Chrisitian-Correctness...always more forceful than Poltical Correctness

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20888502/from/ET/



And before someone points out how under siege straight white Christians are (while their religious doctrine is being put into law all over this country) think about the following and tell me it’s not true. This country will elect a woman, an African America, a Muslim and maybe even a gay person to be President before it EVER elects an Athiest.

The irony of all of this is Griffin was pointing out (in her special way) the very Unchristian way that people ostentatiously thank Jesus for their Emmy, Grammy, Touchdown or Homerun.

As I’m sure you are well aware, the Bible is pretty clear on this ostentatious display of religion/faith:

Matthew 6:1-16

Concerning Almsgiving

6‘Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

2 ‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 3But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.*

Concerning Prayer

5 ‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.*

Concerning Fasting

16 ‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.*

Now what?

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/09/17/iraq.main/index.html

If Blackwater is banned from Iraq , how will Bush keep his troop counts low and more importantly since the death of Blackwater employees don’t count, keep his death toll of American soldiers lower?

That MBA comes in handy ...again

I recall someone going on and on and on about how our President had that very valuable MBA from the Ivy League and how that would be put to good use. Well, once again Bush's administration fails the most basic requirements for running a business. (Although, borrowing extensively so you can spend more while causing a decrease in revenue is the most anti-business thing you can do, but fortunately he's done that too.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20780840/

Ten years after Congress ordered federal agencies to have outside auditors
review their books, neither the Defense Department nor the newer Department of Homeland Security has met even basic accounting
requirements, leaving them vulnerable to waste, fraud and abuse.

And for those people that feel that welfare and social security are so rife with abuse and fraud, like the horrors of paying $1.65 to feed poor kids on the East Side of Seattle, I would think this mismanagement and failure to maintain the most basic of business fundamentals would be appalling.

"miracle" or science?

Bills TE Kevin Everett may very well walk again thanks to quick thinking doctors, the fact that the injury occurred with some fantastic Emergency Responders and trainers literally feet away and due to years of scientific research.

Now, Kevin's mom claims it could be a miracle and I don't begrudge her that. If her son walks again, she can claim whatever she wants.

But what I find most interesting (and ironic) is that the very same people who would claim that his possible recovery is the hand of God, are the very same people who will do everything they can to halt the very types of research that gave him the chance to walk again. Much of the research into spinal cord injuries has occurred in recent years and thanks to the work and focus of Christopher Reeves. A man who called for more money, more research including research into stem cells.

So, don't you find it ironic that those who would claim incredible advances in medical science as "miracles" are the very same people who are doing everything they can to stop medical science progress.

I for one would prefer to rely on medical science and not wait for the miracle if I'm ever in need of medical care. I'll accept any miracles that come my way, but it seems like a better bet to focus on medical research.

The GOP...restoring integrity every single day since 2001

This isn’t a big deal to me, but it just shows how just about every single day a member of the Republican Party that ran on “restoring integrity” is involved in some immoral, illegal, unethical behavior and that they can’t even follow even the lowest standard and that is to abide by House/Senate rules.



http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-wellersep07,1,83079.story?track=rss

Weller, a southwest suburban congressman with a fondness for Latin America, has
sunk a large share of his investment capital into a land development in
Nicaragua . But he didn't declare the extent of his holdings on his required
congressional disclosures, and he indicated dramatically different purchase
prices for the land in American and Nicaraguan
records.

…

What he didn't say was that, while he
publicly pushed CAFTA, Weller privately was pursuing his land development, some
2,000 miles away. The House approved the trade pact in July 2005 by only two
votes, 217-215.Besides not mentioning his Nicaraguan investments during the
CAFTA debate on the House floor, Weller did not give anywhere close to a
complete accounting of them in his required 2005 financial disclosure statement.
House ethics rules require representatives to disclose all property they own
except for their personal residences.

…

The
congressman listed only one Nicaraguan property purchase on his 2005 disclosure
form, but property records in Nicaragua show that he bought or sold at least
eight pieces of land.
…
For example, Weller's first disclosed
purchase in the coastal town of San Juan del Sur appeared on his 2002 financial
filing, listing a lot with a purchase price of between $50,001 and $100,000. But
in property records at the Registrar's office in Rivas, the department seat for
San Juan , Weller is reported paying 78,000 cordobas, or about $4,333, for
four-tenths of an acre in a transaction on Dec. 7, 2002.Records indicate that
Weller sold the same property in February 2005 for about $95,000. That sale does
not appear on Weller's 2005 House disclosure.

SUBJECT: And all along I thought things in Iraq were not going so well.

My response to a friend's email:

SUBJECT: And all along I thought things in Iraq were not going so well.

Now I see how wrong I was.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/


Subject: RE: And all along I thought things in Iraq were not going so well.
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2007 15:31:51 -0700
FROM:

Well, you see. If you had your head up your butt, you might think things were going well. But those who actually look at the real situation may disagree with this assessment.

The best part of being him, is that he’s never proclaimed what “success” is in Iraq , so that he can just walk around one day and say “we’ve been successful” and call it a win. Even if global terrorism continues to rise, Iraqi’s have no government, no police, no army, no electricity, no water, hundreds of thousands of Iraqi’s are dead, there is a full scale civil war taking place, 3000 Americans are dead, the middle east is more unstable now than it has been since the 70s, Iran is now unchecked, bin Laden is still alive, the Taliban controls 90% of Afghanistan and the war that was going to cost America a few million dollars is going to cost a TRILLION.

For all we know, that may have been his definition of success, and therefore we ARE indeed “kicking ass”.

Lobbyists and Puritans win...children lose

I’m sure this doesn’t surprise anyone, especially Bushies, who would fully support politics over science and lobbyists determining US policy even if it’s to the detriment of America ’s children. (the GOP’s concern for children only extends to election cycles)

The funny thing about this story (and it’s not really in the story, but we all know it’s there) is the GOP’s fear of a women’s naked breast is so overwhelming that they would prefer to ban breast feeding even though it’s better for children. Which is MOST ironic since this same faction that is so fearful of a breast are the same people who use “nature” to defend their hatred of gays. “It’s not natural” they will say about boys kissing, but as soon as a boob comes out, they turn into the Taliban to make sure no one sees a nipple. I’m pretty sure that Nestlé’s formula wasn’t mentioned in the Bible…

I wonder why

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/08/31/craig.arrest/index.html

is the GOP abandoning him because of: ?
A) He might be gay
B) He appears to have solicited sex in a public restroom
C) He pleaded guilty to a charge he is innocent of without advice from a lawyer (which makes him dumb)

Just wondering. What is the Bushie take on this?

Some more of that GOP morality...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20467347/



I love how the Good Senator, who is a member of the most august body in our land, wasn’t smart enough not to plead guilty even though he was innocent. I think if you’re that dumb you shouldn’t be in the Senate.

Unbelievable.

Strange what the Bushie's new definition of "Victory" is

My Bushie friend saw a report today that claimed Baghdad was safer than it was a few months ago, you would have that it was V-J day from his cheering. So, I posed this to him....he of course ignored me pointing out his obvious low standard for victory here in 2007.

I said:

If I said to you 4 years ago that "In the summer of 2007, nearly 4000
America soldiers will be dead, Iraq as a whole will be near anarchy, there will
be NO oil flowing, no consistent electricity and water in Baghdad, we will spend
nearly a TRILLION dollars and there is no functioning government in Iraq AND the
US is willing to allow ANY form of government as long as Bush can say it’s
“secure enough”, global terrorism will be increasing, bin Laden will still
alive, the Taliban will control most of Afghanistan” You would have said
that was absurd and that we were idiots.

Now, you call that
victory.

Well this clear's up Rudy's contention...he was by no stretch at ground zero very much AT ALL

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2007/08/18/rudy_yankees/

Obviously, Rudy is running totally on 9/11, which is sickening to me. Because of most of the GOP he's probably the most likely to get any of my support.

"Conspiracy of Fools"

Currently reading "Conspiracy of Fools"

It sat on my shelf for a long time and I don't even remember buying it, but at over 700 pages it seemed too daunting. Anyway, I started it on my trip to Texas and it is really hard to put down. I think it's the somewhat annoying way the author tells the story, with various anecdotes of things that are happening concurrently. So, each little snippet may only be a half a page, maybe a whole page. Again, while annoying, its hard to stop reading it.

I am surprised to find myself less harsh of Kenny Lay (but some people have said the author is too easy on Lay). Although he was VERY guilty of failing in his fiduciary duty to stockholders (including employees) for being clueless, I'm much more convinced of the guilt of Fastow and Skilling, especially Fastow. That guy was sleezy. As for Arthur Anderson, I used to wonder if they took too much flack, but they weren't just negligent, they were co-conspirators in much of Fastow's schemes.

There were many people who tried to raise flags, but when the CFO is the criminal and has all the power, it's hard to stand up to that. But you have to wonder why NO ONE had the balls to do anything more substantial (maybe it was the rising stock price??)

Does God Love America best?

I recieved this email today showing an American flag with what appears to be a cross in it created by sunlight. It stuck me a bit offensive that this email was saying that God Loves America more than others. Here is my response



Sorry, I had to speak up. This message seems to say that "God Loves America best". Which seems like a short-sighted and possibly a very unChristian thing to say.

Actually, this photo is quite believable and to be expected (see this article on the subject http://www.snopes.com/photos/patriotic/azflag.asp)

1- the cross is a symbol that was created by man to represent Christianity, although some Faiths don't celebrate the cross as much as others. (Not to mention the debate that has been going on in Christianity for 2000 years on what the 10 COmmandments say in regard to "Graven Images". (For an interesting look at just how much man has played a hand in the "Divine Word" read the 2nd commandment as it appears in various versions of the Bible, say King James vs. New Revised...). My point, would God show his existence to the world by tricks of fabric and sunlight? Would God show this in the form of a Cross (a man-made device)?

2- The more offensive part of this email, at least for Christians, should be...that God loves America best. Why would God show a particular allegiance to one country over another. Are Americans better than Canadians? Are Americans better than Italians? Are Americans better by virtue of the location of their birth??? These country affiliations are, again, man-made political boundaries. it would seem that God, having existed for all time, wouldn't have "a favorite team", especially one that has only been around 225 years. For an interesting read on God and Politics, here's a quote from the book of John:

Likewise, the Christian does not become involved in the affairs of earthly governments but represents the heavenly kingdom to them. He is in this world but is not of this world (John 17:16).



-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2007 10:59 PM
To:
Subject: FW: FW: UNBELIEVABLE PHOTO!!!!!!!]

This is a beautiful photo of a giant American flag in Arizona The photo is authentic, UN-Touched and was taken on regular Kodak 35mm film. The person who took the picture couldn't believe the image created by the suns rays.
Nice of them to share it with the world!
Read what is says under the picture....

For those that prefer to think that God is not watching over us...go ahead and delete this.
For the rest of us...pass this on.

More stuff that must stop

I've spoke of my disgust for people who can't say the word "Sandwich" without putting an "M" in the middle. (SAMWICH) but I've yet to discuss these two other gems.

1- STOP USING THE WORD "SURREAL" TO DESCRIBE EVERY GODDAMN LITTLE THING THAT IS A BIT STRANGE.
Every time some 3rd tier celebrity gets interviewed every thing in their life is "So Surreal". No! It's NOT!. Just b/c the time you walked into the Burger King and Lindsey Lohan was there doesn't make it "Surreal".
http://www.britannica.com/ebc/article-9379935

"Surreal" - (Mid-20th century. Back-formation surrealism])>from Merriam Websterke



2 - WORLDWIDE BAN ON BANDS WITH NUMBERS IN THEIR NAMES.
The world has had enough. Using a number in your name is just lazy and it's beyond STUPID now. Blink 183, Maroon 5, Three Doors Down, Sum41, and on and on and on. STOP it. Get a real name like "Brian Jonestown Massacre" or hell, even "the Monkees".

The Worst Nightmare

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/20/bush.colonoscopy/

CHeney to run the world for 150 minutes...do you know how much damage a man that evil can do? WOW.

Comedy at the Texas Capital or "That's right, you're not from Texas"

Just returned from Austin and visiting my brother, but there was a little something that happened on our tour of the Capital Building that I must share with you.

We were walking around the building just taking in the history and when we went into the Senate Chamber we came upon a tour group. The guy leading the tour looked very Texas (whatever that means) , about mid 40s, dressed in a suit and quite authoritative on the building and Texas history. So, he going through his stuff about the Senate and then he points out the portraits on the wall. Sam Houston, Stephen F Austin, etc. various state senators. And he points out the HUGE painting of LBJ on the wall. Explains that LBJ is there b/c he was the only President who TRULY called Texas his home and he goes on and on. Finally, he says "you know there are 4 Presidents with ties to Texas, do you know who they are?" Someone says "LBJ and the Bushes". The guy says, "right...of course LBJ, who always called Texas home and was very proud of Texas. And the Bushes, but they were born and raised and educated in New England, not in Texas. They just have had homes here, that's why their portraits are not hung in this room".

DAMNNNNNNN

It was quite obvious that this guy, this expert on Texas and proud Texan was pointing out the fallacy the Bushes are "Texans". And when the guy leading the tour of the building where the former governor's portrait hangs points that out, it was PURE COMEDY. Delicious. I don't think it was a comment on either of their political legacies, it was just that they are not considered Texans by Texans.

btw- turns out Dwight Eisenhower was born in Texas, but moved to Kansas when he was there, so he ain't no Texan either.

It's NOTHING like Clinton

While defending the President's latest lame and pathetic move, his buddies have trotted out the "Well, Clinton did it" excuse...which KILLS me b/c when Bush ran he was going to "repair the damage done to the Office by Clinton", but now he continually defends his actions by saying Clinton did the same thing.

That would just be funny if it weren't so incredibly irrelevant. Clinton's pardon of Rich was for Rich's crimes. the Libby affair still stems from the knowning outing of a secret agent of the CIA, I still say that's treason. and the fact that it came from the Executive branch should be grounds for everyone one of them going to prison, but I'll let that go. Libby committed a crime to further the political aims of the President and the President is letting him get away with it. All this bullshit about damage to reputation (how hard to you think it will be for Libby to get a job with some GOP thinktank????), the bullshit about the fine (he has over $5 million dollars in his defense fund)...so Libby suffers very little consequence. All for doing the President's bidding (well, actually Cheney's we all know ). It's not a stretch to see this all being part of the plan. Libby taking the fall with the pre-arranged deal that he'd NEVER do time.

I also understand that there is a good reason NOT to pardon him completely. from what I've heard Libby would lose his ability to use the 5th amendment b/c he could not incriminiate himself, or more importantly he COULD incriminate Bush, Cheney, et al. Disgusting.

ANd just for some context. EVeryone trots out Clinton's record on pardons...it's nearly IDENTICAL to Reagan's.

Once again, Bush proves he's the worst President we've ever had.

Thanks CNN:
Pardons and Commutations
George W. Bush (2001 - ) Pardons -- 13 Commutations -- 4
Bill Clinton (1993-2001) Pardons -- 396 Commutations -- 61
George H.W. Bush (1989-1993) Pardons -- 74 Commutations: 3
Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) Pardons -- 393 Commutations -- 13
Jimmy Carter (1977-1981) Pardons -- 534 Commutations -- 29
Gerald Ford (1974-1977) Pardons -- 382 Commutations -- 22
Richard Nixon (1969-1974) Pardons -- 863 Commutations -- 60
Lyndon Johnson (1963-1969) Pardons -- 960 Commutations -- 226
John F. Kennedy (1961-1963) Pardons -- 472 Commutations -- 100
Dwight Eisenhower (1953-1961) Pardons -- 1,110 Commutations -- 47
Harry Truman (1945-1953) Pardons -- 1,913 Commutations -- 118

New White Stripes...best Zeppelin album since Physical Graffiti

Bought the new White Stripes CD yesterday. I like it well enough. Some songs I really like others...eh...

It does appear that Jack listened to A LOT of Zeppelin before laying this one down. If you've heard Icky Thump you know of what I speak. There are other songs that are very derivative of Zeppelin, even a song with Middle Eastern sounds. Much of the rest is straight up rock and roll.

I would say that this the best Zeppelin CD since Physical Graffiti, even better than Wolfmother's attempt at a Zeppelin CD, but they lose points for sounding a lot like AC/DC too.

It's probably the best rock album in a long time, it's just that Jack has a higher standard to live up to, so at this point after 2 listens, I'd give it a B+.

Why atheists are "better" people

I've been tossing this idea around in my head for a while, so here goes.







Virtue, it is said, is doing the right thing when NO ONE is looking.



Yet, many so-called "Christians" act in a decent way because they believe they will be rewarded for that behavior by entrance into Heaven. Isn't that the same as seeking a reward for your good behavior?



While atheists, the ones I know, are some of the most "christian" in their actions. They do unto others, etc. They live according to the Golden Rule. Not because they seek a reward in the afterlife, but because it's just the right thing to do. Doing the right thing for the sake of doing the right thing, not for gain.



Even if Pascal was correct with his wager, and you behave according to that thinking, atheists are still more "pure" in their actions.



Ironically, enough this occurred to me as I was putting a shopping cart back into the rack of carts at the entrance to a grocery store. I ALWAYS do that, yet as I walked back through the lot I saw dozens of carts left in the middle of the parking lot by those either too lazy or too selfish to walk 20 feet to put them into one of those cart corrals. Carts that will have to be rounded up by an employee, carts that will block parking spots, or dent other cars. Why do people feel so important that they are above fulfilling this little part of the Social Contract with their neighbors? Surely, this is a small, but telling, behavior amongst our fellow citizens.



I understand that people turn to God for all sorts of reasons. To fill emptiness in their lives. For comfort. To remove accountability for their own failures, to have someone to "blame" or to credit. But, I have such a difficult time believing that one religion has it "right". For these Bible thumpers to assume that by the chance of birth (being born into a Christian country as opposed to India or Japan) that they KNOW they have the correct understanding and version of God.



With "religion" existing in countless forms among all people and through time, whether is it Aboriginal Creation myths, Greek mythology, Islam, Jainism or Christianity. Through their existence humans have sought to seek understanding of what they do not know, "what causes thunder?". "How was the earth formed?" I have always found it fascinating that old religions are now called "Mythology" while current religion is gospel, but it seeks the answers to the same questions.

While a Christian finds it laughable that earth was created on the back of a tortoise, it's inconceivable that God did not create earth in 6 days. Genesis is just as likely to be right as the creation stories of Inuits or Buddhists, no? How arrogant is it for anyone to believe that they have the RIGHT version of God? Again, often just by the luck of the location of their birth or who their parents are.



Some people take the Bible as the literal word of God, but it wasn't written by God. it was written by men. and other men EDITED the book, left out whole sections. The people that are most upsetting are the ones who like to quote the Old Testament for justifying their hatreds while they completely ignore the teachings of Christ in the New Testament. Christ (at least he should have for Christians) changed the game. the Bible went from "eye for an eye" to "turn the other cheek", but the most zealous "Christians" are the ones least likely to follow the words of Christ.

That's what I call ironic.

This pisses me off

Before I start...let's be clear. I am saddened that they have lost three children and I hope the other three live.

"We continue to trust in the Lord and are hopeful for a good outcome for
Cadence, Lucia and Sylas," the statement said.

So, tragically, the third of six sextuplets has passed in MN, but the family is going to "continue to trust in the lord". Yet they didn't trust the lord enough to have him help them have a child. No, they turned to science and a science that created 6 babies. Something that God very rarely does on his own. So now that the family has lost half of their children they are going to put it on God?

You wonder why the parents decided to keep all 6 embroyos. I'm sure it was some religous conviction that wouldn't allow them to keep only a more reasonable number of embroyos and carry them to term with a MUCH greater chance of survival and success for the children.

I find it astounding that they will speak of this being in the Lord's hands when they used science to create a litter of children all of whom have a very slim chance of thriving. The human body was not meant to have litters, but science has enabled that. If God has anything to do with conception of every human being, why mess with his process if you're only going to turn to God as your children die.

One of two guys I can get behind

As a Libertarian, Ron Paul is an obvious choice. He says a lot of the things I believe. He'll never get elected or even taken seriously, but hopefully his principled ideas of limited government will get attention by both parties after 8 years of the most invasive, unprincipled, corrupt administration in 100 years, if not ever.

http://www.ronpaul2008.com/

I also like Richardson on the other side. If only for his fantastic resume. I don't know if there has been a person with such a varied and complete resume with the skills to run the country (Maybe John Quincy Adams?)

http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/

He's been a Congressman, a Cabinet Secretary, UN Ambassador and Governor (or a border state) and if Immigration is going to be a big issue, a guy who grew up in Mexico City might be in the best position to understand the issue.

Re: Sopranos...shut up

I'm growing weary of all this belly-aching about the Soprano's finale. before I saw the last episode I had low expectations, mostly due to David Chase's own arrogant comments. Basically, he said (I paraphrase) "don't expect tidy endings, b/c life isn't full of tidy endings". So, I expected a finale with NO answers to anything and Chase sitting smugly at his home feeling all full of himself. But my immediate reaction to his comments leading up to the finale are this: "hey Dave, it's a TV show. it's not "life" or "real"". So, I expected some answers and the one that I decided I needed was "who lives: Tony or Phil?"...I got that answer ...repeatedly thru a combo of gun shots and SUV tires.

The last scene in the finale is genius. You've seen Tony making peace with his life both family life and "work" life. His looking off into the distance while raking the leaves showed that contentment. As they sit at the diner later, the family is all together. AJ has his shit together (although the fact that he got "all better" after watching his car go up in flames was one of the most unreal and lame course corrections in the history of the show). Meadow, while a poor parker has her shit together and TOny understands why she wants to go into law ...and maybe even defend Daddy once she passes the bar.

Carmela is fine. She has made her peace with the life she leads. She's had her chances to leave, and surely she has enough reasons, but she likes the nice cars, espresso makers and expensive watches that this life affords, she's going nowhere.

The guy in the Member's Only jacket going to the bathroom bring fantastic tension for anyone who knows The Godfather movies. It's an obvious shout out and there to make you think what could happen.

So, as the screen goes black does Tony look up to see Meadow walk in? Does he see a gun held at him by the guy coming out of the bathroom? Do those kids who walked in right before Meadow create some issue. It's all there, I was literally (and I NEVER use that term incorrectly) on the edge of recliner.

At first, I felt a little ripped off, but after an hour or so, I realized the genius of the ending. It was nearly the exact opposite of how "Six Feet Under" ended with it's litany of what happened to everyone over the next few decades by describing how they died. Chase went exactly the other way.

Your left thinking what you want to believe. If Tony lives on, does Paulie become his number two? Paulie who seemed to be the person most likely to be killed next for about the past 3 years, with his dealings with New York, the tension b/t he and Chris and basically his going bat-shit over the past year. Is this what Tony is left with? How can he hold on to power with such a young crew and no one left but Paul from the old school.

If he is dead, what happens to AJ? Remember how he wanted to avenge his father's shooting by going after Uncle Jun? AJ would surely end up in the family business, if only to avenge his father's death, but AJ too likes the comforts that life brings (remember his complete and instantaneous 180 about caring too much for the pain in the world to loving the new BMW dad bought????).

So many other things to consider, so many what ifs. A brilliant end, to a brilliant series. And a fitting end. It did not cheat fans, it gave enough answers, not all, but enough. Kudos Mr. Chase.

Bushie admits most of this is true

My Bushie friend sent this to me under the sub: line "I'm afraid a lot of this is true"

http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/

I responded with:

I agree, especially b/c the Bush tactic of insulting, questioning the intelligence and patriotism of anyone who disagrees with them goes way back. Now that he’s insulting the GOP, you guys are noticing that this tactic is childish and offensive. Bush has NEVER debated or encouraged discussion of his positions. His position is you agree with me or you’re an idiot and unpatriotic. It’s been done by all the Bushies, but now that he’s doing it to you, Peggy and the other faithful are having an epiphany.

So much for being like the "Business World"

Republicans are always going on about how Government should be run like a business (Bush's INCREDIBLE deficits are ignored while they say this...SURPRISE)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18553053/

I can’t speak for your employers, but I’m pretty sure it’s the same way with regard to ethics. You can’t date a subordinate, and you sure as hell can’t bend the rules to get your significant other promotions out of cycle and raises beyond guidelines. That would get you fired at here in about 10 minutes. I’ve seen it happen twice.

Why shouldn’t the president of the World Bank be held to the same ethical standard as the majority of American businesspeople?

I know why, b/c the current administration is absent any sense of morality and ethics. Most of Washington is ethically challenged, but this WH is beyond compare especially since they ran on restoring integrity to the office.

Shameful

More shameful behavior (AND THE MEDIA IGNORES IT)

The behavior of a 2 bit dictator from the third world, not the President of the United States .

Just more of Bush bringing shame upon the Office. Just who is Dick Cheney meeting with? Will we find out the Abrahmoff has been there dozens of times?

It’s like they think we serve him, but he serves America …and you Bushies know damn well if this was a Democrat you’d be losing your shit right now.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/06/01/cheney.secrecy.ap/index.html

Why is Bush hosting Stalinist Despots at his house?

Well...at Daddy's house...




http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18939032/

Dark Age Candidates

Kansas Sen. Brownback, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo raised their hands when moderator Chris Matthews asked who did not believe in evolution.

Was the follow up: “do you believe in Gravity?”

I would think any member of the Republican party who has an inkling of scientific knowledge (or who was educated beyond the 6th grade) and has moved beyond a world ruled by superstition and witchcraft would cringe at this.

I suppose that belief in biblical rationales for human existence would also preclude one from accepting a heliocentric universe as well, no? The bible is full of some of fantastic explanations, I’d like to know how these guys pick which ones are “true” and which ones are not?

Bush Doctrine failure #346

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18399660/

In its annual global survey of terrorism to be released later Monday, the
department says about 14,000 attacks took place in 2006, mainly in Iraq and
Afghanistan , claiming more than 20,000 lives. That is 3,000 more attacks
than in 2005 and 5,800 more deaths, it says.

Iraq and Afghanistan the top terrorist targets... kinda makes it hard to say
the Bush is protecting their citizens when his foreign policy has caused more of
their deaths. But I already know that the Bushie will say he doesn’t care about
Iraqis…that is until he likes to point out that Saddam is gone and that Iraqi’s
are better off even if they are dying by the thousands every month and then he
says it doesn’t matter. That’s the tragically circular dance.

The data proves (again) what a miserable failure Bush is. Corruption, immorality and a less safe world….the Bush Legacy.

Bushie immorality...you can't make this stuff up

Another week, another shameful revelation. If this was a book, no one would buy it b/c there is NO WAY one Administration could be this corrupt and amoral.

Another Bushie engaging in "immoral" (by their own standards), illegal and ridiculous behavior. Unbelievable how corrupt and amoral this group is.

it's a good thing they ran on restoring integrity to the WH. Can you imagine how bad it would be if they ran on something other than morality and integrity?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18359307/

Honestly, the amout of corruption, immorality and illegal behavior is astounding. It's behavior I wouldn't expect in anyone, but these people are supposed to be the best and brightest that the GOP has to offer. I guess that's what happens when you reward blind loyalty instead of actuallly choosing people based on merit and integrity.

I can't wait to hear howthe bushies approve of this or at least blames it on gay, immigrants, the poor, liberals, the media or people who actually have read a book in their lifetime.

Business as usual for the Bushies

From CATO:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Monday defended how it awarded contracts to maintain trailers for hurricane victims, but Democratic
lawmakers said they'd press for further investigations," the Jackson
Clarion-Ledger reports. "In a report that will be made public later this week,
the inspector general found that FEMA gave many of the contracts to politically
connected firms -- including Shaw Inc. of BatonRouge. Shaw hired former FEMA
Director Joe Allbaugh, one of PresidentBush's friends, as its lobbyist."

Just another example of the Bushies turning other people's misery into financial windfall for themselves and friends. I would say "making lemonade out of lemons", but for this group a more appropriate saying would be "when life gives you lemons, the Bush WH will take your lemons(without a search warrant) and make lemonade under a no-bid contract and sell it back to the government at a 600% mark up."

Restoring integrity every single day since January 2001

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/04/24/tillman.hearing/index.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18295584/from/RS.2/

Response to a Bushie's email

My Bushie friend called me and someone out as a wimpy liberal and somehow those of us who oppose the Iraq war and more accurately it's horrifying mismanagement by this administration were responsible for Iran getting nukes:

My response:
The fact that you are 100% wrong (as usual) is becoming scary. If someone like you, with an advanced degree is so woefully uniformed about the world, how the hell can America compete let alone defend itself.

You're always talking about results (that is until we point out that Bush has produced zero results in nearly 7 years and we provide the data to prove it and then you start with the race baiting or name calling).

BUSH RESULT #1: The facts are...whatever problems you had with Clinton's plan, NorthKorea STOPPED making nukes. Then under Bush's watch NK made many ofthem, and launched a few missiles into the Sea of Japan. Finally, Bush did what you said he would never do and that was give NK some gasolinefor them to stop making nukes. His pissing contest not only didn't work, but it made the world less safe.

BUSH RESULT#2: Bush's folly into Iraq based on lies of WMD has "emboldened" Iran to the point that they not only make nukes at will, but are taking our allies sailors prisoner without concern. Bush has showed his hand and proven to the world that he is incompetent and impotent...so much so that a common thug like the President of Iran has NO concern that Bush can or will do anything while he makes nukes.

BUSH RESULT #3: Remember when Bush looked into Putin's eyes and saw his soul? Too bad he didn't realize the Putin is every bit a despot that Stalin was. Sure he's not killing millions, but Putin's pushing the line with stifling freedoms and basically rolling back every gain made by Gorbachov.

BUSH RESULT #4 The Taliban controls 95% of Afghanistan. Hezbollah and Hamas arerunning major parts of the middle east. Genocide in Sudan, terrorism upglobally, etc. You want to call people "mush heads"...you should look at your hero.

Worst president ever.

GOP Syndrome...lie about EVERYTHING

Sorry, hunting twice in sixty years does not make you a "hunter". I would imagine the people he's pandering to would clearly agree with myassessment.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/04/05/romney.hunting.ap/index.html

I used to fish when I was a kid...doesn't make me a fisherman. I'vealso played Lazer Tag 3 times, it doesn't make me a Laser Tager Guy. Oh yeah, I've raced go-carts on a track a few times, that doesn't make me Michael Schumacher.

The WH hates this...

Diplomacy again...

I can't wait to hear the Bushies talk about why Syria talking withIsrael about peace is a bad thing.

After all, Bush's little invasion of Iraq that was going to cause Democracy to flower in theMiddle East has worked out so damn well, why wouldn't invading Syria. This has got to kill the Bushies. http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070404/ts_nm/syria_usa_pelosi_dc_10

It just keeps getting better

Terror Watch: A fired U.S. attorney strikes back

The Justice Department called David Iglesias, the U.S. attorney in
NewMexico, an 'absentee landlord'-a key reason listed for his firing
lastDecember. Just one problem: Iglesias, a captain in the Navy Reserve, was off
teaching classes as part of the war on terror. Now Iglesias is striking back,
arguing he was improperly dismissed.

WEB EXCLUSIVE By Michael Isikoff and Mark HosenballNewsweekUpdated: 12:26
p.m. MT

April 4, 2007April 4, 2007 - When he wasn't doing his day job as U.S.
attorney in NewMexico, David Iglesias was a captain in the Navy Reserve,
teachingforeign military officers about international terrorism.But Iglesias's
military service in support of what the Pentagon likes tocall the Global War on
Terror (GWOT) apparently didn't go down well withhis superiors at the Justice
Department. Recently released documentsshow that one reason aides to Attorney
General Alberto Gonzales cited injustifying the decision to fire Iglesias as U.S
attorney late last yearwas that he was an "absentee landlord" who was spending
too much timeaway from the office.That explanation may create new legal problems
for Gonzales and Justice.Iglesias confirmed to NEWSWEEK that he was recently
questioned bylawyers for the Office of Special Counsel, an independent
federalwatchdog agency, to determine if his dismissal was a violation of
theUniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), afederal
law that prohibits job discrimination against members of theU.S. military.At the
encouragement of Office of Special Counsel director Scott Blochand his deputies,
Iglesias said he is this week filing a formal legalcomplaint with OSC against
the Justice Department over his dismissal onthis and other grounds. (While the
Justice Department normallyprosecutes USERRA violations, the OSC, an independent
federal agencythat protects the rights of whistle-blowers, takes the case when
thepotential violator is the federal government itself.) "I want to makesure
they didn't fire me because of my military duty," Iglesias said."When I was away
from the office, it wasn't like I was going on vacationin Europe." (A Justice
Department spokesman did not respond for arequest for comment on whether
Iglesias's firing might have been aviolation of the law.)

Why the lies if they did nothing wrong?

Attorney’s do serve at the pleasure of the president…no argument there. But if there was nothing nefarious going on why did they lie about it?

1- “The attorney’s were fired for performance”. (Many had stellar reviews and Gonzales’s chief of staff has admitted that he NEVER saw performance evaluations of at least one of the attorney’s fired for “Performance” issues)
2- Gonzales said he didn’t know about the firings (In fact, he approved them)

If there is no story here, why all the lying? That is why they are in trouble with America. The lying. If the Attorney General is a liar with the full support of the President it makes it even clearer to Americans that the White House if full of liars.

Making them hate Democracy...good job

Here is some more data on the impacts of Bush's policy.

He's making them Hate Democracy: (well done GW)

A 43% plurality say democracy would be the best political system for Iraq, a marked decline in 16 months. In an ABC News survey beforeelections in 2005, 57% chose democracy.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-03-19-iraq-poll-day2_N.htm?csp=34

and more data:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-03-18-poll-cover_N.htm?csp=34

Face-to-face interviews with 2,212 Iraqis - a survey sponsored jointlyby USA TODAY, ABC News, the British Broadcasting Corp. and ARD, a GermanTV network - find a nation that in large measure has fragmented intofear. Six in 10 Iraqis say their lives are going badly.

Only one-third expect things to improve in the next year...Even some of those whose sect suffered under Saddam recall that time fondly. "I miss those good old days," said Jasim Mahmood Rajab, 60, aShiite businessman. "I had my work and my social life, and now -nothing. I'm ready to pay everything I have to sit at Abo Nowas Streetand eat fish at night."Before the war, Abo Nowas Street, which runs along the Tigris River, was lined with outdoor cafes. They are shuttered now>"

"I always talk to other girls in the bank remembering our old days when we were going shopping, or even walking in the streets," Solaf MohamedAli said. "Now we speak about all those things like a nice dream that is hard to get."And the next generation? Shiites are the most optimistic that their children will have a betterlife than they have had; two-thirds express optimism about that. So do half of the Kurds polled. But seven of 10 Sunnis predict that their children's lives will be worse.The pessimism was universal among the Sunnis who live in Baghdad: 100%of those surveyed said their children would have a worse life than theyhave had.

Lies Lies and more lies

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17702224/"

Sure, they'll talk but we need them to lie so we won't let them speakunder oath.

Disgusting.

The problem with their use of "executive privilege" is that they trot it out every time they do something illegal or immoral. Like, say the King of England would have in 1638, or some South American despot 50 years ago. The President is not above the law, he answers to the people and Congress when he's asked to. He should read the Constitution, or at least have someone read it too him. For all his spouting off about Democracy and ridding the world of dictators he spends a hell of lot of time acting like a dictator with a true disdain for the People's Checks on his power.

Under the Bus

It looks like they might be preparing for just that (under the bus). Alberto has been with the President a VERY long time, I don't think he does much with out talking to him (or at least Cheney), so to talk of this growing divide between them is hard to believe. More likely that he's just taking the blame.

Hey, remember when George Bush forget completely that he and Ken Lay were really good friends? "Ken Lay? Rings a bell, but not sure I know him". Or Jack Abramoff "He came to the WH once for a Hanukah party"So there is a pattern.

Don't you feel safer?

http://www.cnn.com/2007/LAW/03/14/med.marijuana.ap/index.html

Our ports are unprotected, and yet our government wants to prosecute thedying for smoking weed. The puritanical drive behind this effort would make the Taliban proud. Thank god, the government is there to protect this dying woman from hurting herself.

The problem with torture

The problem with torture is that people don't necessarily tell the truth, they say what you want to hear so the torture will stop (Interrogation 101).

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/03/14/guantanamo.mohammed/index.html

In addition to confessing to every terrorist plot of the past 15 years. Mohammed also confessed to the Kennedy Assassination, being the Zodiac killer and kidnapping the Lindbergh baby. He also confessed to being tangentially involved in the Lincoln Assassination by providing horses to Booth and others.

The Bushie version of accountability

In the Bush WH all you have to do is say "I accept responsibility" and let your underlings go to prison, get fired, etc and somehow you'reaccountable.
"I'm accept full responsibility, which is why I've fired mysubordinate". Is a classic Bushie line.

Not only are they immoral and criminal, but they are cowards too.

Shameful:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/03/13/fired.attorneys/index.html

Dick Cheney's future employer or Why does Halliburton hate America?

No bid contracts, war profiteering, shoddy work, endangering the lives of American Soldiers and NOW maybe trying to avoid paying taxes. Why does Halliburton hate America?

Another proud day for the Bush administration and it's personal money making machine. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17577926/

Has there ever been a more amoral and corrupt administration?

Sure, Nixon was corrupt, but at least he did something good in foreign policy with China. Bush has done nothing postivie in any area. He didn't meet any of his promises to the people that elected him and his party is in shambles due to the corruption and immorality that he not only allowed but embraced and encouraged.

His will go down as the worst Presidency ever. It effects will be felt for years to come. I have NO DOUBT that Scooter Libby is not the last Bushie to be found guilty of crimes.

The corruption and depravity knows no bounds. It permeates this administration and he ran on "restoring integrity to the Office". He's nearly destroyed it.

Hypocritical Bastards

Is there a single member of the GOP who isn't an adulterous hypocrite criminal?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17527506/

YIKES

Cheney said the attackers were trying "to find ways to question the authority of
the central government."

Let me suggest, that if the Taliban can drive up to the entrance of a US Military installation, I’d say the central government is already in question. But we’ve been saying that for years. If Bush had only finished the job in Afghanistan, then our hand picked president might actually have some legitimacy outside of the capital. Not to mention, the Taliban must have had knowledge of where and when Cheney would be, that should be the scariest part of all. How would they get that information?





And to think, Afghanistan is the one that is going "well". --------------

Afghan blast kills 23; Taliban says Cheney targeted

By ALISA TANG The Associated Press BAGRAM, Afghanistan -- A suicide bomber
attacked the entrance to the main U.S. military base in Afghanistan today during
a visit by Vice President Dick Cheney, killing up to 23 people and wounding
20.
Cheney was unhurt in the attack, which was claimed by the Taliban and was
the closest that militants have come to a top U.S. official visiting
Afghanistan. At least one U.S. soldier, an American contractor and a South
Korean solder were among the dead, NATO said.
Cheney said the attackers were
trying "to find ways to question the authority of the central government." A
Taliban spokesman said Cheney was the target.
About two hours after the
blast, Cheney left on a military flight for Kabul to meet with President Hamid
Karzai and other officials, then left Afghanistan.
The vice president had
spent the night at the sprawling Bagram Air Base, ate breakfast with the troops,
and met with Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez, the commander of U.S. troops in
Afghanistan.
He was preparing to leave for a meeting with Karzai when the
suicide bomber struck about 10 a.m., sending up a plume of smoke visible by
reporters accompanying him. U.S. military officials declared a "red alert" at
the base.
"I heard a loud boom," Cheney told reporters. "The Secret Service
came in and told me there had been an attack on the main gate."

They don't care about cheating

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17136318/

If NASCAR was serious about stopping cheating they wouldn't suspend crewchiefs they'd suspend drivers. You send Jeff Gordon home for cheatingat Daytona, people will take notice, especially the sponsors. Right now there is NO incentive not to cheat. I have no doubt that these crews can still change tiresand understand gas consumption without their chief trackside.

NASCAR's current actions make about as much sense as suspending theDefensive Line coach of San Diego for Shawne Merriman's steroid use...or maybe the team doctor.

This is a nice switch on the "I don't remember" defense to the "He don't remember" offense. The halls of Washington are supposed to be filled with the best minds in America, if not the world. Sure, many elected officials can't claimthat but for the people who work there it should be true. YET, everysingle time someone gets in trouble they "Can't remember anything".This isn't a partisan slam, b/c it works for both parties. As if beingan incompetent idiot is a defense for being corrupt.

When asked about this stuff, it's always "I don't recall". That's bullshit. I guarantee you that any one us could be questioned about infinitely more mundane matters and remember 95% better than any politico that ever gotinto trouble. Whether it's Reagan or Bush selling Arms to our enemies or Clinton getting some in the oval office. There is NO WAY those men get to power without having some intelligence, and memory would be at the most basic level.

No doubt when George Bush goes on trial for his crimes, he'll forget everything even though this guy supposedly can remember everysingle nickname he ever handed out.

New rule: if you use "I don't remember" as a defense for your corrupt actions, you should be deemed "mentally incompetent", removed from office and forever banned from working in any position of governmentalresponsibility.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17128427/

Shins New CD ...disappoints (and it pains me to say it)

The fine people at SubPop were nice enough to send out the new Shins CD
a few days early and I got it yesterday (hits the streets today). So,
I've given it a listen and a half and maybe my expectations were too
high, but I'm disappointed. As you may know, I don't think bands
should necessarily "grow" or "move in new directions". If it ain't broke
don't fix it. It's a small group of bands that can change it up and pull it
off. (think Stones doing Country or the Beatles doing whatever they
want)

That said, the new CD has a few (2 or 3) songs with the "classic" Shins
sound; guitar-driven popiness with very abstruse lyrics. The ambiguous
lyrics are there, but the guitars are missing. At times it feels like
Beck broke into the Studio and added synthesizers. I also think (and I
mentioned this when the single was released) that James Mercer was
listening to a lot of Beach Boys, and I still think he did try to
channel Brian Wilson on a few tracks.

When "Chutes Too Narrow" came out, I didn't love that either, but it
grew on me. It's still no "Oh, Inverted World", but it's a great CD.
At this point "Wincing the Night Away" is not and it hurts me to say
that.

What will Zach Braff do?

New Shins CD

I pre-ordered my Shins CD months ago directly from SubPop. Have you? When I ordered it I also order two CD singles. Oh James, why so long b/t CDs?

Also, the past week...I can't get enough of The New Pornographers "Twin Cinema". I liked it when I bought it, but I have seriously listened to that CD a dozen times all the way through in the past week and it is pure brilliance.

Some more of that ""Bush is doing everything he can to protect America"

"Bush is doing everything he can to protect America" (that's how the Bushies always explain when they are imprisoning Americans while ignoring the COnstitution)

OR

"Just following in Daddy's footsteps by selling arms to our enemy, Iran."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16648850/

Will Bush use this to invade Syria

Are these the Weapons that my Bushie friend has been talking about for four years?



http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16655063/

Which Romney?

http://electioncentral.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2007/jan/10/video_of_liberal_mitt_romney_quotes_surfaces
I'm confused. Which Romney do you like?

The "unchanging institution of marriage"

A Bushie friend got his shorts in a bundle over gays in the military. When I asked him why he chose to put America in danger b/c boys kissing made him feel icky, he got onto gay Marriage (a tactic he's no doubt learned from watching America's most dangerous idiot, Sean Hannity, on a loop). That thread had started when the article about retired General Shalikashvili wrote in the NY Times that he felt gays should serve openly in the military.

_______________
In response to his claim that Marriage was an institution that was thousands of years old and was "the basis for our civilization and culture".

My response:

Again, Marriage wasn’t the topic, so I’ll just assume you put your “icky feelings” about gays above the safety of America.

With that established, you need to do some research on marriage. The concept of “civil” marriage is relatively new. Marriage as a religious sacrament is quite older, so if you’re supporting a Libertarian solution that states should completely get out of the civil marriage game, they’ll be glad to have you.

Additionally, since you’ve brought up “thousands of years” you’ve opened up this debate to the globe (since the United States did not exist thousands of years ago). What about other parts of marriage, polygamy, arranged marriage, daughters sold into marriage and assorted other practices that have existed as “marriage” for thousands of years, do you also support those for the mere sake of nostalgia? That seems to be your argument. “Because we did it that way, that’s the way we should continue to do it” That is your position, no? Fortunately, most of the world doesn’t hold on to things b/c that’s how we’ve always done it. If so, we’d still be riding horses and reading by candlelight.

I don’t even need to get into the dissolution of marriage and how that has changed.


As for your belief (wrong as usual) that the “institution of marriage” is this unchanging bedrock here’s just a few points to challenge your mind:

1830 - Right of married woman to own property in her own name (instead of all property being owned exclusively by the husband) in Mississippi.
1848 - Right of married women to own property in her own name in New York.
1854 - The Republican party referred in its platform to polygamy as one of the "twin relics of barbarism" (in addition to slavery). At the time, polygamy was a practice of some Mormons. See plural marriage.
1862 - The United States Congress enacted the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act, signed by Abraham Lincoln, which made bigamy a felony in the territories punishable by $500 or five years in prison.
1873 - Supreme Court rules that a state has the right to exclude a married woman from practicing law.
1874 - Congress passed the Poland Act, which transferred jurisdiction over Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act cases to federal prosecutors and courts in Utah, which were not controlled by Mormons.
1879 - The Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act was upheld by the United States Supreme Court in the case of Reynolds v. United States
1882 - Congress passed the Edmunds Act, which prohibited not just bigamy, which remained a felony, but also bigamous cohabitation, which was prosecuted as a misdemeanor, and did not require proof an actual marriage ceremony had taken place. The law also allowed polygamists to be held indefinitely without a trial.
1887 - Congress passed the Edmunds-Tucker Act, which allowed prosecutors to force polygamist wives to testify against their husbands, and abolished the right of women in Utah to vote.
1890 - Mormons in Utah officially renounce polygamy through the 1890 Manifesto.
1900 - All states now grant married women the right to own property in their own name.
1904 - Mormons in Utah officially renounce polygamy again, excommunicating anyone who participates in future polygamy.
1907 - All women acquired their husband's nationality upon any marriage occurring after that date.
1920 - Right of women to vote.
1933 - Married women granted right to citizenship independent of their husbands.
1965 - Supreme Court overturns laws prohibiting married couples from using contraception.
1967 - Supreme Court overturns laws prohibiting interracial couples from marrying (Loving v. Virginia).
1971 - Supreme Court upholds an Alabama law that automatically changed a woman's legal surname to that of her husband upon marriage.
1972 - Supreme Court overturns laws prohibiting unmarried couples from purchasing contraception.
1975 - Married women allowed to have credit in their own name.
1976 - Supreme Court overturns laws prohibiting abortions for married women without the consent of the husband.
1996 - President Clinton signs the Defense of Marriage Act into law.
2004 - Massachusetts recognizes same-sex marriage.

Why we don't need to jump the gun with Iran (and screw that up worse than it is)

As I've said (although it was said by people a lot smarter than me longbefore) that Iran's moderate's don't want to live in an Islamistbackwater. They've tasted Capitalism and freedom and they like it (Justlike Levi's in Russia). So, it looks like the worst thing we could dowould be to act aggressively toward Iran and unify the entire countrybehind the psycho currently in power.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/19/iran.elections.ap/index.html

excerp[t from email "discussion" with Bushie friend

Initially he claimed "all the data shows" that gay marriage is bad for kids, implying that gay parents are not as suitible parents. I then showed him data that said otherwise and he changed his tune to "noboby knows": So, I hit him with this:

As for your “nobody knows” (although I’m still confused how you went from “all the data shows” to “nobody knows” in 13 minutes…and especially since you went to such to such absolutes from “ALL” data to “NOBODY” knows. Quite a position shift in 13 minutes.


This is from a meta study of dozens of studies about the children of Gay parents vs. Heterosexual parents from the American Psychological Association.

In summary, there is no evidence to suggest that lesbian women or gay men are
unfit to be parents or that psychosocial development among children of lesbian
women or gay men is compromised relative to that among offspring of heterosexual
parents. Not a single study has found children of lesbian or gay parents to be
disadvantaged in any significant respect relative to children of heterosexual
parents. Indeed, the evidence to date suggests that home environments provided
by lesbian and gay parents are as likely as those provided by heterosexual
parents to support and enable children's psychosocial growth

.

But it seems like the biggest problem the children of Gay parents experience is from bigoted people like you who deny or are ignorant of empirical studies.

Unlike heterosexual parents and their children, however, lesbian and gay parents
and their children are often subject to prejudice because of their sexual
orientation that can turn judges, legislators, professionals, and the public
against them, sometimes resulting in negative outcomes, such as loss of physical
custody, restrictions on visitation, and prohibitions against adoption

So, if you want to see what the worst thing that happens to children of gay parents…look in the mirror.

Incoming Defense Chief says the obvious

Before Bush emasculated the GOP last month, this kind of talk would have resulted in a firing, smear campaign, etc. Now the Bushies have to face reality, this and the rest of reality they have ignored for 6 years. Bush figures he’s got 2 years to get out of Iraq and claim victory. And with only he and Karl Rove knowing what “Victory” is, they can declare it whenever they want.

I would expect a declaration of victory somewhere around June 2008 regardless of what Iraq looks like.



Incoming defense chief says U.S. losing in Iraq

By Robert Burns The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Robert Gates, the White House choice to be the next defense secretary, conceded today that the United States is losing the war in Iraq and warned that if that country is not stabilized in the next year or two it could lead to a "regional conflagration."
At the outset of his Senate confirmation hearing, Gates said he is open to new ideas about correcting the U.S. course in Iraq, which he said would be his highest priority if confirmed as expected.

Gates, 63, said he believes President Bush wants to see Iraq improve to the point where it can govern and defend itself, while seeking a new approach. "What we are now doing is not satisfactory," Gates said.

"In my view, all options are on the table, in terms of how we address this problem in Iraq," he added. Asked point-blank by Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., whether the U.S. is winning in Iraq, Gates replied, "No, sir."

This is how the democrats piss away victory

Rangel is at his bullshit draft proposal again. This is a great way to lose any support from liberals and moderate middle class. His reasons in the past have little justification in reality. His classic is that minorities are over represented in the military. This is true, but the military also provides lots of opportunities. Now, Rangel would take those opportunites from minorities who want to serve so that people who don't want to serve can have those jobs...well-played.

He also makes a leap in logic that b/c minorities are "over represented" they must be getting killed and injuried more. Statistics show this isn't the case. The last studies I saw showed that casuality rates are near general population ratios.

This is not what America voted for. Americans voted against Bush and his Iraq disaster and now this Democrat is going to try to make AMericans forceably serve in that same army? Could there be bigger proof that the Democrats are idiots and incompetent. If not for Bush's disastorous presidency, I would think the Democrats couldn't get their heads out of there asses long enough to run a town council, let alone the country.

Bush rejects idea of talks with N. Korea

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061012/ap_on_re_as/koreas_nuclear_213

Bush rejects idea of talks with N. Korea

This has worked so well so far. Isn't the sign of insanity, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. What a clown...worst president ever.

The Buck stops...well...not here, but it stops with the people who work for me...I shouldn't be held accountable for the people I hired.

Pathetic.
What a coward.

Fire the underlings. First, I believe Hastert knew andhas known for a long time. To blame the cover-up on HIS EMPLOYEES showsextreme cowardice and lack of any sort of leadership ability. This iswhat passes for leadership and accountability in today's GOP.Shameful.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/11/washington/11foley.html?ex=1318219200&en=5a96d8704b1f0582&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

He's President, NOT King

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15145197/from/RS.1/

if you don't believe me go read the Constitution. The President has ZERO Constitutional authority to make laws. ZERO. The President ENFORCES the laws, he doesn't make them. As our Founding Fathers continue to spin in their graves over Bush's continued attempts to become King, "Conservatives" like the Bushies used to be, should be appalled at this incredible misuse of Constitutional Authority. But now that the Bushies have continually embraced the Stalinist vision of the Executive branch, I'm sure they'll have a staunch defense of King George's embarrassingly illegal behavior.

Hypocrisy and Conspiracy

More of that GOP hypocrisy we've come to expect in the past 5-6 years.
On and On about family values and yet SO MANY examples of completely
inappropriate behavior. Especially when they try to sell themselves as
the arbiter of morality in this country. In this case, possibly
pedophile behavior and apparently a nice little cover-up by the
Republicans. Now, they are all "astounded" and "horrified", but only
because they couldn't keep it secret anymore...read: got caught.

Disgusting and hypocritical, but yet...becoming so typical.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15063977/

Oops...more data to disprove the lies

A few weeks ago my Bushie Friend told us with Hannity-like certainty
(read: having no data and just having a desire for it to be true amounts
to "Reality") that Iraqis loved having America soldiers in Iraq. Too
bad the data says otherwise:

Iraqis Want U.S. to Go Home
"

About six in 10 Iraqis say they approve of attacks on U.S.-led forces,
and slightly more than that want their government to ask U.S. troops to
leave within a year, a [University of Maryland] poll finds," the
Associated Press reports. "The State Department, meanwhile, has
conducted its own poll... [which] found two-thirds of Iraqis in Baghdad
favor an immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces."

This came from those "liberals" at Cato.

Bush reverses another Clinton trend

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/09/18/national/main2019494.shtml

So much for the "law and order" party.
* An estimated 16,692 persons were murdered nationwide in 2005, an
increase of 3.4 percent from the 2004 figure.

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/september06/crimeintheus091806.htm

Bush reverses another Clinton trend

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/09/18/national/main2019494.shtml

So much for the "law and order" party.
* An estimated 16,692 persons were murdered nationwide in 2005, an
increase of 3.4 percent from the 2004 figure.

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/september06/crimeintheus091806.htm

Oops...Sorry. Oh yeah and we lied too.

Sorry we tortured you, even though we don't torture people in foreign
prisons. Sorry you are innocent, even though Bush has a messiah like
omnipotence.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14897315/

an excuse for the zealots

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/09/18/pope.islam.ap/index.html\

So, when I first heard about the pope's speech I wondered what all theexcitement was about. He was, after all, quoting a 700 year oldpassage, not as if he was speaking it as if it were his own thoughts.So, I figured I'd try to find the speech and look at the context. Well,I can assure you that the idiots burning effigies and getting all crazywould have NO IDEA what the Pope was saying.

I think I'm a prettybright guy, Chuck's opinion notwithstanding, but the Pope's speech is about "Faith and Reason", I had a tough time understanding it. This part of philosophy has never been my thing, but this is a theological/philosophical discussion, hardly something that you could take out of context and blast him for it. Regardless of what I think of The Church, this Pope or what he believes, this speech of itself is just another way for the despots to get their followers riled up. And the Media in the West and the East has done a poor job covering this (by not really covering it).

Bush insults anyone who disagrees with him...so much for "unity"

Combative Bush warns Congress detainee bill is critical

By Terrence Hunt The Associated PressWASHINGTON –

Facing a GOP revolt in the Senate, President Bush urged Congress today to join in backing legislation to spell out strategies for interrogating and trying terror suspects, saying "the enemy wants to attack us again."

"Time is running out," Bush said in a Rose Garden news conference. "Congress needs to act wisely and promptly." Bush denied that the United States might lose the high ground in the eyes of world opinion, as former Secretary of State Colin Powell suggested.

"It's unacceptable to think there's any kind of comparison between the behavior of the United States of America and the action of Islamic extremists who kill innocent women and children to achieve an objective," said Bush, growing animated as he spoke.

So yesterday Tony Snow called Powell “confused”, and now Bush is calling the former Joint Chief Chairman a man who supposedly believes that “it’s ok to kill innocent women and children”. (I think because Powell’s whole point was to protect American soldiers, but in classic Bush style, he insults his opponents with things they’ve never said or believed)

I like how Congress is stupid too. “Act wisely” because Bush says so. Has he been right about anything he’s said in 6 years?

Insulting everyone, questioning their morality, intellect and love of country is growing very tiresome. Didn’t this bozo call for Unity on Monday? (Sure that was days after he called everyone who disagrees with him morally and intellectually lacking and Nazi-like). I guess that call for Unity did not extend to him. His idea of “unity” is to agree with him no matter what, regardless of the Constitution, treaties, morality…just follow blindly. “Don’t question our Great Leader”

My favorite part is what was supposed to be a genius move by Rove to make the democrats look soft on terror by not supporting the tribunals has turned into GOP infighting. Rove is losing his touch, he didn’t realize how much Bush is damaged goods now.

Those with the knowledge of war oppose Bush on prisoner treatment

Why do men who spent much of their lives defending America, with guns… in combat…as opposed to fake deferments in Wyoming or coked up in Alabama, hate America?

Colin Powell: Powell was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army, and was one of the 16,000 military advisors dispatched to South Vietnam by President Kennedy in 1962. In 1963, Lieutenant Powell was wounded by a punji-stick booby trap while patrolling the Vietnamese border with Laos. He was awarded the Purple Heart, and later that year, the Bronze Star.

Powell served a second tour of duty in Vietnam in 1968-69. During this second tour he was injured in a helicopter crash. Despite his own injuries, he managed to rescue his comrades from the burning helicopter and was awarded the Soldier's Medal. In all, he has received 11 decorations, including the Legion of Merit.


John McCain: After graduating from Annapolis, McCain reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida to begin training as a Naval Aviator. While in training, he suffered a mishap during which his aircraft crashed into Corpus Christi Bay, though he escaped. Eventually he graduated and entered the U.S. Navy's light attack community.

McCain escaped death once again on July 29, 1967. While the USS Forrestal steamed off the coast of Vietnam preparing to launch attacks, a Zuni rocket from an F-4 Phantom was accidentally fired across the carrier's deck. The rocket struck McCain's A-4E Skyhawk as the jet was preparing for launch. The impact ruptured the Skyhawk's fuel tank - after which leaking fuel ignited, knocking two bombs loose. McCain escaped from his jet by climbing out of the cockpit, walking down to the nose of the plane, and jumping off the nose boom onto the burning deck. Ninety seconds after the impact, the bomb exploded underneath the airplane. McCain was struck in the legs and chest by shrapnel. The ensuing fire killed 134 sailors, destroyed at least 20 aircraft, and threatened to sink the ship.[1] Film shot aboard the Forrestal shows McCain narrowly escaping the explosion.

On October 26, 1967, McCain was shot down in his A-4 Skyhawk over Vietnam, by a Soviet-made anti-aircraft missile, landing in Truc Bach Lake. McCain was held as a prisoner of war in Hanoi for five-and-a-half years, mostly in the infamous Hanoi Hilton. He suffered two broken arms and a broken leg after ejecting from his plane. After he regained consciousness, a mob gathered around him and stripped him of his clothing. He was then tortured by Vietnamese soldiers who bayonetted him in his left foot and groin. His shoulder was crushed by another soldier's rifle butt. He was then transported to the Hanoi Hilton, also known as Hoa Lo Prison.
He was released from captivity in 1973. McCain was reinstated to flight status and became Commanding Officer of VA-174 Hellrazors, the East Coast A-7 Corsair II Navy training squadron. He then became the Navy's liaison to the Senate. He retired from the Navy in 1981 as a Captain. On the same day he watched his father buried next to his grandfather in Arlington National Cemetery. During his military career he received a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, the Purple Heart, and a Distinguished Flying Cross.

John Warner: The Senator’s first public service opportunity began during World War II when, in January 1945, at age 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served on active duty until the summer of 1946 when he was honorably discharged as Petty Officer 3rd Class, electronic technician's mate. Following the war, he attended Washington and Lee University on the G.I. Bill, and was awarded a B.S. degree in 1949. He then entered the University of Virginia Law School.

At the outbreak of the Korean War in the summer of 1950, Warner interrupted his law studies and commenced a second tour of active military duty, beginning in October 1950, this time as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. A year later, in October 1951, as a first lieutenant in communications, he volunteered for duty in Korea and served as a ground officer with the First Marine Air Wing. Following his active service in Korea, he remained in the Marine Corps Reserve for 10 years and was promoted to the rank of Captain.

Lindsey Graham: From 1984-1988, he was assigned overseas and served at Rhein Mein Air Force Base in Germany. Upon leaving the active duty Air Force in 1989, Graham joined the South Carolina Air National Guard where he served until his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994.

During the first Gulf War, Graham was called to active duty and served state-side at McEntire Air National Guard Base as Staff Judge Advocate where he prepared members for deployment to the Gulf region. His duties included briefing pilots on the law of armed conflict, preparing legal documents for deploying troops, and providing legal services for family members of the South Carolina Air National Guard. He received a commendation medal for his service at McEntire.
Since 1995, Graham has continued to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force Reserves and is the only U.S. Senator currently serving in the Guard or Reserves. He is a colonel and is assigned as a Reserve Judge to the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals.


As opposed to:

George W. Bush: 6 years National Guard “duty”; never showed up for National Guard duty for a period of approximately one year, possibly more, in 1972-1973.

Dick Cheney From 1963 to 1966, Cheney received five deferments: four student deferments while attending the University of Wyoming and one for having a child. "I had other priorities in the '60s other than military service," Cheney told a reporter in 1989.

Paul Wolfowitz, did not serve

Donald Rumsfeld - Mr. Rumsfeld attended Princeton University on academic and NROTC scholarships (A.B., 1954) and served in the U.S. Navy (1954-57) as an aviator and flight instructor. In 1957, he transferred to the Ready Reserve and continued his Naval service in flying and administrative assignments as a drilling reservist until 1975. He transferred to the Standby Reserve when he became Secretary of Defense in 1975 and to the Retired Reserve with the rank of Captain in 1989.

Random comments about Bush's failure

I made the following in an email string with a Bushie:




Oh yeah, and there is the way that Bush squandered a world that mourned with America on 9/11. A world that supported and cried with us 5 years ago. He has turned that goodwill around 180 degrees. I know you don’t care about anyone that lives outside of you house, but I work with people around the world daily. I’ve talked to people in Malaysia, India, Ireland, England, Israel, Germany and others about politics in recent years and I know this goes against your poorly informed opinions. But these people do not hate America. They LOVE America, they LOVE Americans. They do NOT like the current administration. They are smart enough to know the difference between the Bush Administration and its citizens. They know the difference between Bush policy and American Ideals and American culture. Why is it that these people who you have such contempt for are smart enough to know the difference, but you are not? America is not Bush and Bush is CERTAINLY not America.

NORAD tapes...fascinating

Remember "a Christmas Story"?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14021722/

You'll recall in A Christmas Story when Ralphie finally can't take getting picked on by the bully any more he finally hits him back, but he just keeps hitting and hitting and hitting him until his mother comes and takes him off the bully. This is what is happening here. Israeli is Ralphie and Bush will be the mom, who will tell Israel when to stop.

In response to a Bushie friend of mine

He said that Bush is doing "everything he can WITHIN THE LAW to protect us"...My response:

And yet, 9/11 happened on Bush’s watch. The middle east is in the worst shape in decades if not EVER on Bush’s watch. Bin Laden, we aren’t even looking for him anymore, some effort to stop terrorism there. (not to mention the deficit, his belief in his conversations with God trumping science, and general incompetence). He has diminished America’s standing to such a degree that a despot like Putin (remember when Bush looked into his soul?) makes fun of him right to his face in front of the whole world.

He doesn’t analyze laws, he ignores them. Which is why Spector is going to sue him.

He will go down as the worst president ever.

Remember Conservativism?

What a real Conservative thinks of Bush:

"If you had a European prime minister who experienced what we'veexperienced it would be expected that he would retire or resign." _________________William F. Buckley


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/22/eveningnews/main1826838.shtml

someone remembers THEIR oath

someone remembers THEIR oath

My friends in Israel

Last week I mentioned two Israeli friends of mine. Just an update, one of them, (the younger single guy) was called to service and is apparently part of the force in/near Lebanon.

The person I learned this from is another Israeli who currently works inthe US, I've worked with her for years. She had called me this morning stressed out about the current job environment at my company and asked me toreview her resume before she started sending it around. In the course of conversation I ask how her family is doing. I know her sister is in Haifa (apparently all her family is). She said that they are trying to"get on with their day to day lives, going to work, etc". So I said,"Let me get this straight. You're more worried about your job than your family who is getting bombed all day long?"

she says "they don't bomb ALL day long".

I just laughed and pointed out the difference again between Israelis andthe everyone else in the world.

Incompetence

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/07/17/russia.g8.bushexpletive/index.html

Oh, the President swore...big freakin deal. The HUGE point in this conversation is the utter impotence that Bush is displaying by saying "Ican't do anything until Kofi does". (he "thinks" Condi is going overthere? He thinks she is? Doesn't she work for him? Shouldn't heKNOW?)

For years we've heard how incompetent and useless the UN is andnow Annan is the only person that can do anything here. I guess the 6 years of Bush ignoring Israel/Palestinian issues isrearing its head. But hey, he almost got rid of the Taliban inAfghanistan, right? Some more of the Bush foreign policy magic.

Rove a traitor after all

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060712/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/cia_leak_novak_11

So, Rove is a traitor and put countless secret agents lives in danger,jeopardized numerous missions and will hurt who knows who manyAmericans. And Yet, Fitzgerald won't indict him...I guess he knew whatRove was going to do to Kenny Lay...

a culture of incompetence

Don't you feel safer?

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/13822662/?GT1=8307

Times Square in New York City is busy day and night, yet it wasn't on aHomeland
Security Department assessment of potential threatened spots.

Instead, the department's database of vulnerable critical infrastructureand
key resources included the Old MacDonald's Petting Zoo nearHuntsville, Ala., a
bourbon festival, a bean festival and the Kangaroo Conservation Center in
Dawsonville, Ga. ...

Assets skewed

The report noted that Indiana has 8,591 assets listed in the database -more than any other state and 50 percent more than New York. New Yorkhad 5,687 listed. It did not detail which ones, but the Homeland Security assessment of New York this year failed to include Times Square, the Empire StateBuilding the Brooklyn Bridge or the Statue of Liberty as a national icon or monument.

NK and a thread from my buddies

Names have been removed to protect the innocent:

From: Me
Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2006 7:45PM
To: Liberal Guy; Bushie Guy; Somewhat disinterested middle of the road guy

Subject: RE: worse than our soccer team

I can see it now. Powell gets up there with his charts and recon photos. "Now here is abunker that contains Fairy Dust that the North Koreans plan to sprinkleon the West Coast with their missiles which will turn everyone intoproponents of gay marriage and flag burning and opponents of pray inschool.

Right here in this vile I have enough Fairy Dust to afflict theentire Western Seaboard". Hey, Bush has been playing footsie with them for 6 years when they admitthey have nukes and missiles to send them over here. Rather than dealing with the issue, he keeps pretending the ball is his and tryingto take it home. But it's NK who has the ball, they threw four of theminto the Sea of Japan yesterday.

-----Original Message-----From: Liberal Guy
Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 07:33
To: Bushie Guy; Me; Somewhat disinterested middle of the road guy

Subject: RE: worse than our soccer team
So are you embarrassed that the North Koreans mock us and what do we do,go to the UN. Pathetic. I'm surprised the UN doesn't get the giggleswhen we speak there. Maybe they can force Colin Powell to do a return performance of lying.

-----Original Message-----From: Bushie Guy
Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 8:37 PM.
To: Me ; Liberal Guy; Somewhat disinterested middle of the road guy
Subject: RE: worse than our soccer team

Legal schmeegal, who cares? It's either acceptable to us or it isn't.Andit isn't.

-----Original Message-----
From: Me
Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 7:28 PM
To: Liberal Guy; Bushie Guy; Somewhat disinterested middle of the road guy
Subject: RE: worse than our soccer team

Now, I understand that Kim is a lunatic and he does this to piss off theUS and Japan, maybe SK and Russia too. BUT, is what he has done"illegal". I mean Bush has unilaterally decided that treaties don'tapply to the US, can't NK do the same thing? I'm just asking.

I guess Bush doesn't need to ruin the Constitution

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11669250/


Hey, Bushie Friends...still waiting for the one example that you based your whole philosophy on. "give me one example where a state legislature actedoutside the interests of society and passed a law that wasoverwhelmingly opposed by its constituents".

You've had a week, I'dthink if you were basing your entire political philosophy on this idea SURELY you'd have been able to think of ONE.

Bush is like OJ

Remember when Bush said they we would not stop until we brought theperpetrators of 9/11 to justice? I guess that boast was sorta like OJsaying he wouldn't rest until he found out the killer of Nicole. Andnow they both spend their time on frivolous things. OJ golfing, andBush preventing boys from kissing.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13699308/from/RS.3/

Idiots

These politicians are idiots:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/06/29/intel.leaks.ap/index.html

Last week is was a non-binding resolution on whether you like Americaand now this piece of grandstanding. Every person in the world knows that Every Single bank transaction inthe US over $10K is reported to the FEDs. This is a well known abuse ofpower, but it's been going on a long time.

Do you REALLY think thatterrorists don't know their financial transactions are being watched?The US government has been talking about it for years. So, instead of doing any real Business these idiots are going wastermore time grandstanding, whle this country has real problems. Insteadof actually doing anything to prevent terrorist attacks (searchingshipping containers anyone?) they are going to blame a newspaper. Whatcrap.

This is shameful.