Something has nagged me for the last week or so. It has to do with the child health care bill that Bush vetoed. I just got angrier the more I thought about it, yet I couldn't pin point the exact why.
Then, I picked it apart. It wasn't one reason, it's many. So, this is my rant...
Conservatives hate the plan. Let's examine why.
First, they are bitching and whining about the cost. Yet Bush's little Iraq war (remember "cake walk", "seen as liberators"...?) is costing the poor taxpayer hundreds of thousands per MINUTE! And that's just fine with them. I don't mean poor tax payer as in I feel sorry for them. I mean poor as in not wealthy. With the tax breaks for the rich, it is the poor and middle class that will pay. Besides, us evil smokers are the ones footing this bill, and I would pay happily for it.
Now, money aside, let's talk about the self proclaimed moral majority. These people want to banish abortion. They want abortion illegal, for any and all reasons. They insist stem cell research shall never be in their lifetime. Now, these hypocrites, demanding that you carry, birth and raise a child you can't afford, refuse to lift a penny to help that child. If a child's life is so damn important to these.... people, then why is caring for their health so bad to them?
Don't even get me started on the Christian right!
Do you remember Bush calling Kerry a "flip-flopper"? If you do, you might remember the 2004 campaign where Bush himself rode the vote train on promising to pass a bill such as this one. Flop-Flip-Lie. In vetoing the bill, he made a statement that "The middle class wants a right of passage.." or something similar. Funny, I didn't think we had a middle class anymore.
Six years ago, I was doing well. My husband and I made about $100 or so a year. We had a nice little house and traveled, raised three sons... We were living the American dream. Now, six years later, we have two in college and one coastie. Both of the college boys are basically self supporting though we do help them with food and books and some odd expenses. We make about the same, kids all moved out and we moved down two steps on the "Class Meter". The cost of living has sky rocketed to the point that put us one step up over the poverty line. I can't even fathom starting with less six years ago.
The Right does not what health care for children to have a human face. They want to call themselves "kinder & gentler" but the fact is, that they are cold hearted. They want to talk about dying children as abstract theory. They resent the idea that we might say, "We are talking about real children and this what they look like." How else are we and the American people to keep our focus on the real significance and impact of the policies that we are discussing. The Republicans are outraged now, but they have no qualms about using children as poster children for their favorite causes like "freedom of no choice" and denying life saving stem cell research. That is perfectly okay.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
The Big, Evil, Demented Plan - Part Two
This WaPo article is about events BEFORE-9/11. BEFORE-9/11, President George W. Bush spied on Americans. BEFORE-9/11, before the so-called “war on terror,” the Bush Administration contacted communication companies and asked them for information about their customers. BEFORE-9/11, Bush was pushing for warrantless surveillance of Americans!
Stram, can't you just hear the gasps, pointing and name calling from Hank and his Anon alias now..??
A former Qwest Communications International executive, appealing a conviction for insider trading, has alleged that the government withdrew opportunities for contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars after Qwest refused to participate in an unidentified National Security Agency program that the company thought might be illegal.
Former chief executive Joseph P. Nacchio, convicted in April of 19 counts of insider trading, said the NSA approached Qwest more than six months before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, according to court documents unsealed in Denver this week.
(snip)
Details about the alleged NSA program have been redacted from the documents, but Nacchio's lawyer said last year that the NSA had approached the company about participating in a warrantless surveillance program to gather information about Americans' phone records.
Not only did the Bush Administration ask Qwest to spy on Americans, it punished the company because it refused to do an illegal act. The company lost "contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars." One wonders whether the inside trading conviction was part of the "punishment" as well.
Now Bush has the audacity to tell Congress to pass a bill that gives immunity to companies that were "patriotic" and complied with the illegal request. Congress should encourage true patriotism, the kind that was shown by Qwest when it refused.
Congress does not even have the information it requested from the Whitehouse. It should do nothing until it gets this information. And then it must produce a law that protects American citizens from warrantless wire tapping.
All his talk about the "war on terror," making us safe at home and fighting for democracy abroad is just that, talk. Killing innocent Iraqi's and the slaughter of our brave soldiers is just his means to continue his evil ways. Of course he can get away with it! Hitler kept Germany afraid too...
Now tell me this isn't an evil, demented plan. Tell me that we should rally behind the evil empire and "allow them to protect us." My only question is... who's going to protect us from them?
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The Big, Evil, Demented Plan - Part One
"Everything changed after 9/11."
"Live a clean life and you won't have to worry about spying and wire tapping."
"We aren't giving up liberties, we are being kept safe."
The list of ramblings from the right is much longer. I am going to stop there though, it's starting to make me gag.
I do find this most interesting. Despite the ranting of the afraid, would you believe me if I told you this secret government/wire tapping plan was hatched long before 9/11? Would the right?
I caught an episode of Frontline that made my flesh crawl. It was on the secrecy fixation of Cheney. It told of how he never writes anything down, refrains from email and voicemail. He, like the bad guys in the superhero movies, likes to move in the dark of night, disapear without an trace - leaving no trail to follow.
" they came in, spurred by Dick Cheney, to have an enlarged sense of the presidency, to have a penchant for secrecy, to basically have a view that the Congress, in effect, works for us, not with us; that we're the lead branch, not a co-equal branch. -- David Gergen
On this link, you can also watch the entire episode.... if you dare)
For three decades Vice President Dick Cheney conducted a secretive, behind-closed-doors campaign to give the president virtually unlimited wartime power. Finally, in the aftermath of 9/11, the Justice Department and the White House made a number of controversial legal decisions. Orchestrated by Cheney and his lawyer David Addington, the department interpreted executive power in an expansive and extraordinary way, granting President George W. Bush the power to detain, interrogate, torture, wiretap and spy -- without congressional approval or judicial review.
The downfall of this democracy began shortly after Cheney took office in 2001 and he won't stop, evidently, until the President of the United States has all the power of the dictators that they call evil - for doing the exact same thing.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Enemy of the State
Show of hands.. How many of you saw the Will Smith movie Enemy of the State?
A tad far fetched? Not anymore.
It seems Executive Privilege, Homeland Security and Terrorist are more than just a blank check. It's as though under the guise of safety these true terrorists who reside in and frequent Washington DC are taking their cues from the movie.
A program to employ spy satellites for certain domestic uses has been postponed because of privacy concerns.
Congress had already provided money for the program, which was to begin this month. But some lawmakers demanded more information about its legal basis and what protections there were to ensure that the government was not peering into the homes of Americans. As a result, the Homeland Security Department is not formally moving ahead with the program until it answers those questions, a department spokesman said.
"..not formally moving ahead.." We all know what that means, it means we're doing it and flipping you off at the same time.
Let us all take a moment of silence for the death of our Constitution.
In talking with a right-winged friend about this satellite issue, her comment was, "If you live a clean life you have nothing to worry about." Don't we? Isn't losing our privacy something to worry about? What about the burned fragments of our Constitution?
Sometimes at night, my husband and I sit out on our back patio with a cocktail and chat about the days events. Do I care if anyone knows this? Nope. Do I care care if the government is watching me do this? You bet your sweet ass I do!
Enough! I am done giving up my civil liberties and rights that I, my father, brother, uncles and numerous forefathers fought to gain and protect. I'm tired of the scared and the true traitors (HANK). I am tired of the verbal civil war that this ass, who has the audacity to park a Bin Laden in the Lincoln bedroom, has created. I'm tired of being hated by the world for the few war mongers we have left. I'm tired of the way I have to fly because of the way I vote and what I say.
Scared? Yes I am. Not of terrorists. Of my own government and what it has done to my country and of what my countrymen have become. Frightened children who believe in a Strike First policy. Doesn't that truly define "Terrorist"?
The department would not say how long it planned to postpone the program. “We are cooperatively working with the Congress to answer any questions that they have,” said a spokesman, Andrew Lluberes. “We are totally confident that this is going to go forward.”
A tad far fetched? Not anymore.
It seems Executive Privilege, Homeland Security and Terrorist are more than just a blank check. It's as though under the guise of safety these true terrorists who reside in and frequent Washington DC are taking their cues from the movie.
A program to employ spy satellites for certain domestic uses has been postponed because of privacy concerns.
Congress had already provided money for the program, which was to begin this month. But some lawmakers demanded more information about its legal basis and what protections there were to ensure that the government was not peering into the homes of Americans. As a result, the Homeland Security Department is not formally moving ahead with the program until it answers those questions, a department spokesman said.
"..not formally moving ahead.." We all know what that means, it means we're doing it and flipping you off at the same time.
Let us all take a moment of silence for the death of our Constitution.
In talking with a right-winged friend about this satellite issue, her comment was, "If you live a clean life you have nothing to worry about." Don't we? Isn't losing our privacy something to worry about? What about the burned fragments of our Constitution?
Sometimes at night, my husband and I sit out on our back patio with a cocktail and chat about the days events. Do I care if anyone knows this? Nope. Do I care care if the government is watching me do this? You bet your sweet ass I do!
Enough! I am done giving up my civil liberties and rights that I, my father, brother, uncles and numerous forefathers fought to gain and protect. I'm tired of the scared and the true traitors (HANK). I am tired of the verbal civil war that this ass, who has the audacity to park a Bin Laden in the Lincoln bedroom, has created. I'm tired of being hated by the world for the few war mongers we have left. I'm tired of the way I have to fly because of the way I vote and what I say.
Scared? Yes I am. Not of terrorists. Of my own government and what it has done to my country and of what my countrymen have become. Frightened children who believe in a Strike First policy. Doesn't that truly define "Terrorist"?
The department would not say how long it planned to postpone the program. “We are cooperatively working with the Congress to answer any questions that they have,” said a spokesman, Andrew Lluberes. “We are totally confident that this is going to go forward.”
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Chalk Up Veto #4
Well, Bush has vetoed the S-CHIP Bill.
So, let’s review this. His first Veto was on Stem Cell research, a real winner to be sure, the next two were on Iraq, vetoing plans that had majority support in the nation, and his newest Veto will deny four million children insurance.
The State Children's Health Insurance Program is a joint state-federal effort that subsidizes health coverage for 6.6 million people, mostly children, from families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford their own private coverage.
The Democrats who control Congress, with significant support from Republicans, passed the legislation to add $35 billion over five years to allow an additional 4 million children into the program. It would be funded by raising the federal cigarette tax by 61 cents to $1 per pack.
The president had promised to veto it, saying the Democratic bill was too costly, took the program too far from its original intent of helping the poor, and would entice people now covered in the private sector to switch to government coverage. He wants only a $5 billion increase in funding.
Bush argued that the congressional plan would be a move toward socialized medicine by expanding the program to higher-income families.
We all know how I feel about smoking laws and sin taxes. You all should know this is a tax that I would be happy to pay. Personally, I think Bush needs that extra cash for his ner little war with his green little army men. (pun intended)
So, let’s review this. His first Veto was on Stem Cell research, a real winner to be sure, the next two were on Iraq, vetoing plans that had majority support in the nation, and his newest Veto will deny four million children insurance.
The State Children's Health Insurance Program is a joint state-federal effort that subsidizes health coverage for 6.6 million people, mostly children, from families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford their own private coverage.
The Democrats who control Congress, with significant support from Republicans, passed the legislation to add $35 billion over five years to allow an additional 4 million children into the program. It would be funded by raising the federal cigarette tax by 61 cents to $1 per pack.
The president had promised to veto it, saying the Democratic bill was too costly, took the program too far from its original intent of helping the poor, and would entice people now covered in the private sector to switch to government coverage. He wants only a $5 billion increase in funding.
Bush argued that the congressional plan would be a move toward socialized medicine by expanding the program to higher-income families.
We all know how I feel about smoking laws and sin taxes. You all should know this is a tax that I would be happy to pay. Personally, I think Bush needs that extra cash for his ner little war with his green little army men. (pun intended)
Monday, October 1, 2007
Censoring the Contitution
Looking over the past six years one might think Bush & Cheney are an axis of evil all their own. Their "War on Terror" has become "War on the American Constitution."
It isn't that the left hasn't been screaming this since the unveiling of the inappropriately named "Patriot Act", it's just that we were screaming at each other while being called names by the right.
Now, it seems, a slew of books have graced the shelves of our local book stores.
In excruciating detail, these tomes tell of torture and warrantless wiretaps; they show a relentless arrogation of power and abrogation of what were thought to be solid constitutional principles. In these books, apocalyptic delusions got us into Iraq and misjudgments have helped keep us there. The picture that emerges is so bleak that even serious journalists and scholars sometimes veer toward conspiracy theories.
After much soul searching over our recent past, I do wonder if we, collectively as a nation, can recover. Will the world ever forgive us for the arrogance and stupidity of a few? It was, after all, just that that lead us here in the first place. The arrogance of the executive branch to shove our troops into the fire without ever knowing the enemy, the stupidity of their actions, the tortures, the occupation of an innocent country, the lies and fabrications that brought down more than a once great nation. It toppled our Constitution as well.
I do not look to the future and see peace. I see more of the same. I see this country back sliding so far and so fast, I don't believe there is a way out. We have slid back past the days of our first King George and smacked into the Salem witch trials. What can we do to stop this descent?
We can take a lesson from history maybe. You do remember how the Salem witch trials were stopped... don't you?
Saturday, September 29, 2007
War is Hell
He was one of America's first defenders on Sept. 11, 2001, a Marine who pulled burned bodies from the ruins of the Pentagon. He saw more horrors in Kuwait and Iraq.
Today, he can't keep a job, pay his bills, or chase thoughts of suicide from his tortured brain. In a few weeks, he may lose his house, too.
Gamal Awad, the American son of a Sudanese immigrant, exemplifies an emerging group of war veterans: the economic casualties.
More than in past wars, many wounded troops are coming home alive from the Middle East. That's a triumph for military medicine. But they often return hobbled by prolonged physical and mental injuries from homemade bombs and the unremitting anxiety of fighting a hidden enemy along blurred battle lines. Treatment, recovery and retraining often can't be assured quickly or cheaply.
These troops are just starting to seek help in large numbers, more than 185,000 so far. But the cost of their benefits is already testing resources set aside by government and threatening the future of these wounded veterans for decades to come, say economists and veterans' groups.
"The wounded and their families no longer trust that the government will take care of them the way they thought they'd be taken care of," says veterans advocate Mary Ellen Salzano.
How does a war veteran expect to be treated? "As a hero," she says.
And this is the way we "support our troops." This is a shame. Our government who happily collects our tax dollars as pay, no longer represent us. They stand for, they support their special interests and wealthy friends.
A longer break for these brave troops was shot down by the idiot who bellows and coined the phrase, "support the troops." The idiot and his supporters pointed at the left and called us traitors and anti-American, yet, it is we who see the injustice here. It is we who see the pain and suffering. They see dollar signs.
My friend Stram over at 12 Seats has a live troll who is one of the last of the true bushies. He still name calls and let's face it, he's an idiot too. He called me a moron. Why? Because I said McCain was one of his and he said, "McCains a liberal you moron." These jackasses vote! Scares the hell out of me!
My point about Hank... I mean anonymous... is that he will read this and not see the true meaning. He will shrug and utter, "war is hell you moron."
Hell is spending hundreds of billions of dollars to blow up innocent Iraqi's yet refusing to care for the wounded soldiers who do nothing more than their commander in chief asks.
Every morning, Awad needs to think of a reason not to kill himself.
He can't even look at the framed photograph that shows him accepting a Marine heroism medal for his recovery work at the Pentagon after the terrorist attack.
It might remind him of a burned woman whose skin peeled off in his hands when he tried to comfort her.
He tries not to hear the shrieking rockets of Iraq either, smell the burning fuel, or relive the blast that blew him right out of bed.
The memories come steamrolling back anyway.
"Nothing can turn off those things," he says, voice choked and eyes glistening.
Today, he can't keep a job, pay his bills, or chase thoughts of suicide from his tortured brain. In a few weeks, he may lose his house, too.
Gamal Awad, the American son of a Sudanese immigrant, exemplifies an emerging group of war veterans: the economic casualties.
More than in past wars, many wounded troops are coming home alive from the Middle East. That's a triumph for military medicine. But they often return hobbled by prolonged physical and mental injuries from homemade bombs and the unremitting anxiety of fighting a hidden enemy along blurred battle lines. Treatment, recovery and retraining often can't be assured quickly or cheaply.
These troops are just starting to seek help in large numbers, more than 185,000 so far. But the cost of their benefits is already testing resources set aside by government and threatening the future of these wounded veterans for decades to come, say economists and veterans' groups.
"The wounded and their families no longer trust that the government will take care of them the way they thought they'd be taken care of," says veterans advocate Mary Ellen Salzano.
How does a war veteran expect to be treated? "As a hero," she says.
And this is the way we "support our troops." This is a shame. Our government who happily collects our tax dollars as pay, no longer represent us. They stand for, they support their special interests and wealthy friends.
A longer break for these brave troops was shot down by the idiot who bellows and coined the phrase, "support the troops." The idiot and his supporters pointed at the left and called us traitors and anti-American, yet, it is we who see the injustice here. It is we who see the pain and suffering. They see dollar signs.
My friend Stram over at 12 Seats has a live troll who is one of the last of the true bushies. He still name calls and let's face it, he's an idiot too. He called me a moron. Why? Because I said McCain was one of his and he said, "McCains a liberal you moron." These jackasses vote! Scares the hell out of me!
My point about Hank... I mean anonymous... is that he will read this and not see the true meaning. He will shrug and utter, "war is hell you moron."
Hell is spending hundreds of billions of dollars to blow up innocent Iraqi's yet refusing to care for the wounded soldiers who do nothing more than their commander in chief asks.
Every morning, Awad needs to think of a reason not to kill himself.
He can't even look at the framed photograph that shows him accepting a Marine heroism medal for his recovery work at the Pentagon after the terrorist attack.
It might remind him of a burned woman whose skin peeled off in his hands when he tried to comfort her.
He tries not to hear the shrieking rockets of Iraq either, smell the burning fuel, or relive the blast that blew him right out of bed.
The memories come steamrolling back anyway.
"Nothing can turn off those things," he says, voice choked and eyes glistening.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Word!
Cuba's foreign minister walked out of the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday in protest of President Bush's speech in which he said the "long rule of a cruel dictator is nearing its end" on the communist island.
The Cuban delegation issued a statement saying the decision by Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque to leave was a "sign of profound rejection of the arrogant and mediocre statement by President Bush."
In his speech, Bush looked ahead to a Cuba no longer ruled by Fidel Castro, the ailing 81-year-old leader who has not appeared in public in more than a year, since ceding power to a provisional government headed by his brother Raul.
"In Cuba, the long rule of a cruel dictator is nearing its end," Bush said. "The Cuban people are ready for their freedom. And as that nation enters a period of transition, the United Nations must insist on free speech, free assembly and, ultimately, free and competitive elections."
Cuba's U.N. Mission said the American president had no moral standing to criticize anyone.
It accused Bush of responsibility "for the murder of over 600,000 civilians in Iraq" and for "the torture of prisoners" at the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where more than 300 men are being held on suspicion of terrorism or links to al-Qaida or the Taliban.
"He is a criminal and has no moral authority or credibility to judge any other country," the mission's statement said. "Cuba condemns and rejects every letter of his infamous tirade."
I don't think I need to say anything else here.
The Cuban delegation issued a statement saying the decision by Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque to leave was a "sign of profound rejection of the arrogant and mediocre statement by President Bush."
In his speech, Bush looked ahead to a Cuba no longer ruled by Fidel Castro, the ailing 81-year-old leader who has not appeared in public in more than a year, since ceding power to a provisional government headed by his brother Raul.
"In Cuba, the long rule of a cruel dictator is nearing its end," Bush said. "The Cuban people are ready for their freedom. And as that nation enters a period of transition, the United Nations must insist on free speech, free assembly and, ultimately, free and competitive elections."
Cuba's U.N. Mission said the American president had no moral standing to criticize anyone.
It accused Bush of responsibility "for the murder of over 600,000 civilians in Iraq" and for "the torture of prisoners" at the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where more than 300 men are being held on suspicion of terrorism or links to al-Qaida or the Taliban.
"He is a criminal and has no moral authority or credibility to judge any other country," the mission's statement said. "Cuba condemns and rejects every letter of his infamous tirade."
I don't think I need to say anything else here.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Moveon Bush
The spoiled war mongering, oil thirsty king rants on and on about any differences of opinion. He stamps his little feet and throws himself on the floor, holding his breath if someone disagrees with his murderous, lying rampage. We know this, its no secret. Yet, we all know, it's gone too far.
The stragglers on the right, drool when the king speaks believing every lie that spews from it's foul mouth. The rest of us just stand in awe of it all.
The latest of these is the kings calling Moveon.orgs advertisement that criticized the top U.S. commander in Iraq was "disgusting." Well of course it was! The truth about this idiot king and his henchmen is always disgusting. Truthful, none-the-less.
It boggles the mind how anyone out there isn't screaming and marching up to the white house. It scares me that thirty percent of Americans still think the Iraqi's are terrorists and they still believe this is a just war and they still bow to their master, the almighty dollar and, mind you, do this all in the name of God.
Now, here's the ad. Moveon has backed every statement they make with links, proof, documentation and not the manufactured type like king shrub used to get us into this living hell, using the constitution as a fire starter.
Are they wrong? Are we done listening to his babble? Are we fed up with the lies, spins and name calling yet?
I'm sorry if I sound bitter and sarcastic. It is, unfortunately, how I feel. I, for one, have had enough.
The stragglers on the right, drool when the king speaks believing every lie that spews from it's foul mouth. The rest of us just stand in awe of it all.
The latest of these is the kings calling Moveon.orgs advertisement that criticized the top U.S. commander in Iraq was "disgusting." Well of course it was! The truth about this idiot king and his henchmen is always disgusting. Truthful, none-the-less.
It boggles the mind how anyone out there isn't screaming and marching up to the white house. It scares me that thirty percent of Americans still think the Iraqi's are terrorists and they still believe this is a just war and they still bow to their master, the almighty dollar and, mind you, do this all in the name of God.
Now, here's the ad. Moveon has backed every statement they make with links, proof, documentation and not the manufactured type like king shrub used to get us into this living hell, using the constitution as a fire starter.
Are they wrong? Are we done listening to his babble? Are we fed up with the lies, spins and name calling yet?
I'm sorry if I sound bitter and sarcastic. It is, unfortunately, how I feel. I, for one, have had enough.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
The Constitution According to McCain
Sen. James Webb has offered an amendment to the annual defense bill that would mandate that troops get a home stay as long as their last combat tour of duty before they can be shipped out again. John McCain has tried to shoot down this rather sensible idea with the claim that the Constitution does not allow Congress to do that.
"Where in the Constitution of the United States does it say that the Congress decides how long people spend on tours of duty and how long they would spend back in the United States? It's blatantly unconstitutional."
Well, I'm not a scholar, but I know how to read. In Article 2, Section 8:
The Congress shall have power to... [long list] To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces.
Call me crazy, but it looks to me like Congress has the power to make just about any sort of rule or regulation it wants regarding the military. Of course, the significance of this battle goes far beyond the particular question of mandating tours of duty. This administration and its supporters effectively maintain that Congress only has an "ON/OFF" switch when it comes to making war. Once Congress declares a war, the argument goes, it's only way to rein in the executive branch is to completely cut off spending. (Of course, they know this is politically almost impossible.)
In fact, if you take the trouble to read the Constitution you can see the Congress is given pretty broad power over the military. And it makes perfect sense. Having thrown off one king, why would the Founders have wanted to create another one? Granted, the religious right beg to differ...
"Where in the Constitution of the United States does it say that the Congress decides how long people spend on tours of duty and how long they would spend back in the United States? It's blatantly unconstitutional."
Well, I'm not a scholar, but I know how to read. In Article 2, Section 8:
The Congress shall have power to... [long list] To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces.
Call me crazy, but it looks to me like Congress has the power to make just about any sort of rule or regulation it wants regarding the military. Of course, the significance of this battle goes far beyond the particular question of mandating tours of duty. This administration and its supporters effectively maintain that Congress only has an "ON/OFF" switch when it comes to making war. Once Congress declares a war, the argument goes, it's only way to rein in the executive branch is to completely cut off spending. (Of course, they know this is politically almost impossible.)
In fact, if you take the trouble to read the Constitution you can see the Congress is given pretty broad power over the military. And it makes perfect sense. Having thrown off one king, why would the Founders have wanted to create another one? Granted, the religious right beg to differ...
Monday, September 17, 2007
Standing Up?
This is going to be interesting to watch.
We all remember the "they stand up and we'll stand down" proclamation by Bush, right? I always thought that a spin sentiment rather than a truism. How can a government stand up while still being occupied and controlled by the military and government of another country? So, if you think about it, that statement is nothing more than than a typical lie-spin to appease the doubters.
Now, throw in the monkey wretch.
The Iraqi government said Monday that it was revoking the license of an American security firm accused of involvement in the deaths of eight civilians in a firefight that followed a car bomb explosion near a State Department motorcade.
The Interior Ministry said it would prosecute any foreign contractors found to have used excessive force in the Sunday shooting. It was latest accusation against the U.S.-contracted firms that operate with little or no supervision and are widely disliked by Iraqis who resent their speeding motorcades and forceful behavior.
Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul-Karim Khalaf said eight civilians were killed and 13 were wounded when contractors believed to be working for Blackwater USA opened fire in a predominantly Sunni neighborhood of western Baghdad.
"We have canceled the license of Blackwater and prevented them from working all over Iraqi territory. We will also refer those involved to Iraqi judicial authorities," Khalaf said.
I now eagerly await the fall out of this one. My personal guess is the Interior Ministry will suddenly change their mind and reinstate the license, maybe a nice little kiss on the cheek, pat on the ass and it'll be back to business as usual.
I hope for that not to happen. I hope that they do stand up to the evil empire and throw our asses out of their bloodied country. I hope that the bushies eventually wake up and smell the gunpowder and see the death and destruction they have wrought. I hope their conscience haunts them for all eternity.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Truth In Advertising
My husband and I took a little road trip through Jerome and into Sedona. The ride was stunning though littered with "Vote for so and so" signs. It's an election year, so this is to expected. What wasn't was the elimination of one thing. Democrat and Republican.
Two years ago each displayed their party affiliation proudly. Now, "Republican" is like a bad word, not to be uttered in public. Considering "Truth in Advertising" I suggest we completely do away with party affiliation and just go with "For the people" and "In it for the cash Baby!"
I'm certainly not saying that all democrats are great and all republicans are bad. Though, I've yet to find a sane and rational republican... there has to be one, right?
I just think that if you're so proud to be something, anything, display it. Don't hide it, especially from voters. For example, If Bush ran again it should be labeled "Asshole" and Cheney, if he chooses to run for anything should be labeled "Anti-Christ". Got anything better?
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Oui ou Non?
It's become an American obsession, more evil than Bin Laden, more deadly than the republican party. What could this be? Smokers.
In most states there has been blanket no smoking laws. I can't speak for all states but New York state was blanketed without a vote. Now, I know, I know it's bad for you and second hand smoke is evil and the smell of smoke and smokers are disgusting. It's a bad habit, I know.
My question is, is it right for the government to tell a business owner what he can and can not do?
Before this law, one could walk up to two restaurants. One bragging on the door in large bold letters "NO SMOKING" the other "SMOKERS WELCOME". The patron had a right, like the business owner to choose. Now, we and they do not.
Granted, I know smoking is bad for you. But for one moment, consider this. I have a friend, an owner of a bar in Lake Placid. It's a sports bar and the majority of his business is local customers. Now, enter the no smoking law. My friend is going out of business and in need of filing his chapter 11. Is this right?
I do agree that restaurants who cater to children and malls and such should be non-smoking. But should we take away the right of the business owner and the patrons right to choose?
Whether I smoke or not, is not the issue here. My point being, the air we breath is toxic, or at the very least borderline. Remember in first grade when the teacher told you that you're breathing the same air as the dinosaurs? Well, it's all still relevant. Nuclear testing. Atomic testing. White Phosphorous (being used in Iraq to kill the bad-evil brown people). It doesn't go away. It's all still there and we are all breathing it. If one is so afraid of the air they breath, then why not stop that too. Or, my personal favorite, make the right stop talking - foul air and all...
I think, and this is just MHO, that we have no right forcing a private business owner into bankruptcy for the offended few.
Thoughts?
In most states there has been blanket no smoking laws. I can't speak for all states but New York state was blanketed without a vote. Now, I know, I know it's bad for you and second hand smoke is evil and the smell of smoke and smokers are disgusting. It's a bad habit, I know.
My question is, is it right for the government to tell a business owner what he can and can not do?
Before this law, one could walk up to two restaurants. One bragging on the door in large bold letters "NO SMOKING" the other "SMOKERS WELCOME". The patron had a right, like the business owner to choose. Now, we and they do not.
Granted, I know smoking is bad for you. But for one moment, consider this. I have a friend, an owner of a bar in Lake Placid. It's a sports bar and the majority of his business is local customers. Now, enter the no smoking law. My friend is going out of business and in need of filing his chapter 11. Is this right?
I do agree that restaurants who cater to children and malls and such should be non-smoking. But should we take away the right of the business owner and the patrons right to choose?
Whether I smoke or not, is not the issue here. My point being, the air we breath is toxic, or at the very least borderline. Remember in first grade when the teacher told you that you're breathing the same air as the dinosaurs? Well, it's all still relevant. Nuclear testing. Atomic testing. White Phosphorous (being used in Iraq to kill the bad-evil brown people). It doesn't go away. It's all still there and we are all breathing it. If one is so afraid of the air they breath, then why not stop that too. Or, my personal favorite, make the right stop talking - foul air and all...
I think, and this is just MHO, that we have no right forcing a private business owner into bankruptcy for the offended few.
Thoughts?
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Why?
The right insists that the left hates the troops. Nothing could be farther from the truth. However, reports such as these are disturbing. More than disturbing. They are, in my humble opinion, actions of hate and fear. A hatred and fear that has been instilled into the hearts of many Americans.
How many soldiers honestly believe they are fighting the orchestraters of 9-11? How many of the these men and women would not normally commit such atrocities under normal circumstances?
The documents, released by the American Civil Liberties Union ahead of a lawsuit, total nearly 10,000 pages of courts-martial summaries, transcripts and military investigative reports about 22 incidents. They show repeated examples of soldiers believing they were within the law when they killed local citizens.
The killings include the drowning of a man soldiers pushed from a bridge into the Tigris River as punishment for breaking curfew, and the suffocation during interrogation of a former Iraqi general believed to be helping insurgents.
Chief Warrant Officer Lewis Welshofer was convicted of negligent homicide in the death of Maj. Gen. Abed Hamed Mowhoush following a January 2006 court-martial that received wide media attention due to possible CIA involvement in the interrogation.
But even after his conviction, Welshofer insisted his actions were appropriate and standard, documents show.
"The simple fact of the matter is interrogation is supposed to be stressful or you will get no information," Welshofer wrote in a letter to the court asking for clemency. "To put it another way, an interrogation without stress is not an interrogation — it is a conversation."
Welshofer said in the same letter that he was "within the appropriate constraints that both the rules of law, and just as importantly — duty, imposed on me."
Considered against recent cases, including soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division convicted of killing detainees in Samarra, Iraq, last year and the ongoing courts-martial of Marines accused of killing 24 civilians in Haditha, these new examples shed light on the frequency soldiers and Marines may disregard the rules of war.
Nasrina Bargzie, an attorney with the ACLU's National Security Project, said the documents also show that theres an abundance of information being withheld from public scrutiny.
"The government has gone out of its way to hide the human cost of this war," Bargzie said. Releasing the documents now "paints at least a part of that picture so people at least know what's going on," she said.
The lawsuit seeks to compel the military to produce all documents related to all incidents of civilian deaths at the hands of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan since January 2005. The ACLU contends the materials are releasable under federal law.
The Defense Department declined to comment on the lawsuit until it could review its claims.
Among the files released to the ACLU were the court-martial records for two soldiers convicted of assault in the drowning of a man pushed into the Tigris for violating curfew and three soldiers convicted in the "mercy killing" of an injured teenager in Sadr City.
The teen had been severely injured; one soldier explained that he shot and killed the teen "to take him out of his misery."
Other killings included:
• A man shot after a search of his home near Balad uncovered illegal weapons and anti-American literature. Immediately after the shooting, according to testimony, Sgt. 1st Class George Diaz, who was convicted of unpremeditated murder, said, "I'm going to hell for this." Diaz also was convicted of mistreating a teenage detainee when he forced the youth to hold a smoke grenade with the pin pulled as Diaz questioned him at gunpoint.
• A suspected insurgent in Iraq by Staff Sgt. Shane Werst, who said the man appeared to be reaching for a weapon. Werst was acquitted of murder despite acknowledging he had fired and then planted a chrome Iraqi pistol on the suspect to make his claim of self defense more believable.
In a previously unreported case, Pfc. James Combs was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for shooting an Iraqi woman from a guard tower in what he claimed was an accident, though court documents and testimony indicate his weapon was set to fire multiple shots despite a regulation advising against such a setting.
Another previously undisclosed case involved Sgt. Ricky Burke, who was charged with murder for killing a wounded man alongside the road following a firefight. Staff Sgt. Timothy Nein, a member of Burke's military police company, testified he heard Burke say before the shooting, "It's payback time."
Burke, a member of the Kentucky National Guard, was found not guilty of the charges that stemmed from the same battle that led to the first woman since World War II being awarded the Silver Star.
My question is why? Why do they feel that these crimes are right or justified? What have we done? This is not a war on terror. This is a war for terror.
One would certainly think that if 9/11 taught us anything it was what it feels like to be hated for who you are, for what you are. It is sad that many still don't get it.
How many soldiers honestly believe they are fighting the orchestraters of 9-11? How many of the these men and women would not normally commit such atrocities under normal circumstances?
The documents, released by the American Civil Liberties Union ahead of a lawsuit, total nearly 10,000 pages of courts-martial summaries, transcripts and military investigative reports about 22 incidents. They show repeated examples of soldiers believing they were within the law when they killed local citizens.
The killings include the drowning of a man soldiers pushed from a bridge into the Tigris River as punishment for breaking curfew, and the suffocation during interrogation of a former Iraqi general believed to be helping insurgents.
Chief Warrant Officer Lewis Welshofer was convicted of negligent homicide in the death of Maj. Gen. Abed Hamed Mowhoush following a January 2006 court-martial that received wide media attention due to possible CIA involvement in the interrogation.
But even after his conviction, Welshofer insisted his actions were appropriate and standard, documents show.
"The simple fact of the matter is interrogation is supposed to be stressful or you will get no information," Welshofer wrote in a letter to the court asking for clemency. "To put it another way, an interrogation without stress is not an interrogation — it is a conversation."
Welshofer said in the same letter that he was "within the appropriate constraints that both the rules of law, and just as importantly — duty, imposed on me."
Considered against recent cases, including soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division convicted of killing detainees in Samarra, Iraq, last year and the ongoing courts-martial of Marines accused of killing 24 civilians in Haditha, these new examples shed light on the frequency soldiers and Marines may disregard the rules of war.
Nasrina Bargzie, an attorney with the ACLU's National Security Project, said the documents also show that theres an abundance of information being withheld from public scrutiny.
"The government has gone out of its way to hide the human cost of this war," Bargzie said. Releasing the documents now "paints at least a part of that picture so people at least know what's going on," she said.
The lawsuit seeks to compel the military to produce all documents related to all incidents of civilian deaths at the hands of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan since January 2005. The ACLU contends the materials are releasable under federal law.
The Defense Department declined to comment on the lawsuit until it could review its claims.
Among the files released to the ACLU were the court-martial records for two soldiers convicted of assault in the drowning of a man pushed into the Tigris for violating curfew and three soldiers convicted in the "mercy killing" of an injured teenager in Sadr City.
The teen had been severely injured; one soldier explained that he shot and killed the teen "to take him out of his misery."
Other killings included:
• A man shot after a search of his home near Balad uncovered illegal weapons and anti-American literature. Immediately after the shooting, according to testimony, Sgt. 1st Class George Diaz, who was convicted of unpremeditated murder, said, "I'm going to hell for this." Diaz also was convicted of mistreating a teenage detainee when he forced the youth to hold a smoke grenade with the pin pulled as Diaz questioned him at gunpoint.
• A suspected insurgent in Iraq by Staff Sgt. Shane Werst, who said the man appeared to be reaching for a weapon. Werst was acquitted of murder despite acknowledging he had fired and then planted a chrome Iraqi pistol on the suspect to make his claim of self defense more believable.
In a previously unreported case, Pfc. James Combs was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for shooting an Iraqi woman from a guard tower in what he claimed was an accident, though court documents and testimony indicate his weapon was set to fire multiple shots despite a regulation advising against such a setting.
Another previously undisclosed case involved Sgt. Ricky Burke, who was charged with murder for killing a wounded man alongside the road following a firefight. Staff Sgt. Timothy Nein, a member of Burke's military police company, testified he heard Burke say before the shooting, "It's payback time."
Burke, a member of the Kentucky National Guard, was found not guilty of the charges that stemmed from the same battle that led to the first woman since World War II being awarded the Silver Star.
My question is why? Why do they feel that these crimes are right or justified? What have we done? This is not a war on terror. This is a war for terror.
One would certainly think that if 9/11 taught us anything it was what it feels like to be hated for who you are, for what you are. It is sad that many still don't get it.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Mirror Ignored
I read this, in complete and utter disbelief.
Plans by a Christian group to send an evangelical video game to U.S. troops in Iraq were abruptly halted yesterday by the Department of Defense after ABC News inquired about the program.
Operation Start Up (OSU) Tour, an evangelical entertainment troupe that actively proselytizes among soldiers, will not be sending the "apocryphal" video game in care packages as planned, according to the department.
Let's forget that "separation of church and state" thing for a minute and think about this. The premise of this game is to "convert" or kill.
"It's a horrible game," said the Rev. Timothy Simpson of the Christians Alliance for Progress. "You either kill or covert the other side. This is exactly what the Osama bin Ladens of the world have portrayed us."
Poor Rev Tim, like he and all of the rest of the religions right, they feed upon the lies of a corrupt administration. Hopefully, I am not the only one who sees the irony of the poor mans statement.
Sadly, this is what they think. This is the mentality of the bushites. They see fear and hatred for anything that just might be different without ever seeing themselves. What must these self important people think of Bush bringing "democracy to the Middle East"? That's good right?
What about "Thou shalt not kill.."? Did the religious right leaders feel the need to add "unless the son-of-a-bitch is different than you?" Or what about "judge not"? was the final phrase added to that too?
What about U.S. soldiers that are atheists? Muslim? Jewish? Must our lovely government ignore their religious, or non beliefs as well? Is there truly no end to this hypocrisy?
Plans by a Christian group to send an evangelical video game to U.S. troops in Iraq were abruptly halted yesterday by the Department of Defense after ABC News inquired about the program.
Operation Start Up (OSU) Tour, an evangelical entertainment troupe that actively proselytizes among soldiers, will not be sending the "apocryphal" video game in care packages as planned, according to the department.
Let's forget that "separation of church and state" thing for a minute and think about this. The premise of this game is to "convert" or kill.
"It's a horrible game," said the Rev. Timothy Simpson of the Christians Alliance for Progress. "You either kill or covert the other side. This is exactly what the Osama bin Ladens of the world have portrayed us."
Poor Rev Tim, like he and all of the rest of the religions right, they feed upon the lies of a corrupt administration. Hopefully, I am not the only one who sees the irony of the poor mans statement.
Sadly, this is what they think. This is the mentality of the bushites. They see fear and hatred for anything that just might be different without ever seeing themselves. What must these self important people think of Bush bringing "democracy to the Middle East"? That's good right?
What about "Thou shalt not kill.."? Did the religious right leaders feel the need to add "unless the son-of-a-bitch is different than you?" Or what about "judge not"? was the final phrase added to that too?
What about U.S. soldiers that are atheists? Muslim? Jewish? Must our lovely government ignore their religious, or non beliefs as well? Is there truly no end to this hypocrisy?
Friday, August 31, 2007
One Giant Leap for Mankind
It's been a long time sinse I have read something that made me happy dance about my living room. This had me doing a jig with glee!
Iowa stepped up to the plate and smacked the racist ball out of the park.
An Iowa district court ruled Thursday that same-sex couples can marry based on the state constitution's guarantee of equal treatment, court documents show.
The ruling was in response to a December 2005 lawsuit brought by six same-sex couples seeking to wed. They were denied marriage licenses and claimed such treatment violates equal-protection and due-process clauses in the Iowa constitution.
The court also struck down a state law declaring valid marriages are only between a man and woman.
The Iowa District Court for Polk County advances the case to the Iowa Supreme Court which will make a final decision on same-sex marriage, according to Lambda Legal, a gay and lesbian legal organization representing the couples.
The 63-page ruling, written by Judge Robert Hanson states: "Couples, such as plaintiffs, who are otherwise qualified to marry one another may not be denied licenses to marry or certificates of marriage or in any other way prevented from entering into a civil marriage pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 595 by reason of the fact that both persons compromising such a couple are of the same sex."
The law describing marriage as between a man and a woman, "constitutes the most intrusive means by the state to regulate marriage. This statute is an absolute prohibition on the ability of gay and lesbian individuals to marry a person of their choosing," Hanson wrote.
My son wrote a song that has the line, "Personality is all that I see." That one line sums up my hope for the world. Can you imagine a world where we didn't see color, religion - or even the lack of, sexuality, nationality? The world would not be perfect, but it would be wonderful!
I am hoping that the rest of the states embrace what is left of the Constitution and follows suit. I am hoping that is truly a "giant leap for mankind."
A toast to Iowa!
Iowa stepped up to the plate and smacked the racist ball out of the park.
An Iowa district court ruled Thursday that same-sex couples can marry based on the state constitution's guarantee of equal treatment, court documents show.
The ruling was in response to a December 2005 lawsuit brought by six same-sex couples seeking to wed. They were denied marriage licenses and claimed such treatment violates equal-protection and due-process clauses in the Iowa constitution.
The court also struck down a state law declaring valid marriages are only between a man and woman.
The Iowa District Court for Polk County advances the case to the Iowa Supreme Court which will make a final decision on same-sex marriage, according to Lambda Legal, a gay and lesbian legal organization representing the couples.
The 63-page ruling, written by Judge Robert Hanson states: "Couples, such as plaintiffs, who are otherwise qualified to marry one another may not be denied licenses to marry or certificates of marriage or in any other way prevented from entering into a civil marriage pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 595 by reason of the fact that both persons compromising such a couple are of the same sex."
The law describing marriage as between a man and a woman, "constitutes the most intrusive means by the state to regulate marriage. This statute is an absolute prohibition on the ability of gay and lesbian individuals to marry a person of their choosing," Hanson wrote.
My son wrote a song that has the line, "Personality is all that I see." That one line sums up my hope for the world. Can you imagine a world where we didn't see color, religion - or even the lack of, sexuality, nationality? The world would not be perfect, but it would be wonderful!
I am hoping that the rest of the states embrace what is left of the Constitution and follows suit. I am hoping that is truly a "giant leap for mankind."
A toast to Iowa!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
War Oil Treason - The Real WOT
In the last few days, amid Craig news, we have been beaten with the "Benchmarks" that the Iraqi government has failed to achieve. Three out of eighteen were. Bush is demanding, without yet seeing this report, that we give his "surge" more time to work. He's also demanding another 50 billion (yep! That's dollars) for his little war, all the while eyeing Iran.
With that in mind, think about this little benchmark:
Allow two-thirds of Iraq’s oil fields to be developed by private oil corporations. In contrast, the oil industry has been nationalized in every other major Middle Eastern producer for over 30 years.
Place governing decisions over oil in a new body known as the Iraqi Federal Oil and Gas Council, which may include foreign oil companies;
Open the door for foreign oil companies to lock up decades-long deals now, when the Iraqi government is at its weakest.
Ah the pivotal benchmark that has not been met!
We are not at war with Iraq. That now is certain. We are holding them hostage. And, with Iran years from a nuclear weapon, no wonder Bush is eyeing them so closely and taking every opportunity to point at Iran and blame. No nukes and lots of oil!
The left has insisted this war was not a war of terror, but a war for oil. We have been called anti-American. We have been been told we hate the troops and do not support them. We have been laughed at and ridiculed. Even though, we were absolutely right.
If you think about it, the only ones Bush and Co. has been able to hold hostage with his wars and his fear mongering are the right wings that, unfortunately, help occupy this country.
With that in mind, think about this little benchmark:
Allow two-thirds of Iraq’s oil fields to be developed by private oil corporations. In contrast, the oil industry has been nationalized in every other major Middle Eastern producer for over 30 years.
Place governing decisions over oil in a new body known as the Iraqi Federal Oil and Gas Council, which may include foreign oil companies;
Open the door for foreign oil companies to lock up decades-long deals now, when the Iraqi government is at its weakest.
Ah the pivotal benchmark that has not been met!
We are not at war with Iraq. That now is certain. We are holding them hostage. And, with Iran years from a nuclear weapon, no wonder Bush is eyeing them so closely and taking every opportunity to point at Iran and blame. No nukes and lots of oil!
The left has insisted this war was not a war of terror, but a war for oil. We have been called anti-American. We have been been told we hate the troops and do not support them. We have been laughed at and ridiculed. Even though, we were absolutely right.
If you think about it, the only ones Bush and Co. has been able to hold hostage with his wars and his fear mongering are the right wings that, unfortunately, help occupy this country.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
To Tell the Truth... or Not?
I got the biggest kick out of this article and then felt compelled to share.
The big question for today’s ex-stoners: Should I tell my kid that I’ve gotten high?
I spent six years in the Navy, enlisted at seventeen. My mother, who was a saint (just ask here, she'll tell you all about it!) So, at seventeen, coming from a drinking and smoking (cigarettes) family and being told "Don't do drugs! They will make you loopy." I enlisted and breezed through boot camp (Dad was obsessive compulsive) then it was off to air crew school. I was one of seven children - smack dab in the middle to be exact. I was a mousy child, quiet (stop laughing) shy and reserved. Then I graduated.
Feeling like I had spent my entire life under a thumb, I was now, finally free with a massive ego to boot. If anyone out there thinks I was an angel, think again.
My roommate and best friend rented a little house right on Pensacola beach and I bought an older Porche 911, mint green. I was seventeen.
Now, let's fast forward. I have two sons that thanks to their disappearing dad, I raised alone. I was three months pregnant with my youngest when he split. My oldest, now a coasty, took life in stride. He never questioned, helped, got great grades and was never a moments problem. My youngest (and my retirement plan) questioned everything. He wasn't a disciplinary problem by any stretch of the imagination. But he was inquisitive and asked about my "pre-parental" life. He asked about his cocaine addicted father and several other almost embarrassing, probing questions.
Well, here's the question. What would you do if your child asked you straight out if you ever smoked pot? Anything harder? Would you lie? Would you tell the truth? I know what I did.
The big question for today’s ex-stoners: Should I tell my kid that I’ve gotten high?
I spent six years in the Navy, enlisted at seventeen. My mother, who was a saint (just ask here, she'll tell you all about it!) So, at seventeen, coming from a drinking and smoking (cigarettes) family and being told "Don't do drugs! They will make you loopy." I enlisted and breezed through boot camp (Dad was obsessive compulsive) then it was off to air crew school. I was one of seven children - smack dab in the middle to be exact. I was a mousy child, quiet (stop laughing) shy and reserved. Then I graduated.
Feeling like I had spent my entire life under a thumb, I was now, finally free with a massive ego to boot. If anyone out there thinks I was an angel, think again.
My roommate and best friend rented a little house right on Pensacola beach and I bought an older Porche 911, mint green. I was seventeen.
Now, let's fast forward. I have two sons that thanks to their disappearing dad, I raised alone. I was three months pregnant with my youngest when he split. My oldest, now a coasty, took life in stride. He never questioned, helped, got great grades and was never a moments problem. My youngest (and my retirement plan) questioned everything. He wasn't a disciplinary problem by any stretch of the imagination. But he was inquisitive and asked about my "pre-parental" life. He asked about his cocaine addicted father and several other almost embarrassing, probing questions.
Well, here's the question. What would you do if your child asked you straight out if you ever smoked pot? Anything harder? Would you lie? Would you tell the truth? I know what I did.
Poems from Gitmo
Housed at Guantanamo Bay, are a group of people, enemy combatants is what this administration likes to call them. I prefer people. Some are just poor farm workers that were in the wrong place at the wrong time, some were sold. It's a known fact that the U.S. offered cash money to those who would point out a "terrorist".
Many of these people have been incarcerated for as many as five years, never being charged, never allowed council. No hope, no future, just growing anger and resentment, fear, torture.
Their future is bleak and their forgiveness of an arrogant nation almost non existent.
This is about seventeen of those "enemy combatants."
Freedom is spent, time is up –
Tears have rent my sorrow's cup;
Home is cage, and cage is steel,
Thus manifest reality's unreal.
Moazzam Begg
This is a poem written by one of seventeen poets residing at Gitmo. A thin book has emerged containing poetry written by these detainees.
Most are refused pen and paper, some of these poets took to using pebbles to scratch words on a Styrofoam cup.
For years, the Pentagon refused to declassify any of the writing.
They described poems as "a special risk", because they could contain coded messages.
The passages in Poems from Guantanamo were cleared before the Pentagon realised they would wind up in a book.
Falkoff, who is also the editor of the book, said the Pentagon has refused to clear any additional poems in the last year or so.
He said: "We believe that they've made an effort just to keep this book from coming into print."
Commander JD Gordan, a Pentagon spokesman, said the detainees "have attempted to use this medium as merely another tool in their battle of ideas against Western democracies".
(snip)
Take my blood,
Take my death shroud and
the remnants of my body.
Take photographs of my corpse at the grave, lonely.
Other Guantanamo inmates have used poetry to express their anger with the US government that holds them captive.
Falkoff said: "There's some strong language, though, and I did not excise that. It's included in here."
An excerpt from Humiliated in the Shackles, by al-Haj, reads:
America, you ride on the backs of orphans,
And terrorize them daily.
Bush beware.
The world recognizes an arrogant liar.
These writings give us a rare glimpse into the minds of these detainees. Some have hope, some crave death, some angry, all showing their humanity, their fears and frustration.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Bedtime For Gonzo
"It has been one of my greatest privileges to lead the department of justice."
Alberto Gonzales August 27th 2007
And what a great leader he was!
He lead left leaning US Federal Prosecutors right out of their jobs.
He lead a nation, who prides itself on being moral and just, to redefine torture and not only allow it, embrace it.
He lead that same country to go against all that we stand for by banishing the term "POW" from this disaster that is called the "War on Terror". They, now being referred to as "Enemy Combatants", do not fall under the same rights as Prisoners of War. These "enemies" have no rights.
(Bush) called Gonzales a man of integrity, decency and principle. He said he had been reluctant to accept the resignation, which came after "months of unfair treatment that has created a harmful distraction at the justice department".
He would see it that way... wouldn't he?
So, good bye Gonzo. It's nice to know that you stayed true to the bushies form. You lied, were about to get caught, then bolted and ran for cover. You Helped in the destruction of the American Constitution. You have raped and pillaged every single American right and liberty. You helped the American people feel nice and safe as you sought, and won, to remove every ounce of dignity and privacy they had. You, with your fingerprint on the detainee bill, helped this country become even more hated. You proved to those who didn't like us, that they had solid ground to hate.
Oh, sleep well Gonzo you did the kings bidding and like many before you, paid the price. I certainly hope the pay was worth the destruction of a county.
Sweet dreams, and may you and all of your destructors of human life and democracy rot in hell. May the door hit you squarely in ass on your way out.
Alberto Gonzales August 27th 2007
And what a great leader he was!
He lead left leaning US Federal Prosecutors right out of their jobs.
He lead a nation, who prides itself on being moral and just, to redefine torture and not only allow it, embrace it.
He lead that same country to go against all that we stand for by banishing the term "POW" from this disaster that is called the "War on Terror". They, now being referred to as "Enemy Combatants", do not fall under the same rights as Prisoners of War. These "enemies" have no rights.
(Bush) called Gonzales a man of integrity, decency and principle. He said he had been reluctant to accept the resignation, which came after "months of unfair treatment that has created a harmful distraction at the justice department".
He would see it that way... wouldn't he?
So, good bye Gonzo. It's nice to know that you stayed true to the bushies form. You lied, were about to get caught, then bolted and ran for cover. You Helped in the destruction of the American Constitution. You have raped and pillaged every single American right and liberty. You helped the American people feel nice and safe as you sought, and won, to remove every ounce of dignity and privacy they had. You, with your fingerprint on the detainee bill, helped this country become even more hated. You proved to those who didn't like us, that they had solid ground to hate.
Oh, sleep well Gonzo you did the kings bidding and like many before you, paid the price. I certainly hope the pay was worth the destruction of a county.
Sweet dreams, and may you and all of your destructors of human life and democracy rot in hell. May the door hit you squarely in ass on your way out.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Bushco's War on Terror Report Card
If we are to truly understand the War on Terror and it's effects, we must first understand the word.
Terror:
1 : a state of intense fear
2 a : one that inspires fear : SCOURGE b : a frightening aspect c : a cause of anxiety : WORRY d : an appalling person or thing; especially : BRAT
3 : REIGN OF TERROR
4 : violent or destructive acts (as bombing) committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demand
Now, we have all heard that we Americans are fighting a vital war on terror. We have heard that this war is helping us in our quest for safety.
But, is it?
Bush may not listen to the experts but I think it's a good idea none-the-less. Foreign Policy and the Center for American Progress once again turned to the very people who have run the United States national security apparatus during the past half century. Surveying more than 100 of America’s top foreign-policy experts—Republicans and Democrats alike.
This is what they had to say:
*Six years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, just 29 percent of Americans believe the United States is winning the war on terror—the lowest percentage at any point since 9/11. More than 60 percent of Americans now say that the decision to invade Iraq was a mistake.
*The world these experts see today is one that continues to grow more threatening. Fully 91 percent say the world is becoming more dangerous for Americans and the United States, up 10 percentage points since February. Eighty-four percent do not believe the United States is winning the war on terror, an increase of 9 percentage points from six months ago. More than 80 percent expect a terrorist attack on the scale of 9/11 within a decade, a result that is more or less unchanged from one year ago.
*Nearly every foreign policy of the U.S. government—from domestic surveillance activities and the detention of terrorist suspects at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, to U.S. energy policies and efforts in the Middle East peace process—was sharply criticized by the experts. More than 6 in 10 experts, for instance, believe U.S. energy policies are negatively affecting the country’s national security. The experts were similarly critical of the CIA’s rendition of terrorist suspects to countries known to torture prisoners and the Pentagon’s policy of trying detainees before military tribunals.
*No effort of the U.S. government was more harshly criticized, however, than the war in Iraq. In fact, that conflict appears to be the root cause of the experts’ pessimism about the state of national security. Nearly all—92 percent—of the index’s experts said the war in Iraq negatively affects U.S. national security, an increase of 5 percentage points from a year ago. Negative perceptions of the war in Iraq are shared across the political spectrum, with 84 percent of those who describe themselves as conservative taking a dim view of the war’s impact.
*More than half say the surge is having a negative impact on U.S. national security, up 22 percentage points from just six months ago. This sentiment was shared across party lines, with 64 percent of conservative experts saying the surge is having either a negative impact or no impact at all. When the experts were asked to grade the government’s handling of the Iraq war, the news was even worse. They gave the overall effort in Iraq an average point score of just 2.9 on a 10-point scale. The government’s public diplomacy record was the only policy that scored lower.
These are just snip-its of the entire article. I'd be more that happy to send it to Bush, but I don't think he can read.
Terror:
1 : a state of intense fear
2 a : one that inspires fear : SCOURGE b : a frightening aspect
3 : REIGN OF TERROR
4 : violent or destructive acts (as bombing) committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demand
Now, we have all heard that we Americans are fighting a vital war on terror. We have heard that this war is helping us in our quest for safety.
But, is it?
Bush may not listen to the experts but I think it's a good idea none-the-less. Foreign Policy and the Center for American Progress once again turned to the very people who have run the United States national security apparatus during the past half century. Surveying more than 100 of America’s top foreign-policy experts—Republicans and Democrats alike.
This is what they had to say:
*Six years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, just 29 percent of Americans believe the United States is winning the war on terror—the lowest percentage at any point since 9/11. More than 60 percent of Americans now say that the decision to invade Iraq was a mistake.
*The world these experts see today is one that continues to grow more threatening. Fully 91 percent say the world is becoming more dangerous for Americans and the United States, up 10 percentage points since February. Eighty-four percent do not believe the United States is winning the war on terror, an increase of 9 percentage points from six months ago. More than 80 percent expect a terrorist attack on the scale of 9/11 within a decade, a result that is more or less unchanged from one year ago.
*Nearly every foreign policy of the U.S. government—from domestic surveillance activities and the detention of terrorist suspects at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, to U.S. energy policies and efforts in the Middle East peace process—was sharply criticized by the experts. More than 6 in 10 experts, for instance, believe U.S. energy policies are negatively affecting the country’s national security. The experts were similarly critical of the CIA’s rendition of terrorist suspects to countries known to torture prisoners and the Pentagon’s policy of trying detainees before military tribunals.
*No effort of the U.S. government was more harshly criticized, however, than the war in Iraq. In fact, that conflict appears to be the root cause of the experts’ pessimism about the state of national security. Nearly all—92 percent—of the index’s experts said the war in Iraq negatively affects U.S. national security, an increase of 5 percentage points from a year ago. Negative perceptions of the war in Iraq are shared across the political spectrum, with 84 percent of those who describe themselves as conservative taking a dim view of the war’s impact.
*More than half say the surge is having a negative impact on U.S. national security, up 22 percentage points from just six months ago. This sentiment was shared across party lines, with 64 percent of conservative experts saying the surge is having either a negative impact or no impact at all. When the experts were asked to grade the government’s handling of the Iraq war, the news was even worse. They gave the overall effort in Iraq an average point score of just 2.9 on a 10-point scale. The government’s public diplomacy record was the only policy that scored lower.
These are just snip-its of the entire article. I'd be more that happy to send it to Bush, but I don't think he can read.
King Clueless Spins Again!
WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President George W. Bush insisted Saturday his new war strategy in Iraq showed promise but needed more time to bear fruit as the White House fought to rebuff calls for a withdrawal of US troops.
"We are still in the early stages of our new operations," Bush said in his weekly radio address. "But the success of the past couple of months have shown that conditions on the ground can change -- and they are changing."
In a clear jab at critics demanding a drawdown of US troops, Bush added: "We cannot expect the new strategy we are carrying out to bring success overnight."
Once again, as if a broken record, this man is demanding that we give him more time. More time to do what? Kill innocent Iraqi's? Stretch our troops farther? Stash more oil for blood cash? What exactly?
And once again, we are hearing the "but this is going swimmingly" speech. But, is it?
"We cannot expect the new strategy we are carrying out to bring success overnight."Over night?
Let's see... we invaded, bombed this innocent country last night?
Unfortunately for King Clueless and it's mate, the Iraqi's and the sane beg to differ.
This year's U.S. troop buildup has succeeded in bringing violence in Baghdad down from peak levels, but the death toll from sectarian attacks around the country is running nearly double the pace from a year ago.
Some of the recent bloodshed appears the result of militant fighters drifting into parts of northern Iraq, where they have fled after U.S.-led offensives. Baghdad, however, still accounts for slightly more than half of all war-related killings — the same percentage as a year ago, according to figures compiled by The Associated Press.
The tallies and trends offer a sobering snapshot after an additional 30,000 U.S. troops began campaigns in February to regain control of the Baghdad area. It also highlights one of the major themes expected in next month's Iraq progress report to Congress: some military headway, but extremist factions are far from broken.
In street-level terms, it means life for average Iraqis appears to be even more perilous and unpredictable.
Maybe the right wing-nuts can see the justification here. I can not. Maybe for them, the evil Iraqi's deserve this, after all they did take out the twin towers... right?
How can anyone read the statistics, read the reports written by experts and still continue to follow blindly? Granted he is the least popular president in our history, but he is still perched on the high chair drooling and chanting to the dollar almighty.
Be afraid, be very afraid.
"We are still in the early stages of our new operations," Bush said in his weekly radio address. "But the success of the past couple of months have shown that conditions on the ground can change -- and they are changing."
In a clear jab at critics demanding a drawdown of US troops, Bush added: "We cannot expect the new strategy we are carrying out to bring success overnight."
Once again, as if a broken record, this man is demanding that we give him more time. More time to do what? Kill innocent Iraqi's? Stretch our troops farther? Stash more oil for blood cash? What exactly?
And once again, we are hearing the "but this is going swimmingly" speech. But, is it?
"We cannot expect the new strategy we are carrying out to bring success overnight."Over night?
Let's see... we invaded, bombed this innocent country last night?
Unfortunately for King Clueless and it's mate, the Iraqi's and the sane beg to differ.
This year's U.S. troop buildup has succeeded in bringing violence in Baghdad down from peak levels, but the death toll from sectarian attacks around the country is running nearly double the pace from a year ago.
Some of the recent bloodshed appears the result of militant fighters drifting into parts of northern Iraq, where they have fled after U.S.-led offensives. Baghdad, however, still accounts for slightly more than half of all war-related killings — the same percentage as a year ago, according to figures compiled by The Associated Press.
The tallies and trends offer a sobering snapshot after an additional 30,000 U.S. troops began campaigns in February to regain control of the Baghdad area. It also highlights one of the major themes expected in next month's Iraq progress report to Congress: some military headway, but extremist factions are far from broken.
In street-level terms, it means life for average Iraqis appears to be even more perilous and unpredictable.
Maybe the right wing-nuts can see the justification here. I can not. Maybe for them, the evil Iraqi's deserve this, after all they did take out the twin towers... right?
How can anyone read the statistics, read the reports written by experts and still continue to follow blindly? Granted he is the least popular president in our history, but he is still perched on the high chair drooling and chanting to the dollar almighty.
Be afraid, be very afraid.
And This is the Way we Support Our Troops
Imagine living in a world or a country where doing the right thing, was wrong. Welcome to the land of Bushco!
If you saw a robbery, would you report it?
What if, in reporting that robbery, you were detained and tortured?
I know, this sounds a little too sci-fi to be real. Unfortunately, it isn't. It's happening now, today.
One after another, the men and women who have stepped forward to report corruption in the massive effort to rebuild Iraq have been vilified, fired and demoted.
Or worse.
For daring to report illegal arms sales, Navy veteran Donald Vance says he was imprisoned by the American military in a security compound outside Baghdad and subjected to harsh interrogation methods.
There were times, huddled on the floor in solitary confinement with that head-banging music blaring dawn to dusk and interrogators yelling the same questions over and over, that Vance began to wish he had just kept his mouth shut.
He had thought he was doing a good and noble thing when he started telling the FBI about the guns and the land mines and the rocket-launchers — all of them being sold for cash, no receipts necessary, he said. He told a federal agent the buyers were Iraqi insurgents, American soldiers, State Department workers, and Iraqi embassy and ministry employees.
The seller, he claimed, was the Iraqi-owned company he worked for, Shield Group Security Co.
“It was a Wal-Mart for guns,” he says. “It was all illegal and everyone knew it.”
So Vance says he blew the whistle, supplying photos and documents and other intelligence to an FBI agent in his hometown of Chicago because he didn’t know whom to trust in Iraq.
For his trouble, he says, he got 97 days in Camp Cropper, an American military prison outside Baghdad that once held Saddam Hussein, and he was classified a security detainee.
Also held was colleague Nathan Ertel, who helped Vance gather evidence documenting the sales, according to a federal lawsuit both have filed in Chicago, alleging they were illegally imprisoned and subjected to physical and mental interrogation tactics “reserved for terrorists and so-called enemy combatants.”
Why isn't this on the headline of every news station, every paper? Oh, that's right! We are living in the land of Bushco where reality does not exist. Where fear and domination reign. A kingdom that does not recognize human rights or human suffering.
The madness of King George, unfortunately, lives on.
If you saw a robbery, would you report it?
What if, in reporting that robbery, you were detained and tortured?
I know, this sounds a little too sci-fi to be real. Unfortunately, it isn't. It's happening now, today.
One after another, the men and women who have stepped forward to report corruption in the massive effort to rebuild Iraq have been vilified, fired and demoted.
Or worse.
For daring to report illegal arms sales, Navy veteran Donald Vance says he was imprisoned by the American military in a security compound outside Baghdad and subjected to harsh interrogation methods.
There were times, huddled on the floor in solitary confinement with that head-banging music blaring dawn to dusk and interrogators yelling the same questions over and over, that Vance began to wish he had just kept his mouth shut.
He had thought he was doing a good and noble thing when he started telling the FBI about the guns and the land mines and the rocket-launchers — all of them being sold for cash, no receipts necessary, he said. He told a federal agent the buyers were Iraqi insurgents, American soldiers, State Department workers, and Iraqi embassy and ministry employees.
The seller, he claimed, was the Iraqi-owned company he worked for, Shield Group Security Co.
“It was a Wal-Mart for guns,” he says. “It was all illegal and everyone knew it.”
So Vance says he blew the whistle, supplying photos and documents and other intelligence to an FBI agent in his hometown of Chicago because he didn’t know whom to trust in Iraq.
For his trouble, he says, he got 97 days in Camp Cropper, an American military prison outside Baghdad that once held Saddam Hussein, and he was classified a security detainee.
Also held was colleague Nathan Ertel, who helped Vance gather evidence documenting the sales, according to a federal lawsuit both have filed in Chicago, alleging they were illegally imprisoned and subjected to physical and mental interrogation tactics “reserved for terrorists and so-called enemy combatants.”
Why isn't this on the headline of every news station, every paper? Oh, that's right! We are living in the land of Bushco where reality does not exist. Where fear and domination reign. A kingdom that does not recognize human rights or human suffering.
The madness of King George, unfortunately, lives on.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
It's Mister Bush's Neighborhood, (where kids grow up fast, and resignation is in the air!)
Olbermann: Bush, Cheney should resign
‘I didn’t vote for him, but he’s my president, and I hope he does a good job.’
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Special Comment: Bush, Cheney should resignJuly 3: Keith Olbermann questions Bush’s actions in commuting the sentence of Scooter Libby.
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Bush commutes Libby's sentence
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Americans angry, cynical about Bush's Libby clemency
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SPECIAL COMMENT
By Keith Olbermann
Anchor, 'Countdown'
MSNBC
Updated: 7:13 p.m. CT July 3, 2007
Keith Olbermann
Anchor, 'Countdown'
• Profile
“I didn’t vote for him,” an American once said, “But he’s my president, and I hope he does a good job.”
That—on this eve of the 4th of July—is the essence of this democracy, in 17 words. And that is what President Bush threw away yesterday in commuting the sentence of Lewis “Scooter” Libby.
The man who said those 17 words—improbably enough—was the actor John Wayne. And Wayne, an ultra-conservative, said them, when he learned of the hair’s-breadth election of John F. Kennedy instead of his personal favorite, Richard Nixon in 1960.
“I didn’t vote for him but he’s my president, and I hope he does a good job.”
The sentiment was doubtlessly expressed earlier, but there is something especially appropriate about hearing it, now, in Wayne’s voice: The crisp matter-of-fact acknowledgement that we have survived, even though for nearly two centuries now, our Commander-in-Chief has also served, simultaneously, as the head of one political party and often the scourge of all others.
We as citizens must, at some point, ignore a president’s partisanship. Not that we may prosper as a nation, not that we may achieve, not that we may lead the world—but merely that we may function.
But just as essential to the seventeen words of John Wayne, is an implicit trust—a sacred trust: That the president for whom so many did not vote, can in turn suspend his political self long enough, and for matters imperative enough, to conduct himself solely for the benefit of the entire Republic.
Our generation’s willingness to state “we didn’t vote for him, but he’s our president, and we hope he does a good job,” was tested in the crucible of history, and earlier than most.
And in circumstances more tragic and threatening. And we did that with which history tasked us.
We enveloped our President in 2001.And those who did not believe he should have been elected—indeed those who did not believe he had been elected—willingly lowered their voices and assented to the sacred oath of non-partisanship.
And George W. Bush took our assent, and re-configured it, and honed it, and shaped it to a razor-sharp point and stabbed this nation in the back with it.
Were there any remaining lingering doubt otherwise, or any remaining lingering hope, it ended yesterday when Mr. Bush commuted the prison sentence of one of his own staffers.
Did so even before the appeals process was complete; did so without as much as a courtesy consultation with the Department of Justice; did so despite what James Madison—at the Constitutional Convention—said about impeaching any president who pardoned or sheltered those who had committed crimes “advised by” that president; did so without the slightest concern that even the most detached of citizens must look at the chain of events and wonder: To what degree was Mr. Libby told: break the law however you wish—the President will keep you out of prison?
In that moment, Mr. Bush, you broke that fundamental com-pact between yourself and the majority of this nation’s citizens—the ones who did not cast votes for you. In that moment, Mr. Bush, you ceased to be the President of the United States. In that moment, Mr. Bush, you became merely the President of a rabid and irresponsible corner of the Republican Party. And this is too important a time, Sir, to have a commander-in-chief who puts party over nation.
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This has been, of course, the gathering legacy of this Administration. Few of its decisions have escaped the stain of politics. The extraordinary Karl Rove has spoken of “a permanent Republican majority,” as if such a thing—or a permanent Democratic majority—is not antithetical to that upon which rests: our country, our history, our revolution, our freedoms.
Yet our Democracy has survived shrewder men than Karl Rove. And it has survived the frequent stain of politics upon the fabric of government. But this administration, with ever-increasing insistence and almost theocratic zealotry, has turned that stain into a massive oil spill.
The protection of the environment is turned over to those of one political party, who will financially benefit from the rape of the environment. The protections of the Constitution are turned over to those of one political party, who believe those protections unnecessary and extravagant and quaint.
The enforcement of the laws is turned over to those of one political party, who will swear beforehand that they will not enforce those laws. The choice between war and peace is turned over to those of one political party, who stand to gain vast wealth by ensuring that there is never peace, but only war.
And now, when just one cooked book gets corrected by an honest auditor, when just one trampling of the inherent and inviolable fairness of government is rejected by an impartial judge, when just one wild-eyed partisan is stopped by the figure of blind justice, this President decides that he, and not the law, must prevail.
I accuse you, Mr. Bush, of lying this country into war.
I accuse you of fabricating in the minds of your own people, a false implied link between Saddam Hussein and 9/11.
I accuse you of firing the generals who told you that the plans for Iraq were disastrously insufficient.
I accuse you of causing in Iraq the needless deaths of 3,586 of our brothers and sons, and sisters and daughters, and friends and neighbors.
I accuse you of subverting the Constitution, not in some misguided but sincerely-motivated struggle to combat terrorists, but to stifle dissent.
I accuse you of fomenting fear among your own people, of creating the very terror you claim to have fought.
I accuse you of exploiting that unreasoning fear, the natural fear of your own people who just want to live their lives in peace, as a political tool to slander your critics and libel your opponents.
I accuse you of handing part of this Republic over to a Vice President who is without conscience, and letting him run roughshod over it.
And I accuse you now, Mr. Bush, of giving, through that Vice President, carte blanche to Mr. Libby, to help defame Ambassador Joseph Wilson by any means necessary, to lie to Grand Juries and Special Counsel and before a court, in order to protect the mechanisms and particulars of that defamation, with your guarantee that Libby would never see prison, and, in so doing, as Ambassador Wilson himself phrased it here last night, of becoming an accessory to the obstruction of justice.
When President Nixon ordered the firing of the Watergate special prosecutor Archibald Cox during the infamous “Saturday Night Massacre” on October 20th, 1973, Cox initially responded tersely, and ominously.
“Whether ours shall be a government of laws and not of men, is now for Congress, and ultimately, the American people.”
President Nixon did not understand how he had crystallized the issue of Watergate for the American people.
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It had been about the obscure meaning behind an attempt to break in to a rival party’s headquarters; and the labyrinthine effort to cover-up that break-in and the related crimes.
And in one night, Nixon transformed it.
Watergate—instantaneously—became a simpler issue: a President overruling the inexorable march of the law of insisting—in a way that resonated viscerally with millions who had not previously understood - that he was the law.
Not the Constitution. Not the Congress. Not the Courts. Just him.
Just - Mr. Bush - as you did, yesterday.
The twists and turns of Plame-Gate, of your precise and intricate lies that sent us into this bottomless pit of Iraq; your lies upon the lies to discredit Joe Wilson; your lies upon the lies upon the lies to throw the sand at the “referee” of Prosecutor Fitzgerald’s analogy. These are complex and often painful to follow, and too much, perhaps, for the average citizen.
But when other citizens render a verdict against your man, Mr. Bush—and then you spit in the faces of those jurors and that judge and the judges who were yet to hear the appeal—the average citizen understands that, Sir.
It’s the fixed ballgame and the rigged casino and the pre-arranged lottery all rolled into one—and it stinks. And they know it.
Nixon’s mistake, the last and most fatal of them, the firing of Archibald Cox, was enough to cost him the presidency. And in the end, even Richard Nixon could say he could not put this nation through an impeachment.
It was far too late for it to matter then, but as the decades unfold, that single final gesture of non-partisanship, of acknowledged responsibility not to self, not to party, not to “base,” but to country, echoes loudly into history. Even Richard Nixon knew it was time to resign
Would that you could say that, Mr. Bush. And that you could say it for Mr. Cheney. You both crossed the Rubicon yesterday. Which one of you chose the route, no longer matters. Which is the ventriloquist, and which the dummy, is irrelevant.
But that you have twisted the machinery of government into nothing more than a tawdry machine of politics, is the only fact that remains relevant.
It is nearly July 4th, Mr. Bush, the commemoration of the moment we Americans decided that rather than live under a King who made up the laws, or erased them, or ignored them—or commuted the sentences of those rightly convicted under them—we would force our independence, and regain our sacred freedoms.
We of this time—and our leaders in Congress, of both parties—must now live up to those standards which echo through our history: Pressure, negotiate, impeach—get you, Mr. Bush, and Mr. Cheney, two men who are now perilous to our Democracy, away from its helm.
For you, Mr. Bush, and for Mr. Cheney, there is a lesser task. You need merely achieve a very low threshold indeed. Display just that iota of patriotism which Richard Nixon showed, on August 9th, 1974.
Resign.
And give us someone—anyone—about whom all of us might yet be able to quote John Wayne, and say, “I didn’t vote for him, but he’s my president, and I hope he does a good job.”
What a great response to a very irresponsible president, though the majority of Americans have requested their resignations for quite some time, now.
What will his presidential library hold, besides "My Pet Goat" and "Bring 'Em On"?
What would you submit for our own Library of Truth to contradict the many fabrications this presidency has given to the American people?
While serving honorably in the U.S. Navy, and returning from the war-torn region before the illegal invasion of Iraq, my contribution would be the number of unnecessary deaths, their pictures, and the picture of flag-draped coffins this president and his henchmen forbade us to see.
From day one, when the 2000 election was stolen, the policy of this administration was self-serving to themselves and their corporate supporters, while millions of Americans lost their jobs to outsourcing, and our sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, and other members or our families lost their lives in an illegal war.
What would you contribute?
‘I didn’t vote for him, but he’s my president, and I hope he does a good job.’
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MSNBC video
Special Comment: Bush, Cheney should resignJuly 3: Keith Olbermann questions Bush’s actions in commuting the sentence of Scooter Libby.
Countdown
Related Stories
What's this?
Bush commutes Libby's sentence
"Two Sets Of Rules"
'Hardball with Chris Matthews' for June 6
Americans angry, cynical about Bush's Libby clemency
Reaction to Bush's Libby Decision
SPECIAL COMMENT
By Keith Olbermann
Anchor, 'Countdown'
MSNBC
Updated: 7:13 p.m. CT July 3, 2007
Keith Olbermann
Anchor, 'Countdown'
• Profile
“I didn’t vote for him,” an American once said, “But he’s my president, and I hope he does a good job.”
That—on this eve of the 4th of July—is the essence of this democracy, in 17 words. And that is what President Bush threw away yesterday in commuting the sentence of Lewis “Scooter” Libby.
The man who said those 17 words—improbably enough—was the actor John Wayne. And Wayne, an ultra-conservative, said them, when he learned of the hair’s-breadth election of John F. Kennedy instead of his personal favorite, Richard Nixon in 1960.
“I didn’t vote for him but he’s my president, and I hope he does a good job.”
The sentiment was doubtlessly expressed earlier, but there is something especially appropriate about hearing it, now, in Wayne’s voice: The crisp matter-of-fact acknowledgement that we have survived, even though for nearly two centuries now, our Commander-in-Chief has also served, simultaneously, as the head of one political party and often the scourge of all others.
We as citizens must, at some point, ignore a president’s partisanship. Not that we may prosper as a nation, not that we may achieve, not that we may lead the world—but merely that we may function.
But just as essential to the seventeen words of John Wayne, is an implicit trust—a sacred trust: That the president for whom so many did not vote, can in turn suspend his political self long enough, and for matters imperative enough, to conduct himself solely for the benefit of the entire Republic.
Our generation’s willingness to state “we didn’t vote for him, but he’s our president, and we hope he does a good job,” was tested in the crucible of history, and earlier than most.
And in circumstances more tragic and threatening. And we did that with which history tasked us.
We enveloped our President in 2001.And those who did not believe he should have been elected—indeed those who did not believe he had been elected—willingly lowered their voices and assented to the sacred oath of non-partisanship.
And George W. Bush took our assent, and re-configured it, and honed it, and shaped it to a razor-sharp point and stabbed this nation in the back with it.
Were there any remaining lingering doubt otherwise, or any remaining lingering hope, it ended yesterday when Mr. Bush commuted the prison sentence of one of his own staffers.
Did so even before the appeals process was complete; did so without as much as a courtesy consultation with the Department of Justice; did so despite what James Madison—at the Constitutional Convention—said about impeaching any president who pardoned or sheltered those who had committed crimes “advised by” that president; did so without the slightest concern that even the most detached of citizens must look at the chain of events and wonder: To what degree was Mr. Libby told: break the law however you wish—the President will keep you out of prison?
In that moment, Mr. Bush, you broke that fundamental com-pact between yourself and the majority of this nation’s citizens—the ones who did not cast votes for you. In that moment, Mr. Bush, you ceased to be the President of the United States. In that moment, Mr. Bush, you became merely the President of a rabid and irresponsible corner of the Republican Party. And this is too important a time, Sir, to have a commander-in-chief who puts party over nation.
Click for related content
More Special Comments by Keith Olbermann
The News Hole: The blog of Countdown
Countdown's home page
This has been, of course, the gathering legacy of this Administration. Few of its decisions have escaped the stain of politics. The extraordinary Karl Rove has spoken of “a permanent Republican majority,” as if such a thing—or a permanent Democratic majority—is not antithetical to that upon which rests: our country, our history, our revolution, our freedoms.
Yet our Democracy has survived shrewder men than Karl Rove. And it has survived the frequent stain of politics upon the fabric of government. But this administration, with ever-increasing insistence and almost theocratic zealotry, has turned that stain into a massive oil spill.
The protection of the environment is turned over to those of one political party, who will financially benefit from the rape of the environment. The protections of the Constitution are turned over to those of one political party, who believe those protections unnecessary and extravagant and quaint.
The enforcement of the laws is turned over to those of one political party, who will swear beforehand that they will not enforce those laws. The choice between war and peace is turned over to those of one political party, who stand to gain vast wealth by ensuring that there is never peace, but only war.
And now, when just one cooked book gets corrected by an honest auditor, when just one trampling of the inherent and inviolable fairness of government is rejected by an impartial judge, when just one wild-eyed partisan is stopped by the figure of blind justice, this President decides that he, and not the law, must prevail.
I accuse you, Mr. Bush, of lying this country into war.
I accuse you of fabricating in the minds of your own people, a false implied link between Saddam Hussein and 9/11.
I accuse you of firing the generals who told you that the plans for Iraq were disastrously insufficient.
I accuse you of causing in Iraq the needless deaths of 3,586 of our brothers and sons, and sisters and daughters, and friends and neighbors.
I accuse you of subverting the Constitution, not in some misguided but sincerely-motivated struggle to combat terrorists, but to stifle dissent.
I accuse you of fomenting fear among your own people, of creating the very terror you claim to have fought.
I accuse you of exploiting that unreasoning fear, the natural fear of your own people who just want to live their lives in peace, as a political tool to slander your critics and libel your opponents.
I accuse you of handing part of this Republic over to a Vice President who is without conscience, and letting him run roughshod over it.
And I accuse you now, Mr. Bush, of giving, through that Vice President, carte blanche to Mr. Libby, to help defame Ambassador Joseph Wilson by any means necessary, to lie to Grand Juries and Special Counsel and before a court, in order to protect the mechanisms and particulars of that defamation, with your guarantee that Libby would never see prison, and, in so doing, as Ambassador Wilson himself phrased it here last night, of becoming an accessory to the obstruction of justice.
When President Nixon ordered the firing of the Watergate special prosecutor Archibald Cox during the infamous “Saturday Night Massacre” on October 20th, 1973, Cox initially responded tersely, and ominously.
“Whether ours shall be a government of laws and not of men, is now for Congress, and ultimately, the American people.”
President Nixon did not understand how he had crystallized the issue of Watergate for the American people.
Click for related content
More Special Comments by Keith Olbermann
The News Hole: The blog of Countdown
Countdown's home page
It had been about the obscure meaning behind an attempt to break in to a rival party’s headquarters; and the labyrinthine effort to cover-up that break-in and the related crimes.
And in one night, Nixon transformed it.
Watergate—instantaneously—became a simpler issue: a President overruling the inexorable march of the law of insisting—in a way that resonated viscerally with millions who had not previously understood - that he was the law.
Not the Constitution. Not the Congress. Not the Courts. Just him.
Just - Mr. Bush - as you did, yesterday.
The twists and turns of Plame-Gate, of your precise and intricate lies that sent us into this bottomless pit of Iraq; your lies upon the lies to discredit Joe Wilson; your lies upon the lies upon the lies to throw the sand at the “referee” of Prosecutor Fitzgerald’s analogy. These are complex and often painful to follow, and too much, perhaps, for the average citizen.
But when other citizens render a verdict against your man, Mr. Bush—and then you spit in the faces of those jurors and that judge and the judges who were yet to hear the appeal—the average citizen understands that, Sir.
It’s the fixed ballgame and the rigged casino and the pre-arranged lottery all rolled into one—and it stinks. And they know it.
Nixon’s mistake, the last and most fatal of them, the firing of Archibald Cox, was enough to cost him the presidency. And in the end, even Richard Nixon could say he could not put this nation through an impeachment.
It was far too late for it to matter then, but as the decades unfold, that single final gesture of non-partisanship, of acknowledged responsibility not to self, not to party, not to “base,” but to country, echoes loudly into history. Even Richard Nixon knew it was time to resign
Would that you could say that, Mr. Bush. And that you could say it for Mr. Cheney. You both crossed the Rubicon yesterday. Which one of you chose the route, no longer matters. Which is the ventriloquist, and which the dummy, is irrelevant.
But that you have twisted the machinery of government into nothing more than a tawdry machine of politics, is the only fact that remains relevant.
It is nearly July 4th, Mr. Bush, the commemoration of the moment we Americans decided that rather than live under a King who made up the laws, or erased them, or ignored them—or commuted the sentences of those rightly convicted under them—we would force our independence, and regain our sacred freedoms.
We of this time—and our leaders in Congress, of both parties—must now live up to those standards which echo through our history: Pressure, negotiate, impeach—get you, Mr. Bush, and Mr. Cheney, two men who are now perilous to our Democracy, away from its helm.
For you, Mr. Bush, and for Mr. Cheney, there is a lesser task. You need merely achieve a very low threshold indeed. Display just that iota of patriotism which Richard Nixon showed, on August 9th, 1974.
Resign.
And give us someone—anyone—about whom all of us might yet be able to quote John Wayne, and say, “I didn’t vote for him, but he’s my president, and I hope he does a good job.”
What a great response to a very irresponsible president, though the majority of Americans have requested their resignations for quite some time, now.
What will his presidential library hold, besides "My Pet Goat" and "Bring 'Em On"?
What would you submit for our own Library of Truth to contradict the many fabrications this presidency has given to the American people?
While serving honorably in the U.S. Navy, and returning from the war-torn region before the illegal invasion of Iraq, my contribution would be the number of unnecessary deaths, their pictures, and the picture of flag-draped coffins this president and his henchmen forbade us to see.
From day one, when the 2000 election was stolen, the policy of this administration was self-serving to themselves and their corporate supporters, while millions of Americans lost their jobs to outsourcing, and our sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, and other members or our families lost their lives in an illegal war.
What would you contribute?
Monday, July 2, 2007
It's Mister Bush's Neighborhood! (where kids grow up fast, and cronies get a slap on the wrist!)
Here's another news flash!
Bush commutes Libby's prison sentence
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush commuted Monday the prison term of former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, facing 30 months in prison after a federal court convicted him of perjury, obstruction of justice and lying to investigators.
Bush commuted the jail sentence of convicted White House aide Lewis "Scooter" Libby.
A commutation is distinct from a pardon, which is a complete eradication of a conviction record -- making it the same as if the person has never been convicted.
Bush has only commuted the jail term which means that the conviction remains on Libby's record and he must still pay a $250,000 fine.
Commutations are rarely granted, says CNN's chief legal analyst, Jeffrey Toobin. A commutation is a total right of the president and it cannot be challenged by any attorney or court, he said.
Earlier Monday, a federal appeals court unanimously ruled that Libby could not delay serving his sentence, which would have put Libby just weeks away from surrendering to a prison.
In a written statement commuting the jail sentence, issued hours after Monday's ruling, Bush called the sentence "excessive," and suggested that Libby will pay a big enough price for his conviction.
"The consequences of his felony conviction on his former life as a lawyer, public servant, and private citizen will be long-lasting," he said.
Don't miss
Judge orders Libby jailed
Judge threatened after sentence
GOP split on pardon
The President, who has been under great pressure to pardon Libby, said Libby was given "a harsh sentence based in part on allegations never presented to the jury."
The commutation does nothing to prevent Libby from appealing his conviction. And if the appeal fails or is still in process at the end of Bush's term, there is nothing to prevent the President from granting Libby a full pardon before he leaves office.
Libby's conviction is linked to the investigation into the 2003 leak of CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity.
An outraged Joe Wilson, Plame's husband, spoke to CNN shortly after the ruling. The former ambassador had openly questioned the Bush administration's basis for invading Iraq.
He and his wife contend her name was leaked to the media as retribution for Wilson's comments.
"I have nothing to say to Scooter Libby," Wilson said. "I don't owe this administration. They owe my wife and my family an apology for having betrayed her. Scooter Libby is a traitor."
Wilson also said Bush's action today demonstrates that the White House is "corrupt from top to bottom."
Reaction on Capitol Hill has been swift. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, said the President had "abandoned all sense of fairness when it comes to justice."
"The President's commutation of Scooter Libby's prison sentence does not serve justice, condones criminal conduct, and is a betrayal of trust of the American people," she said.
One of the few members of the GOP backing Bush, House Republican Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri, said the commutation was "the right thing to do."
"The prison sentence was overly harsh and the punishment did not fit the crime," said Blunt.
Plame's name became public when Robert Novak named her in his column on July 14, 2003.
Former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage has admitted he disclosed the information to a reporter. Novak pointed to another "senior administration official" -- Bush political adviser Karl Rove -- as the second source for his column.
No one has been charged with leaking classified information in the case, but a jury found Libby guilty of trying to deceive investigators and a grand jury during the investigation.
Bush was under great pressure to grant a pardon to Libby.
Libby, the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, is the highest-ranking White House official ordered to prison since the Iran-Contra affair.
We all knew this was coming, it was just a matter of time as to how The Last Emperor was going to thumb his nose at justice and "decide" to, again, circumvent the law.
Of course, the administration and the puppet master broke many laws, but none are MAN enough to come out and admit what they have done.
It won't be long before a pardon is issued for Libby while two border patrol officers spend their time in prison with no pardon.
Let's see if this is right:
1. Out a CIA operative in retalliation for telling the truth, questioning the reason for invading a non-threatening country, already subdued by a previous war, lie to congress and a panel of federal judges, and become a scapegoat - means a slap on the wrist and a fine he could pay with corporate and "fan" donations.
2. Work for the Border Patrol, do your job according to orders while repelling known drug smugglers and drug king pins and go to jail for trying to stop them using extreme force.
Some compromise. Where's shrub's compassion for their families? Where's the concern for their well being? Why couldn't those two officers recieve a commuted sentence, as well?
It's no longer "We The People", the "decider" decided it's "Me The Leader".
Bush commutes Libby's prison sentence
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush commuted Monday the prison term of former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, facing 30 months in prison after a federal court convicted him of perjury, obstruction of justice and lying to investigators.
Bush commuted the jail sentence of convicted White House aide Lewis "Scooter" Libby.
A commutation is distinct from a pardon, which is a complete eradication of a conviction record -- making it the same as if the person has never been convicted.
Bush has only commuted the jail term which means that the conviction remains on Libby's record and he must still pay a $250,000 fine.
Commutations are rarely granted, says CNN's chief legal analyst, Jeffrey Toobin. A commutation is a total right of the president and it cannot be challenged by any attorney or court, he said.
Earlier Monday, a federal appeals court unanimously ruled that Libby could not delay serving his sentence, which would have put Libby just weeks away from surrendering to a prison.
In a written statement commuting the jail sentence, issued hours after Monday's ruling, Bush called the sentence "excessive," and suggested that Libby will pay a big enough price for his conviction.
"The consequences of his felony conviction on his former life as a lawyer, public servant, and private citizen will be long-lasting," he said.
Don't miss
Judge orders Libby jailed
Judge threatened after sentence
GOP split on pardon
The President, who has been under great pressure to pardon Libby, said Libby was given "a harsh sentence based in part on allegations never presented to the jury."
The commutation does nothing to prevent Libby from appealing his conviction. And if the appeal fails or is still in process at the end of Bush's term, there is nothing to prevent the President from granting Libby a full pardon before he leaves office.
Libby's conviction is linked to the investigation into the 2003 leak of CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity.
An outraged Joe Wilson, Plame's husband, spoke to CNN shortly after the ruling. The former ambassador had openly questioned the Bush administration's basis for invading Iraq.
He and his wife contend her name was leaked to the media as retribution for Wilson's comments.
"I have nothing to say to Scooter Libby," Wilson said. "I don't owe this administration. They owe my wife and my family an apology for having betrayed her. Scooter Libby is a traitor."
Wilson also said Bush's action today demonstrates that the White House is "corrupt from top to bottom."
Reaction on Capitol Hill has been swift. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, said the President had "abandoned all sense of fairness when it comes to justice."
"The President's commutation of Scooter Libby's prison sentence does not serve justice, condones criminal conduct, and is a betrayal of trust of the American people," she said.
One of the few members of the GOP backing Bush, House Republican Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri, said the commutation was "the right thing to do."
"The prison sentence was overly harsh and the punishment did not fit the crime," said Blunt.
Plame's name became public when Robert Novak named her in his column on July 14, 2003.
Former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage has admitted he disclosed the information to a reporter. Novak pointed to another "senior administration official" -- Bush political adviser Karl Rove -- as the second source for his column.
No one has been charged with leaking classified information in the case, but a jury found Libby guilty of trying to deceive investigators and a grand jury during the investigation.
Bush was under great pressure to grant a pardon to Libby.
Libby, the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, is the highest-ranking White House official ordered to prison since the Iran-Contra affair.
We all knew this was coming, it was just a matter of time as to how The Last Emperor was going to thumb his nose at justice and "decide" to, again, circumvent the law.
Of course, the administration and the puppet master broke many laws, but none are MAN enough to come out and admit what they have done.
It won't be long before a pardon is issued for Libby while two border patrol officers spend their time in prison with no pardon.
Let's see if this is right:
1. Out a CIA operative in retalliation for telling the truth, questioning the reason for invading a non-threatening country, already subdued by a previous war, lie to congress and a panel of federal judges, and become a scapegoat - means a slap on the wrist and a fine he could pay with corporate and "fan" donations.
2. Work for the Border Patrol, do your job according to orders while repelling known drug smugglers and drug king pins and go to jail for trying to stop them using extreme force.
Some compromise. Where's shrub's compassion for their families? Where's the concern for their well being? Why couldn't those two officers recieve a commuted sentence, as well?
It's no longer "We The People", the "decider" decided it's "Me The Leader".
Monday, June 18, 2007
Heeyyyy Kids!, It's Another Trip to Bush's Neighborhood! (where kids grow up fast, and we send them to Iraq!)
Tuition bill for war vets wilts
The likely cost of Sen. Webb's veteran education plan made it hard to attract bipartisan support.
BY DAVID LERMAN 202-824-8224
June 17, 2007 WASHINGTON -- While running for Virginia senator last fall, Jim Webb offered voters a tantalizing prize: a free college education for most military veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The proposal, which married Webb's themes of military service and economic fairness, would give veterans with at least two years of active-duty service full tuition, room and board and a monthly $1,000 stipend.
As promised, Sen. Webb made the measure the first piece of legislation he introduced as a freshman Democratic senator in January. But five months later, prospects for passage this year of the "Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act" appear to be fading fast. The Bush administration declared its opposition to the bill, warning it would cost tens of billions of dollars and prove cumbersome to administer.
And while the measure wins praise from veterans groups, it has failed to attract the broad bipartisan support that typically would be required to push costly and ambitious programs through Congress on the eve of a presidential election year. Of the measure's 17 co-sponsors in the Senate, none is Republican.Last week, Webb acknowledged he had yet to discuss the bill with his senior Virginia colleague, Republican Sen. John W. Warner, a seasoned Senate hand known for brokering bipartisan agreements."
I would hope Senator Warner would support this," Webb told a reporter. "Maybe you could be so kind as to ask him on my behalf." Warner, in a later interview, did not take a firm position on the bill. But he declined to embrace the proposal, saying, "I think the cost of it is quite heavy."
Paying for the bill's college benefits would cost taxpayers $5.4 billion next year and nearly $75 billion over the next 10 years, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. That estimate does not include what the department warns would be "significant administrative costs" that have yet to be quantified." The complexity of eligibility rules, anticipated cost, and administrative burden associated with this bill are all problematic," said Daniel Cooper, the VA's undersecretary for benefits, in written congressional testimony submitted last month.
Webb said the administration's cost estimates may be excessive. He said he requested a cost analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office in January, but the CBO has yet to issue one. Whatever the cost, Webb argued, the bill should be seen as a matter of economic fairness to military service members, who have disrupted their lives and careers to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The measure is designed to give the same kind of access to college that was available to veterans returning home from World War II. "This should be included in the cost of war," said Webb, a decorated Vietnam veteran whose son recently returned home from Iraq. "We owe everyone who has given us good service the opportunity to reach the height they can with the skill sets they have. "Hoping to drum up support for the bill last week, Webb held a news conference to announce that his bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives.
Virginia Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, D-Newport News, will serve as a chief House sponsor of the measure. "When you talk about supporting the troops, that commitment should not end when they return home," Scott said at the news conference, which drew a handful of Democratic lawmakers and a number of veterans groups. Under existing law, veterans are offered some financial assistance with college through the Montgomery G.I. Bill, which provides up to about $9,000 for each academic year. But as supporters of Webb's legislation are quick to point out, it is virtually impossible to find a college that charges as little as $9,000 a year.
"It's quite a financial endeavor," said Eric Hilleman, a deputy director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars who said the Montgomery G.I. Bill offered him only $550 a month for college. While such assistance might have been appropriate in peacetime, Webb argued, veterans deserve full college benefits in a time of war. "This is an earned benefit," he said. "These people have stepped forward and put their lives on the line."
An interesting bit of information I thought I could share to any who might be interested to read. Shrub talks about supporting us in the military but would deny a college education, or an opportunity to recieve a better deal for our education when service members return from an illegal war that's costing upwards of $80 BILLION dollars a year.
If not shocking enough, a total of $10 billion went missing beginning from 2005 to today, while the Iraqi government is missing $500 million. Al Maliki states that money that was supposed to be transferred over came up short from what was promised. Just remember who, over there, is handling the money: Exxon/Mobil, BP, Haliburton, and KBR and an assortment of shrubco-picked contractors.
Never mind that ultimate sacrifices have been made in the name of oil, or that many of my fellow service members are coming home wounded or disfigured or missing limbs, the monkey in the "hero" flightsuit might as well tell us that, "Yes, I support you for fightin' my war, and that's all yer gonna git!" As far as purported support from other republicans who are distancing and themselves from this administration, now is their chance to save what little face they have and support this tuition bill for war vets.
Maybe shrub is still upset (or drunk again) that his bought and paid for C- average is still haunting him, he doesn't want anyone else to succeed where he has failed, over and over again.
It wouldn't hurt for our fresh new Democratic House and Senate to grow a backbone either.
In case you're wondering, I, GunnerGMM, wrote the prior Bush's Neighborhood episode as well as this one. Thank you for your support.
Stay tuned for another trip through "the neighborhood"
The likely cost of Sen. Webb's veteran education plan made it hard to attract bipartisan support.
BY DAVID LERMAN 202-824-8224
June 17, 2007 WASHINGTON -- While running for Virginia senator last fall, Jim Webb offered voters a tantalizing prize: a free college education for most military veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The proposal, which married Webb's themes of military service and economic fairness, would give veterans with at least two years of active-duty service full tuition, room and board and a monthly $1,000 stipend.
As promised, Sen. Webb made the measure the first piece of legislation he introduced as a freshman Democratic senator in January. But five months later, prospects for passage this year of the "Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act" appear to be fading fast. The Bush administration declared its opposition to the bill, warning it would cost tens of billions of dollars and prove cumbersome to administer.
And while the measure wins praise from veterans groups, it has failed to attract the broad bipartisan support that typically would be required to push costly and ambitious programs through Congress on the eve of a presidential election year. Of the measure's 17 co-sponsors in the Senate, none is Republican.Last week, Webb acknowledged he had yet to discuss the bill with his senior Virginia colleague, Republican Sen. John W. Warner, a seasoned Senate hand known for brokering bipartisan agreements."
I would hope Senator Warner would support this," Webb told a reporter. "Maybe you could be so kind as to ask him on my behalf." Warner, in a later interview, did not take a firm position on the bill. But he declined to embrace the proposal, saying, "I think the cost of it is quite heavy."
Paying for the bill's college benefits would cost taxpayers $5.4 billion next year and nearly $75 billion over the next 10 years, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. That estimate does not include what the department warns would be "significant administrative costs" that have yet to be quantified." The complexity of eligibility rules, anticipated cost, and administrative burden associated with this bill are all problematic," said Daniel Cooper, the VA's undersecretary for benefits, in written congressional testimony submitted last month.
Webb said the administration's cost estimates may be excessive. He said he requested a cost analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office in January, but the CBO has yet to issue one. Whatever the cost, Webb argued, the bill should be seen as a matter of economic fairness to military service members, who have disrupted their lives and careers to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The measure is designed to give the same kind of access to college that was available to veterans returning home from World War II. "This should be included in the cost of war," said Webb, a decorated Vietnam veteran whose son recently returned home from Iraq. "We owe everyone who has given us good service the opportunity to reach the height they can with the skill sets they have. "Hoping to drum up support for the bill last week, Webb held a news conference to announce that his bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives.
Virginia Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, D-Newport News, will serve as a chief House sponsor of the measure. "When you talk about supporting the troops, that commitment should not end when they return home," Scott said at the news conference, which drew a handful of Democratic lawmakers and a number of veterans groups. Under existing law, veterans are offered some financial assistance with college through the Montgomery G.I. Bill, which provides up to about $9,000 for each academic year. But as supporters of Webb's legislation are quick to point out, it is virtually impossible to find a college that charges as little as $9,000 a year.
"It's quite a financial endeavor," said Eric Hilleman, a deputy director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars who said the Montgomery G.I. Bill offered him only $550 a month for college. While such assistance might have been appropriate in peacetime, Webb argued, veterans deserve full college benefits in a time of war. "This is an earned benefit," he said. "These people have stepped forward and put their lives on the line."
An interesting bit of information I thought I could share to any who might be interested to read. Shrub talks about supporting us in the military but would deny a college education, or an opportunity to recieve a better deal for our education when service members return from an illegal war that's costing upwards of $80 BILLION dollars a year.
If not shocking enough, a total of $10 billion went missing beginning from 2005 to today, while the Iraqi government is missing $500 million. Al Maliki states that money that was supposed to be transferred over came up short from what was promised. Just remember who, over there, is handling the money: Exxon/Mobil, BP, Haliburton, and KBR and an assortment of shrubco-picked contractors.
Never mind that ultimate sacrifices have been made in the name of oil, or that many of my fellow service members are coming home wounded or disfigured or missing limbs, the monkey in the "hero" flightsuit might as well tell us that, "Yes, I support you for fightin' my war, and that's all yer gonna git!" As far as purported support from other republicans who are distancing and themselves from this administration, now is their chance to save what little face they have and support this tuition bill for war vets.
Maybe shrub is still upset (or drunk again) that his bought and paid for C- average is still haunting him, he doesn't want anyone else to succeed where he has failed, over and over again.
It wouldn't hurt for our fresh new Democratic House and Senate to grow a backbone either.
In case you're wondering, I, GunnerGMM, wrote the prior Bush's Neighborhood episode as well as this one. Thank you for your support.
Stay tuned for another trip through "the neighborhood"
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Grab your Cheerios and Lucky Charms, and gather around the computer screen 'cause we're going into the neighborhood!
Welcome to boys and girls to Mr. Bush's Neighborhood! (Where kids grow up fast, or we send them to Iraq!)
The shrub administration is nearing the end and all of their arguments and excuses are being refuted. A little too late to jump on the "I told you so" bandwagon from the shrub "supporters" jumping off the republucan ship before it sinks completely under a wave of unrefutable truth.
Once again, reasons to go to war with Iraq are running thin:
1. Weapons of mass destruction
2. Black market uranium sales
3. Link to al-Qaida
4. Liberate the Iraqi from a dictator
5. Spread Democracy throughout the region
And any others that you can remember that I might have missed.
After three trips into the region, (2-Desert Shield/Desert Storm, 1- Op Enduring Freedom), and many other countries in this war on terrorism, the bottom line has never changed; it's all about the oil.
In Desert Shield /Desert Storm, we were asked by the United Nations, the majority of the Arab Nations in the region, and the Sovereign State of Kuwait to really liberate an occupied country from a brutal dictator who sought to pay off their war debt accrued from the Iran Iraq war of 1980-1988.
In bush's neighborhood, the price of war has cost us our standing in the world community, INFLATION, the blood of our armed forces fighting for a lie, and anyone who stands against the re-puke-lican administration.
Currently, there are four to six, (maybe more), oil companies that are waiting to take control of 80% of Iraqi oil field while Iraq gets to keep 17 oil fields. To name a few, Exxon/Mobile and BP (British Petroleum) are looking to have complete control of said oil fields for 35 years into the future. What a deal! Made through the "secret meeting" at the White House between rove, cheney, and the CEO's of the oil companies. They stand to make over $21 TRILLION dollars. That's roughly $70,000 for every American today.
In a speech by Dennis Kucinich last week, some of it was a reading of the Oil Deal that shrub is saying Iraq must sign. Now, thanks to bush and his henchmen, America is into extortion. Remember, this is the same administration that has brought us $3.25 a gallon (on average) and rising, just in time for summer. We have been reduced to cannon fodder for the "morally" right and the oil companies that stand to become a little bit richer. For every American Soldier and Iraqi citizen that dies, the oil companies alone stand to take in roughly $21,000,000.00 dollars.
Kucinich also mentioned that this plan was formulated before the invasion. Hussein, at the time had agreed to leave Iraq and go into exile before the invasion.
9/11 was allowed to happen by bush & co. but the only thing that stood in their way was our civil liberties to speak out against it. Now, shrubco is pushing two "emergency" bills through a now weak House and Senate to authorize presidential authority over the House and Senate. In other words, shrub wants to run all three branches of government before "they come and get us". It's strange that this little tid-bit of information was never mentioned on any of the major news networks and Fox Noise. A tiny blurb may have been uttered, but this bill was proposed more than a month ago.
Through all of what has happened during the course of this administration, preparations are being made to gear up for another war and another invasion: Iran.
Stay tuned for the next edition of Mr. Bush's Neighborhood!
The shrub administration is nearing the end and all of their arguments and excuses are being refuted. A little too late to jump on the "I told you so" bandwagon from the shrub "supporters" jumping off the republucan ship before it sinks completely under a wave of unrefutable truth.
Once again, reasons to go to war with Iraq are running thin:
1. Weapons of mass destruction
2. Black market uranium sales
3. Link to al-Qaida
4. Liberate the Iraqi from a dictator
5. Spread Democracy throughout the region
And any others that you can remember that I might have missed.
After three trips into the region, (2-Desert Shield/Desert Storm, 1- Op Enduring Freedom), and many other countries in this war on terrorism, the bottom line has never changed; it's all about the oil.
In Desert Shield /Desert Storm, we were asked by the United Nations, the majority of the Arab Nations in the region, and the Sovereign State of Kuwait to really liberate an occupied country from a brutal dictator who sought to pay off their war debt accrued from the Iran Iraq war of 1980-1988.
In bush's neighborhood, the price of war has cost us our standing in the world community, INFLATION, the blood of our armed forces fighting for a lie, and anyone who stands against the re-puke-lican administration.
Currently, there are four to six, (maybe more), oil companies that are waiting to take control of 80% of Iraqi oil field while Iraq gets to keep 17 oil fields. To name a few, Exxon/Mobile and BP (British Petroleum) are looking to have complete control of said oil fields for 35 years into the future. What a deal! Made through the "secret meeting" at the White House between rove, cheney, and the CEO's of the oil companies. They stand to make over $21 TRILLION dollars. That's roughly $70,000 for every American today.
In a speech by Dennis Kucinich last week, some of it was a reading of the Oil Deal that shrub is saying Iraq must sign. Now, thanks to bush and his henchmen, America is into extortion. Remember, this is the same administration that has brought us $3.25 a gallon (on average) and rising, just in time for summer. We have been reduced to cannon fodder for the "morally" right and the oil companies that stand to become a little bit richer. For every American Soldier and Iraqi citizen that dies, the oil companies alone stand to take in roughly $21,000,000.00 dollars.
Kucinich also mentioned that this plan was formulated before the invasion. Hussein, at the time had agreed to leave Iraq and go into exile before the invasion.
9/11 was allowed to happen by bush & co. but the only thing that stood in their way was our civil liberties to speak out against it. Now, shrubco is pushing two "emergency" bills through a now weak House and Senate to authorize presidential authority over the House and Senate. In other words, shrub wants to run all three branches of government before "they come and get us". It's strange that this little tid-bit of information was never mentioned on any of the major news networks and Fox Noise. A tiny blurb may have been uttered, but this bill was proposed more than a month ago.
Through all of what has happened during the course of this administration, preparations are being made to gear up for another war and another invasion: Iran.
Stay tuned for the next edition of Mr. Bush's Neighborhood!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
3 chapters left and I can get back to real work...
Chapter One
The Death of a Salesman
Modern Day
The quarter mile drive was amazing. Pines, birch and weeping willows lined the road while a soft breeze swayed their branches. Birds of blues, yellows and reds sang songs in the high tops of the green trees as gray fox lumbered by. A doe stood ever so still, claiming invisibility beneath the shade of an oak as the dark blue mini van passed slowly. Once out of sight, she made her way carefully, ears on full alert, to the river only yards away.
Angela Moore drove squinting against the late morning sun, even though her dark sunglasses set upon the bridge of her nose. She was a lovely woman with long blond hair that was pulled back into a lose ponytail, stray tendrils clung to her face. She was raised in a town such as this one, a small, close knit community. Upon finishing college and marrying, she left the small village of Meco for the bright lights of New York City. Not her choice, her husbands business. She felt alive in returning to the green and sweet, crisp smells of the mountains while forsaking the stark metal and steel of the big city. Though, she’d even give all of this up to have her husband back.
Angela met Al Moore at a college fraternity party. She was in a culinary arts school and catering the event, and he was one of the fraternity men. Their chance meeting came when she, ever so ungracefully, dumped a tray of chicken wrapped lobster tails on his starched, white shirt. She turned a deep shade of red and bolted for the comfort of the kitchen, with, to her horror, Albert Moore directly behind her, laughing. He had a wonderful, infectious laugh. That only made his stunning ice green eyes sparkle that much more. He finally convinced her to accompany him to dinner. He had to have her after that. He needed to spend his life with her, spoil her, love her, always. It took months of convincing, but she finally gave in. They were married in the rose garden of his aunts, in a quiet ceremony. Shortly after, he landed a job on Wall Street. So, she smiled and followed.
It was a good marriage. Much love, laughter and two wonderful sons. Even though she hated city life, she loved her small piece of it. Her family. That is, until the day the policemen graced her doorstep with news that broke her heart forever. Her beloved had been killed. She remembered that day. The day she fell to the floor, the day she humbled herself before those policemen, her neighbors, her children and God.
Angela, sullenly went to the wake and funeral and somehow survived the many guests that filled her home with flowers and food. Her sons were her only salvation. For them, she would live again, for them she would take them from the death and dying in the city and give them a real life. A life that, in her heart, she had always wanted to give them. Life in the mountains, camping, fishing, running and playing in the tall grass catching fireflies at night and counting the stars that they could not see from their high rise apartment.
With their savings and what insurance monies were left, she found and purchased an old beaten castle in the heart of the North Country. She had lovingly spent two years renovating it into what is now known as the Wilmington Castle Bed and Breakfast.
The castle was in a total state of disarray. Abandoned years earlier after the fire, it needed everything, plumbing, electricity, flooring and a entirely new kitchen. Completing it with furnishings and linens alone cost her greatly. She scoured rummage sales and second hand shops for quaint pieces for furniture and wall hangings. The towns people, glad to have something finally done with the building, helped all they could.
Belle Weston, a surly old widow, had shown up one day armed with every cleaning product imaginable. Within minutes, the two became close friends. Between school and their activities, her sons spent what time they had doing what they could for their mother and her dream. Angela's funds dwindling, it was finally finished and open for business.
The van pulled into a clearing that was breathtaking. High on a mountain plateau, there stood the castle. It’s once over run grounds were now well manicured and boasted rose gardens and apple orchards and a cobblestone walkway leading through them. Rich green shrubbery lined the drive and front of the castle with tiny blood red berries glistening in the sun. The front of the dwelling was rather impressive with it’s gray stone face and over sized dual wooden doors with a black metal X across them. Steps leading to the great room were in a half circle, consisting of gray and black flat rocks, gave the impression of a ruffled collar at the neck. Two towers loomed. One faced the road and the driveway, the other, the rose gardens in the back.
She brought the car to a halt in the rear near the kitchen entrance. And was almost immediately joined by two young men. “We got these mom,” The elder of the two said, “Belle just made some of her fresh lemonade.” He nodded toward the plump graying woman standing in the doorway holding a pitcher of iced liquid.
Smiling at her sons, “Deal!” She waved at Belle and went to except the cool offering.
Jace, the elder son, grabbed the largest box from the cargo area of the van with ease. For his fifteen years, he was quite tall and muscular. He grinned at his little brother, “Think you can handle that one?” He seemed to point at a small box with his nose.
“I could handle both bro!” The shorter version of himself smiled.
Jace and Mica both had their mothers blond wavy hair and their fathers ice green eyes. That’s where the similarity ended. Jace Moore was tall, lean, muscular with a perfect nose and a long chin. His eleven year old brother was short for his age, a tad pudgy without being fat. Baby fat, his mother had called it. Mica was not remotely concerned about that. He had a long nose and a perfect cleft chin. For siblings, less than three years apart, they got on well.
Mica lifted his assigned box of farm fresh, green beans feigning struggle while his brother laughed at him. Mica Moore was the clown of the family. His humor was set forth by the untimely death of his father. He created voices and characters to make his mother and brother laugh. A trait he mastered, and mastered a bit too well, for the school teachers were not all that impressed.
Jace, on the other hand, ceased to be a child that day. He stood up as man of the house, ready to take on the role of helper, confidant and voice of reason. When his mother announced she was purchasing the castle, inwardly he screamed. It was a mess. He would have bet his last penny that the venture was soon to be a folly. Instead, he grinned at his mother, “Together, we can accomplish anything!” Words of his father that he now claimed as his own. Armed with a broom, hammer and shovel Jace took to the task, squelching any and all doubt, being pulled forward by his mothers enthusiasm and his brothers never ending humor.
The finished product could not have made mother or sons any happier or prouder. In fact, Jace found he had an knack for gardening, shocking the once city boy. He, with some advice from Belle and Bob McRyan, the local hardware store proprietor, he pruned the apple trees in the orchard, bring them back to life and even back to fruit bearing entities. His work on the rose gardens was equally successful. Once overridden with weeds an strangling vines, the fragrant blooms now were full and well groomed.
Mica was straining and groaning all the way into the large kitchen. He went as far as to ask his mother to help him lift the tiny box up on the stainless table.
Behind the humor, Mica held a deep rooted secret. One that came to fruition soon after his father died. He had told no one. His hearts desire was to be normal. Just a normal boy with friends that played baseball and hockey and trick or treated in the crisp Adirondack autumn. He would, he vowed, make it so. Besides, his mother and brother had enough to worry about, he could and would handle this.
“There’s three arriving tonight,” His mother was saying, “One of them is staying for a week.” She attempted a grin.
“Ugh!” Mica snorted.
“Mica!” Jace hissed.
His eyes twinkling, “Just think Jace, they get a whiff of moms cooking we’ll never get rid of them!”
The kitchen erupted in laughter. Angela hugged her son, feeling like the luckiest woman in the world.
The four of them spent most of the day readying three rooms, cleaning and cooking. Jace took to the gardens while Mica set out to the great room. The room was oversized with a slick, black baby grand piano in one corner and a rich oak check-in desk at the other. Along the side wall was a fireplace that survived years of neglect after the fire. It now stood proud and tall, and freshly cleaned, occupying the entire wall except for the almost hidden doors to the atrium. Two over stuffed, hunter green sofas and two matching chairs sat around it, in the center was an antique sled acting as a coffee table, all sitting on a thick carpet with large pine cone print. Once the room was vacuumed, swept, dusted and fire wood was brought in, Mica moved to the dining room where Belle met him hurriedly with a tall glass of icy lemonade. He accepted graciously and continued his work.
The dining room opened into the great room through glass French doors. It consisted of eight round tables, each with eight high back oak chairs and hunter green chair padding. Two of the walls were stone, the other two likened the effect of a log cabin. Glass French doors at the opposite end opened to a ball room with white marble floors and a high domed ceiling. A butlers pantry lead to the large kitchen which had been completely modernized with mammoth silver refrigerators and long silver tables and stoves and ovens and deep fryer.
Mica dragged the heavy mop and pail into the kitchen.
“Done?” his mom smiled.
“Yeah, finally!” He ceremoniously wiped his brow with the back of his bare arm.
Laughing at her sons antics, “Alec called.” She tossed the beans she was cutting into a large colander. “I invited him and his brother over for the weekend. I hope that’s okay with you.” She grinned, trying not to look at her son.
“You sure mom?” disbelief
“Absolutely.” More beans were being trimmed. “I need help around here, but you still need to be a kid sweetie.” Her voice soft, “I expect you to help me tonight and tomorrow morning but other than that, have fun. With, of course, the exception of studying for your finals.”
Mica groaned.
Angela laughed.
He kissed his mom on the top of her head and announced he was going to shower. With a wave of his hands, he bound out of the kitchen and up the stairs to his rooms.
Mica’s rooms, as it were, consisted of three rooms, a bedroom, sitting room and bath. Unlike the rest of the castle, these rooms were done in ‘Mica’ style. His thick, oak king sized bed donned a New York Rangers comforter, a matching oak dresser sat along the far wall, the opposite wall boasted glass doors that lead to a stone balcony over looking the apple orchard, next to that was mid-sized cherry wood desk with a black cloth, high back chair. In the back center of his sitting room was a navy blue, clean but worn sofa, a matching chair and against on wall an entertainment center made of black iron and glass. A soft, older deep cream throw rug covered much of the hard wood floor.
Angela, believing she could handle ten guest rooms and divided most of the rest of the castle into the family rooms, including rooms for Belle for those very late work nights and even earlier work mornings. Her rooms, however could only be reached through the kitchen, thus no disruptions by the guests and it secured her privacy. These were, as near as Angela could figure, must have been servants quarters. Each was the same, bedroom, sitting and bath. At the end of each hall was a walk in linen closet that housed a vacuum and bed and bath linens.
Mica, stripped out of his clothes, leaving them at the foot of his bed, hopped into a cool shower. This life felt good. He was never “at home” in the city. There, he didn't really have friends, friends that would come to his house and watch movies or play video games. The city felt like an empty hole to home, something was missing, something wasn't ever quite right. He was immediately drawn to this place, this was home. It was, when his mother brought him and Jace to see it, calling to him in a way he could not explain. It needed him and he needed it.
He toweled off, and pulled on a clean pair of pants and a soft orange polo shirt. He combed his hair, brushed his teeth and even used a splash of Jace’s cologne that Jace had yet to find missing. He strode to the sitting room and was searching his DVD collection when the knock came at his door.
“” Come in!”!” He bellowed from the far room.
A tall, too thin boy with thick black hair entered the room.
“Hey Jesse!” Mica greeted.
Jesse McMurray was Mica’s best friend and, to their teachers, partner in their crimes. He had a long thin nose and matching chin that were overlooked by large, bright blue eyes and long, thick midnight black lashes.
In his wake stood a miniature of Jesse, his brother Alec. Alec, besides looking like his older brother, older by ten months, had nothing else in common. Alec was quiet, rarely spoke, got perfect grades in school and never, ever got into any sort of trouble. He was polite, courteous and, to Jesse’s horror, was adored by his teachers. Yet, despite all the differences between them, Jesse adored his brother, they were actually friends.
Jesse and Mica plopped on the couch together discussing their favorite subject, Danielle Richardson while Alec took up the task of searching
DVD’s.
Later, just before dinner was to be served, Angela introduced Mica and Jace to the guests.
First there were the Hendersons, a motley crew. Mr. Lloyd Henderson was a large man, though not very tall, portly with such a large chin, he seemed to have no neck. His belly, bulged to the point that his double breasted jacket couldn’t be buttoned and in wearing a suit in the hot June midday, he wheezed when he attempted to breathe. His wife, Ellen would have been an envy to any over paid model. She was tall, over six feet, slender with large blue doe eyes and waist length, thick, wavy auburn hair. Only a nudge in the ribs stopped Mica from gaping.
Then their was the La Bouche family. Gena and Edwin La Bouche looked more like twin Barbie and Ken dolls rather than a married couple. Both nicely tanned, tall, slender, ever smiling with pearl white teeth, red lips and blond hair, and as Mica noticed, perfectly manicured nails. Edwin had a genuine smile that reached his eyes. They were, as Mica noted, easily likable.
The third and final guest of the day were the Andersons. Max Anderson had bright red hair and overly long teeth. Yet a friendly sort with a firm shake and soft manner. Maggie Anderson was as friendly and warm as her husband, though not as good looking, if you could call Max good looking. She had greasy hair with lips that were too big and teeth that were too small. She had an annoying horse laugh and a too high pitched squeaky voice. Although thin, she was round in the belly. Her shoulder length, thin, mouse-brown hair gave her long face a horse-like look. Blue eyes barely peered through the heavy lids, looking more like two silts in her face rather than eyes at all.
Mica and Jesse showed the guests to their tables, while Jace played Chopin on the piano. Angela and Belle were busy in the kitchen with apple glazed, stuffed pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered fresh beans with crusty French bread. Angela's key lime cheesecake was raved over. The guests held nothing but compliments over the food, hospitality and warmth of the Inn. Yes, the first night of business had begun.
After the dining room was cleared and cleaned they gathered in the kitchen for their dinner. Mica was caught trying to hide the last complete cheesecake under a dish towel by Belle, who told him that he did not need the whole pie, half should suffice. They chatted while they ate, discussing how well the first day had gone and upon finishing the last dish, they all went to bed. Belle decided to stay. It was late and she needed to be up before five in the morning to start breakfast. With a bear hug and a kiss atop all their heads, Belle bustled off up the back stairs.
Mica and his friends followed soon after her, Jesse carrying the left over cheesecake and three spoons.
When they spent the night, Mica and his friends liked to push back the sofa and lay out three deep gray sleeping bags in front of the television. Tonight was no different. Wordlessly, they worked together setting up their sleeping quarters, moving furniture and grabbing pillows from the bed and laying three sleeping bags side by side facing the television. They then sat in a small semi-circle on their make-shift bedding around the plate of cheesecake.
Mica, armed with a fork full of pie and the remote control, clicked the power switch as he chewed.
The darkened television sprang to life, with a woman sitting behind a desk. Her hair was pulled back tightly into a bun, making her look much older and quite stern. “… the state police say they have nothing to go on….” she was saying in a monotone voice.
Mica lifted the remote once again, “Wait!” Alec said pointing at the picture of a local business that was in a small box like screen behind the woman.
Mica lowered the remote and his jaw followed suit. “Isn’t that Bob’s Hardware Store?” He was now poking a chubby finger at the screen.
Jesse finally looked up from the now empty pie plate, “Yeah, it is. What the heck happened?”
Without taking their eyes from the television, Mica & Alec shrugged. The woman continued, “… the body was discovered by a customer earlier this evening. Neighbors describe Robert O’Ryan as ‘friendly, outgoing and an active member of his church and community.”
Another woman’s face donned the screen, the boys immediately recognized her as Anna Johnston. The elderly busy body in town. If anyone knew anything about everyone, she did. She was sobbing with flare into a small embroidered handkerchief, “He was such a good, sweet soul.” She dabbed in inner corners of her eyes, “I can’t for the life of me figure out why someone would do this!” Sobbing even louder, “It’s the junkies! It has to be! No one…” She was then cut off and the shot went back to the anchor woman who stoically continued.
“…. Police are saying there is no sign of forced entry or evidence of robbery. More at eleven…”
“I’ll bet you had a lot of news like that, living in the city Mica.” Alec turned to him, sadness filled his eyes, “This is our first. I mean, I knew Bob. Hell, we all knew Bob. We all know everyone. Things like this just don’t happen here.”
“It’s partly why my mom loves it here….” Mica’s voice trailed off as Alec stood and moved slowly to the window.
“Makes no sense.” He said staring out into the dimly lit grounds. They waited patiently for him to finish. They knew Alec, the boy with the genius mind and almost no social skills, would have some insight. After several long, silent moments, “He closes at nine at night. That’s why there was no break in. Bob had no family, no heirs and not a whole lot of money. No, what the perpetrator wanted was something other than money. He gave more away out of that store than he sold. He used to tell us that he can’t take it with him. Remember Jesse when he gave us all those nails and screws and ‘L’ joints for our tree house two years ago?” Jesse nodded silently. Alec paced for a minute, stopped in front of the DVD’s. Selecting one, he handed it to Mica, “The key to all of this is ‘Hardware Store’.”
I have one question. Where should this go first? An agent or a publisher? Okay two questions.... should I even bother? My son loves the Mica and Jace stories.... but...
The Death of a Salesman
Modern Day
The quarter mile drive was amazing. Pines, birch and weeping willows lined the road while a soft breeze swayed their branches. Birds of blues, yellows and reds sang songs in the high tops of the green trees as gray fox lumbered by. A doe stood ever so still, claiming invisibility beneath the shade of an oak as the dark blue mini van passed slowly. Once out of sight, she made her way carefully, ears on full alert, to the river only yards away.
Angela Moore drove squinting against the late morning sun, even though her dark sunglasses set upon the bridge of her nose. She was a lovely woman with long blond hair that was pulled back into a lose ponytail, stray tendrils clung to her face. She was raised in a town such as this one, a small, close knit community. Upon finishing college and marrying, she left the small village of Meco for the bright lights of New York City. Not her choice, her husbands business. She felt alive in returning to the green and sweet, crisp smells of the mountains while forsaking the stark metal and steel of the big city. Though, she’d even give all of this up to have her husband back.
Angela met Al Moore at a college fraternity party. She was in a culinary arts school and catering the event, and he was one of the fraternity men. Their chance meeting came when she, ever so ungracefully, dumped a tray of chicken wrapped lobster tails on his starched, white shirt. She turned a deep shade of red and bolted for the comfort of the kitchen, with, to her horror, Albert Moore directly behind her, laughing. He had a wonderful, infectious laugh. That only made his stunning ice green eyes sparkle that much more. He finally convinced her to accompany him to dinner. He had to have her after that. He needed to spend his life with her, spoil her, love her, always. It took months of convincing, but she finally gave in. They were married in the rose garden of his aunts, in a quiet ceremony. Shortly after, he landed a job on Wall Street. So, she smiled and followed.
It was a good marriage. Much love, laughter and two wonderful sons. Even though she hated city life, she loved her small piece of it. Her family. That is, until the day the policemen graced her doorstep with news that broke her heart forever. Her beloved had been killed. She remembered that day. The day she fell to the floor, the day she humbled herself before those policemen, her neighbors, her children and God.
Angela, sullenly went to the wake and funeral and somehow survived the many guests that filled her home with flowers and food. Her sons were her only salvation. For them, she would live again, for them she would take them from the death and dying in the city and give them a real life. A life that, in her heart, she had always wanted to give them. Life in the mountains, camping, fishing, running and playing in the tall grass catching fireflies at night and counting the stars that they could not see from their high rise apartment.
With their savings and what insurance monies were left, she found and purchased an old beaten castle in the heart of the North Country. She had lovingly spent two years renovating it into what is now known as the Wilmington Castle Bed and Breakfast.
The castle was in a total state of disarray. Abandoned years earlier after the fire, it needed everything, plumbing, electricity, flooring and a entirely new kitchen. Completing it with furnishings and linens alone cost her greatly. She scoured rummage sales and second hand shops for quaint pieces for furniture and wall hangings. The towns people, glad to have something finally done with the building, helped all they could.
Belle Weston, a surly old widow, had shown up one day armed with every cleaning product imaginable. Within minutes, the two became close friends. Between school and their activities, her sons spent what time they had doing what they could for their mother and her dream. Angela's funds dwindling, it was finally finished and open for business.
The van pulled into a clearing that was breathtaking. High on a mountain plateau, there stood the castle. It’s once over run grounds were now well manicured and boasted rose gardens and apple orchards and a cobblestone walkway leading through them. Rich green shrubbery lined the drive and front of the castle with tiny blood red berries glistening in the sun. The front of the dwelling was rather impressive with it’s gray stone face and over sized dual wooden doors with a black metal X across them. Steps leading to the great room were in a half circle, consisting of gray and black flat rocks, gave the impression of a ruffled collar at the neck. Two towers loomed. One faced the road and the driveway, the other, the rose gardens in the back.
She brought the car to a halt in the rear near the kitchen entrance. And was almost immediately joined by two young men. “We got these mom,” The elder of the two said, “Belle just made some of her fresh lemonade.” He nodded toward the plump graying woman standing in the doorway holding a pitcher of iced liquid.
Smiling at her sons, “Deal!” She waved at Belle and went to except the cool offering.
Jace, the elder son, grabbed the largest box from the cargo area of the van with ease. For his fifteen years, he was quite tall and muscular. He grinned at his little brother, “Think you can handle that one?” He seemed to point at a small box with his nose.
“I could handle both bro!” The shorter version of himself smiled.
Jace and Mica both had their mothers blond wavy hair and their fathers ice green eyes. That’s where the similarity ended. Jace Moore was tall, lean, muscular with a perfect nose and a long chin. His eleven year old brother was short for his age, a tad pudgy without being fat. Baby fat, his mother had called it. Mica was not remotely concerned about that. He had a long nose and a perfect cleft chin. For siblings, less than three years apart, they got on well.
Mica lifted his assigned box of farm fresh, green beans feigning struggle while his brother laughed at him. Mica Moore was the clown of the family. His humor was set forth by the untimely death of his father. He created voices and characters to make his mother and brother laugh. A trait he mastered, and mastered a bit too well, for the school teachers were not all that impressed.
Jace, on the other hand, ceased to be a child that day. He stood up as man of the house, ready to take on the role of helper, confidant and voice of reason. When his mother announced she was purchasing the castle, inwardly he screamed. It was a mess. He would have bet his last penny that the venture was soon to be a folly. Instead, he grinned at his mother, “Together, we can accomplish anything!” Words of his father that he now claimed as his own. Armed with a broom, hammer and shovel Jace took to the task, squelching any and all doubt, being pulled forward by his mothers enthusiasm and his brothers never ending humor.
The finished product could not have made mother or sons any happier or prouder. In fact, Jace found he had an knack for gardening, shocking the once city boy. He, with some advice from Belle and Bob McRyan, the local hardware store proprietor, he pruned the apple trees in the orchard, bring them back to life and even back to fruit bearing entities. His work on the rose gardens was equally successful. Once overridden with weeds an strangling vines, the fragrant blooms now were full and well groomed.
Mica was straining and groaning all the way into the large kitchen. He went as far as to ask his mother to help him lift the tiny box up on the stainless table.
Behind the humor, Mica held a deep rooted secret. One that came to fruition soon after his father died. He had told no one. His hearts desire was to be normal. Just a normal boy with friends that played baseball and hockey and trick or treated in the crisp Adirondack autumn. He would, he vowed, make it so. Besides, his mother and brother had enough to worry about, he could and would handle this.
“There’s three arriving tonight,” His mother was saying, “One of them is staying for a week.” She attempted a grin.
“Ugh!” Mica snorted.
“Mica!” Jace hissed.
His eyes twinkling, “Just think Jace, they get a whiff of moms cooking we’ll never get rid of them!”
The kitchen erupted in laughter. Angela hugged her son, feeling like the luckiest woman in the world.
The four of them spent most of the day readying three rooms, cleaning and cooking. Jace took to the gardens while Mica set out to the great room. The room was oversized with a slick, black baby grand piano in one corner and a rich oak check-in desk at the other. Along the side wall was a fireplace that survived years of neglect after the fire. It now stood proud and tall, and freshly cleaned, occupying the entire wall except for the almost hidden doors to the atrium. Two over stuffed, hunter green sofas and two matching chairs sat around it, in the center was an antique sled acting as a coffee table, all sitting on a thick carpet with large pine cone print. Once the room was vacuumed, swept, dusted and fire wood was brought in, Mica moved to the dining room where Belle met him hurriedly with a tall glass of icy lemonade. He accepted graciously and continued his work.
The dining room opened into the great room through glass French doors. It consisted of eight round tables, each with eight high back oak chairs and hunter green chair padding. Two of the walls were stone, the other two likened the effect of a log cabin. Glass French doors at the opposite end opened to a ball room with white marble floors and a high domed ceiling. A butlers pantry lead to the large kitchen which had been completely modernized with mammoth silver refrigerators and long silver tables and stoves and ovens and deep fryer.
Mica dragged the heavy mop and pail into the kitchen.
“Done?” his mom smiled.
“Yeah, finally!” He ceremoniously wiped his brow with the back of his bare arm.
Laughing at her sons antics, “Alec called.” She tossed the beans she was cutting into a large colander. “I invited him and his brother over for the weekend. I hope that’s okay with you.” She grinned, trying not to look at her son.
“You sure mom?” disbelief
“Absolutely.” More beans were being trimmed. “I need help around here, but you still need to be a kid sweetie.” Her voice soft, “I expect you to help me tonight and tomorrow morning but other than that, have fun. With, of course, the exception of studying for your finals.”
Mica groaned.
Angela laughed.
He kissed his mom on the top of her head and announced he was going to shower. With a wave of his hands, he bound out of the kitchen and up the stairs to his rooms.
Mica’s rooms, as it were, consisted of three rooms, a bedroom, sitting room and bath. Unlike the rest of the castle, these rooms were done in ‘Mica’ style. His thick, oak king sized bed donned a New York Rangers comforter, a matching oak dresser sat along the far wall, the opposite wall boasted glass doors that lead to a stone balcony over looking the apple orchard, next to that was mid-sized cherry wood desk with a black cloth, high back chair. In the back center of his sitting room was a navy blue, clean but worn sofa, a matching chair and against on wall an entertainment center made of black iron and glass. A soft, older deep cream throw rug covered much of the hard wood floor.
Angela, believing she could handle ten guest rooms and divided most of the rest of the castle into the family rooms, including rooms for Belle for those very late work nights and even earlier work mornings. Her rooms, however could only be reached through the kitchen, thus no disruptions by the guests and it secured her privacy. These were, as near as Angela could figure, must have been servants quarters. Each was the same, bedroom, sitting and bath. At the end of each hall was a walk in linen closet that housed a vacuum and bed and bath linens.
Mica, stripped out of his clothes, leaving them at the foot of his bed, hopped into a cool shower. This life felt good. He was never “at home” in the city. There, he didn't really have friends, friends that would come to his house and watch movies or play video games. The city felt like an empty hole to home, something was missing, something wasn't ever quite right. He was immediately drawn to this place, this was home. It was, when his mother brought him and Jace to see it, calling to him in a way he could not explain. It needed him and he needed it.
He toweled off, and pulled on a clean pair of pants and a soft orange polo shirt. He combed his hair, brushed his teeth and even used a splash of Jace’s cologne that Jace had yet to find missing. He strode to the sitting room and was searching his DVD collection when the knock came at his door.
“” Come in!”!” He bellowed from the far room.
A tall, too thin boy with thick black hair entered the room.
“Hey Jesse!” Mica greeted.
Jesse McMurray was Mica’s best friend and, to their teachers, partner in their crimes. He had a long thin nose and matching chin that were overlooked by large, bright blue eyes and long, thick midnight black lashes.
In his wake stood a miniature of Jesse, his brother Alec. Alec, besides looking like his older brother, older by ten months, had nothing else in common. Alec was quiet, rarely spoke, got perfect grades in school and never, ever got into any sort of trouble. He was polite, courteous and, to Jesse’s horror, was adored by his teachers. Yet, despite all the differences between them, Jesse adored his brother, they were actually friends.
Jesse and Mica plopped on the couch together discussing their favorite subject, Danielle Richardson while Alec took up the task of searching
DVD’s.
Later, just before dinner was to be served, Angela introduced Mica and Jace to the guests.
First there were the Hendersons, a motley crew. Mr. Lloyd Henderson was a large man, though not very tall, portly with such a large chin, he seemed to have no neck. His belly, bulged to the point that his double breasted jacket couldn’t be buttoned and in wearing a suit in the hot June midday, he wheezed when he attempted to breathe. His wife, Ellen would have been an envy to any over paid model. She was tall, over six feet, slender with large blue doe eyes and waist length, thick, wavy auburn hair. Only a nudge in the ribs stopped Mica from gaping.
Then their was the La Bouche family. Gena and Edwin La Bouche looked more like twin Barbie and Ken dolls rather than a married couple. Both nicely tanned, tall, slender, ever smiling with pearl white teeth, red lips and blond hair, and as Mica noticed, perfectly manicured nails. Edwin had a genuine smile that reached his eyes. They were, as Mica noted, easily likable.
The third and final guest of the day were the Andersons. Max Anderson had bright red hair and overly long teeth. Yet a friendly sort with a firm shake and soft manner. Maggie Anderson was as friendly and warm as her husband, though not as good looking, if you could call Max good looking. She had greasy hair with lips that were too big and teeth that were too small. She had an annoying horse laugh and a too high pitched squeaky voice. Although thin, she was round in the belly. Her shoulder length, thin, mouse-brown hair gave her long face a horse-like look. Blue eyes barely peered through the heavy lids, looking more like two silts in her face rather than eyes at all.
Mica and Jesse showed the guests to their tables, while Jace played Chopin on the piano. Angela and Belle were busy in the kitchen with apple glazed, stuffed pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered fresh beans with crusty French bread. Angela's key lime cheesecake was raved over. The guests held nothing but compliments over the food, hospitality and warmth of the Inn. Yes, the first night of business had begun.
After the dining room was cleared and cleaned they gathered in the kitchen for their dinner. Mica was caught trying to hide the last complete cheesecake under a dish towel by Belle, who told him that he did not need the whole pie, half should suffice. They chatted while they ate, discussing how well the first day had gone and upon finishing the last dish, they all went to bed. Belle decided to stay. It was late and she needed to be up before five in the morning to start breakfast. With a bear hug and a kiss atop all their heads, Belle bustled off up the back stairs.
Mica and his friends followed soon after her, Jesse carrying the left over cheesecake and three spoons.
When they spent the night, Mica and his friends liked to push back the sofa and lay out three deep gray sleeping bags in front of the television. Tonight was no different. Wordlessly, they worked together setting up their sleeping quarters, moving furniture and grabbing pillows from the bed and laying three sleeping bags side by side facing the television. They then sat in a small semi-circle on their make-shift bedding around the plate of cheesecake.
Mica, armed with a fork full of pie and the remote control, clicked the power switch as he chewed.
The darkened television sprang to life, with a woman sitting behind a desk. Her hair was pulled back tightly into a bun, making her look much older and quite stern. “… the state police say they have nothing to go on….” she was saying in a monotone voice.
Mica lifted the remote once again, “Wait!” Alec said pointing at the picture of a local business that was in a small box like screen behind the woman.
Mica lowered the remote and his jaw followed suit. “Isn’t that Bob’s Hardware Store?” He was now poking a chubby finger at the screen.
Jesse finally looked up from the now empty pie plate, “Yeah, it is. What the heck happened?”
Without taking their eyes from the television, Mica & Alec shrugged. The woman continued, “… the body was discovered by a customer earlier this evening. Neighbors describe Robert O’Ryan as ‘friendly, outgoing and an active member of his church and community.”
Another woman’s face donned the screen, the boys immediately recognized her as Anna Johnston. The elderly busy body in town. If anyone knew anything about everyone, she did. She was sobbing with flare into a small embroidered handkerchief, “He was such a good, sweet soul.” She dabbed in inner corners of her eyes, “I can’t for the life of me figure out why someone would do this!” Sobbing even louder, “It’s the junkies! It has to be! No one…” She was then cut off and the shot went back to the anchor woman who stoically continued.
“…. Police are saying there is no sign of forced entry or evidence of robbery. More at eleven…”
“I’ll bet you had a lot of news like that, living in the city Mica.” Alec turned to him, sadness filled his eyes, “This is our first. I mean, I knew Bob. Hell, we all knew Bob. We all know everyone. Things like this just don’t happen here.”
“It’s partly why my mom loves it here….” Mica’s voice trailed off as Alec stood and moved slowly to the window.
“Makes no sense.” He said staring out into the dimly lit grounds. They waited patiently for him to finish. They knew Alec, the boy with the genius mind and almost no social skills, would have some insight. After several long, silent moments, “He closes at nine at night. That’s why there was no break in. Bob had no family, no heirs and not a whole lot of money. No, what the perpetrator wanted was something other than money. He gave more away out of that store than he sold. He used to tell us that he can’t take it with him. Remember Jesse when he gave us all those nails and screws and ‘L’ joints for our tree house two years ago?” Jesse nodded silently. Alec paced for a minute, stopped in front of the DVD’s. Selecting one, he handed it to Mica, “The key to all of this is ‘Hardware Store’.”
I have one question. Where should this go first? An agent or a publisher? Okay two questions.... should I even bother? My son loves the Mica and Jace stories.... but...
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