"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Concerning the possibility
of occupying Baghdad & installing a "puppet regime" in 1991:
"How long would we have to stay there to keep this regime in power?
How effective would it be if it were perceived as the puppet regime
of the United States military? It gets to be a very difficult,
a very nebulous, a very long, drawn-out kind of commitment, what
I would describe as a quagmire. We have absolutely no interest
in getting U.S. military forces involved inside Iraq."
- Former Secretary of State Dick Cheney
"Let us beg to differ / As we
set aside our differences / And assemble our own army / To disarm
this weapon of mass destruction / That we call our president /
For the present."
- Eminem, "Mosh"
"The spirit of resistance to
government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it
always to be kept alive."
- Thomas Jefferson
" "The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the nation as a whole. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly as necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right. Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile. To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else. "
- Theodore Roosevelt, on criticizing President Wilson during WWI - May 7th, 1918 - Kansas City Star
December 31, 2004 - America's Party
For some fool reason, we have plans to go to the Strip tonight. Us, and 300,000+ tourists. We're dumb.
This year ends on a mixed note. We have an administration slow, if ever, to respond to human tragedy. This must be based on the conservative view that the poor and downtrodden somehow deserve their fates and that the wealthy need not assist them. In any case, our contribution to the tsunami relief is up to $350 million due to the pressures of the world against our vacationing leader. Dramatic scenes of the devastation to the land there available here.
Other failures. Missile defense is still a sham. Violence in Iraq escalates. The fight to screw the American people on Social Security, tax "reform", and various civil rights will continue into next year.
With all that, let's hope for a better year nonetheless. To all those in danger across the world, our thoughts are with you. To the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, keep your heads down and come home soon. To those here at home, wherever that may be, Happy New Year and best wishes for a better tomorrow.
And Brenda and Brent, have a great wedding day from the both of us.
December 30, 2004 - Nero, Fiddling
As the news of devastation comes in from South Asia (map), we sit here and wonder what we can do to help. If you can't stand the Red Cross because of their American missteps, and don't trust the UN so can't give to UNICEF, may we suggest OxFam? (More options here, courtesy of NPR. The Washington Post has a similar list, with some pointers on how to donate responsibly.)
The good news is that everyone we know from the region are safe, as are their families. This includes our real and virtual friends (I know some folks via the Star Wars club I'm in). Our thoughts and condolences, however, go out to all those who have lost someone or are affected by the tragedy.
Meanwhile, back in Crawford, apparently the de facto capital of the United States (and when did THIS crap start?), the president sits back, rides his bike, and ignores the plight of millions. Literally all that is missing is the fiddle. (Incidentally, what the hell is with all this "clearing brush?" Who let the yard boy in charge of the country?)
This guy still acts as if he's running some Fortune 500 company instead of a global power. Your indifference and "calm" slaps the rest of the world in the face as apathy and disdain. If you truly want to drive a corporation instead of a nation into the ground, RUN, don't walk, away from your job. I'll even send you a Thank You card.
At least we aren't alone with the slow response. Europe has its own issues. Not that this should excuse our insufficient actions. Slate covers the cable news media coverage on the tragedy and, no surprise to me, CNN does far and above better reporting than those sleaze bags at FOXNews.
Just a few more snipes at the dictator-in-chief. Apparently, he doesn't even go to church. Yeah, that's right, Mr. Religion can't make time for church even though 30% of the time he's on vacation. You Republicans really know how to pick some stand-up guys. More info on how not to give to GOP-supporting companies. If we can't have open elections, let's hit them in their pocketbooks. Huffington on things to forget.
December 23, 2004 - Merry Christmas
I am not going to dwell on all the bad that happens in this world for the next few days. Indeed, just one link today to a nice story about a Christmas tree in Iraq. If any troops over there has a nice story about that or any other incident that occurs in the coming days, please pass it along.
Otherwise, we'll be gone for the weekend visiting Leslie's family. Have a Merry Christmas or whatever holiday you either just have celebrated or have coming down the pipe. Take the time to enjoy the small things and time with your family. For you troops overseas, know that we are all thinking of you and hope you are safe.
December 20, 2004 - Some seasonal fun
Wait, I have to start with this quote first:
"I'm going to find somebody who knows something about intelligence.... and capable and honest and ready to do the job." - George W. Bush
We already tried that, but you rigged the election and scared the hell out of the country so you could "win" it.
Seriously, that made my day. Gomer.
Oh, have ten, um nine, new GMail addresses to pass out. Pop me an email if you want one.
Now, for the fun. Krista, my sister-in-law, sent this link along for you to deal with your holiday stress. Frankly, I think its worth a permanent bookmark. ShellyBean sent this snowman creation thing along, and yes, you are warned. She also sent this, which, while not seasonal, is still damn fun. And Leslie was asking the other day the question you all have on your minds: "Whatever happened to the Elf Bowling?" I found out. Enjoy.
This article asks, "why does Asia get all the cool gadgets?" Great question. A New York Times article on Firefox. A. Get Firefox. B. You do have that NYTimes login and password, right? If not, I'll post something concerning the default ones I've created.
We managed to achieve something Saddam Hussein never could in Iraq: we've crushed Christmas and turned it into a secret celebration. Lovely. More good news from your compassionate conservatives. And hey, thanks in part to their catering to billionaires, it is impossible for Americans to provide housing for their families on the minimum wage. Now THAT'S family values.
Speaking of values - or the lack thereof - this guy is waiting for the moralists to complain about the lack of ethics among Republicans. He'll be there awhile I imagine. A conservative minister as freaked about these guys as the rest of us. The case of art vs. the book burner types in the GOP. And the English ask a great question, namely why do we worry more about creating democracy in Iraq than in preserving it here in the West?
December 18, 2004 - The sellout continues
It took the deaths of over 1,200 American soldiers, sailors, and airmen in Iraq for our Defense Secretary to finally realize he works for the troops instead of some puppet president living in some fascist fantasy land. Actually, I wish I could just believe that last statement. It isn't even true. Rumsfeld still doesn't get what his job is.
Nonetheless, he has made public hay of deciding to sign the condolence letters the family of each fallen soldier receives. This, of course, is something he should have done to honor each victim of his falsely-conceived, lie-ridden, ill-planned, immoral waste of American lives. It is, literally, the least he can do for our troops.
Bonus article on how to get out of this mess the Bushites created. Plus one on the decrease of black recruits into the military. I see their point. I mean, why fight for a government that ignores your needs both as a civilian and as a soldier? This as the GOP squabbles over whether or not to endorse Rumsfeld and his disdain of the military he runs.
Kiption pointed this one out to me as he was watching The Daily Show. Apparently, the president, in a rush to fund any fringe flat-earth types that profess to be Christian, are teaching our children all kinds of false and outright ficticious info about sex. Here are some examples of the lies and mistruths:
- AIDS can be spread by sweat and tears (it can't)
- condoms fail 31 percent of the time (a federal study says 3 percent)
- abortion can lead to sterility and suicide (there's no proven link)
- 50 percent of all American teenage gay men are HIV positive (BS)
- touching somebody's genitals can get you pregnant (um, no)
Granted, abstinence is a policy I endorse for probably 90% of America, particularly Republicans; but if you don't give our kids a well-rounded education, they'll just be even more dumb than they already are thank to MTV and reality television programming. It has gotten bad enough for the American Medical Association to suggest pulling funding from these idiots.
In other education news, the daughter of the world's most reknowned abuser of the English language is going to be...an English teacher. This of course, comes as we find out the White House has a problem even spelling the word "challenges."
I've got some stuff on the Social Security Bankruptcy Plan, err, Reforms, but that'll just have to wait. We're trying to score tickets to the UNLV-OK State game so that's the evening's plan.
BTW, for those in the know, Leslie made her annual batches of pistachio bread and it is oh so good. You know where to send your hopeless pleas for a loaf for yourself.
December 16, 2004 - Stay tuned
Still awaiting word from official sources on those wounded Tuesday in an IED attack. Of the scant news out there, eight soldiers from 2nd Platoon were injured, one serious enough to be flown to Baghdad. Hopefully we'll know more as the day progresses. Here's hoping the wounds are minimal and that you will all recuperate soon. Hang in there guys.
A (slightly cleaned-up) PDF of the Star Courier story Dave Clarke has put up.
December 15, 2004 - Your dying wishes....ignored
Note: A couple of things I've added on the sidebar. One is a link for you guys to get Firefox. The site stats show most of you still using Internet Explorer and you deserve better than that. The link below that is for Child's Play, a cause that gets kids in critical care wards toys so that they can get some joy out of an awful situation. It is run, and in its second year, by the guys at Penny Arcade. Help out if you can.
On with the post....
As part of the Bush's Global War on Freedom, apparently you can bequeath your art collection, fund it, but then have it found insufficient by a court of law. Granted, the collection needed better funding, but to move it to a sterile, bland environment? Come on.
In other art news, the twin conservative ideals of hiding knowledge of the human body and in attempting to whitewash slavery come together as Gov. James Douglas of Vermont attempts to move a reknowned pro-abolitionist sculpture from his desk because he doesn't want visiting children to see a nude statue...or some such crap. The GOP has come a long way since Lincoln...and all in the wrong direction.
With the economy going down the crapper, the government continues to screw students and plans to ignore the needs of the poor and elderly. I mean, why make the rich pay for the failed policies of a failed oil man? Let's beat on our most promising and most in need of help.
It is called separation of Church and State morons. Seriously, why don't we just give up the rule of law in Alabama? They just seem to want to go back to animal sacrifices and arbitrary rulings by bitter old men with no regard for the views of others.
Then again, they are not alone; but these folks at least have the semblance of a point. But don't feel bad for them. As Bill Moyers tells in covering the policy of ecological apocalypse, they are literally out to destroy the world.
If all this false religion is depressing you, head here for a chuckle. And pray no one starts taking the site seriously.
Jim Hightower goes after the "patriots" whose idea of getting behind our troops is slapping a yellow sticker on their trunk and studiously ignoring the rationale and results from the war our troops are admirably slogging through. I may yet rant about those ribbons someday. I just can't ponder it without seething at the moment.
More on the media whitewash of the bad news from Iraq. Yes, good things are happening there as the result of our good citizen soldiers hard at work. However, weighed against a government policy that lies and condones corruption while ignoring the pleas for proper support, better management, and that little issue of ending the trend antagonizing the entire planet, the bad unfortunately outweighs the good. If America the government would just back America the people, we might be better off there.
Quick stories on the Orwellian Patriot Act II: Back in the Habit, that dunce Rumsfeld, corrupt Bush campaign members on trial, and one story about Rep. John Conyer's attempt to get to the bottom of the corrupt election process in Ohio. Good luck to him on that. If you wish to send an email to your senators and congressmen concerning this, you could try this site. Just don't let them sign you up for anything. I only offer the link up for convenience.
December 13, 2004 - Dreams are on a budget here
Title courtesy of a comment in Finding Neverland. Go watch it. 'Nuff said.
In the same humorous but thoughtful vein of Bush or Chimp, an artist created a work which caused his entire 60 piece exhibit to be closed down by a manager too afraid of freedom of expression. Censorship and all its evils are on the comeback. Soon you'll be able to sit in a living room full of legal assault rifles but will have to stash your copy of Huck Finn under the floorboards.
More troop abuse, including a soldier who lost part of his arm being billed for $6,000. Maybe, just maybe, you might consider what he's given up for his country and not quibble over whether he got a canteen back to Supply. Another six reservists are being court-martialed for using abandoned equipment. God forbid we punish resourcefulness when the guys don't have enough working equipment as it is. And now they are calling up 70-year old retirees. At least this officer is okay with putting the uniform back on. And another article on stop-loss and those it affects.
More bad morale news and signs of frustration. To make matters worse, one soldier tells of talking with Rumsfeld about the same armor shortage in September of 2003. Way to deal with that issue. Even McCain now has grown a pair and has expressed his lack of confidence in Rumsfeld. Um, you're about a month and a half too late pal. (Bonus: the transcript of Rumsfeld's town hall meeting and more proof that he doesn't understand what our soldier's are saying, and doesn't care to find out.)
An article on how to best measure our combat deaths in relation to past conflicts. Plus one on the impact of those losses at home. Plus one article about a soldier who chose to honor his marriage at the cost of his own body. I wish that one had turned out better.
Social issues that have been laying by the wayside. Apparently, according to the artists that make music, they aren't being affected much by illicit song downloads (survey and results). Plus, in a form of damage control, Michael Powell is trying to stop enforcement complaints of those stations brave (or stupid) enough to air Saving Private Ryan on Veteran's Day. Which would probably undermine the whole Bush Blackshirt Brigade who make up 99.8% of all indecency complaints in this country. Hey, don't trust me, read the article. And while you are at it, let's try to stop these morons from enforcing their narrow-minded value system on us. I'm not sure how, but I'm open to suggestion.
That's it for today. I'm not going to comment ad nauseum on Bush's corrupt cabinet shuffle or the lack of background checks because they aren't working in my best interests anyway. I will try to focus on other issues and maybe reinject some fun back into these posts - if the government would stop screwing up long enough for me to do so.
December 9, 2004 - It's not just playing dress-up
Why is it that Bush feels compelled to dress up in fatigues or something every time he visits the troops? Doesn't it occur to him that it must piss some of them off to remember that he got to quit his Guard service and go to an Ivy League school, whereas they keep getting stop-lossed into permanent military service? Hell, I shouldn't complain: at least he didn't try to serve them a fake turkey this time. (Bonus: he actually admitted the Iraqi troops we've trained are about as useless as every bit of anecdotal evidence I've heard and read. I mean, in as much as he'll ever admit to anything. Don't get too surprised.)
Damage control from the White House as Rumsfeld blundered into a scenario where he accidentally asked the opinion of an American soldier. Now come on, you guys have been ignoring the average citizen for your entire first term. Why screw up now when you had most of us beat into submission? (Update: Bush now claims, "We’re doing everything we possibly can to protect your loved ones." Besides being utter garbage, it's also a lie when you look at the planning of this entire war.)
In any case, some clarifications as to the Humvee issue everyone is talking about. One, the soldier probably got coached a little by a journalist. No, not the FoxNews yes-man kind; an actual reporter who can't ask this administration any real questions. So yeah, it was a practiced question. But hell, even the soldier's ex-wife believes it came from the heart. But he's not the only one who has voiced complaints. California Guardsmen consider themselves ill-trained as they prepare to go to Iraq.
To be fair, the military is responding as much as it can to the situation. As always, the fault - whether or not they admit it - lies with the politicians giving the orders and pulling the puppet (and purse) strings.
As for this situation, Rumsfeld thinks nothing of it, nor believes his you don't get "the Army you might want or wish to have" comment was insulting. But Senator Dodd from Connecticut does and probably a fair amount of the troops who heard that crap did as well. Too bad the military is too busy supressing soldiers' ability to speak openly and honestly. (Update: another article on the situation, detailing more complaints about service in Iraq and on how Rumsfeld is basically in total denial.)
Hackworth goes further and discusses the problems (and propaganda) the military is forced to use to justify substandard recruitment goals. Just for total clarification, Colonel Hackworth is for the troops, against the lies, and has been very blunt about his stance on this war as seen here in an article from last year (Go for the ad option as that's all I've got. Sorry.)
December 6, 2004 - You still think he actually won?
I gotta say, I initially thought all these vote rigging stories were a little far fetched. I mean, all year I've been hearing about how electronic voting machines could be hacked with little effort, that the companies who manufactured them were all in Bush's pocket. I guess I just didn't want to believe it. I admit my naivete.
Anyway, a story from Florida from a programmer who admits to creating a vote rigging code sequence for a Republican congressman. The sworn affidavit is here. BradBlog covers this and many, many more stories from across the nation. This disturbing tale from Ohio covers many "irregularities," among which include fairly large amounts of black voters who supposedly pulled the lever for the ultra-conservative, pretty much racist Constitutional Party. I don't have any research on this, but I imagine that to be as realistic as a large Jewish turnout for Hitler in the 1930s.
Senate Republicans are still out to stack the deck in their favor by making filibusters almost impossible. So much for freedom of speech. The race to kill the United Nations continues. By the way, now the fools are talking about "liberating" Cuba. Stop before you get us all killed. Or starved to death I guess. Is keeping food from people compassionate conservatism? And, surprise, the SATs are racially biased.
Remember when China was ripping us for our economy a few days ago? Now Russia is comparing us to a dictatorship. Look, these guys know what one of those looks like. Maybe you should reassess your world view a bit. Even the Vatican is worried about a backlash against all Christians because of some coke heads and draft dodgers who pretend to be Christians. Thanks a lot jerks.
More foreign affairs. According to the Pentagon, Muslim hate our policies (See? They can see through the lies. Why can't you?) but not our freedoms. The same report shows that we have lost the war to gain the "hearts and minds" of Iraq. They'd better watch it. Too much talking away from the Bush playbook will get the Pentagon gutted and replaced with incompetent yes men like the administration is already planning to do with the CIA. When getting a rousing intro from Canadian PM Paul Martin, trying desperately to patch our sour relations, Bush returns the favor by insulting, by all accounts I've read, every Canadian citizen by comparing their sacrifices in World War II to what he thinks they should be doing to back his idiotic war in Iraq.
Canadians did everything we should be doing and protested Bush every step of the way during his visit. So much so that the little chicken cancelled a visit to Parliament because he's too timid to hear what people really have to say. Speaking of recent protests, a little history on the protests in Chile and why Latin American countries have reason to hate us. Makes you wish we had the stones to protest an unfair election the way they are in the Ukraine.
Remember those bribes, erm, tax cuts we were given in lieu of civil rights awhile back? Apparently those are going to fund higher property taxes in cash-strapped states. But, you know, you can't blame the federal government for that because nothing is ever their fault.
Jim Hightower shows how, while all of us who oppose the war still support our troops, our administration has nothing but contempt for our fighting men and women. While men can buy Viagra by the boatload, the FDA doesn't think women should get the same access to sexual dysfunction medication. Methodists and Lutherans jump on the gay-bashing bandwagon. Bigots are re-energized and out threatening inter-racial couples. Can't wait until the bastards come to my door with their pitchforks and Klan hoods. Bad news on the environmental front that even Bush can't deny; though he can still avoid recognizing its existence.
More rats leaving a sinking ship, though John Snow is just getting the bum's rush. Yeah, all that talk about the loyalty Bush inspires seems so relevant now. Half his staff runs off and he's a paragon of virtue? Gimme a break.
There is so much more deception to cover but you've had enough for one day.
December 1, 2004 - Zerg Rush
If you've never played StarCraft, you won't really get the headline today. Don't sweat it. In any case, Nancy Zerg managed to remove the cancer that is the smug Ken Jennings from Jeopardy!, thus allowing me to watch the show again. I was tipped off to a "close" Final Jeopardy and got to watch the downfall myself. I was giddy. And, as most of you know, that doesn't happen all that often.
Got busy working on a new template for the Galva Guard pages (and am still working on it) so was distracted from posting here. Not that much hasn't happened. Here are the high points (focus on the part where Congress would be allowed to read your tax returns for the hell of it - thanks to Nancy Pelosi for catching that GOP trick).
While you were busy working on your leftovers, fuzzy math endures at the White House. Bush's budget apparently excludes Social Security spending. Hmm, the biggest program the government runs and we're pretending it doesn't exist. Hey kids, did you believe Bush when he said he was gonna increase spending for Pell Grants? Well, he lied. He's reducing them. Guess the Ivy League didn't train him too well in math skills. But that's okay, because according to scientific research (yeah, scientists still practice in the US; they're just in hiding), lying is good exercise for your brain.
Speaking of dumb Americans, CBS released a horrific study related to how many people believe evolution - or some form of it - doesn't exist. These are the same trolls who want to kill science and keep our kids ignorant of how their bodies work. And apparently subject the rest of this country to their extreme right wing views. It's no wonder foreign exchange students don't want to come here anymore. I mean, Alabama still has a constitution endorsing racism, backed by the Christian Coalition no less. Their excuse is that they're not racist, they just don't like public education. Um, please go away.
At least one more conservative wonders what the hell happened to his party. Keep asking buddy, and take it back from the bigoted psychopaths when you can.
Financial news. The dollar's freefall has run off foreign investment. Our Treasury Secretary is mouthing platitudes instead of working on real problems. The cost of the 12 Days of Christmas has risen again.
Random stuff. The Federal Trade Commission wants to give access to the Do Not Call List so scumbag telemarketers can - well - call you. Give the idiots a message here. More on the Bush plan to destroy the CIA. Administration plans to not protect your privacy when it comes to chipping your passport. We can't find out what Cheney had for lunch but any punk in an airport standing thirty feet from you can know everything down to your blood type because the government doesn't give a damn about your safety. HAVE I THANKED YOU ALL FOR VOTING FOR THIS IDIOT YET?
Dennis Hastert takes partisan politics to a new level, saying no bill will pass the House if a Democrat sponsored it. Seig Heil baby. You can't even wear an anti-Bush shirt and get an education these days. Then again, all you'll be able to learn soon is that race mixing is bad; and so is treating other races as equals, so don't read Huck Finn. Or that abstinence implies that sex is evil and ignorance of your body is God's plan. Or maybe that creationism is proven science, though we won't be able to speak of science per se. By the way, the earth remains flat and at the center of the universe. Next week, we cover lunar eclipses and God's wrath.
Speaking of churches, not all of them have the right to tell you how wrong you are. The UCC, who believes everyone is worthy of God's love, is not allowed to broadcast ads on many networks that point out the hypocrisy of other churches because "we have a long policy of not accepting advocacy advertising" says one CBS exec. CBS, by the way, never stops to worry about creating, producing, and airing advocacy television shows that may offend people, but that must be me getting out of line.
Bush doubts the results of the Ukrainian election and thinks the will of the people should be heard. Now really, he should know more than anyone about fraud, rigging elections, and disenfranchising voters after stealing one election and consorting with voting machine manufacturers and election officials to "win" this latest one. More complaints, observations, and general stories about the election we should be out in the streets protesting. And surprise! It was the economy after all in most places that affected the election. Bread and circuses my friends.
November 25, 2004 - Happy Thanksgiving Everyone
Be you back home in Illinois, holding the line in Iraq, popping in from the small readerships in Oklahoma, Canada, and Germany, I want to wish you all a happy Thanksgiving day. Take the time to appreciate all the good things in life that help us counter the bad we see day in and day out.
No ranting, no nitpicking, no finger pointing today. Even adversaries are due a moment of rest as long as they are willing to extend the same courtesy. Here's one story of a man trying to make a difference on this day. Enjoy.
November 23, 2004 - Seriously, what gives?
After being hounded by emails trumpeting the "moral values" of Bush, I haven't seen a one in days. Where are you people now? What silenced your smug bravado? I've read a lot mocking this moral claim, as it should be for the farce it is, but the flag waving seems past.
Could it be the appointment of the architect of Iraqi prisoner torture to the Attorney General's slot, making some almost pine for Ashcroft to stay? Maybe it is breaking ethics rules to keep a corrupt Tom DeLay in power despite repeated censures in the House and litigation in the public forum? Perhaps it was the deal with the Devil Arlen Specter had to make to keep what was once a sure committee appointment. Unless of course, you see public servants swearing allegiance to a president and an agenda over the Constitution as a good thing; then you are probably giddy.
Then again, maybe it is the hypocrisy of those who rail about "activist judges" backing Falwell's activist judge factory. Of course, maybe it's the reactionary school board in Spring, Texas who plans to taint public education across the U.S. Or are you looking at the rise in hate crimes during the Bush years? How about Republicans still working to restrict recounts in close elections? Or the new CIA Director forcing his employees to avoid politics on one hand as he orders Bush dissenters to support the president with the other fork of his tongue? This, even as Bush moves to take powers away from the CIA. Did you ever think you'd be rooting for the CIA over a sitting president? Me neither.
Maybe it's you fiscal conservatives cringeing as the debt ceiling is raised (thanks to Kevin for this story) and China is screaming for us to stabilize the dollar. Seriously, who's next? Russia telling us how to run a capitalist economy? Cuba is looking smarter than ever for cutting the dollar out of their economy a few month's back.
Meanwhile, the social fight goes on as scare tactics and ignorance are used to browbeat kids and the music they choose to play. I think I mentioned this story previously. Ignoring poverty. Republicans fight over whether or not to reform our intelligence agencies. You mean, people still think they're working fine? Though some smart(!) conservatives are asking whether we should be banning gay marriage when we still have rednecks divorcing and cheating and otherwise trashing marriage more than anyone else ever could. They still hate gays though. Speaking of gay bashers, the Boy Scouts get a little support from the House, even as the Pentagon moves to distance themselves from the organization for their strict belief system. Plus, anti-abortion forces try to cram their fascist crap into a mandatory spending bill. So much for reaching out and working for all Americans.
Apparently the president is too busy kissing his work wife and others to worry about our petty concerns. More on the Bush re-alignment that, rather than appealing to a larger cross-section of America, is more fanatical than before. And issues for Rice at State.
Why the hell did you vote for him? Apparently voters are worried about the Bush agenda. Really? Where were you on November 2nd, morons?
More fun from The Onion. Bonus fun on whether you live in a Red or Blue state. Plus, Thanksgiving meals are actually healthy.
November 18, 2004 - Respite from the Regime
I have been fortunate enough to be assigned for the week on the west coast. Specifically, I have a nice wireless connection in a hotel on the beach just north of the California state line in Brookings, Oregon. Granted, my share of work load this week was slightly heavy, but I was able to take the time to update the long-unattended articles page on the Galva Guard section. Just a reminder that I haven't seen a lot of traffic for Tom and Lucas' photos I uploaded awhile back. And if you are truly bored, start something up on the message board.
I'll be back home tomorrow where I don't fall asleep to a cool breeze brought in by soothing crashing waves with a patio door open to an ocean view. Yeah, I'm rubbing it in. I'm also going to miss it.
November 14, 2004 - The He-Man Woman Hater's Club
Reference courtesy of The Little Rascals. Various state rulings are making it a legally protected right for women-hating pharmacists to deny filling prescriptions for birth control pills. Major cases in Wisconsin (more) and Texas (more) - where else? - are already ongoing. The argument here is that a care giver's morals are more important than the health of their patient. Which has got to be the biggest load of crap ever attempted sold when you are talking about a person's health and well-being. If you can't perform the damn job, don't do it.
And the restrictions don't stop there. POE takes a look into the future, where care giver's willy-nilly approach to providing services may cost lives. They present it humorously, but it's probably not a joke should this trend continue. Apparently the backlash to the "if-it-feels-good-it-is-good" '60s is the 21st century's "if-it-offends-me-i'll-take-your-rights-away" courtesy of the local GOP. Unless of course, said action degrades women, belittle minorities, disenfranchises non-fundamentalist Christians, etc....then they'll let it happen whether or not they agree with it.
News from the resistance. Alberto Gonzales, the scum picked to replace Ashcroft, raises flags even in this cream puff editorial from Indiana. Then again, people who advocate torture should probably be given a second look. Ashcroft, heading for the door, is calling judges who say parts of the PATRIOT Act are unconstitutional are basically siding with terrorists. Speaking of people who like to label anyone who questions their judge terrorists, Rod Paige is talking about stepping down as Education Secretary. The nation's teachers take a moment to raise a finger and get back to work. The AARP is against Bush's plan to bankrupt - erm, "privative" - Social Security. Just not getting a grasp on my NewSpeak yet. Canada reminds us that they are not our drugstore.
News from our returning vets. Some vets return to find health care non-existant. Female vets have other issues beyond that.
How's that economic recovery working for ya? Tennessee is cutting it's Medicare program and Kansas is seeing a rise in food bank lines. Bet you're glad you voted for Bush now, right?
Who are these damn neoconservatives who took over our country anyway? And, God forbid, are you one? I apparently rate as a "realist," which may come as a surprise to many of you.
In humor, 75 reasons to actually be glad Bush won. The Onion tells it like it is.
November 11, 2004 - Thanks to all who served
A special thank you to all those veterans out there who put in their tours. I know this country is divided on a lot of things, but honoring those who put on the uniform should not be one of those. And for those vets-in-the-making in Iraq, good hunting and get home safe and sound as soon as you can.
November 10, 2004 - A mandate to repress
Well, it is already starting. The Bush junta is preparing to violate state's rights and tell Oregon what it can do with it's voter approved euthanasia law. And so much for Bush's hollow words to work for all Americans. Not that any Democrat bought that crap. He's moving to bankrupt - at the least endanger - Social Security (given, of course, his plan tied with his economic shortcomings), re-introduce an un-Constitutional gay marriage ban and start kicking civil rights in the teeth, pack the Supreme Court with ultra-conservatives, and probably reinstitute lynching if he thinks it will help him in the mid-term elections.
More on the conservative agenda and the harm it will bring to the average American. Helen Thomas on the Iraq war and recent discoveries, many just plain disturbing. Conservative radio goons are already throwing racism out into the airwaves. I bet Michael Powell has no plan to silence them for obscenities; which I imagine sounds as weird to you as it does to me.
And then there's that frightening incident with the F-16 shooting up a schoolhouse. Hopefully they get to the bottom of that.
Slate covers why terrorism, not values, was the driver for this election. If that is true, then bear with me a moment. Some exit polls (I know, we'll get to that too) said 19% of voters thought terrorism was the most important concern to them. Of that group, 86% voted for Bush. Now, where were these voters? Not in any place affected by 9/11, that's where.
Going by actual votes (found here but go wherever makes you feel good), Washington D.C. voted for Kerry at 90%. Arlington County, VA (where the Pentagon is) went for Kerry/Edwards at 68% to 31% for Bush. New York state went for Kerry at 58%, 40% for Bush. More distinctly, when you look at the New York City boroughs, they went for Kerry at anywhere from 71-84%, the higher end including Manhattan at 82%. The closest Bush got was Pennsylvania at 48% with 51% going to Kerry. Look, the places Bush has been pimping to scare America into voting for him did not want him in office. Is any of this making sense to you people?
Then again, most Bush voters (up to 3/4ths of them) still believe Saddam was tied to 9/11 and al-Qaeda. They are probably best symbolized by this idiot, who probably would string me up the nearest tree for not being white enough for his tastes. That, and I don't listen to country music. To contrast that hate, I give you F*** the South. Yes, it's as offensive as you can imagine. But beyond words come the Republican tire slashers. Beyond that may come the hateful attacks similar to those now rising in the Netherlands.
More from devout Christians sickened with the way their religion has been stolen. And news flash for ya, Massachusetts leads the nation in actual family values (aka less divorce, better education/income/jobs/quality of life, higher marriage age, and lower birthrates than, say, the entire South).
I'm probably as tired of this red state/blue state crap as you are, but let's delve into it some more. There's a lot of chatter about secession amongst liberal minded folks, and aside from this waste of genetic wonder who thinks the GOP all-white party will be just fine, there's data suggesting that us more progressive minded types are actually subsidizing the hate and hijacked Christianity of these fear sheep. That, and apparently the dumbest of Americans voted for Bush. Yeah, like THAT surprised you.
All said, some Americans are ready to go live abroad. Some of the remaining Democratic lawmakers and others have decided to keep fighting. As for the secession crowd, there's the Cascadia folks in the Northwest and I suspect a Bizarro World version of the Hartford Convention can't be too far off. Slate checks to see whether any of this is legal. To be honest, for the first time in my life, I could see the grand experiment failing if Hate Boy keeps pushing things too far.
While damn near the entire planet wanted Kerry to win, it appears that maybe not as much of the US wanted Bush as we have been told. Now, I know this stinks of conspiracy theories but when it comes to electronic voting, not everything adds up, to the point where even Pravda wonders what happened. Now, how proud does that make you? That goes for exit polls (even Dick Morris agrees something smells wrong), to irregularities in Ohio, New Mexico (more), Florida, North Carolina, with rundown summaries here, here, and here of other states too. Read into that all you will I suppose; we're still stuck with Gomer in charge.
But not all is bad news. Ashcroft resigned and Arafat is about to find out how pissed Allah gets when you blow up children in his name. Let that be a warning to some of you warmongers.
November 3, 2004 - A graceful exit
Kerry saw the popular vote not going his way and instead of getting into a situation where non-elected curmudgeons decided an election again, he choose to conceed the race. Both he and Edwards gracefully and with dignity ended the race, stepping out of the way so the nation could throw itself in front of a bus without impedence. I don't have to like the results of the race, but I can approve of the class acts these two have been.
If you were planning of hightailing out of the Theocracy of America, Canada doesn't want us.
What's more, there is a lot of call for reform in the Democratic Party. Which, given the election results, couldn't hurt. I'd start with the text of John Edward's lead-in speech today and the still-relevant parts of James Carville's "Had Enough?". And, strange though it may seem, Howard Dean of all people sent his supporters the small-but-accurate silver lining in this whole debacle.
Basically, I've gotten mail from Republicans gloating and one choice piece of crap wishing my brother dead in Iraq to "set me straight" for not backing Bush. And I've already told you of how these hateful types scared my mother into a choice she wasn't willing to make. Compassionate conservatives my butt.
Granted, there are Republicans who aren't racists, suppressors of civil liberties, cowards, and doctors who sterilize women against their will (OK's new senator). Some are concerned about their hunting rifles, environmental conservation, and fiscal responsibilty with restrictions on how far the government's reach should go. You know what? It's time for them to take their party back too. There's a lot of talk on how the administration is going to reach out to those who voted against it. I haven't seen that for four years, I doubt I'll be holding my breath waiting for it now. If you voted for Bush, make sure he keeps his word to you. If you voted for Kerry or someone else, do what you can to keep your chin up and work to not just stand by and let things get worse. Hope you guys don't live to regret your smug grins.
On the lighter side, two views from The Onion, a satirical one about the election and one "shades of the future" one courtesy of Leslie.
November 2-3, 2004 - What the hell?
Apparently this country likes fear and loathing. Aside from apparently electing Bush (barring Ohio's votes of course), the Senate now has Republican women sterilizers, gay bashers, people who don't want unmarried pregnant women as teachers, and other miscreants. The cheaters in the House from Texas have increased their hold of that house of Congress. Welcome to a new world of hate and fear. I'm just so utterly disgusted and sincerely hope none of you who voted for these guys live to regret it. I'm going to take a few days to collect my thoughts and hope the Democratic party can get it's act together and present a coherent platform for the near future.
It's a sad day when I have to hear my own mother browbeaten by my sister and bludgeoned by her church to say "Thank you" to George Bush for putting her youngest child in Iraq based on lies, equipped with bad weapons and not enough military comrades on the ground with him. She was basically jingo'ed into a) voting against Kerry and b) some weird logic that voting for Bush was a curse against him. It really pisses me off as she feels like she shouldn't have voted at all. In her words, "I think I did a bad thing." Shame on all of you for scaring my mother into voting for a liar and deceptor who waves a hateful flag of a distorted form of Christianity. Seriously, I give you a moment to run and vomit the bile that consumes you.
Case in point. An email from Worldview Weekend, a group on the far right of the far right. Their latest email is quite frightening:
I believe anyone that does not vote on Tuesday is sinning and anyone that votes for Kerry is committing an even greater sin! We not only need President Bush but we need members of the U.S. House and Senate that will support those he will appoint to the federal bench and the U.S. Supreme Court.
This election is a worldview battle, a battle between good and evil....it is a spiritual battle. This is it folks.....if Kerry wins and he appoints Judges to the U.S. Supreme Court; America is lost.
If you do not vote on Tuesday and Kerry wins, don't complain about the increase in persecution that will surely follow. If you think we are not already experiencing persecution in America to some degree by the humanistic liberals and ACLU judges, then read the book by David Limbaugh entitled, Persecution. What will occur under the judges Kerry appoints and a Kerry Administration will be unimaginable.
So...voting for Kerry is a sin? I don't think so. I voted against Bush, who is backed by racists, women haters and sterilizers, smug military hawks who never served a day in combat, destroyers of God's earth, liars and secretive destroyers of the Constitution. I will, on any day, choose freedom over hate, and that's all the GOP is selling. Hate and fear.
Once again, just a total sense of disgust.
November 2, 2004 - Early morning jitters
I see a lot of hope amongst those I speak to. I spent the day in a car full of Republicans who either voted for Kerry or not at all. Why? They can't trust Bush with our nation's future. That, and they fear another four years of his rule will threaten the rights of women and non-Christians. All valid points. So they are hoping for a better tomorrow, one with Bush permanently back at the ranch.
Results from the GlobalVote project. Quick results: Kerry 77.1%, Bush 9.0%. If only....
EvilNed chimes in with one last political link (offensive language warning) that you should probably read. Links to the quoted Eminem video and lyrics which I think that, regardless of your outlook on rap music, you should take a look at.
Latinos polling very, very high for Kerry, proving that mangling Spanish and English is a bad strategy. Kerry might also mean cheaper oil prices (sweet irony there). 100 facts and 1 opinion not to vote for Bush. Republicans see voter fraud everywhere, usually because they are actively behind it. Problems reported in Florida, Michigan and Ohio (no links for all, just flipping through the news for the most part) as the GOP fights against the momentum of those fed up with their crap. While FOXNews attempts to slander Kerry some more, a report on Republicans who rightfully fear Bush. And one last story concerning how the administration sent our troops to Iraq ill-prepared and ill-supplied.
Go vote.
November 1, 2004 - Bush is a Four-Letter Word
It offends me that this lying, smug, dishonest and hateful little twit may just actually get elected president by fiat instead of by appointment as he was last time. To see half this country in polls approves of the things he does and want more of it sickens me. I have not seen one genuine, heartfelt speech, post, story or diatribe from someone that doesn't contain some jingoist BS as to why Bush is good for America. Seriously, just have not come across even one.
It offends me that a gang of men who either refused to serve or did so in carefully planned units that would never go into combat are so ready to commit troops to a conflict based on bad intel and nothing more than some need to avenge a man who never wanted to invade Iraq in the first place. As of late they cast blame on the troops for this exercise in futility being poorly planned, equipped and coordinated.
It offends me that we have been led to believe that teaching kids to a standardized test is more effective than actually teaching them how to learn, and then refuse to pay for said testing mandates. Or that this guy wants women to lose access to birth control and that we are supposed to believe racism doesn't exist because ol' Boy can't see it from the porch of his ranch in Crawford.
It offends me that, when finally forced to, Bush created a Department of Homeland Security that, instead of trying to protect the country, it works to treat us all like terrorists. The same concept is encoded in law in the PATRIOT Act. Such a shameful abuse of power and civil rights would have never made the books if not for our trust and faith that our nation's leader would do what is right for America, not set the plan for a restrictive police state.
It offends me that Christianity's poster boy is this hateful, spiteful, un-recovered substance abuser that is part of some extremist fringe element that tells us to raze the Earth's resources because the Rapture is coming any day now. Whatever happened to caring, loving Christians? I know there are many in my family and I see them in churches across the country. Why aren't they revolting against this portrayal of their religion as one of hate, as Muslims across the world are waking up to realize their fundamentalists have done to Islam? Our environment is being savaged based on this line of irrationality that we might as well kill the planet because the end is near. We are tying religion to the government because of these people, and paying predominantly Protestant groups with federal funds with a token synagoue or two mixed in to make it look good. We are removing civil rights because they can't stand to hate differences. Today the target is abortion and gay relationships. Tomorrow it could be the right to be Catholic or to marry a person of another race. These are the extremists behind George Bush.
These are the people whose policies you endorse when you vote for him. Many of these feelings he believes himself. When you choose Bush you choose hate and deceit and contempt for the majority of Americans. If you want to be in step with the KKK, a government that crushes dissent and uses the IRS to punish those who would complain that policies do not work in the nation's best interests (more here on the latter story), doctors who sterilize women against their will, and those who work to take away people's civil rights, up to and including voting, then go ahead and vote Bush. Otherwise wake up, quit shouting slogans, think for a change, and realize what policies you are endorsing.
Make sure your vote counts. Go here and make sure you have the right polling place if you are not sure. I really wish you will vote for Kerry; but if you do not, don't be surprised at the world of diminished rights and increased danger you have helped create. Either help us all get America back on track or approve the pseudo-Christian version of Al Qaeda punish women, minorities, atheists, non-Christians and any other non-WASPs at home; while deceiving, ill-preparing, ill-supplying, and sacrificing our nation's armed forces in conflicts brought about by our hate-filled leader. You can either be a proud American or an attempted murderer, lyncher, and zealot for those who worship a god I was never taught to believe in at church. That's all I've got. You know what to do.
October 30, 2004 - Link Blitz (or "Troops stuck in Al-Qaqaa"
says Rudy G.)
About to go out of town for a couple days and will be in New
Mexico next week so I am gonna run a whole bunch of link by you
for some weekend reading. Enjoy.
Corruption abounds in the White House as a Halliburton probe
shows Cheney did
have spurious conversations with the free ride contract kids.
The GOP is stopped
from removing 20,000 citizen's right to vote in Ohio. First time
voters weigh in on why
they are going to the polls this election. Soldier's votes
and why they are so crucial this election year.
You've probably heard of Al-Qaqaa, the weapon's site where,
by some estimates, 377 tons of explosives disappeared.
The administration has apparently known about this for some time
and ha, like a lot of things, neglected to tell us. But Rudy Giuliani
has no problem blaming the troops
for this event instead of, well, the administration who planned
the invasion perhaps? Gen. Wesley Clark rebutts
that slimey line of argument as well as taking a shot at Bush
by using his own comments
against him (Kerry had done to same
to the false president).
So, the bad
news for Bush continues to pour in, which one journalist assesses
could only mean a Kerry victory, if people actually voted about
the issues instead of party loyalty. FDR's grandson reminds
people what a War President actually is. The Bush campaign is
told to stop
using a song at their rallies by the songwriter.
Two tools to figure out how you actually lean politically. One
by the Christian Science Monitor. The other
by AOL/Time which I had linked previously.
October 29, 2004 - Seriously, what do you think you're doing?
For any Republicans who actually still read this (and a shout
out to you temporarily converted Democrats who don't have a GOP
candidate you can believe in and are voting for Kerry this time
around), I've been asking for quite awhile and still haven't received
any reasons why you would actually vote for Bush. So...I'm gonna
address in broad strokes why you shouldn't.
So, you voted for the Shrub because you wanted to restore some
form of "dignity" to the White House. Seeing as your
top dogs were more worried about what goes on in people's personal
lives (big omen there by the way) than on what was best for the
country, you went and voted for a drunk and former coke addict
who had previously failed at most things he had ever tried. Good
call. From there he proceeded to ignore any efforts at improving
race relations, pissed off Russia and China, worked to undermine
women, and prepared to give away our economic surplus to people
who traditionally don't need the extra cash (and don't give me
any of that repackaged Trickle Down theory crap because I still
don't see those jobs being created).
Then we got attacked by psychos who had a strange and horrific
bent view of the world because they had twisted the views of their
chosen religion to something dark and menacing. But on to Al-Qaeda.
We went into Afghanistan with the world behind us all the way,
even the Cubans, Russians, Chinese, French, and Libya. We could
do no wrong. Until of course, Bush began to unravel everything
by focusing on Iraq. If you still believe Saddam was behind 9-11,
had ties to Al-Qaeda, had WMDs, was an "imminent threat"
to the US, and was the Easter Bunny, you are absolutely WRONG.
Do you get it?
Anyway, while ruining the country's good name abroad, Bush reluctantly
created the Department of Homeland Security which he immediately
twisted. Instead of finding ways to protect the country from external
threats, we began to have our rights taken away in airports, libraries,
doctor's offices. If you think having your government treat you
like a terrorist makes you safer, you are - once again - WRONG.
And let's not even get me started on the PATRIOT Act which helps
make all this possible.
So, we have antagonized the planet because Bush and his advisors
basically lied to everyone. We have troops dead because of those
lies and the man has the gall to say he respects the military
(and hell, he at least put on the uniform, unlike his many advisors;
then of course, he threw it off early to go to Harvard). Our environment
is worse, civil rights are disappearing, jobs have vaporized like
they have not since the Great Depression, government spending
is out of control, unfunded mandates are spewing out of D.C. like
a broken faucet, and your government is trying to scare you into
rewarding such behavior by saying Kerry couldn't do as good a
job as they can.
Are you frigging serious? I've seen Pokemon plushies that could
run this country better. I refuse to justify some rampant hateful
behavior by likely racists, sexists, wimps, thugs and zealots.
You should to. Go get a actual Republican candidate and try again
next time if you can't vote for Kerry. Sit this one out if you
must. Anyway, that's my take on things. On to news stories.
Congrats to the Boston Red Sox for winning
the World Series and making the smug St. Louis Cardinals look
like chumps.
There are, supposedly,
advantages
to Kerry for having Boston, and Massachusetts by extension, being
mentioned in other circles. Especially with Bush bashing
Massachusetts so often. Too bad Curt Schilling had to take a decade
of respect I had for him, ball it up and throw it away with his
mad rush to endorse Bush out of the blue on Good Morning America.
For a guy who so meticulously studies the game of baseball to
make this life decision, I really have to wonder what brought
him to this point. Would make, if nothing else, an interesting
read I think.
What else? Oh yeah, Republicans are trying
to prove voter fraud goes both ways (and hell, maybe it does,
but the GOP run it straight from the party offices). Then there's
this
racially motivated effort to remove voters from the rolls. You'll
have to read between the lines, but I imagine it's pretty cut
and dried that's its a GOP stunt.
Congratulations George, you've helped kill 100,000
people you (now) say we went into Iraq to give freedom to. And
you wonder why they're so pissed at us. Speaking of Iraq and political
hi-jinx, a just returned soldier planning to vote for Bush went
to a rally and, after seeing what Bush campaign workers do to
people, changed his mind to vote for Kerry.
Doom
and gloom
forecasted
for next Tuesday, and why the Supreme Court might actually sit
this one out like they should have last time. Somehow, people
doubt
the election will be clean. Maybe thanks to Bush's deceit and
scare
tactics? More
on early voting and on
Florida
"irregularities,"
like say, missing
ballots? Also, a story on the phenomenon
of vote pairing you may wish to read.
Other stuff. Jimmy Carter rips
Bush for pimping
9-11 to his own sick needs and comments on other subjects. The
recession widened
the racial income gap (big surprise). Liberal Catholics
for Kerry. Bush relatives
for Kerry. Bush as a bad Christian
role model. The GOP against
student vote campaigns ("Don't bother learning the democratic
process kids; we're two elections from getting rid of it"
- Ed Gillespie, okay, I made that up). Why aren't
we ripping on Bush for Ashcroft's anti-Americanism? Voting
for the French vs the Saudis. Wait? Who
is the family values candidate? And 2004 scariest
Halloween costumes.
October 24, 2004 - Two votes against the junta
Thanks to early voting here in Nevada, and because I'll be in
New Mexico on election day, we ran out and entered our wishes
for Kerry and against the forces of dictatorship, censorship,
racism, sexism, classism and most -isms out there that bring harm
to people. It's rather liberating to be done with it. Hopefully
those votes help swing this state against Bush and the Hate Party.
This is either the height of hypocrisy or a cry for help. Dick
Cheney took special care to assure the country that his heart
condition would not
impede him from his job as Vice President. We took that, and his
doctor's assent, at face value. Now, in a time when all
able-bodied citizens should avoid getting a flu shot, Cheney is
basically first
in line (along with other administration members). Why? Because
of his heart condition. Look, he's either healthy enough to handle
the job - and all inherent risks inclusive - or he's not. He's
either in too high risk a job for his cardiac health or he's a
frightened little boy afraid of a flu bug. Either way, for either
concerns of his health or disgust at his heightened sense of self-importance,
do us all a favor and vote him out of office.
The guy I got escorted away from the public library a few month's
back wasn't acting alone. As reported earlier, more
on the GOP-paid for group that worked to only register Republican
voters. They say it is an isolated incident - if you
call isolated occuring in many different states. BS is what I
call it. Ex-pat voting is way
up this year; we'll see how that plays out here but early voting
is active.
As for the Bush camp, bad news on support from women,
Arab-Americans,
and September 11 widows.
I mean seriously, with that horrid a track record, why does anyone
back him? And, the rest of the planet continues to treat us like
a banana republic when it comes to our election...and they might
not be wrong to do so. And what's with all the money
being spent on Iraqi elections?
Sinclair continues to get in hot water, firing
employees who had enough integrity to speak out about their biased
film showing plans; a film that commits libel
and steals
the work of others for its own twisted agenda.
The Bush administration keeps talking about how it won't reinstate
the draft and now we know why. They plan on putting women
into harm's way. While I congratulate their open-minded stance
on equality, I don't think that's why they are doing this (especially
given their moves to ban the pill, abortion, equal pay, etc.).
Two reports from Iraqi concerning humor
and baseball.
Speaking of baseball here in the US, it looks like good news (so
far) for the Red Sox. Since I've been asked a couple times by
folks, that's pine tar on the Bo-Sox helmets and here's some more
info
on why.
October 21, 2004 - The Global Test (or You Can't Fight a Wolf
Pack by Yourself)
Thanks to those who let me know the main page was down. Had a bad FTP connection when uploading pages last night. Usually I check to see the new pages work but was tired. Sorry about that.
On the heels of Iran's endorsement of Bush (seeing as he avoids them and wouldn't object to an anti-American, Shi'ite-led Iraqi theocracy, why wouldn't they?) comes a couple other global perspective sources. One, GlobalVote2004, offers non-US voters a chance to choose who amongst our candidates they would vote for. They will announce their results two days before our polls open. Should be an interesting result. The BBC is running a similar poll but are offering the results in realtime. Pretty striking results. Bush's support seem to come from dictatorial Arab states, Iran, and Russia, where democracy has been systematically dialed back in the face of terrorist attacks. Sounds familiar, don't know why though.... Oh yeah, "If this were a dictatorship, it would be a heck of a lot easier — so long as I'm the dictator." — George W. Bush, Dec. 19, 2000.
The reason I bring all this up is that a lot of people are voting for Bush because they apparently think he is stronger in foreign affairs than Kerry. While, granted, he's gotten better at it than when he thought Africa was a country or when he asked the Brazilian president, "Do you have blacks, too?" Even so, moronic gaffes might actually be preferable to the blatant disregard for what other countries think. Look, antagonizing a few billion people by going to war, then being proved wrong on all counts for why you did it does not endear people to buy American, trade American, or treat other Americans with respect. Rule by fear never works, not in the long run, and last I checked most Americans were rather fond of this nation's current and future existence.
So, you have a guy who dismantles our agreement to various global treaties and conferences, including those related to combatting racism, land mines, nuclear weapons, as well as the Kyoto treaty amongst others. Even his former erstwhile allies, like ex-Spanish PM Jose Maria Aznar say things like "The combination of being a Republican, of being an emperor, a Texan and outspoken is really a bad mix." Remember, this is a guy who forced his country into the "Coalition of the Willing" (upwards of 70% opposed the war, much less joining the effort) and lost his job because of it. Ignoring the abuses of Pakistan, North Korea, and Sudan amongst others while threatening Germany, Belgium and yeah, France while we're at it; only to focus on kicking Saddam Hussein's butt. You call this a solid foreign policy? Come on.
Want more on this and other issues? Instead of just 100 reasons to not vote for Bush, I have since been pointed to One Thousand Reasons. Or heck, just take another look at the administration's culture of fear, deception, and outright discrimination detailed here.
Kudos to Jon Stewart of The Daily Show for getting an invite to CNN's Crossfire and putting the screws to all parties for fostering hate and invective over intelligent discussion (transcript here). In particular, he got that smug jerk Tucker Carlson so hyped up that he tried to drown out Stewart and kept cutting to commercials on him. If you have the bandwidth and the time, video is here (or here via BitTorrent - if you have to ask, I'll just email you instructions) as well as Stewart's Monday evening review of events on his show. As for his new book, don't expect the prudes at Wal-Mart to carry it.
October 20, 2004 - The Evil Empire Falls
Congrats to the Boston Red Sox for pulling off the near impossible and beating the dreaded Yankees, coming back and winning the last four games of their series. Now I have to wonder if I'll be torn between rooting for them or the Astros. Of course, there are those pesky Cardinals to take care of first.... In any case, I've seen one juggernaut build by deceit and large sums of cash fail this month, maybe we'll see another fall by the wayside in a couple weeks.
And now, a moment of humor:
Leading off, two stories loosely related to the Guard unit whose members refused a mission last week and it's affect on the Reserve and Guard troops as whole.
Next up, lies and false prophets. Pat Robertson is either lying or was unusually frank with Paula Zahn the other night (I saw the interview and was left wondering what Bizarro World America he lived in). In any case, according to him, Bush did not forsee any major casualties incurred by invading Iraq. This of course is being refuted by the White House, home of the "Saddam is an imminent threat" and "Al Qaeda wants John Kerry to be president" schools of thought.
Speaking of actual endorsements by those who want our civilization dead, Iran is onboard the Bush bandwagon as they find dealing with him (or not as it has turned out) less strenuous than dealing with a Democratic president. You know, as Kerry, unlike Bush, would actually respect civil rights in both this country and abroad. So that means, aside from Bush also - and this is just deranged - says he wouldn't object to a religious theocracy taking power in Iraq. Way to piss on the graves of those who fought for...well, whatever the hell reason you're giving for why we invaded the place this week.
As both sides resort to juvenile tactics such as raiding yard signs, let us not forget the pretty hate machine that follows Bush, like Sinclair Broadcasting, the all-of-a-sudden politicized bishops who call a vote for Kerry a vote for evil, and let's not forget those smug "moral" fools like Limbaugh the drug addict and O'Reilly the self-pleasuring phone sex boy. Let's not forget the hatemongering brought up by the entirely unconstitutional concept of an anti-gay marriage amendment just for the sole purpose of getting the fascistis to the polls. Because, you know, nothing gets a conservative motivated like telling other people how to live their lives. And even though Bush can't think of a single mistake he's ever made as president, the Center for American Progress conjured up a list of the top 100 back in May.
As far as the election itself is concerned, Florida (big surprise) is having electoral difficulties...and this is before the GOP starts turning minority voters away! Just as disturbing, our military is finding it hard to vote, especially in Iraq. One more article for your consideration from Michael Stackpole. He's an occasional Star Wars novel writer and has taken the time (and risk to his bottom line) to detail why he is not voting for George Bush. Which reminds me, no one has actually responded to my open call as to why anyone would vote for Bush. Which just makes me thinks you're only doing this because he's a Republican? Bad logic people.
October 17, 2004 - I'm going back to Taji (I don't think so....)
The news from Iraq is filled with stories of the members of the 343rd Quartermaster Company which refused to deliver a fuel run to Taji, where elements of the 39th Infantry Brigade (of which Battery F 1/202 ADA is attached) are headquartered. These troops, regardless of the possible correct assessment of their lack of safety, are more likely than not in serious trouble. I'm not sure which is worse; the perception by some of our troops that we are not doing well by them enough that they mutiny, or the slap in the face of every American that an administration that says "all is well and morale is high" is so obviously not addressing reality.
With the oncoming departure of the oft-referenced Polish troops in Iraq, the administration has come under more scrutiny by newspaper columnists and Ron Reagan among others.
(By the way, I plan on listing some of the logins used by certain newspapers I link, but I want to re-encourage you to download Mozilla or Firebird browsers and use the BugMeNot service and extension to gain access to information.)
Remember when Bush was slamming the Canadian health system in the debates? Turns out one Canadian company could help us with the flu vaccine shortage - if our government wasn't so eager to screw up the deal in red tape. Then again, some morally deficient creeps are already trying to sneak into Canada to obtain flu shots for themselves. Bet they vote Republican too. Thanks to Matok for the links.
The local press here in Vegas has been addressing instances of pro-GOP bias (I mean, besides the local paper, though even the Review-Journal has been reporting on it). Luckily, our weekly alternative papers do a better job and have things well in hand. Back in August I saw, reported, and watched a guy get removed from a public library because he was openly registering voters for just the Republican party. Apparently he had hoodwinked the library into thinking he was doing a legal registration drive. According to the Mercury and the R-J, he was definitely not working alone. The R-J even did us the courtesy of writing a story on Secretary of State Dan Heller, Nevada's Katherine Harris. The Mercury and CityLife have stinging indictments of the Bush reign while Joshua Ellis just lays it out as he sees it.
I had planned to vent a frustration here but opted to take it to the message board instead for any discussion that might be felt necessary. Also, I didn't want to start up a storm in the midst of so much real news...unlike some people. Head on over and read the rant if you are interested.
October 11, 2004 - Hiding the truth
Even as Bush and Cheney run around the country attempting to misquote John Kerry (apparently they can only digest speeches sound bites at a time), polls (and newspaper endorsements) show the Senator surpassing the deceptor-in-chief. Which, while I won't hold my breath, puts a grin on my face. Then again, what do you expect from a guy who can't tell the difference between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution? Read a transcript of the second debate if you don't believe me.
As the week begins, we have news of GOP stalwarts hiding information from the American people. For example, all major assaults in Iraq are on hold until after the election because - as they should - any casualties incurred would be blamed on Bush, irregardless of the success of the battles. More insidiously, a damning report concerning the Bush Administration's awful civil rights record has had it's release date pushed back by Republicans who don't wish you to know what their candidate's record has been. Similar bad news has, however, been released concerning the disrespect for women by this administration. And his environmental record only looks good because he omits data necessary to make an actual judgement of said record.
More voices of opposition from some Marines in Iraq. I just hope they don't get in trouble for being so frank. Thanks to Jim Doherty for the story. And apparently George may have problems within his cabinet...but who could it be? Heh, partisan snub there, just figured I'd warn ya.
Meanwhile, more deception from both in and outside the GOP. First, fake reporters have been used to tout the No Child Left Behind Act in ads made to look like government press releases. C'mon, isn't the existence of FOXNews enough for these guys? Then, Sinclair Broadcast Group - home of the "We don't honor our war dead" pledge - have chosen to air a blatantly anti-Kerry infomercial on it's public channels. These supposedly moral people (one of which got busted earlier this year in a prostitution ring) censored Ted Koppel when he wished to recognize the sacrifices of our troops but will stoop to slander a presidential candidate using illegal means to do so. All to keep their corrupt candidate in the Oval Office. And still people will vote for this so-called "leadership."
Incidentally, I have uploaded many Iraq pics from Lucas Seimers (given to Mom during his July visit) and a slew of pics from Tom. I also have two GMail accounts left to give (first come, first serve).
October 6, 2004 - Walker, Texas Danger
I couldn't have said it better myself. In speaking against John Kerry, Bush said what seems to be a very striking thing, "You can't win a war if you don't believe in fighting."
His goal was to discredit Kerry's call for telling people the truth and using war as a last resort, but it should remind us of a more serious issue. None of the principals involved in formulating the Iraq war ever believed in putting their own butts in harm's way for this nation. You could argue Colin Powell, but he didn't want this war anymore than most of this country did. Bush quit the service when it got inconvenient for his life; pity he won't even let Guardsmen and regulars leave when their service requirements are fulfilled, much less eight months early. Cheney is a world class scumbag when it comes to answering his nation's call. You can read more about the staff of service dodgers and general Chickenhawks here (and here) if you haven't read it before.
Hey, Saddam didn't have any WMDs. Most of us already know that, but even the government-appointed investigators now agree. So much for that "imminent threat" our troops have died and are dying to remove.
As for the debate, Cheney's lies about never meeting Edwards before or his previous statements linking Saddam to September 11th have met the light of day and have promptly withered and died. Seriously, this guy lies about small issues and large and then expect you to vote for them because of their conviction and morals? As Flo from Alice would say, "Kiss mah grits."
October 5, 2004 - Apparently, fear is supposed to explain everything
Bush & Cheney may have tanked the economy, led 1,000+ troops to their death in an ill-conceived war, taken away your job and health care, poisoned the environment, taken a leak on the Bill of Rights and Constitution with their pet dog Ashcroft, etc. ad nauseum, but it's okay. Take heart fellow citizens, because when a terrorist finally finds a nuclear weapon to detonate in an American city because our administration keeps pissing off the world, good ol' Dick Cheney will be hiding in an undisclosed location ready to kick the butts of the "evil doers." That was I learned from tonight's debate.
Granted, the Heart Attack in the Wings did put on a better show than his meat puppet did Thursday, but this whole reign of fear stuff has got to go. Seriously, if you are gullible enough to vote for these guys because they tell you horror stories that keep you up at night, you seriously need to grow up and look around at the mess they have made.
That said, Edwards got his digs in and stood up to a dinosaur in political circles and made him stumble a couple times. Considering the long odds going in, you have to call that a win, albeit a squeaker.
From EvilNed, what Bush was doodling during the debate (Offensive material warning).
Back to Iraq, both Bremer and Rumsfeld have countered the Administration's "we're all going by the same playbook, even if it's wrong" strategy. Sure, they'll try to recant a bit, but they didn't say these things without some reason. Meanwhile, another death to place at Bush's feet. Not that he cares.
The companion of fear is hate, and the administration hasn't done a whole lot to stop hatemongers from spinning their lies either. The Council on American-Islamic Relations has released the results of a poll showing that 1 in 4 Americans hold a negative view of Islam. From the day Bush called the War on Terror a "crusade" on 'til now, the White House has done little to educate Americans nor Arabs about each other and about how this is NOT an intra-religious conflict. Kerry, take note, as this will be key should you become president.
And in the worst news of the day, pause for a moment of silence for the passing of Rodney Dangerfield.
October 3, 2004 - "Making up mexed missages is hard work"...or
whatever the hell Bush said during the debate
Forgot to link this earlier. If you are 35 and under, the New
Voters Project wants you to decide
what youth-related questions to ask Bush and Kerry.
Bush came off like a gomer during the debate. Only a few morons
like Bob Novak
(who is a cretin) and the Bush campaign (who has to
say this) think he actually won the debate. Hopefully the next
couple follow the same line. At least Kerry showed up and did
what he had to do; and much more skillfully than many of us would
have guessed.
Then again, Bush is out lying and mis-stating Kerry at every
turn. Most obvious is attacking the concept of a "global
test" for any pre-emptive strike. Bush thinks this means
we have to check in with Paris every time we want to launch a
military attack. Which, given his limited scope of "send
troops to do what I never would" it is easy to confuse that
with actually proving to your citizens and the world that a threat
actually exists. Case in point: Iraq.
Here's a gem I've found hilarious: "I've never seen a meeting
that would depose a tyrant or bring a terrorist to justice. ...
I will never submit America's security to an international test."
So says Bush when commenting on Kerry's call for an international
summit about Iraq. Apparently, ol' George never read about
any of the Big Three summits during World War II in which such
disparate personalities as FDR, Churchill and Stalin set aside
their differences long enough to take out a certain tyrant named
Hitler. Sure, that never worked at all. As for the
latter part of the quote, Kerry, in the debate and on many previous
occasions, has always stated he would never subject the national
security of the United States to a foreign body. The GOP just
can't stop their boy from lying about his opponent instead of
attempting to find some credibility to run on. And don't even
start me on the whole "the Taliban is gone" thing. Who
do you think we're still fighting in Afghanistan?
Basically, George is either lying out his butt again or scrambling
for foothold. Either way, he's definitely not laying out
any positive agenda on what he would do. Then again, we've had
four years to find that out - and none of that is positive news.
Hopefully Edwards can put Cheney's feet to the fire on all the
corruption and in-attention to true homeland security this administration
has fostered over their term.
Thanks to EvilNed for this one. GOP-TV, err FOXNews, forgot
to censor themselves before posting this
story yesterday. They have since replaced it with this
sorry excuse of an explanation. But hey, it's not just them. Here's
more
on the "liberals are gonna burn yer Bibles" crap. And
hey, apparently
most of you voting for Bush don't even have a clue where he stands
on foreign policy. Real smart decision making kids. And hey, it
seems the White House may
have had a hand
in PM Allawi's speech last week. Way to let the guy think for
himself. Bonus new article concerning the Bush White House purposely
using known
bad intelligence about Iraq's weapons programs. Joy.
And then there's Tom Delay.
Scandal
ridden,
ethically
challenged, hateful,
anti-democracy
thug
that he is, has had a busy couple years. And now he's playing
politics with an intelligence reform bill.
Just another sign of the corruption in the Republican party. Clean
your house out, GOP supporters.
I don't have a need to refer to Arianna Huffington much, but
this article
was well written and didn't seem to come from the logic of Planet
X. Give it a read. Also, a followup on the Bill O'Reilly "my
viewers are smarter than the Daily Show's" crap. Apparently
the Daily Show viewers are more informed
than Letterman and Leno's viewers as well. Bonus: Bush's
flip-flops, courtesy of CBS.
A couple things from the debate and all these polls. If a majority
of people think the country is moving in the wrong direction,
why are some of them still voting for Bush? Get an answer for
that, find a way to change their minds, and you just
might have the election in the bag for Kerry.
