An Inside-the-Bushies Mentality
By David Ignatius
Friday, March 23, 2007; Page A17
If you read the obituary pages of The Post each morning, you encounter the kinds of people who are being trashed by the Bush administration's contempt for public servants. On a typical day, perhaps a third of the obits feature such people -- career lawyers at the Justice Department; intelligence analysts at the CIA; researchers in government agencies.
These weren't fancy Beltway insiders. They weren't famous enough to be asked their opinions on "Hardball" or "The McLaughlin Group." They were civil servants who came to Washington in the 1940s, '50 and '60s with their university degrees and a touch of idealism because they wanted to make a difference. They were the mainstays of the churches and synagogues and volunteer organizations of this region, the people who stayed late to clean up after everybody else had gone home.
Who were they? This week's obits included an 86-year-old research physicist with the Navy; a 57-year-old Justice Department trial lawyer; an 86-year-old administrative law judge; an 85-year-old Foreign Service officer who served with her husband in Saigon, Kabul and Rome; a 95-year-old woman who was a CIA officer for 25 years; an 87-year-old woman who served in the Women's Army Corps in World War II and stayed on at the Pentagon. If you've ever talked to people at a retirement home in the Washington area, you know how passionate they can be about good government. They gave up money and prominence because they believed in public service.
What infuriates me about the Bush administration is its disdain for people like these. You sense that scorn reading the e-mails that have surfaced in the flap over the firings of U.S. attorneys. I don't think the story is much of a scandal. U.S. attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president, and he can fire whomever he wants. What interests me about the Justice e-mails is that they are a piece of sociology, documenting the mind-set of the young hotshots and ideologues who populate the Bush administration.
Here's Kyle Sampson, now-deposed chief of staff to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, griping about a U.S. attorney in Phoenix who had the effrontery to want to make his case personally: "In the 'you won't believe this category,' Paul Charlton would like a few minutes of the AG's time." And here's Brent Ward, the director of a Justice Department task force who made his name as an anti-pornography crusader grumbling that he doesn't want to deal with the U.S. attorney in Las Vegas: "To go out to LV and sit and listen to the lame excuses of a defiant U.S. attorney is only going to move this whole enterprise closer to catastrophe."
The Bush political operatives have become the people the Republicans once warned the country against -- a club of insiders who seem to think that they're better than other folks. They are so contemptuous of government and the public servants who populate it that they have been unable to govern effectively. They are a smug, inward-looking elite that thinks it knows who the good guys are by the political labels they wear.
This contempt has been evident in many of the administration's failures. The disastrous incompetence of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq in 2003 and 2004 flowed from its status as a clubhouse for ambitious conservatives eager to punch a political ticket in a country they knew nothing about. The political purges that enfeebled the CIA in 2005 were the work of a conservative former member of Congress, Porter Goss, and a coterie of political aides he brought from Capitol Hill who thought they knew more about intelligence than career professionals. The administration's signature failure, its bumbling response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, was the work of a right-wing political appointee who knew almost nothing about disaster management and who scorned many of the bureaucrats who worked for him.
After Katrina, it became clear that the public wanted a change. Americans want to be confident that those in charge of the country's business are members of what I call "the party of competence," whatever their political affiliation. The anguish of Iraq deepened that message, and the 2006 congressional elections codified it. But the Bush administration didn't get it. The purge at Justice came after the November election blowout. They acted as if they were still on a roll.
Here's the challenge for the Democrats: Become the party that fixes things, that solves problems, that respects expertise and professionalism. Let the GOP be the party of smart alecks and know-it-alls and smirking e-mail writers. The Republicans have made a bed of political arrogance; let them sleep in it for a good long while.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Bush Has No Right To Demand Anything!
CAMP DAVID, Md. - President Bush on Saturday called for the release of 15 British sailors and marines being held by Iran, calling their capture by Tehran "inexcusable behavior."
"Iran must give back the hostages," Bush said. "They're innocent, they did nothing wrong, and they were summarily plucked out of waters."
Who exactly is bush to lecture anyone? The same man gathered farmers and laborers off the streets and tossed them into secret CIA prisons and Gitmo. Many have been there for years. They have been tortured, held without charges and now may face a military trial. At one point Gitmo housed over 700 inmates. Many were finally released, many more took their places.
We are finding terrorists and bringing them to justice. We are gathering information about where the terrorists may be hiding. We are trying to disrupt their plots and plans. Anything we do ... to that end in this effort, any activity we conduct, is within the law. We do not torture." - President Bush (Nov. 7, 2005).
A high percentage, perhaps the majority, of the 500-odd men now held at Guantanamo were not captured on any battlefield, let alone on "the battlefield in Afghanistan" (as Bush asserted) while "trying to kill American forces" (as McClellan claimed).
Fewer than 20 percent of the Guantanamo detainees, the best available evidence suggests, have ever been Qaeda members.
Many scores, and perhaps hundreds, of the detainees were not even Taliban foot soldiers, let alone Qaeda terrorists. They were innocent, wrongly seized noncombatants with no intention of joining the Qaeda campaign to murder Americans.
The majority were not captured by U.S. forces but rather handed over by reward-seeking Pakistanis and Afghan warlords and by villagers of highly doubtful reliability.
Now, think about Iran. Their neighbor is being occupied my military forces, which had no legal right to be there in the first place. They have watched as photos of humiliated detainees graced the internets. They have watched as their neighboring country was torn in two by a civil war, watched the carnage and the viciousness. Watched as hundreds of thousands fled their homeland for distant boarders. They have been called an "axis of evil" by the occupiers. The president of said occupiers refuses to talk to you, refuses to listen. Instead, he calls them names and accuses and plans to invade them next.
Imagine, Canada is the occupied country. What would bush do? What would you want him to do?
I'm not saying that the Iranian government is without sin. It is, however, an elected government. Isn't it democracy bush says he's spreading? Note "says" we have yet to see a single sign of this.
Mr. Bush has, IMHO, absolutely no right to cast stones. By the definition of a terrorist, the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion, he is one. By the terms layed out by the Nuremberg principles:
The crimes hereinafter set out are punishable as crimes under international law:
(a) Crimes against peace:
(i) Planning, preparation, initiation or waging of a war of aggression or a war in violation of international treaties, agreements or assurances;
(ii) Participation in a common plan or conspiracy for the accomplishment of any of the acts mentioned under (i).
(b) War Crimes:
Violations of the laws or customs of war which include, but are not limited to, murder, ill-treatment or deportation of slave labor or for any other purpose of the civilian population of or in occupied territory; murder or ill-treatment of prisoners of war or persons on the Seas, killing of hostages, plunder of public or private property, wanton destruction of cities, towns, or villages, or devastation not justified by military necessity.
(c) Crimes against humanity:
Murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation and other inhumane acts done against any civilian population, or persecutions on political, racial, or religious grounds, when such acts are done or such persecutions are carried on in execution of or in connection with any crime against peace or any war crime.
He has committed them.
So who is he to make demands on another country? Who is he to insist on spreading his version of morality? And who are we to stand by and allow it again?
"Iran must give back the hostages," Bush said. "They're innocent, they did nothing wrong, and they were summarily plucked out of waters."
Who exactly is bush to lecture anyone? The same man gathered farmers and laborers off the streets and tossed them into secret CIA prisons and Gitmo. Many have been there for years. They have been tortured, held without charges and now may face a military trial. At one point Gitmo housed over 700 inmates. Many were finally released, many more took their places.
We are finding terrorists and bringing them to justice. We are gathering information about where the terrorists may be hiding. We are trying to disrupt their plots and plans. Anything we do ... to that end in this effort, any activity we conduct, is within the law. We do not torture." - President Bush (Nov. 7, 2005).
A high percentage, perhaps the majority, of the 500-odd men now held at Guantanamo were not captured on any battlefield, let alone on "the battlefield in Afghanistan" (as Bush asserted) while "trying to kill American forces" (as McClellan claimed).
Fewer than 20 percent of the Guantanamo detainees, the best available evidence suggests, have ever been Qaeda members.
Many scores, and perhaps hundreds, of the detainees were not even Taliban foot soldiers, let alone Qaeda terrorists. They were innocent, wrongly seized noncombatants with no intention of joining the Qaeda campaign to murder Americans.
The majority were not captured by U.S. forces but rather handed over by reward-seeking Pakistanis and Afghan warlords and by villagers of highly doubtful reliability.
Now, think about Iran. Their neighbor is being occupied my military forces, which had no legal right to be there in the first place. They have watched as photos of humiliated detainees graced the internets. They have watched as their neighboring country was torn in two by a civil war, watched the carnage and the viciousness. Watched as hundreds of thousands fled their homeland for distant boarders. They have been called an "axis of evil" by the occupiers. The president of said occupiers refuses to talk to you, refuses to listen. Instead, he calls them names and accuses and plans to invade them next.
Imagine, Canada is the occupied country. What would bush do? What would you want him to do?
I'm not saying that the Iranian government is without sin. It is, however, an elected government. Isn't it democracy bush says he's spreading? Note "says" we have yet to see a single sign of this.
Mr. Bush has, IMHO, absolutely no right to cast stones. By the definition of a terrorist, the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion, he is one. By the terms layed out by the Nuremberg principles:
The crimes hereinafter set out are punishable as crimes under international law:
(a) Crimes against peace:
(i) Planning, preparation, initiation or waging of a war of aggression or a war in violation of international treaties, agreements or assurances;
(ii) Participation in a common plan or conspiracy for the accomplishment of any of the acts mentioned under (i).
(b) War Crimes:
Violations of the laws or customs of war which include, but are not limited to, murder, ill-treatment or deportation of slave labor or for any other purpose of the civilian population of or in occupied territory; murder or ill-treatment of prisoners of war or persons on the Seas, killing of hostages, plunder of public or private property, wanton destruction of cities, towns, or villages, or devastation not justified by military necessity.
(c) Crimes against humanity:
Murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation and other inhumane acts done against any civilian population, or persecutions on political, racial, or religious grounds, when such acts are done or such persecutions are carried on in execution of or in connection with any crime against peace or any war crime.
He has committed them.
So who is he to make demands on another country? Who is he to insist on spreading his version of morality? And who are we to stand by and allow it again?
Friday, March 30, 2007
Obama Slams Bush
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on Friday accused President Bush of failing to respect the Constitution amid the uproar over the firing of eight federal prosecutors.
The Illinois senator also took a swipe at embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Obama has joined several other Democrats in calling for Gonzales to resign.
"I was a constitutional law professor, which means unlike the current president I actually respect the Constitution," Obama told an audience at a campaign fundraiser. "I believe in an attorney general who is actually the people's lawyer, not the president's lawyer."
Oh how refreshing it is!! This man is not playing nice and not playing politics. He speaks the truth - like it or not. I have no doubt that every single republican camp out there is scrambling to find dirt on this guy. We're still waiting.
"I just hope that everyone here has that same sense of urgency that I do," Obama told the students. "I hope the young people in particular use this campaign as a vehicle to get involved and engaged. This is one of those rare moments where we could change history, and those moments don't come that often. So I hope that all of you take advantage of it."
Obama told the group that he can unite the country, and a united country will bring change.
"But there are going to be times when I'm tired, there are going to be times when I'm weary, there are going to be times when I make mistakes, but none of that matters if we have millions of voices who are coming together insisting on a new America," he said.
Truth, determination, honesty and a zest for change, things we as Americans have not seen in quite some time, but need desperately. Go get 'em Obama, kick some bushie ass!
The Illinois senator also took a swipe at embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Obama has joined several other Democrats in calling for Gonzales to resign.
"I was a constitutional law professor, which means unlike the current president I actually respect the Constitution," Obama told an audience at a campaign fundraiser. "I believe in an attorney general who is actually the people's lawyer, not the president's lawyer."
Oh how refreshing it is!! This man is not playing nice and not playing politics. He speaks the truth - like it or not. I have no doubt that every single republican camp out there is scrambling to find dirt on this guy. We're still waiting.
"I just hope that everyone here has that same sense of urgency that I do," Obama told the students. "I hope the young people in particular use this campaign as a vehicle to get involved and engaged. This is one of those rare moments where we could change history, and those moments don't come that often. So I hope that all of you take advantage of it."
Obama told the group that he can unite the country, and a united country will bring change.
"But there are going to be times when I'm tired, there are going to be times when I'm weary, there are going to be times when I make mistakes, but none of that matters if we have millions of voices who are coming together insisting on a new America," he said.
Truth, determination, honesty and a zest for change, things we as Americans have not seen in quite some time, but need desperately. Go get 'em Obama, kick some bushie ass!
Letters From Iran
First Letter
Dear Mum & Dad,
I am writing to you from Iran where I am being held. I will try to explain to you the best what has happened. We were out in the boats when we were arrested by Iranian forces as we had apparently gone into Iranian waters. I wish we hadn't because then I'd be home with you all right now. I am so sorry we did, because I know we wouldn't be here now if we hadn't. I want you all to know that I am well and safe. I am being well looked after. I am fed three meals a day and have a constant supply of fluids.
The people are friendly and hospitable, very compassionate and warm. I have written a letter to the Iranian people to apologize for us entering into their waters. Please don't worry about me, I am staying strong. Hopefully it won't be long until I am home to get ready for Molly's birthday party with a present from the Iranian people.
Look after everyone for me, especially Adam and Molly.
I love you all more than you will ever know.
All my love,
Faye
Second Letter:
Representative of the House of Commons.
I am writing to inform you of my situation. I am a British Serviceperson currently being held in Iran.
I would like you to know of the treatment I have received whilst here.
The Iranian people are kind, considerate, warm, compassionate and very hospitable. They have brought me no harm, but have looked after me well. I have been fed, clothed and well cared for.
Unfortunately during the course of our mission we entered into Iranian waters. Even through our wrongdoing, they have still treated us well and humanely, which I am and always will be eternally grateful.
I ask the representatives of the House of Commons after the government had promised that this type of incident would not happen again why have they let this occur and why has the government not been questioned over this? Isn't it time for us to start withdrawing our forces from Iraq and let them determine their own future?
Faye Turney
27/3/07
Third Letter:
To British People,
I am writing to you as a British service person who has been sent to Iraqi, sacrificed due to the intervening policies of the Bush and Blair governments.
We were arrested after entering Iranian waters by the Iranian forces. For this I am deeply sorry. I understand that this has caused even more distrust for the people of Iran, and the whole area in the British.
The Iranian people have treated me well and have proved themselves to be caring, compassionate, hospitable and friendly. For this I am thankful.
I believe that for our countries to move forward we need to start withdrawing our forces from Iraq and leave the people of Iraq to start re building their lives.
I have written a letter to the people of Iran apologising for our actions.
Whereas we hear and see on the news the way prisoners were treated in Abo-Ghrayb and other Iraqi jails by British and American personnel, I have received total respect and faced no harm.
It is now our time to ask our government to make a change to its oppressive behaviour towards other people.
Faye Turney 27/3/07.
I don't even know what to say here. I keep getting the feeling that these kids were served up as sacrificial lambs to the big oil gods.
We're been reading for months about going to war with Iran in April '07 and we've read about ways this administration was going to do it. Funny, it all had to do with Iranian water.
Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I've become a conspiracy theorist, it just seems to me that something could have been done. Was this like the "OBL said to attack in the U.S." file? Was it read and disregarded? Will this help with the war mongering goal of this administration? Or, is this the evil Iranians we've been warned about?
Thoughts? I'd certainly like to understand this - beyond the realm of the biased U.S. media.
Dear Mum & Dad,
I am writing to you from Iran where I am being held. I will try to explain to you the best what has happened. We were out in the boats when we were arrested by Iranian forces as we had apparently gone into Iranian waters. I wish we hadn't because then I'd be home with you all right now. I am so sorry we did, because I know we wouldn't be here now if we hadn't. I want you all to know that I am well and safe. I am being well looked after. I am fed three meals a day and have a constant supply of fluids.
The people are friendly and hospitable, very compassionate and warm. I have written a letter to the Iranian people to apologize for us entering into their waters. Please don't worry about me, I am staying strong. Hopefully it won't be long until I am home to get ready for Molly's birthday party with a present from the Iranian people.
Look after everyone for me, especially Adam and Molly.
I love you all more than you will ever know.
All my love,
Faye
Second Letter:
Representative of the House of Commons.
I am writing to inform you of my situation. I am a British Serviceperson currently being held in Iran.
I would like you to know of the treatment I have received whilst here.
The Iranian people are kind, considerate, warm, compassionate and very hospitable. They have brought me no harm, but have looked after me well. I have been fed, clothed and well cared for.
Unfortunately during the course of our mission we entered into Iranian waters. Even through our wrongdoing, they have still treated us well and humanely, which I am and always will be eternally grateful.
I ask the representatives of the House of Commons after the government had promised that this type of incident would not happen again why have they let this occur and why has the government not been questioned over this? Isn't it time for us to start withdrawing our forces from Iraq and let them determine their own future?
Faye Turney
27/3/07
Third Letter:
To British People,
I am writing to you as a British service person who has been sent to Iraqi, sacrificed due to the intervening policies of the Bush and Blair governments.
We were arrested after entering Iranian waters by the Iranian forces. For this I am deeply sorry. I understand that this has caused even more distrust for the people of Iran, and the whole area in the British.
The Iranian people have treated me well and have proved themselves to be caring, compassionate, hospitable and friendly. For this I am thankful.
I believe that for our countries to move forward we need to start withdrawing our forces from Iraq and leave the people of Iraq to start re building their lives.
I have written a letter to the people of Iran apologising for our actions.
Whereas we hear and see on the news the way prisoners were treated in Abo-Ghrayb and other Iraqi jails by British and American personnel, I have received total respect and faced no harm.
It is now our time to ask our government to make a change to its oppressive behaviour towards other people.
Faye Turney 27/3/07.
I don't even know what to say here. I keep getting the feeling that these kids were served up as sacrificial lambs to the big oil gods.
We're been reading for months about going to war with Iran in April '07 and we've read about ways this administration was going to do it. Funny, it all had to do with Iranian water.
Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I've become a conspiracy theorist, it just seems to me that something could have been done. Was this like the "OBL said to attack in the U.S." file? Was it read and disregarded? Will this help with the war mongering goal of this administration? Or, is this the evil Iranians we've been warned about?
Thoughts? I'd certainly like to understand this - beyond the realm of the biased U.S. media.
Oil, Guns and Money
Ever wonder what the rest of the world thinks about us? Our policies? Our wars?
I do.
Let's be completely honest. The Iraq war really only concerns me because I'm dead set against the invasion and occupation of an innocent country. I don't live the hell these poor people live. I am not woken up in the middle of the night by U.S. and coalition forces raiding my home. I am not afraid of a car bomb going off in Safeway. I do not worry about the violence of road side bombs and civil wars and war atrocities in my neighborhood.
I can't even imagine what that must be like, living every day with the fear and the blood and carnage - and the growing hatred.
As my friend Stram over at 15 Seats knows, I read Al Jazeera almost everyday. I do so because I don't feel as if I can trust our own media to give truth - just their spin. Every so often they throw out a subject and people write in about it.
Iraq war anniversary: Your views
The US senate has approved a bill calling for American troops to be withdrawn from Iraq within a year despite Mr Bush vowing to veto any bill setting out a timetable for withdrawal. Will a troop pullout improve the situation in Iraq? Send us your views.
It's not so much the question that interests me, it's the responses.
To MidEastChange, , USA: You are so misled by the propaganda in your country. The war was not about weapons inspections, WMD or UN resolutions - this was a cover for the real reasons which are clearly control of the oil, resuming trade of in in US$ and the security of Israel. And you say the Iraqis should not have shot at your planes - what were they doing there in the first place? Violating sovereign air space. Also if you want to talk about violating UN resolutions perhaps you should look at Israel's record.
Shafiq, Dhaka, Bangladesh
The Democrats like every American you hear are trying to be first nationalist patriots. Where then can we state that some Americans are trying to be fair. Why occupy Iraq till 2008 - to complete your oil contracts? Let us be clear, like hijacking sometime ago, suicide bombers are the last resort of a people up against the wall. The question in everyone's mind should be, will America have peace whatever it does? One nationalist soldier of God is all one needs.
rainmaker, , India
I am amazed at how many people on this website support or try to justify America's crimes against humanity. Where is morality, truth and justice in this day and age? The extreme capitalists and pro-war lobby seem to be happy to do anything including killing innocents to achieve their goals. I am disgusted at humanity.
Shafiq, Dhaka, Bangladesh
These are just a very few. It's heartbreaking to read what those affected by our arrogant government have to say about us. We, as a nation, are viewed and judged by the actions of our government. A government that should not only be ashamed, but be held accountable for crimes committed in our name.
I do.
Let's be completely honest. The Iraq war really only concerns me because I'm dead set against the invasion and occupation of an innocent country. I don't live the hell these poor people live. I am not woken up in the middle of the night by U.S. and coalition forces raiding my home. I am not afraid of a car bomb going off in Safeway. I do not worry about the violence of road side bombs and civil wars and war atrocities in my neighborhood.
I can't even imagine what that must be like, living every day with the fear and the blood and carnage - and the growing hatred.
As my friend Stram over at 15 Seats knows, I read Al Jazeera almost everyday. I do so because I don't feel as if I can trust our own media to give truth - just their spin. Every so often they throw out a subject and people write in about it.
Iraq war anniversary: Your views
The US senate has approved a bill calling for American troops to be withdrawn from Iraq within a year despite Mr Bush vowing to veto any bill setting out a timetable for withdrawal. Will a troop pullout improve the situation in Iraq? Send us your views.
It's not so much the question that interests me, it's the responses.
To MidEastChange, , USA: You are so misled by the propaganda in your country. The war was not about weapons inspections, WMD or UN resolutions - this was a cover for the real reasons which are clearly control of the oil, resuming trade of in in US$ and the security of Israel. And you say the Iraqis should not have shot at your planes - what were they doing there in the first place? Violating sovereign air space. Also if you want to talk about violating UN resolutions perhaps you should look at Israel's record.
Shafiq, Dhaka, Bangladesh
The Democrats like every American you hear are trying to be first nationalist patriots. Where then can we state that some Americans are trying to be fair. Why occupy Iraq till 2008 - to complete your oil contracts? Let us be clear, like hijacking sometime ago, suicide bombers are the last resort of a people up against the wall. The question in everyone's mind should be, will America have peace whatever it does? One nationalist soldier of God is all one needs.
rainmaker, , India
I am amazed at how many people on this website support or try to justify America's crimes against humanity. Where is morality, truth and justice in this day and age? The extreme capitalists and pro-war lobby seem to be happy to do anything including killing innocents to achieve their goals. I am disgusted at humanity.
Shafiq, Dhaka, Bangladesh
These are just a very few. It's heartbreaking to read what those affected by our arrogant government have to say about us. We, as a nation, are viewed and judged by the actions of our government. A government that should not only be ashamed, but be held accountable for crimes committed in our name.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Friday Funnies
I think we all could use a little Friday humor. So, here's your assignment. Find a better caption for this picture. Have fun and good luck!
DeLay delays Sanity
Tom Delay has written a book, called “No Retreat, No Surrender: One American’s Fight.”
It's officially been out for two weeks and isn't doing too well on the best seller list. In fact, it's not even close to being near that list.
DeLay has completely fed into the entire Bush/Cheney mantra. Liberals and Democrats are the root of all that's evil... yada, yada, yada....
Tom DeLay writes, “Liberals have finally joined the ranks of scoundrels like Hitler.”
Let me see if I have this right? DeLays main man goes off, starts wars of aggression against a country that was never a threat and is eyeing his next victim and has the absolute audacity to liken liberals with Hitler?
To make this even worse, here's the entire quote :
I believe it was Adolf Hitler who first acknowledged that the big lie is more effective than the little lie, because the big lie is so audacious, such an astonishing immorality, that people have a hard time believing anyone would say it if it wasn’t true.
You know, the big lie — like the Holocaust never happened or dark-skinned people are less intelligent than light-skinned people. Well, by charging this big lie about money laundering, liberals have finally joined the ranks of scoundrels like Hitler.
I can not, on my best day, say this as well as Olbermann, so, I'll let him:
Let’s try the gentlest interpretation.
Mr. DeLay believes that the accusation that he violated Texas campaign finance laws is on some kind of par with claims that light-skinned people are more intelligent than dark-skinned people.
Now that’s the gentlest one.
The somewhat less kind interpretation?
He’s equating anybody, charging him — just him — with anything, even if it were a lie, with the Nazis.
Just by going after Tom DeLay, you are like that old “scoundrel” Hitler.
So Tom DeLay is as important as — what? — democracy in 1930s Germany?
Poland in 1939?
The Jewish people?
So Mr. DeLay, go back to your Google and type in the name “Tom DeLay” and the phrase “Delusions of Grandeur.”
And you get 11,500 results.
It's officially been out for two weeks and isn't doing too well on the best seller list. In fact, it's not even close to being near that list.
DeLay has completely fed into the entire Bush/Cheney mantra. Liberals and Democrats are the root of all that's evil... yada, yada, yada....
Tom DeLay writes, “Liberals have finally joined the ranks of scoundrels like Hitler.”
Let me see if I have this right? DeLays main man goes off, starts wars of aggression against a country that was never a threat and is eyeing his next victim and has the absolute audacity to liken liberals with Hitler?
To make this even worse, here's the entire quote :
I believe it was Adolf Hitler who first acknowledged that the big lie is more effective than the little lie, because the big lie is so audacious, such an astonishing immorality, that people have a hard time believing anyone would say it if it wasn’t true.
You know, the big lie — like the Holocaust never happened or dark-skinned people are less intelligent than light-skinned people. Well, by charging this big lie about money laundering, liberals have finally joined the ranks of scoundrels like Hitler.
I can not, on my best day, say this as well as Olbermann, so, I'll let him:
Let’s try the gentlest interpretation.
Mr. DeLay believes that the accusation that he violated Texas campaign finance laws is on some kind of par with claims that light-skinned people are more intelligent than dark-skinned people.
Now that’s the gentlest one.
The somewhat less kind interpretation?
He’s equating anybody, charging him — just him — with anything, even if it were a lie, with the Nazis.
Just by going after Tom DeLay, you are like that old “scoundrel” Hitler.
So Tom DeLay is as important as — what? — democracy in 1930s Germany?
Poland in 1939?
The Jewish people?
So Mr. DeLay, go back to your Google and type in the name “Tom DeLay” and the phrase “Delusions of Grandeur.”
And you get 11,500 results.
My Answer to Malkin
This is proof positive that the clueless and the stupid still roam this country.
I read this and was about to make a comment when I realized that it was impossible without dropping several "F" bombs. So, instead, I came up with my own.
I am a loyal republican.
I will take the side of the president of the United States, at all costs. I will consider any action taken by my government to be proper, and defend the position of any murderer, child molester, bigot, war profiteer, war mongerer as long as he is a republican. I will stand by while the concepts of freedom and liberty are allowed to deteriorate. I will convince all other nations they are an axis of evil and must be destroyed without ever caring for their needs or wants or way of life.
I am a loyal republican.
I will tell all Americans that 9/11 gives us the power to do whatever the fuck we want to. I will work to destroy Islam. I will strive to kill off our military by sending them into harms way for no other reason than bush, exxon and halliburton wants to. I shall encourage death to all who disagrees with me.
I am a loyal republican.
I shall stir up domestic unrest by separating my fellow citizens into groups, and then I will encourage each group to distrust the next, and convince each that I am their one true friend. Through this magnificent deception, I will rule them all. I will convince minorities including homosexuals that they are inferior. Once I have them suspicious of others and fully demoralized, I will keep them down, and make their every gain dependent on what I decide to let them do. I shall oppress minorities worse than any avowed racist could ever hope to.
I am a loyal republican.
I will tell the American people they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifist for lack of patriotism, and expose the country to greater danger.
I am a loyal republican.
I will make every effort to keep the rich, rich and hinder those that have less. In spite of my lack of personal merit, I will elevate myself in the eyes of others by bringing people with actual character down. I will not care for my fellow human beings. I will care only for my own wealth. I will not allow you to do or be anything my God disapproves of - whether I know what that is or not. I will not care about the environment if that means hindering my own wealth.
I am a loyal republican.
I will promote tyranny, oppression and dictatorship. I will agree to crush those and torture those who do not agree. And when we are all financially destitute and controlled by a dictatorship government, I shall laugh at the destruction I have wrought, for I truly hate mankind.
I am a loyal republican.
I will go down in history as worse than the German government of the 40's and for that, I will be grateful.
So sorry madam malkin, some of us actually see you as what you are, a stupid, careless, arrogant bitch.
I read this and was about to make a comment when I realized that it was impossible without dropping several "F" bombs. So, instead, I came up with my own.
I am a loyal republican.
I will take the side of the president of the United States, at all costs. I will consider any action taken by my government to be proper, and defend the position of any murderer, child molester, bigot, war profiteer, war mongerer as long as he is a republican. I will stand by while the concepts of freedom and liberty are allowed to deteriorate. I will convince all other nations they are an axis of evil and must be destroyed without ever caring for their needs or wants or way of life.
I am a loyal republican.
I will tell all Americans that 9/11 gives us the power to do whatever the fuck we want to. I will work to destroy Islam. I will strive to kill off our military by sending them into harms way for no other reason than bush, exxon and halliburton wants to. I shall encourage death to all who disagrees with me.
I am a loyal republican.
I shall stir up domestic unrest by separating my fellow citizens into groups, and then I will encourage each group to distrust the next, and convince each that I am their one true friend. Through this magnificent deception, I will rule them all. I will convince minorities including homosexuals that they are inferior. Once I have them suspicious of others and fully demoralized, I will keep them down, and make their every gain dependent on what I decide to let them do. I shall oppress minorities worse than any avowed racist could ever hope to.
I am a loyal republican.
I will tell the American people they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifist for lack of patriotism, and expose the country to greater danger.
I am a loyal republican.
I will make every effort to keep the rich, rich and hinder those that have less. In spite of my lack of personal merit, I will elevate myself in the eyes of others by bringing people with actual character down. I will not care for my fellow human beings. I will care only for my own wealth. I will not allow you to do or be anything my God disapproves of - whether I know what that is or not. I will not care about the environment if that means hindering my own wealth.
I am a loyal republican.
I will promote tyranny, oppression and dictatorship. I will agree to crush those and torture those who do not agree. And when we are all financially destitute and controlled by a dictatorship government, I shall laugh at the destruction I have wrought, for I truly hate mankind.
I am a loyal republican.
I will go down in history as worse than the German government of the 40's and for that, I will be grateful.
So sorry madam malkin, some of us actually see you as what you are, a stupid, careless, arrogant bitch.
*\O/* Go Nancy Go *\O/*
If you haven't seen this video, I highly recommend you do.
Nancy tells Bush to "calm down with the threats" in a way that makes you want to place a cheerleader on either side of her. She is, of course, right. The blank check, no questions asked era is over. Now is the time for a true democracy, not the fake one we've been subject to for the last four years. This man had best head her warning - or, knowing Nancy, he'll never have a moments peace. Ya' just gotta love that!
Nancy tells Bush to "calm down with the threats" in a way that makes you want to place a cheerleader on either side of her. She is, of course, right. The blank check, no questions asked era is over. Now is the time for a true democracy, not the fake one we've been subject to for the last four years. This man had best head her warning - or, knowing Nancy, he'll never have a moments peace. Ya' just gotta love that!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
The Name Game
I hate any and all forms of racism. I have zero tolerance for people who judge based on religion, race, sexuality, nationality etc. So where does one turn when it's our own government doing the labeling?
Imagine that you applied for a car loan. You have a decent credit score of about 675. You should have no problem buying that dream vehicle of yours. Until you find out that your middle name is on some terrorist watch list.
One California couple, Tom and Nanci Kubbany, were denied a loan to buy a home when his credit report came back with an alert saying his middle name, Hassan, was an alias for one of Saddam Hussein's sons.
In another case, a Sacramento man could only collect money wired to him through Western Union after providing his ID, Social Security number and place of birth, because his first and middle names, Mohammed Ali, were on the list, the report said.
SAN FRANCISCO - Businesses checking customers' names against a Treasury Department terrorist watch list are sometimes denying services to innocent people, according to a report released Tuesday by civil rights lawyers.
The 250-page list, posted publicly on a Treasury Department Web site, is being used by credit bureaus, health insurers and car dealerships, as well as employers and landlords, according to the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The list includes some of the world's most common names, such as Gonzalez, Lopez, Ali, Hussein, Abdul, Lucas and Gibson, and companies are often unsure how to root out mismatches. Some turn consumers away rather than risk penalties of up to $10 million and 30 years in prison for doing business with someone on the list, the group said.
"Much of (this screening) is overbroad and unnecessary, and increasingly denies Americans services, livelihoods, and their good name based on opaque determinations and administrative fiat," the report said.
Does it seem odd to you that in one of bush's speeches he said, ".. they hate us because of our freedom..." yet this same man is insisting we give up said freedoms for a false sence of safety?
Imagine that you applied for a car loan. You have a decent credit score of about 675. You should have no problem buying that dream vehicle of yours. Until you find out that your middle name is on some terrorist watch list.
One California couple, Tom and Nanci Kubbany, were denied a loan to buy a home when his credit report came back with an alert saying his middle name, Hassan, was an alias for one of Saddam Hussein's sons.
In another case, a Sacramento man could only collect money wired to him through Western Union after providing his ID, Social Security number and place of birth, because his first and middle names, Mohammed Ali, were on the list, the report said.
SAN FRANCISCO - Businesses checking customers' names against a Treasury Department terrorist watch list are sometimes denying services to innocent people, according to a report released Tuesday by civil rights lawyers.
The 250-page list, posted publicly on a Treasury Department Web site, is being used by credit bureaus, health insurers and car dealerships, as well as employers and landlords, according to the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The list includes some of the world's most common names, such as Gonzalez, Lopez, Ali, Hussein, Abdul, Lucas and Gibson, and companies are often unsure how to root out mismatches. Some turn consumers away rather than risk penalties of up to $10 million and 30 years in prison for doing business with someone on the list, the group said.
"Much of (this screening) is overbroad and unnecessary, and increasingly denies Americans services, livelihoods, and their good name based on opaque determinations and administrative fiat," the report said.
Does it seem odd to you that in one of bush's speeches he said, ".. they hate us because of our freedom..." yet this same man is insisting we give up said freedoms for a false sence of safety?
Monday, March 26, 2007
Gods Will?
It's people like Coulter, Malkin, Rush et al. that have prompted me to write this.
I was doing the "guy thing" with the remote the other day, flipping through channels without really stopping to watch. I paused on this man, forgive me, I didn't even bother to catch his name, though the channel was - surprise, surprise - fox news. He stood there all smiles and announced loudly, "God isn't allowed in our schools, but we can't get Gore out!" my middle finger, with a mind of it's own, came to attention and the channel surfing ensued.
Believe or not, I think we need to talk about God and what he would think about the religious right.
I was raised Methodist. My Gram and I went to church almost every Sunday, until, that is, I found out that the religion didn't recognize homosexuals. I then went on a Bible reading frenzy. Not just one Bible, several. Interestingly, they are not all the same. Though, the basic teachings are. I don't want to get into the different religious beliefs, just the basic teachings and lessons taught in all Bibles. For the record, I am not an atheist. I do not belive in organized religion. However, I do have respect for those who do.
Long before the Crusades, man was waging wars in the name of God. Bushco and his ilk isn't any different. Hell, the KKK believes they are on a mission from God too. They raise signs stating that God is white.
Let's pretend Jesus is alive and standing in the middle of Baghdad. A show of hands, how many think he would be smiling at our "spread of democracy"? Would the limbless and bleeding children make him happy? Bombed schools? Morgues overflowing with battered, innocent bodies? Do you think that standing there in all of that carnage, he would pat Blair and Bush on the back and say, "Nice job?"
Now, put him in the middle of Gitmo.
The Oval Office?
Yet, these same people who stand behind a Bible they have never read, believe these things are Gods will.
Now, let's pretend Jesus is standing on the court house steps as a newly married couple comes out, smiling. What would be more important to him, the love between two people or the sex of those people? Did he not teach love and tolerance and did he not warn against judgment? If two women or two men came out those doors as a married couple, would he smile? Or smite? If God created all things, and homosexuality is NOT a life choice, then who are the religious right to judge his creation?
Yes, yes, I know, the neocons will point to a passage that stated this is a sin. So is murder. So is killing, so is coveting - as in oil. So is baring false idols - as in saints or oil. So is gambling and drinking. Ever been to a Catholic fund raiser? But tell me, did they - as they point to this tiny passage in the big book, ever read the part where it says it's okay to stone your son if he disobeys you and it's okay to sell your daughter if you need money for crops?
Before anyone gets all up in arms over that last sentence, if you read the entire chapter, you'll see that these are the reasons for the downfall of a city, not rules to live by.
The right prefers to pick and choose what passages they like and those they discard. They prefer to hold those dear that allow them their evil ways - all in the name of God.
Ask any white Christian what color Jesus is. Go ahead, do it. I don't think the answer will surprise you. Now, tell them he was black. Ah! That one could be the beginning of Armageddon!
Now, let's think about what God would say knowing that the Neocons are dead set against things like Charity. They are against a minimum wage increase, using tax dollars to help the poor and the homeless (though using them to kill the brown people is a-okay!) Do you really think God is against charity?
What about the planet? What about the statement made by Mr Whoever-his-name-is going on about keeping Gore and global warming out of schools? Ah, what a good Christian he must be! If God created the Earth and left it to us to take care of, do you think he's smiling at this idiot or Gore?
A good Catholic once asked me, "If you never again see a spotted owl, would it affect your life?" YES! He believes that oil is more important than the creatures of this planet, more important than than our fragile eco system, more important than our future generations.
My point is, they do not live by the teachings of the Bible. They judge, they lie, they covet, they see money as the all mighty. They hide behind a Bible they have never even bothered to read and demand that you live with their rules and beliefs. Coulter herself says she is lead by her religion. Ever heard a word she says? She could be speaking truth if her religion is Satanism. Same for the rest of the right-wing-nuts. These people and their warped views of God and religion have created more atheists than Darwin.
My religious beliefs are mine. I will not ask you to believe the same. I'm a spiritualist. I belive in the teachings of the Bible. It's what makes me a liberal.
I was doing the "guy thing" with the remote the other day, flipping through channels without really stopping to watch. I paused on this man, forgive me, I didn't even bother to catch his name, though the channel was - surprise, surprise - fox news. He stood there all smiles and announced loudly, "God isn't allowed in our schools, but we can't get Gore out!" my middle finger, with a mind of it's own, came to attention and the channel surfing ensued.
Believe or not, I think we need to talk about God and what he would think about the religious right.
I was raised Methodist. My Gram and I went to church almost every Sunday, until, that is, I found out that the religion didn't recognize homosexuals. I then went on a Bible reading frenzy. Not just one Bible, several. Interestingly, they are not all the same. Though, the basic teachings are. I don't want to get into the different religious beliefs, just the basic teachings and lessons taught in all Bibles. For the record, I am not an atheist. I do not belive in organized religion. However, I do have respect for those who do.
Long before the Crusades, man was waging wars in the name of God. Bushco and his ilk isn't any different. Hell, the KKK believes they are on a mission from God too. They raise signs stating that God is white.
Let's pretend Jesus is alive and standing in the middle of Baghdad. A show of hands, how many think he would be smiling at our "spread of democracy"? Would the limbless and bleeding children make him happy? Bombed schools? Morgues overflowing with battered, innocent bodies? Do you think that standing there in all of that carnage, he would pat Blair and Bush on the back and say, "Nice job?"
Now, put him in the middle of Gitmo.
The Oval Office?
Yet, these same people who stand behind a Bible they have never read, believe these things are Gods will.
Now, let's pretend Jesus is standing on the court house steps as a newly married couple comes out, smiling. What would be more important to him, the love between two people or the sex of those people? Did he not teach love and tolerance and did he not warn against judgment? If two women or two men came out those doors as a married couple, would he smile? Or smite? If God created all things, and homosexuality is NOT a life choice, then who are the religious right to judge his creation?
Yes, yes, I know, the neocons will point to a passage that stated this is a sin. So is murder. So is killing, so is coveting - as in oil. So is baring false idols - as in saints or oil. So is gambling and drinking. Ever been to a Catholic fund raiser? But tell me, did they - as they point to this tiny passage in the big book, ever read the part where it says it's okay to stone your son if he disobeys you and it's okay to sell your daughter if you need money for crops?
Before anyone gets all up in arms over that last sentence, if you read the entire chapter, you'll see that these are the reasons for the downfall of a city, not rules to live by.
The right prefers to pick and choose what passages they like and those they discard. They prefer to hold those dear that allow them their evil ways - all in the name of God.
Ask any white Christian what color Jesus is. Go ahead, do it. I don't think the answer will surprise you. Now, tell them he was black. Ah! That one could be the beginning of Armageddon!
Now, let's think about what God would say knowing that the Neocons are dead set against things like Charity. They are against a minimum wage increase, using tax dollars to help the poor and the homeless (though using them to kill the brown people is a-okay!) Do you really think God is against charity?
What about the planet? What about the statement made by Mr Whoever-his-name-is going on about keeping Gore and global warming out of schools? Ah, what a good Christian he must be! If God created the Earth and left it to us to take care of, do you think he's smiling at this idiot or Gore?
A good Catholic once asked me, "If you never again see a spotted owl, would it affect your life?" YES! He believes that oil is more important than the creatures of this planet, more important than than our fragile eco system, more important than our future generations.
My point is, they do not live by the teachings of the Bible. They judge, they lie, they covet, they see money as the all mighty. They hide behind a Bible they have never even bothered to read and demand that you live with their rules and beliefs. Coulter herself says she is lead by her religion. Ever heard a word she says? She could be speaking truth if her religion is Satanism. Same for the rest of the right-wing-nuts. These people and their warped views of God and religion have created more atheists than Darwin.
My religious beliefs are mine. I will not ask you to believe the same. I'm a spiritualist. I belive in the teachings of the Bible. It's what makes me a liberal.
A Warm Fuzzy
Reading this article gave me, what we of the seventies would call, a warm fuzzy. Not because impeachment was hinted at, well maybe that too, because there is something that we on the left have not seen in seven years.
With his go-it-alone approach on Iraq, President Bush is flouting Congress and the public, so angering lawmakers that some consider impeachment an option over his war policy, a senator from Bush's own party said Sunday.
(snip)
GOP Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a frequent critic of the war, stopped short of calling for Bush's impeachment. But he made clear that some lawmakers viewed that as an option should Bush choose to push ahead despite public sentiment against the war.
"Any president who says, I don't care, or I will not respond to what the people of this country are saying about Iraq or anything else, or I don't care what the Congress does, I am going to proceed — if a president really believes that, then there are — what I was pointing out, there are ways to deal with that," said Hagel, who is considering a 2008 presidential run.
We have been called anti-American for the single crime of disagreement. We have stood and watched as they took our country's credibility and good standing and flushed it. We have watched as these people waged and illegal war of aggression on the innocent peoples of Iraq while turning their backs on the true (if there ever really was one) WOT. We watched in horror as New Orleans drown. Shock overtook us as we stood glued to our TV's on September 11, 2001, only to find out later that they knew - they had a file, which they ignored. Vacation was more important. We cringed as our liberties disintegrated, all in the name of fear safety. We watched as they changed the Geneva Convention to allow the torture they had already been practicing.
Now, here we are, watching again. This time, for the first time in seven years, we are seeing something new.
Accountability.
It's about damn time!
With his go-it-alone approach on Iraq, President Bush is flouting Congress and the public, so angering lawmakers that some consider impeachment an option over his war policy, a senator from Bush's own party said Sunday.
(snip)
GOP Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a frequent critic of the war, stopped short of calling for Bush's impeachment. But he made clear that some lawmakers viewed that as an option should Bush choose to push ahead despite public sentiment against the war.
"Any president who says, I don't care, or I will not respond to what the people of this country are saying about Iraq or anything else, or I don't care what the Congress does, I am going to proceed — if a president really believes that, then there are — what I was pointing out, there are ways to deal with that," said Hagel, who is considering a 2008 presidential run.
We have been called anti-American for the single crime of disagreement. We have stood and watched as they took our country's credibility and good standing and flushed it. We have watched as these people waged and illegal war of aggression on the innocent peoples of Iraq while turning their backs on the true (if there ever really was one) WOT. We watched in horror as New Orleans drown. Shock overtook us as we stood glued to our TV's on September 11, 2001, only to find out later that they knew - they had a file, which they ignored. Vacation was more important. We cringed as our liberties disintegrated, all in the name of fear safety. We watched as they changed the Geneva Convention to allow the torture they had already been practicing.
Now, here we are, watching again. This time, for the first time in seven years, we are seeing something new.
Accountability.
It's about damn time!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Coulter - Helping Edwards Campaign
Yes, the self-proclaimed Christian has done it again, but this time Edwards is taking it straight to the White House!
On Friday, Coulter, a writer and columnist known for provocative remarks, told an audience at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington: "I was going to have a few comments on the other Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, but it turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word 'faggot,' so I - so kind of an impasse, can't really talk about Edwards."
Whenever this "woman" picks up a pen or opens her mouth, she proves my point. Noecons can not be Christians. (personal note: I promise to finish that piece this week!)
The Edwards camp is now seeking to capitalize on the slur by soliciting $100,000 in "Coulter Cash" to "show that inflaming prejudice to attack progressive leaders will only backfire."
Three cheers to Edwards and his camp for making this holier-than-thou, judgemental bitch pay for her mud slinging.
Edwards, smiling and forging ahead, is sticking to his agenda. His concerns? Health care, emission limits and global warming, the economy, the wars, the American people..... things you would actually think the Christian right would care about. Guess not, eh?
On Friday, Coulter, a writer and columnist known for provocative remarks, told an audience at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington: "I was going to have a few comments on the other Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, but it turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word 'faggot,' so I - so kind of an impasse, can't really talk about Edwards."
Whenever this "woman" picks up a pen or opens her mouth, she proves my point. Noecons can not be Christians. (personal note: I promise to finish that piece this week!)
The Edwards camp is now seeking to capitalize on the slur by soliciting $100,000 in "Coulter Cash" to "show that inflaming prejudice to attack progressive leaders will only backfire."
Three cheers to Edwards and his camp for making this holier-than-thou, judgemental bitch pay for her mud slinging.
Edwards, smiling and forging ahead, is sticking to his agenda. His concerns? Health care, emission limits and global warming, the economy, the wars, the American people..... things you would actually think the Christian right would care about. Guess not, eh?
Friday, March 23, 2007
Cowboy Shrub Strikes Again
Not that this comes as any surprise, but shrub is stomping his feet, slamming doors and name calling - Again. This time, it's over the Iraqi timetable for troop withdraw.
Just over an hour following the vote, Bush angrily accused Democrats of playing politics and renewed his promise to veto the spending legislation if it included their withdrawal timetable, despite administration claims that the money is needed next month by troops.
"These Democrats believe that the longer they can delay funding for our troops, the more likely they are to force me to accept restrictions on our commanders, an artificial timetable for withdrawal and their pet spending projects. This is not going to happen," he said.
Any guesses what the Dems "pet spending projects" are?
I think bush has completely lost touch with not only the American people but reality as well. He goes off like a spoiled child if he doesn't get his way. He's responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi's and his policy's have put our troops and our country in more danger than we were in on 9/10/01.
During my trip across the country I noticed a popular bumper sticker that seemed to be, shockingly, seen more in the red states. "We are making enemies faster than we can kill them." This is his legacy. His failed policies and his cowboy attitude. His warped ideas of religion and even more abstract ideas of other religions and cultures. It is doubtful that this man could even pass a literacy test without cheating.
Now, here we are, standing on a precipice. Our way of life could go either way. We could allow this "man" to lead us into more "designed to fail" illegal wars of aggression and spend us further into oblivion, or we can say, "NO!" Four years ago, I felt alone in my fear of what was happening to my country. Today, I feel like a majority. We, the truly sane and rational, have declared in one voice, "We will not stand for this anymore. We will not stand idly by while you wipe out our liberties. We will not be guided by your fear mongering and war profiting." We spoke loudly last November. We have been on the phone to our senators and signed petitions and stood and marched and this is just the beginning.
"The American people have lost faith in the president's conduct of this war," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "The American people see the reality of the war, the president does not."
"We're going to make a difference with this bill," bellowed Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., a Vietnam War veteran who helped write the legislation.
"We're going to bring those troops home. We're going to start changing the direction of this great nation," he said, bringing a standing ovation and hugs from his colleagues.
A dear friend of mine smiles when she reads things such as this. She grins brightly and says, "He is going to be the downfall of the Republican party." Ah, her lips to Gods ears.
Just over an hour following the vote, Bush angrily accused Democrats of playing politics and renewed his promise to veto the spending legislation if it included their withdrawal timetable, despite administration claims that the money is needed next month by troops.
"These Democrats believe that the longer they can delay funding for our troops, the more likely they are to force me to accept restrictions on our commanders, an artificial timetable for withdrawal and their pet spending projects. This is not going to happen," he said.
Any guesses what the Dems "pet spending projects" are?
I think bush has completely lost touch with not only the American people but reality as well. He goes off like a spoiled child if he doesn't get his way. He's responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi's and his policy's have put our troops and our country in more danger than we were in on 9/10/01.
During my trip across the country I noticed a popular bumper sticker that seemed to be, shockingly, seen more in the red states. "We are making enemies faster than we can kill them." This is his legacy. His failed policies and his cowboy attitude. His warped ideas of religion and even more abstract ideas of other religions and cultures. It is doubtful that this man could even pass a literacy test without cheating.
Now, here we are, standing on a precipice. Our way of life could go either way. We could allow this "man" to lead us into more "designed to fail" illegal wars of aggression and spend us further into oblivion, or we can say, "NO!" Four years ago, I felt alone in my fear of what was happening to my country. Today, I feel like a majority. We, the truly sane and rational, have declared in one voice, "We will not stand for this anymore. We will not stand idly by while you wipe out our liberties. We will not be guided by your fear mongering and war profiting." We spoke loudly last November. We have been on the phone to our senators and signed petitions and stood and marched and this is just the beginning.
"The American people have lost faith in the president's conduct of this war," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "The American people see the reality of the war, the president does not."
"We're going to make a difference with this bill," bellowed Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., a Vietnam War veteran who helped write the legislation.
"We're going to bring those troops home. We're going to start changing the direction of this great nation," he said, bringing a standing ovation and hugs from his colleagues.
A dear friend of mine smiles when she reads things such as this. She grins brightly and says, "He is going to be the downfall of the Republican party." Ah, her lips to Gods ears.
Happy Liberty Day!
March 23, 2007. Aside from my sisters birthday, it's also known as "Liberty Day". It is a day set aside to commemorate Patrick Henry's "Give me Liberty or give me death" speech.
*"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined."
*Patrick Henry at the Virginia Convention, 1788, as quoted by Thomas M. Moneure, Jr., in "Virginia's Great Dissenters", printed in the March, 1999, issue of American Guardian,:
"You are not to inquire how your trade may be increased, nor how you are to become a great and powerful people, but how your liberties can be secured; for liberty ought to be the direct end of your government."
*Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!
*I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging of the future but by the past.
*Caesar had his Brutus-Charles the First, his Cromwell-and George the Third-('Treason,' cried the Speaker) . . . may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it.
Patrick Henry was born in 1736 and died in 1799. His words of over 200 years ago should be ringing from the mountain tops today. People should be listening. They are not. They have not headed his warnings. They have gladly given up liberties for the illusion of security. They have forged ahead, lead by fear and greed.
Earlier this week, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said if Western countries "want to treat us with threats and enforcement of coercion and violence, undoubtedly they must know that the Iranian nation and authorities will use all their capacities to strike enemies that attack."
In February, President Bush said: "The Iranian people are good, honest, decent people and they've got a government that is belligerent, loud, noisy, threatening — a government which is in defiance of the rest of the world and says, 'We want a nuclear weapon.'"
On a day that our government has set aside to honor and remember Patrick Henry and his "give me liberty..." speech, we once again have been slapped in the face by a man and an administration that would dearly love to remove them all and wage more illegal wars of aggression.
*"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined."
*Patrick Henry at the Virginia Convention, 1788, as quoted by Thomas M. Moneure, Jr., in "Virginia's Great Dissenters", printed in the March, 1999, issue of American Guardian,:
"You are not to inquire how your trade may be increased, nor how you are to become a great and powerful people, but how your liberties can be secured; for liberty ought to be the direct end of your government."
*Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!
*I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging of the future but by the past.
*Caesar had his Brutus-Charles the First, his Cromwell-and George the Third-('Treason,' cried the Speaker) . . . may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it.
Patrick Henry was born in 1736 and died in 1799. His words of over 200 years ago should be ringing from the mountain tops today. People should be listening. They are not. They have not headed his warnings. They have gladly given up liberties for the illusion of security. They have forged ahead, lead by fear and greed.
Earlier this week, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said if Western countries "want to treat us with threats and enforcement of coercion and violence, undoubtedly they must know that the Iranian nation and authorities will use all their capacities to strike enemies that attack."
In February, President Bush said: "The Iranian people are good, honest, decent people and they've got a government that is belligerent, loud, noisy, threatening — a government which is in defiance of the rest of the world and says, 'We want a nuclear weapon.'"
On a day that our government has set aside to honor and remember Patrick Henry and his "give me liberty..." speech, we once again have been slapped in the face by a man and an administration that would dearly love to remove them all and wage more illegal wars of aggression.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Supporting Our Troops
We Americans like to think of ourselves as civilized. Pick up a paper, click on the evening news, turn on your computer, you'll see we are not as wonderful as we think we are.
Our latest proof of this is comes from the loving way we treat our veterans.
Reports of a rising death rate and rooms spattered with blood, urine and feces at the Armed Forces Retirement Home prompted the Pentagon yesterday to begin investigating conditions at the veterans facility in Northwest Washington.
The Government Accountability Office warned the Pentagon this week that residents of the home "may be at risk" in light of allegations of severe health-care problems. Residents have been admitted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center with "the most serious type of pressure sores" and, in one case, with maggots in a wound, according to a GAO letter sent to the Defense Department.
(snip)
Cox was hired from private industry in 2002 to bring down costs. In the past three years, the workforce has been cut from 736 to 447, and the operating budget has been reduced from $76 million to $54.7 million, according to figures provided by the home. The maintenance staff has shrunk from 127 to nine, despite a rising population, according to the senators' letter.
(snip)
In one statement, Cox said the reports of human waste in the rooms may have stemmed from an outbreak in February of highly contagious norovirus, which infected more than 100 residents. "When you're sick with vomiting and diarrhea, sometime you miss the john," he said.
FEBURARY! I know many health care workers. I know that patients can get sick, I also know that they clean the mess illness leaves and they don't wait a month to do so.
Is cutting the care and costs of that care to our veterans supporting the troops? Am I the only one thoroughly disgusted and ashamed of these conditions and outraged at the administrators comments?
Our latest proof of this is comes from the loving way we treat our veterans.
Reports of a rising death rate and rooms spattered with blood, urine and feces at the Armed Forces Retirement Home prompted the Pentagon yesterday to begin investigating conditions at the veterans facility in Northwest Washington.
The Government Accountability Office warned the Pentagon this week that residents of the home "may be at risk" in light of allegations of severe health-care problems. Residents have been admitted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center with "the most serious type of pressure sores" and, in one case, with maggots in a wound, according to a GAO letter sent to the Defense Department.
(snip)
Cox was hired from private industry in 2002 to bring down costs. In the past three years, the workforce has been cut from 736 to 447, and the operating budget has been reduced from $76 million to $54.7 million, according to figures provided by the home. The maintenance staff has shrunk from 127 to nine, despite a rising population, according to the senators' letter.
(snip)
In one statement, Cox said the reports of human waste in the rooms may have stemmed from an outbreak in February of highly contagious norovirus, which infected more than 100 residents. "When you're sick with vomiting and diarrhea, sometime you miss the john," he said.
FEBURARY! I know many health care workers. I know that patients can get sick, I also know that they clean the mess illness leaves and they don't wait a month to do so.
Is cutting the care and costs of that care to our veterans supporting the troops? Am I the only one thoroughly disgusted and ashamed of these conditions and outraged at the administrators comments?
Lovin' the Weather in Arizona!
We had a great trip west, longer than expected, but fun none the less.
We found a great little apartment here. It's rather empty, our furniture won't arrive for another few weeks.
I have a lot of catching up and researching to do so this is all I am posting for the moment. This picture was taken at the New Mexico Welcome Station. I looked at my husband and scowled, "Did you make a wrong turn?"
Looking confused, he shook his head, "No, why?"
"Well look at that sign! You took us right to the White House!"
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