If you, like many people around the world, saw the Truth right, Bush left sign hanging on NY's Plaza Hotel you might be interested to know that the people which unfurled it have been charged with felony assault, reckless endangerment, and criminal trespass. If convicted they face 25 year jail sentences. If not convicted they must fight off a costly legal battle.
It seems to me that this was simply an act of citizens creatively petitioning their government for redress. But to John Ashcroft's justice department it is a crime so foul, so heinous that they should be placed in the criminal class of murderers, rapists, and bank robbers.
People should not be charged with felony at the drop of a hat, or the drop of a sign. This is just another good reason to evict the Bush administration in November. We need a president that interprets the Constitution literally and the Bible loosely instead of the other way around.
Read more here...
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Finally!
I have long felt that the most powerful attack against President Bush would be to highlight his abysmal record.
MoveOn has taken this approach one step farther by letting disgruntled Republicans talk about President Bush's record, and the result is some of the best ads I've seen. They are all the better, because:
1. There is no "scary" music which has become such a cliche.
2. There is no "scary" narrator, which has become such a cliche. I call it a refrigerator voice, because the moment I hear it that is where I go.
3. There is substance communicated directly. For instance, try viewing the ad called Lee Buttrill.
View or contribute to Real People Ads
Finally someone has created issue-oriented, plain-spoken, campaign ads for Kerry.
MoveOn has taken this approach one step farther by letting disgruntled Republicans talk about President Bush's record, and the result is some of the best ads I've seen. They are all the better, because:
1. There is no "scary" music which has become such a cliche.
2. There is no "scary" narrator, which has become such a cliche. I call it a refrigerator voice, because the moment I hear it that is where I go.
3. There is substance communicated directly. For instance, try viewing the ad called Lee Buttrill.
View or contribute to Real People Ads
Finally someone has created issue-oriented, plain-spoken, campaign ads for Kerry.
Monday, August 30, 2004
A breaking, important story
You may have heard that the FBI is investigating Israeli spy penetration at the office of Douglas Feith.
If you would like to know more about this breaking story, then read this:
Iran-Contra II?
If you would like to read an Israeli perspective on the story, then read this:
Bush or CIA leak?
Finally, here is Juan Cole's (a Middle East professor) opinion on the story:
Orgy of destruction
As you can see, this is no mere trifle of a case since it seems to involve treason at the second-tier levels of the Bush administration.
It looks increasingly likely to me that the Niger documents were birthed in this spy canal, since it involves all of the principals (i.e. Italy, Office of Special Plans, and Douglas Feith).
Keep your eye on this one. It's big.
ADDENDUM: Newsweek has more to add on this story. This is big, big, big, so watch, watch, watch:
And now, a Mole?
If you would like to know more about this breaking story, then read this:
Iran-Contra II?
If you would like to read an Israeli perspective on the story, then read this:
Bush or CIA leak?
Finally, here is Juan Cole's (a Middle East professor) opinion on the story:
Orgy of destruction
As you can see, this is no mere trifle of a case since it seems to involve treason at the second-tier levels of the Bush administration.
It looks increasingly likely to me that the Niger documents were birthed in this spy canal, since it involves all of the principals (i.e. Italy, Office of Special Plans, and Douglas Feith).
Keep your eye on this one. It's big.
ADDENDUM: Newsweek has more to add on this story. This is big, big, big, so watch, watch, watch:
And now, a Mole?
Democracy Corps
Democracy Corps, James Carville's outfit, crunches more poll numbers. Things continue to look bad for Bush and good for Kerry.
JFK! JFK!
How will Bush respond? Will it be gays and God and guns? Will the red-eyed extremists (his base) be muzzled for home audiences? What about the protestors? Is the news done covering them?
Could be a banner week in NY.
JFK! JFK!
How will Bush respond? Will it be gays and God and guns? Will the red-eyed extremists (his base) be muzzled for home audiences? What about the protestors? Is the news done covering them?
Could be a banner week in NY.
Sunday, August 29, 2004
New York Rocks and Rolls
Karl Rove should have known better than to host the RNC convention in New York City. Apparently, though, the temptation of wrapping Bush up in the blood of 911 and the flag was too great to pass up.
New Yorkers seem all too glad to take advantage of this mistake and are turned out in the hundreds of thousands to protest the policies of the Bush administration.
The AP has been publishing pictures. Take a look at the waves of people!
Manhattan ave flooded in river of bodies
There will probably be many posted here:
Top Stories Photos
Here is a link to a site dedicated to reporting on the protests:
NYC to RNC: Go F*ck yourselves
Bon Appetite
New Yorkers seem all too glad to take advantage of this mistake and are turned out in the hundreds of thousands to protest the policies of the Bush administration.
The AP has been publishing pictures. Take a look at the waves of people!
Manhattan ave flooded in river of bodies
There will probably be many posted here:
Top Stories Photos
Here is a link to a site dedicated to reporting on the protests:
NYC to RNC: Go F*ck yourselves
Bon Appetite
Happy talk vs reality
The happy talk:
U.S. President George W. Bush said on Saturday his tax cuts were working to lift growth. (Source...).
The reality:
Greenspan warns Social Security in trouble
Economy More sluggish than thought
3 consecutive years of poverty growth
This man is embarrassing.
U.S. President George W. Bush said on Saturday his tax cuts were working to lift growth. (Source...).
The reality:
Greenspan warns Social Security in trouble
Economy More sluggish than thought
3 consecutive years of poverty growth
This man is embarrassing.
Garrison Keillor blasts Bush.
Garrison Keillor has a few harsh words for the Bush administration.
We're Not in Lake Wobegon Anymore
I love "A Prarie Home Companion" and think we are so lucky to have it. I hang my head that Garrison has had his peace of mind interrupted by the machine men. It is with pride that I pick it back up and smile for the man who brought us the Ketchup Advisory Board and the Duct tape council.
Thank you Garrison.
We're Not in Lake Wobegon Anymore
I love "A Prarie Home Companion" and think we are so lucky to have it. I hang my head that Garrison has had his peace of mind interrupted by the machine men. It is with pride that I pick it back up and smile for the man who brought us the Ketchup Advisory Board and the Duct tape council.
Thank you Garrison.
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Iraq's 2004 death total already exceeds 2003's
In case you haven't noticed, more of our soldiers have already died in 2004 than in 2003 in Iraq. More have died in absolute terms (488 vs 482) and in relative terms (2.04 per day vs 1.68 per day).
If that's "turning the corner" we're on the road to hell.
Iraq Coalition Casualty Count
If that's "turning the corner" we're on the road to hell.
Iraq Coalition Casualty Count
Friday, August 27, 2004
New York Tramples Bill of Rights to Protect Grass
USA Today isn't exactly known for it's scathing critiques, but here the editors go after New York and Boston politicians for failing to honor "The right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances". They seem most upset that the first amendment would be trampled on to protect Central Park's grass.
New York Tramples Bill of Rights to Protect 'Grass
This stance is particularly offensive when 81% of New Yorkers support the protests:
81% say protect first amendment
There are a few psychos that would defend a green lawn with their lives (perhaps major-league ballpark groundskeepers), but I think they are a bit touched in the head. Many Americans have fought and died for the right to peacefully assemble, however, and the politicians of New York are trading liberty for a blade of grass. That sounds like a fools trade to me.
New York Tramples Bill of Rights to Protect 'Grass
This stance is particularly offensive when 81% of New Yorkers support the protests:
81% say protect first amendment
There are a few psychos that would defend a green lawn with their lives (perhaps major-league ballpark groundskeepers), but I think they are a bit touched in the head. Many Americans have fought and died for the right to peacefully assemble, however, and the politicians of New York are trading liberty for a blade of grass. That sounds like a fools trade to me.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Everything looks like a nail
George Bush, asked to denounce an over-the-top ad which slanders John Kerry's military service has instead attacked "all independent political ads".
That's rich talk coming from a man who was an early adopter of 527s (during the Florida election proceedings), has appeared in fund-raising literature for 527s with his wife, and has many influential friends and contributors on prominent Republican 527s.
Both Democrats and Republicans want Bush to denounce an over-the-top ad campaign which denigrates the service of a veteran. He is instead trying to attack MoveOn. Since John Kerry's campaign is now publicly financed (since he accepted his party's nomination), to eliminate 527s would be to leave him defenseless against Karl Rove's negative message. This is Bush's real goal.
Operation low road
When MoveOn put out an ad that highlighted Bush's service John Kerry stepped forward and denounced it immediately. That's what a real leader does. He stops the buck on his own desk.
That's rich talk coming from a man who was an early adopter of 527s (during the Florida election proceedings), has appeared in fund-raising literature for 527s with his wife, and has many influential friends and contributors on prominent Republican 527s.
Both Democrats and Republicans want Bush to denounce an over-the-top ad campaign which denigrates the service of a veteran. He is instead trying to attack MoveOn. Since John Kerry's campaign is now publicly financed (since he accepted his party's nomination), to eliminate 527s would be to leave him defenseless against Karl Rove's negative message. This is Bush's real goal.
Operation low road
When MoveOn put out an ad that highlighted Bush's service John Kerry stepped forward and denounced it immediately. That's what a real leader does. He stops the buck on his own desk.
Honoring the service of vets is non-partisan
McCain is back in town and plans to personally express his displeasure at President Bush for not going far enough in condemning the attacks of Veterans for Truth (a misnomer).
Republicans and Democrats alike find this type of attack unfit conduct in decent, honorable folk.
You go John!
Until Bush does satisfy McCain, the best way for Democrats to respond is with the truth. Here it is: John Kerry 3 purple hearts, a silver cross, and a bronze star. Dick Cheney: 5 consecutive draft deferments and "other priorities". George Bush: 3 cavities. Oh, and don't forget the 3 DUI's between Dick and George. Then, of course, there's the deficit and that little fiasco in Iraq.
Republicans and Democrats alike find this type of attack unfit conduct in decent, honorable folk.
You go John!
Until Bush does satisfy McCain, the best way for Democrats to respond is with the truth. Here it is: John Kerry 3 purple hearts, a silver cross, and a bronze star. Dick Cheney: 5 consecutive draft deferments and "other priorities". George Bush: 3 cavities. Oh, and don't forget the 3 DUI's between Dick and George. Then, of course, there's the deficit and that little fiasco in Iraq.
Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut, author of "Breakfast of Champions", "Slaughterhouse Five", and "Welcome to the Monkey House", has written many letters condemning the absurdity of George W. Bush and the occupation of Iraq.
Here is his latest, in which he draws comparisons between Bush and Hitler. The interesting thing to note is that Kurt Vonnegut was a POW in Dresden during WWII and he has seen Hitler's dark places first-hand.
My country 'tis of Librarian
Here is his latest, in which he draws comparisons between Bush and Hitler. The interesting thing to note is that Kurt Vonnegut was a POW in Dresden during WWII and he has seen Hitler's dark places first-hand.
My country 'tis of Librarian
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Happy Talk
President Bush's use of "happy-talk" is often demonstrably absurd. He'll say, "we're turning the corner on the economy", for instance, while our deficit is breaking records and the latest economic news on job creation is scary-bad.
Sometimes he goes so far he reminds me of Communist Russia. Remember how we used to laugh and laugh at the B.S. the Ruskies would tell their own people.
The news:
US army officials say it could take one to 10 years to crush the insurgency in Iraq: More...
The happy-talk:
President Bush portrayed the ongoing occupation of Iraq in optimistic terms Monday even as the U.S. death toll nears 1,000: Mission accomplished
I don't feel much like laughing now, though maybe the Ruskies are enjoying a good chortle.
Sometimes he goes so far he reminds me of Communist Russia. Remember how we used to laugh and laugh at the B.S. the Ruskies would tell their own people.
The news:
US army officials say it could take one to 10 years to crush the insurgency in Iraq: More...
The happy-talk:
President Bush portrayed the ongoing occupation of Iraq in optimistic terms Monday even as the U.S. death toll nears 1,000: Mission accomplished
I don't feel much like laughing now, though maybe the Ruskies are enjoying a good chortle.
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Our Vietnam.
William Rivers Pitt reminds us that the important war news is not what George W. Bush and John Kerry did 29 years ago. The important war news is that the following young men and women have died in August:
Read article here
When you put it that way, it's hard not to agree. It is understandable that Bush would want to change the subject. I'm not sure why John Kerry would want to do that.
Army Spc. Armando Hernandez, age 22; Army Spc. Anthony J. Dixon, age 20;Marine Cpl. Dean P. Pratt, age 22; Army Spc. Justin B. Onwordi, age 28; Marine Sgt. Juan Calderon Jr., age 26; Army Pfc. Harry N. Shondee, Jr., age 19; Marine Capt. Gregory A Ratzlaff, age 36; Army Sgt. Tommy L. Gray, age 34; Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph L. Nice, age 19; Marine Gunnery Sgt. Elia P. Fontecchio, age 30; Army Spc. Donald R. McCune, age 20; Marine Sgt. Moses D. Rocha, age 33; Army Pfc. Raymond J. Faulstich Jr., age 24; Marine Sgt. Yadir G. Reynoso, age 27; Marine Lance Cpl. Larry L. Wells, age 22; Army Spc. Joshua I. Bunch, age 23; Marine Cpl. Roberto Abad, age 22; Army Pfc. David L. Potter, age 22; Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan W. Collins, age 19; Army Capt. Andrew R. Houghton, age 25; Marine Lance Cpl. Tavon L. Hubbard, age 24; Marine Staff Sgt. John R. Howard, age 26; Army Capt. Michael Yury Tarlavsky, age 30; Marine Lance Cpl. Kane M. Funke, age 20; Marine Lance Cpl. Nicholas B. Morrison, age 23; Army 1st Lt. Neil Anthony Santoriello, age 24; Marine Corps Pfc. Geoffrey Perez, age 24; Marine Corps Pfc. Fernando B. Hannon, age 19; Army Spc. Mark Anthony Zapata, age 27; Army 2nd Lt. James Michael Goins, age 23; Army Sgt. Daniel Michael Shepherd, age 23; Army Pfc. Brandon R. Sapp, age 21; Army Sgt. David M. Heath, age 30; Army Spc. Brandon T. Titus, age 20; Marine Lance Cpl. Caleb J. Powers, age 21; Army Spc. Jacob D. Martir, age 21; Marine Sgt. Harvey E. Parkerson III, age 27; Marine Lance Cpl. Dustin R. Fitzgerald, age 22; Army Pfc. Henry C. Risner, age 26; Pfc. Kevin A. Cuming, age 22; 1st Lt. Charles L. Wilkins III, age 38; Pfc. Ryan A. Martin, age 22.
Read article here
When you put it that way, it's hard not to agree. It is understandable that Bush would want to change the subject. I'm not sure why John Kerry would want to do that.
Monday, August 23, 2004
America can do better
It was George Bush's attacks on John McCain's military record that first tipped me off to W's lack of sincerity when he proposed restoring honor and dignity to the Whitehouse.
I remember the moment John McCain told George Bush he ought to be ashamed of himself and so does the campaign of John Kerry. Here is their latest ad which features the memorable scene:
Old Tricks
Nobody should get away with disparaging the service of Veterans, especially the commander in chief, and especially during time of war.
We have a president without shame or honor. I cannot wait to cast my vote against him. In fact I consider it my duty as an American.
ADDENDUM: Apparently he does have shame, see Good for you George. I shall have to adjust my opinion of him upwards and am glad of the chance to do so.
I remember the moment John McCain told George Bush he ought to be ashamed of himself and so does the campaign of John Kerry. Here is their latest ad which features the memorable scene:
Old Tricks
Nobody should get away with disparaging the service of Veterans, especially the commander in chief, and especially during time of war.
We have a president without shame or honor. I cannot wait to cast my vote against him. In fact I consider it my duty as an American.
ADDENDUM: Apparently he does have shame, see Good for you George. I shall have to adjust my opinion of him upwards and am glad of the chance to do so.
It's official. We now have Saddam-style "minders".
Was Saddam a monster for the things he did or for his poor choice of haircut?
If Saddam was a monster for the things he did, then why should we mimic his behavior in America?
FBI Launches Nationwide Surveillance Of Activists Ahead of GOP Convention
If Saddam, however, was a monster for his poor choice of haircut then I suppose there is no danger on that front. George Bush's haircut looks nothing like Saddams. Nothing.
If Saddam was a monster for the things he did, then why should we mimic his behavior in America?
FBI Launches Nationwide Surveillance Of Activists Ahead of GOP Convention
If Saddam, however, was a monster for his poor choice of haircut then I suppose there is no danger on that front. George Bush's haircut looks nothing like Saddams. Nothing.
Saturday, August 21, 2004
George Bush's America
Ted Kennedy.
The Ted Kennedy.
The Senator from Massachusettes.
Has been blocked from flying 5 times between March 1 and April 6.
Apparently his name was similar to those of terrorists and our sharp-eyed boys wouldn't let him fly, wouldn't tell him why, and left him with no recourse to get his ticket. Republicans might think this is funny. May each of your mothers be subjected to the same treatment.
Here's the full story:
Homeland SS agents are out of control
The Ted Kennedy.
The Senator from Massachusettes.
Has been blocked from flying 5 times between March 1 and April 6.
Apparently his name was similar to those of terrorists and our sharp-eyed boys wouldn't let him fly, wouldn't tell him why, and left him with no recourse to get his ticket. Republicans might think this is funny. May each of your mothers be subjected to the same treatment.
Here's the full story:
Homeland SS agents are out of control
Friday, August 20, 2004
Letterman bites back
I love this story because it sounds so much like a parable.
David Letterman found this video clip of a tired child of some rich Republican investing in the Bush candidacy. He's just a kid and he didn't care a whit for Bush's long speech:
Bush Invigorates America's Youth
It is amusing and it would have ended at that if the Whitehouse hadn't done a very stupid thing. They called CNN and said that the Letterman show had edited the kid into the video. CNN then did a stupid thing and dutifully reported that without checking with Letterman. So, Letterman got pissed and told CNN to correct themselves. Then, the Whitehouse did a stupid thing and said the child wasn't standing in that spot but had been edited there. CNN, how embarrasing, dutifully reported that new story without checking with Letterman.
Not surprisingly, Letterman was doubly PO'd after the second round of lying and decided to take aim at the Bush Whitehouse on-air. Here is the result:
Letterman defends himself
The moral of this particular parable is..."Two wrongs don't make a right."
I like the way Letterman got back at CNN and Bush. All he did was state the facts.
David Letterman found this video clip of a tired child of some rich Republican investing in the Bush candidacy. He's just a kid and he didn't care a whit for Bush's long speech:
Bush Invigorates America's Youth
It is amusing and it would have ended at that if the Whitehouse hadn't done a very stupid thing. They called CNN and said that the Letterman show had edited the kid into the video. CNN then did a stupid thing and dutifully reported that without checking with Letterman. So, Letterman got pissed and told CNN to correct themselves. Then, the Whitehouse did a stupid thing and said the child wasn't standing in that spot but had been edited there. CNN, how embarrasing, dutifully reported that new story without checking with Letterman.
Not surprisingly, Letterman was doubly PO'd after the second round of lying and decided to take aim at the Bush Whitehouse on-air. Here is the result:
Letterman defends himself
The moral of this particular parable is..."Two wrongs don't make a right."
I like the way Letterman got back at CNN and Bush. All he did was state the facts.
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