While the Bush administration has been a failure on many levels, it has reserved its' broadest failure for our energy supplies.
China is kicking our bottom all over the globe in this department in large part due to our international pariah status.
Andy Griffith always kept Barney Fife's bullets because he knew that Barney would shoot himself in the foot. Barney Fife, to further indulge the analogy, is president Bush. Andy Griffith was supposed to be played by Dick Cheney, but my suspicion is that he suffers from dementia.
Now Barney Fife has plenty of bullets and Andy Griffith is instead egging him on and people are being tortured in Mayberry.
Back to reality.
In this editorial Noam Chomsky claims that US hostility is driving our current oil suppliers into China's arms.
Funding China's rise
What will power US implements of destruction if we persist in making so many enemies?
What will happen to our economy when China not only holds much of our debt, but also the tools to wreak havoc with our economy?
Why hasn't Congress gone to work on Bush's impeachment yet?
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Rumsfeld's replacement
I was thinking the other day that fighting Al Qaeda must be a lot like fighting an infectious disease.
I then realized that an interesting candidate to replace Donald Rumsfeld might be none other than Microsoft's Bill Gates.
He is very well qualified to handle a large organization and now has experience combating infectious diseases all around the globe.
I then realized that an interesting candidate to replace Donald Rumsfeld might be none other than Microsoft's Bill Gates.
He is very well qualified to handle a large organization and now has experience combating infectious diseases all around the globe.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is reserved for reflecting upon those that have passed.
There is plenty to reflect upon in this time of madness and deceit. There are plenty of thorns upon this tree which yields no fruit.
Today, though, I wish to remember two dozen Iraqi civilians.
Scandal may undermine Iraq effort
It is disheartening to reflect that unlike Osama, Iraqis never attacked us, and that they therefore are being killed innocently.
It is disheartening to reflect that these particular people were killed after Saddam's removal from power anyway, and they were therefore murdered without the thinnest of pretexts.
It is doubly disheartening to see how little understanding such suffering generates in the hearts and minds of those most responsible for this catastrophe:
Self aggrandizement
I think that president Bush is a total failure - as a leader, as a follower of Christ, and as a human being. I view his life as the epitome of wasted potential.
How does one born with everything handed to them become so mean and hateful?
All the worlds major religions would answer it is because of a failure to develop love and compassion, which implies a self-centered outlook.
I'm not sure how a man with children manages that. He must be quite committed to selfish behavior.
There is plenty to reflect upon in this time of madness and deceit. There are plenty of thorns upon this tree which yields no fruit.
Today, though, I wish to remember two dozen Iraqi civilians.
Scandal may undermine Iraq effort
It is disheartening to reflect that unlike Osama, Iraqis never attacked us, and that they therefore are being killed innocently.
It is disheartening to reflect that these particular people were killed after Saddam's removal from power anyway, and they were therefore murdered without the thinnest of pretexts.
It is doubly disheartening to see how little understanding such suffering generates in the hearts and minds of those most responsible for this catastrophe:
Self aggrandizement
I think that president Bush is a total failure - as a leader, as a follower of Christ, and as a human being. I view his life as the epitome of wasted potential.
How does one born with everything handed to them become so mean and hateful?
All the worlds major religions would answer it is because of a failure to develop love and compassion, which implies a self-centered outlook.
I'm not sure how a man with children manages that. He must be quite committed to selfish behavior.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Damocrats
Rep. William Jefferson tossed the democrats a hanging breaking ball and they swung and missed.
This corrupt representative took bribes in the amount of 100,000 dollars and stashed it in his freezer. The FBI filmed him accepting the extortion money (or pay-to-play money if you prefer).
The FBI then obtained a warrant and searched his office.
Unless you want to argue that Congress should be above the law, then there is no basis for opposing the actions of the FBI.
That doesn't stop Nancy Pelosi from joining Dennis Hastert in a fit of pique, though, in a bipartisan moment of utter ridiculousness:
Return of Jefferson Files Is Sought
Since I believe that Justice is the one word that can best describe the democratic party (when it is successful), it is easy to see that Nancy Pelosi is damaging democrats chances of winning influence in November. What she ought to do is cut ties and denounce Rep. Jefferson's activities, cut off his reelection funding, and personally see to it that a terrific candidate runs against him.
As to his race, the color at issue is green, not black. Mr Jefferson shamed his party and if anyone should be mad at him it is the Congressional Black Caucus (unless they want to take the ludicrous position that it is racist to prosecute a crook if he is black).
I think that ethical education in our schools is long overdue. It can be rationally-based and secular in nature and would help Americans distinguish good behavior from bad in times like these.
A man caught stealing from the public should not seek our apologies.
This corrupt representative took bribes in the amount of 100,000 dollars and stashed it in his freezer. The FBI filmed him accepting the extortion money (or pay-to-play money if you prefer).
The FBI then obtained a warrant and searched his office.
Unless you want to argue that Congress should be above the law, then there is no basis for opposing the actions of the FBI.
That doesn't stop Nancy Pelosi from joining Dennis Hastert in a fit of pique, though, in a bipartisan moment of utter ridiculousness:
Return of Jefferson Files Is Sought
Since I believe that Justice is the one word that can best describe the democratic party (when it is successful), it is easy to see that Nancy Pelosi is damaging democrats chances of winning influence in November. What she ought to do is cut ties and denounce Rep. Jefferson's activities, cut off his reelection funding, and personally see to it that a terrific candidate runs against him.
As to his race, the color at issue is green, not black. Mr Jefferson shamed his party and if anyone should be mad at him it is the Congressional Black Caucus (unless they want to take the ludicrous position that it is racist to prosecute a crook if he is black).
I think that ethical education in our schools is long overdue. It can be rationally-based and secular in nature and would help Americans distinguish good behavior from bad in times like these.
A man caught stealing from the public should not seek our apologies.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Vacation
I am going on vacation until May 22nd. I thought I'd
leave you with something crucial to know.
During the Cuban missile crisis the Ruskies sent us two letters. One was full of bravado for the Russian generals, and the other was a negotiating framework. President John F. Kennedy ignored the bravado and paid attention to the policy letter. The crisis ended without resorting to nuclear explosions.
The Iranians seem to have taken the same approach as the Russians by sending us two letters. President Bush, however, has all but ignored the policy letter and continues to excite the prospects of confrontation.
The fact of the policy letter remains, though, and I think it is important that Americans familiarize themselves with its' existence (if not its' contents). Hassan Rohani, representing Ayatollah Khameini (Iran's Supreme Leader), presented the policy letter to Time magazine:
Olive branch?
What I really want from president Bush is to go fish for fish in his stocked fish pond on his stocked ranch. He seems to enjoy that and it is, I think, where he belongs.
To consider for a moment that he holds the whole world in his hands is my idea of a world on fire (HELLFIRE specifically).
He´s got the the tiny little baby,
in his hands,
He´s got the the tiny little baby,
in his hands,
He´s got the whole world in his hands.
He´s got you and me, brother,
in his hands,
He´s got you and me, brother,
in his hands,
He´s got the whole world in his hands.
He's got ev'rybody here,
in his hands.
He's got ev'rybody here,
in his hands.
He´s got the whole world in his hands.
ADDENDUM: Iran's president says he is ready to negotiate Details here.
leave you with something crucial to know.
During the Cuban missile crisis the Ruskies sent us two letters. One was full of bravado for the Russian generals, and the other was a negotiating framework. President John F. Kennedy ignored the bravado and paid attention to the policy letter. The crisis ended without resorting to nuclear explosions.
The Iranians seem to have taken the same approach as the Russians by sending us two letters. President Bush, however, has all but ignored the policy letter and continues to excite the prospects of confrontation.
The fact of the policy letter remains, though, and I think it is important that Americans familiarize themselves with its' existence (if not its' contents). Hassan Rohani, representing Ayatollah Khameini (Iran's Supreme Leader), presented the policy letter to Time magazine:
Olive branch?
What I really want from president Bush is to go fish for fish in his stocked fish pond on his stocked ranch. He seems to enjoy that and it is, I think, where he belongs.
To consider for a moment that he holds the whole world in his hands is my idea of a world on fire (HELLFIRE specifically).
He´s got the the tiny little baby,
in his hands,
He´s got the the tiny little baby,
in his hands,
He´s got the whole world in his hands.
He´s got you and me, brother,
in his hands,
He´s got you and me, brother,
in his hands,
He´s got the whole world in his hands.
He's got ev'rybody here,
in his hands.
He's got ev'rybody here,
in his hands.
He´s got the whole world in his hands.
ADDENDUM: Iran's president says he is ready to negotiate Details here.
How low can he go?
I don't follow president Bush's poll numbers very closely because it is obvious that they don't matter. He isn't running again. If American opinion of him is low it is because of his bad policy decisions, and it is these misguided policies that need to be watched closely.
However the latest CBS/New York Times poll is Nixonian-low. Lower than I have ever seen. So low, I thought they should be illustrated by playing a game. On the left are categories. On the right are poll numbers. See if you can guess which numbers go with which categories. The answers are provided at the link below:
Answers Here
However the latest CBS/New York Times poll is Nixonian-low. Lower than I have ever seen. So low, I thought they should be illustrated by playing a game. On the left are categories. On the right are poll numbers. See if you can guess which numbers go with which categories. The answers are provided at the link below:
| Do you approve of the way George W. Bush is handling‚… | Approval Ratings |
| ‚…his job as president? | 13% |
| ‚…the economy? | 26% |
| ‚…the issue of immigration? | 27% |
| ‚…the campaign against terrorism? | 28% |
| ‚…the situation in | 29% |
| ‚…foreign policy? | 31% |
| ‚…the issue of gas prices? | 46% |
Answers Here
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Ode to Bush?
I Don't Want Your Millions, Mister
I don't want your millions, Mister,
I don't want your diamond ring,
All I want is the right to live, Mister,
Give me back my job again.
I don't want your Rolls-Royce, Mister,
I don't want your pleasure yacht,
All I want is food for my babies,
Give to me my old job back.
We worked to build this country, Mister,
While you enjoyed a life of ease,
You've stolen all that we built, Mister,
Now our children starve and freeze.
Think me dumb if you wish, Mister,
Call me green, or blue or red;
This one thing I sure know, Mister,
My hungry babies must be fed.
You'd think this song was written in 2006 for president George W. Bush. It is instead a folk song collected by Alan Lomax and published in "The Folk Songs of North America".
Perhaps I'll learn to play and sing it.
I don't want your millions, Mister,
I don't want your diamond ring,
All I want is the right to live, Mister,
Give me back my job again.
I don't want your Rolls-Royce, Mister,
I don't want your pleasure yacht,
All I want is food for my babies,
Give to me my old job back.
We worked to build this country, Mister,
While you enjoyed a life of ease,
You've stolen all that we built, Mister,
Now our children starve and freeze.
Think me dumb if you wish, Mister,
Call me green, or blue or red;
This one thing I sure know, Mister,
My hungry babies must be fed.
You'd think this song was written in 2006 for president George W. Bush. It is instead a folk song collected by Alan Lomax and published in "The Folk Songs of North America".
Perhaps I'll learn to play and sing it.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Goss gone
Porter Goss, a political appointee akin to Michael Brown, was driven out of the CIA.
There is much speculation that he was tied to the Watergate poker parties which disgraced "Duke" Cunningham.
Hookers, Poker, and Pioneers
Isn't it curious that one Bush appointment after another turns out to be corrupt, underqualified, or scandalous?
It makes me wonder if the president admires anyone that isn't robed in flaws.
There is much speculation that he was tied to the Watergate poker parties which disgraced "Duke" Cunningham.
Hookers, Poker, and Pioneers
Isn't it curious that one Bush appointment after another turns out to be corrupt, underqualified, or scandalous?
It makes me wonder if the president admires anyone that isn't robed in flaws.
Friday, May 05, 2006
This is America?
This is a very interesting video in and of itself, but there are many finer points which also attract my attention.
In the cookie jar
Ray McGovern is a CIA alumni of some 27 years and worked at a level high enough to provide briefings for George H.W. Bush.
In the video he confronts Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld with his own words and asks him, "Did you lie?"
As I said the video is interesting in and of itself.
What is also interesting, though, is how hostile the crowd is to Mr. McGovern. I find that inexcusable considering his service record.
Someone that has spent a lifetime defending America deserves, at minimum, courtesy and respect. I think that Donald Rumsfeld, to his credit, agrees and at one point seems to interrupt Ray's ejection (while he asks "This is America?").
Mr. Rumsfeld's respect doesn't seem to go so far as to answer Mr. McGovern's questions honestly, but I expect answering the question truthfully would make it easy to convict him as a war criminal.
What seems left hanging in the air is Donald Rumsfeld did say two things demonstrably false:
1. He knew where the weapons of mass destruction were located (near Tikrit).
2. There was bullet-proof evidence of an Iraq/Al Qaeda link.
What also seems to hang in the air is a room so partisan that what matters is not, "What is True?" but "What color are your politics?".
I also would like to compliment Keith Olbermann of MSNBC for fact-checking Ray's questions for the audience. I wish more so-called news broadcasts contained such context.
Facts matter, aye?
In the cookie jar
Ray McGovern is a CIA alumni of some 27 years and worked at a level high enough to provide briefings for George H.W. Bush.
In the video he confronts Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld with his own words and asks him, "Did you lie?"
As I said the video is interesting in and of itself.
What is also interesting, though, is how hostile the crowd is to Mr. McGovern. I find that inexcusable considering his service record.
Someone that has spent a lifetime defending America deserves, at minimum, courtesy and respect. I think that Donald Rumsfeld, to his credit, agrees and at one point seems to interrupt Ray's ejection (while he asks "This is America?").
Mr. Rumsfeld's respect doesn't seem to go so far as to answer Mr. McGovern's questions honestly, but I expect answering the question truthfully would make it easy to convict him as a war criminal.
What seems left hanging in the air is Donald Rumsfeld did say two things demonstrably false:
1. He knew where the weapons of mass destruction were located (near Tikrit).
2. There was bullet-proof evidence of an Iraq/Al Qaeda link.
What also seems to hang in the air is a room so partisan that what matters is not, "What is True?" but "What color are your politics?".
I also would like to compliment Keith Olbermann of MSNBC for fact-checking Ray's questions for the audience. I wish more so-called news broadcasts contained such context.
Facts matter, aye?
Thursday, May 04, 2006
The bouncing ball
Those that identify undercover agents are the most insidious of traitors.
- George H.W. Bush -
Iran, says president George W. Bush, is a member of the "axis of evil" and furthermore a grave and gathering threat to US interests.
However, one Karl Rove blew Valerie Plame's cover WHILE SHE WAS PART OF AN OPERATION TRACKING PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS INTO IRAN.
Karl Rove, of course, still maintains his job and George W. Bush's respect:
Valerie's work
Equally disturbing is the knowledge that the office of one Richard Cheney knew Plame's work was important to US national security interests:
Details Here
I have always wondered why everyone assumed Valerie had her cover blown to punish ambassador Joseph Wilson.
Is there a credible reason to assume that?
Could it be she had her cover blown because she knows a lot about Iran's nuclear program?
Was it, in other words, a preemptive strike against the Truth?
- George H.W. Bush -
Iran, says president George W. Bush, is a member of the "axis of evil" and furthermore a grave and gathering threat to US interests.
However, one Karl Rove blew Valerie Plame's cover WHILE SHE WAS PART OF AN OPERATION TRACKING PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS INTO IRAN.
Karl Rove, of course, still maintains his job and George W. Bush's respect:
Valerie's work
Equally disturbing is the knowledge that the office of one Richard Cheney knew Plame's work was important to US national security interests:
Details Here
I have always wondered why everyone assumed Valerie had her cover blown to punish ambassador Joseph Wilson.
Is there a credible reason to assume that?
Could it be she had her cover blown because she knows a lot about Iran's nuclear program?
Was it, in other words, a preemptive strike against the Truth?
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Colbert Clobbers
If you would like to watch Stephen Colbert humiliate president Bush as he sits mere feet from him, then click the link below:
Misery Accomplished
I can't help but wonder if those who invited Mr. Colbert to speak at the Whitehouse A.P. dinner did so accidentally or intentionally.
Misery Accomplished
I can't help but wonder if those who invited Mr. Colbert to speak at the Whitehouse A.P. dinner did so accidentally or intentionally.
Going in circles
President Bush seems like a character from a Greek fairytale to me. There was, for instance Narcissus, who was so captivated with his own reflection in a pool that he grew roots and became the flower by that name.
I think President Bush would fit right in as Centrifugal, the man that perpetually turns corners without ever realizing he's going in circles. Convinced his goal is just around the corner and just out of reach, and unable to change his mind, fate drives him around and around and around. Madness keeps him on course and the paranoia of losing ground refreshes his conviction.
Turning Another Corner in Iraq
I think President Bush would fit right in as Centrifugal, the man that perpetually turns corners without ever realizing he's going in circles. Convinced his goal is just around the corner and just out of reach, and unable to change his mind, fate drives him around and around and around. Madness keeps him on course and the paranoia of losing ground refreshes his conviction.
Turning Another Corner in Iraq
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
750 Reasons to Impeach
President Bush has quietly claimed the authority to disobey more than 750 laws enacted since he took office, asserting that he has the power to set aside any statute passed by Congress when it conflicts with his interpretation of the Constitution.
Charlie Savage of Boston Globe
Charlie Savage of Boston Globe
Monday, May 01, 2006
Voices from New York
One reason I like the internet and blogging is that when the mainstream media takes away, the internets giveth.
In New York this weekend hundreds of thousands turned out for anti-war protests (or at least anti-Iraq-war protests) and they were all but ignored by the network viewsmen.
Don't these marchers deserve to receive the coverage and attention of a Terry Schiavo melodrama or an Elian Gonzalez moment?
I, for one, would like to know what makes someone leave the comfort of their confines and chant slogans more than I would like to know about, say, the annual plight of shark attack victims.
Wouldn't you?
Thanks to the internets you can.
Give impeachment a chance
In New York this weekend hundreds of thousands turned out for anti-war protests (or at least anti-Iraq-war protests) and they were all but ignored by the network viewsmen.
Don't these marchers deserve to receive the coverage and attention of a Terry Schiavo melodrama or an Elian Gonzalez moment?
I, for one, would like to know what makes someone leave the comfort of their confines and chant slogans more than I would like to know about, say, the annual plight of shark attack victims.
Wouldn't you?
Thanks to the internets you can.
Give impeachment a chance
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