The Israeli Army Kills Palestinian Children
Over 500 Palestinian children have been killed by the Israeli army. These chilling words come from the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
"Palestinian human rights groups speak of even higher numbers: 598 Palestinian children killed (up to age 17), according to the Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group, and 828 killed (up to age 18) according to the Red Crescent. Take note of the ages, too. According to B'Tselem, whose data are updated until about a month ago, 42 of the children who have been killed were 10; 20 were seven; and eight were two years old when they died. The youngest victims are 13 newborn infants who died at checkpoints during birth."
"The public indifference that accompanies this pageant of unrelieved suffering makes all Israelis accomplices to a crime. Even parents, who understand what anxiety for a child's fate means, turn away and don't want to hear about the anxiety harbored by the parent on the other side of the fence. Who would have believed that Israeli soldiers would kill hundreds of children and that the majority of Israelis would remain silent? Even the Palestinian children have become part of the dehumanization campaign: killing hundreds of them is no longer a big deal."
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
John Stewart vs. Tucker Carlson
John Stewart, host of Comedy Central's Daily Show, had quite a dust up with Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson last week. He told the Crossfire hosts that they were hurting America and he called Carlson the nickname for Richard. Viva Stewart!
You can watch it all here. Because we have very few decent journalists left we must depend on stand up comics to do their job. Begala certainly doesn't do his. Twice in the interview the alleged Democrat leaps to Bush's defense. Only wimpy, sniveling Democrats are allowed on these shows.
John Stewart, host of Comedy Central's Daily Show, had quite a dust up with Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson last week. He told the Crossfire hosts that they were hurting America and he called Carlson the nickname for Richard. Viva Stewart!
You can watch it all here. Because we have very few decent journalists left we must depend on stand up comics to do their job. Begala certainly doesn't do his. Twice in the interview the alleged Democrat leaps to Bush's defense. Only wimpy, sniveling Democrats are allowed on these shows.
Vote Theft Watch
Florida Republicans are attempting to steal another election. Floridians were able to vote beginning yesterday and the fraud has already begun.
Salon gives examples of new tricks. Voters are receiving mysterious calls informing them that they can phote by phone or that their absentee ballots will be collected in person. The boards of elections in Florida's counties have made no such calls.
Florida Republicans are attempting to steal another election. Floridians were able to vote beginning yesterday and the fraud has already begun.
Salon gives examples of new tricks. Voters are receiving mysterious calls informing them that they can phote by phone or that their absentee ballots will be collected in person. The boards of elections in Florida's counties have made no such calls.
Monday, October 18, 2004
The Vote Theft Begins
As I said on October 15th, Bush can only win by cheating, and the cheating has begun. Kerry's name is missing from absentee ballots in Hamilton County, Ohio. A judge in Las Vegas has denied voter requests to re-register after their original registrations were destroyed by Republican operatives. In Michigan, voters are getting mysterious phone calls alleging, incorrectly, that the deadline for requesting absentee ballots has passed, and Theresa LePore is at it again. Salon reports that a Colorado judge has ruled that voters must provide ID, and Florida will not count provisional ballots cast in the wrong precinct.
As I said on October 15th, Bush can only win by cheating, and the cheating has begun. Kerry's name is missing from absentee ballots in Hamilton County, Ohio. A judge in Las Vegas has denied voter requests to re-register after their original registrations were destroyed by Republican operatives. In Michigan, voters are getting mysterious phone calls alleging, incorrectly, that the deadline for requesting absentee ballots has passed, and Theresa LePore is at it again. Salon reports that a Colorado judge has ruled that voters must provide ID, and Florida will not count provisional ballots cast in the wrong precinct.
Sinclair Broadcasting
Perhaps there will be more than one October surprise. One is coming from Sinclair broadcasting. Sinclair stations will broadcast Stolen Honor, an anti-Kerry screed that masquerades as a documentary.
What should you do? You should boycott advertisers. Of course a boycott is worthless unless the advertisers in question know that they are a target.
Check out Stolen Air Time. The aptly named site, Boycott Sinclair Advertisers, gives clear instructions for contacting advertisers. Everyone get busy.
Perhaps there will be more than one October surprise. One is coming from Sinclair broadcasting. Sinclair stations will broadcast Stolen Honor, an anti-Kerry screed that masquerades as a documentary.
What should you do? You should boycott advertisers. Of course a boycott is worthless unless the advertisers in question know that they are a target.
Check out Stolen Air Time. The aptly named site, Boycott Sinclair Advertisers, gives clear instructions for contacting advertisers. Everyone get busy.
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid
I was afraid of George W. Bush before I read the New York Times this morning. After reading an article in the Times magazine entitled, "Without a Doubt" my fear hit Richter scale levels (registration is required but it is free). This exchange took place in December 2002 when Democratic Congressman Tom Lantos suggested that Sweden was a good choice to provide peace keepers between the Israelis and Palestinians.
''I don't know why you're talking about Sweden,'' Bush said. ''They're the neutral one. They don't have an army.''
Lantos paused, a little shocked, and offered a gentlemanly reply: ''Mr. President, you may have thought that I said Switzerland. They're the ones that are historically neutral, without an army.'' Then Lantos mentioned, in a gracious aside, that the Swiss do have a tough national guard to protect the country in the event of invasion.
Bush held to his view. ''No, no, it's Sweden that has no army.''
The room went silent, until someone changed the subject.
A few weeks later, members of Congress and their spouses gathered with administration officials and other dignitaries for the White House Christmas party. The president saw Lantos and grabbed him by the shoulder. ''You were right,'' he said, with bonhomie. ''Sweden does have an army.''
The point of this story is not to say that Bush is stupid. The article doesn't say that Bush is stupid, but that he applies faith based principles to governing. If he believes that something is true, then it is true and no one should suggest otherwise.
The article doesn't really tell us anything new. I am surprised that the Times did some good reporting on Bush. Of course there will be howls of protest from the right that such a critical article was printed just two weeks before election day. They will be partly right. The Times knew this stuff from the beginning of the Bush administration and should have been giving its readers this awful news for the past four years. Their lack of reporting before the invasion of Iraq was inexcusably bad. It will go down in history as one of the worst mistakes the paper of record has ever made in its history.
I end this post with a quote from an unnamed White House aide.
''We're an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality. And while you're studying that reality -- judiciously, as you will -- we'll act again, creating other new realities, which you can study too, and that's how things will sort out. We're history's actors . . . and you, all of you, will be left to just study what we do.''
Well, now Iraq makes sense. They were creating an alternate reality. I suggest that anyone else who wants to do that should take up science fiction writing, not government.
I was afraid of George W. Bush before I read the New York Times this morning. After reading an article in the Times magazine entitled, "Without a Doubt" my fear hit Richter scale levels (registration is required but it is free). This exchange took place in December 2002 when Democratic Congressman Tom Lantos suggested that Sweden was a good choice to provide peace keepers between the Israelis and Palestinians.
''I don't know why you're talking about Sweden,'' Bush said. ''They're the neutral one. They don't have an army.''
Lantos paused, a little shocked, and offered a gentlemanly reply: ''Mr. President, you may have thought that I said Switzerland. They're the ones that are historically neutral, without an army.'' Then Lantos mentioned, in a gracious aside, that the Swiss do have a tough national guard to protect the country in the event of invasion.
Bush held to his view. ''No, no, it's Sweden that has no army.''
The room went silent, until someone changed the subject.
A few weeks later, members of Congress and their spouses gathered with administration officials and other dignitaries for the White House Christmas party. The president saw Lantos and grabbed him by the shoulder. ''You were right,'' he said, with bonhomie. ''Sweden does have an army.''
The point of this story is not to say that Bush is stupid. The article doesn't say that Bush is stupid, but that he applies faith based principles to governing. If he believes that something is true, then it is true and no one should suggest otherwise.
The article doesn't really tell us anything new. I am surprised that the Times did some good reporting on Bush. Of course there will be howls of protest from the right that such a critical article was printed just two weeks before election day. They will be partly right. The Times knew this stuff from the beginning of the Bush administration and should have been giving its readers this awful news for the past four years. Their lack of reporting before the invasion of Iraq was inexcusably bad. It will go down in history as one of the worst mistakes the paper of record has ever made in its history.
I end this post with a quote from an unnamed White House aide.
''We're an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality. And while you're studying that reality -- judiciously, as you will -- we'll act again, creating other new realities, which you can study too, and that's how things will sort out. We're history's actors . . . and you, all of you, will be left to just study what we do.''
Well, now Iraq makes sense. They were creating an alternate reality. I suggest that anyone else who wants to do that should take up science fiction writing, not government.
Fascism Watch
The words "civil liberties" are obscene. It is true. Three teachers in Oregon were escorted out of a Bush campaign event because they wore t-shirts with the words "Protect Our Civil Liberties." They were told the language on their shirts was obscene.
The words "civil liberties" are obscene. It is true. Three teachers in Oregon were escorted out of a Bush campaign event because they wore t-shirts with the words "Protect Our Civil Liberties." They were told the language on their shirts was obscene.
Friday, October 15, 2004
Will the Real al-Zarqawi Please Stand Up?
Does al-Zarqawi really behead people? Does he have one leg or just an injured leg? Does he even exist? Asia Times has the story.
Does al-Zarqawi really behead people? Does he have one leg or just an injured leg? Does he even exist? Asia Times has the story.
A Bigger Steal than in 2000
I have a lot of issues with Eric Alterman, primarily because he not only discounted the importance of the peace movement, but he actually said that we shouldn't protest. He also suffers badly from white liberal syndrome. At any rate, I still read him because he makes sense often enough.
"I am going to go on record here saying forget the polls, which were wrong last time and will be wrong again this time. If Bush somehow wins, it will require an even bigger steal than four years ago. Nobody who voted for Gore is voting for Bush. The Democrats have registered millions of new voters who don’t show up in the polls. Idiots who share Ralph Nader’s belief that there is not a “dime’s worth of difference” between the two candidates are far fewer than last time around. And lots more people have cell phones and can’t be reached by pollsters. I’m not saying Bush can’t win; I’m just saying I don’t think he can win honestly."
I have a lot of issues with Eric Alterman, primarily because he not only discounted the importance of the peace movement, but he actually said that we shouldn't protest. He also suffers badly from white liberal syndrome. At any rate, I still read him because he makes sense often enough.
"I am going to go on record here saying forget the polls, which were wrong last time and will be wrong again this time. If Bush somehow wins, it will require an even bigger steal than four years ago. Nobody who voted for Gore is voting for Bush. The Democrats have registered millions of new voters who don’t show up in the polls. Idiots who share Ralph Nader’s belief that there is not a “dime’s worth of difference” between the two candidates are far fewer than last time around. And lots more people have cell phones and can’t be reached by pollsters. I’m not saying Bush can’t win; I’m just saying I don’t think he can win honestly."
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Bush is Desperate
Even the boot licking punditry agree that Kerry won the debates. Polls show his numbers improving. That is all very good news, except for one problem.
The Bushmen are fanatics. They will not go quietly. They will attempt to cheat at the ballot box and God only knows what the October Surprise will be. I have more thoughts on the subject in Black Commentator.
By the way, after getting busted in the first debate, the president was still wearing something odd under his jacket. If they are still giving him audio assistance after already being caught, Bush must literally be incapable of thinking or speaking for himself anymore. After all, he has postponed his annual physical, which usually takes place in August, until after the election. Rumors are rampant. Was he wearing a defribrilator? Why did he want to talk to Kerry after the debate? As I pointed out in a September 26th post, at least one physician sees signs of "presenile dementia," a precursor to Alzheimers.
None of this rumor mongering would be necessary if they would just be honest. I know. Dream on.
Even the boot licking punditry agree that Kerry won the debates. Polls show his numbers improving. That is all very good news, except for one problem.
The Bushmen are fanatics. They will not go quietly. They will attempt to cheat at the ballot box and God only knows what the October Surprise will be. I have more thoughts on the subject in Black Commentator.
By the way, after getting busted in the first debate, the president was still wearing something odd under his jacket. If they are still giving him audio assistance after already being caught, Bush must literally be incapable of thinking or speaking for himself anymore. After all, he has postponed his annual physical, which usually takes place in August, until after the election. Rumors are rampant. Was he wearing a defribrilator? Why did he want to talk to Kerry after the debate? As I pointed out in a September 26th post, at least one physician sees signs of "presenile dementia," a precursor to Alzheimers.
None of this rumor mongering would be necessary if they would just be honest. I know. Dream on.
Vote Theft in 2004
First the good news. There have been significant increases in voter registration in swing states. Now the bad news. The Republicans know that they have to keep these new voters from getting to the voting booth.
The Democratic party is committed to fighting for the franchise, unfortunately there has been too much emphasis on after the fact lawsuits, and not enough on having poll watchers on the ground to counter GOP intimidation. Read it here in Black Commentator.
First the good news. There have been significant increases in voter registration in swing states. Now the bad news. The Republicans know that they have to keep these new voters from getting to the voting booth.
The Democratic party is committed to fighting for the franchise, unfortunately there has been too much emphasis on after the fact lawsuits, and not enough on having poll watchers on the ground to counter GOP intimidation. Read it here in Black Commentator.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Only the Onion
"Make no mistake: If Kerry becomes president, no one will be safe from me," Cheney told reporters. "Businesses, places of worship, schools, public parks: No place will offer you refuge. A vote for Kerry is a vote to die in your own bed at the hands of Dick Cheney."
I love the Onion, but the problem with this particular piece of satire is that it rings a little too true.
"Make no mistake: If Kerry becomes president, no one will be safe from me," Cheney told reporters. "Businesses, places of worship, schools, public parks: No place will offer you refuge. A vote for Kerry is a vote to die in your own bed at the hands of Dick Cheney."
I love the Onion, but the problem with this particular piece of satire is that it rings a little too true.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
What is Wrong with this Picture?
No need to repeat myself, I said it all in Black Commentator earlier this year.
No need to repeat myself, I said it all in Black Commentator earlier this year.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Bush Flips His Lid!
Those words would make a great headline. Joe Citizen has suggestions for the next debate. He suggests, among other things, that Kerry call Bush a mama's boy. A presidential meltdown may be the result. It all sounds good to me.
Those words would make a great headline. Joe Citizen has suggestions for the next debate. He suggests, among other things, that Kerry call Bush a mama's boy. A presidential meltdown may be the result. It all sounds good to me.
Friday, October 08, 2004
Bloodshed
This photo of a pregnant Israeli woman injured in a terror attack in Taba was on the front page of the New York Times today.
I don't have a problem with this photo, but I wonder why images of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces never make the front page. Perhaps this photo of a dead Palestinian child should have made the cut back in May when the citizens of Rafah were under indiscriminate attack from Israel. Balance is a good thing in journalism, isn't it?
This photo of a pregnant Israeli woman injured in a terror attack in Taba was on the front page of the New York Times today.
I don't have a problem with this photo, but I wonder why images of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces never make the front page. Perhaps this photo of a dead Palestinian child should have made the cut back in May when the citizens of Rafah were under indiscriminate attack from Israel. Balance is a good thing in journalism, isn't it?
Bush Tripped Up by Fox
Who would have thunk it? Fox news inadvertently revealed that Bush may have had some electronic cheating assistance during his first debate with Kerry. Both campaigns insisted that no cameras be placed behind the lecterns. Fox, yes Fox, didn't follow the rule and voila, an object can clearly be seen under the president's jacket.
A few days ago I repeated a report that Bush had an implant in his head. Well I won't listen to that conspiracy theorist again. It seems that instead of brain surgery he may have had someone whispering in his ear. Stay tuned.
Who would have thunk it? Fox news inadvertently revealed that Bush may have had some electronic cheating assistance during his first debate with Kerry. Both campaigns insisted that no cameras be placed behind the lecterns. Fox, yes Fox, didn't follow the rule and voila, an object can clearly be seen under the president's jacket.
A few days ago I repeated a report that Bush had an implant in his head. Well I won't listen to that conspiracy theorist again. It seems that instead of brain surgery he may have had someone whispering in his ear. Stay tuned.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Kerry and Iraq
What is Kerry's plan, such as it is, for Iraq? It is Thursday and that means Black Commentator has if not all the answers, all of the pertinent questions.
What is Kerry's plan, such as it is, for Iraq? It is Thursday and that means Black Commentator has if not all the answers, all of the pertinent questions.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
War Criminals
George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Colin Powell, Condi Rice, Paul Wolfowitz and all the neocons should be tried as war criminals. As we pesky anti-war protesters kept pointing out, Saddam Hussein did not have any WMDs when the U.S. and Britain made the case for war. Trade sanctions against Iraq and the threat of weapons inspections prevented him from having any weapons capability, even if he wanted it.
This announcement is made after the foreign policy presidential debate and now the president can stay in his bubble without having to think on his feet and answer questions about this news. What a coincidence.
The president and vice-president should be impeached for their actions. They lied to Congress and killed at least 12,000 Iraqis and 1,000 American soldiers in the process.
Oh, I forgot. The Republicans control both houses of congress. There will be no punishment for what they have done, unless Kerry manages to win and exposes these awful lies. Let's win first and talk about what Kerry must do with this information.
As you may recall, Bill Clinton was accused of stealing vases from the oval office when he left. I hope that democrats have the guts to reveal a true crime against humanity before Dubya goes out the door.
George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Colin Powell, Condi Rice, Paul Wolfowitz and all the neocons should be tried as war criminals. As we pesky anti-war protesters kept pointing out, Saddam Hussein did not have any WMDs when the U.S. and Britain made the case for war. Trade sanctions against Iraq and the threat of weapons inspections prevented him from having any weapons capability, even if he wanted it.
This announcement is made after the foreign policy presidential debate and now the president can stay in his bubble without having to think on his feet and answer questions about this news. What a coincidence.
The president and vice-president should be impeached for their actions. They lied to Congress and killed at least 12,000 Iraqis and 1,000 American soldiers in the process.
Oh, I forgot. The Republicans control both houses of congress. There will be no punishment for what they have done, unless Kerry manages to win and exposes these awful lies. Let's win first and talk about what Kerry must do with this information.
As you may recall, Bill Clinton was accused of stealing vases from the oval office when he left. I hope that democrats have the guts to reveal a true crime against humanity before Dubya goes out the door.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
If John Kerry wins, despite his own limitations, and defeats what's probably the most dangerous administration in America's history, he'll have the peace movement to thank.
Paul Loeb
Working for Change tells us why Kerry should thank those of us who marched for peace. I expressed similar sentiments in Black Commentator.
Paul Loeb
Working for Change tells us why Kerry should thank those of us who marched for peace. I expressed similar sentiments in Black Commentator.
Monday, October 04, 2004
Surge in Voter Registration
A surge in voter registration in "swing" states is a reason for optimism. The theft of the 2000 election was a wake up call for apathetic Americans, especially apathetic Democratic leaning voters. It isn't clear how many of the new registrants will actually vote, but most of them are registering as Democrats. Even if all of them fail to show up at the polls on November 2nd, they could swing, pun intended, the election to Kerry.
But Don't Forget Iraq
Increased voter participation is a good thing, for many reasons, but let us not forget who can also determine who wins on Election Day. The Iraqis play as powerful a role as any group of Americans. Bush's incredible shrinking man performance last week gave Kerry a boost, but catastrophe in Iraq could do so as well. Will Americans unhappy with Bush but happy with dreams of empire turn their backs on him? Of course Black Commentator explains it all.
A surge in voter registration in "swing" states is a reason for optimism. The theft of the 2000 election was a wake up call for apathetic Americans, especially apathetic Democratic leaning voters. It isn't clear how many of the new registrants will actually vote, but most of them are registering as Democrats. Even if all of them fail to show up at the polls on November 2nd, they could swing, pun intended, the election to Kerry.
But Don't Forget Iraq
Increased voter participation is a good thing, for many reasons, but let us not forget who can also determine who wins on Election Day. The Iraqis play as powerful a role as any group of Americans. Bush's incredible shrinking man performance last week gave Kerry a boost, but catastrophe in Iraq could do so as well. Will Americans unhappy with Bush but happy with dreams of empire turn their backs on him? Of course Black Commentator explains it all.
Saturday, October 02, 2004
Does Bush Have a Brain Implant?
In the middle of an answer last night bush said, "now let me finish" as if someone was interrupting him- yet nobody did- he was talking to the person in his earpiece.
I'll believe anything about the Bushmen. Read it here.
In the middle of an answer last night bush said, "now let me finish" as if someone was interrupting him- yet nobody did- he was talking to the person in his earpiece.
I'll believe anything about the Bushmen. Read it here.
Friday, October 01, 2004
Kerry Wins Debate
Last night a friend called me 3 minutes before the debate was to begin. Among my other complaints, I grumbled about the very existence of presidential debates. They are in fact joint news conferences, not really debates, and the reality is often trumped by pro-republican spin among the talking heads.
My friend pointed out to me, that in the absence of real journalism and objectivity for democrats, they are the only opportunity for a candidate to present himself without the news media filter. How right he is. Kerry did well and Bush looked either cranky or confused. This line was Kerry's best.
"I made a mistake in how I talk about the war. But the president made a mistake in invading Iraq. Which is worse? I believe that when you know something's going wrong, you make it right."
Now we have to watch out for media bias, and Karl Rove's evil manipulations. We also have to be careful that we don't "misunderestimate" Bush. Like Kerry, he looked more relaxed as the night progressed. Maybe Rove will hypnotize him before the next debate and he will come out looking less like a deer in the head lights.
Kerry deserves credit for doing well, but I am superstititious. I won't relax unless I wake up on November 3rd and know that Kerry is president-elect.
November 3rd Movement
A Kerry victory is not a get out of jail free card. We still have lots of work to do. I don't want to see more triangulating and Dick Morris clones in a democratic White House. On November 3rd we need to organize anew. I thank Common Dreams for highlighting my thoughts on the subject.
Last night a friend called me 3 minutes before the debate was to begin. Among my other complaints, I grumbled about the very existence of presidential debates. They are in fact joint news conferences, not really debates, and the reality is often trumped by pro-republican spin among the talking heads.
My friend pointed out to me, that in the absence of real journalism and objectivity for democrats, they are the only opportunity for a candidate to present himself without the news media filter. How right he is. Kerry did well and Bush looked either cranky or confused. This line was Kerry's best.
"I made a mistake in how I talk about the war. But the president made a mistake in invading Iraq. Which is worse? I believe that when you know something's going wrong, you make it right."
Now we have to watch out for media bias, and Karl Rove's evil manipulations. We also have to be careful that we don't "misunderestimate" Bush. Like Kerry, he looked more relaxed as the night progressed. Maybe Rove will hypnotize him before the next debate and he will come out looking less like a deer in the head lights.
Kerry deserves credit for doing well, but I am superstititious. I won't relax unless I wake up on November 3rd and know that Kerry is president-elect.
November 3rd Movement
A Kerry victory is not a get out of jail free card. We still have lots of work to do. I don't want to see more triangulating and Dick Morris clones in a democratic White House. On November 3rd we need to organize anew. I thank Common Dreams for highlighting my thoughts on the subject.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Kerry Haters for Kerry
When you watch John Kerry campaign, what do you do?
a. Start praying
b. Say, "Thanks for nothing Iowa."
c. Conclude that he is part of a diabolical Karl Rove conspiracy to put Bush back in the White House.
Cheer up. I have found a site that crystalizes my thoughts about this election. Kerry Haters for Kerry sums up my feelings about the guy we are depending on to save us, but who makes me grind my teeth in the dead of night.
Whatever happens in the debate tonight, cable news talking heads will say that Bush won. So, check out KH4K after it is over. It beats watching Chris Matthews tell you that Bush sealed the deal.
When you watch John Kerry campaign, what do you do?
a. Start praying
b. Say, "Thanks for nothing Iowa."
c. Conclude that he is part of a diabolical Karl Rove conspiracy to put Bush back in the White House.
Cheer up. I have found a site that crystalizes my thoughts about this election. Kerry Haters for Kerry sums up my feelings about the guy we are depending on to save us, but who makes me grind my teeth in the dead of night.
Whatever happens in the debate tonight, cable news talking heads will say that Bush won. So, check out KH4K after it is over. It beats watching Chris Matthews tell you that Bush sealed the deal.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Go Ahead, Wring Your Hands
Michael Moore and others have told the doomsayers among us to buck up and stop worrying about Kerry. As a doomsayer, I took great exception to Moore's advice. It assumes that in fact we have nothing to worry about, when in fact we have rung the alarm bells for very good reasons. Kerry isn't the best candidate we had to choose from, period. I wasn't imagining problems with his campaign. They are painfully obvious to anyone who was paying attention.
Having said that, I had started to feel better about Kerry's chances when I read about large increases in voter registration in swing states. I believe that most of those new registrants are anti-Bush. As I pointed out yesterday, I was also heartened when Gallup's bogus 12% give-away to Republicans was revealed.
Of course, our candidate had to ruin my new optimism by turning into the Kerry of old. In his September 29th post Doug Ireland gives the low down on a dismal Kerry interview with Diane Sawyer. According to Ireland, Kerry has compounded his $87 million Iraq aid gaffe "I voted for the $87 billion before I voted against it," by getting caught in a dopey lie. Read it here and yes, take out your hankies.
Michael Moore and others have told the doomsayers among us to buck up and stop worrying about Kerry. As a doomsayer, I took great exception to Moore's advice. It assumes that in fact we have nothing to worry about, when in fact we have rung the alarm bells for very good reasons. Kerry isn't the best candidate we had to choose from, period. I wasn't imagining problems with his campaign. They are painfully obvious to anyone who was paying attention.
Having said that, I had started to feel better about Kerry's chances when I read about large increases in voter registration in swing states. I believe that most of those new registrants are anti-Bush. As I pointed out yesterday, I was also heartened when Gallup's bogus 12% give-away to Republicans was revealed.
Of course, our candidate had to ruin my new optimism by turning into the Kerry of old. In his September 29th post Doug Ireland gives the low down on a dismal Kerry interview with Diane Sawyer. According to Ireland, Kerry has compounded his $87 million Iraq aid gaffe "I voted for the $87 billion before I voted against it," by getting caught in a dopey lie. Read it here and yes, take out your hankies.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Polls Skewed in Favor of Bush
The Gallup organization assumes that republicans vote more than democrats, 12% more to be exact. It is not surprising that their polls give Bush a sizable lead.
The Gallup organization assumes that republicans vote more than democrats, 12% more to be exact. It is not surprising that their polls give Bush a sizable lead.
"If you hate gay people one of your kids will be gay."
Chris Rock
Alan Keyes has a lesbian daughter. The same man who said that gays are inherently "hedonists", Mary Cheney included, is himself the father of one of the hedonists. Keyes was supposed to address the issue at an appearance last night, but he declined to do so.
Jenna Bush is a Drunk
Jenna Bush was seen at a "skanky" bar in Washington, drunk as a skunk.
Chris Rock
Alan Keyes has a lesbian daughter. The same man who said that gays are inherently "hedonists", Mary Cheney included, is himself the father of one of the hedonists. Keyes was supposed to address the issue at an appearance last night, but he declined to do so.
Jenna Bush is a Drunk
Jenna Bush was seen at a "skanky" bar in Washington, drunk as a skunk.
Iraqi Civilian Deaths
According to the Iraqi Health Ministry, from April 5th through September 19th, 4,387 Iraqi civilians were killed, most of them by the U.S. military. A total of 432 American soldiers were killed in the same period of time. The Iraqi people continue to bear the brunt of the suffering caused by the occupation of their country.
According to the Iraqi Health Ministry, from April 5th through September 19th, 4,387 Iraqi civilians were killed, most of them by the U.S. military. A total of 432 American soldiers were killed in the same period of time. The Iraqi people continue to bear the brunt of the suffering caused by the occupation of their country.
Monday, September 27, 2004
God and Florida
Many have joked that Florida's severe hurricane season is a message from an angry deity. Florida, or rather Jeb Bush, stole the 2000 election and God is angry.
I trust that the information below is correct. I don't claim to speak for God, but this map is interesting and amusing. If the information is not correct I hope someone will let me know.
Many have joked that Florida's severe hurricane season is a message from an angry deity. Florida, or rather Jeb Bush, stole the 2000 election and God is angry.
I trust that the information below is correct. I don't claim to speak for God, but this map is interesting and amusing. If the information is not correct I hope someone will let me know.
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Does Bush Have Presenile Dementia?
In a letter to Atlantic Monthly Joseph Price, M.D. made this observation about President Bush:
"Slowly developing cognitive deficits, as demonstrated so clearly by the President [sic], can represent only one diagnosis, and that is 'presenile dementia'! Presenile dementia is best described to nonmedical persons as a fairly typical Alzheimer's situation that develops significantly earlier in life, well before what is usually considered old age."
In a letter to Atlantic Monthly Joseph Price, M.D. made this observation about President Bush:
"Slowly developing cognitive deficits, as demonstrated so clearly by the President [sic], can represent only one diagnosis, and that is 'presenile dementia'! Presenile dementia is best described to nonmedical persons as a fairly typical Alzheimer's situation that develops significantly earlier in life, well before what is usually considered old age."
Friday, September 24, 2004
Fascism Watch
What to do with the outspoken mom of a dead soldier? The answer is simple. Discredit her. Sue Niederer had the nerve to speak out against the occupation of Iraq after her son, Seth Dvorin, was killed. Most recently she heckled Laura Bush in Hopewell Township, New Jersey.
Of course, her good deed didn't go unpunished. The Secret Service is now investigating her for threatening the president. In a Counterpunch interview Mrs. Niederer said that she wanted to "rip his head off." Gee, he did get her son killed. I have heard worse for less justification. Mrs. Niederer is learning that support for the troops and their families is just another lie. Anyone who endangers the Bush regime has to be done away with in some form or fashion, even the mothers of dead soldiers.
What to do with the outspoken mom of a dead soldier? The answer is simple. Discredit her. Sue Niederer had the nerve to speak out against the occupation of Iraq after her son, Seth Dvorin, was killed. Most recently she heckled Laura Bush in Hopewell Township, New Jersey.
Of course, her good deed didn't go unpunished. The Secret Service is now investigating her for threatening the president. In a Counterpunch interview Mrs. Niederer said that she wanted to "rip his head off." Gee, he did get her son killed. I have heard worse for less justification. Mrs. Niederer is learning that support for the troops and their families is just another lie. Anyone who endangers the Bush regime has to be done away with in some form or fashion, even the mothers of dead soldiers.
October Surprise
Karl Rove and the rest of the Bush gang are not resting on their diabolical laurels. They are planning an October surprise. Could it possibly be the trial of Saddam Hussein? The Guardian says it is a possibility.
The Guardian article also talks about the Iraqi scientists who have been incarcerated ever since the occupation began. Truth telling is their crime. They keep saying that there were no WMD and there hadn't been any for years. They may also talk about Reagan administration appeasement of Hussein when he had WMD and used it. Here is the photo of Donald Rumsfeld meeting Saddam on December 20, 1983.
Karl Rove and the rest of the Bush gang are not resting on their diabolical laurels. They are planning an October surprise. Could it possibly be the trial of Saddam Hussein? The Guardian says it is a possibility.
The Guardian article also talks about the Iraqi scientists who have been incarcerated ever since the occupation began. Truth telling is their crime. They keep saying that there were no WMD and there hadn't been any for years. They may also talk about Reagan administration appeasement of Hussein when he had WMD and used it. Here is the photo of Donald Rumsfeld meeting Saddam on December 20, 1983.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
What a Coincidence
Is it coincidental that CBS was fined for Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction in the same week that Dan Rather had to admit that the Bush military documents weren't altogether kosher? No it isn't. The Bushites never let anything happen by chance. CBS was down, so the White House kicked them. Trust me.
Is it coincidental that CBS was fined for Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction in the same week that Dan Rather had to admit that the Bush military documents weren't altogether kosher? No it isn't. The Bushites never let anything happen by chance. CBS was down, so the White House kicked them. Trust me.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Fascism Watch
Did you fly within the United States in June of this year? If so, big brother will soon have more information than just your name, rank and serial number.
The TSA is proposing a new system, yes, yet another system that will allegedly make us all more secure. In order to put said system in place, they are asking airlines to give them all of the information they have on anyone who traveled anywhere by air in June of 2004. They will have all of the information that an airline or travel agent has about travelers.
Recently Ted Kennedy and Congressman John Lewis discovered themselves to be on the no fly list. Like many other Americans they had no idea why they were on the list and despite being members of congress were not taken off immediately. Lewis was advised to add his middle initial to flight reservations. Voila! His name didn't come up again. If that is security I want no part of it.
Of course, this is all another step on the path to greater government control of our lives. It is also handy to keep voters frightened right before election day. Only frightened people will vote for George W. Bush.
Did you fly within the United States in June of this year? If so, big brother will soon have more information than just your name, rank and serial number.
The TSA is proposing a new system, yes, yet another system that will allegedly make us all more secure. In order to put said system in place, they are asking airlines to give them all of the information they have on anyone who traveled anywhere by air in June of 2004. They will have all of the information that an airline or travel agent has about travelers.
Recently Ted Kennedy and Congressman John Lewis discovered themselves to be on the no fly list. Like many other Americans they had no idea why they were on the list and despite being members of congress were not taken off immediately. Lewis was advised to add his middle initial to flight reservations. Voila! His name didn't come up again. If that is security I want no part of it.
Of course, this is all another step on the path to greater government control of our lives. It is also handy to keep voters frightened right before election day. Only frightened people will vote for George W. Bush.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Fascism Watch
The military is preventing soldiers from accessing web sites that give Iraq casualty figures.
The military is preventing soldiers from accessing web sites that give Iraq casualty figures.
Monday, September 20, 2004
Fascism Watch
The Bush family is like the mafia. There is hell to pay if you cross them. Just ask Dan Rather or Bill Burkett. Take a look at Just Cut Out Their Tongues, a great piece in Common Dreams.
The flap about the CBS documents obscures some very important points. One, George W. Bush bragged to more than one person that his father pulled strings to get him into the Texas Air National Guard. Two, he was missing from duty for at least one year. Salon sums it up well.
In any case, the Common Dreams piece brings back old memories, of BCCI, of CIA chief William Casey dying suddenly when he was about to testify about the deal to keep hostages in Iran until after election day in 1980.
Something dastardly always happens when the Bushes and their henchman, Karl Rove, are around. Rove bugged his own office to make it look like an opponent had done it. He was probably behind the mysterious mailing of the Bush debate preparation tapes to Al Gore.
How did the right wing manage to raise questions about the authenticity of the documents within hours of the broadcast? It all stinks to me. Of course, if our so-called journalists paid any attention to the first Bush draft dodging story from the Boston Globe in 2000, none of this would matter.
The Bush family is like the mafia. There is hell to pay if you cross them. Just ask Dan Rather or Bill Burkett. Take a look at Just Cut Out Their Tongues, a great piece in Common Dreams.
The flap about the CBS documents obscures some very important points. One, George W. Bush bragged to more than one person that his father pulled strings to get him into the Texas Air National Guard. Two, he was missing from duty for at least one year. Salon sums it up well.
In any case, the Common Dreams piece brings back old memories, of BCCI, of CIA chief William Casey dying suddenly when he was about to testify about the deal to keep hostages in Iran until after election day in 1980.
Something dastardly always happens when the Bushes and their henchman, Karl Rove, are around. Rove bugged his own office to make it look like an opponent had done it. He was probably behind the mysterious mailing of the Bush debate preparation tapes to Al Gore.
How did the right wing manage to raise questions about the authenticity of the documents within hours of the broadcast? It all stinks to me. Of course, if our so-called journalists paid any attention to the first Bush draft dodging story from the Boston Globe in 2000, none of this would matter.
Friday, September 17, 2004
Kerry Comes Out Swinging?!
Do my eyes deceive? Am I hearing correctly? Did John Kerry actually hit the Bush administration where it hurts? Did he really talk about Dick Cheney getting $2 million from Halliburton since he became veep? Did he really make the following statement?
“As President, I will stop companies like Halliburton from profiting at the expense of our troops and taxpayers. I will stop companies from receiving no-bid contracts from the government when the president or vice president is still receiving compensation from that company. I will make sure that all government funds are properly accounted for. And as Commander in Chief, I will have two words for companies that cheat the U.S. military – ‘You’re fired.’”
For weeks I have been in a state of despair or rage because of Kerry's ineptness. I don't know what to believe about polls, but I am worried that none of them show Kerry ahead.
I hope that this speech is the beginning of a new theme against Bush, namely that he has been incompetent and corrupt, and not just in Iraq. Cheney's very obvious conflicts of interest are among the topics that should have been ongoing themes in Kerry's stump speech, but that is water under the bridge.
I have always felt that Kerry's pro-war vote was not necessarily a huge impediment. All he had to say was that he didn't vote for torture at Abu Ghraib or for Halliburton to steal tax payer money. Of course, in my dream Kerry says he was misled on Iraq and he is bringing the troops home. I know. Dream on. He could have said it but he blew it by saying that he would have voted yes even if he had known that no WMD would be found.
I kept reading that Kerry has made changes, that former Clinton staffers can put him over the top, but I didn't hear or see any improvements. The old proverb about the fish stinking from the head can be both positive and negative. It is all up to this candidate. If this is the beginning of a new Kerry, perhaps a sweet aroma can start from the head as well.
On the other hand, I hope that neither Kerry nor Edwards are being compensated by any corporations and that no one gets a no bid contract from the U.S. government. Hopefully, it was just a speech written in haste. I was hoping to have at least one post that was completely complementary of Kerry.
Do my eyes deceive? Am I hearing correctly? Did John Kerry actually hit the Bush administration where it hurts? Did he really talk about Dick Cheney getting $2 million from Halliburton since he became veep? Did he really make the following statement?
“As President, I will stop companies like Halliburton from profiting at the expense of our troops and taxpayers. I will stop companies from receiving no-bid contracts from the government when the president or vice president is still receiving compensation from that company. I will make sure that all government funds are properly accounted for. And as Commander in Chief, I will have two words for companies that cheat the U.S. military – ‘You’re fired.’”
For weeks I have been in a state of despair or rage because of Kerry's ineptness. I don't know what to believe about polls, but I am worried that none of them show Kerry ahead.
I hope that this speech is the beginning of a new theme against Bush, namely that he has been incompetent and corrupt, and not just in Iraq. Cheney's very obvious conflicts of interest are among the topics that should have been ongoing themes in Kerry's stump speech, but that is water under the bridge.
I have always felt that Kerry's pro-war vote was not necessarily a huge impediment. All he had to say was that he didn't vote for torture at Abu Ghraib or for Halliburton to steal tax payer money. Of course, in my dream Kerry says he was misled on Iraq and he is bringing the troops home. I know. Dream on. He could have said it but he blew it by saying that he would have voted yes even if he had known that no WMD would be found.
I kept reading that Kerry has made changes, that former Clinton staffers can put him over the top, but I didn't hear or see any improvements. The old proverb about the fish stinking from the head can be both positive and negative. It is all up to this candidate. If this is the beginning of a new Kerry, perhaps a sweet aroma can start from the head as well.
On the other hand, I hope that neither Kerry nor Edwards are being compensated by any corporations and that no one gets a no bid contract from the U.S. government. Hopefully, it was just a speech written in haste. I was hoping to have at least one post that was completely complementary of Kerry.
Fascism Watch
Re-enlist or die. Sounds like a bad Dick Cheney line, but according to soldiers at Fort Carson, Colorado, that is what they were told. Soldiers were told that they shouldn't get any big ideas about leaving the military. If they don't re-up they will be reassigned to units in Iraq.
Oops. I forgot myself for a moment. People like me don't support the troops. What do I know?Sorry I brought this up at all.
Re-enlist or die. Sounds like a bad Dick Cheney line, but according to soldiers at Fort Carson, Colorado, that is what they were told. Soldiers were told that they shouldn't get any big ideas about leaving the military. If they don't re-up they will be reassigned to units in Iraq.
Oops. I forgot myself for a moment. People like me don't support the troops. What do I know?Sorry I brought this up at all.
Fascism Watch
"President Bush You Killed My Son"
Sue Niederer isn't impressed with Laura Bush. She has good reason. Her son, army first lieutenant Seth Dvorin, was killed in Iraq. Ms. Niederer has not been silent in her grief. She interrupted Laura Bush who was speaking in Hamilton Township, New Jersey and was led away in handcuffs for her trouble.
The pro-war crowd drowned out her cries with shouts of "four more years." So much for supporting the troops.
"President Bush You Killed My Son"
Sue Niederer isn't impressed with Laura Bush. She has good reason. Her son, army first lieutenant Seth Dvorin, was killed in Iraq. Ms. Niederer has not been silent in her grief. She interrupted Laura Bush who was speaking in Hamilton Township, New Jersey and was led away in handcuffs for her trouble.
The pro-war crowd drowned out her cries with shouts of "four more years." So much for supporting the troops.
Kobe and Colin
What do Kobe Bryant and Colin Powell have in common? Check out my column in Black Commentator and find out.
What do Kobe Bryant and Colin Powell have in common? Check out my column in Black Commentator and find out.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
More Evidence of a Neck and Neck Race
The Pew Research Center poll also shows that the race is even.
The Pew Research Center poll also shows that the race is even.
Bush and Kerry Neck and Neck
To pay attention or not, that is the question. Should we look at polls at all? Well, if I see one that makes me more optimistic about Kerry I will take it. Harris Interactive shows Bush and Kerry neck and neck.
To pay attention or not, that is the question. Should we look at polls at all? Well, if I see one that makes me more optimistic about Kerry I will take it. Harris Interactive shows Bush and Kerry neck and neck.
Bush is not as dumb as his detractors allege. "He was just badly brought up, with no discipline, and no compassion."
Yoshi Tsurumi
George W. Bush was one of Tsurumi's student at Harvard business school. When Bush became president Tsurumi was motivated to become an American citizen. He thought, and quite rightly, that as an immigrant he wouldn't have the right to speak freely. Here are some very scary quotes from a Salon interview.
"He showed pathological lying habits and was in denial when challenged on his prejudices and biases. He would even deny saying something he just said 30 seconds ago. He was famous for that. Students jumped on him; I challenged him."
When asked to explain a particular comment, said Tsurumi, Bush would respond, "Oh, I never said that."
'The government doesn't have to help poor people -- because they are lazy.' I said, 'Well, could you explain that assumption?' Not only could he not explain it, he started backtracking on it, saying, 'No, I didn't say that.'"
"We were in a discussion of the New Deal, and he called Franklin Roosevelt's policies 'socialism.' He denounced labor unions, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Medicare, Social Security, you name it. He denounced the civil rights movement as socialism. To him, socialism and communism were the same thing. And when challenged to explain his prejudice, he could not defend his argument, either ideologically, polemically or academically."
"In class, he couldn't challenge them. But after class, he sometimes came up to me in the hallway and started bad-mouthing those students who had challenged him. He would complain that someone was drinking too much. It was innuendo and lies. So that's how I knew, behind his smile and his smirk, that he was a very insecure, cunning and vengeful guy."
'Lucky you. I understand there is a long waiting list for it. How'd you get in?' When he told me, he didn't seem ashamed or embarrassed. He thought he was entitled to all kinds of privileges and special deals. He was not the only one trying to twist all their connections to avoid Vietnam. But then, he was fanatically for the war."
These anecdotes won't get him out of office. Many people either don't care about these things or they wish that they could be as loutish as Bush and get away with it. Only a good campaign with a coherent message will get rid of Bush. Oh well, I guess we're toast.
Yoshi Tsurumi
George W. Bush was one of Tsurumi's student at Harvard business school. When Bush became president Tsurumi was motivated to become an American citizen. He thought, and quite rightly, that as an immigrant he wouldn't have the right to speak freely. Here are some very scary quotes from a Salon interview.
"He showed pathological lying habits and was in denial when challenged on his prejudices and biases. He would even deny saying something he just said 30 seconds ago. He was famous for that. Students jumped on him; I challenged him."
When asked to explain a particular comment, said Tsurumi, Bush would respond, "Oh, I never said that."
'The government doesn't have to help poor people -- because they are lazy.' I said, 'Well, could you explain that assumption?' Not only could he not explain it, he started backtracking on it, saying, 'No, I didn't say that.'"
"We were in a discussion of the New Deal, and he called Franklin Roosevelt's policies 'socialism.' He denounced labor unions, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Medicare, Social Security, you name it. He denounced the civil rights movement as socialism. To him, socialism and communism were the same thing. And when challenged to explain his prejudice, he could not defend his argument, either ideologically, polemically or academically."
"In class, he couldn't challenge them. But after class, he sometimes came up to me in the hallway and started bad-mouthing those students who had challenged him. He would complain that someone was drinking too much. It was innuendo and lies. So that's how I knew, behind his smile and his smirk, that he was a very insecure, cunning and vengeful guy."
'Lucky you. I understand there is a long waiting list for it. How'd you get in?' When he told me, he didn't seem ashamed or embarrassed. He thought he was entitled to all kinds of privileges and special deals. He was not the only one trying to twist all their connections to avoid Vietnam. But then, he was fanatically for the war."
These anecdotes won't get him out of office. Many people either don't care about these things or they wish that they could be as loutish as Bush and get away with it. Only a good campaign with a coherent message will get rid of Bush. Oh well, I guess we're toast.
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Bring Me the Head of Mary Beth Cahill
Unfreakin' believable! I know that is not really a sentence but it sums up the rage and helplessness I feel about the presidential election. My apoplexy came about when I read stunningly clueless and assinine statements that emanated from the mouth of Mary Beth Cahill, John Kerry's campaign manager.
In an interview with syndicated columnist Ellen Goodman, Cahill confirmed my worst fears about the Kerry campaign.
"Win or lose, and my deep belief is he's going to win, you run a campaign you live with for the rest of your life. George Bush Sr. is forever tarred by the craven way he went after Dukakis."
Earth to Cahill! Where does one begin? "Win or lose?" Did Kerry's campaign manager actually say those words. How in the name of Sweet Jesus is she running Kerry's campaign if she publicly states that it is a "deep belief" that her boss will win? By the way, George Bush will forever be known as a president of the United States! He doesn't give a hoot about being tarred, and if John Kerry has any sense he doesn't care either.
Fundamentally, voters think elections are about them, not about candidates.
That statement is the stupidest thing I have ever heard in my life. Voters always make decisions about candidates. They make the decisions based on a variety of factors, but yes asshole, I mean Mary Beth, voters make decisions based on candidates! (Sorry readers. I nearly lost my religion.)
I'm almost done. My apoplexy is relapsing. This quote is the piece de resistance
Their entire strategy is to enlarge their base.
Unfreakin' believable! I know that is not really a sentence but it sums up the rage and helplessness I feel about the presidential election. My apoplexy came about when I read stunningly clueless and assinine statements that emanated from the mouth of Mary Beth Cahill, John Kerry's campaign manager.
In an interview with syndicated columnist Ellen Goodman, Cahill confirmed my worst fears about the Kerry campaign.
"Win or lose, and my deep belief is he's going to win, you run a campaign you live with for the rest of your life. George Bush Sr. is forever tarred by the craven way he went after Dukakis."
Earth to Cahill! Where does one begin? "Win or lose?" Did Kerry's campaign manager actually say those words. How in the name of Sweet Jesus is she running Kerry's campaign if she publicly states that it is a "deep belief" that her boss will win? By the way, George Bush will forever be known as a president of the United States! He doesn't give a hoot about being tarred, and if John Kerry has any sense he doesn't care either.
Fundamentally, voters think elections are about them, not about candidates.
That statement is the stupidest thing I have ever heard in my life. Voters always make decisions about candidates. They make the decisions based on a variety of factors, but yes asshole, I mean Mary Beth, voters make decisions based on candidates! (Sorry readers. I nearly lost my religion.)
I'm almost done. My apoplexy is relapsing. This quote is the piece de resistance
Their entire strategy is to enlarge their base.
Duh! No wonder Kerry is behind. Anybody with sense knows that a candidate must enlarge the party's base. That is how you win, dumbshit, I mean Mary Beth. (Sorry. Lost my religion again).
It is obvious that Cahill is an idiot. I suggest she read Black Commentator. This piece in last week's issue sums up perfectly what is wrong with Cahill and company. I knew it when I read it, but I had no idea that I would get confirmation from the mouth of the Kerry team.
I don't know what else to say, except that the fish stinks from the head. Cahill's thinking must be like that of her boss. Boys and girls, make your reservations for the Bush inaugural.
A Senator and the Hereafter
While walking down the street one day, a US Senator is tragically hit by a truck- and dies.His soul arrives in Heaven, and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
"Welcome to Heaven, says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you.
"No problem, just let me in, says the man. "Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from Higher Up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend Eternity."Really, there's no need to go to any fuss" says the Senator. "I've already made up my mind: I want to be in Heaven."
"I'm sorry, says St. Peter, "but we have our rules."And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. The doors open, and the Senator finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a club, and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress.Everyone runs to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf, and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the Devil, who really is a very friendly guy, and has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are all having such a good time that, before he realizes it, it is time to go.The crowd of friends and fellow politicians give the Senator a hearty farewell and wave while the elevator rises.
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door opens on Heaven, where St. Peter is waiting for him."Now," says St. Peter, "It's time for you to visit Heaven." So, 24 hours pass with the head of state joining as group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time, and before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by, and old St. Peter returns.
"Well then," says St. Peter, "You've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now choose your Eternity."The Senator reflects on the past 48 hours for a minute, then answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in Hell."
So, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and the senator goes down, down, down to Hell.Now the doors of the elevator open, and the Senator finds himself in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags. As the Senator stands there in total amazement, the Devil comes over to him.
Putting his arm around the (now-shaking) Senator's shoulder, he grins."I don't understand," stammers the Senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. WHAT HAPPENED?'
"The Devil looks at him, smiles, and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning! Today, you voted!"
While walking down the street one day, a US Senator is tragically hit by a truck- and dies.His soul arrives in Heaven, and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
"Welcome to Heaven, says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you.
"No problem, just let me in, says the man. "Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from Higher Up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend Eternity."Really, there's no need to go to any fuss" says the Senator. "I've already made up my mind: I want to be in Heaven."
"I'm sorry, says St. Peter, "but we have our rules."And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. The doors open, and the Senator finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a club, and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress.Everyone runs to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf, and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the Devil, who really is a very friendly guy, and has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are all having such a good time that, before he realizes it, it is time to go.The crowd of friends and fellow politicians give the Senator a hearty farewell and wave while the elevator rises.
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door opens on Heaven, where St. Peter is waiting for him."Now," says St. Peter, "It's time for you to visit Heaven." So, 24 hours pass with the head of state joining as group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time, and before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by, and old St. Peter returns.
"Well then," says St. Peter, "You've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now choose your Eternity."The Senator reflects on the past 48 hours for a minute, then answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in Hell."
So, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and the senator goes down, down, down to Hell.Now the doors of the elevator open, and the Senator finds himself in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags. As the Senator stands there in total amazement, the Devil comes over to him.
Putting his arm around the (now-shaking) Senator's shoulder, he grins."I don't understand," stammers the Senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. WHAT HAPPENED?'
"The Devil looks at him, smiles, and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning! Today, you voted!"
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
There is Justice, Sometimes
Lynne Gobell has a new job. As I reported earlier today, Gobell lost her job because her boss is a Bushite and a fasacist. She wouldn't back down when he demanded that she remove a Kerry/Edwards bumper sticker from her car. She was fired.
Luckily her story ended up in the news and today she has a new job working in the Kerry campaign. John Kerry personally made the offer.
Lynne Gobell has a new job. As I reported earlier today, Gobell lost her job because her boss is a Bushite and a fasacist. She wouldn't back down when he demanded that she remove a Kerry/Edwards bumper sticker from her car. She was fired.
Luckily her story ended up in the news and today she has a new job working in the Kerry campaign. John Kerry personally made the offer.
Why Republicans Beat Democrats
"They tell their candidates, "Actually, boss, we can't really win on the issues, so we'd better come up with something else." Well, after the past six weeks, we all know what that something else is. It's character. That is, make the election about the other guy's character."
Michael Tomasky
What is wrong with us Democrats? A lot of things, but one is an inability to understand the most basic rules of campaigning. Michael Tomasky explains it in American Prospect online.
What Else is Wrong?
Robert Scheer gets to another vexing question. Why does Bush get credit for fighting the "war on terror" when 9/11 happened on his watch? He gets the credit because Kerry won't take him on, and if he doesn't we had better get used to looking at Dubya.
"They tell their candidates, "Actually, boss, we can't really win on the issues, so we'd better come up with something else." Well, after the past six weeks, we all know what that something else is. It's character. That is, make the election about the other guy's character."
Michael Tomasky
What is wrong with us Democrats? A lot of things, but one is an inability to understand the most basic rules of campaigning. Michael Tomasky explains it in American Prospect online.
What Else is Wrong?
Robert Scheer gets to another vexing question. Why does Bush get credit for fighting the "war on terror" when 9/11 happened on his watch? He gets the credit because Kerry won't take him on, and if he doesn't we had better get used to looking at Dubya.
Monday, September 13, 2004
Republican Ghouls
I knew it. The Republicans are flesh eating zombies who plan to put an undead Ronald Reagan on the ticket in November. Read it here at Bush-Zombie Reagan. The site has not been updated since June, but my thanks go to Alternet for making me aware of it.
I knew it. The Republicans are flesh eating zombies who plan to put an undead Ronald Reagan on the ticket in November. Read it here at Bush-Zombie Reagan. The site has not been updated since June, but my thanks go to Alternet for making me aware of it.
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Why I Don't Commemorate 9/11
Today I said a prayer for those who perished on 9/11. I prayed that they rest in peace. I prayed that their loved ones find healing. That's all I did today and it is all I will do on 9/11 in the future. I do not watch or take part in any official observances.
Newsday columnist Jimmy Breslin expresses my feelings pretty well in a Salon interview.
"I try not to pay attention to it," he says. "The anniversary is a day for exhibitionists, and for politicians trying to use it to their advantage. Who tried to use it more than Giuliani, the dog?" He uses another word, a gerund adjective, right before "dog."
"What would you want to be around it for? People I know don't care about it. I know the widow of a firefighter, and she doesn't want to hear anything about it. . . . In a recent column, Breslin observed that Osama bin Laden must need a new press agent, since no speaker at the Republican Convention was even willing to utter his name. "Well, one fellow mentioned it, he slipped up," he says. "It was [New York governor] George Pataki. And he had to make recompense with a scathing attack on Saddam Hussein, like he had anything to do with it."
Americans must also learn that many people around the world have suffered because of U.S. government foreign policy. The families of Afghans killed by American forces don't cry less than families of 9/11 victims. At least 11,000 Iraqis have been killed because of greedy people who want access to oil and an American military presence in a land that doesn't want it. The deaths of 2,700 people were used to cause suffering in Iraq. Someone needs to be brave and point that out to the American people. It won't be anyone running for office, so I volunteer for the assignment.
BTW, 9/11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows have been vocal in opposing military action against Afghanistan, an action taken in their name. They have bravely said "No thanks." In return for their great public service, Rush Limbaugh and the Wall Street Journal have attacked them as a Democratic front group and told outright lies about their mission. It seems that 9/11 families are deified only if they get their lines right.
Dick Cheney
Vote for us or die. That is essentially what Dick Cheney said this week. If he and Bush aren't back in office we are all toast. Of course the Democrats messed up their response as John Nichols points out in Common Dreams, but Nichols gives us a clearer, more frightening picture of the mind of Dick Cheney
It is true, of course, that the vice president would say anything and do anything in order to maintain his grip on power. But it does not necessarily follow that Cheney is simply carrying out a political hit. Indeed, if the past is prologue, there is every reason to assume that the vice president believes what he is saying about the damage that will befall the land if he and his minions are not working the levers of authority.
Few figures in American politics maintain a world view that is so consistently apocalyptic as does Cheney. Fewer still have allowed petty fears and profound ignorance to so dramatically warp their actions and public pronouncements.
Cheney's Cold War obsessions have frequently placed him on the wrong side of history, causing him to misread the geopolitical realities of regions around the world -- and of the key players within them. This is the man who was so certain that the African National Congress was a dangerous group that he regularly voted, as a member of Congress in the 1980s, against House resolutions calling for the release of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners in South Africa.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Fascism Watch
I thought the Secret Service was an independent government entity whose main role was to protect the president and other officials. Boy did I ever get it wrong. Their new job is to help President Bush get elected. Not only is a loyalty oath required to attend a Bush/Cheney campaign event, but protesters are intentionally diverted and the press are told that they cannot attend events if they try to speak with demonstrators. The Seattle Times has the story from a Pennsylvania event.
BTW, if you are going to demonstrate against Bush, make sure you don't wear a wig.
Today I said a prayer for those who perished on 9/11. I prayed that they rest in peace. I prayed that their loved ones find healing. That's all I did today and it is all I will do on 9/11 in the future. I do not watch or take part in any official observances.
Newsday columnist Jimmy Breslin expresses my feelings pretty well in a Salon interview.
"I try not to pay attention to it," he says. "The anniversary is a day for exhibitionists, and for politicians trying to use it to their advantage. Who tried to use it more than Giuliani, the dog?" He uses another word, a gerund adjective, right before "dog."
"What would you want to be around it for? People I know don't care about it. I know the widow of a firefighter, and she doesn't want to hear anything about it. . . . In a recent column, Breslin observed that Osama bin Laden must need a new press agent, since no speaker at the Republican Convention was even willing to utter his name. "Well, one fellow mentioned it, he slipped up," he says. "It was [New York governor] George Pataki. And he had to make recompense with a scathing attack on Saddam Hussein, like he had anything to do with it."
Americans must also learn that many people around the world have suffered because of U.S. government foreign policy. The families of Afghans killed by American forces don't cry less than families of 9/11 victims. At least 11,000 Iraqis have been killed because of greedy people who want access to oil and an American military presence in a land that doesn't want it. The deaths of 2,700 people were used to cause suffering in Iraq. Someone needs to be brave and point that out to the American people. It won't be anyone running for office, so I volunteer for the assignment.
BTW, 9/11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows have been vocal in opposing military action against Afghanistan, an action taken in their name. They have bravely said "No thanks." In return for their great public service, Rush Limbaugh and the Wall Street Journal have attacked them as a Democratic front group and told outright lies about their mission. It seems that 9/11 families are deified only if they get their lines right.
Dick Cheney
Vote for us or die. That is essentially what Dick Cheney said this week. If he and Bush aren't back in office we are all toast. Of course the Democrats messed up their response as John Nichols points out in Common Dreams, but Nichols gives us a clearer, more frightening picture of the mind of Dick Cheney
It is true, of course, that the vice president would say anything and do anything in order to maintain his grip on power. But it does not necessarily follow that Cheney is simply carrying out a political hit. Indeed, if the past is prologue, there is every reason to assume that the vice president believes what he is saying about the damage that will befall the land if he and his minions are not working the levers of authority.
Few figures in American politics maintain a world view that is so consistently apocalyptic as does Cheney. Fewer still have allowed petty fears and profound ignorance to so dramatically warp their actions and public pronouncements.
Cheney's Cold War obsessions have frequently placed him on the wrong side of history, causing him to misread the geopolitical realities of regions around the world -- and of the key players within them. This is the man who was so certain that the African National Congress was a dangerous group that he regularly voted, as a member of Congress in the 1980s, against House resolutions calling for the release of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners in South Africa.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Fascism Watch
I thought the Secret Service was an independent government entity whose main role was to protect the president and other officials. Boy did I ever get it wrong. Their new job is to help President Bush get elected. Not only is a loyalty oath required to attend a Bush/Cheney campaign event, but protesters are intentionally diverted and the press are told that they cannot attend events if they try to speak with demonstrators. The Seattle Times has the story from a Pennsylvania event.
BTW, if you are going to demonstrate against Bush, make sure you don't wear a wig.
Friday, September 10, 2004
Vote Theft in 2004
It has already begun. In primary elections across the nation eligible voters have been turned away from the polls. It is about to happen here in New York state as well. Because of the absurdly named Help America Vote Act, all those newly registered by mail will have to show identification at the polls. In a March Black Commentator column I expressed fears that certain provisions of the Help America Vote Act would in fact prevent Americans from voting.
Identification requirements always lower voter turn out. Poor people are less likely to have valid ID. Poll workers may be incompetent or malicious and prevent voters from submitting even paper ballots. It is all a recipe for disaster. I have the feeling that voting problems on Election Day in 2004 will be just like 2000, only worse.
It has already begun. In primary elections across the nation eligible voters have been turned away from the polls. It is about to happen here in New York state as well. Because of the absurdly named Help America Vote Act, all those newly registered by mail will have to show identification at the polls. In a March Black Commentator column I expressed fears that certain provisions of the Help America Vote Act would in fact prevent Americans from voting.
Identification requirements always lower voter turn out. Poor people are less likely to have valid ID. Poll workers may be incompetent or malicious and prevent voters from submitting even paper ballots. It is all a recipe for disaster. I have the feeling that voting problems on Election Day in 2004 will be just like 2000, only worse.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
What's Wrong with Kerry
I have a running debate with some readers about John Kerry. He was not my first choice but I still want him to beat Bush. I know that the media is biased against him and in favor of Bush. We should keep this in mind when reading that Bush has a bounce or that Kerry is toast. However, I still think there are legitimate reasons to be concerned about Kerry's campaign.
I am very troubled that both Kerry and the Democratic party acted as though the RNC protests never took place. I know there was concern that violent demonstrations might hurt his campaign. I always thought those fears were overblown and events proved me right.
The protesters are in fact the key to a Kerry victory. I state my case in the current issue of Black Commentator. There is also a great piece in Common Dreams about the role of corporate lobbyists in the Kerry campaign. It explains why all they can muster is W stands for wrong.
I keep hoping that Bush will make a mistake that hurts Kerry, but Bush has had 4 years of mistakes and he can still win this election. This morning I was apoplectic when Katie Couric asked James Carville how Kerry can attack the erroneous belief that Bush is stronger in the "war on terror."
Carville should have hit that one right out of the park. He mumbled something incomprehensible but all he had to say was this, "9/11 happened on Bush's watch and he didn't fire anyone on September 12th. He was also dragged kicking, screaming and hanging on to Dick Cheney when he finally spoke to the commission, and he wouldn't talk under oath. Who says he is better at fighting terror?"
As Al Franken would say, oy, oy, oy.
I have a running debate with some readers about John Kerry. He was not my first choice but I still want him to beat Bush. I know that the media is biased against him and in favor of Bush. We should keep this in mind when reading that Bush has a bounce or that Kerry is toast. However, I still think there are legitimate reasons to be concerned about Kerry's campaign.
I am very troubled that both Kerry and the Democratic party acted as though the RNC protests never took place. I know there was concern that violent demonstrations might hurt his campaign. I always thought those fears were overblown and events proved me right.
The protesters are in fact the key to a Kerry victory. I state my case in the current issue of Black Commentator. There is also a great piece in Common Dreams about the role of corporate lobbyists in the Kerry campaign. It explains why all they can muster is W stands for wrong.
I keep hoping that Bush will make a mistake that hurts Kerry, but Bush has had 4 years of mistakes and he can still win this election. This morning I was apoplectic when Katie Couric asked James Carville how Kerry can attack the erroneous belief that Bush is stronger in the "war on terror."
Carville should have hit that one right out of the park. He mumbled something incomprehensible but all he had to say was this, "9/11 happened on Bush's watch and he didn't fire anyone on September 12th. He was also dragged kicking, screaming and hanging on to Dick Cheney when he finally spoke to the commission, and he wouldn't talk under oath. Who says he is better at fighting terror?"
As Al Franken would say, oy, oy, oy.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Fascism Watch
"After experiencing the goings-on at the convention center and all around the city, I am left with a sobering conclusion: I would rather live unprotected from terrorist attacks than in a society that resembled New York City during convention week."
Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register
Greenhut sums up the awful atmosphere created in New York City during the RNC. He gives readers a glimpse of the fear that pervaded this town when the Republicans took over.
"After experiencing the goings-on at the convention center and all around the city, I am left with a sobering conclusion: I would rather live unprotected from terrorist attacks than in a society that resembled New York City during convention week."
Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register
Greenhut sums up the awful atmosphere created in New York City during the RNC. He gives readers a glimpse of the fear that pervaded this town when the Republicans took over.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Bush Bounce?
I have a question. Should we pay any attention to polls? One poll says that Bush is ahead and Kerry is toast. Another says they are dead even. I am not a pollster, and I don't know their methodologies, so I don't know whom to believe.
Having said that, I am still concerned that Kerry's message is not as sharp as it needs to be. It seems that everyone except Karl Rove is dissecting his campaign and giving advice, so why shouldn't I join in too?
I think it is true that Kerry relied too much on his Vietnam story. If someone asked about the price of tuna he would say that he saw tuna while on his swift boat. It was especially foolish because I don't think that military service is the campaign advantage that conventional wisdom says it is. Clinton was called a draft-dodger but he still defeated two WWII vets.
I may be contradicting what I just said about not believing polls, but I think that Kerry should be ahead of Bush in any poll. OK, maybe not a Fox poll, but you get what I am saying. Bush turned a surplus into a deficit, the mission was not accomplished in Iraq, and 1,000 Americans are dead because of it. Bush has a solid record of failure to run against. I don't think the race should be close at all.
In the last 2 days Kerry honed in on outsourcing and rising medicare premiums. He needs to keep saying those things over and over and he needs a shorter, more concise stump speech. If he just tells voters how Bush has screwed up their lives, he should be able to win.
As far as Iraq is concerned, I think that Kerry made a major mistake when he said that he still would have voted to authorize the use of force. The Bush administration lies have given him an out. All he had to say was that he believed the President when he said Iraq had WMDs. End of story. I don't know why he didn't say it, but it keeps him from making Iraq the issue it ought to be. It is hard to criticize the occupation when he went along with it and continues to insist that he would do it all over again.
I have a question. Should we pay any attention to polls? One poll says that Bush is ahead and Kerry is toast. Another says they are dead even. I am not a pollster, and I don't know their methodologies, so I don't know whom to believe.
Having said that, I am still concerned that Kerry's message is not as sharp as it needs to be. It seems that everyone except Karl Rove is dissecting his campaign and giving advice, so why shouldn't I join in too?
I think it is true that Kerry relied too much on his Vietnam story. If someone asked about the price of tuna he would say that he saw tuna while on his swift boat. It was especially foolish because I don't think that military service is the campaign advantage that conventional wisdom says it is. Clinton was called a draft-dodger but he still defeated two WWII vets.
I may be contradicting what I just said about not believing polls, but I think that Kerry should be ahead of Bush in any poll. OK, maybe not a Fox poll, but you get what I am saying. Bush turned a surplus into a deficit, the mission was not accomplished in Iraq, and 1,000 Americans are dead because of it. Bush has a solid record of failure to run against. I don't think the race should be close at all.
In the last 2 days Kerry honed in on outsourcing and rising medicare premiums. He needs to keep saying those things over and over and he needs a shorter, more concise stump speech. If he just tells voters how Bush has screwed up their lives, he should be able to win.
As far as Iraq is concerned, I think that Kerry made a major mistake when he said that he still would have voted to authorize the use of force. The Bush administration lies have given him an out. All he had to say was that he believed the President when he said Iraq had WMDs. End of story. I don't know why he didn't say it, but it keeps him from making Iraq the issue it ought to be. It is hard to criticize the occupation when he went along with it and continues to insist that he would do it all over again.
Saturday, September 04, 2004
Fascism Watch
Andrew Card, White House Chief of Staff, uttered some extremely creepy words last week that sounded, well, like something Hitler would say.
''It struck me as I was speaking to people in Bangor, Maine, that this president sees America as we think about a 10-year-old child," Card said. ''I know as a parent I would sacrifice all for my children."
We have a very dangerous situation in America if a president and his top aides view the rest of us as children. What does that mean anyway? If we ask questions of Bush will he say, "Because I said so."? And what is up with this sacrifice thing? The president doesn't have to sacrifice anything for me. His job is to govern. Unfortunately, because we have one party rule he doesn't have to do much of that. The fascism watch will continue.
Andrew Card, White House Chief of Staff, uttered some extremely creepy words last week that sounded, well, like something Hitler would say.
''It struck me as I was speaking to people in Bangor, Maine, that this president sees America as we think about a 10-year-old child," Card said. ''I know as a parent I would sacrifice all for my children."
We have a very dangerous situation in America if a president and his top aides view the rest of us as children. What does that mean anyway? If we ask questions of Bush will he say, "Because I said so."? And what is up with this sacrifice thing? The president doesn't have to sacrifice anything for me. His job is to govern. Unfortunately, because we have one party rule he doesn't have to do much of that. The fascism watch will continue.
Friday, September 03, 2004
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid
I just caught the tail end of a Larry King interview with George H.W. Bush, his son Marvin Bush and a youngster named Pierce Bush. In case you didn't know, this family believes it has the divine right to rule over us all.
As the interview ended, Marvin, the current President's brother, had this interchange with Larry King. I am relying on memory, and I will correct if necessary after I see a transcript from CNN.
"Thank God. You are the first person not to ask us about that mental midget, Michael Moore."
"You're the one who brought it up."
"Well, you didn't ask."
"It never occurred to me."
The Republicans just can't stand to be questioned. So they hate Michael Moore. He actually did what the rest of the press wouldn't. He raised some questions about the Bush presidency, 9/11 and the occupation of Iraq. He didn't even do it as well as he should have. I took him to task in my Black Commentator column, mostly for not bringing up the Israeli/neocon link.
In any case, the little he did accomplish is too much for the Bushies. Well, too bad. I don't care who or what they don't like. The Bush family did business with Nazi Germany, helped keep the hostages in Iran in order to prevent Carter's re-election, and they stole the presidential election in 2000.
I wish I were more optimistic about Kerry's chances. I don't want anyone in this clan governing our country ever again.
I just caught the tail end of a Larry King interview with George H.W. Bush, his son Marvin Bush and a youngster named Pierce Bush. In case you didn't know, this family believes it has the divine right to rule over us all.
As the interview ended, Marvin, the current President's brother, had this interchange with Larry King. I am relying on memory, and I will correct if necessary after I see a transcript from CNN.
"Thank God. You are the first person not to ask us about that mental midget, Michael Moore."
"You're the one who brought it up."
"Well, you didn't ask."
"It never occurred to me."
The Republicans just can't stand to be questioned. So they hate Michael Moore. He actually did what the rest of the press wouldn't. He raised some questions about the Bush presidency, 9/11 and the occupation of Iraq. He didn't even do it as well as he should have. I took him to task in my Black Commentator column, mostly for not bringing up the Israeli/neocon link.
In any case, the little he did accomplish is too much for the Bushies. Well, too bad. I don't care who or what they don't like. The Bush family did business with Nazi Germany, helped keep the hostages in Iran in order to prevent Carter's re-election, and they stole the presidential election in 2000.
I wish I were more optimistic about Kerry's chances. I don't want anyone in this clan governing our country ever again.
Fascism Watch
Item 1
"I kind of feel trapped, like I'm not allowed to express my opinions. I felt like my freedom of speech was shot to hell right there."
Don't piss off your neighbors if you have an anti-Bush bumper sticker. A Salt Lake City teenager got a visit from the Secret Service when he had the nerve to criticize Bush, via bumper sticker.
Item 2
"Every time I asked who they were, they said, 'We don't have to tell you that.' "
Walter Brasch, a syndicated columnist and university professor, was denied admittance to a Dick Cheney campaign event. He had a valid press credential but Cheney goons, sorry, advance people, told him to get lost and refused to identify themselves.
Item 1
"I kind of feel trapped, like I'm not allowed to express my opinions. I felt like my freedom of speech was shot to hell right there."
Don't piss off your neighbors if you have an anti-Bush bumper sticker. A Salt Lake City teenager got a visit from the Secret Service when he had the nerve to criticize Bush, via bumper sticker.
Item 2
"Every time I asked who they were, they said, 'We don't have to tell you that.' "
Walter Brasch, a syndicated columnist and university professor, was denied admittance to a Dick Cheney campaign event. He had a valid press credential but Cheney goons, sorry, advance people, told him to get lost and refused to identify themselves.
"John Kerry unfortunately too much for me is a bit of a wimp. I wouldn't feel secure with a commander in chief who is like, I don't like war. "
Republican at RNC convention
That quote says it all. The Republican argument against Kerry, who voted to authorize the use of force, is that he doesn't love war enough. Only Democracy Now would interview both Republican delegates and Arundhati Roy and Ashwin Desai.
Republican at RNC convention
That quote says it all. The Republican argument against Kerry, who voted to authorize the use of force, is that he doesn't love war enough. Only Democracy Now would interview both Republican delegates and Arundhati Roy and Ashwin Desai.
The GOP Lies, and the Press Help Them
Last night I joined the March on the Media. I am not good at estimating crowd size, but several hundred of us walked down Sixth Avenue chanting "Fox News lies," among other things. Like Dick Cheney, I felt better after I said it.
Once again we have to thank the Daily Howler for giving us the low down on Republican lies and the media's "go along to get along" routine. Today the Howler proves that the all but canonized Rudy Giuliani is just another no good lying Republican dog.
Now I feel much better.
Zell Miller
I had assumed that the Repugs bought off Zell Miller somehow, but now I am convinced that he is also stark raving mad. The Howler also gives us this eye opener from Miller's book A National Party No More: The Conscience of a Conservative Democrat.
"[M]y conscience travels with me everywhere I go, like some unwelcome inner companion. I cannot escape him and is he tough. He is on steroids, has a Black Belt and long fingernails, and stomps around inside of me, sometimes in hobnailed boots. He’s been there as long as I can remember. Although it’s getting tougher and tougher for me to blow out all the candles on my birthday cake, he just grows stronger—and louder."
Last night Miller scared away those moderate swing voters the GOP covets so badly. Even lap dogs like David Gergen and Joe Klein were taken aback. First Miller told us that the military is responsible for American freedom. Um, earth to Miller, but I don't think we have a Civil Rights Act because of the Marines. It is extremely dangerous, dare I say fascist, for Americans to believe that their liberties are the result of military might. We have freedoms because we, the civilian population, fight for and protect them.
Miller's over the top performance wasn't bad enough. The insanity continued when he went on the talking head circuit and ended up challenging Bush-lover Chris Matthews to a duel. Read about it in Salon.
Last night I joined the March on the Media. I am not good at estimating crowd size, but several hundred of us walked down Sixth Avenue chanting "Fox News lies," among other things. Like Dick Cheney, I felt better after I said it.
Once again we have to thank the Daily Howler for giving us the low down on Republican lies and the media's "go along to get along" routine. Today the Howler proves that the all but canonized Rudy Giuliani is just another no good lying Republican dog.
Now I feel much better.
Zell Miller
I had assumed that the Repugs bought off Zell Miller somehow, but now I am convinced that he is also stark raving mad. The Howler also gives us this eye opener from Miller's book A National Party No More: The Conscience of a Conservative Democrat.
"[M]y conscience travels with me everywhere I go, like some unwelcome inner companion. I cannot escape him and is he tough. He is on steroids, has a Black Belt and long fingernails, and stomps around inside of me, sometimes in hobnailed boots. He’s been there as long as I can remember. Although it’s getting tougher and tougher for me to blow out all the candles on my birthday cake, he just grows stronger—and louder."
Last night Miller scared away those moderate swing voters the GOP covets so badly. Even lap dogs like David Gergen and Joe Klein were taken aback. First Miller told us that the military is responsible for American freedom. Um, earth to Miller, but I don't think we have a Civil Rights Act because of the Marines. It is extremely dangerous, dare I say fascist, for Americans to believe that their liberties are the result of military might. We have freedoms because we, the civilian population, fight for and protect them.
Miller's over the top performance wasn't bad enough. The insanity continued when he went on the talking head circuit and ended up challenging Bush-lover Chris Matthews to a duel. Read about it in Salon.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
March on the RNC
On Sunday, August 29th, I joined 400,000 other spokespersons for peace and justice in a march against the Bush agenda. It was a beautiful experience and an essential action to take in order to get Bush out of office.
It saddens me that so many Democrats have not learned the lessons of the past. As soon as the pro-Republican media picked up the mantra that protests would be "like 1968," liberal pundits began to panic. It amazes me that Republicans can steal elections, tell lies to occupy foreign nations, and take away hard earned overtime pay, only to be applauded by the chattering classes. Democrats on the other hand, won't defend citizens who exercise their right to speak and assemble freely.
I knew all along that the march wouldn't be like 1968 for a very simple reason. It isn't 1968. There is no Black Panther Party, no Weather Underground, and no SDS. 1968 was nearly 40 years ago and the politics of that time are quite literally history.
It is also untrue that the protests hurt Kerry. Why do liberal pundits not understand that the sight of 400,000 Americans protesting an incumbent president helps get that president out of office? On August 27th the New York Times told the story of a young Texan, John Alan Gibson, who rented a van and set off with a group of people he didn't know in order to protest in New York. Gibson didn't know where he was going to stay or more importantly in New York, where to park his car. Did Democrat pundits applaud him? No they didn't. They told him to stay home.
This lack of conviction is going to sink the Democratic party. The media is against us and the Republicans take no prisoners. I know that the DNC is trying to disassociate itself from even peaceful protesters. I hope McAuliffe and the other grand potentates of the party know that it helps Kerry when people drive more than 1,800 miles from their homes to speak out against Bush.
Take a look at some of the anarchists in this photo slideshow from Newsday. You can see the people who put fear in the hearts of Democratic wimps and ivory tower intellectuals. They look like a cross section of America to me, but what do I know. I'm not afraid to be a Democrat.
On Sunday, August 29th, I joined 400,000 other spokespersons for peace and justice in a march against the Bush agenda. It was a beautiful experience and an essential action to take in order to get Bush out of office.
It saddens me that so many Democrats have not learned the lessons of the past. As soon as the pro-Republican media picked up the mantra that protests would be "like 1968," liberal pundits began to panic. It amazes me that Republicans can steal elections, tell lies to occupy foreign nations, and take away hard earned overtime pay, only to be applauded by the chattering classes. Democrats on the other hand, won't defend citizens who exercise their right to speak and assemble freely.
I knew all along that the march wouldn't be like 1968 for a very simple reason. It isn't 1968. There is no Black Panther Party, no Weather Underground, and no SDS. 1968 was nearly 40 years ago and the politics of that time are quite literally history.
It is also untrue that the protests hurt Kerry. Why do liberal pundits not understand that the sight of 400,000 Americans protesting an incumbent president helps get that president out of office? On August 27th the New York Times told the story of a young Texan, John Alan Gibson, who rented a van and set off with a group of people he didn't know in order to protest in New York. Gibson didn't know where he was going to stay or more importantly in New York, where to park his car. Did Democrat pundits applaud him? No they didn't. They told him to stay home.
This lack of conviction is going to sink the Democratic party. The media is against us and the Republicans take no prisoners. I know that the DNC is trying to disassociate itself from even peaceful protesters. I hope McAuliffe and the other grand potentates of the party know that it helps Kerry when people drive more than 1,800 miles from their homes to speak out against Bush.
Take a look at some of the anarchists in this photo slideshow from Newsday. You can see the people who put fear in the hearts of Democratic wimps and ivory tower intellectuals. They look like a cross section of America to me, but what do I know. I'm not afraid to be a Democrat.
Sunday, August 29, 2004
Protest Post Script
At least 250,000 people marched in the streets of Manhattan to protest against the Bush agenda. As I predicted, there were very few arrests, almost all of them took place away from the demonstration route. I didn't see any of the anarchists that we were all told would take over the event. I did see people of every age and race expressing dissatisfaction with every policy of the Bush administration. It was a wonderful day. We should all be proud.
At least 250,000 people marched in the streets of Manhattan to protest against the Bush agenda. As I predicted, there were very few arrests, almost all of them took place away from the demonstration route. I didn't see any of the anarchists that we were all told would take over the event. I did see people of every age and race expressing dissatisfaction with every policy of the Bush administration. It was a wonderful day. We should all be proud.
I'm Marching in New York City
Dear Readers,
I am on my way to the United for Peace and Justice march. We will be marching directly past Madison Square Garden, site of the RNC convention. I will be with the National Writers Union, UAW Local 1981.
Contrary to reports from the anti-Democratic national media, 99.9% of marchers are non-violent. I never see the anarchists you see depicted day after day. When I have protested in NY I see parents with babies in strollers, and groups from churches, but they don't sensationalize the story OR demonize the Democrats so they rarely make the news.
I am very disappointed that even liberal pundits have tried to persuade us not to march. When millions of people all over the world marched on February 15, 2003, the Democratic party and the peace movement got a new dose of credibility. I'll have more on that later.
DUMP BUSH IN 2004!
Dear Readers,
I am on my way to the United for Peace and Justice march. We will be marching directly past Madison Square Garden, site of the RNC convention. I will be with the National Writers Union, UAW Local 1981.
Contrary to reports from the anti-Democratic national media, 99.9% of marchers are non-violent. I never see the anarchists you see depicted day after day. When I have protested in NY I see parents with babies in strollers, and groups from churches, but they don't sensationalize the story OR demonize the Democrats so they rarely make the news.
I am very disappointed that even liberal pundits have tried to persuade us not to march. When millions of people all over the world marched on February 15, 2003, the Democratic party and the peace movement got a new dose of credibility. I'll have more on that later.
DUMP BUSH IN 2004!
Friday, August 27, 2004
Quiet in Najaf
Najaf is once again a place of pilgrimage for Shia Muslims. The return of Grand Ayatollah Sistani seems to have brought a true cease fire. Read about it here in the Guardian.
Najaf is once again a place of pilgrimage for Shia Muslims. The return of Grand Ayatollah Sistani seems to have brought a true cease fire. Read about it here in the Guardian.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
More Torture
"It just feels like your skin is on fire."
The Bush Defense department has been making my blood boil for a long time, but now they are getting too literal about it. Yes, there are plans for a weapon that will make ones blood boil. It is called "directed energy." But wait there is more. We will soon have an Active Denial System. It makes your skin feel like it is on fire. Wonderful.
Right now they are experimenting on chickens. Anybody who talks back may be next. Forget the "no fly" list. If you see my blood boiling you will know that Ashcroft finally caught up with me.
"It just feels like your skin is on fire."
The Bush Defense department has been making my blood boil for a long time, but now they are getting too literal about it. Yes, there are plans for a weapon that will make ones blood boil. It is called "directed energy." But wait there is more. We will soon have an Active Denial System. It makes your skin feel like it is on fire. Wonderful.
Right now they are experimenting on chickens. Anybody who talks back may be next. Forget the "no fly" list. If you see my blood boiling you will know that Ashcroft finally caught up with me.
Journalists Arrested in Najaf
Journalists in Najaf, Iraq were detained by police today. Some were beaten, others said their belongings were stolen. Their crime was reporting the news, seriously. Will their American counterparts protest? Don't hold your breath. Being embedded certainly pays off.
Journalists in Najaf, Iraq were detained by police today. Some were beaten, others said their belongings were stolen. Their crime was reporting the news, seriously. Will their American counterparts protest? Don't hold your breath. Being embedded certainly pays off.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Search those Coffins
"Grandma over there is freaking out."
Most people will "freak out" if occupying troops harass them in a cemetery. Why do they hate us? Perhaps it is because Iraqis can't escape the terror of the U.S. occupation, even in death. An Iraqi father and his 2 children were killed by American bullets as they slept out doors to escape the heat. That was bad enough, but their relatives couldn't even bury them without fearing that they could be shot at or questioned by U.S. soldiers. Of course the story is from the Daily Telegraph, a British paper. Our papers only give cover to liars connected with the Bush campaign.
"Grandma over there is freaking out."
Most people will "freak out" if occupying troops harass them in a cemetery. Why do they hate us? Perhaps it is because Iraqis can't escape the terror of the U.S. occupation, even in death. An Iraqi father and his 2 children were killed by American bullets as they slept out doors to escape the heat. That was bad enough, but their relatives couldn't even bury them without fearing that they could be shot at or questioned by U.S. soldiers. Of course the story is from the Daily Telegraph, a British paper. Our papers only give cover to liars connected with the Bush campaign.
Monday, August 23, 2004
Chris Matthews Wakes Up and Pays the Price
What happened to Chris Matthews? I recall during the 2000 Democratic convention Matthews sitting with his stable of pundit punks and saying, "People don't like Gore." He didn't ask if people liked Gore, he didn't say that he didn't like Gore. He stated as fact that most Americans didn't like Al Gore.
Matthews continued to embarass himself for the Bush team. The Daily Howler has the goods from the USS Lincoln (Mission Accomplished) flight deck landing. Matthews and one of his favorite guests, G. Gordon Liddy, waxed elegiac about the President's crotch.
"MATTHEWS: What do you make of this broadside against the USS Abraham Lincoln and its chief visitor last week?
LIDDY: Well, I—in the first place, I think it’s envy. I mean, after all, Al Gore had to go get some woman to tell him how to be a man [Official Naomi Wolf Spin-Point]. And here comes George Bush. You know, he’s in his flight suit, he’s striding across the deck, and he’s wearing his parachute harness, you know—and I’ve worn those because I parachute—and it makes the best of his manly characteristic. You go run those, run that stuff again of him walking across there with the parachute. He has just won every woman’s vote in the United States of America. You know, all those women who say size doesn’t count—they’re all liars. Check that out. I hope the Democrats keep ratting on him and all of this stuff so that they keep showing that tape."
Apparently Matthews grew tired of embarrassing himself. After years of catering to the whim of every right winger on the talking head circuit he finally smacked down Michelle Malkin. Malkin suggested that Kerry's battle wounds were self-inflicted and then wouldn't answer when Matthews tried to pin her down.
Poor Chris. The right don't have any appreciation for his years of service. They are now out for blood. According to David Neiwert in an August 23rd post on Orcinus, the word has gone out to Republicans not to appear on his show.
Actually this is good news. Matthews is allegedly a Democrat, but he worshiped Bush. For a while he argued against the occupation of Iraq, but then he went gaga over the bulge in presidential flight suit. He has come to his senses and the conservatives are out for his blood. Maybe now he will be a real journalist. It is a hard way to learn a lesson, but I am not sympathetic to Matthews and I think the brazen attack against him will back fire.
It is all good.
What happened to Chris Matthews? I recall during the 2000 Democratic convention Matthews sitting with his stable of pundit punks and saying, "People don't like Gore." He didn't ask if people liked Gore, he didn't say that he didn't like Gore. He stated as fact that most Americans didn't like Al Gore.
Matthews continued to embarass himself for the Bush team. The Daily Howler has the goods from the USS Lincoln (Mission Accomplished) flight deck landing. Matthews and one of his favorite guests, G. Gordon Liddy, waxed elegiac about the President's crotch.
"MATTHEWS: What do you make of this broadside against the USS Abraham Lincoln and its chief visitor last week?
LIDDY: Well, I—in the first place, I think it’s envy. I mean, after all, Al Gore had to go get some woman to tell him how to be a man [Official Naomi Wolf Spin-Point]. And here comes George Bush. You know, he’s in his flight suit, he’s striding across the deck, and he’s wearing his parachute harness, you know—and I’ve worn those because I parachute—and it makes the best of his manly characteristic. You go run those, run that stuff again of him walking across there with the parachute. He has just won every woman’s vote in the United States of America. You know, all those women who say size doesn’t count—they’re all liars. Check that out. I hope the Democrats keep ratting on him and all of this stuff so that they keep showing that tape."
Apparently Matthews grew tired of embarrassing himself. After years of catering to the whim of every right winger on the talking head circuit he finally smacked down Michelle Malkin. Malkin suggested that Kerry's battle wounds were self-inflicted and then wouldn't answer when Matthews tried to pin her down.
Poor Chris. The right don't have any appreciation for his years of service. They are now out for blood. According to David Neiwert in an August 23rd post on Orcinus, the word has gone out to Republicans not to appear on his show.
Actually this is good news. Matthews is allegedly a Democrat, but he worshiped Bush. For a while he argued against the occupation of Iraq, but then he went gaga over the bulge in presidential flight suit. He has come to his senses and the conservatives are out for his blood. Maybe now he will be a real journalist. It is a hard way to learn a lesson, but I am not sympathetic to Matthews and I think the brazen attack against him will back fire.
It is all good.
Friday, August 20, 2004
What is happening in Najaf?
Once again our national media have let us down. There are reports that Muqtada al-Sadr's forces have left the Imam Ali shrine, but if the past is any indication our national media don't know as much as they claim. It seems that previous reports of a cease fire in Najaf were exaggerated. Salon has the story from the last correspondent allowed inside the Imam Ali shrine.
Once again our national media have let us down. There are reports that Muqtada al-Sadr's forces have left the Imam Ali shrine, but if the past is any indication our national media don't know as much as they claim. It seems that previous reports of a cease fire in Najaf were exaggerated. Salon has the story from the last correspondent allowed inside the Imam Ali shrine.
Thursday, August 19, 2004
"How will he meet his god having slaughtered so many men and women? He has committed so many crimes."
Ahmed Manajid, Iraqi soccer player, describing President Bush
I haven't been watching the olympics, so I have missed the Bush campaign ads that use Iraqi and Afghan athletes as propaganda tools. Too bad Karl Rove didn't check with Iraqi athletes before he came up with this idea. They want the U.S. occupation of their country to end, and Manajid said he would be part of the resistance if he weren't on the olympic team. The athletes spoke to Sports Illustrated, which also has a link to the ad.
Ahmed Manajid, Iraqi soccer player, describing President Bush
I haven't been watching the olympics, so I have missed the Bush campaign ads that use Iraqi and Afghan athletes as propaganda tools. Too bad Karl Rove didn't check with Iraqi athletes before he came up with this idea. They want the U.S. occupation of their country to end, and Manajid said he would be part of the resistance if he weren't on the olympic team. The athletes spoke to Sports Illustrated, which also has a link to the ad.
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Playing into Bush's Hands
"To win the debates and the election, Kerry needs to establish himself as the clear alternative to a president who has lied us into a quagmire."
Robert Scheer
Can Kerry admit he was wrong to give the president the authorization to go to war and still be elected? I think so and so does Robert Scheer. All Kerry has to say is that his vote was premised on the president being truthful. Of course he will be called a flip flopper, but he will be called that anyway. Changing his position won't hurt him very much. Only a minority of voters still give Bush unqualified support on Iraq.
Iraq ought to be the Bush achilles heel. Kerry's nuanced approach doesn't make much sense and it will deny him the support of voters who are angry at Bush but don't know why they should make a change. If a Republican can say that the occupation is a mistake, Kerry should be able to as well.
"To win the debates and the election, Kerry needs to establish himself as the clear alternative to a president who has lied us into a quagmire."
Robert Scheer
Can Kerry admit he was wrong to give the president the authorization to go to war and still be elected? I think so and so does Robert Scheer. All Kerry has to say is that his vote was premised on the president being truthful. Of course he will be called a flip flopper, but he will be called that anyway. Changing his position won't hurt him very much. Only a minority of voters still give Bush unqualified support on Iraq.
Iraq ought to be the Bush achilles heel. Kerry's nuanced approach doesn't make much sense and it will deny him the support of voters who are angry at Bush but don't know why they should make a change. If a Republican can say that the occupation is a mistake, Kerry should be able to as well.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
The New York Times
Yesterday I lambasted the Times for using Ashcroftian language. The word "troublemaker" was used in a headline to describe anti-war activists who have been investigated and harassed by the FBI. The article was good, but the language was highly suspect to my cynical eyes.
Today a Times editorial came down squarely on the side of civil liberties. I am glad, but the Times bears watching. It isn't as liberal as advertised and it has been very biased in favor of Bush in some of its campaign reporting.
I wrote a letter to the Times Public Editor and I received this reply. Here it is:
"Thank you for your message.I raised your observations with a senior editor. You may have a point that the headline could have been written more clearly.He noted that the word would not have been used it in the body of the story. Implicit in the structure of the headline is the idea that it is the FBI -- not The Times -- that regards these people as troublemakers. The headline is saying in effect that the FBI will be knocking on the doors of the people it considers troublemakers.Thanks for writing."
Yes, the headline could have been written more clearly. As I said, I was happy with yesterday's article and with today's editorial, but Democrats can never give the media the benefit of the doubt. We have to call them on everything.
One of the reasons I was so harsh with the Times is that protesters have been treated very badly by the City of New York and by the New York media. We are now suspected of bringing a repeat of Chicago circa 1968. Having attended other protests in New York City I don't know why anyone would say that. Protests have been peaceful and generated relatively few arrests. Even liberals are dredging up the Chicago bogeyman. Mayor Bloomberg implied that the right to protest is a privilege. Perhaps I missed that day in school, but I thought we had the right to speak and assemble freely.
So if I seem sensitive about the issue it is because I am. I hope you are too.
Yesterday I lambasted the Times for using Ashcroftian language. The word "troublemaker" was used in a headline to describe anti-war activists who have been investigated and harassed by the FBI. The article was good, but the language was highly suspect to my cynical eyes.
Today a Times editorial came down squarely on the side of civil liberties. I am glad, but the Times bears watching. It isn't as liberal as advertised and it has been very biased in favor of Bush in some of its campaign reporting.
I wrote a letter to the Times Public Editor and I received this reply. Here it is:
"Thank you for your message.I raised your observations with a senior editor. You may have a point that the headline could have been written more clearly.He noted that the word would not have been used it in the body of the story. Implicit in the structure of the headline is the idea that it is the FBI -- not The Times -- that regards these people as troublemakers. The headline is saying in effect that the FBI will be knocking on the doors of the people it considers troublemakers.Thanks for writing."
Yes, the headline could have been written more clearly. As I said, I was happy with yesterday's article and with today's editorial, but Democrats can never give the media the benefit of the doubt. We have to call them on everything.
One of the reasons I was so harsh with the Times is that protesters have been treated very badly by the City of New York and by the New York media. We are now suspected of bringing a repeat of Chicago circa 1968. Having attended other protests in New York City I don't know why anyone would say that. Protests have been peaceful and generated relatively few arrests. Even liberals are dredging up the Chicago bogeyman. Mayor Bloomberg implied that the right to protest is a privilege. Perhaps I missed that day in school, but I thought we had the right to speak and assemble freely.
So if I seem sensitive about the issue it is because I am. I hope you are too.
"I will kill you all."
Iraqi policeman to unembedded journalists in Najaf
Only the embedded need apply. Independent journalists have been threatened by Iraqi authorities in the holy city of Najaf. If the U.S. military is crazy it will attack one of the most sacred places in Islam.
Civilians are now arriving in the city to act as human shields and protect their holy sites. Read about it here.
Iraqi policeman to unembedded journalists in Najaf
Only the embedded need apply. Independent journalists have been threatened by Iraqi authorities in the holy city of Najaf. If the U.S. military is crazy it will attack one of the most sacred places in Islam.
Civilians are now arriving in the city to act as human shields and protect their holy sites. Read about it here.
Monday, August 16, 2004
The New York Times: Shill for Bush
According to the New York Times, only "troublemakers" oppose the Bush administration. In an article entitled, "FBI Goes Knocking for Political Troublemakers" the Times tells an important story. The FBI has been questioning and in some cases subpoenaing anti-war and anti-Bush activists. Those questioned don't know why Ashcroft has singled them out. Of course we know the real reason. It is to keep us quiet and complacent.
Why are people who have neither been charged nor convicted of committing any crime labeled "troublemakers" by a supposedly credible news source? At any rate, communicate your displeasure to the Times public editor at public@nytimes.com.
Not only is the Times doing Ashcroft's job for him, but they don't even tell us what we need to know about law enforcement. As of today we have the right to remain silent. One should never, and I repeat never, talk to law enforcement without having an attorney present. You don't have to let them into your home unless they have a warrant, and you still don't have to speak to them. Maybe someday the Times will give us some news that is fit to print.
According to the New York Times, only "troublemakers" oppose the Bush administration. In an article entitled, "FBI Goes Knocking for Political Troublemakers" the Times tells an important story. The FBI has been questioning and in some cases subpoenaing anti-war and anti-Bush activists. Those questioned don't know why Ashcroft has singled them out. Of course we know the real reason. It is to keep us quiet and complacent.
Why are people who have neither been charged nor convicted of committing any crime labeled "troublemakers" by a supposedly credible news source? At any rate, communicate your displeasure to the Times public editor at public@nytimes.com.
Not only is the Times doing Ashcroft's job for him, but they don't even tell us what we need to know about law enforcement. As of today we have the right to remain silent. One should never, and I repeat never, talk to law enforcement without having an attorney present. You don't have to let them into your home unless they have a warrant, and you still don't have to speak to them. Maybe someday the Times will give us some news that is fit to print.
Who is Following Whom?
The Freedom Rider is back from a much needed vacation. It was interesting being in swing states. In states where either candidate has a solid lead, as is the case here in New York, it is as if there is no campaign. Swing staters get all the action. It was good to finally see campaign commercials, such as they are.
Our incumbent President apparently doesn't have any successes to tell us about. His commercials talk about 9/11 and he tells us that we must not yield. Another commercial tells us that the president wants us to own our homes and businesses. Apparently even Bush doesn't believe that he ought to be president again.
When I am on vacation I don't follow the news very closely. I could miss nuclear winter until I saw radioactive snow falling. I did watch the news a bit and it seemed that Kerry and Bush are still ending up in the same cities. What a coincidence. Actually I think it is all a Karl Rove coincidence. The president continues to draw much smaller crowds. Maybe if he wasn't afraid of talking to only the Republican faithful he might get the 40,000 to 50,000 that Kerry has attracted.
The Rove strategy seems to consist of keeping Kerry out of the news. If it isn't a yellow, orange or red alert it is bringing Bush to the same city, as happened recently in Oregon.
The Freedom Rider is back from a much needed vacation. It was interesting being in swing states. In states where either candidate has a solid lead, as is the case here in New York, it is as if there is no campaign. Swing staters get all the action. It was good to finally see campaign commercials, such as they are.
Our incumbent President apparently doesn't have any successes to tell us about. His commercials talk about 9/11 and he tells us that we must not yield. Another commercial tells us that the president wants us to own our homes and businesses. Apparently even Bush doesn't believe that he ought to be president again.
When I am on vacation I don't follow the news very closely. I could miss nuclear winter until I saw radioactive snow falling. I did watch the news a bit and it seemed that Kerry and Bush are still ending up in the same cities. What a coincidence. Actually I think it is all a Karl Rove coincidence. The president continues to draw much smaller crowds. Maybe if he wasn't afraid of talking to only the Republican faithful he might get the 40,000 to 50,000 that Kerry has attracted.
The Rove strategy seems to consist of keeping Kerry out of the news. If it isn't a yellow, orange or red alert it is bringing Bush to the same city, as happened recently in Oregon.
Friday, August 06, 2004
Hypocrisy
"I deeply resent the destruction of federalism represented by Hillary Clinton's willingness to go into a state she doesn't even live in and pretend to represent people there. So I certainly wouldn't imitate it." - Alan Keyes
Alan Keyes, Maryland resident, has decided to run against Barak Obama, Illinois resident, in the upcoming Illinois Senate race. I think that makes him a low-life, cynical, hypocritcal ... oh, never mind.
"I deeply resent the destruction of federalism represented by Hillary Clinton's willingness to go into a state she doesn't even live in and pretend to represent people there. So I certainly wouldn't imitate it." - Alan Keyes
Alan Keyes, Maryland resident, has decided to run against Barak Obama, Illinois resident, in the upcoming Illinois Senate race. I think that makes him a low-life, cynical, hypocritcal ... oh, never mind.
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Howard Dean was Right (Again)
". . . every time something happens that's not good for President Bush, he plays this trump card, which is terrorism."
"His whole campaign is based on the notion that 'I can keep you safe, therefore, in times of difficulty in America, stick with me,' " Dean said.
"It's just impossible to know how much of this is real and how much of this is politics, and I suspect there's some of both."
Howard Dean on CNN Late Edition
Of course useless Joe Lieberman was outraged, perturbed, annoyed, disgusted or whatever else he could think of to denounce his fellow Democrat, but wouldn't you know it, Dean was right. Yesterday's terror alerts were generated by information that pre-dated 9/11. Jittery New Yorkers and Washingtonians were subjected to sights such as these, for no reason other than to make Bush look good.
". . . every time something happens that's not good for President Bush, he plays this trump card, which is terrorism."
"His whole campaign is based on the notion that 'I can keep you safe, therefore, in times of difficulty in America, stick with me,' " Dean said.
"It's just impossible to know how much of this is real and how much of this is politics, and I suspect there's some of both."
Howard Dean on CNN Late Edition
Of course useless Joe Lieberman was outraged, perturbed, annoyed, disgusted or whatever else he could think of to denounce his fellow Democrat, but wouldn't you know it, Dean was right. Yesterday's terror alerts were generated by information that pre-dated 9/11. Jittery New Yorkers and Washingtonians were subjected to sights such as these, for no reason other than to make Bush look good.
Monday, August 02, 2004
Ted Koppel's Media Bias
Amy Goodman's interview with Ted Koppel is an eye opener. Koppel says that it is OK for networks to put generals on their payrolls but not to pay peace activists. He also implies that only militarists have any expertise. Well, the ones who said that Iraqis would love being occupied certainly didn't have any.
Amy Goodman's interview with Ted Koppel is an eye opener. Koppel says that it is OK for networks to put generals on their payrolls but not to pay peace activists. He also implies that only militarists have any expertise. Well, the ones who said that Iraqis would love being occupied certainly didn't have any.
Thursday, July 29, 2004
DNC Convention: Police State Tactics and Awful Reporting
My lack of confidence in the democratic ticket and my own overly programmed personal life have prevented me from watching much of the Democratic National Convention. What have I missed?
Salon.com tells us a terrifying story that justifies my belief that America is turning fascist. If reporters don't stand up when the flag is presented the Secret Service believes it has a right to harass them. Salon reporter Eric Boehlert also gives us a description of the bias and hollowness of the television punditry's so-called analysis.
The cable news coverage of the Democratic convention this week has at times been so silly and dimwitted as to be painful to watch. That's been especially true when TV reporters and pundits have become so fascinated with process and the media's own role in the event that they can barely see the broad outlines of the journalism they're supposed to be practicing.
A perfect example was Wednesday night's primetime address by the Rev. Al Sharpton. During his often ad-libbed, revival-style 20-minute speech, Sharpton spoke passionately about immigration, voting rights, the burdensome cost of the war in Iraq, and America's being misled into that war. In other words, love him or hate him, Sharpton laid out a buffet table of issues to be discussed. So what angle did CNN's pundits immediately seize upon? The fact that Sharpton's address ran 14 minutes over his allotted time. How would that affect the night's planning, they fretted. Would vice presidential nominee's Sen. John Edwards' scheduled 10:20 acceptance speech be bumped off primetime on the East Coast as a consequence? they wondered.
CNN's Wolf Blitzer: "Al Sharpton was supposed to speak for six minutes."
CNN's Jeff Greenfield: "The more serious problem for the Democrats is ... somebody's going to have to do some very fancy footwork to make sure that Elizabeth and John Edwards get their primetime shot."
CNN's Judy Woodruff: "Al Sharpton just hijacked this convention, at least this part of it."
CNN wasn't alone. Over at MSNBC, soon-to-be "NBC Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams snagged Sharpton by the podium for an interview and pressed him on the exact same point; why was his speech longer than expected and was he concerned he had messed up the timing of Edwards' speech?
What, exactly, does that have to do with journalism, with analyzing information, with educating voters? It's embarrassing to watch.
Of course the irony is these are the same pundit types who bemoan the fact the modern-day conventions are so tightly choreographed and planned down to the minute, that they leave little room for actual debate or back-and-forth. So after a meaty speech by Sharpton, what do the pundits do? They obsess about the timing and fret that Democrats have been thrown off by a dozen minutes or so. (Not surprisingly, convention planners, who factored in that some speakers might run long, simply made the necessary adjustments to the schedule by shortening some of the musical interludes; Edwards walked to the podium at precisely 10:20.)
The only other substance-free aspect of Sharpton's speech that piqued the interest of pundits, busy playing the role of etiquette police, was that he had been too mean. It's a talking point the Republicans have been trying to hammer all week in Boston; Democrats are so angry.
Woodruff: "I'm not sure this is the message that the Kerry campaign wanted to go on this long."
Blitzer: "I'm not sure that this was necessarily the kind of speech the Kerry campaign wanted to see."
One other note about CNN's at-times head-scratching coverage last night. Following Edwards' acceptance speech, Blitzer, in what may have been a convention first, immediately turned to partisan representatives from the opposing party for a reaction; Bush campaign advisor Ralph Reed and former Bush Pentagon spokeswoman Victoria Clarke. We'll be watching closely during the Republican gathering in New York City to see if following Vice President Dick Cheney's speech, CNN immediately seeks out Kerry advisor Mark Mellman and former Clinton spokesman Joe Lockhart for their analysis.
I'm not holding my breath that CNN will allow Dems to trash Republicans. As for police state tactics, we can thank Bush, the Patriotic Act, and the occupation of Iraq. All have combined to give that Secret Service agent tacit permission to act out his storm trooper fantasies.
My lack of confidence in the democratic ticket and my own overly programmed personal life have prevented me from watching much of the Democratic National Convention. What have I missed?
Salon.com tells us a terrifying story that justifies my belief that America is turning fascist. If reporters don't stand up when the flag is presented the Secret Service believes it has a right to harass them. Salon reporter Eric Boehlert also gives us a description of the bias and hollowness of the television punditry's so-called analysis.
The cable news coverage of the Democratic convention this week has at times been so silly and dimwitted as to be painful to watch. That's been especially true when TV reporters and pundits have become so fascinated with process and the media's own role in the event that they can barely see the broad outlines of the journalism they're supposed to be practicing.
A perfect example was Wednesday night's primetime address by the Rev. Al Sharpton. During his often ad-libbed, revival-style 20-minute speech, Sharpton spoke passionately about immigration, voting rights, the burdensome cost of the war in Iraq, and America's being misled into that war. In other words, love him or hate him, Sharpton laid out a buffet table of issues to be discussed. So what angle did CNN's pundits immediately seize upon? The fact that Sharpton's address ran 14 minutes over his allotted time. How would that affect the night's planning, they fretted. Would vice presidential nominee's Sen. John Edwards' scheduled 10:20 acceptance speech be bumped off primetime on the East Coast as a consequence? they wondered.
CNN's Wolf Blitzer: "Al Sharpton was supposed to speak for six minutes."
CNN's Jeff Greenfield: "The more serious problem for the Democrats is ... somebody's going to have to do some very fancy footwork to make sure that Elizabeth and John Edwards get their primetime shot."
CNN's Judy Woodruff: "Al Sharpton just hijacked this convention, at least this part of it."
CNN wasn't alone. Over at MSNBC, soon-to-be "NBC Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams snagged Sharpton by the podium for an interview and pressed him on the exact same point; why was his speech longer than expected and was he concerned he had messed up the timing of Edwards' speech?
What, exactly, does that have to do with journalism, with analyzing information, with educating voters? It's embarrassing to watch.
Of course the irony is these are the same pundit types who bemoan the fact the modern-day conventions are so tightly choreographed and planned down to the minute, that they leave little room for actual debate or back-and-forth. So after a meaty speech by Sharpton, what do the pundits do? They obsess about the timing and fret that Democrats have been thrown off by a dozen minutes or so. (Not surprisingly, convention planners, who factored in that some speakers might run long, simply made the necessary adjustments to the schedule by shortening some of the musical interludes; Edwards walked to the podium at precisely 10:20.)
The only other substance-free aspect of Sharpton's speech that piqued the interest of pundits, busy playing the role of etiquette police, was that he had been too mean. It's a talking point the Republicans have been trying to hammer all week in Boston; Democrats are so angry.
Woodruff: "I'm not sure this is the message that the Kerry campaign wanted to go on this long."
Blitzer: "I'm not sure that this was necessarily the kind of speech the Kerry campaign wanted to see."
One other note about CNN's at-times head-scratching coverage last night. Following Edwards' acceptance speech, Blitzer, in what may have been a convention first, immediately turned to partisan representatives from the opposing party for a reaction; Bush campaign advisor Ralph Reed and former Bush Pentagon spokeswoman Victoria Clarke. We'll be watching closely during the Republican gathering in New York City to see if following Vice President Dick Cheney's speech, CNN immediately seeks out Kerry advisor Mark Mellman and former Clinton spokesman Joe Lockhart for their analysis.
I'm not holding my breath that CNN will allow Dems to trash Republicans. As for police state tactics, we can thank Bush, the Patriotic Act, and the occupation of Iraq. All have combined to give that Secret Service agent tacit permission to act out his storm trooper fantasies.
Bush is on Drugs, Again
President Bush is an untreated alcoholic with paranoid and megalomaniac tendencies.”
Dr. Justin Frank, author of Bush on the Couch: Inside the Mind of the President
I am not referring to his days of being "young and irresponsible." The President is on meds to control his depression and erratic behavior. Read it here.
President Bush is an untreated alcoholic with paranoid and megalomaniac tendencies.”
Dr. Justin Frank, author of Bush on the Couch: Inside the Mind of the President
I am not referring to his days of being "young and irresponsible." The President is on meds to control his depression and erratic behavior. Read it here.
Monday, July 26, 2004
What's Wrong with this Picture?
"They seem to have forgotten the old Madison Avenue rule that making the identical claims as your competitor only strengthens his message, makes him seem like the real thing and you a cheap wannabe. A particularly disheartening example was John Kerry's recent claim to be a bearer of "conservative values," a tacit concession that liberals -- the rank and file of John Kerry's party, by the way -- really don't have good values. It was a tactical blunder that should have infuriated good liberals everywhere. "
Thomas Frank
This liberal is in a slow burn because of the grave mistakes being made by the Democrats. As I said in yesterday's post, it is a terrible error for Kerry to respond to charges of pessimism by constantly declaring that he is optimistic. This morning's papers quote Democrats saying that they won't attack Bush at the convention. Bush and the Republicans attack Kerry and the Dems all the time. Whatever happened to counter attacking? I guess it only works for the other side.
Comedian/activist Margaret Cho said it best in a Buzzflash interview.
"The Democrats have a long-term inferiority complex, where we feel we do not have the right to protest those who stand in the ivory tower of privilege. This is why no one calls out conservatives when they are offensive, which is often. The conservatives know that the only way to get anywhere is to stand together. They have the luxury of not having to worry about a backlash, because they can look up at any protest and brush it off, acting as if the other side can't take a joke."
I guess we need comedians to run the campaign. They can't do any worse than the people who are doing it now.
"They seem to have forgotten the old Madison Avenue rule that making the identical claims as your competitor only strengthens his message, makes him seem like the real thing and you a cheap wannabe. A particularly disheartening example was John Kerry's recent claim to be a bearer of "conservative values," a tacit concession that liberals -- the rank and file of John Kerry's party, by the way -- really don't have good values. It was a tactical blunder that should have infuriated good liberals everywhere. "
Thomas Frank
This liberal is in a slow burn because of the grave mistakes being made by the Democrats. As I said in yesterday's post, it is a terrible error for Kerry to respond to charges of pessimism by constantly declaring that he is optimistic. This morning's papers quote Democrats saying that they won't attack Bush at the convention. Bush and the Republicans attack Kerry and the Dems all the time. Whatever happened to counter attacking? I guess it only works for the other side.
Comedian/activist Margaret Cho said it best in a Buzzflash interview.
"The Democrats have a long-term inferiority complex, where we feel we do not have the right to protest those who stand in the ivory tower of privilege. This is why no one calls out conservatives when they are offensive, which is often. The conservatives know that the only way to get anywhere is to stand together. They have the luxury of not having to worry about a backlash, because they can look up at any protest and brush it off, acting as if the other side can't take a joke."
I guess we need comedians to run the campaign. They can't do any worse than the people who are doing it now.
Sunday, July 25, 2004
A Different Electoral Map
Steve Bates, the Yellow Doggerel Democrat, was concerned, and I under state, about a recent post regarding the electoral map. Steve referred me to this map from Current Electoral Vote Predictor that shows Kerry with the advantage.
He points out that the New York Times is to say the least not pro-Kerry and the AP story was too deferential to GOP talking points. Steve is correct.
Unfortunately, I think that the bigger problem is Kerry's deference to GOP talking points. Recently the Republicans and their media allies prattled on endlessly that Kerry was too pessimistic. What have I seen lately on the news? Kerry and Edwards going on and on about how optimistic they are. In effect they give credence to Republican attacks and worse, they aren't talking enough about issues that speak to very basic differences between the two parties.
I don't think it is too hard to tell retirees who have prescription drug coverage that the new medicare drug plan may cause them to lose it. That is a far more effective point with swing voters than smiling a lot and telling them you are optimistic.
Regular readers know my issues with Kerry. I want him to win, but I am not convinced that he knows how to do it. Polls vary, but most show a close race. I think that Kerry should be way ahead of Bush at this point. We have a ballooning budget deficit, anemic job growth, seniors losing drug coverage, and a disastrous war based on lies. That ought to be enough to beat an incumbent. Let's hope.
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Electoral Map
There is bad news for John Kerry. The electoral map favors Bush. In part it is because of population shifts. The red states in the south and west continue to gain population at the expense of the blue states. Only one blue state, California, has gained electoral votes since 2000. The other reason is that our candidate is not the best. He still can't give swing voters a coherent reason to vote for him. The details are here, the map is here.
There is bad news for John Kerry. The electoral map favors Bush. In part it is because of population shifts. The red states in the south and west continue to gain population at the expense of the blue states. Only one blue state, California, has gained electoral votes since 2000. The other reason is that our candidate is not the best. He still can't give swing voters a coherent reason to vote for him. The details are here, the map is here.
It isn't good to want attention too badly. You end up in the wrong company, with a grin no less. Jesse, Jesse, Jesse. It wasn't bad enough that you managed to make yourself the center of attention when 20 people were trampled to death in a night club. It isn't bad enough that you gave a forum to the odious Bill Cosby. Now you want to be in the limelight so badly that you will hang out with George W. Bush.
I guess any spotlight will do.
Monday, July 19, 2004
How many did Saddam kill?
How many bodies lay in mass graves found in Iraq. Trusted groups like Human Rights Watch said the number ranged between 200,000 and 400,000.
Of course, like every other justification given for occupying Iraq the numbers have been exaggerated. A British newspaper says the number is closer to 5,000.
How many Iraqis have been killed by U.S. and coalition forces? According to Iraq Body Count, between 11,000 and 13,000. It is important to point out that one million Iraqis and Iranians were killed when Saddam Hussein invaded Iran in the early 1980s. Of course, it is also important to point out that Hussein was America's ally at the time. Just in case anyone forgot, here is the picture of Saddam with our own Donald Rumsfeld.
How many bodies lay in mass graves found in Iraq. Trusted groups like Human Rights Watch said the number ranged between 200,000 and 400,000.
Of course, like every other justification given for occupying Iraq the numbers have been exaggerated. A British newspaper says the number is closer to 5,000.
How many Iraqis have been killed by U.S. and coalition forces? According to Iraq Body Count, between 11,000 and 13,000. It is important to point out that one million Iraqis and Iranians were killed when Saddam Hussein invaded Iran in the early 1980s. Of course, it is also important to point out that Hussein was America's ally at the time. Just in case anyone forgot, here is the picture of Saddam with our own Donald Rumsfeld.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Fascism American Style
"There is no greater mistake and no graver danger than not to see that in our own society [the US] we are faced with the same phenomenon that is fertile soil for the rise of fascism anywhere." - Erich Fromm, 1931
As I said recently in Black Commentator, America is on a slippery slope that is leading to fascism. Truth Out has an excellent article that says it much better than I did. The end result of manifest destiny, racism and unrestrained capitalism has led to a public that yearns to be fooled. Too many Americans are glad to give up their freedom.
The rest of the world isn't fooled, especially when they hear that Iraqi boys were sodomized at Abu Ghraib prison. They see us as we really are while we prattle on about being hated because of our freedoms. No one hates us because of our freedom. They hate us because our government occupied a nation to turn it into a cash cow for corporate interests. Of course you can't have an occupation without sexual assault and if you are truly depraved you have to video tape it all. That is why they hate us.
"There is no greater mistake and no graver danger than not to see that in our own society [the US] we are faced with the same phenomenon that is fertile soil for the rise of fascism anywhere." - Erich Fromm, 1931
As I said recently in Black Commentator, America is on a slippery slope that is leading to fascism. Truth Out has an excellent article that says it much better than I did. The end result of manifest destiny, racism and unrestrained capitalism has led to a public that yearns to be fooled. Too many Americans are glad to give up their freedom.
The rest of the world isn't fooled, especially when they hear that Iraqi boys were sodomized at Abu Ghraib prison. They see us as we really are while we prattle on about being hated because of our freedoms. No one hates us because of our freedom. They hate us because our government occupied a nation to turn it into a cash cow for corporate interests. Of course you can't have an occupation without sexual assault and if you are truly depraved you have to video tape it all. That is why they hate us.
Sunday, July 11, 2004
Fascist Takeover of America
Buzzflash has done a tremendous service yet again. The great web site tells us that Newsweek reports a Tom Ridge plan to cancel or postpone November's presidential election.
Nothing about the Bush administration surprises me. The question is this, will Kerry say anything about this power grab? Will the establishment media say anything about it? If the democrats lay down on this one it is time to head for the nearest Canadian consulate and apply for asylum.
Buzzflash has done a tremendous service yet again. The great web site tells us that Newsweek reports a Tom Ridge plan to cancel or postpone November's presidential election.
Nothing about the Bush administration surprises me. The question is this, will Kerry say anything about this power grab? Will the establishment media say anything about it? If the democrats lay down on this one it is time to head for the nearest Canadian consulate and apply for asylum.
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