Democrats need a few broadly-appealing and simple messages to disseminate about themselves to the American voters, since otherwise voters are left wondering what the Democrats stand for when they vote. I call that a "core meltdown" because it indicates an unsafe condition which bleeds energy.
These messages should be driving principals for policy, both foreign and domestic, and draw lines in the sand for bureaucratic fist-fights. Here are some themes that I feel are worth considering:
1. Democrats are for energy independence and clean fuels.
2. Democrats are for balancing the books and regard deficits as a child-tax.
3. Democrats are for fair and transparent governance, where the same rules apply to everybody and everybody has access to the legislative process (i.e. no more secret energy commissions and Hillary-style healthcare meetings).
4. Democrats believe a man that works for a living ought to earn a living.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Guantanamo Torture
The Red Cross issued a report saying that the US military is using psychological and sometimes physical torture (tactics tantamount to torture) on Guantanamo Bay inhabitants.
I think that these people have been in that hellhole, that stain on American pride, that Ghastly Ghulag long enough!
ICRC report
How can we call ourselves the land of liberty or the land of freedom or the home of the brave and treat other human beings this way?
It has been three years since these people were captured and they should be tried, convicted, and sentenced or let go. I am beginning to suspect that they aren't getting trials because it would expose their unimportance and/or it would expose our awful treatment of them.
Where are the moral leaders of America? Where are the courts? Where is the press? Where are the Democrats? Where is Elizabeth Dole?
Do we deserve the title of "land of the free and home of the brave" if we are afraid to offer fair trials for these people?
I think that these people have been in that hellhole, that stain on American pride, that Ghastly Ghulag long enough!
ICRC report
How can we call ourselves the land of liberty or the land of freedom or the home of the brave and treat other human beings this way?
It has been three years since these people were captured and they should be tried, convicted, and sentenced or let go. I am beginning to suspect that they aren't getting trials because it would expose their unimportance and/or it would expose our awful treatment of them.
Where are the moral leaders of America? Where are the courts? Where is the press? Where are the Democrats? Where is Elizabeth Dole?
Do we deserve the title of "land of the free and home of the brave" if we are afraid to offer fair trials for these people?
Monday, November 29, 2004
Easy Fixes For Social Security
Some economists don't think fixing Social Security requires all that much sacrifice or all that much change. Here is a scenario laid out in the Washington Post, for instance, to fix Social Security:
Easy Fixes For Social Security
Easy Fixes For Social Security
Hey big spender...
Here's a simple question.
Suppose something unforseen happened, for instance your financial manager suddenly disappeared with all of your money, and you found yourself in debt.
Suppose to pay for that debt you increased the debt limit on your already-maxed credit cards and then borrowed a lot of money to "pay down the debt".
Would you be regarded as:
a. Screwed
b. A genius
By increasing our debt ceiling and then our borrowing, after having risked the farm on a trickle-down scheme, George W. Bush is either:
a. Screwed
b. A genius
Bush's Social Security Plan likely to Require Vast Borrowing
If you answered:
a and b: You are in denial
a and a: You are realistic.
b and a: You cannot admit your own mistakes
b and b: You should let someone else manage your money.
Suppose something unforseen happened, for instance your financial manager suddenly disappeared with all of your money, and you found yourself in debt.
Suppose to pay for that debt you increased the debt limit on your already-maxed credit cards and then borrowed a lot of money to "pay down the debt".
Would you be regarded as:
a. Screwed
b. A genius
By increasing our debt ceiling and then our borrowing, after having risked the farm on a trickle-down scheme, George W. Bush is either:
a. Screwed
b. A genius
Bush's Social Security Plan likely to Require Vast Borrowing
If you answered:
a and b: You are in denial
a and a: You are realistic.
b and a: You cannot admit your own mistakes
b and b: You should let someone else manage your money.
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Matthew 27:16-26
I have heard many Liberals wonder aloud why a middle or lower-class income voter would vote against their economic interests for a Republican. The best expression of this puzzle was illustrated by "the Onion" headline, Nations Poor Win Election For Nations Rich.
Conventional wisdom says that moral issues trump economic issues and that Karl Rove's strategy of painting President Bush as a moral champion among men was cunning given the state of our economy. I disagree and feel there is something deeper in human nature at work here. This is in fact an old story many of us have heard before. The most famous version goes something like this:
There is simply something attractive about a violent maniac to the mobs of men, and like those before us we chant, "Barabbas!", and "Let him be crucified!" whenever we are threatened by those that preach the golden rule in the face of the rule of gold.
Since it is Sunday, let me include these words from the 1st letter of John...
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. Those who say "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
Let me also include, for comparison's sake, these words from our recent "moral victor":
"I'm a war President. I make decisions here in the Oval Office with war on my mind."
- George W. Bush -
So, my liberal friends, when people are asked to choose between a man that preaches cooperation and alms for the poor and a man of violence, do not be surprised when the people choose the latter, since that has been the way of man for thousands of years.
Conventional wisdom says that moral issues trump economic issues and that Karl Rove's strategy of painting President Bush as a moral champion among men was cunning given the state of our economy. I disagree and feel there is something deeper in human nature at work here. This is in fact an old story many of us have heard before. The most famous version goes something like this:
In a land far way...And so it was that a good man whose best efforts to help us love each other culminated in his brutal crucifixion, which we called justice, while a homicidal maniac was delivered unto the people with great affection.
In a time long ago...
Walked a man known as Jesus of Nazareth.
But he was an idealistic dreamer that told the rich to provide for the poor, kicked the money changers out of the temple, and disseminated a lefty peace-nick message of forgiveness and brotherhood.
Predictably, for monied elites cannot exist in the presence of awakened compassion, the Romans (an imperialistic empire expanding itself into the Middle-East) jailed the Lamb. Soon men of influence argued that placing Jesus of Nazareth in jail was too lenient, too "soft on crime". This is because appeasing those that feel threatened by love and charity takes much violence. So, Jesus was brought out and beaten without mercy, but the sandal-wearing (ancient flip-flop) hot-head failed to show the proper respect for authority and was sentenced to death row.
Pilate, the governor, was accustomed to releasing a prisoner at a festival which was then taking place, furthermore, Pilate's wife was said to have been distressed at Jesus' treatment for having committed non-violent offenses. So Pilate went before the people and gave them a choice. On the left he placed our weak forgiver of sin and on the right he placed a homicidal maniac called Jesus Barabbas (who was strong and believed in killing). His question was simple, "Whom shall I release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?"
As Pilate made his way to his seat of judgment, the chief moralists, traders, and political consultants worked the crowd. When Pilate asked for their vote what he heard from the throng was "Barabbas!"
Surprised, but probably not too surprised for that is the way of men, Pilate asked, "Then, what shall I do with Jesus who is called Messiah?" The infamous response was, of course, "Let him be crucified!"
There is simply something attractive about a violent maniac to the mobs of men, and like those before us we chant, "Barabbas!", and "Let him be crucified!" whenever we are threatened by those that preach the golden rule in the face of the rule of gold.
Since it is Sunday, let me include these words from the 1st letter of John...
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. Those who say "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
Let me also include, for comparison's sake, these words from our recent "moral victor":
"I'm a war President. I make decisions here in the Oval Office with war on my mind."
- George W. Bush -
So, my liberal friends, when people are asked to choose between a man that preaches cooperation and alms for the poor and a man of violence, do not be surprised when the people choose the latter, since that has been the way of man for thousands of years.
Saturday, November 27, 2004
The death of a hero
There can be no responsibility more frightening than keeping men safe in warfare.
Sometimes doing so requires great sacrifice.
Sometimes there are those willing and able to respond.
1st Lt Dan T Malcolm Jr, 25, of Brinson, Ga, of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment was one such man.
Here is the story of his bravery and death:
Extraordinary valour
I have been told that the biggest fear in war is not dying, but that the biggest fear is panicking and letting your buddies down when they need you. Well, Leuitenant Dan overcame this fear and sacrificed his life to protect his men. On his last day Dan's men saw leadership, courage, and love.
May they remember the love most of all and may Dan rest in peace.
Sometimes doing so requires great sacrifice.
Sometimes there are those willing and able to respond.
1st Lt Dan T Malcolm Jr, 25, of Brinson, Ga, of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment was one such man.
Here is the story of his bravery and death:
Extraordinary valour
I have been told that the biggest fear in war is not dying, but that the biggest fear is panicking and letting your buddies down when they need you. Well, Leuitenant Dan overcame this fear and sacrificed his life to protect his men. On his last day Dan's men saw leadership, courage, and love.
May they remember the love most of all and may Dan rest in peace.
Friday, November 26, 2004
1232
Most days you'll not see 1232 on the front pages of your newspapers.
TV anchors will tell you all about the latest celebrity mishap, but won't say 1232 aloud.
On the radio various wind-bags will debate moral superiority and the wisdom of a final solution, but 1232 won't cross their lips.
What is 1232?
Our KIA
Everybody should know how many soldiers we've lost to death or injury, yet who talks about it? Who mentions it when two more marines are killed in Falluja (yesterday) or that scores more were wounded by a roadside bomb?
I understand why the President and Donald Rumsfeld want to hide these figures from you:
Our wounded totals
but what excuse do you have for hiding it from yourself and each other? What excuse do our moral leaders have to hide the currency of warfare from us?
What are we gaining with all of this sacrifice and killing?
What are the Iraqis gaining?
Fallujah's fallen
Where will it end?
We must ask these questions, you know, or it won't.
TV anchors will tell you all about the latest celebrity mishap, but won't say 1232 aloud.
On the radio various wind-bags will debate moral superiority and the wisdom of a final solution, but 1232 won't cross their lips.
What is 1232?
Our KIA
Everybody should know how many soldiers we've lost to death or injury, yet who talks about it? Who mentions it when two more marines are killed in Falluja (yesterday) or that scores more were wounded by a roadside bomb?
I understand why the President and Donald Rumsfeld want to hide these figures from you:
Our wounded totals
but what excuse do you have for hiding it from yourself and each other? What excuse do our moral leaders have to hide the currency of warfare from us?
What are we gaining with all of this sacrifice and killing?
What are the Iraqis gaining?
Fallujah's fallen
Where will it end?
We must ask these questions, you know, or it won't.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
November 25th
This will be another holiday of separation for troops and their families and I would like to wish a safe return and happy reunion on all our soldiers.
If you have a neighbor with children in Iraq, be sure and share a kind word with them. This cannot be an easy time.
If you have a neighbor with children in Iraq, be sure and share a kind word with them. This cannot be an easy time.
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Conservative Republican group urges UN's expulsion from US
Move America Forward, a Republican group, wants the UN's New York headquareters shut down and its' officials expelled from the country because it failed to support the war on Iraq.
It is pretty clear to me that modern Republicans wish to undo that which was done by Roosevelt, namely saving America's economy, defeating fascism, and building up the UN. I guess they liked America better when robber barons ran roughshod over the uneducated, unemployed, rabble, and the rule of the jungle trumped the rule of law in international affairs.
Poor old Roosevelt
I hope they all get lumps of coal in their stockings.
It is pretty clear to me that modern Republicans wish to undo that which was done by Roosevelt, namely saving America's economy, defeating fascism, and building up the UN. I guess they liked America better when robber barons ran roughshod over the uneducated, unemployed, rabble, and the rule of the jungle trumped the rule of law in international affairs.
Poor old Roosevelt
I hope they all get lumps of coal in their stockings.
Republican skull-duggery
Suppose you were a Congressman that voted on a bill. Then suppose the bill went to a committee whose job was to work out the differences between House and Senate versions. Suppose that committee actually inserted pork-barrell projects onto the bill, in your name.
Sound disreputable?
It is, and it is happening more than ever with Republicans steering the ship. The Boston Globe has written all about this practice in an article called, "Back-room dealing a Capitol trend".
Naughty Pachiderms
You judge a man's morality by the rules he applies to himself. Right?
Sound disreputable?
It is, and it is happening more than ever with Republicans steering the ship. The Boston Globe has written all about this practice in an article called, "Back-room dealing a Capitol trend".
Naughty Pachiderms
You judge a man's morality by the rules he applies to himself. Right?
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
So says Scott Ritter
Scott Ritter was right about WMDs and nobody wanted to hear it.
Is he now right about our occupation of Iraq?
Time will tell
Is he now right about our occupation of Iraq?
Time will tell
At least 800 Civilians Feared Dead in Fallujah
A Red Cross official estimates that at least 800 civilians have been killed in Fallujah.
Perhaps some day American children will sing:
10 little
9 little
8 little Iraqis
7 little
6 little
5 little Iraqis
4 little
3 little
2 little Iraqis
1 little Iraqi boy
800+ Civilians feared dead
Should a Red Cross official have to speak on condition of anonymity (for fear of reprisal) about a US-led effort?
Are these, do you suppose, Republican moral values on display?
Perhaps some day American children will sing:
10 little
9 little
8 little Iraqis
7 little
6 little
5 little Iraqis
4 little
3 little
2 little Iraqis
1 little Iraqi boy
800+ Civilians feared dead
Should a Red Cross official have to speak on condition of anonymity (for fear of reprisal) about a US-led effort?
Are these, do you suppose, Republican moral values on display?
Monday, November 22, 2004
George Lakoff
I think that if the Democrats could use the wisdom of George Lakoff, in conjunction with working class policies, that they'd win back a lot of voters. George knows how to frame a progressive agenda in clear, compelling language.
I think that if John Kerry had been able to convey this message, he would have won:
"We came together because of our moral values: care and responsibility, fairness and equality, freedom and courage, fulfillment in life, opportunity and community, cooperation and trust, honesty and openness. We united behind political principles: equality, equity (if you work for a living, you should earn a living) and government for the people--all the people."
Read more here
George has what Democrats need and tonight I'll pray that more Democratic politicians sleep with his books under their pillows.
I think that if John Kerry had been able to convey this message, he would have won:
"We came together because of our moral values: care and responsibility, fairness and equality, freedom and courage, fulfillment in life, opportunity and community, cooperation and trust, honesty and openness. We united behind political principles: equality, equity (if you work for a living, you should earn a living) and government for the people--all the people."
Read more here
George has what Democrats need and tonight I'll pray that more Democratic politicians sleep with his books under their pillows.
ICRC Slams 'Utter Contempt' for Humanity Amid Fierce Fighting in Iraq
I find myself wondering what Bob and Elizabeth Dole think about the Red Cross slamming the US government for their behavior in Fallujah (along with the resistance, to their credit). Elizabeth spent many years working in that organization and chaired it at one point. I'd be curious to know, therefore, how she views George Bush's handling of the war when it involves being rebuked by the ICRC.
Absolute prohibition
Aren't you curious?
Absolute prohibition
Aren't you curious?
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Ape-man ancestor
Scientists have discovered a fossil in North East Spain that could be the missing link, that is, an Ape-man ancestor. Paleontologists have used sophisticated modeling techniques to reconstruct this ancestor and have produced a gallery of remarkable photographs.
Ape-man ancestor?
Ape-man ancestor?
Protect Every Child
If you are angry enough about health care to want to go to your window, open it up, and shout "I'm not gonna take it anymore!", then you feel about the same way I do. The richest country in the world has to use a Canadian black-market to provide affordable drugs to it's seniors. The richest country in the world has 8 million children without any health care coverage at all. 8 million!
John Kerry wants to do something about this national disgrace and he'd like your help. So, after you are done shouting out your window, go to this site and co-sponser legislation that will:
Protect Every Child
You want family values? You have to value families.
John Kerry wants to do something about this national disgrace and he'd like your help. So, after you are done shouting out your window, go to this site and co-sponser legislation that will:
Protect Every Child
You want family values? You have to value families.
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Too late
Alan Greenspan, when President Bush was promoting his budget-busting tax-cuts, hawked them like a salesman. Now, after howls from Democrats that they would baloon the defecit, Alan Greenspan comes out with his hat in his hand and says that the US must reduce its budget defecit to prevent "major economic damage".
If he wanted to impress me he would have used an ounce of prevention back when it mattered, since the cure is going to pound the working-class once again.
Strong, scary words from Greenspan
Along with Alan Greenspan's worrisome words comes news that we have just added 800 billion dollars to our debt ceiling. Americans should view this as cradle robbery, or a baby tax:
Got debt?
Wall Street was shocked by Alan's language and stocks fell. I guess it is ok to tell the truth now that the election is over?
Stocks sink
Why did people reject the politics of peace and prosperity? Why?
If he wanted to impress me he would have used an ounce of prevention back when it mattered, since the cure is going to pound the working-class once again.
Strong, scary words from Greenspan
Along with Alan Greenspan's worrisome words comes news that we have just added 800 billion dollars to our debt ceiling. Americans should view this as cradle robbery, or a baby tax:
Got debt?
Wall Street was shocked by Alan's language and stocks fell. I guess it is ok to tell the truth now that the election is over?
Stocks sink
Why did people reject the politics of peace and prosperity? Why?
Friday, November 19, 2004
Democracy trashed?
Democracy is not in the casting of votes, but in their counting.
Unfortunately, in Florida, the counting looks incredibly dodgy. Take a look.
Possible Election Fraud Found in Florida
Can democracy survive abuses of public trust like this?
I wonder.
Unfortunately, in Florida, the counting looks incredibly dodgy. Take a look.
Possible Election Fraud Found in Florida
Can democracy survive abuses of public trust like this?
I wonder.
Transcript: President Clinton Speaks at Library Dedication
I miss my water, now that it's gone. Here is former President Bill Clinton speaking at his library dedication. So articulate! So human!
Bravo Bill
Bravo Bill
Liberals are religious, Conservatives are smart
Here is an interesting article that tries to explain liberals to conservatives, and conservatives to liberals.
Breaking stereotypes
Breaking stereotypes
Thursday, November 18, 2004
The dollar continues to fall
The dollar is continuing its slide against the Euro, undeterred by President Bush's commitment to a strong dollar.
With the dollar falling, interest rates rising, the national debt growing, and the trade defecit expanding the US economy is growing less attractive to dollar buyers.
Markets Push Dollar to New Low Against Euro
Some people think that a weaker dollar will help US exports and decrease the trade defecit. A good retort is found in this sentence from the above article, "Nobody has ever devalued their way to prosperity".
With the dollar falling, interest rates rising, the national debt growing, and the trade defecit expanding the US economy is growing less attractive to dollar buyers.
Markets Push Dollar to New Low Against Euro
Some people think that a weaker dollar will help US exports and decrease the trade defecit. A good retort is found in this sentence from the above article, "Nobody has ever devalued their way to prosperity".
Collapse of 60 Charter Schools Leaves Californians Scrambling
Here is a cautionary tale of ownership society:
60 Charter Schools collapse
I suppose the kids like it.
60 Charter Schools collapse
I suppose the kids like it.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
DeLay above the law
The party of "accountability" and "law and order" just changed their party rules to allow Tom DeLay to serve as Majority leader if he is indicted by a Texas grand jury on corruption charges.
Hypocritical Elephants
This is corruption run amok and makes a mockery of Republican moral posturing. This is the goose escaping the ganders fate, the pot calling the kettle black, and the opposite of accountability in Washington.
Hypocritical Elephants
This is corruption run amok and makes a mockery of Republican moral posturing. This is the goose escaping the ganders fate, the pot calling the kettle black, and the opposite of accountability in Washington.
The way forward
James Carville likes to say that progressives should never just oppose, they should always propose. I propose that the Democrats at the DNC listen to a story about a man named Schweitzer, who won the Governor's office of Montana as a Democrat.
It is a remarkable story for many reasons, not the least of which is because it is written by David Sirota. I feel this candidacy represents the way forward for Democrats, and might even point to a future President.
Montana Mainstream
I have long felt that Democrats have failed to cash in their conservation capital with Republican hunters and fishermen. Newly minted Governor Schweitzer found a way to do that making him hero for a day in my eyes. Hunters and fishermen want things to hunt and fish and use public lands for that purpose. Schweitzer stood up for those voters and secured public lands along with hunting and fishing access rights to private lands as well. He didn't run from his strengths, he leveraged them!
congratulations Mr. Schweitzer!
It is a remarkable story for many reasons, not the least of which is because it is written by David Sirota. I feel this candidacy represents the way forward for Democrats, and might even point to a future President.
Montana Mainstream
I have long felt that Democrats have failed to cash in their conservation capital with Republican hunters and fishermen. Newly minted Governor Schweitzer found a way to do that making him hero for a day in my eyes. Hunters and fishermen want things to hunt and fish and use public lands for that purpose. Schweitzer stood up for those voters and secured public lands along with hunting and fishing access rights to private lands as well. He didn't run from his strengths, he leveraged them!
congratulations Mr. Schweitzer!
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
R.I.P. Margaret
War is always it's own strongest counter-argument.
One of the saddest, most personally disturbing horrors of the Iraq war, has come to a grave conclusion. Margaret Hassan, who lived in Iraq for 30 years, was married to an Iraqi, and was by all accounts a humanitarian at heart, has been executed.
Incidents like these make me despise the promoters of war, and those people that wave the flag like a pom-pom and cheerlead the suffering of others. War is a daily horror show for people like Margaret, just as it is for the ordinary Iraqis vying for survival in places like Fallujah and Mosul.
Margaret is dead today because we decided to invade Iraq under false pretenses. We have made a fools trade, if you ask me, losing a life like Margaret's in exchange for a thing like war.
Tears for Margaret
I want the anti-war movement back.
One of the saddest, most personally disturbing horrors of the Iraq war, has come to a grave conclusion. Margaret Hassan, who lived in Iraq for 30 years, was married to an Iraqi, and was by all accounts a humanitarian at heart, has been executed.
Incidents like these make me despise the promoters of war, and those people that wave the flag like a pom-pom and cheerlead the suffering of others. War is a daily horror show for people like Margaret, just as it is for the ordinary Iraqis vying for survival in places like Fallujah and Mosul.
Margaret is dead today because we decided to invade Iraq under false pretenses. We have made a fools trade, if you ask me, losing a life like Margaret's in exchange for a thing like war.
Tears for Margaret
I want the anti-war movement back.
US Marine kills injured prisoner in Iraqi mosque
I don't know about you, but I am not proud that Abu Gharaib happened under US command.
I am also not proud that a marine shot an unarmed Iraqi in a Mosque, which was caught on camera by Kevin Sites of NBC.
Marine kills injured prisoner in Iraqi mosque
These are the things that will sear themselves into the hearts and minds of Muslim men and women across the globe.
How do we make this stop?
I am also not proud that a marine shot an unarmed Iraqi in a Mosque, which was caught on camera by Kevin Sites of NBC.
Marine kills injured prisoner in Iraqi mosque
These are the things that will sear themselves into the hearts and minds of Muslim men and women across the globe.
How do we make this stop?
Hackworth on what now
David Hackworth's latest column is a call for President Bush to take off his politician's hat and don his Commander in Chief hat and to purge the military brass responsible for the mistakes in Iraq:
Hack says sack
Since Mr. Hackworth has fought in the trenches he is immune to charges of failing to supoprt our troops and can therefore speak plainly. I do not have that military capital to spend, but I can appreciate what he says and can help amplify his message.
Hack says sack
Since Mr. Hackworth has fought in the trenches he is immune to charges of failing to supoprt our troops and can therefore speak plainly. I do not have that military capital to spend, but I can appreciate what he says and can help amplify his message.
Monday, November 15, 2004
Phantom Fury
I don't know who names our military operations, or even why they have names, but Phantom Fury gets first place so far.
First of all it conjures up visions of Star Wars - Phantom Menace.
Second of all if you mix up the letters you can spell "Path of my urn."
Thirdly it has a pleasant tone that McDonalds can use to make a happy meal with.
So, our operation names seem cooky to me, but in the end what will be remembered is the way we conduct ourselves in Fallujah. Some Iraqis say they will never forget that.
Fallujah fury
First of all it conjures up visions of Star Wars - Phantom Menace.
Second of all if you mix up the letters you can spell "Path of my urn."
Thirdly it has a pleasant tone that McDonalds can use to make a happy meal with.
So, our operation names seem cooky to me, but in the end what will be remembered is the way we conduct ourselves in Fallujah. Some Iraqis say they will never forget that.
Fallujah fury
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Biography of a jihadis
It is always wise to know your enemy. Whether you wish to kill, capture, or make peace with your enemy it helps to understand their motivation, their fears, their hopes.
Here is an article which appeared in the Washington Post and tells the story of Abu Thar, why he fights, and what he believes in.
Their story
Abu reminds me a lot of US Christian fundamentalists, who are also willing to perpetuate violence in order to maintain their purity.
Here is an article which appeared in the Washington Post and tells the story of Abu Thar, why he fights, and what he believes in.
Their story
Abu reminds me a lot of US Christian fundamentalists, who are also willing to perpetuate violence in order to maintain their purity.
Jimmy on Yasir
Here is what Jimmy Carter has to say about Yasir Arafat's passing. I respect his opinion, since he worked very hard to establish a peace treaty on Israel's behalf which still stands.
Yasir sleeps tonight
Now we'll see if Sharon is a peace-maker whose hands were tied by Arafat.
Yasir sleeps tonight
Now we'll see if Sharon is a peace-maker whose hands were tied by Arafat.
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Gee, what a surprise
Mosul, as expected, erupted in violence and the US forces, as expected, took the bait.
The Iraqis, I expect, yelled Ole.
Mosul a red flag
When the smoke clears in Mosul I expect the matador will be waving a red cape from a distance and George Bush will be pawing at the ground. I think the cape will be labeled Samarra.
I can't believe Americans re-elected these idiots.
The Iraqis, I expect, yelled Ole.
Mosul a red flag
When the smoke clears in Mosul I expect the matador will be waving a red cape from a distance and George Bush will be pawing at the ground. I think the cape will be labeled Samarra.
I can't believe Americans re-elected these idiots.
From the desk of the DNC
Here is a message I'd like to see the DNC issue next:
We lost.
Three times.
In 2000, in 2002, and most bitterly in 2004.
We lost each time with the same message, the same aloof types of candidates, and the same strategy. When we should have strengthened our base, which is what our opponents have done successfully, we reached out to the largely tone-deaf middle.
We had an opponent whose approval rating never got above 50% in the last six months of the race, and such an incumbent has never won except on our watch. That is why, after not much deliberation, we collectively tender our resignations.
Our polling told us that a youth turnout could win this election, yet when they made their choice clear, Howard Dean, we did everything in our power to destroy his candidacy. We did this because we were more concerned about what Karl Rove wanted the Democratic party to look like than what our supporters wanted it to look like.
To black Americans we can only say thank you. Thank you for once again turning out in large numbers, and even though your polling places wouldn't accomodate you again (just as you had warned us), you stood and you waited in those 11 hour lines. Perhaps this is because your parents taught you that a struggle doesn't end on the first step. It is our sincere hope that the thousands of you that stood together in those lines in Philadelphia, those ridiculous snaking unending lines, those lines which brought so much hope to your fellow Democrats, will bring that same spirit to bear on the 2006 elections.
The truth is that most American's want to be paid a living wage for their work, want their children to go to safe schools, want clear water to drink, and clean air to breathe. Most Americans want the freedom to practice their own religion, and want a social safety-net which offers hope to the hard-up, and do not want the government in their bedrooms or churches. We at the DNC believe that we offer the brighter future for Americans, yet 3 times in a row we have failed to offer dissatisfied voters a clear vision of what we stand for.
We take a modicum of comfort knowing that we didn't lose this election for lack of effort, but our defeat has been very humbling and we offer no excuses. Please forgive us and know that we did our best. We believed in our strategy and worked very very hard to win this election. In the interests of our common interests we, the undersigned, offer our resignations.
Insert DNC leadership signatures here
My note to the DNC:
President Clinton and Barak Obama aren't just great salesmen, but men that embody the American dream by virtue of having lived it. Democrats would be well served having someone like Bill Clinton in charge of the DNC if he would take the job.
We lost.
Three times.
In 2000, in 2002, and most bitterly in 2004.
We lost each time with the same message, the same aloof types of candidates, and the same strategy. When we should have strengthened our base, which is what our opponents have done successfully, we reached out to the largely tone-deaf middle.
We had an opponent whose approval rating never got above 50% in the last six months of the race, and such an incumbent has never won except on our watch. That is why, after not much deliberation, we collectively tender our resignations.
Our polling told us that a youth turnout could win this election, yet when they made their choice clear, Howard Dean, we did everything in our power to destroy his candidacy. We did this because we were more concerned about what Karl Rove wanted the Democratic party to look like than what our supporters wanted it to look like.
To black Americans we can only say thank you. Thank you for once again turning out in large numbers, and even though your polling places wouldn't accomodate you again (just as you had warned us), you stood and you waited in those 11 hour lines. Perhaps this is because your parents taught you that a struggle doesn't end on the first step. It is our sincere hope that the thousands of you that stood together in those lines in Philadelphia, those ridiculous snaking unending lines, those lines which brought so much hope to your fellow Democrats, will bring that same spirit to bear on the 2006 elections.
The truth is that most American's want to be paid a living wage for their work, want their children to go to safe schools, want clear water to drink, and clean air to breathe. Most Americans want the freedom to practice their own religion, and want a social safety-net which offers hope to the hard-up, and do not want the government in their bedrooms or churches. We at the DNC believe that we offer the brighter future for Americans, yet 3 times in a row we have failed to offer dissatisfied voters a clear vision of what we stand for.
We take a modicum of comfort knowing that we didn't lose this election for lack of effort, but our defeat has been very humbling and we offer no excuses. Please forgive us and know that we did our best. We believed in our strategy and worked very very hard to win this election. In the interests of our common interests we, the undersigned, offer our resignations.
Insert DNC leadership signatures here
My note to the DNC:
President Clinton and Barak Obama aren't just great salesmen, but men that embody the American dream by virtue of having lived it. Democrats would be well served having someone like Bill Clinton in charge of the DNC if he would take the job.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Fallujah
Sometimes it is good to read international press reporting, especially when we live in a time when the American press in general is blatantly pandering to power.
Here is reporting from Asia Times about our Fallujah fighting. They don't paint the same candies and flowers portrait as our fawning press.
Cluster bombs in Fallujah
Hospitals attacked
I have a feeling the Iraqi fighters are playing matador to our armies bull. Most bulls are prey for the matador, who uses their predictable behavior and aggression against them. The Iraqis, in this scenario, yell Ole after each charge.
When the smoke clears in Fallujah I expect the matador will be waving a red cape from a distance and George Bush will be pawing at the ground. I think the cape will be labeled Mosul.
ADDENDUM: The latest news from Mosul indeed looks like a red flag:
Shall we charge?
Here is reporting from Asia Times about our Fallujah fighting. They don't paint the same candies and flowers portrait as our fawning press.
Cluster bombs in Fallujah
Hospitals attacked
I have a feeling the Iraqi fighters are playing matador to our armies bull. Most bulls are prey for the matador, who uses their predictable behavior and aggression against them. The Iraqis, in this scenario, yell Ole after each charge.
When the smoke clears in Fallujah I expect the matador will be waving a red cape from a distance and George Bush will be pawing at the ground. I think the cape will be labeled Mosul.
ADDENDUM: The latest news from Mosul indeed looks like a red flag:
Shall we charge?
Former Chief of CIA's Bin Laden Unit Leaves
The "anonymous" author of the book "Imperial Hubris" was a man named Michael Scheuer, which is something that attentive Moe's Musings readers already knew.
Well, Michael has now resigned from the CIA so that he can speak about our government's failure to understand the threat from al Qaeda.
Story here
Michael was chief of the CIA's Bin Laden unit and this seems to be another Richard Clarke scenario. I wonder what juicy story this way comes.
Well, Michael has now resigned from the CIA so that he can speak about our government's failure to understand the threat from al Qaeda.
Story here
Michael was chief of the CIA's Bin Laden unit and this seems to be another Richard Clarke scenario. I wonder what juicy story this way comes.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Fallujah's fallen
It appears they are receiving wounded by the planeload in Germany now:
Our sacrifice
The Associated Press reports that 18 US soldiers have died and 178 were wounded in Fallujah.
Heavy price
I am reminded of those purple-heart band-aids that Republicans got such a kick out of at the Republican National Convention. Why don't you wear them now?
Our sacrifice
The Associated Press reports that 18 US soldiers have died and 178 were wounded in Fallujah.
Heavy price
I am reminded of those purple-heart band-aids that Republicans got such a kick out of at the Republican National Convention. Why don't you wear them now?
Arafat dies
Yasser Arafat has been keeping everyone guessing as to his moment of expiration, but apparently the time has come to end the suspense:
Bonsoir Monsieur Arafat
Politicians have been blaming a lack of peace in the Middle East on Yasser Arafat, while I have been blaming Yasser Arafat on a lack of peace.
Now comes the moment of truth.
Bonsoir Monsieur Arafat
Politicians have been blaming a lack of peace in the Middle East on Yasser Arafat, while I have been blaming Yasser Arafat on a lack of peace.
Now comes the moment of truth.
The elephant in the room
If I were to announce that an elephant were in the room with me most casual observers would look, see that there was no elephant, and then disagree.
If I were to announce that God is in the room with me most (I'm guessing about 70%) observers would look, see that I was alone, and then agree with me.
This visualization shows why religious people have nothing to fear from science. Science is, at heart, an attempt to explain the physical world, while religion is faith in a higher power.
Just because science and religion approach the world differently shouldn't mean they are mortal enemies. For instance, I have often wondered why people in Kansas don't want evolution taught to their children. Are those people convinced that God isn't smart enough to use evolution to carry out his will?
And, why did religious people insist the world was flat even as ships disappeared over the horizon and the shadow of the earth upon the moon was round? Why can't they simply accept that science, in it's effort to understand the physical world, will surely and inevitably lead to an appreciation of God's handiwork?
I was raised Catholic and am a computer programmer and I feel like I have a foot in both camps. My belief in computers does not shake my belief in God and my belief in evolution doesn't either. Likewise I can believe that we are called to a higher purpose than flying to Disneyland and gambling at the local Casino without the need to have the earth be flat or the promise of stem cell research excommunicated from society.
My guess is that the planet will need both good morals and sound science to combat global warming. One without the other will surely be a failure. Morality will lead the human race to realize we have only one planet, while science will give us the tools to save it.
In other words, I believe that either we will stupidly create an apocalypse or the meek will inherit the earth. I also believe that this is natural selection at work.
You see how harmonious religion and science can be?
If I were to announce that God is in the room with me most (I'm guessing about 70%) observers would look, see that I was alone, and then agree with me.
This visualization shows why religious people have nothing to fear from science. Science is, at heart, an attempt to explain the physical world, while religion is faith in a higher power.
Just because science and religion approach the world differently shouldn't mean they are mortal enemies. For instance, I have often wondered why people in Kansas don't want evolution taught to their children. Are those people convinced that God isn't smart enough to use evolution to carry out his will?
And, why did religious people insist the world was flat even as ships disappeared over the horizon and the shadow of the earth upon the moon was round? Why can't they simply accept that science, in it's effort to understand the physical world, will surely and inevitably lead to an appreciation of God's handiwork?
I was raised Catholic and am a computer programmer and I feel like I have a foot in both camps. My belief in computers does not shake my belief in God and my belief in evolution doesn't either. Likewise I can believe that we are called to a higher purpose than flying to Disneyland and gambling at the local Casino without the need to have the earth be flat or the promise of stem cell research excommunicated from society.
My guess is that the planet will need both good morals and sound science to combat global warming. One without the other will surely be a failure. Morality will lead the human race to realize we have only one planet, while science will give us the tools to save it.
In other words, I believe that either we will stupidly create an apocalypse or the meek will inherit the earth. I also believe that this is natural selection at work.
You see how harmonious religion and science can be?
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Iran or America?
Did I wake up in Iran this morning?
I don't know about you, but the last thing I want from a pharmacist is a moral opinion. At CVS stores across the country, though, that is exactly what many customers are in for.
It seems that a pharmacist, if he has a moral objection to your prescription, can refuse to fill your prescription. So, presumably, you now need to know the religious background of your pharmacist in order to get your fertility drugs or promiscuity drugs or birth control.
If a sperm is wasted, God gets quite Irate
I wonder if this means I could refuse to dispense life-saving drugs to Republicans if God whispered in my ear not to?
It seems to me that nobody forces a person to be a pharmacist and that choosing to be one means you ought to fulfill the duty expected of you. I wonder who these people are that feel such a burning desire to tell me how to live my life? Why don't they go live in Iran where every facet of their daily life can be controlled by religion?
Lord Almighty I am tired of soap-box preachers.
I don't know about you, but the last thing I want from a pharmacist is a moral opinion. At CVS stores across the country, though, that is exactly what many customers are in for.
It seems that a pharmacist, if he has a moral objection to your prescription, can refuse to fill your prescription. So, presumably, you now need to know the religious background of your pharmacist in order to get your fertility drugs or promiscuity drugs or birth control.
If a sperm is wasted, God gets quite Irate
I wonder if this means I could refuse to dispense life-saving drugs to Republicans if God whispered in my ear not to?
It seems to me that nobody forces a person to be a pharmacist and that choosing to be one means you ought to fulfill the duty expected of you. I wonder who these people are that feel such a burning desire to tell me how to live my life? Why don't they go live in Iran where every facet of their daily life can be controlled by religion?
Lord Almighty I am tired of soap-box preachers.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Beware the false prophets!
Here is a hot, hot, hot, story which is developing and involves Ralph Reed, Jack Abramoff, and Tom DeLay.
It seems that Abramoff and Scanlon (DeLay's former spokesman) channeled money to Ralph Reed and Grover Norquist via Indian Gambling Casinos.
Christians, of course, frown on gambling and might not like their leaders taking payments in exchange for legislation which promotes this vice, this sin, this untoward and degenerate behavior.
Tisk, Tisk, Tisk
This might be a good time to remind Christians that Massachusettes has the lowest divorce rate in the country, and that abortion rates dropped significanly under President Bill Clinton.
It seems that Abramoff and Scanlon (DeLay's former spokesman) channeled money to Ralph Reed and Grover Norquist via Indian Gambling Casinos.
Christians, of course, frown on gambling and might not like their leaders taking payments in exchange for legislation which promotes this vice, this sin, this untoward and degenerate behavior.
Tisk, Tisk, Tisk
This might be a good time to remind Christians that Massachusettes has the lowest divorce rate in the country, and that abortion rates dropped significanly under President Bill Clinton.
A question
Does it bother anyone else that Osama is regarded as a monster for killing 3,000 innocent Americans, yet we've killed up to 100,000 Iraqi civilians since the Iraq war began:
Without just cause
What gives us the moral authority to kill Iraqis in these numbers?
Why are the moral leaders so silent?
Without just cause
What gives us the moral authority to kill Iraqis in these numbers?
Why are the moral leaders so silent?
Monday, November 08, 2004
Fascinating article
Here is a fascinating article written by Kevin Drum at the Washington Monthly. He analyzed a lot of exit poll data and his findings surprised me. They might surprise the pundits, too, if they bother to examine reality.
How Bush won
I think the most interesting line is this one,
If that's true, all I can say is, "Good news your chocolate rations are going up".
How Bush won
I think the most interesting line is this one,
Compared to 2000, fewer people personally think they're doing better but more people believe the economy is in good shape anyway. And Bush was overwhelmingly successful in convincing those people that his policies deserved the credit.
If that's true, all I can say is, "Good news your chocolate rations are going up".
Big dog on Bush
Love him or hate him you have to agree that former President Bill Clinton is one of the savviest politicians in US history. He analyzed the Bush win and here is a synopsis of his thoughts:
WJC on GWB and JFK
If I can find the full address, or if anyone out there does and sends it to me, then I'll post a link to that.
When I think about the failure of Democrats I think about my father. My father is an honest, hard-working, and caring father. My father is also a union man, because he knows that a union job pays more than a non-union job, and that there is strength in numbers. My father didn't make a lot of money, but he made enough to send me to a state university. Using the Pell grant system, and working my way through college, and acquiring low-interest loans I was able to improve my education and rise into the ranks of the middle class. So, my dad worked hard and lived decent and was able to provide a better life for his children than he, himself, enjoyed. That's the democrat's version of the American dream and that wasn't on the ballot in 2000, 2002, nor 2004.
If I had no health care, a dead-end low-wage job, a poor education, and was deeply in debt I'd be living the Republican version of the American dream. They don't say this outright, but everything they do is geared towards driving down wages and part of that is stifling opportunity.
I think Democrats need to articulate that "Low-wage conservatives hate men like my father, and they hate the opportunity I've had". I think they also need to articulate that society is better off when the least among us can eat and be sheltered with work, and that they can rise with ambition.
Bill Clinton knows how to phrase what I have described and that is the secret to his success. I think it is also the secret to Barak Obama's rise. Pay attention to this the next time you hear them speak and I think you'll agree.
WJC on GWB and JFK
If I can find the full address, or if anyone out there does and sends it to me, then I'll post a link to that.
When I think about the failure of Democrats I think about my father. My father is an honest, hard-working, and caring father. My father is also a union man, because he knows that a union job pays more than a non-union job, and that there is strength in numbers. My father didn't make a lot of money, but he made enough to send me to a state university. Using the Pell grant system, and working my way through college, and acquiring low-interest loans I was able to improve my education and rise into the ranks of the middle class. So, my dad worked hard and lived decent and was able to provide a better life for his children than he, himself, enjoyed. That's the democrat's version of the American dream and that wasn't on the ballot in 2000, 2002, nor 2004.
If I had no health care, a dead-end low-wage job, a poor education, and was deeply in debt I'd be living the Republican version of the American dream. They don't say this outright, but everything they do is geared towards driving down wages and part of that is stifling opportunity.
I think Democrats need to articulate that "Low-wage conservatives hate men like my father, and they hate the opportunity I've had". I think they also need to articulate that society is better off when the least among us can eat and be sheltered with work, and that they can rise with ambition.
Bill Clinton knows how to phrase what I have described and that is the secret to his success. I think it is also the secret to Barak Obama's rise. Pay attention to this the next time you hear them speak and I think you'll agree.
Sunday, November 07, 2004
The prescription
When the Labour party of Britain pulled itself out of an 18 year drought it did so behind a man named Peter Mandelson.
Here is a bit about him:
Peter Mandelson
The Democrats need a man like him to run the DNC. They have lost two elections in a row with the same strategy, namely anemic messages targeted at the middle, which neither excited the base nor attracted the middle.
Change for changes sake is not productive, but do the Democrats have a Mandelson in their house?
I hope so, otherwise I know what to expect in 2008.
Here is a bit about him:
Peter Mandelson
The Democrats need a man like him to run the DNC. They have lost two elections in a row with the same strategy, namely anemic messages targeted at the middle, which neither excited the base nor attracted the middle.
Change for changes sake is not productive, but do the Democrats have a Mandelson in their house?
I hope so, otherwise I know what to expect in 2008.
Saturday, November 06, 2004
The dollar responds to hollow rhetoric
Bush might be able to fool most of the people most of the time when he says he'll pay that deficit down by half by 2009, but he doesn't appear able to fool currency traders:
Dollar Falls On Fears of U.S. Deficits
He also doesn't appear able to convince the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office that his plan will work.
Not gonna work
And finally, you could say that I remain unimpressed with this President's economic talents.
Dollar Falls On Fears of U.S. Deficits
He also doesn't appear able to convince the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office that his plan will work.
Not gonna work
And finally, you could say that I remain unimpressed with this President's economic talents.
Friday, November 05, 2004
Election update
Early reports placed absentee ballots at 250,000 or more, but in the end the official tally of provisional ballots in Ohio was 135,000.
This explains why Kerry conceded defeat. There is no way to squeeze 136,000 votes out of 135,000 votes cast.
Ohio Math
This means Kerry fought to the end and didn't stop until he knew it was impossible to win.
I play hockey and know that you can sometimes take more pride in a loss than a win if it was hard-fought. When you are expected to lose and you make it a game, when you battle injuries or kill off penalties, when you refuse to quit and just miss that is not a time to hang your head. No doubt it's bitter, but you put people on notice for next time, and I enjoy that feeling too.
How did Teddy Roosevelt put it? It is better to fail while daring greatly, than to be among the timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
Remember, if you feel isolated, that 55.4 million Americans voted with you. Kerry dared greatly and lost, but he'll get back up and the Democrats aren't done. I enjoy this feeling too, although no doubt it is bitter.
Joy is on the ice between the boards. Keep skating.
This explains why Kerry conceded defeat. There is no way to squeeze 136,000 votes out of 135,000 votes cast.
Ohio Math
This means Kerry fought to the end and didn't stop until he knew it was impossible to win.
I play hockey and know that you can sometimes take more pride in a loss than a win if it was hard-fought. When you are expected to lose and you make it a game, when you battle injuries or kill off penalties, when you refuse to quit and just miss that is not a time to hang your head. No doubt it's bitter, but you put people on notice for next time, and I enjoy that feeling too.
How did Teddy Roosevelt put it? It is better to fail while daring greatly, than to be among the timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
Remember, if you feel isolated, that 55.4 million Americans voted with you. Kerry dared greatly and lost, but he'll get back up and the Democrats aren't done. I enjoy this feeling too, although no doubt it is bitter.
Joy is on the ice between the boards. Keep skating.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Allow me to say it
May God bless and keep Bill Clinton and may he please lay off the pizza and hard living until at least 2008.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Suck it up
Joshua Micah Marshall has one of my favorite blogs. Today he has words to live by if you are a Democrat.
Stick together
If you need something to smile about consider that Texas was hit with a foot of snow in places.
Snow down low
Stick together
If you need something to smile about consider that Texas was hit with a foot of snow in places.
Snow down low
Kerry Concedes Defeat
The fat lady, it seems, is singing.
Four more years
With 60% of Americans turning out and nary a Nader voter America has spoken. Divisive times lie ahead, since this President will no more try to unite us than he would stop to spit in my face if I were dying of thirst.
Ugh.
Four more years
With 60% of Americans turning out and nary a Nader voter America has spoken. Divisive times lie ahead, since this President will no more try to unite us than he would stop to spit in my face if I were dying of thirst.
Ugh.
A sobering look at the numbers
Here is a link to CNN's vote tallies for Ohio:
CNN.com Election 2004
As it stands, with 100% of the precincts reporting, President Bush has 2,794,346 votes
John Kerry has 2,658,125 votes. That gives President Bush a lead of 136,221 votes.
The votes that are yet to be counted in Ohio are the provisional ballots, which are hard to get an exact number on but seems to be at least 250,000 ballots.
Let's assume these ballots are all counted and that they are all counted fairly (perhaps a naive assumption with a small army of lawyers on both sides). However, I am going to consider what I can predict.
With 250,000 ballots in play and a Bush lead of 136,221 votes it is clear the provisional ballots need to break resoundingly for Kerry. Traditionally new voters break 2:1 for the incumbent, which would produce these results:
Bush: 2,877,679
Kerry: 2,824,791
That means Kerry would need to do better than that to win. In fact he would need to grab about 194,000 (77%) of the 250,000 provisional ballots to defeat the President at this point.
This would produce these numbers:
Bush: 2,850,346
Kerry: 2,852,125
I, therefore, propose this to President Bush. Let them count the ballots without fight and ask Kerry to do the same for the good of the country. If Kerry refuses he looks bad, and if he accepts your victory parade seems all the more imminent.
Otherwise, it will come to light that Ohioans have been getting phone calls for people that don't live in their homes. Someone calls, for instance, and asks for Joe Smith where only Jack and Jill Smith reside. Apparently Jack is on the voting lists and the callers want to offer them rides to the polls. I have confirmed this with people I trust in Ohio.
In other words, it could be deja vu all over again.
CNN.com Election 2004
As it stands, with 100% of the precincts reporting, President Bush has 2,794,346 votes
John Kerry has 2,658,125 votes. That gives President Bush a lead of 136,221 votes.
The votes that are yet to be counted in Ohio are the provisional ballots, which are hard to get an exact number on but seems to be at least 250,000 ballots.
Let's assume these ballots are all counted and that they are all counted fairly (perhaps a naive assumption with a small army of lawyers on both sides). However, I am going to consider what I can predict.
With 250,000 ballots in play and a Bush lead of 136,221 votes it is clear the provisional ballots need to break resoundingly for Kerry. Traditionally new voters break 2:1 for the incumbent, which would produce these results:
Bush: 2,877,679
Kerry: 2,824,791
That means Kerry would need to do better than that to win. In fact he would need to grab about 194,000 (77%) of the 250,000 provisional ballots to defeat the President at this point.
This would produce these numbers:
Bush: 2,850,346
Kerry: 2,852,125
I, therefore, propose this to President Bush. Let them count the ballots without fight and ask Kerry to do the same for the good of the country. If Kerry refuses he looks bad, and if he accepts your victory parade seems all the more imminent.
Otherwise, it will come to light that Ohioans have been getting phone calls for people that don't live in their homes. Someone calls, for instance, and asks for Joe Smith where only Jack and Jill Smith reside. Apparently Jack is on the voting lists and the callers want to offer them rides to the polls. I have confirmed this with people I trust in Ohio.
In other words, it could be deja vu all over again.
Second verse, same as the first
America will have to wait until Ohio counts 250,000 provisional ballots to know who won the Presidential election. The Bush Whitehouse is declaring victory, proving once again how little regard they have for facts and the opinions of voters.
I had hoped that Americans would soundly reject:
Incompetent prosecution of a war (see al QaQaa).
Incompetent administration of the budget (see deficit).
An international soiling of America's name (travel abroad).
The intermingling of religion and politics.
Outing of CIA agents (see Valerie Plame)
Lying to Congress (i.e. "We know where the WMDs are")
Lying to the American people (i.e. "Mission Accomplished")
A record of failure at creating jobs (1.6 million lost).
Abu Gharaib abuses.
Laughable debate performances.
and so on...
I view President Bush as a mixture of Harding and Nixon, but someone a lot more dumb than Nixon and more incompetent than Harding. I am, therefore, at a loss to explain a close race. Now, I have been raised to trust the instinct of the American people, but in this case I feel I am missing the point. Where's the man's up-side?
Ohio has until November 15th to count the ballots and you can be sure of two things:
1. Lawyers for Kerry will be pressing to have those votes counted.
2. Lawyers for Bush will be pressing to disenfranchise those voters.
In America we should always count the votes, for it is not in the voting but in the counting that Democracy lives.
I had hoped that Americans would soundly reject:
Incompetent prosecution of a war (see al QaQaa).
Incompetent administration of the budget (see deficit).
An international soiling of America's name (travel abroad).
The intermingling of religion and politics.
Outing of CIA agents (see Valerie Plame)
Lying to Congress (i.e. "We know where the WMDs are")
Lying to the American people (i.e. "Mission Accomplished")
A record of failure at creating jobs (1.6 million lost).
Abu Gharaib abuses.
Laughable debate performances.
and so on...
I view President Bush as a mixture of Harding and Nixon, but someone a lot more dumb than Nixon and more incompetent than Harding. I am, therefore, at a loss to explain a close race. Now, I have been raised to trust the instinct of the American people, but in this case I feel I am missing the point. Where's the man's up-side?
Ohio has until November 15th to count the ballots and you can be sure of two things:
1. Lawyers for Kerry will be pressing to have those votes counted.
2. Lawyers for Bush will be pressing to disenfranchise those voters.
In America we should always count the votes, for it is not in the voting but in the counting that Democracy lives.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Should he stay or should he go?
You must choose your man today, Kerry or Bush, and I wish you luck. Hopefully you have found relevant information for your search on this site. In a last-ditch effort to persuade you to vote for Kerry I offer you two traditionally conservative endorsements of John Kerry.
The Economist gives grudging support to John Kerry, but support nonetheless. Here is a sample from the article "The incompetent or the incoherent" published in the October 30th - November 5th edition:
AND
As if that isn't surprising enough, Scott McConnell of the American Conservative has endorsed Kerry.
Here is a link to that article, lest you fail to believe me:
Chop
The most persuasive case against President Bush is made by traditional conservatives, I think, which is why I like to publish their detractions. When I make many of the same claims I am dismissed as "partisan", but when Scott McConnell makes them that is hardly applicable.
This is a crucial election that will shape America at home and abroad for years to come. Here's hoping the best man wins.
The Economist gives grudging support to John Kerry, but support nonetheless. Here is a sample from the article "The incompetent or the incoherent" published in the October 30th - November 5th edition:
"Mr Bush's credibility has been considerably undermined not just by Guantanamo, but also by two big things: by the sheer incompetence and hubristic thinking evident in the way in which his team set about the rebuilding of Iraq, once Saddam Hussein's regime had been toppled; and by the abuses at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, which strengthened the suspicion that the mistreatment or even torture of prisoners was being condoned."
AND
"But changing the regime so incompetently was a huge mistake. By having far too few soldiers to provide security and by failing to pay Saddam's remnant army, a task that was always going to be long and hard has been made much, much harder. Such incompetence is no mere detail: thousands of Iraqis have died as a result and hundreds of American soldiers. The eventual success of the mission, while still possible, has been put in unnecessary jeopardy."
As if that isn't surprising enough, Scott McConnell of the American Conservative has endorsed Kerry.
Here is a link to that article, lest you fail to believe me:
Chop
The most persuasive case against President Bush is made by traditional conservatives, I think, which is why I like to publish their detractions. When I make many of the same claims I am dismissed as "partisan", but when Scott McConnell makes them that is hardly applicable.
This is a crucial election that will shape America at home and abroad for years to come. Here's hoping the best man wins.
Monday, November 01, 2004
Helen on George
Helen Thomas is the dean of the press and she has seen a lot of politicians in her lifetime. Her latest article called "Bush Win Would Mean Dark Times" is a firm denunciation of the Bush presidency.
Validating preemptive war
Validating preemptive war
Fight for your right to partake
Tomorrow is election day and here are some handy resources to help make your experience as smooth as possible.
Find your polling place
Your polling place
Election protection
If you show up at your polling place and someone tries to keep you from voting, then you ought to whip out your election protection card and take action. Print this out, share it with friends, and take it with you when you vote.
Election Protection
Know your rights
If your name is not on the official voter list but you believe you are eligible to vote in that precinct, even if an election official challenges your vote, you have the right to cast a "provisional ballot."
If you're in line when the polls close, you should stay in line because you're entitled to vote.
In many states, your employer must allow you time to vote at some point during the day. You can't be fired for being late due to long polling lines.
You have the right to vote without being intimidated by anyone.
For your rights in your own state, check out this website: State-specific rights
Take this with you
You need to establish two things in order to vote and those are proof of identity and proof of residency. In the event of a problem the person armed with this paperwork would be boyscout-ready to handle it.
Proof of identity:
1. A valid driver's license.
2. Valid state ID (picture) card.
3. Valid passport.
4. Military ID.
5. Valid college ID (picture) card.
Proof of residency:
1. A valid driver's license with current address.
2. Valid vehicle registration with current address.
3. Currently dated rent receipt, lease agreement, or resident tax bill showing valid residential street address.
4. Checking account with voter name and current address.
5. Current utility bill with current residential address.
6. Current payroll check with voter name and current residential address.
NOTE: Proof of residency can not include mail addressed to "Resident" or "Occupant".
Caveats:
Without proof of residency you may often swear a voter registration oath. You should keep in mind that lying under oath is a felony and therefore you should be accurate about the information you provide.
Without proof of identity you may still vote, however your vote will be automatically challenged and scrutinized in a recount.
Finally:
I hope there is a large turnout so that no matter who wins the American people will have spoken. I think this election is too important to be decided by apathy.
Find your polling place
Your polling place
Election protection
If you show up at your polling place and someone tries to keep you from voting, then you ought to whip out your election protection card and take action. Print this out, share it with friends, and take it with you when you vote.
Election Protection
Know your rights
If your name is not on the official voter list but you believe you are eligible to vote in that precinct, even if an election official challenges your vote, you have the right to cast a "provisional ballot."
If you're in line when the polls close, you should stay in line because you're entitled to vote.
In many states, your employer must allow you time to vote at some point during the day. You can't be fired for being late due to long polling lines.
You have the right to vote without being intimidated by anyone.
For your rights in your own state, check out this website: State-specific rights
Take this with you
You need to establish two things in order to vote and those are proof of identity and proof of residency. In the event of a problem the person armed with this paperwork would be boyscout-ready to handle it.
Proof of identity:
1. A valid driver's license.
2. Valid state ID (picture) card.
3. Valid passport.
4. Military ID.
5. Valid college ID (picture) card.
Proof of residency:
1. A valid driver's license with current address.
2. Valid vehicle registration with current address.
3. Currently dated rent receipt, lease agreement, or resident tax bill showing valid residential street address.
4. Checking account with voter name and current address.
5. Current utility bill with current residential address.
6. Current payroll check with voter name and current residential address.
NOTE: Proof of residency can not include mail addressed to "Resident" or "Occupant".
Caveats:
Without proof of residency you may often swear a voter registration oath. You should keep in mind that lying under oath is a felony and therefore you should be accurate about the information you provide.
Without proof of identity you may still vote, however your vote will be automatically challenged and scrutinized in a recount.
Finally:
I hope there is a large turnout so that no matter who wins the American people will have spoken. I think this election is too important to be decided by apathy.
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