their tenures. Neat. Washington and Lincoln didn't have electricity or telephones to tap. The telephone wasn't invented until 1876. The Wilson administration probably didn't have many phones to tap. Electricity didn't come to much of the South until the Roosevelt administration and the Rual Electrification Administration or R.E.A. after 1935. One of the reasons the poll that predicted Dewey would beat Truman was inaccurate is pollsters called Americans to ask how they were going to vote. At that time, very few Democrats could afford phones. Republicans had phones and answered "Dewey." I doubt Truman had their phones tapped. Who the hell wrote the Attorney General's opening statement? Gonzales isn't as sinister as John Mitchell, but Mitchell knew Washington and Lincoln didn't have an electronic surveillance program. Both of these fine Americans passed their respective state Bar exams. Why can't I?

So it wasn't a good week for the president or, come to think of it, colleges in Texas, either. They aren't producing bright graduates, are they?

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"The whole world is my church; I'm never not in church". -- As quoted by Marsha Sinetar in her book Ordinary People as Monks and Mystics

Asshole

Type Google.com in your browser window.
Do a search for "Asshole" then click, "I'm feeling lucky"
Watch.

If the google thing doesn't work then click here.

Squealers in the News

On this day where Michael Brown is testifying against the admininstration and the Department of Homeland Security with gusto, it has also been reported that I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby "testified to a federal grand jury that he had been "authorized" by Cheney and other White House "superiors" in the summer of 2003 to disclose classified information to journalists to defend the Bush administration's use of prewar intelligence in making the case to go to war with Iraq, according to attorneys familiar with the matter, and to court records." Read more at the National Journal

It's getting juicier and juicier.

-------

Speaking of squealers in the news, from Think Progress: Abramoff's Emails tell a different story than the WH version. What a shock. Not.

Mean old levee taught me to weep and moan

If it keeps on rainin', levee's goin' to break,
If it keeps on rainin', levee's goin' to break,
When The Levee Breaks I'll have no place to stay.

NY Times: White House Knew of Levee's Failure on Night of Storm
Bush lied when he said that no one could have foreseen that the levees were goin' to break.
The Times has the details too.

Political Science

Bush pretends to look into a microscope for a photo-op.

But seriously folks, the Bush administration is at war with scientists for political reasons.

Time Magazine's latest issue which you can read online tackles science in this country in a number of articles from varying view points. We've talked about the blatant disregard for science by the administration on this blog quite often and this article, The Political Science Test, talks about the utter frustration of scientists with the bushistas.

"White House officials don't see that pattern of interference. "This Administration has been very supportive of science," Bush's science adviser and respected physicist John Marburger told TIME. "The President wants us to do it right, and doesn't want us to do things that contradict the laws of nature." But in the past two years, the Union of Concerned Scientists has collected the signatures of more than 8,000 scientists--including 49 Nobel laureates, 63 National Medal of Science recipients and 171 members of the National Academies--who accuse the Administration of an unprecedented level of political intrusion into their world."

The White House officials only care about science as it pertains to weaponry. The President wouldn't know the laws of nature if they kicked him in the ass.

Fat Friday

I have spent the morning reading Alas, A Blog's, Big Fat Carnival. It's a carnival of blog posts by various bloggers relating to fatness and body image in today's society and I image that many people here would be interested in this topic because either you're fat or think you're fat or you know and love someone who is dealing with fat or because you hate fat people and want to see what those "ugly" people are up to.

What irks me the most is that beauty and fat are not to be used in the same breath unless you are comparing the two. Desiring BBW's is considered a fetish. What also irks me is that people tell a chubby person, "You have such a pretty face, if you lost a few pounds..." I wish more people would be frank and say things to others like, "You are such an ignoramous, if you only read a book or a newspaper...."

But there is a fat epidemic happening just as there is a stupid epidemic. There's no denying that. But why are there so many fat kids these days? I've noticed it too. When I was growing up, there was maybe one fat kid in each class, if that... and the fat kid was called the fat kid. There are an awful lot of fat kids out there now and there are a lot of skinny kids who are completely reviled by the fat kids.

I wasn't a fat kid, but I liked to eat. In high school, I considered myself a blimp although being 5'9 and weighing 135 is hardly blimpdom. I was too stupid at that age to relate that I was taller than most of the girls and therefore I would not ever weigh 105 lbs unless I was sick or starving myself.

Eventually, women like Fergie and Princess Diana came along and they were size 14's. Cool. But why did their dress sizes make the news? The next thing you know, they became spokeswomen for weight loss programs or diet food. They looked fine to me. Monica looked fine, but boy was she ever vilified for being "fat". She'll probably end up being a size 22 someday from being scrutinized.

If princes and the president of the free world didn't have a problem with size 14's, why should they diet? They weren't morbidly obese.

There are a lot of fat adults now. Menopause, anti-depressants and stress did a number on me. But there is still something more sinister at work. Not all of us were fat kids, but something happened along the way. Food additives? Stress eating? Pharmaceutical side effects? Yo-yo dieting due to trying to look like a "beautiful celebrity"? Or simply yo-yo dieting which makes you fatter? Medical problems? Pregnancy? PMS? Menopause? Quitting alcohol and taking up coffee cake as a substitute? Smoking too much pot? Quitting smoking? Fat genes? Probably all of these things contribute to the fat society.

We should learn to accept our fat selves and other's shouldn't be mean to us, blah blah blah.. but being fat has a lot of drawbacks in that fat people don't fit comfortably into many seats. This causes yo-yo dieting and ultimately stress eating. Eventually fat people don't go anywhere. Southwest Airlines has such tiny seats that even thin people and skinzoids like my son find it uncomfortable to fly across the country. Are airlines in cahoots with the huge weight loss industry?

I was able to keep my weight under control (I wasn't gaining) for years after menopause by taking Xenadrine with ephedra. The bastards banned ephedra. I want my ephedra!

In closing I'd like to bring up a joke I heard and why it pissed me off:
Q: Why do fat girls give the best blow jobs?
A: Because they have to.
Bullshit. Heavier women give better head because they are not starving and cranky.

Bush Foiled Terrorists?

Do you believe this? I don't.

TIME-- In his speech to the National Guard Association in Washington, Bush revealed new details about a foiled 2002 Al Qaeda plan to use "shoe bombs" to hijack a commercial airplane and fly it into the tallest building on the West Coast — a Los Angeles skyscraper that intelligence analysts later determined was the Library Tower, now named the U.S. Bank Tower.

And the 9/11 hijackers used boxcutters. yawn.

And more reason to know that this is bullshit... the mayor of Los Angeles didn't know that his city was in danger of being attacked until he saw it on television. oy vay

Cookin' With Jesus

This Amazing Jesus Pancake is being sold on eBay with an opening bid of $500.

It seems Jesus can't get himself noticed these days unless he appears on food... he probably realizes that if he came back in the flesh, his followers would crucify him again.

But seriously folks, does every apparition of a bearded man have to be Jesus? And doesn't think pancake thing look like a stamp? I don't think it's Jesus.

Stupid People At King's Funeral

"White people need to remove the sticks from their asses." -Angry Old Broad

Ah, I love a good rant.

¿quien es mas macho?

Moveon.org has a new ad comparing Bush to Nixon and the illegal wire tapping of Americans. You can watch it here.

Justice In America Today

GOP: Reward your cronies. Mock America

AP-- GOP leaders rewarded Tom Delay with a coveted seat on the Appropriations Committee yesterday.

Delay also claimed a seat on the subcommittee overseeing the Justice Department, which is currently investigating an influence-peddling scandal involving disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his dealings with lawmakers. The subcommittee also has responsibility over NASA — a top priority for DeLay, since the Johnson Space Center is located in his Houston-area district.

Talk about the fox guarding the hen house. The plundering by the GOP will probably get worse. They only have a few more months left until the elections.

Your tax money at work

We pay his (smaller) salary (Halliburton undoubtedly picks up the slack), we pay for the plane(s), we buy the gas, we feed him, we feed the Secret Service guys/gals who have to travel with him, we pay for the disruption of traffic/activity that accompanies his every movement amongst the commonfolk, and where on earth is Dick Cheney?

In Alexandria, Louisiana, stumping for the re-election campaign of that chickenshit turncoat carpetbagger traitor, Rodney Alexander.

Just like Dumbya charged US for his ill-fated Social Security Sux Tour, we're paying for Biggus Dickus Cheney to hop around the country, while he's ON THE CLOCK, to campaign for moron hacks like Rodney Alexander.

THIS is your tax money at work.

I played hell googling the article to even PROVE that he was COMING to town, but still can't find any reference online to the BR ADVOCATE three-inch, single-column blurb that he had BEEN in Louisiana.

Here's the quoted mini-article:
Cheney stumps in La. for congressman

(AP) ALEXANDRIA --- Vice President Dick Cheney, on a swing through the South to help Republican congressional candidates, stopped in Alexandria on Monday to speak and raise money for Rep. Rodney Alexander.
Cheney's remarks echoed those he made earlier in the day in Alabama and those made last week by President Bush in the State Of The Union address.
Among the themes: support for the war in Iraq, defense of eavesdropping on overseas telephone calls without a court warrant, a call to make tax cuts enacted in Bush's first term permanent.
He also reiterated that the federal government has spent $85 billion in the hurricane relief effort on the Gulf Coast.
Cheney spoke at England Air Park where the fund-raiser for Alexander was held.
~~~

Does it GET any more SUCK-UP?!?!? I always knew that the Manship family (the media monopoly conglomerate clan in B.R.) were greedy, selfish republicunts, but even when they're "burying" the news of Cheney's activities, even then --- TOTAL SYNCOPHANTS.

Did you know?

56 Vets are running as Democrats this year.

Eating less fat does not significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, breast cancer or colorectal cancer. (LA Times)

Sleeping pill sales are up 60% since 2000 (NY Times)

Four died in Afghan cartoon riot. (BBC)

Iran will change the name of Danish pastry to that of a flower named after Muhammad. (NY Times)

A 23 year old man who married a 14 year old girl after impregnating her (wears Nascar tie to trial and) gets jail time. (Fox)

A woman will marry a man who shot her in the groin and then held her hostage in his family's garage for six days. (fox)

Having children is depressing. (live science)

How to Speed-Read? (link)
How to be better E-mailer? (Guy Kawasaki)
Why ego makes some people bad E-mailers? (APA)

What do you know? Share links.

Killing Foreigners Good: Helping People Bad

The Borgen Project deconstructs 'defense' spending.

The World's Largest Military Spenders (billions) *
United States $419
Russia $65
China $56
United Kingdom $49

The majority of countries spend less than $1 billion/year. But we are number 1. We rule the world with fear. Numbers don't lie. Russia doesn't even come close.

Fear Based Media: According to CPI, the Pentagon has spent $2 billion on advertising over the last six years.

We're short changing the troops: Congress passed a 2005 defense budget that includes $8.9 billion in extraneous costs, while voting to fund wartime operations at only a fraction of what nearly all analysts agree is needed for the duration of 2005 According to CDI, the U.S. military budget is more than 37-times as large as the combined spending of the seven "rogue" states (Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria).

It doesn't appear that any other country can afford to invade us, not to mention that we are flanked by 2 oceans. We are into offense. The fears of the American people towards foreign lands are unfounded. The Enemy is within.

Now here's a sample of what it would cost to end poverty:
Incremental annual public investment needed to meet the World Food Summit goal of halving world hunger before 2015.

• $5.2 billion: Ensure access to food for the most needy.
• $2.3 billion: Improve agricultural productivity in poor rural communities.
• $7.4 billion: Develop and conserve natural resources.
• $7.8 billion: Expand rural infrastructure and market access.
• $1.1billion: Strengthen capacity for knowledge generation and dissemination.
• Total investment costs: $23 billion.

Maybe we wouldn't need wars if we looked out for each other.


Our president continues to fuck Americans favoring war spending.
War Good: The president wants $70 billion in new funds to execute the war in Iraq through the end of September.

Hurricane Relief Bad: The White House also said that it will request a measly $18 billion or so in hurricane relief.

"My administration has focused the nation's resources on our highest priority _ protecting our citizens and our homeland," Bush said in his budget message.

Bush proposes to kill or dramatically slash 141 programs for savings of almost $15 billion including killing "the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which provides food aid to the very poor."

Bush gives 6.9 percent budget increase to the Pentagon _ which would receive a record $439 billion before accounting for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

His proposal would reduce spending on Medicare over the next five years by $36 billion, or less than 2 percent.

"With the increases for the Pentagon, this year's Iraq and Afghanistan war costs, and new tax cuts for health care, the budget shows that deficits over the five years ending in 2011 would total nearly $1.2 trillion." Lots more at WaPo

WTF Is The Matter With Florida?

I think I am afraid to vacation there. You can get shot legally if someone thinks you mean them harm... could you imagine that law in New York? It would be a blood bath.

"Excuse me, but can you direct me to the E Train?"
"You tourists are a royal pain in the ass. You're always looking up and not paying attention to where you are going."
BANG!

I can't even begin to think of armed subway riders... well except for elbows. You need those.

Nevertheless, being able to shoot people who you may think might want to harm you wasn't enough to keep Florida gun owners happy, now there is a new bill that forbids employers from banning guns at the workplace. See the Gun Guys for the story

Why on earth does anyone need to bring a gun to work unless you're in law enforcement or work at an alligator park or shark tank?

I wonder if that law would include Disneyworld? Can you imagine a pissed off Mickey Mouse who's packing heat after a hard day on the job in his costume under the sweltering sun and dripping from the humidity while being lovingly tormented by Jane and Joe Tourist and their adorable brats all day?

"Stop pulling on my goddammed suit, kid." Bang!

We were discussing (in the comments on this blog) freedom and responsibility. Freedom isn't license. You can't do whatever you want if it takes away from someone else's freedom. Shouldn't people also be free from fear of a gun wielding co-worker? The NRA has gone way too far.

Aren't there a lot of menopausal women from NY living in Florida? Just thinking...
---------

UPDATE: Pro- gun states rule in fire arm death rates

Common Dreams: WASHINGTON - February 7 - Traditionally "pro-gun" states in the South and West lead the nation in overall firearm death rates according to a new analysis issued today by the Violence Policy Center (VPC) of just-released Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. The new VPC analysis uses 2003 data (the most recent available) from the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. The analysis reveals that the top 10 states with the highest per capita gun death rates were:

1) Louisiana, 18.84 per 100,000;
2) Alaska, 18.50 per 100,000;
3) Wyoming, 17.76 per 100,000;
4) New Mexico, 17.39 per 100,000;
5) Alabama, 17.00 per 100,000;
6) Nevada, 16.69 per 100,000;
7) Mississippi, 16.56 per 100,000;
8) Montana, 15.80 per 100,000;
9) Arizona, 15.21 per 100,000;
10) Arkansas, 15.15 per 100,000.

Each of the top 10 states had a per capita gun death rate of at least 15 per 100,000, far exceeding the national per capita gun death rate of 10.36 per 100,000. Here's the chart.

Bush Gets Ripped A New One at King Funeral

Oh my, he looks a bit uncomfortable doesn't he? Look at Laura's face. Check out her body language.

That's because Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery received a standing ovation today at the Coretta Scott King funeral. Watch it at Think Progress.

He said, "We know now there were no weapons of mass destruction over there. [Standing Ovation] But Coretta knew and we know that there are weapons of misdirection right down here. Millions without health insurance. Poverty abounds. For war, billions more but no more for the poor."

Amen Reverend, Amen!

HALLE-fuckin'-LUJAH!!

MAY FRED PHELPS' CADAVEROUS BODY ROT ON THE SPOT AND FERTILIZE A TREE!!!

The rest of America fights back against Kansas.

It wasn't enough when that vulture hovered around veterans' funerals with his "God Hates Fags" signs and claims that our military personnel died because this country "harbors homosexuals."

No, no, everybody's favorite Crypt-Keeper necrophiliac homophobe to the power of INFINITY had to go and protest at the funerals of the MINERS LOST IN WEST VIRGINIA.

I shit y'all not.

"THANK GOD FOR DEAD MINERS."

"GOD HATES YOUR TEARS."

"MINERS IN HELL."

And the only thing stopping the families who have been ABUSED, ASSAULTED, and DEFILED by this motherfucking MAGGOT'S hatred, ignorance and virulent FILTH --- the only thing stopping those people from turning Fred into worm-food?

They don't want the little motherfucker to become a MARTYR.

'Cause y'all KNOW that NO JURY ON THE PLANET would convict 'em.

S.O.L.

Shelters, phone line set up if people evicted

Baton Rouge Advocate:

"State officials are opening emergency shelters and have established a toll-free number to assist hurricane victims who will be evicted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency from motels and hotels today.
According to the Louisiana Hurricane Housing Task Force, FEMA estimates 900 families in Louisiana will lose their hotel privileges today and another 2,200 will be evicted Monday.
Gov. Kathleen Blanco has instructed the task force, Department of Social Services, Department of Health & Hospitals and Office of Emergency Preparedness to assist these families, a news release says.
The state Department of Transportation and Development also will mobilize vans from state agencies to pick up residents deemed ineligible by FEMA at their hotels.
They will then e taken to regional staging areas and transported to the shelters."

Deja vu?

"In Houston, where 4,000 evacuees were staying in hotels, around 80 percent had received permission to extend their stays until at least Monday. The remaining 20 percent either failed to contact FEMA or made other housing arrangements, said Frank Michel, a spokesman for Mayor Bill White.

'People need to begin to take responsibility for themselves,' Michel said."

Pretty interesting, coming from the administration that specializes in corporate bailouts, white-collar crime, and the ever-bountiful teat of no-bid contracts for cronies and Poppy's buds.

So, if you're poor, probably in the Service Industry, and don't have the right connections, you need to "take responsibility for yourself." If you're a silver-coke-spoon billionaire, well, hey, that's why the little people pay taxes, right?

GEORGE W. BUSH HAS CUT THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS BUDGET SINCE HE HIT THE WHITE HOUSE. GEORGE W. BUSH IS THE REASON WHY THOSE LEVEES WERE NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED.

GEORGE W. BUSH IS A MURDERER, A THIEF, AND A COWARD.

AND HAS HIS LITTLE HENCHMEN FUCK-OVER THE PEOPLE OF NEW ORLEANS, ALL OVER AGAIN.

GALLOWS. EAST LAWN OF THE WHITE HOUSE.

NOW.

Momma, Don't Let Your Girls Grow Up To Be Soldiers

Sanchez's attitude was: "The women asked to be here, so now let them take what comes with the territory," Karpinski quoted him as saying.

From Truthout via Alternet: In a startling revelation, the former commander of Abu Ghraib prison testified that Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, former senior U.S. military commander in Iraq, gave orders to cover up the cause of death for some female American soldiers serving in Iraq.

Last week, Col. Janis Karpinski told a panel of judges at the Commission of Inquiry for Crimes against Humanity Committed by the Bush Administration in New York that several women had died of dehydration because they refused to drink liquids late in the day. They were afraid of being assaulted or even raped by male soldiers if they had to use the women's latrine after dark.

Read the whole thing while I vomit.

After the Abu Ghraib incident, Karpinski was demoted and Sanchez was promoted, as you might recall.

-----------



Speaking of War and Propaganda:
The Famed Marlboro Man of Fallujah has turned against the war.

Sushi On Demand

Sperm Cells Turned into Eggs

LiveScience.com- "Scientists have tricked male fish cells that were destined to become sperm into switching sex and becoming eggs instead.

The technique could one day be used to quickly produce animals with desired traits, speed up breeding programs and help repopulate dwindling populations of endangered species or creating sushi on demand, the researchers said."

Warning: Do not look up "sperm" on Google images when you're at work.

The Cutest Cats?

"People display their cats during an international feline beauty contest in Brussels February 5, 2006. The contest took place with an exhibition of the cutest cats from all over Europe."
[REUTERS/Yves Herman]

Rove is taking notes

and counting heads...

"Over the last few weeks, Mr. Rove has been calling in virtually every Republican on the Senate committee as well as the leadership in Congress. The sources said Mr. Rove's message has been that a vote against Mr. Bush would destroy GOP prospects in congressional elections."

Mr Rove, a vote for Mr. Bush would destroy GOP prospects in congressional elections as well, you dork.

President Carter also says that warrantless domestic eavesdropping is illegal.

letter to the president

Dear Mr. President:

We are not a nation at war and you, sir, are not a war time president. You have an authorization for the use of force against Afghanistan and Iraq. That is not a declaration of war. Nixon had Congress' support in Vietnam but that didn't make his wiretaps legal, either.

Franklin Roosevelt was a war time president. He asked Congress for a declaration of war against industrial and military giants Japan and Germany. You didn't ask for a declaration of war against two third world countries. You could not have gotten a declaration of war because frankly Afghanistan and Iraq didn't attack us. A group of Saudi Arabian men, not a government, attacked us. You cheapen every American who lived and those who died in World War II every time you say that we are at war and you are a war time president.

Tell your Attorney General that it was impossible for President Washington and Lincoln and Wilson to order electronic surveillance because we didn't have telephones during those administrations. How did he get out of Rice University thinking something like that? Was he exempt from history and science classes? The reason Wilson and Roosevelt could read individuals' mail and listen in on the few Americans that actually had telephones during the Roosevelt administration is they had a declaration of war from Congress. You have the FISA courts to give you the legal warrant necessary to wiretap. Your administration didn't seek a legal warrant because you didn't have probable cause to wiretap thousands of Americans and your administration has no respect for the law. We are going to learn, either through these hearings or your impeachment, that your administration tapped Americans that you simply don't like, oppose politically, and who openly criticize your administration.

You, sir, and Vice President Cheney are liars and criminals and thousands of Americans who love the Constitution and believe in the rule of law are going to protest and agitate for your impeachment and indictment. You are an embarrassment to the presidency, to this nation and I am ashamed of you and your administration. Your administration was not elected. We were attacked on your watch, our attackers have not been brought to justice, we don't know why we are in Iraq because you have lied to the American people and the citizens of the world, we are unable to respond to crisis anywhere in this country because of your administration, and we are not going to allow your administration to become the first fascist government to come to power in the United States. We will act within the bounds of the rule of law because you took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution rather than issue decrees from your throne.

Mr. Bush, you have done the impossible. You have made Americans miss Richard Nixon.

Sincerely,

Jaye Ramsey Sutter

Religion Trumps Sanity

No doubt you've read all the stories about the unruly demonstrations in response to the Danish anti-Muhammed cartoons. Muslims have made it abundantly clear throughout the world that they are enraged.

What to do? What to do?

Iran's largest selling newspaper is holding an international cartoon contest about the holocaust in response. Oh great. That's mature. The graphics editor for Hamshari newspaper said, "The Western papers printed these sacrilegious cartoons on the pretext of freedom of expression, so let's see if they mean what they say and also print these Holocaust cartoons."

Were not talking about peaceful people here. Weren't Iran and Israel recently talking about attacking each other with missiles? Perhaps a cartoon war is a more appropriate solution for disagreements however I wouldn't trust any of them to not start a real war over this nonsense.

Now there's one for the history books:
#1 Cause For WWIII: Religious newspaper cartoons.

UPDATE TUES MORNING (please be gone, I'm tired of you)
Cartoon Protests Stoke Anti-American Mood
Violence is spreading worldwife



.

He Sees You

Gonzales is being asked tough questions this morning by the senate. He wasn't sworn in but said he'd give the same answers if he was. Probably.

Thousands of US Citizens are spied upon, yet they turned up very few terrorists. The bush admin won't answer questions about what a washout this whole exercise turned out to be.

Sen. Arlen Specter said Sunday he believes that President Bush violated a 1978 law specifically calling for a secret court to consider and approve such monitoring.

Deja vu all over again. Same cast of characters (Bush I, Cheney, Rummy- little george was still into drugs and booze) were involved in a similar dispute over illegal domestic spying during Ford administration.


EVENING UPDATE: RAW Story has more on Senators refusing to have Gonzales sworn in.

Jagger is No Clay Aiken

If it weren't for the Rolling Stones, most Americans wouldn't even know the blues.

How did they get that stage set up so fast?

I got a glimpse of Sir Mick Jagger's belly button on the Super Bowl half time show. It wasn't pixelated heh and I was somewhat impressed by his 63 year old abs although his upper arms shook a bit but who's looking. As a matter of fact, if there were no close ups, I'd swear I was watching a young man dancing and strutting on the stage. They say he takes B12 shots and I could tell. They say he takes Botox injections, but I couldn't tell. What the Stones lack in expert live musical performance, they make up for in enthusiam, noise and energy. Keith Richards, Ron Wood and Charlie Watts are still alive and kicking! That's news. Twenty five years ago I sat next to Keith at a Dave Edmonds show at an intimate local nightclub. I thought he looked like he was going to keel over and die back then yet he was able to stand up on the stage last night, play the guitar and walk at the same time. Who would have thought?

ABC television had a 5 second delay last night anticipating some antics by the bad boys of rock and roll and rightly so. They had to censor some "shocking" lyrics that might offend a Super Bowl watching crowd.

AP Reports and I laugh:

In "Start Me Up," the show's editors silenced one word, a reference to a woman's sexual sway over a dead man. The lyrics for "Rough Justice" included a synonym for rooster that the network also deemed worth cutting out.

That's all? Not bad. Not that you could make out what he was saying. But corporate ears are very keen. "You make a dead man come" is totally inappropriate for an audience of all ages, right? ABC wouldn't have had to worry about censorship if Clay Aiken had performed last night although in reality, most of America would have needed barf bags.

It was a blast to watch the Stones, one of my all time favorite bands. So what if they suck live? They always have and I keep going back for more.

What would you say to Ken Mehlman?

Tell me how you would answer this charge:

Mehlman said that Senator Hillary Clinton "seems to have a lot of anger" and "When you think of the level of anger, I'm not sure it's what Americans want." (link)

Don't hold back.

Religious Nuts Are Ruining the World

I am declaring a war on "Evangelo-Terrorists"

From Newsweek: There is an evangelist minister, Rev. Richard Cizik, with some clout who cares about the environment in the name of creation. Wonderful! Perhaps he passed science class in school. But 'Focus on the Family' another evangelist group says poo poo to that nonsense, "It's a distraction when families are falling apart and abortion continues as a great evil."

Well of course it's more important to save families from I don't know what... divorce? homosexuals? birth control? enjoying sex? I wonder if the families that are falling apart are full of unwanted children or unwanted gay children or unwanted gay husbands? or all of the above? Dobson of Focus on the family says global-warming science is inconclusive. More proof that god did a lousy job of writing the bible. He left out a lot of topics.


Well if the glaciers which are melting at an alarming rate in Greenland as we speak, many of us may be underwater sooner than we thought and we won't be worrying about the threat of homosexuals and slutty women.

"The ice sheet contains one-tenth of the world's freshwater reserves.
Scientists predict that global average temperatures will rise by between one and six degrees Celsius this century unless urgent action is taken now to cap and reduce carbon emissions.

Even a rise of three degrees could result in cataclysmic species loss, melting polar icecaps raising sea levels by many meters and wholesale famine and disease.

Greenland is only part of the picture, and there is also evidence of local warming and melting on the giant Western Antarctic ice sheet.

Scientists said on Monday the world had to halt greenhouse gas emissions and reverse them within two decades or watch the planet spiraling toward destruction.
The first phase of the global Kyoto protocol on cutting greenhouse gas emissions runs until 2012, and negotiations have only just started on finding a way of taking it beyond that.

The United States, the world's biggest polluter, has rejected both the protocol in its current form and any suggestion of expanding or extending it."

More on evangelicals and global warming at WaPo.

It appears that all the evangelist ministers and law makers were "left behind" and their asses are going to be "left behind" when the rapture comes and elections. We must demand that every official in government passed science in high school and that they understand that we are a secular nation who practices freedom of religion. If a particular religious group is hell bent on ignoring a major future cataclysmic event and has a great deal of clout in DC, we have got to oust them. Let's call our reps again. Our government is going broke trying to rid the world of "Islamo-fascists" meanwhile the Christo-fascists are having a field day.

A Thought For Sunday

I watched a flick called, "Happy Accidents" on IFC where a woman falls in love with a man from the future. My favorite quote from the man of the future:

"Religion goes out of favor in 2037 when science discovers the gene that regulates fear."

When Religion Trumps Science

We have a serious and growing problem in this country. It is perpetrated by men "of faith". Anytime you see that "of faith" suffix as in 'people of faith', it's a code word for 'sex is dirty' or 'women are dirty' or simply, "we can't control ourselves so you must not be able to either". It's all in the Old Testament. Sexual activity is but a necessary evil if you want to have children according to these people who seem to have more and more to do with government policy these days. They make a big deal about the abortion stats but it really boils down to their wanting to know who is having sex and why. It's a silly investigation because the answers are 1. Everyone and 2. Because it's fun. And I might add, we're in danger of nuclear annihilation, so what the hell. Pass out the birth control and eliminate unwanted pregnancies in the nuclear age while reducing the number of abortions in this country. No one is pro-abortion. I'd like to see no one who doesn't want a child having to resort to an abortion. Let's not get to that point.

When the abortion issue or Plan B comes up on the blog, male trolls always show up and add birth control to issue. It seems that they don't approve of that either. Why is it only men? hmmm. I have but one thing to say to men who are anti-birthcontrol: Don't have sex if you don't want to have kids and mind your own fucking business, goddammit.

I reported some time ago about Susan Wood who worked in the FDA on behalf of women. She didn't want anything that would harm women approved by the FDA. She finally quit when she couldn't take it anymore.

It seemed that a man, a man of faith of course, stepped all over her feet regarding the Plan B contraceptive pill, which is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, is almost 90 percent effective in preventing pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It's pretty much a strong birth control pill, not an abortion pill.

This man of faith "feared" that 10, 11, 12-year old girls would buy Plan B because it would increase sexual activity among that age group. He had no scientific reason to say that or even think that. Why would he think that? Is he spending too much time on internet kiddie porn sites? It was merely another way to put the screws into an abortion alternative (not getting pregnant in the first place) and to make sure that all women who engaged in sex whether consensual or not were doomed to being barefoot in the kitchen. Read Religion versus medicine: An insider’s story of political influence in the FDA for the complete story.

Our country is reverting to the dark ages. It is clearly pitted against women. See Anntichrist's post below about how women might eventually deal with intrusive men when push gets to shove. That should serve as a warning.

Here is some reading on a big Kansas situation that will make your hair curl:
Kansas.com: In Kansas, sexual relations for those under 16 must be reported to state officials. It's not the pregnancy that concerns officials but the ACT that caused it. Even if there is no pregnancy, Attorney General Phill Kline wants to know about it. He even interprets the law thusly: a girl under 16 giving oral sex to a boy of the same age may not have to reported, but a boy giving oral sex to a girl would break the law. WTF?
NYTimes reports that Mr Kline is under attack by the courts in Kansas for his intrusion into women's privacy issues. It's a chilling read. He is the Ken Starr of Kansas.
LATimes has more in this article: Spin the bottle, go to jail

I'd like to add that I was in HS before Planned Parenthood and The Pill. We were taught abstinence education (although the boys all had moldy condoms in their wallets which was a form of birth control in itself when the girl took one look at it. Ewwww.) and oral sex, yes oral sex long before Monica made it popular, was all the rage as a backseat stress reliever. (I'll smack anyone who claims that President Clinton is the reason young people have oral sex. Sheesh.)

Yet many of us were born or had kids because of the absense of complete sex education. Back then however, a family could exist on one income. Not today. Not that I am complaining. I was adopted because my birth parents were 16 year old kids. But talk about living an awkward life in a family that you really don't belong to. That shit stays with you.

Today, do we really want your kid's dreams to be shattered if they become parents while they are still kids themselves and end up taking turns flipping burgers for a living? Well yes, if you are a vindictive, angry parent. Teach abstinence and self control, absolutely, but let our youth know how to avoid disease and unwanted pregnancy ...and then have children of their own when the time is right.

Just watch the Springer show to see the results of unplanned parenthood

Chimp Boy's Real Job

Time magazine reports that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales will testify tomorrow regarding the administration's clearly illegal warrantless wiretapping. In the article is this statement:

"The Attorney General plans to leave open the possibility that President Bush will ask the court to give blanket approval to the program, a step that some lawmakers and even some administration officials contend would make it on more solid footing."

I don't understand how courts can give blanket approval for this activity. The Fourth Amendment clearly states that we the citizens have a "RIGHT" to be secure in our persons, house, and that government must obtain a specific, sworn information to violate that security. The Constitution clearly does not give the Executive the power to go on a fishing expedition, which is what their activities have been.

I don't understand how Congress can exempt the Executive from a requirement clearly prescribed in the Constitution and I don't understand how the judiciary can do it either.

Chimp Boy and his minions keep teeling us that his first duty is to protect us from terrorists. That allegation is ridiculous, since the administration did nothing to protect us from the 9/11 attacks despite many solid warrings. But not only is it ridiculous, it isn't true.

CHIMP BOY'S FRIST DUTY IS TO PROTECT THE CONSTITUTION! That's what he swore to do.

According to the Time article, Gonzales believes that press reports on wiretapping are "misinformed, confused, or wrong." I believe that it is Gonzales and his little boss who are misinformed, confused, and wrong.

We cannot count on Republicans or Democrats to stand up against the lawless administratrion and protect our civil liberties. If there was ever a time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their country, it is now.
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BEAUTY SCHOOL BEAT-DOWN: Victims ask judge to go easy on would-be robber

Shreveport, LA: (AP) A group of beauty school students who beat a would-be robber with a table leg, curling irons and blow dryers is now asking the judge to go easy on the man.

Jared Gipson will be sentenced March 1 on his conviction of robbing Blalock's Beauty College in Shreveport. Depending on whether he's considered a habitual offender, he could get up to 203 years in prison.

In June, Gipson, 25, walked into Blalock's with an unloaded gun, ordered everyone inside to lie on the floor and began to rob it. But one of the students tripped him and others went after him, beating him with whatever was handy. He had to be taken to the hospital and had 21 cuts stitched up.

But some of these same women are now asking state District Judge Scot Crichton for leniency in Gipson's case.

Gipson faces 15 to 104 years in prison for armed robbery with a gun. If he is sentenced as a habitual offender for having a prior felony conviction, he would be looking at 54.5 to 203 years in prison.

Blalock Beauty College owner Sharon Blalock thinks that's too steep.

"Five years, 10 years max," she said. "I think that would be enough time to give a young man time to think about what he did."

Assistant D.A. Brady O'Callaghan said prosecutors are considering dropping the habitual-offender classification.

"It is unusual, in an armed robbery by a stranger, to have a victim come in and say, 'The sentence is too harsh to me,'" O'Callaghan said. "Or, in this case, several victims."

See also: This Shreveport Times article about the crime, and this ST article about the conviction.

Best lines? 'Cpl. Brent Mason said Gipson... was beaten with everything inside the shop that wasn't nailed down, including table legs, curling irons and blow dryers, but that a 4-by-4 fence post probably caused the most damage. "I believe I counted 21 open lacerations to his skull area that required sutures or staples," Mason testified Tuesday before Caddo District Judge Scott Crichton. "He had a shoe print forced through his clothes to his skin. He had severely been stomped by someone."'

Who needs guns?

You piss off the right women often enough, and buddy, you'd best haul ass before they get ahold of everything that ain't nailed down...

And no, I don't think that Gipson needs 203 years to consider his crime, but he MAY need that much to live down the jailhouse heckling...

The Only Human-Animal Hybrid We Have to Fear Is the President

"Tonight I ask you to pass legislation to prohibit the most egregious abuses of medical research, human cloning in all its forms, creating or implanting embryos for experiments, creating human-animal hybrids, and buying, selling or patenting human embryos."-- GWBush [SOTU, 1/31/06]


At first I thought he was referring to chimp/man hybrids, because he didn't want any competition, but I was wrong again. Was Dr. Moreau back? Was he in the United States? Nope.

I learned from PZ Meyers of Pharyngula, what was really happening and that we are in no danger from Manimals. In fact we are in danger of regressive, anti-science, antiquated thinking that will do nothing to help those on the fringes of society:

Excerpt: "Down syndrome is a very common genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21. That kind of genetic insult causes a constellation of problems: mild to moderate mental retardation, heart defects, and weakened immune systems, and various superficial abnormalities. It's also a viable defect, and produces walking, talking, interacting human beings who are loved by their friends and families, who would really like to be able to do something about those lifespan-reducing health problems. We would love to have an animal model of Down syndrome, so that, for example, we could figure out exactly what gene overdose is causing the immune system problems or the heart defects, and develop better treatments for them.

So what scientists have been doing is inserting human genes into mice, to produce similar genetic overdoses in their development. As I reported before, there have been partial insertions, but now a team of researchers has inserted a complete human chromosome 21 into mouse embryonic stem cells, and from those generated a line of aneuploid mice that have many of the symptoms of Down syndrome, including the heart defects. They also have problems in spatial learning and memory that have been traced back to defects in long-term potentiation in the central nervous system.

These mice are a tool to help us understand a debilitating human problem.

George W. Bush would like to make them illegal."

Meyers writes a very good piece if you'd like to learn more.

Signs of Fascism # 3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause. The most significant common thread among these regimes was the use of scapegoating as a means to divert the people’s attention from other problems, to shift blame forfailures, and to channel frustration in controlled directions. The methods of choice—relentless propaganda and disinformation—were usually effective.

IT'S LIKE THAT DREAM YOU HAVE OF OPENING DOOR AFTER DOOR

One of the things I love about the internet is the sense of community at the various blogs. You could be a virulent right-wing cross-dresser with a verbal tic and a love of reptiles and chances are there is a blog out there for you. Another thing to love is the way you can start out in one place and through the magic of linking end up in places never imagined.

For example, did you know that there is a U.S.-Azerbijan Chamber of Commerce? Yeah, me neither until I stumbled on this . From it's scary council of advisors to its terrifying former members to its inherently evil legal council, Baker Botts. Let's close that door. We're better off not knowing what is in that room.

Sometimes another good soul will lead you to a place to enjoy, in this case, thanks SB Gypsy. Hmmm. So that's what my drinking profile means, not that I'm a heavy drinker by any means. That double bourbon the other night was a reward for a rough day of dealing with john q public. I'm a folgers-lipton type of gal.

Perusing through the Waiter Rant archives opened the door to this room. He thought it was funny and so did I. Which is the point of this post. It's been a rough week, what with the sorry state of the union and the even sorrier not so supreme court mess. Sometimes you must find something to laugh about or you'll go postal. Or maybe the point is that when two chinese boys faking it are better and more entertaining than five white boys actually doing it then it's time to learn chinese.

the state of the Union is stronger than Bush

The State of the Union left me queasy.

The speech, not the actual state of the Union.

What was it that bothered me? It was like a nagging memory of something unidentifiable, but familiar. Like the stove was on, a lit candle forgotten, a forgotten unlocked door?

No, it was more nauseating than that. Perhaps like that dream where the dreamer has forgotten to take a math class and now cannot graduate?

If the viewer wasn't caught up in the grand sight of the government together under one roof, the pomp and circumstance of the singing introduction, "Mr. Speeeekaaaarrr. The President of the United States!" The Joint Chiefs, the Supreme Court, the Cabinet; it is indeed difficult not to get emotional. One can recall the sights and sounds of this grand tradition and get lost in the memory.

Memory. There it is again. What it is escapes me, but I am sure that something that was said bothered me. I have pondered it for days, but I couldn't grasp it. I almost could not remember the speech itself; but try as I could, I could not recall much more than a phrase here or there.

But sitting with a friend at breakfast this morning, my friend nailed it.

"It was the promises he made to take care of us, all the while he is fucking us over." I don't remember if that is exactly what my breakfast buddy said to me over a hotcake the size of a dinner plate. But the emotion behind those words knocked my fork out of my hand.

I was angry at the patriarchy and paternalism of the speech. My friend corrected me gently pushing a terrible blade of truth between my ribs. The smirk, the cocksuredness, the lack of sympathy or curiosity, I insisted. My friend corrected, "It was abuse, wrapped in the bright paper package of a protective father. People are always surprised when they peel open the paper."

"It was the ultimate form of cynicism. The people are told we are going to replace our addiction to oil," he said. Without of course any funding for such research, as Paul Krugman of the New York Times wrote. I later thought about President Bush as recovering alcoholic. Did he face his addiction? Say that he was powerless to alcohol? Is the United States powerless to oil or are we lying to our people about the oil we seek in the Middle East? No we know that it is there, but do we know what our addiction does to our stated beliefs. To human rights and our humanity?

Bush offered no hope for a better education for Americans. This week the Congress cut federal student loans. Yet, Bush asked, in his speech, that the Congress fund math and science teachers. He probably didn't mean that. And if he did and the Congress acted, would he and his Far Right constituents stay out of the science teachers' way so they can teach science and not "intelligent design?"

He offered no hope to New Orleans and Mississippi's Gulf Coast. Bush doesn't care and didn't ask the Congress to care. He believes that the market will rebuild New Orleans. The Big Easy doesn't need a New Deal; no Rooseveltian TVA program for the South and her poor. The South is nothing to Bush but rednecks that vote for him because he inflames their ignorance. He laughs while he cashes their hopes. Angry white Southern voters have much more in common with black Southerners than they do with George W. Bush. He and his party may not help Southern whites, something they will forget again and again after each election, but at least, think the whites, Bush didn't do anything for blacks. They didn't get a chance to get ahead of rednecks working for fewer wages and no insurance with no education. Poverty and stubbornness are not rooted in race, but in economic disadvantages.

So, it was an inept father Bush, the national Daddy, out of touch with his ungrateful children, who he can frighten with stories of terror. But I am optimistic with the actual state of the Union. Many Americans did not believe the grand tales of a dry drunk with no sense of responsibility for his failures. It is really hopeful that Americans can see that the Boy King George is breaking the law, violating the Constitution, and cuts the budgets for the dreams he sells. Unfortunately, he will continue with his unenlightened success stories, moving on to the next company he can run into the ground, while we pay for his failures for years to come. It is no small blessing that the state of the Union is stronger than him.

Funding Provision Only Temporarily Halts Equine Slaughter At U.S. Plants

An amendment to the 2006 agriculture appropriation bill signed into law last November only temporarily halted the slaughter of horses in the United States for human consumption.

The provision prohibits the use of federal funds to inspect horsemeat under the Federal Meat Inspection Act.

Three U.S. slaughter plants---two in Texas and one in Illinois---currently process horsemeat for sale overseas, but it must be inspected prior to export. By removing funding for inspections, the bill makes it impossible to sell U.S. horsemeat for human consumption. However, the amendment fails to bar the shipment of U.S. horses to slaughter facilities in Mexico and Canada.

Slated to take effect in early March, the legislation will remain in force until September 30, the end of the fiscal year.

Equine-slaughter opponents (that be me) saw the amendment as a victory but I must emphasize that it is only an initial step toward a larger goal. This is the first time those of us in the Equine business have made inroads on this particular issue. The amendment was definitely a big accomplishment, but we need to push legislation to bring about a permanent ban on horse slaughter.

The suffering of the horses is of no concern to the managers of the facilities. It's just a business to them. Our Counterfeit Cowboy President will not support this ban.

So, dear readers, I'm asking you for your support. These wonderful animals have given so much to our civilization and still do! They don't deserve to end up on someone's dinner table. They feed my soul. I feed them hay.

Please read this link and make that call. If you don't want to take the time to read the link, you can write or call Mike Johanns (mike.johanns@usda.gov; 202-720-3631) and let him know that wild horses aren't what's for dinner.

Bush Lies Lead Up To War On Iraq

I’ve not made up our mind about military action. Hopefully, this can be done peacefully.-- bush [3/6/03]

We are doing everything we can to avoid war in Iraq. But if Saddam Hussein does not disarm peacefully, he will be disarmed by force. -- bush [3/8/03]

Should Saddam Hussein choose confrontation, the American people can know that every measure has been taken to avoid war, and every measure will be taken to win it. -- bush [3/17/03]

Bush lies courtesy of Think Progress

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The Guardian reports that another memo has surfaced regarding Bush and Blair's lead up to the Iraq war:

A memo of a two-hour meeting between the two leaders at the White House on January 31 2003 - nearly two months before the invasion - reveals that Mr Bush made it clear the US intended to invade whether or not there was a second UN resolution and even if UN inspectors found no evidence of a banned Iraqi weapons programme.

Oh you gotta read this...

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You can see the video news report right here. British news actually reported this story. Amazing. The 2 "leaders" discussed ways to trick the world into war since Hans Blix and others wouldn't come up with a smoking gun to invade Iraq... so they made up stuff instead.

Thor at Kos writes: If it can be shown that the President and/or his staff knowingly lied to Congress -- either publically, or even in private to the Select Committee on Intelligence -- that is an impeachable offense. If it can be shown that the President conspired to break international laws regarding war (i.e. knowingly invading Iraq with full knowledge that he lacked a cassus belli consistant with that law), that too is an impeachable offense. Also, if it can be shown that he conspired to violate U.S. policy on assassinations , that is an impeachable offense.

Want more proof that bush was complicit in 9/11?

"While Cindy Sheehan was being dragged from the House gallery moments before President Bush delivered his State of the Union address for wearing a t-shirt honoring her son and the other 2,244 US soldiers killed in Iraq, Turki al-Faisal was settling into his seat inside the gallery. Faisal, a Saudi, is a man who has met Osama bin Laden and his lieutenants on at least five occasions, describing the al Qaeda leader as "quite a pleasant man." He met multiple times with Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar. Yet, unlike Sheehan, al-Faisal was a welcomed guest of President Bush on Tuesday night. He is also a man that the families of more than 600 victims of the 9/11 attacks believe was connected to their loved ones' deaths."

read the story at commondreams.org