We've passed the tipping point on global warming -- and bush sits on his arse. We've passed the tipping point on the chances of real success in Iraq -- and bush sits on his arse. We're reaching the tipping point on a dictatorship in the U.S. -- and bush sits on his arse.

I won't be here 50 years from now, but I see you winning the bet, David.

OK that was wierd.^^^^^

Divers nine hundred years from now will find the submerged remains of our failed civilization and marvel at our stupidity.

Please, David, if you can't expand into soemthing more serious, then sticks to Bush lied about everything and stay out of betting Bush is responsible for `failure to address global warming'. I owuld be happy to bet you for much more than $100; email me! But you might live another 50 while I have doubts about my hitting the century mark.

Mankind probably has accelerated whatever natural global warming that would have occurred anyway. But, I sometime forget that in the Left's and Environmental cuckoos' mind, all of mankind's current and past enviro problems were/are/will be caused by us arrogant Americans; and Bush in particular, even half-a-century from now.

Oh yes, Corky, that was weird. No response necessary. Now wasn't it the Antartic they wanted for more oil drilling? Haven't the scientists, you know, the real ones, been warning us for years about this? Here it is folks.

Yes Happy, mankind is to blame. But wasn't it all the other industrialized countries who went to Kyoto to try to tame our incessant ruination of the environment? And wasn't it Bush who completely ignored these plaintive calls?

Yes Happy, mankind is to blame. But wasn't it all the other industrialized countries who went to Kyoto to try to tame our incessant ruination of the environment? And wasn't it Bush who completely ignored these plaintive calls?

This Is Bush's Only Legacy Left

Will that too end in disaster?

Yes Happy, mankind is to blame. But wasn't it all the other industrialized countries who went to Kyoto to try to tame our incessant ruination of the environment? And wasn't it Bush who completely ignored these plaintive calls?

Sorry for that multiple post. My computer's fussing up.

This Is Bush's Only Legacy Left

Will that too end in disaster? Sorry, about the previous link!

Bush has attractive daughters but I wonder if they possess the characteristics of nurturing and sensitivity? Or, are they like their father, a spoiled brat?

As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron." - H.L. Mencken

This Is Probably Bush's True Legacy

"Mankind probably has accelerated whatever natural global warming that would have occurred anyway."

Yea, probably just accelerated natural global warming. That's the ticket. Hot air, right?

Yea, probably... yea.

This Is Another Legacy for the People to Remember Bush

David, how can I bet on something that will be 50 years down the road? Every day that my name is absent from the obituary page is another one of God's miracles for me.

Jeanne,

Spanky DOES have a digital camera, but hasn't so far been able to send any back. They've been warned (threatened) about taking/sending pictures of bodies, war-damage and images "detrimental to the integrity of the mission" whatever the hell that means.

I'm hoping he'll send them on discs, instead of trying to e-mail them. His calls to his mother are so very brief, but since he's been back from Baghdad, he's certainly more upbeat.

If he give me permission, I'll forward some og them. He said most of the pics he's taken are pretty much like Karl had taken, almost 3 years ago, now.

Supposedly, he's getting leave to come home for his SgtKarl's wedding, in June. I'll believe it when I see it.
-T

It amazes me how the Reich-wing so conveniently forgot the "war on Xmas" that O'Reilly and all the limbaughnistas were so recently railing against!!! *Happy Holidays* IS FAR MORE OFFENSIVE than mocking the founder of a religion.

Thank you once again Mr. Corn,
It seems that nothing can provoke more shrill hysteria among the ideological beserkers on the right than solid, scientific evidence.

God willing! I hope that this is my legacy!

The Formula

I am giving you a formula that I believe will bring about justice and peace. Actually, God has given me these ideas directly for a better world. You can accept what I say through Divine Providence or reject what I say. We are all given a free choice. The decision is yours alone.

1. Shalom translated means peace but it is more than peace. Shalom is God's vision of the world. It is God's dream that Shalom comes only to the inclusive embracing community that excludes no one.
2. In each of us there is a Jesus and a Hitler. We should always strive to bring out the Jesus in us.
3. Love is wanting the best for another person or persons.
4. Try to emulate Mother Teresa who saw in each human being the face of Jesus.
5. War is outmoded; no normal person chooses war over peace.
6. From James in the New Testament, Faith without deeds is worth nothing.
7. Practice your faith that believes in the true God. God wants us to love one another.
8. Read the Bible because it is God's love letter to us.
9. Read Mattie Stepanek's books on Heartsongs.
10. John Kerry says that it is not important for God to be on our side, what is important are we on God's side?
11. Read Matthew 25:31-46! When you do it to the least of my brethren, you do it for me.
12. Read Matthew 5:1-12! The beatitudes!
13. Read Luke 10:25-37! Who is my neighbor?
14. Read Luke 12:13-21! These verses warn us against greed.
15. Be aware of the Just War Theory! Are we in imminent danger?
16. Practice being a Conscientious Objector!
17. St. Ambrose says, "I shall pass this way but once, any good that I can do let me do it now, because I shall not pass this way again."
18. Totus Tuus means all yours. We are all God's children.
19. Paul Wellstone says that politics is not about power. Politics is not only about money. Politics is not about winning for the sake of winning. Politics is about the improvement of people's lives. It is about advancing the cause of peace and justice in our country and in the world. Politics is about doing well for people.
20. Mr. Bourn who built the Filoli Home and Gardens that is south of San Francisco says that we must fight for a just cause; we must love our fellow man; and we must live a good life.
21. When we recite the Lord's Prayer, we are acknowledging that God is the Father and we are all brothers and sisters.
22. The Cross is a sign of contradiction. It is not about death and hatred; it is about life and love.
23. St. Irenaeus says, "The glory of God is man fully alive." Man can only be fully alive when he loves God with his whole mind, body, and soul. And, when he loves his neighbor, as he loves himself.

Many persons will have and will offer various formulas for justice and peace. The end result will center on whether or not we have love and mercy in our hearts. Justice and peace can never move forward unless we have a conversion of the heart.

Leo Buscaglia reminds us that the heart sees what the eyes fail to see. In life we may be called upon to see with our hearts. Our hearts must be filled with love and mercy.

The moral demise of a nation precedes the ultimate demise of a nation. America is in a state of moral demise because Americans do not believe in God. They have chosen the antichrist of money, nuclear weapons, and the words of Bush.

Interesting NOVA the other night about the exploration of the "Northwest Passage". The most aggressive attempts were thwarted by an unnusual decade of cold. (in the 1870s?) Such conditions didn't permit the ice-pack to melt and trapped dir John Franklin and over 100 men and 2 large, reinforced warships in pack ice for at least 3 years. None of the men returned, but some are said to have been sighted on land, heading south, as long as 5 years later!

The following decades were much warmer and allowed a fan of Franklin, Roald Amundsen, to finally thread his way along the northern Canadian coast with a much smaller vessel and a much greater appreciation for the Native People there.

There's an interesting take on what continued polar melting could do for shipping and the effect that it might have on the innuit, who've already moved from a nomadic lifestyle to one of static villages that have to be supplied by air.

I was just having a conversation about weather and the effects of water on our lives. We find fossils of shoreline creatures, even at these elevations all the time. Nothing for man to do to hold back the water!

Think of how much time it could take off a coast-to-coast drive, though!

-T

Sorry about the spelling errors...been huffing chainsaw fumes all day!

-T

Watched the show.
Tom Friedman - ick. What a ...oh why bother.

Ok, the levee thing. When a levee can be topped there is always the danger of it breaching. All it takes is one weak spot. No loophole, sorry. Bush is still an incompetent middle manager type.

Ahhhhh...hmmm oh yeah Ann Coulter. Next time you're going to talk about her discuss her big adams apple.

Please forgive me! After I sent this prayer to Coulter, she just got worse. I probably sent the prayer to her about two years ago.

I said a prayer

I said a prayer for you today and I know God must have heard
I felt the answer in my heart, although He spoke no word!
I didn't ask for wealth or fame I knew you wouldn't mind
I asked Him to send treasures of a far more lasting kind!
I asked that He'd be near you at the start of each new day to
Grant you health and blessings and friends to share your way!
I asked for happiness for you in all things great and small
But it was for His loving care I prayed the most of all!

The Big Question
By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
NYT 3/3/6

"A majority of Americans, in a gut way, always understood the value of trying to produce a democratizing government in the heart of the Arab-Muslim world.

Is he saying the US is 51% neo-cons?

"That is why there has been no big antiwar movement.

I gues that depends on your definition of "big." Let's go to the polls.

"Americans should, and will, stick with Iraq if they sense that Iraqis are on a pathway to building a decent, stable government."

What planet are you living on Thom Freidman? Busty this was my favorite in the category called Neo-con blame game:

"because of President Bush's decision to approach the Iraq invasion with the Rumsfeld Doctrine, which calls for just enough troops to fail, rather than the proven Powell Doctrine, which calls for overwhelming force to win.

See? Bush chose the wrong horse. Too bad. Otherwise, we would have won. Oh well.

I have so far refrained from commenting on the global warming debate mainly because I am far from convinced that it is an imminent disaster. I have been reading tons of data from both camps, one thing I have found is that it is very difficult to get research results from anyone who isn't funded by one side or the other. This is a hot button issue just like abortion, it generates billions of dollars in funds and has reached nearly religious proportions, all based on very partisan politics. Someone above mentioned solid science, but most of what I have found is based on emotional dogma. For every conclusion for global warming there is one against. I know I am committing heresy by saying this, but I can't jump on a bandwagon without more evidence, and what I have seen so far is not very convincing. I am certain that humans are seriously harming various ecological systems, such as strip mining and dumping toxic pollutants into the oceans, decimating both temperate and tropical rainforests, polluting air and fresh water supplies, indiscriminate dumping of hazardous wastes, poisoning the soil of food crops, and many other crimes against nature, but whether any of this contributes to global warming is still being hotly debated. I will reserve my conclusion on this topic, so hammer me if you must.

Thats ok Sal. You can sit on the fence until you've made up your mind.

O'Reilly, I'm not sitting on the fence. That would be someone who doesn't do any research at all and couldn't care less, and that is certainly not me!

Saladin's an EnviroWitch! BURN HER!!!

No! Can't burn her...bad for the OZONE! Throw her in the water...if she sinks to the bottom, then she's NOT a witch!

-T

It's funny, but that is just the sort of comment I expect, not, "well gee Sal, what makes you doubtful?" Oh well.

I hear she has a personal vendetta against CRABGRASS! She HATES nature!

There's a lot, especially regarding the natural heating/cooling cycles that this rock seems to go through, of interesting research, both ways.

Hajji, you know how I LOVE to stir things up!! I also love intelligent debate, which is why I look at both sides. I learn a lot that way.

No more crab grass wars, there's no lawn at our new place! I only put my heart and soul into gardening for the joy I get in watching it wither at the end of the year, I am so EVIL!!

It was an interesting moment during the above mentioned NOVA when the climatologists realized that ice core samples, from the Decade of the Franklin expedition for the Northwest Passage, didn't show the tell-tale layering that occurs from the natural thaw/freezing cycles of the arctic year.

He mentioned that it reminded him of the early 1970s, a particularly cold era. I remember taking a dare to walk out on the frozen Ohio River...Stupid, I know, but....

Regardless, nobody in their right mind can argue that the continued pollution of planet earth is in any way BENEFICIAL to our continued existance.

I know for a fact that Saladin stands on the side of Gaia when it comes to respect for life on the planet. (crabgrass, excluded, of course!)

-t

-T

31 No, let's build a bridge out of her. BTW, I am told smoking dried cannabis flowers is much more gratifying than huffing chainsaw fuel. Paint, glue and paint sniffing all very redneck trailer trash. Best to avoid it. Bad form, you know.

My cousin said to me one time that we came in at the right time and we are leaving at the right time. I won't be around long enough to know how global warming will effect the world and me.

I hope that heaven is like San Diego's weather and not highs in the 2,000 degree or 20,000 degree range. Those highs would be more indicative of hell.

Today I'm dancing around the compound! My crabgrass, dandelions and bunches of stuff that have been through Pabla's digestive system are sprouting and THRIVING!! The blackberry vines are already shredding my shins as I venture out into the pastures.

If only it can spread over the bare places before the spring deluges. Thanks to our pre-christmas Ice storm, we've got another quarter-acre of grazing/browsing pasture for the hooved ones. It has reached almost 80degrees here the past 3 days, been sleeping with the windows open with nighttime lows in the 50's.

The bulbs have sprouted bright green and have grown to about 6" already. (that is, the ones the goats haven't...uhm...pilfered.

The bradford pears are blooming house-sized cotton balls throughout the woods. The dogwoods are puffing up their buds, expectantly. The dogs, goats and ESPECIALLY the donkey have been rollin' and rasslin', butting heads and kicking up their hooves. It is funny to watch how the dogs have learned to posture as though they're gonna butt heads with the goats. They also pretend to be grazing and they all lay down together, in the sun until something like a branch falling from the trees (LOTS of broken brances...I need a helmet to go from a walk) sets them off to investigate.

I'm not calling an official end to winter, just yet, but I've gotta say...WOW!

-T

"I hope that heaven is like San Diego's weather and not highs in the 2,000 degree or 20,000 degree range. Those highs would be more indicative of hell."

Like Mark Twain said, "heaven for climate, but hell for society."

Saladin,

Sounds like you’ve done more research on Global Warming than I. But it seems to me the only scientists that deny greenhouse gasses contribute are those bought and paid for by fossil fuel related interests. Whose paying of the proponents, conservationists? What exactly do they have to gain?

#40
If we got 3 days in the 80's in MN we'd call it summer.

Republican senator says Dubai port deal broke the law

Government officials broke the law when they agreed to let a United Arab Emirates-owned company operate terminals at major American ports without doing a more extended review of the national security implications, U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby told the Birmingham (Alabama) News in Friday editions. (Excerpted here because page is information restricted).

"It's my interpretation that the Byrd Amendment is pretty clear, that if you look at the legislative history, they certainly didn't follow the law that I thought they should have," Shelby, R-Ala., said in an interview after a congressional hearing on the Dubai Ports World deal. He referred to the 1992 law that requires extra national security review of some foreign investments.

Shelby and others are planning legislation to tighten the government's review of major foreign investments in the United States by giving Congress more notice of the transactions before they are complete.
--------------------
Wow, it almost sounds like a working congress.

GOP growing increasingly angry, frightened by Bush's missteps

President Bush, once the seemingly invincible vanguard of a new Republican majority, could be endangering his party's hold on power as the GOP heads into this year's midterm congressional elections.

A series of political missteps has raised questions about the Bush administration's candor, competence and credibility and left the White House off-balance, off-message and unable to command either the nation's policy agenda or its politics the way the president did during his first term.

This week, newly released video of Bush listening passively to warnings about the dire threat posed by Hurricane Katrina and a report that intelligence analysts warned for more than two years that the insurgency in Iraq could swell into a civil war provided fresh fodder for charges that the president ignores unwelcome alarms.

His attacks on those who questioned his administration's approval of a seaports deal with the United Arab Emirates and his ill-fated nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court have angered some conservatives and Republican members of Congress.

And even some Bush supporters remain anxious about the economy, the federal deficit, the war in Iraq and the extent of the administration's warrantless wiretapping.

"The White House has been taking it on the chin lately, and the reverberations are being felt throughout the GOP," Republican blogger Bobby Eberle wrote this week. "From the Harriet Miers nomination to the Dubai Ports and more, the folks in charge of message strategy appear to be asleep at the wheel."
Said Republican pollster Ed Goeas: "If this environment holds, you have to assume it's going to tip for the Democrats."

....When conservatives challenged the ports deal, for example, Bush threatened to veto any legislation blocking it, then all but accused his critics of racism for opposing an Arab company.

"I've been helpful out here on the campaign trail, backing the president on eavesdropping, defending them on Iraq and Social Security, and then you have this thrown on your lap without any consideration," said Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla. "Then the threat of a veto, that really took my breath away."

"I didn't think his choice of words there was really good," said Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss. "And I thought his veto threat was untimely and inappropriate."

"It certainly is the perfect storm of aggravating or provoking congressional egos and the president getting his back up and saying the least diplomatic thing he could have said," said Michael Franc, a former Republican aide in Congress who's now a scholar at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative research center in Washington.

Moreover, Bush's remarks reminded conservatives of the fact that the White House accused them of sexism when they challenged the Miers nomination. They didn't like that, either.

...Democratic pollster Stan Greenberg found that the ranks of Republicans who say they strongly approve of Bush's job performance had dropped by 15 percentage points. Similarly, strong approval from conservatives dropped by 14 points, and approval from white married men dropped by 14 points.

"Our analysis," Greenberg said, "shows a sharp slippage among white rural voters and blue-collar men as well as the best educated and upscale married men, even before the last controversies around port security and the Iraq `civil war.'"
---------------
It took Rep Foley's breath away when the work veto was used. Oh my. Imagine the American public's reaction to the energy bill and the bankruptcy bill and the tax cuts for the rich and the patriot act and the no bid contracts and on and on and on.

Do the men's one first. LOL

Orgasmic Simulator

National Archives halts reclassification of documents

After complaints from historians, the National Archives on Thursday directed intelligence agencies to stop removing previously declassified historical documents from public access and urged them to return to the shelves as quickly as possible many of the records they had already pulled, the New York Times reports Friday.

Allen Weinstein, the nation's chief archivist, announced what he called a "moratorium" on reclassification of documents until an audit can be completed to determine which records should be secret.

A group of historians recently found that decades-old documents that they had photocopied years ago and that appeared to have little sensitivity had disappeared from the open files. They learned that in a program operated in secrecy since 1999, intelligence and defense agencies had removed more than 55,000 pages that agency officials believed had been wrongly declassified.

Weinstein, who became archivist of the United States a year ago, said he knew "precious little" about the seven-year-old reclassification program before it was disclosed in The New York Times on Feb. 21.

He said he did not want to prejudge the results of the audit being conducted by the archives' Information Security Oversight Office, which oversees classification. But he said the archives' goal is to make sure government records that can safely be released are available. The audit was ordered by J. William Leonard, head of the oversight office, after he met with historians on Jan. 27.

"The idea is to let people get on with their research and not reclassify documents unless it's absolutely necessary," said Weinstein, who in the mid-1970s successfully sued the FBI to obtain records he used for his book about Alger Hiss, the State Department official found to be a Soviet spy.

fuck ann coulter

Wow! 36 whole cubic miles! Geez, I need my calculator ... - surface area of earth is 4 * pi * radius squared - radius is 4000 mi., so surface area is 200,960,000 sq.mi. - 36 cubic miles spread out over that area leaves .000000179 cu.mi. for each sq.mi. of surface area, or .011 inches. Huh? All that over an 88th of an inch? So the alarm bells that are sounding on this particular factoid are way out of line. SOMEONE here should have done this math before me. And if you think you're going to excoriate me for having my head-in-the-sand (-ocean?), I actually do believe man is causing global warming. This little factoid, however, does nothing to advance the argument. Let it have it's 15 minutes and move on.

Calculations say that if all the land ice melts, excepting ice trays, the oceans will rise 270 ft!!. That might take a millenium or less.

Almost as soon as the Kyoto Protocol on global warming came into effect on February 15, Kashmir suffered the highest snowfall in three decades with over 150 killed, and Mumbai recorded the lowest temperature in 40 years. Had temperatures been the highest for decades, newspapers would have declared this was proof of global warming. But whenever temperatures drop, the press keeps quiet.

Things were different in 1940-70, when there was global cooling. Every cold winter then was hailed as proof of a coming new Ice Age. But the moment cooling was replaced by warming, a new disaster in the opposite direction was proclaimed.

A recent Washington Post article gave this scientist's quote from 1972. "We simply cannot afford to gamble. We cannot risk inaction. The scientists who disagree are acting irresponsibly. The indications that our climate can soon change for the worse are too strong to be reasonably ignored." The warning was not about global warming (which was not happening): it was about global cooling!

In the media, disaster is news, and its absence is not. This principle has been exploited so skillfully by ecological scare-mongers that it is now regarded as politically incorrect, even unscientific, to denounce global warming hysteria as unproven speculation.

Meteorologists are a standing joke for getting predictions wrong even a few days ahead. The same jokers are being taken seriously when they use computer models to predict the weather 100 years hence.

The models have not been tested for reliability over 100 years, or even 20 years. Different models yield variations in warming of 400%, which means they are statistically meaningless.

Wassily Leontief, Nobel prize winner for modeling, said this about the limits of models. "We move from more or less plausible but really arbitrary assumptions, to elegantly demonstrated but irrelevant conclusions." Exactly. Assume continued warming as in the last three decades, and you get a warming disaster. Assume more episodes of global cooling, and you get a cooling disaster.

In his latest best seller State of Fear, Michael Crichton does a devastating expose of the way ecological groups have tweaked data and facts to create mass hysteria. He points out that we know astonishingly little about the environment. All sides make exaggerated claims.

We know that atmospheric carbon is increasing. We are also in the midst of a natural warming trend that started in 1850 at the end of what is called the Little Ice Age. It is scientifically impossible to prove whether the subsequent warming is natural or man-made.
India Times
SWAMINOMICS/SWAMINATHAN S ANKLESARIA AIYAR

Feingold on Patriot Act: "The Fight Is Not Over"

Mr. President, in a few minutes, the Senate will conclude a process that began over a year ago by reauthorizing the Patriot Act. I will have a few closing remarks but first I want to take this opportunity to thank the extraordinary staff who have worked on this bill for so long. These men and women, on both sides of the aisle, have worked extremely hard and they deserve to be recognized. I ask unanimous consent that a list of their names be printed in the Record after my remarks.

Mr. President, beginning in November when we first saw a draft of the conference report, I have spoken at length about the substance of this bill. I hoped that when we started the task of reauthorizing the Patriot Act at the beginning of last year, the end product would be something that the whole Senate could support. We had a real chance to pass a bill that would both reauthorize the tools to prevent terrorism and fix the provisions that threaten the rights and freedoms of innocent Americans. This conference report, even as amended by the bill incorporating the White House deal that we passed yesterday, falls well short of that goal. I will vote no.

Protecting the country from terrorism while also protecting our rights is a challenge for every one of us, particularly in the current political climate, and it is a challenge we all take seriously. I know that many Senators who will vote for this reauthorization bill in a few minutes would have preferred to enact the bill we passed without a single objection in July of last year. I appreciate that so many of my colleagues came to recognize the need to take the opportunity presented by the sunset provisions included in the original Patriot Act to make changes that would better protect civil liberties than did the law we enacted in haste in October 2001.

Nevertheless, I am deeply disappointed that we have largely wasted this opportunity to fix the obvious problems with the Patriot Act.

The reason I spent so much time in the past few days talking about how the public views the Patriot Act was to make it clear that this fight was not about one Senator arguing the details of the law. This fight was about trying to restore the public's trust in our government. That trust has been severely shaken as the public learned more about the Patriot Act, which was passed with so little debate in 2001, and as the administration resisted congressional oversight efforts and repeatedly politicized the reauthorization process. The revelations about secret warrantless surveillance late last year only confirmed the suspicions of many in our country that the government is willing to trample the rule of law and constitutional guarantees in the fight against terrorism.

The negative reaction to the Patriot Act has been overwhelming. Over 400 state and local government bodies passed resolutions pleading with Congress to change the law. Citizens have signed petitions, library associations and campus groups have organized to petition the Congress to act, numerous editorials have been written urging Congress not to reauthorize the law without adequate protections for civil liberties. These things occurred because Americans across the country recognize that the Patriot Act includes provisions that pose a threat to their privacy and liberty -- values that are at the very core of what this country represents, of who we are as a people.

In 2001, we were viciously attacked by terrorists who care nothing for American freedoms and American values. And we as a people came together to fight back, and we are prepared to make great sacrifices to defeat those who would destroy us. But what we will not do, what we cannot do, is destroy our own freedoms in the process.

Without freedom, we are not America. If we don't preserve our liberties, we cannot win this war, no matter how many terrorists we capture or kill.

That is why the several Senators who have said at one time or another during this debate things like, "Civil liberties do not mean much when you are dead" are wrong about America at the most basic level. They do not understand what this country is all about. Theirs is a vision that the founders of this nation, who risked everything for freedom, would categorically reject. And so do the American people.

Americans want to defeat terrorism, and they want the basic character of this country to survive and prosper. They want to empower the government to protect the nation from terrorists, and they want protections against government overreaching and overreacting. They know it might not be easy, but they expect the Congress to figure out how to do it. They don't want defeatism on either score. They want both security and liberty, and unless we give them both -and we can, if we try -we have failed.

This fight is not over Mr. President. The vote today will not assuage the deep and legitimate concerns that the public has about the Patriot Act. I am convinced that in the end, the government will respond to the people, as it should. We will defeat the terrorists, and we will preserve the freedom and liberty that make this the greatest country on the face of the earth.

I yield the floor.

[SPLORP]

Don't mind me, just checking out scenery. And, no, that's not peanut butter on my lips. OK, that's enough...time to go back in!

[SPLORP]

Global warming is having a real affect on the gulf states. The gulf has warmed and the hurricanes that enter it become stronger and last longer. They build while in the gulf. If I lived in the gulf states I'd believe in global warming.

The state owned bank of the UAE probably has a secret account under the name of George Bunnypants Mcflightsuit. I cannot beleive he knew nothing prior to the approval especially with the Coast Guard and DHS questioning. It is a ruse so people don't go looking for his secret cookie jar.

Hajji,

I got the best chuckle the other day picturing you being pulled over hill and over dell by your amorous donkey. I'm just glad you weren't seriously hurt. Send some of that warm weather up your hometown way, howboutit!

As computing power has increased so has the accuracy or computer models in all areas including weather modeling.

To compare predictions (modeling) today to predictions in the '70's is like comparing a 1970 model car with a new one. A world of difference. In 1970 we did not even use computers in cars. No PC's, no cell phones, no not even a glimmer of an Internet.

It is like saying Doppler radar is just a hunch when it shows a storm or tornado coming.

Get an education, then get a life.

Jeanne,
Hurricanes in the Gulf are not becoming stronger. Again, poor modeling. The current models showing stronger current hurricanes now than before stopped with the hurricanes of the 1960's.

If you go back to include the hurricanes of the 30's, 40's and 50's, you will see that all hurricanes then - the means, medians, modes and five standard deviations out, were all stronger then than now.

And, of course, the natural disaster that, to this day, is the greatest taker of American lives is the 1900 storm that hit Galveston, TX.

Nerdboy,

I am familiar with the hurricane models of both the 70's and the current ones. Please inform me which models were being used in the 70's versus the ones being used today, and why the ones today are superior.

Actually, sophisticated computer modeling was being performed in the 60's and 70's on IBM 360's and 370's. It took an entire office floor to do what can be done on a laptop today, but the tools - various types of regression analyses, multivariate statistical enhancements and Monte Carlo designs are about the same then as now.

Or do you have some specific different information?

Boy, don't bring a rock to a gunfight.

I'm not calling an official end to winter, just yet, but I've gotta say...WOW!

Hajji, my red-bud trees are starting to bloom. When they are in full bloom, I'll email you guys a picture. They really are georgous... but it only lasts a little while.

I still got a 3D picture of 'em from last year. Done by taking two pictures a few inches apart and combining them with PhotoShop. Need the glasses to see it tho.

*gorgeous

NO, YOU ARE THE SUCK

Factchecker has no facts to share.

I will not waste my time educating you.

If you think for a fatmosecond that old IBM mainframes could offer the same modeling as today you are just too dumb to confuse your point of view with a single fact.

Get yourself an edumacation!

Dear David Corn,

I won't take up your bet but I'll see if my grandchildren will :)

The reason is that Bush 41 and Clinton 42 and Bush 43 have all dropped the ball on climate, energy efficiency and all that. So Bush 43 will get extra bad marks for just his errors.

For Saladin and other fence-sitters, here are two good books that will make fence-sitting less painful. Both are by W.F. Ruddiman. "Plows, Plagues and Petroleum" is a popular account of how humans took control of the climate. This is a debatable thesis and Ruddiman explains how he came to this conclusion and what parts are still in contention. "Earth's Climate: Past and Future" is a book on climatology for poets. I found both easy and well-written.

After these, and reading the RealClimate web site, I know enough to ignore the sensationism in the press regarding climate studies. Regarding the Antarctic data, the study is only over 3 years of data, not enough to say anything statisttically meaningful. Links from RealClimate will quickly take you to other criticisms of this study.

Despite all of that, note that climatology is not weather forecasting -- different subject, different computer programs(models). I'm now reading F. Oldfield's rather more difficult book on climatology. All of this has convinced me that climate change is real, just now it is warming and the cause is us. As to what to do in this situation, read both of Ruddiman's books before deciding.

Alan,

"georgous"

Is that when Bunnypants dresses up like a cowboy?

Factchecker - Nerdboy is right and you are not. There was no doppler radar in the 1970's - not used for weather predicting.

Have you not noticed the weather man (person) can tell you and show you where it is raining in realtime? That would never happen on a mainframe. One clue - mainframes had nothing but CRT's functioning as print-punch readers.

I was a mainframe programmer on IBM 3083's and 3090's, I worked on projects large and small some development of fourth generation languages (FOCUS using an IMS database) operated under MVS-TSOe.

You are completely clueless if you think modeling is even slighly similar to the old days of wind, pressure predictions.

Just sayin'

capt

http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2003/s2131.htm

http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/lookingatearth/braun_bio.html

David I sure appreciate you taking a shot at what is on peoples minds, but you sure missed what is on mine. PHASE 2 OF THE SSCI(remember we are supposed to be attempting to hold those responsible for the false pre-war intelligence accountable)... NSA WIRE TAPPINGS... THE SAME REPUBLICANS WHO VOTED TO INVESTIGATE A PRESIDENTS BLOW JOB AND REQUIRED HIM TO TESTIFY UNDER OATH VOTED AGAINST INVESTIGATING NSA WIRE TAPPING, AND THE NUCLEAR TESTING THAT TOOK PLACE IN NEW MEXICO THIS WEEK.(the u.s. breaking the NPT)

It just amazes me how anyone could get upset about the film Munich. Can you imagine if the film industry(forget the MSM) ever scratched the surface about what really took place in the creation of Israel, and continues to take place for Palestinians. REmember when Vanessa Redgrave was basically thrown out of Hollywood when she mentioned the Palestinians plight in the mid 70's? I sure do.

You certainly can not be a gentile and bring up this issue in Hollywood let alone a Jew. You will get hammered. This is a fact.

Finally Amy Goodman does some honest coverage at Democracy Now on the history of the conflict. This issue has been successfully shut down in the MSM/HOllywood for years..this is shifting just a bit.

NB,

Before you paste a long URL consider using tinyurl.com or:

How do I make a hyperlink?

Long URL's will not wrap - so they will make the whole blog too wide.

Thanks

capt

fact checker 51, I can't help but notice what all this fear induced hysteria is leading to. More and more people are being crammed into cities, access to wilderness is being slowly chocked off, off course by those environmentalists that don't spend much time away from computer simulators to actually get out in the wilderness to do any real life studies. Computer models are easy to tweak.
Jeanne 54, where did you get those "facts"?
nerdboy is the perfect example of the religious ferocity this subject has promoted. Won't look at both sides, just contemputous dismissal, as pathetic as any bushbot. Tell me nerdboy, what do you know about Mt. Kilimanjaro, the equatorial volcano that is rapidly losing it's glacier to melting? And no looking it up, just what you know right now, right off hand.
One thing I truly believe is that science and politics should stay as far apart as politics and religion.

Is that when Bunnypants dresses up like a cowboy?

hahahaha Uhm, yeah, that's what I meant!
*laughs again*

I'm with you on the non-fact Factchecker. Plus that comment about the hurricanes not getting stronger was a crock. They can't say 'more often', but they've proved to me that they are larger and stronger.
That gulf-coaster who's lived thru a few, Alan.

Kathleen,
One of my heros is Farouk Abdel-Muhti. A true peace activist.

Palestinian Activist Ordered Released After Two Years in Prison Without Charge

For the War and Against the Troops

Antiwar comedian Bill Hicks used to quip that, on the issue of the first Gulf War, he had etched out an unusual position for himself: "I was for the war," he said, "but against the troops." At least once he followed up by saying it was "not the most popular stance I've ever taken on an issue."

Actually, that position, being for the war and against the troops, appears to be quite popular.

The hawks don’¥ see it that way. They in fact often insist that you cannot support the troops but oppose the war. This is their response to the dovish slogan, "Support the troops. Bring them home!" The warmongers like to argue that if you support the troops –†even if you are against the war in principle –†you must "support the war effort," for only victory will ensure safety for America’≥ young soldiers and marines, and only solidarity behind the war will mean victory.

In truth, however, it is the war that is endangering the troops, that is killing them every day, that is maiming many of them for life, keeping them from their families, destroying their relationships and early careers, and engaging them in brutalities which will forever traumatize so many of them and defile their conception of life. To support the war, then, is to support the continuing death and injury of America’≥ men and women in uniform.

Often the pro-war camp will retort that since the U.S. Armed Forces only comprise voluntary enlistees –†in other words, since there is no draft –†antiwar Americans disgrace them in saying they support them but oppose the war. The troops know what they’≤e fighting for, we are told. They signed up voluntarily. They chose to go to war, and we should honor their choices.

Well, now many of them want out. The overwhelming majority of them, in fact, want to get out of Iraq by the end of the year. A good quarter of them want to come home immediately.

More HERE

*****end of clip*****

Support for the troops means bringing them home. It that makes the hobby war a bust -so be it - if it exposes the gigantic failure of leadership that this WH keeps trying to pass off as a necessary evil - so be it.

How can we allow any world leader[sic] to start a war by invading another country then say "whoop's my bad I thought it was the right thing to do so I am not wrong" right?

capt

Pentagon Warns Bush That Radical Climate Change is World's Most Serious Threat

Published on Sunday, February 22, 2004 by the Observer/UK

Now the Pentagon Tells Bush:
Climate Change Will Destroy Us
Secret Report Warns of Rioting and Nuclear War; Threat to the World is Greater than Terrorism
+++++++++
This must have been on one of those days when bush wasn't paying attention....

Sal,
Here are some articles.

Hurricanes Are Getting Stronger, Study Says September 15, 2005

BOULDER—îhe number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes worldwide has nearly doubled over the past 35 years, even though the total number of hurricanes has dropped since the 1990s, according to a study by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The shift occurred as global sea surface temperatures have increased over the same period. The research appears in the September 16 issue of Science.

Hurricanes getting stronger due to global warming says study
mongabay.com
August 29, 2005

SUMMARY: Late last month an atmospheric scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology released a study in Nature that found hurricanes have grown significantly more powerful and destructive over the past three decades. Kerry Emanuel, the author of the study, warns that since hurricanes depend on warm water to form and build, global climate change might increase the effect of hurricanes still further in coming years.

Saladin,

Just because I do not agree with you does not make me anything you said. What a reaction to simple facts. The discussion was on predictions and computer modeling.

What is your expertise in this area?

Capt - gave his, factchecker has shown her inability to counter facts.

"nerdboy is the perfect example of the religious ferocity this subject has promoted. Won't look at both sides, just contemputous dismissal, as pathetic as any bushbot. Tell me nerdboy, what do you know about Mt. Kilimanjaro, the equatorial volcano that is rapidly losing it's glacier to melting?"

Where are you coming from? And what do you know about the subject? Anything?

Religious ferocity? WTF are you on about?

You are an example of a reactionary kook!

Where did you get religious ferocity from my writing? Please offer an example or an apology.

I bet you do not even know what computer language you are using - no looking it up.

The 2005 season is finally over!

The amazing 2005 Atlantic hurricane season has shattered many long-standing records, chief among them a record number of named storms, twenty-seven, which has obliterated the previous record of twenty-one in 1933. There were 15 hurricanes this season breaking the old record of 12 set in 1969. Another record set was for the most category-five hurricanes, three, with Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Wilma became the strongest hurricane on record in the Atlantic Basin with a pressure of 882 mb breaking the old record set by Gilbert (888 mb) in 1988. Katrina likely will be the costliest U.S. hurricane on record. Also, the final seasonal tally for damage will be the greatest in U.S. history, breaking the previous record set just last year. The landfall of four major hurricanes in the U.S. also set a record.

Overview of the 2005 hurricane season:

The 2005 season began early with Tropical Storm Arlene forming on June 9th from a tropical depression in the southwest Caribbean Sea. Tropical Storm Bret also formed in June making it only the 13th time since 1851 that 2 tropical storms are known to have formed in June.

A record active July followed, wherein 5 named storms (Cindy, Dennis, Emily, Franklin and Gert) formed. The previous record for the number of named storms in July was four. Of the 5 named storms, 2 major hurricanes formed tying a record set in 1916. The seven named storms that had formed up until the end of July represented a record level of activity for the first two months of the season.

A further five named storms formed in August of which two were hurricanes bringing the seasonal total to 12 named storms and 4 hurricanes - well above the long term average as of August 31st, which is 4.4 storms and 2.1 hurricanes. August also saw the development of Hurricane Katrina, which will likely be one of the most costly and destructive storms in US history. At one stage a category-5 hurricane, Katrina ultimately made landfall in Louisiana and Mississippi at category 4 strength. While loss of life will not approach the magnitude of the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 (6000-12000 deaths), it nonetheless caused approximately 1,200 deaths and will likely cost more than 80 billion dollars - by far the highest cost of any hurricane in history. In September, five hurricanes formed leading to a seasonal total nearly double the June-September average number of named storms. In only one other year (1933) had this many storms (17) formed by the end of September. The 2005 season eventually surpassed 1933 for the number of named tropical cyclones. The second category five hurricane of the season developed in September - Hurricane Rita. Impacting the Florida Keys and eventually the Texas/Louisiana border, it prompted massive evacuations along the Gulf Coast and caused widespread damage in parts of Southwest Louisiana, just weeks after Katrina impacted the state. Hurricane Ophelia also impacted the US as it raked the North Carolina coast leading to 10-12 inches of rain for coastal areas as well as significant coastal erosion.

More HERE

*****end of clip*****

Anybody can have an opinion but those pesky facts are thus.

"As a rule we disbelieve all the facts and theories for which we have no use." ~ William James (1842 - 1910)

capt

Mr. Benson, I disagree that any study has conclusively proven humans are the sole reason for any global warming that may be occurring. How many of these studies acknowledge the role methane plays? It is potentially more hazardous that CO2 and is emitted in the largest quantities by termites and rotting plant life as well as rice paddies. Same with solar activity which contributes greatly to earths climate over time. Another factor is the heat island effect. And there's this from Atmospheric and space physicist Dr. S. Fred Singer, a Professor Emeritus of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia who serves as president of the non-profit Science & Environmental Policy Project - www.sepp.org.

Not only is the current warming well below even the lowest limits given by the IPCC, the UN-appointed climate science panel, but the IPCC claim (in its 2001 report) that the 20th century was the warmest in 1000 years has turned out to be complete fiction -- based on mishandled data and faulty methodology.

Like I said, for every claim for this theory I can present the opposite claim. That only means that no one is doing anything beyond guessing, computer models are only predictions, and not very accurate ones yet, not facts.

Factchecker has no facts to share.

I will not waste my time educating you.

If you think for a fatmosecond that old IBM mainframes could offer the same modeling as today you are just too dumb to confuse your point of view with a single fact.

Get yourself an edumacation!
Posted by: Nerdboy at March 3, 2006 04:53 PM

I'm sorry, but this struck me as unnecessarily rude. BTW, what does computer language have to do with Mt. Kilimanjaro? Does that mean you don't know? You say I'm a reactionary kook? That's a laugh! I'm sure everyone here who knows me well will back you on that.
Capt, I am not disputing known facts, I am only saying that there are many credible studies out there that are debating this theory. And no one can deny it is being used as a club to whip us into fear and panic. I treat the research the same way I treat issues up for a vote. The first thing I do is find out who or what is supporting a given issue, that tells me a lot about it right away. I just wish science could remain neutral to politics. But someone always has something to gain.

Another Orwellian moment in Bushworld: So...bush sneaks into Pakistan earlier than planned under the cover of night. Pakistan is supposed to be the U.S.'s "most allied ally in Asia" and partner in the "war on terror" in neighboring Afghanistan. bush yaks about fostering democracy in Pakistan, but Musharraf is a military dictator. Islamabad is in lock-down mode for bush's visit, and according to people there, military helicopters FILL the sky. Over 7,000 security personnel are patrolling the streets around bush's "secure" location at the U.S. Embassy.

Oh, well...

Saladin,

Nobody is saying that man is the ONLY reason for global warming. You cannot deny the fact that we are dumping hundreds of thousands of tons of carbon into the atmoshpere from coal and oil.

That is a fact.

"And no one can deny it is being used as a club to whip us into fear and panic."

Show me someone in a panic before you can say it is undeniable?

The big oil companies have been the ones denying that their industry contributes to global warming. It is vey odd to hear you accept their crud as fact?

No big deal.

It seems you do not want to debate the issue - your mind is the one made up.

AGAIN - no big deal.

capt

I couldn't access the link, maybe because it's too current but in this week's Economist magazine, they cover a scientific conference where a number of scientists presented evidence from a past global warming era in the earth's history that, when they ran the preconditions through their current models, did not reproduce as high temperatures as occured. Their conclusion is that the current models are underestimating the impact of global warming.

Re #77

Nobody says anything about 'conclusive proof'. This is science, not mathematics. The preponderance of the evidence is that global warming is strongly enhanced by human activity. Read the two Ruddiman books.

Everything I read, lots by now, discussed the role of methane as a greenhouse gas. Termites, etc., have been around for much longer than 400,000 years but in that interval there is only one methane spike comperable to today. And so it goes, on and on and ... No one piece of evidence is adequate to support a conclusion of human intervention in the climate. It takes all of it, from all over the globe to piece this story together.

Singer's story is going to have to change or his reputation will be completely ruined. The major piece of evidence he trumpeted for years has now shown to be completely wrong --- and in line with other global warming predictions. For more along much the same lines, see the RealClimate web site, where honest scientists attempt to set the story straight and who are prefectly ready to say they don't know when they don't.

The mere fact that there are opposite claims is not relevant. It has been shown time and again that the opposite claims fly in the face of the data. I assure you that climatologists are not guessing. I assure you that the major use of computer climate models is to improve the accuracy of the models and only incidently to predict.

Everybody agrees that the climate models are not very accurate. In the case of weather forecasting one can prove that no forecast beyond 10 days is reliable. Something similar, but nobody knows exactly what, is true for climate predictions. So very few attempt to predict for more than 100 years, some only for 20.

However, the govenment makes policy based on predictions of economists, whose models are, imho, no better. But it is all we have in an attempt to wisely allocate resources. Should not we do the came with regard to the risks associated with climate?

Just the opposite of your question. What does any mountain have to do with computer modeling and weather prediction? You thought me rude so you call me a bushbot? I work for the DNC you idiot!

So just for fun, what does Mt. Kilimanjaro have to do with computer modeling - specifically with regard to IBM mainframes and current PC or Cray supercomputer predictions?

Or did you misspeak?

Polite people apologize when they are wrong.

I did not think you were man enough to own up to your mistake. (I know you are a female I have read this blog for before) You are dead wrong.

So offer an answer and quit trying to change the subject. The subject was COMPUTER MODELING AND WEATHER PREDICTION WITH IBM MAINFRAMES AND CURRENT TECHNOLOGY.

Any expertise on the subject other than talking about mountains?

You ARE a Nerd, Boy.

According to many scientists we are in a new geological epoch -- the Anthropocene Era. Many of them agree that humans now have a greater impact on the earth than does nature.

Why does everything have to always come down to a fight: I'm right! No, you're stupid! You don't know what you're talking about! "Your igorant!" I refuse to believe that because someone is going to benefit and it ain't gonna be me!

Face it folks: The challenge is not about feeling guilty for our consumption and wasteful ways or virtuous for being green and aware. The challenge is about recognizing that, as the human race we stand or fall together.

Jeez louise!

"Everybody agrees that the climate models are not very accurate. In the case of weather forecasting one can prove that no forecast beyond 10 days is reliable."

The accuracy for reliable weather forecasts is currently only one day. I looked it up.

For what it's worth.

Still factchecker is dead wrong about mainframes, trust me, I was considered an expert years ago (a silly title as there are no experts). Mainframes used IBM 360 architecture which was ostensibly print-punch so no graphics. Major difference there. There was no Doppler radar used in civilian weather forecasts. 30 years has made a major difference.

Old green CRT's (still used today in some places) have 80 columns on the screen (to match a punch card).

They still use EBCDIC - Extended Binary coded Decimal Interchange Code - and a C-1 is still the letter "a" for what that is worth too! C is 12 so 12-1 (column 12 on position 1 on a old punch card). I can still add and subtract in hexadecimal, octal, and binary. (that is worth nothing but a little historical fun).

capt

It is all in the name!

What a bunch? Name calling is not nice.

I am bushbot that volunteers my time for the DNC do YOU?

You guys are wacked.

Re #78 -- "credible studies debating ..."

Nope. All of these that I know about have been severely critized, on one grounds or another. You can almost always find the reasons and/or the links at RealClimate.

Science, honest science, should inform policy. We (attempt to) organize government into a majority and a loyal opposition in those matters for which science has not provided any definitive answers. There are just lots and lots of these. But climate science has just recently matured enough, say since 2004 or 2005, to be able to make fairly good projections regarding climate in the 21st century. The main thrust is that greenhouse gases, principally carbon dioxide and methane, will produce significant effects. Period. Done deal. Will happen.

Further, many predict horrific effects if mankind continues to increase fossil fuel use as in the recent past. (A horrific effect is an increase in sea stand by 23--25 meters, along with rather quite a bit warmer, this maybe in 200 years.) For them something need doing now. But read what Ruddiman has to say.

Jeanne,

Do you see that the studies you site only go back 35 years? As I said in my post at 58, if one takes that study back to a larger sample, say back to the 30's, then the hurricanes of today are no stronger, and, in fact, weaker. Besides, Hurricane Camille, the largest Category 5 storm ever to hit the mainland (probably)was in 1969, and, therefore, not in the study. Nor were the major storms that hit the Florida Keys in the 30's.

And please notice that Nerdboy said that models today are better than the 70's, but has absolutely no facts to back up his assertion. He sounds very young, and hopefully wisdom will come with age.

Hope that helps.

Captain,

I defer to your superior computer knowledge, from one old man to another. All I ever did was give my statistical models to others and let them punch up the cards, on an old 26, if I remember correctly. Am I bringing back some old memories?

But I haven't seen any new modeling. I do know there is better input now, however, including the aforementioned Doppler. But Doppler doesn't do anything for forecasts more than one week off.

Unfactual-checker,

What is YOUR expertise on mainframes in the 70's?

You sound very full of yourself, where is a single fact to back your assertions?

Would you like to discuss page size and frame rate on an IBM mainframe? How about a super-mini? I am well read on the issue. Shall we discuss facts or are you just a pathetic name caller?

capt

I can't figure out why we are arguing a point about global warming. We are polluting the earth. No question. We are running out of oil. No question. What do we do to solve those things? If solving those problems helps global warming that will be wonderful.

Do you know what "Multiple Virtual System Extended Architecture- time share option - extended" even means? (MVS-XA TSOe)

(it is the system operating procedural language on mainframes 3083 and 3090)

Stick with what you know as you are only making yourself sound more stupid than your over-spoken handle.

Any old programmer will know of what I speak, you sir, will not. To compare the technology today to that of thirty years ago is just plain uninformed. (better input? yeah that's the only difference)

I do not assert my "knowledge" on many things but you stepped into my area and you have not the slightest idea of what you speak.

Thanks

capt

It seems like a common sense issue.

We should be using less oil, coal, fossil fuels.

We should be concerned with the pollution we create.

We should treat the earth with some respect.

But what do I know?

capt

Mr. Corn wants to bet $100 that, 50 years from now, Bush is remembered for not stopping global warming.

I guess it is biologically possible that I might be around in 50 years, but not likely.

Presidents (fairly or unfairly) are usually only remembered for one (or at MOST two) things. Since I started grade school: Kennedy got killed, LBJ--Vietnam and Great Society, Nixon--Watergate and opening to China, Ford fell down a lot, Carter...Camp David accords and got bit by a rabbit, Reagan--end of Cold War, GHW Bush--Gulf War I, Clinton--Monica (and Paula and Juanita and Gennifer), and GW Bush--9-11 and war in Iraq. Again, I'm not saying these are fair, but presidents are seldom remembered for more than one or two things.

I suspect that is how W will be remembered, as a failure....failure to stop 9-11, the failure of his grand plan for Mid East happiness through starting a war in Iraq, failure to stop the explosion of deficits, failure to stop the collapse of the dollar that would occur in the next administration. I suspect George W Bush will be seen in Hoover-esque terms, at best. At least Hoover could speak in complete sentences.

Bob

Conservative weekly: Chertoff has 'only a few days left'

According to an article at a top Conservative weekly, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has "only a few days left," RAW STORY has found.

On Thursday, former FEMA director Michael D. Brown said that Chertoff deserved to be fired for his performance during Hurricane Katrina, and another official who oversaw the federal response, Matthew Broderick, director of operations for DHS, resigned.

Excerpts from the article written by John Gizzi, Political Editor for Human Events Online:

In the aftermath of the public revelation of the presidential "teleconference" and mounting criticism of the performance of Michael Chertoff, Administration sources told HUMAN EVENTS today that the secretary of Homeland Security has "only a few days left" in the Bush Cabinet.

As one source acquainted with the former federal prosecutor and U.S. appellate judge said under promise of anonymity, "They will give [Chertoff] a little time so it won't hurt his reputation too much, but he's probably got only a few days left."

----------------
I thought he was the best and the brightest. What happened?

Peak oil or global warming are not the issue.

We (humans) are messing up the planet for ourselves, it is the only planet we have so far.

It really does not matter who predicts what, we are messing our own nest as we speak.

That should be a concern for all, predictions or not.

capt

Best and brightest was Meir. Look at what happened to her.

Captain,

I don't understand your assertion. I am sure I've been a "pathetic name caller", as you state, somewhere along the way, but whose name did I besmirch here?

As I said previously, I defer to you in computing, but I haven't seen anyone here who can talk about statistical modeling, especially Nerdboy, other than casting aspersions.

The claim was that modeling is better today than thirty years ago. Really? How? Specifically? And, please, no "computers are stonger today than previously". That doesn't mean anything. Stronger to do what?

And what statistical anomolies were present in the 1970's models that said the world was cooling? And, in statistical terms, why should the current models be any better, or worse than those of 30 years ago?

Bush faces angry reception in Pakistan

President Bush saluted a new era of friendship and economic co-operation between the United States and India today, declaring that the world's two largest democracies were "closer than ever before".

Mr Bush made the comments at the end of a three-day visit to India that saw a landmark agreement yesterday under which India will be able to import Western technology and fuel for its fast-growing nuclear power programme.

The visit to India provoked multiple protests by Indian Muslims and leftists angered by the US-led invasion of Iraq. Three people were killed today in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh state, when dozens of armed Muslims tried to force Hindu shopkeepers to join an anti-Bush protest and shut their stores.

But Mr Bush faces the prospect of much more widespread demonstrations when he touches in down in Pakistan tonight for the final leg of his South Asian tour.

Although Pakistan is seen as a key ally in the War on Terror, anti-Americanism runs deep and the country was virtually paralysed today when Islamist parties called a nationwide strike. Mr Bush's arrival comes one day after a suicide bomb attack on the US consulate in Karachi which killed three people, including a US diplomat.

More HERE

*****end of clip*****

Anyone want to wager that Commander Bunnypants knees were knocking?

Did we get any agreement on the important issues like mangoes or cashews? How about those submarine launched missiles the Paki's are trying to make?

capt

Re #99

Cptn can defend himself. But I have been working with and teaching about computers and software for 50 years now. I assure you that the models used for weather prediction, hurricane prediction and especially climate modeling are vastly improved over those used 30 years ago. This primarily has to do with a combination of faster computers and vast improvements in data collection.

Only in the popular press did one see predictions of cooling in the 1970s. Not in the scientific literature. And the same problem with the press continues today, scientific illiteracy. Briefly, do not trust anything reported in the press regarding climate. Instead, there will be commentary about what was printed on the RealClimate web site. That'll get it straight, with honestly informed knowledge about the little climate matter which the press has sensationalized.

If you truly believe there have not been major improvements in computer modeling just visit a few sites that speak to the issue?

Why should I list them for you?Here is a list for you anyway.

We have satellite and real time info that feeds computers with many times the throughput. We have new engineers making major strides daily.

You cannot make a case that weather prediction is the same or has the same faults as years ago, not even last year.

Your position is wrong because it is not reality based.

Nerdboy was right, get yourself an education.

As time passes things change.

capt

Friday Headlines to Make You Laugh and Cry at the Same Time

"Rumsfeld Cautions against too Many Troops in Iraq". I swear to God, that is what it says.

"Iraq now 'Less Safe'. Oh, I'd say so.

"Pentagon Dismisses US Troop Poll". A Pentagon spokesman actually said, "It shouldn't surprise anybody that a deployed soldier would rather be at home than deployed . . ."

Is that what Bush has been saying? "It is also important for every American to understand the consequences of pulling out of Iraq before our work is done. . . We would undermine the morale of our troops by betraying the cause for which they have sacrificed.

"Now it turns out the troops think the US should get out within a year.

"Iran to Invest $1 Billion in Iraq"

"Late 30s aren't Too Late to Enlist". Jonah Goldberg, Michael Rubin and Dan Senor alert.

Fox News asks, "Could All-Out Civil War in Iraq be a Good Thing?" You can't make this stuff up.

Followed by: "Iraq Civil War: Made up by the Media?".

*****

Juan Cole is kicking butt today!

capt

"It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their selfish purposes." : Andrew Jackson - (1767-1845) 7th US President 1832

=
"Big Brother in the form of an increasingly powerful government and in an increasingly powerful private sector will pile the records high with reasons why privacy should give way to national security, to law and order, to efficiency of operation, to scientific advancement and the like.": Justice William O. Douglas - (1898-1980), U. S. Supreme Court Justice - Source: Points of Rebellion, 1969

=
"Throughout the history of the United States, war has been the primary impetus behind the growth and development of the central state. It has been the lever by which presidents and other national officials have bolstered the power of the state in the face of tenacious popular resistance." : Bruce D. Porter (1952- ) Professor of political science at Brigham Young University - Source: "War and the Rise of the State", 1994

===

Thanks ICH Newsletter!

The Monolith Crumbles: Reality and Revisionism in Iran

It is a well-known fact –†except among the American media, the American government, and about 98.7 percent of the American people –†that Iran is not a monolithic state where sheep-like masses bray with a single voice in chorus with their demented leaders, but is, on the contrary, a complex society where many conflicting opinions on matters political, religious, social, historical, etc., contend with each other in open debate. True, it does have a government dominated by repressive clerics, who exercise the kind of veto power over secular law that George W. Bush's vaunted "base" dreams of seeing established in the United States; but Iran is far more open than, say, Saudi Arabia or China, just to name two countries where the Bush Family and friends have long engorged their bellies through insider connections with the ruling cliques.

Therefore it must have come as a great shock to the system for Americans this week to hear Iran's former president, Mohammad Khatami, rail against the ignorant Holocaust revisionism mouthed by his successor, the hardline flibbertigibbet Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. (Excerpts after the jump below.) Or rather, it would have come as a shock to the American system to hear Khatami's words –†if Americans had actually been told about them. But it serves no interests among America's own ruling cliques to dilute the current line of the day: that Iran is a hellhole of unremitting evil, a new Nazi Germany led by a new Hitler. So Khatami's remarks, reported widely elsewhere in the world, were not allowed to disturb the lie-drugged slumber of the American consciousness.

More HERE

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"were not allowed to disturb the lie-drugged slumber of the American consciousness.

Sad and true.

capt

#92 Jeanne -- I agree!

Capt, I have admitted from the very beginning that my mind is NOT made up, but because I don't fall right into line that makes it made up? Whatever.
D. Benson, I don't need anyone brow beating me to get me to be ecologically aware. I have not denied that people are causing serious harm to this planet, I have always been conservative minded, I do it because I think it is important to leave my little speck of earth better than I found it if at all possible. I have not claimed to be an expert on climatology or the environment, on the contrary, I admitted that I am not sure and so continue my own research, and have been hammered as I knew I would be for it. However, as far as I know, none of the people here are experts either but are certain beyond the shadow of a doubt that the theory of global warming is an undeniable fact. I see the claims of imminant catastrophe all over the media, fear, panic, etc. I do know there are several very serious threats right around the corner, that we are facing right this minute, that will make possible future climate change pale into insignificance if we don't deal with it right now. If we start launching nukes when our whole economy collapses I promise you, global warming will be the last thing anyone will worry about. And those two scenarios are far more likely in the VERY near future. You're right Capt, I'm not going to debate this anymore, it's as useless as debating whether evolution is intelligently driven or an accident. 35 years of controversial research is not enough to make me say yes or no for sure, at least I have the courage to admit it and keep looking, because the earth is as important to me as it is to the most ardent environmentalist. And in the mean time I do the best I can to show the respect and love it deserves. Even if all scientists said everything is perfect and has never been better, I would do the same.

micki 85, AMEN!
Nerdboy 87, for clarification I did NOT call you a bushbot, BTW working for the DNC makes no impression on me because I can't stand them. I said that your one sided ranting was as pathetic as any bushbot who tend to come here and do the same thing. Excuse me but I thought the subject was global warming and the damage that has occurred because of it. I am so sorry.

Uhm...yeah...

We can point to man's effect on the damages hurricanes cause easily enough. We can agree that whatever the cause, Arctic, Antarctic, Greenland and other land and sea ice is melting.

How much damage that does to coastal regions is (arguably) yet to be seen.

The death of natural barrier islands, reefs and coastal marshes will serve to exacerbate the effects of ANY hurricane landfall. Can anyone claim that the losss of these natural buffers have NOT been at the hands of man?

My point being...it doesn't really matter how severely man's pollution of the earth, the water and the atmosphere is changing the climate...the fact that it demonstrably DOES means that the effort to end such detrimental behavior is surely a noble one.

Like all issues, passions become inflamed when beliefs are questioned.

You all are smart enough to see that.

'cept for maybe the Capt...

He's obviously insane!

that's why I love him so.

-T

And now for a subject I think it is safe to say we ALL agree on!

Resolution to Impeach Bush-Cheney Passes 7-3
by Ken Werner, Trinity Plaza Tenants Association (TPTA)⠍ar. 03⠲006

From: BeyondChron.org SF alternative media

On Tuesday, February 28, 2006, the City and County of San Francisco became the first large municipality to call for the impeachment of George Bush and Dick Cheney, by a 7-3 vote. Supervisors Sean Elsbernd, Michela Alioto-Pier, and Sophie Maxwell cast the dissenting votes (Sup. Jake McGoldrick was absent for the vote). Sup. Chris Daly commenced his introduction of Agenda Item 27 with "I initially thought this ... would be a noncontroversial piece of legislation. Perhaps it still is, maybe not-a-unanimous-vote piece of legislation. But if you remember when we took our oath of office we swore to uphold the Constitution."

Sal, all we can do at this point is to think responsibly ourselves. Recycle waste, stop using products that pollute and cannot be removed from nature, conserve our resources, encourage others to do the same. We are each culprits when it comes to polluting and reducing the ozone.

Common Sense on Climate Change

The technology exists to build cars, minivans, and SUVs that are just as powerful and safe as vehicles on the road today, but get 40 miles per gallon (mpg) or more.

Better transmissions and engines, more aerodynamic designs, and stronger yet lighter material for chassis and bodies can cost-effectively increase the average fuel economy of today's automotive fleet from 24 mpg to 40 mpg over 10 years. This would be equivalent to taking 44 million cars off the road—°nd it would save individual drivers thousands of dollars in fuel costs over the life of a vehicle.

Five Common Sense Solutions:
#1 Better Cars and Suvs (above)
#2: Modernize America's Electricity System
#3: Increase Energy Efficiency
#4: Protect Threatened Forests
#5: Support American Ingenuity

More HERE

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"UCS is an independent nonprofit alliance of more than 100,000 concerned citizens and scientists. We augment rigorous scientific analysis with innovative thinking and committed citizen advocacy to build a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world."

I am completely insane you know.

capt

Longest sentence ever given to ex-congressman
________________

SAN DIEGO - Former Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham, who collected $2.4 million in homes, yachts, antique furnishings and other bribes on a scale unparalleled in the history of Congress, was sentenced Friday to eight years and four months in prison, the longest term meted out to a congressman in decades.

Cunningham, who resigned from Congress in disgrace last year, was spared the 10-year maximum by U.S. District Judge Larry Burns. He also was ordered to pay $1.8 million in restitution for back taxes.
_________________

Am I having DejaVu all over again, or did we debate the severity of some other politician/crook (but I repeat myself) not long ago?

I'm getting that familiar feeling.

-T

(scat singing) one two three four
If I had ever been here before
I would probably know just what to do
Don't you?
If I had ever been here before on another time around the wheel
I would probably know just how to deal
With all of you
And I feel
like I've been here before
Feel
like I've been here before
And you know it makes me wonder
What's going on under the ground, hmmm
Do you know? Don't you wonder?
What's going on down under you
We have all been here before, we have all been here before
We have all been here before, we have all been here before
We have all been here before, we have all been here before

-CSN&Y

I ran accross an interesting aricle about the Colorado teacher that was recorded while in class-------- "What is the right getting more than a little unhinged about today? Actually, I don't care, but I had a little free time. It seems a High School geography teacher in Colorado by the name of Jay Bennish was caught on tape ACTUALLY CAUGHT ON TAPE saying things not approved by the far right. Insecure people are usually pretty volatile. So, who gives a damn? Well that would be the far right, of course. Gotta find something to bitch about to keep from thinking about preznit miserable failure, I guess". more here.

Capt,

I had an hunch.

-T

Food not only way to tackle malnutrition, says World Bank

LACK of food is not usually the main cause of malnutrition among children in poor countries, the World Bank says. And large, politically popular programs to feed them are the wrong way to tackle the problem, it says.

Malnutrition stunts the intellectual and physical development of more than 100 million children worldwide. The irreversible damage it causes occurs by the time children are two, long before they begin primary school, and the bank says efforts to combat this scourge must concentrate on the time between gestation and two years.

The focus should be on teaching mothers to properly feed and care for babies and toddlers, it says.

More HERE

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If the mothers that are dying of malnutrition would just learn to feed their babies the food they do not have . . .

Malnutrition is not because of a lack of food. I guess obesity is not from an excess of food?

capt

If you are so worried about global warming, Korn, then stop taking vacations flying around to who knows where. You might also want to move to higher ground. Maybe even try living with the tree huggers in Timbuktu or Kalamazoo. Heh, heh, heh!

Hajji, there is no doubt in my mind that humans are responsible for an amazing amount of damage in a geologic blink of an eye. I am a contributor to the NRDC, an environmental group dedicated to the preservation of wild places, not because I am terrified of global warming, but because I think they do some wonderful work and bring attention to problems all around the world. The worst that will happen is humans will foul themselves right out of their nest, but the earth, which has endured billions of years of natural disasters that we can't even imagine, is still here and beautiful. You want to imagine a catastrophe? Imagine Yellowstone or the Long Valley Caldera going off, then you'll have your climate disaster, if you survive the initial blast! The theory that a huge meteorite struck the earth and wiped out most of the life at the time is accepted as the natural course of evolutionary events, but whenever anything threatens the life of HUMAN BEINGS, well then suddenly it becomes an unacceptable tragedy! I find that to be unbelievably arrogant. My philosophy is take care of the earth, and she will take care of you, but sometimes, shit happens!

Saladin,

Doing the right thing by the earth, even if it is out of fear, is still the right thing to do.

I'm not personally frightened by what I see as progressive worsening of humans' habits but if someone can turn their beliefs into a more healthy habit, then why should I argue?

I mean, I put up with Gerald, don't I?

-T

Oh, and I strangely get a chuckle, when nature bitch-slaps humans for their folly...

I hope I can appreciate like that when it happens to me, too!

-T

TRH,

Feel free to come down and enjoy the "Donkey Drag" one of the featured attractions at "Hajji's Heavy Petting Zoo!"

p.s. Shouldn't you be taking my brother to a ball-game or somethin'?

-T

Every day thousands of airline flights occur. They burn a kerosene variant that partly burns before they dump the leftovers all over the planet. The cars, coal burning power plants, Diesel trucks, and others pollute from the ground up. Lite aircraft burn leaded gasoline, inneficiently and dump their burned leftovers out an un-catalyzed, un-mufflered exhaust pipe. Folks we have serious issues to tackle with the level of air pollution. How about water, lets see, without water we are...........dead! Right! There is enough mercury in our lakes and streams to restrict fish consumption, and MTBE a gasoline additive used in CA is also in our water. Radiation from atmospheric atom bomb testing years ago and DU use is turning up in the soil and water and the air. The list goes on and on. We are simply doomed as a species on this planet unless we change our ways, sleep well.

Nuf of the serious crap!! Its Friiiiday!!!! lets play! Puppy Curling! nite all!

Bush Flummoxes Kafka, Orwell

Even Kafka and Orwell, masters at dissecting the cruel absurdities of totalitarian state power, might be at a loss for words in the face of George W. Bush’≥ latest legal and rhetorical formulations on torture.

Bush, of course, insists that the United States does not torture despite extensive evidence that detainees in the Iraq War and the War on Terror have been subjected to simulated drowning by "water-boarding," beatings to death, suffocations, coffin-like confinements, painful stress positions, naked exposure to heat and cold, anal rape, sleep deprivation, dog bites, and psychological ploys involving sexual and religious humiliation.

But Bush says none of this amounts to torture, even as his protection of abusive practices now ventures beyond word games into mind-bending legal rationalizations.

Bush’≥ lawyers went into federal court in Washington on March 2 and argued that a new law that specifically prohibits cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of detainees –†known as the McCain Amendment after its sponsor, Sen. John McCain –†can’¥ be enforced at Guantanamo Bay because another clause of the law grants these prisoners only limited access to U.S. courts.

In other words, the Bush administration is contending that the McCain Amendment might make it illegal to abuse the Guantanamo prisoners, but that the inmates have no legal recourse to enforce the law by going to court and getting an order for the abuses to end.

With the courts removed from the picture, the administration’≥ legal reasoning holds that only Bush can act. He, after all, asserts that he is the nation’≥ "unitary executive," meaning that he and he alone decides what U.S. laws to enforce.

More HERE

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As I have said before, Orwellian is a gross understatement.

capt

Just got a call from Spanky! He sounds great! Got a new place with a room for 2 and has access to a GYM!

He can't say much, but his trip to Baghdad was all about the newest vehicles being issued to the troops. He's still patrolling, but less, and his day job is assisting local contractors with civic construction projects.

He said he'll send me something from "Happy Hajji's Bazaar". A local trinket shop that has all kinds of funny stuff.

He also said he'll send discs of pictures, as soon as he can.

thanks to all who've asked about his well-being.

and goodnight!

-T

Den #123 - and all the worry is over second hand smoke.

I know secondhand smoke is bad firsthand. I WISH I could quit. I quit once for over two years (many years ago) started again. I am completely insane you know! HA!

capt

Key Argument for Global Warming Critics Evaporates

For years, skeptics of global warming have used satellite and weather balloon data to argue that climate models were wrong and that global warming isn't really happening.

Now, according to three new studies published in the journal Science, it turns out those conclusions based on satellite and weather balloon data were based on faulty analyses.

The atmosphere is indeed warming, not cooling as the data previously showed.

While surface thermometers have clearly shown that the Earth's surface is warming, satellite and weather balloon data have actually suggested the opposite, that the atmosphere was cooling.

Scientists were left with two choices: either the atmosphere wasn't warming up, or something was wrong with the data.

"But most people had to conclude, based on the fact that there were both satellite and balloon observations, that it really wasn't warming up," said Steven Sherwood, a geologists at Yale University and lead author of one of the studies.

Oops!

Sherwood examined weather balloons known as radiosondes, which are capable of making direct measurements of atmospheric temperatures.

For the past 40 years, radiosonde temperature data have been collected from around the world twice each day, once during the day and once at night.

But while nighttime radiosonde measurements were consistent with climate models and theories showing a general warming trend, daytime measurements actually showed the atmosphere to be cooling since the 1970's.

Sherwood explains these discrepancies by pointing out that the older radiosonde instruments used in the 1970's were not as well shielded from sunlight as more recent models. What this means as that older radiosondes showed warmer temperature readings during the day because they were warmed by sunlight.

"It's like being outside on a hot day—it feels hotter when you are standing in the direct sun than when you are standing in the shade," Sherwood said.

Nowadays, radiosondes are better insulated against the effects of sunlight, but if analyzed together with the old data—which showed temperatures that were actually warmer than they really were—the overall effect looked like the troposphere was cooling.

The discrepancy between surface and atmospheric measurements has been used by for years by skeptics who dispute claims of global warming.

"Now we're learning that the disconnect is more apparent than real," said Ben Santer, an atmospheric scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California and a lead author of another of the studies.

Argument evaporates

According to Santer, the only group to previously analyze satellite data on the troposphere -- the lowest layer in Earth's atmosphere -- was a research team headed by Roy Spencer from University of Alabama in 1992.

"This was used by some critics to say 'We don't believe in climate models, they're wrong,'" Santer told LiveScience. "Other people used the disconnect between what the satellites told and what surface thermometers told us to argue that the surface data were wrong and that earth wasn't really warming because satellites were much more accurate."

The Alabama researchers introduced a correction factor to account for drifting in the satellites used to sample Earth's daily temperature cycles.

But in another Science paper published today, Carl Mears and Rank Wentz, scientists at the California-based Remote Sensing Systems, examined the same data and identified an error in Spencer's analysis technique.

After correcting for the mistake, the researchers obtained fundamentally different results: whereas Spencer's analysis showed a cooling of the Earth's troposphere, the new analysis revealed a warming.

Using the analysis from Mears and Wentz, Santer showed that the new data was consistent with climate models and theories.

"When people come up with extraordinary claims -- like the troposphere is cooling -- then you demand extraordinary proof," Santer said. "What's happening now is that people around the world are subjecting these data sets to the scrutiny they need."

Den,
I sent that Puppy Curling game to my sister. She curls.

The power's that be have been making such a fuss over second hand smoke that it's fast becomming an illegal activity. We drove to Niagra Falls last summer. Couldn't smoke anywhere, not in NY, or on the Canadian side. I suppose you heard about that company here in Michigan, Weyco, that created a policy to fire smokers and not hire smokers. My daughter used to work for Howard. Get this; his WIFE smokes!!! At least that's what my daughter heard thru the grapevine.

WAYNE MADSEN REPORT.COM

March 3, 2006 -- The Israeli, Dubai, Chertoff connection -- its just the tip of the Russian-Israeli mafia and "Al Qaeda" iceberg. Michael Brown, the former head of FEMA, deserves credit for blowing the whistle on the "agenda" of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. For years, a handful of prosecutors, FBI agents, and investigative journalists have stressed the connections between Russian-Israeli mafia tycoons, weapons and diamond smugglers, and terrorist networks associated with "Al Qaeda" and affiliated organizations. Yet, it is the much-maligned Brown, a one-time GOP operative and "golden boy," who has taken the initiative to call for Chertoff's firing and a complete overhaul of the Homeland Security Department. Even in these strange times, this is an amazing turn of events and begs the question of what Brown knows about Chertoff and his connections to Dubai and covering up terrorist investigations. Brown is in the unique position of being aware of Dubai's major role in horse racing (and possibly money laundering) and being briefed on various maritime and other terrorist threats as head of FEMA. Which means that Brown may have enough information to be very dangerous to the Bush crime family.

Chertoff is a long-time GOP political hack and neo-con operative. He was the Special Counsel for the Senate "Whitewater" Committee from 1994 to 1996, a costly effort to create a political scandal for President Clinton and Hillary Clinton where there was no scandal. Hillary Clinton, to her credit, cast the lone vote against Chertoff's confirmation as a federal judge in 2003. There is one thing that Hillary Clinton and Michael Brown agree on -- they both despise Chertoff. And with good reason.

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WMR is usually on the money.

capt

California tobacco smoke 'toxic'

California has become the first US state to classify second-hand tobacco smoke as a toxic air pollutant.

The decision by the California Air Resources Board puts drifting smoke in the same category as diesel exhaust, and could lead to tougher regulation.

The agency said many scientific studies had linked passive smoking to a range of cancers and respiratory diseases.

California pioneered smoking bans in the workplace, and later in restaurants and bars.

John Froines, chairman of the Air Resources Board's Scientific Review Panel, said Thursday's ruling put "California way ahead".

The decision to declare second-hand smoke as a pollutant relied on a September report that found a sharply increased risk of breast cancer in young women exposed to it.

It also linked second-hand smoke to premature births, asthma, and numerous health problems in children.

The study found that about 16% of all Californians smoked, but that 56% of adults and 64% of adolescents were exposed to second-hand smoke.

Some health experts say the ultimate impact of California's decision to classify second-hand smoke as a toxin could reach beyond the US.

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Non-smokers hate smoke. Smokers do not seems to mind as much. We do not hear anybody complaining about the second hand smoke when the cops burn the evidence. I have always wanted to get down wind from a legal burn.

capt

Capt, I'm 60 so I can say I remember a day when people smoked everywhere. Non-smokers never complained. It was just part of life.

Then at some point 'no smoking' signs began popping up. Up until then you could sit in a doctor's office waiting for your appointment and smoke. You could light one up while cruising the aisles of the grocery stores. Judges smoked in court. Every meeting you went to, community or social anything you went to there were ashtrays everywhere.

I'm sure the 'no smoking' signs popped up for good reasons, like keeping the doctor's office smelling nice, or not having a bunch of butts on the grocery store floor. From the good intentions it's morphed into tyranny. A minority has been singled out to be made a pariah and to make a fortune off of. The second hand smoke argument has been beaten to death, kind of like the war on terrorism. Much ado about nothing when compared to nothing being attacked as ferociously like air pollution, or mercury in the water, or the pollutants in factories, or the waste we create. All the outrage and disgust is saved for the minority smokers.

Capt, it's hard to believe the cops burn the 'stuff'. They probably take a whole bunch of it home then cringe when they have to burn the rest, which is for show.

I despise smoking but would never support a smoking ban. As long as I don't have to smell it it's fine with me if people want to pay good money to commit suicide! Darwin in action as far as I'm concerned. Just don't force me to inhale it.
Hajji, I'm with you, it's only sensible to treat the environment that nurtures you with respect, and take care of it. We can rant and rave all we want about big oil and big mining and deforestation, but let's be honest. Who here is willing to live their life as if there were no petroleum products? Who can actually avoid supporting it to some extent? Do you drive? Shop? Give me one example of a lifestyle that can completely omit mining. Think about it, I have. My husband is in the mining industry, and I have tried to imagine what my life would be like if there were no such thing. There is not one thing we do everyday that does not involve these activities that we express abhorance for. I would like to know what the kennedy's or the kerry's or the clintons do to set a good example, to encourage others, by their sacrifice, to prevent global warming. The very thought makes me laugh.

Seems like such a waste. HA!

At least Duke Cunningham had due process, not like the prisoners in Nazi American detention camps.

Who could give up plastic?

Hajji,

I need to do both, and soon. The last time I went to a local high school basketball game, I took Tyler with me. He was about 4 years old at the time. The donkey drag sounds like a blast but only if you have access to full body armor.

capt,

When I was an officer in the Army, stationed in
Germany, we had to rotate administering drug tests to troops. Testing for marijuana, hashish, and cocaine. I used to tell my commander that I would take a platoon of pot smokers over a platoon of drinkers any day. At least the pot smokers could work the next day. I always found it odd that they would kick a person out of the service for marijuana use but promote drinking (Fifty cent cans of beer at the clubs on post, back in 1986 and the cheapest prices for beer and liquor at the class six stores) and attempt to rehab the heavy drinkers, usually with minimal success.

Too Vested

Dear Cornposters:

There are many, many problems in Nazi America and for countries that comprise planet, Earth, especially in countries that emulate Nazi America.

I find myself too vested in our nation's problems. I believe that bushianity has taken hold of our country. I also believe that foreign countries should work to improve the quality of life for all their citizens. Our country cannot just accept all immigrants to enter our borders. If foreign countries improved the quality of life for all their citizens, we would not be patrolling our borders endlessly. People would cross our borders but they would realize that they still have a future in their home country.

Nazi corporations want legal and illegal immigrants so they do not have to pay more money to Americans. The cost for Nazi corporations would be lower and these corporations could offer less or no benefits, especially in hiring illegal immigrants.

By incorporating Shalom, God's vision of the world, our entire planet would be on course so all human beings could enjoy His gifts that have been intended for all His children. Let us love and let us show mercy and let us not be fearful that we will lose our possessions. We cannot let ourselves be a slave to our possessions because human beings are more important than possessions.

Sincerely,

Gerald

Alcohol is a very popular poison.

Here in the ABQ we have some jerk with 15 DUI's get on the highway the wrong direction and kill a carload - WAY too often.

We had drive-thru liquor stores until a year or two ago.

I think we used to rank way up on the statistics for drunk driving deaths.

We have a state law now that seizes the vehicle on the first offense. We also have breathalizer locks - they are trying.

capt

As I read (lurk), there are many times that I find myself nodding in agreement with many of the folks on this blog. I keep meaning to chime in. More often than not, I get lead astray by one of the many interesting links posted for the community.

Lately, I've been wanting to tell Capt that he has been eloquently and patiently (something that I find nigh impossible to do) stating his position on matters of science.

I am 100% behind Capt in his pro-choice position. When I read his exchange with BobinND, I was impressed with the succinct explication of the matters involved. I was also struck by BobinND's old timey response:

"And if only one body were involved, I would agree with you 100%, but for some reason I was taught differently in Biology 101."
Posted by: Bob in North Dakota at February 24, 2006 12:59 PM

Biology 101 covers the difference between, a gamete, a blastocyst, a fetus and a person. The long history of bioethics shows that the more you know about science, the harder it is to rationalize the diminution of a woman's right to control what happens in her body (especially when that power is vested in a group of black-robed men). And Bob's constant bellyaching about the Dems losing ground over a woman's right to choose (when 60% of Americans are pro-choice) is as laughable as the Bushbot's claim of Chimperial eloquence.

When it comes to the debate over climate change. David Benson is right. When you question authority, as we troublemakers are wont to do, you need to question an actual AUTHORITY, someone who knows what the hell they're talking about. Look at their bona fides.

Relying on Michael Crichton for information about climate change is like relying on Isaac Asimov for the latest on Robotic dentistry . . . especially since Asimov's been dead for quite some time.

To be fair, as Glenn Greenwald points out, credentialism is the flipside to the old ad hominem attack. Just because someone has the credentials doesn't make them the sole authority.

Again, listen to David Benson. Go to Realclimate.org.

Those guys know more shit about climate change than you'd care to know.

A couple of bits of disinformation that I found worrisome:

"Hurricanes in the Gulf are not becoming stronger. Again, poor modeling."

Measuring hurricane strength has nothing to do with models. "The strength of a hurricane is determined by the level of its central air pressure: the lower the system's pressure, the stronger the weather pattern's circulation becomes. Air pressure is measured in inches of mercury." Check out the top 10 most powerful hurricanes in U.S. history (as measured by scientists).

More strange stuff:
"The current models showing stronger current hurricanes now than before stopped with the hurricanes of the 1960's."

Again, strength has been measured in inches of mercury for decades. Nothing changed in the 60's.

More nonsense:
"If you go back to include the hurricanes of the 30's, 40's and 50's, you will see that all hurricanes then - the means, medians, modes and five standard deviations out, were all stronger then than now."

If you look at the top 10 most powerful hurricanes, one is from the 30's; and none are from the 40's or 50's.

"And, of course, the natural disaster that, to this day, is the greatest taker of American lives is the 1900 storm that hit Galveston, TX."
Posted by: Factchecker at March 3, 2006 04:29 PM

That one is #5 on the list of most powerful storms and is tagged as a Cat 4.

As for improvements on computer modeling and forecasting, studies were done in the 90's that concluded: "that NHC 24-h forecast errors have declined about 14% over the past 20 years." The reasons cited were the same as those posited by Capt and Nboy.

One thing I found interesting in reading about Hurricane forecasting is the fact that hurricane cycles rise and fall in the span of a couple of decades (2 or more up, 2 or more down). We are in the 11th year of heightened activity. The 2006 season is expected to dip from last year.

The good thing about fact-based discussion is that anyone is free to examine the facts. I find these facts compelling, though not entirely conclusive. Wait, I'll get off the fence in a sec.

Before I invented the internet for Al Gore, I worked as a lab assistant to a Nobel Prize-winning geneticist. I grew up admiring the work of scientists like him because I saw it as extremely rigorous and yet open to criticism. The twin cornerstones of the Scientific Method and peer-reviewed results gave me the confidence to believe in invisible particles (like atoms, quarks, neutrinos, and muons) and in the undeniable reality of genetic propagation.

I've done grant-based research, so I know that there's a political knack to getting funding; but in the scientific community, it isn't outcome-based. This isn't so amongst the pseudoscientists that cook up studies for BIg Oil. They get paid to question the peer-reviewed work of REAL scientists.

As Capt has pointed out, once the work of these Big Oil puppets gets examined, it all falls apart. That's the beauty of peer-review. It takes down the foolhardy attentionmongers (like Dr. Hwang and Pons and Fleischmann).

Climate Change has been discussed for decades. Global Warming enhanced by the burning of fossil fuels has been bandied about as an explanation for quite a while. Scientists are more often than not, very skeptical. (Where's Solly when you need him?) If there's a flaw in the data or methods, they'll find it sooner or later. Until then, I'm with the scientists. Humans are amplifying the problem of climate change.

And if anyone has the peer-reviewed articles to prove that Mother Earth is going off the deep end all by her lonesome, cough 'em up. If you have proof that climate scientists are taking money for headlines that play up Global Warming, please share. We need facts to play this game.

Feds may soon check all workers' IDs

Congress is headed toward approving a plan that would require employers to check every worker's Social Security number or immigration work permit against a new federal computer database.

Critics see the move - aimed at stemming illegal immigration - as the beginning of a government information stockpile that could be used to track U.S. residents.

"We're getting closer and closer to a national ID card," says Tim Sparapani, legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union.

Lawmakers such as conservative House Judiciary Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., and liberal Sen. Edward Kennedy (news, bio, voting record), D-Mass., have signed on to the verification plan, which is included in some form in every immigration bill currently before Congress. The goal is to make sure everyone working in the USA is doing so legally.

The Senate Judiciary Committee, which handles immigration, begins drafting its version of the bill today. The House bill passed in December.

The bills would require that a pilot program now used by 5,000 employers to check the legal status of job applicants be made mandatory. President Bush's 2007 budget includes $135 million to start expanding the verification system nationwide.

Proponents say new tools are needed to curb illegal immigration. There are now an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the USA. "If we're going to have any means of controlling our borders, you have to have a tamper-proof Social Security card and verification at the time of employment," says Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Calif.

Rep. Ken Calvert (news, bio, voting record), R-Calif., says "this is not a national ID system." But several bills authorize studies of "tamper proof" Social Security cards or their issuance. The cards would include some biometric data and would be harder to counterfeit.

More HERE

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Pure and unadulterated tyranny through total control.

capt

Pande,

Careful about being 100% with me, I am a crazy person (of course you know that!)

Great post.

Thanks

capt

45:

"I've been helpful out here on the campaign trail, backing the president on eavesdropping, defending them on Iraq and Social Security, and then you have this thrown on your lap without any consideration," said Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla. "Then the threat of a veto, that really took my breath away."

Mark Foley is yet another ass from Florida.

Suffering these fools in Florida,
Rick

Ozone thinning having impact on plants

ALEXANDRA, New Zealand, March 3 (UPI) -- The pollution that causes ozone depletion is declining, but the warming of the atmosphere will see a global thinning of the ozone layer, says a U.N. panel.

The panel of 24 scientists, meeting in Alexandra, New Zealand, is preparing to report to the United Nations on changes to the ozone layer and subsequent consequences.

The scientists say one discovery has turned traditional thinking on its head -- food plants across the world are developing a poisonous protective layer to shield against harmful ultraviolet rays, the Wellington Dominion Post reported.

It had been believed that radiation only had a negative effect on plants, but scientists now say a screening pigment produced by most plants can be toxic to predators and help with disease prevention -- which could result in less use of pesticides and fungicides.

Scientists have not detected negative effects on humans, but are uncertain if the increased levels of toxins might have impact the wider food chain.

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I am all for less pesticides and fungicides. Some of the most common chemicals are very bad.

Without a brain the plants might aleady be ahead of us on the survival curve.

capt

Oceans May Soon Be More Corrosive Than When The Dinosaurs Died

Increased carbon dioxide emissions are rapidly making the world's oceans more acidic and, if unabated, could cause a mass extinction of marine life similar to one that occurred 65 million years ago when the dinosaurs disappeared. Ken Caldeira of the Carnegie Institution's Department of Global Ecology will present this research at the AGU/ASLO Ocean Sciences meeting in Honolulu, HI on Monday, Feb 20.

Caldeira's computer models have predicted that the oceans will become far more acidic within the next century. Now, he has compared this data with ocean chemistry evidence from the fossil record, and has found some startling similarities. The new finding offers a glimpse of what the future might hold for ocean life if society does not drastically curb carbon dioxide emissions.

"The geologic record tells us the chemical effects of ocean acidification would last tens of thousands of years," Caldeira said. "But biological recovery could take millions of years. Ocean acidification has the potential to cause extinction of many marine species."

When carbon dioxide from the burning of coal, oil, and gas dissolves in the ocean, some of it becomes carbonic acid. Over time, accumulation of this carbonic acid makes ocean water more acidic. When carbonic acid input is modest, sediments from the ocean floor can buffer the increases in acidity. But at the current rate of input--nearly 50 times the natural background from volcanoes and other sources--this buffering mechanism is overwhelmed. Previous estimates suggest that in less than 100 years, the pH of the oceans could drop by as much as half a unit from its natural value of 8.2 to about 7.7. (On the pH scale, lower numbers are more acidic and higher numbers are more basic.)

This drop in ocean pH would be especially damaging to marine animals such as corals that use calcium carbonate to make their shells. Under normal conditions the ocean is supersaturated with this mineral, making it easy for such creatures to grow. However, a more acidic ocean would more easily dissolve calcium carbonate, putting these species at particular risk.

The last time the oceans endured such a drastic change in chemistry was 65 million years ago, at about the same time the dinosaurs went extinct. Though researchers do not yet know exactly what caused this ancient acidification, it was directly related to the cataclysm that wiped out the giant beasts. The pattern of extinction in the ocean is consistent with ocean acidification--the fossil record reveals a precipitous drop in the number of species with calcium carbonate shells that live in the upper ocean--especially corals and plankton. During the same period, species with shells made from resistant silicate minerals were more likely to survive.

More HERE

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The bleaching of coral all over the planet is not a good sign, no matter how you look at it.

capt

Forecasting The Seas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Journal profiles Rosenstiel School real-time ocean forecast system

VIRGINIA KEY, FL (February 17, 2006) — Shipping companies can route ships more safely and efficiently. Ocean search-and-rescue can operate more effectively. Meteorologists and climatologists now have a tool to provide long-range weather prediction more accurately. Navies too can perform more accurate anti-submarine surveillance. And environmental managers now have a mechanism to track pollution, algal blooms, or emergent situations such as oil spills. And, this is all due to a unique three-dimensional ocean model that has been developed by Rosenstiel School researchers in collaboration with scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory.

Featured in the March issue of Oceanography, the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) is the critical part of data assimilative systems at the Naval Research Laboratory and at NOAA's National Center for Environmental Prediction. The Navy will tap the velocities, temperature, and salinities of the HYCOM prediction system to force smaller models that provide even higher resolution that can account for things like rivers, tides, etc. in real-time for anywhere in the world. NOAA's new Real-Time Ocean Forecast System will provide mariners with "nowcasts" and five-day forecasts for the entire North Atlantic Ocean. While other ocean models have been developed in the past, HYCOM is unique not only because it provides three-dimensional, global data that is of fine enough resolution to factor in the real-time displacements in currents caused by eddies, but also because of its flexibility in modeling both coastal and deep ocean regions (http://www.hycom.org). This enhanced understanding of the ocean offers invaluable applications.

"While a computer model may sound rather abstract to non-scientists, it's exactly what can help clarify forecasting and minimize or prevent impacts from natural hazards on the seas," said Dr. Eric Chassignet, principal investigator and a Rosenstiel School professor in meteorology and physical oceanography. Chassignet also just published a related book, titled Ocean Weather Forecasting: An Integrated View of Oceanography, which is now available.

Scientists often develop computer models to fill in the gaps where they cannot make real-world observations of natural phenomenon. In the case of ocean processes, however, modelers start with fluid dynamics that are the laws of physics that explain how fluid – and in this case, the ocean – responds to different variables. All fluids obey these same laws of physics, and so the researchers end up with a variety of equations that can be simplified to create simple ocean models or made very complex as the scientists try to expand time and space constraints. The HYCOM model will help forecasters and others understand the ocean's currents, temperature, salinity, and other variables better.

"The broad partnership of institutions that is collaborating to develop and demonstrate the performance and applications of HYCOM has already been able to produce realistic imagery in real-time on ocean basin-scales (and soon to be global) in hindcast, nowcast, and prediction modes," Chassignet said. He authored the Oceanography article with Dr. George Halliwell and Dr. Ashwanth Srinivasan, also scientists at the Rosenstiel School, and representation from the Navy Research Laboratory, NOAA, and the University of North Carolina.

Rosenstiel School is part of the University of Miami and, since its founding in the 1940s, has grown into one of the world's premier marine and atmospheric research institutions.

Media Contact:
Ivy Kupec, Communications Director
Rosenstiel School
305.421.4704

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Not the last word on the subject but current and a good primer.

capt

URI physical oceanographers combine numerical models to form a clearer picture of how the ocean and atmosphere interact in hurricane conditions

Narragansett, RI -- November 17, 2004 -- Understanding how the air and sea interact and affect each other during hurricane conditions is crucial in predicting the storm track, its intensity, storm surges, and ocean wave fields. When scientists create computer models to help them assess the parameters of a hurricane, they must take into account not only the atmospheric conditions of the storm, but also the conditions in the ocean, including the age and the frequency of waves.

In the current issue of the Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, University of Rhode Island physical oceanographers Il-Ju Moon, Isaac Ginis and Tetsu Hara have published two companion papers that investigate the how surface waves and wind affect the dynamics of growing seas and complex seas under extreme hurricane conditions using a combination of computer models. Other collaborators on the project include Stephen Belcher, Department of Meteorology, University of Reading, Berkshire, England, and Hendrik Tolman, the NOAA National Center for Environmental Prediction Environmental Modeling Center, Camp Springs, MD.

The team of scientists combined three computer models to ascertain their results. The NOAA WAVEWATCH III ocean surface wave model accounts for wind input, wave-wave interaction and dissipation due to whitecapping, and wave-bottom interaction. The equilibrium spectrum model, created by Hara and Belcher, estimates the effect of the wind on the ocean by taking into account the stress caused by the waves. The wave boundary layer model, also created by Hara and Belcher, explicitly calculates the near-surface wind profile, as well as the surface drag created by the waves. In the first study, the combined model predicted the effect of the wind-wave interaction by calculating how the waves contribute to the dynamics of a mature and growing sea. The second study followed the same approach, but focused on the effect of surface waves on air-sea exchange in extreme complex seas forced by tropical cyclones.

The scientists found a new characterization of the effect of surface waves on air-sea momentum under hurricane wind forcing. The size and location of the waves as well as the wind speed and direction and their impact on the other create a variety of conditions that can affect the track and intensity of a hurricane. The research team determined that the coupling of a surface wave model with a hurricane model is necessary for accurate predictions of track and intensity. This finding is significant because the wind-wave interaction is presently ignored by hurricane prediction models.

"There have been impressive strides taken in the quality of hurricane track forecasting over the last 10 years mainly due to improved computer models," said Ginis. "However, there appears to be still limited skill in predicting storm intensity changes. In light of the fundamental role the air-sea interaction processes play in supplying energy to the hurricane, our results seem to be promising for major improvements in hurricane intensity forecasting."

The combined models used in this project have helped scientists to further understand the interaction of the atmosphere and the ocean by introducing parameters that describe the ocean waves under high wind conditions, including during a tropical cyclone. Additional factors, such as the effect of breaking waves and sea spray, may also play an important role in air-sea interaction and momentum, but the team of scientists predicts that adding parameters will only further confirm their results.

The URI Graduate School of Oceanography is one of the country's largest marine science education programs, and one of the world's foremost marine research institutions. Founded in 1961 in Narragansett, RI, GSO serves a community of scientists who are researching the causes of and solutions to such problems as harmful algal blooms, global warming, air and water pollution, oil spills, overfishing, and coastal erosion. GSO is home to the Coastal Institute, the Coastal Resources Center, Rhode Island Sea Grant, the Institute for Archaeological Oceanography, the Pell Marine Science Library, and the National Sea Grant Library.

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One of the major differences comes from the ability to combine models. This is because of more computing power and processing throughput.

capt

The followins is an informative link to a site regarding global warming. It includes a link to causes of global weather change long before the industrial revolution or mass population of the 20th century. There have been constants since the Earth's formation: the rotation of the Earth, the Earth's orbit around the sun, lightening and volcanos, not to forget weather patterns created by the earth's oceans. I am not saying global warming doesn't exist, all I am saying is that the Earth has gone through varying degrees of climate change long before today. A lot of that had to do with natural elements. Human's cannot and will never cause global warming/cooling. However, I do believe we do contribute to variations in the warming/cooling cycles.

Note to self,

When you mention a link in your post, make sure you include it.

Global warming facts and our future

Another informative link:

Ice Age Explanation

Saladin,
Don't confuse "theory's with bullshit. A theory represents a result or set of results based upon proven formulas. Bullshit is Bullshit. What greenhouse gasses do to the environment is well documented. You seem to be hung up on the percentage impact that these practices have. The theory of evolution is based upon verifiable mathematically sound documented events. Have you ever heard of carbon dating? Intelligent design is evolution + bullshit. Anything + bullshit = Bullshit.

"The first law of ecology is that everything is related to everything else."

Barry Commoner (1917– ), Environmentalist, Columbia College 1937. Presidential Canidate 1980.

Rumsfeld denies claims of torture at Guantanamo

Donald Rumsfeld, the US defence secretary, has dismissed claims of torture by Guantanamo Bay terrorist suspects, describing them as a calculated attempt to manipulate the western media.

Mr Rumsfeld spoke just before the BBC broadcast claims by a suspect who said that he had been tortured by guards who force-fed him to end a hunger strike.

A second hunger striker has taken his case to the American courts, asking a judge to block the force-feeding regime which had caused him "unbearable pain".

Mr Rumsfeld suggested that the media were playing al-Qa'eda's game. Referring to an al-Qa'eda training manual uncovered by Greater Manchester police, Mr Rumsfeld said: "Of course we know what those prisoners were taught [with] the Manchester document. They're taught to lie, they're taught to allege that they have been tortured, and that's part of the training that they received."

Speaking to a local radio station in Kansas City, Mr Rumsfeld said: "They are getting very clever at manipulating the media in the United States and in the capitals of the world."

He insisted that there was no torture at Guantanamo Bay, adding: "We know that for a fact."

The claims broadcast by the BBC Today programme concerned Fawzi al-Odah, a Kuwaiti. He has been held for four years on allegations that he carried weapons in Afghanistan and attended a terrorist training camp.

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See, the government really needs to get a handle on the Al Qaeda manipulation of the western media. Maybe Rupert Murdoch should wrest control of all US media sources so they can keep the terrorists and terrorist supporters from making all those lies about torture.

(like anybody believes Rummy the dummy)

capt

Another great link courtesy of refdesk.com

Famous Trials

From Socrates to Clinton and more!

TRH,

Just wondering if you read the page you posted? I could only get through half without uncontrollable laughing. "First, the Earth's spin on its axis is wobbly; much like a spinning top that starts to wobble after it slows down. This wobble amounts to a variation of up to 23.5 degrees to either side of the axis." Yes the dreaded "Wobble" once we start to wobble the Antarctic ice shelf begins to melt. Those damm Wobblers. This is the sort of dribble that always shows up in a good Global Warming discussion. Amazing.

TRH,

Famous Trials:

You must love looking at Clinton among the likes of Tim McViegh, O.J. Simpson, etc. He was such a horrible president wasn't he? I mean compared to our current grand exhaulted leader.

uncledad,

I did and why do you find it laughable? Or do you think that the tilt/rotation of the Earth as it orbits the sun is a perfect constant throughout its' existence? I learned in grade school that the tilt of the Earth on its' axis varies. Why do you dismiss it so readily? Are you a scientist? I am not saying we do not contribute, but we are certainly not the cause. The tilt of the Earth is only one factor that naturally occurred long before we came along.

uncledad,

Actually, no. I'm starting at the beginning. Clinton is of no interest to me. I actually find it odd that he would be included in this link since his "trial" was not a "criminal" trial.
No reason for it to be included here at all.

Im a military brat, I grew up around uniforms, it is a way of life. Tradition exists and is important.

Before Bush, our fallen hero's were met with an honor guard and were recieved by their families. Emporer Bush won't even allow their coffins to be photographed, let alone their bodies be met first on Home soil by those who loved them the most.

These men are not AMERICA'S DIRTY SECRET. They are OUR FALLEN HERO'S. And every one of them should be met on U.S. Soil by an honor guard and by those who loved them. No government should mandate otherwise.

This policy sickens me. It makes me again; ashamed of my Nation.

Dems and Reps alike need to wake up and understand that we know how bought and paid for you are, we finally understand why you cant get out of your own way.

Cover your ass time is over. Its all hanging out now, and fair game.

Vote your ass off AMERICA, but make em answer your questions first.

TRH,

I learned in grade school that the tilt of the Earth on its' axis varies.

Yes I was taught that as well. But a 23.5 degree wobble? That might be a little uncomfortable for us humans. That’s all I meant. I don't understand the organizations that rail against global warming. What do they have to lose? What do those that promote have to gain?

TRH

"Actually, no. I'm starting at the beginning. Clinton is of no interest to me". Funny that you prefaced your post with "From Socrates to Clinton and more!" I guess Socrates is of no interest either?

titchaba,

We never vote our asses off. Only 50% of eligible voters, on a good day, actually vote.
As for answering our questions first, never. You will not get that out of any politician. They will say what they want us to hear to garner our vote. Never do what they told us they would do. Then blame it on someone else that they could not accomplish what they told us they would. Then they will ask us again for our vote promising the same things they already could not deliver.

I admire you. Right attitude, wrong country.

uncledad,

Socrates to Clinton was what was featured on the site. Give me a chance to start. I didn't link the tilt story for the 23 degree "wobble" only that there are varying "degrees" of tilt throughout the Earth's revolution. Last time I had a 23 degree tilt, I fell down. I got back up. But, the room kept spinning!

These "people" that deny the environment, These are the same people that throw garbage out their car windows. The same people that let some neo-consuperfratboy destroy their democracy. The same people that hire illegal’s and don't pay them. The same people that will abandon their parents, just as they abandon their own conscious.

uncledad,

Of those you mentioned in 165, I am neither. We are on the same side.

TRH,
Give me a chance to start.

Why should I. You come to this site to state contrary opinion. I could respect that but you have no basis. Global Warming exists. The extent is the only thing in play. Linking me to some crack pot website doesn't cut it. And to answer your question, yes I am a scientist. Whats it to ya?

Nothing to me, uncledad. Degree in Scientology?

Show me anywhere I said global warming doesn't exist. All I said is that humans and the industrial revolution is not the sole cause of it. Yet, you seem to think so. As for the trial link, just a link to some things many have never heard of or been taught about. I like the link to the Aaron Burr trial. Makes me wish current day politicians would settle their disputes by the time honored "duel." Who will be the first to step up to Cheney and his birdshot!

G'nite, uncledad.

"Nothing to me, uncledad. Degree in Scientology?"

Scientology is a religion, common mistake, science religion.

"Show me anywhere I said global warming doesn't exist".

Did you ever say it does? I did.

science, religion, see the difference?

G'nite, ALL

Issues of Free Speech Arise After Teacher Criticizes Bush

DENVER —†It was the day after President Bush's State of the Union address, and social studies teacher Jay Bennish was warning his world geography class not to be taken in.

"Sounds a lot like the things that Adolf Hitler used to say," Bennish told students at the suburban high school Feb. 2. " 'We're the only ones who are right, everyone else is backward and our job is to conquer the world.' "

The teacher quickly made clear that he wasn't equating Bush with Hitler, but the damage was done. A sophomore in the class had recorded the lecture on an MP3 player, and turned it over this week to a local conservative talk radio show.

Bennish, who has taught at Overland High School for five years, was placed on paid leave Wednesday by the Cherry Creek School District, sparking an uproar over issues of free speech and teacher conduct.

About 150 Overland students walked out of class Thursday to protest Bennish's absence, and the teacher's lawyer —†who met with district officials Friday —†has threatened a federal lawsuit.

Attorney David Lane contended on the Mike Rosen radio show, which originally played the tape, that his client's comments were not outlandish and were intended to get students to think about current events.

"Maybe it's not mainstream, middle-American opinion," Lane said Friday. "But the rest of the world agrees with him."

Lane added that if Bennish had spoken strongly in support of Bush, he would not be under investigation.

Tustin Amole, a spokeswoman for the school district, said officials were investigating whether Bennish had violated a policy that prohibited teachers from intimidating students who held political beliefs different from their own.

"Teachers do have a 1st Amendment right to express their opinion," Amole said, "but it must be in the context of the material being taught and it must provide a balanced point of view."

The Cherry Creek district, with 47,000 students, encompasses an arc of suburbs southeast of Denver; voter registration within its boundaries leans slightly Republican.

A partial transcript of the student's recording portrayed Bennish voicing a range of criticisms of U.S. policy and the war in Iraq. Bennish has not disputed the accuracy of the recording.

The teacher said in the recording that American troops had spent 30 years fighting the drug war in Colombia and using chemical weapons to eradicate coca fields. Bennish called the U.S. "probably the single most violent nation on planet Earth," saying it had committed more than 7,000 "terrorist sabotage acts" against Cuba.

During the class, Bennish questioned why the United States was allowed to wage war in the Middle East but Palestinians were condemned as terrorists for attacking Israel. A student interjected that the U.S. did not single out civilians, unlike Palestinian terrorists. The teacher asked students how Israel was created, telling them that Zionists used assassination and bombings to create their state.

According to the transcript, Bennish concluded by telling his students: "I'm not implying in any way you should agree with me …Æ What I'm trying to do is to get you to …†think about these issues more in depth." He thanked them for asking questions.

Reed Dickson, director of a program at Columbia's Teachers College that places Peace Corps volunteers in urban classrooms, said he thought teachers should express their personal political opinions in class and feared that cases such as Bennish's could intimidate some from questioning the government.

But, Dickson added, teachers must exercise restraint so they don't impose their views on students. "Once the teacher takes on the role of indoctrinating, the educational process is not possible," he said.

Rodney Smolla, dean of the University of Richmond law school in Virginia and a 1st Amendment expert, said that courts allow school districts to regulate teachers' speech.

"Teachers have 1st Amendment rights to speak on matters of public interest in the general marketplace, but they don't have as great a level of rights when speaking inside the classroom on matters related to the curriculum," he said.

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Support the president or else, jeeze do they have to start arresting the opposition before they get the message?

The address line is enough to send a chill up my spine.

capt

whatha fk, I'm only 104 posts behind! Life, and hopefully fun, sometimes gets in the way. It did.
Live music at both my fav night haunts.
I'll catch up on the reading, but not tonight.

Thanks again Capt. He knows what for, and I'm betting there's a few more on here he's helped just as much. He told me once he likens it to rbi's in baseball, and he enjoys it.
*props and good karma back atcha*

When You Can't Obscure the News, Buy It

How the Economic News is Spun

In America "truth" has long been for sale. We see it in expert witness testimony, in the corrupt reports from forensic labs that send innocent people to prison, and even in policy disputes among scientists themselves. In scholarship, ideas that are too challenging to prevailing opinion have a rough row to hoe and often cannot get a hearing.

Even the president of Harvard University, Larry Summers, an academic economist of some note and a former Secretary of the Treasury, was forced to resign because he offered a politically incorrect hypothesis about the relative scarcity of women in science.

The few reporters and columnists who are brave or naive enough to speak out are constrained by editors who are constrained by owners and advertisers. For example, it is impermissible to examine the gaping holes in the 9/11 Commission Report. Publications and editors are intimidated by the charge of "conspiracy theory," just as criticism of Israel is muted for fear of being labeled "anti-semitic."

All of these reasons and others make truth a scarce commodity.

Censorship exists everywhere and is especially heavy in the US mainstream media.

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PCR hitting on all eight cylinders (as always).

capt

Alan,

Anytime is fine!

And Thanks

capt

"Faith is, at one and the same time, absolutely necessary and altogether impossible." ~ Stanislaw Lem (1921 - )

I think hope is the same.

capt

For Gerald and my other cornposter friends (Photo Link)

Capt. Get some rest.

uncledad,

I was just kidding with the Scientology reference. I don't know anything about it cept it makes Tom Cruise jump on Ophra's couch.

G'mornin all!

A Nurse's Courage

In her first broadcast interview, a VA nurse explains how she was investigated for 'sedition' after writing a letter that was critical of the Bush Administration

Laura Berg, a Veterans Affairs nurse in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was investigated for sedition after she wrote a letter to a local newspaper criticizing the Bush administration's handling of Hurricane Katrina and the Iraq war. In her first broadcast interview, Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman spoke with Laura Berg, as well as Larry Kronen, an attorney with the New Mexico chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Here in Albuquerque, a local Veterans Affairs nurse has felt the crack down on civil liberties firsthand. In September, shortly after Hurricane Katrina struck, Laura Berg wrote a letter to the Alibi, a local newspaper, criticizing the Bush administration's handling of Hurricane Katrina and the Iraq war. Berg wrote, "as a VA nurse working with returning... vets, I know the public has no sense of the additional devastating human and financial costs of post-traumatic stress disorder." She urged readers to, "act forcefully to remove a government administration playing games of smoke and mirrors and vicious deceit."

The response to Berg's letter was harsh. Her office computer was seized. And the government announced it was investigating her for sedition -- that's right, sedition. V.A. human resources chief Mel Hooker wrote in a letter to Berg, "The Agency is bound by law to investigate and pursue any act which potentially represents sedition."

To date the VA has yet to issue a public apology to Berg. But pressure is building. In Washington, New Mexico Sen. Jeff Bingaman has asked Veterans Affairs Secretary James Nicholson to thoroughly investigate the VA's actions. Bingaman wrote "In a democracy, expressing disagreement with the government's actions does not amount to sedition or insurrection. It is, and must remain, protected speech."

More HERE

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This is not America. Right here in Albuquerque?

capt

Make Every Vote Count

As citizens, we must take immediate action to make sure our elections are fair, accurate and verifiable. Governor Bill Richardson and the state of New Mexico are taking great strides towards restoring voter confidence at the ballot box. The new system of paper ballots will renew the faith of New Mexican voters that every vote counts. Governor Richardson knows that Americans want action, and calls on other states to fight for our democracy.

We need your help.

Sign the petition to make every vote count!

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A little keyboard activism to start the weekend off on the right foot!

capt

Dear David,
I have almost stopped reading your blog, because every entry now seems to starts with a self-promoting summary of your last TV appearance.
If you want to become a TV commentator, discontinue the blog. If you want to write a blog, I think you are well advised to keep self-promotion to a minimum.
Best,
Carol9485@aol.com

God will judge me on Iraq, says Blair

British Prime Minister Tony Blair said today he believes God will judge him on his decision to go to war with Iraq.

In an interview with chat show host Michael Parkinson to be broadcast this weekend, Blair was asked about joining the US-led invasion in March 2003.

"That decision has to be taken and has to be lived with, and in the end there is a judgment that - well, I think if you have faith about these things then you realise that judgment is made by other people," he said.

Asked to explain what he meant, the prime minister, a devout Christian, replied: "If you believe in God, it's made by God as well."

He said: "This is not just a matter of a policy here or a thing there, but of their lives and in some cases their death ... the only way you can take a decision like that is to try to do the right thing, according to your conscience and for the rest of it you leave it to the judgment that history will make."

Parkinson asked Blair whether he prays to God when making a decision such as going to war.

He responded: "Well, I don't want to get into something like that."

Pressed on the subject, Blair answered: "Of course you struggle with your own conscience about it because people's lives are affected and it's one of these situations that I suppose very few people ever find themselves in. In the end you do what you think is the right thing."

In October last year US President George W Bush allegedly said God told him to invade Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a report.

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See, God will judge him because his countrymen have already judged him and they were a bit harsh. 28% approval is pretty low.

capt

Styles have certainly changed when it comes to sneaking a honcho into a country. We've gone from a sealed freight car to a sealed 747.

Pan 142, I don't think anyone here has made the claim that human activity has no impact on climate, in fact everyone seems to agree on that. The argument is whether it will lead to some sort of disaster in the near future, something I myself am not convinced of. There are many things circulating out there to instill fear in people, I recently read a ridiculous article claiming that anyone at all could buy a 50 cal. rifle for $50 and blow up a nuclear power plant, I almost died laughing. But I imagine there are millions of people that actually believe such hogwash. If any of the super volcanoes in the world, ALL of which are active, were to go off it would make our piddly contributions to the climate look like a fart in the wind. As for Crichtons book, he lists 20 pages of bibliography which he used in his research. It is really quite impressive. One thing he said that I agree with, "I am certain there is far too much certainty."

Uncledad 153, I am more familiar with carbon dating than the average Joe, my husband is a geologist so I have a lot of access to all kinds of info in that area, he is a book freak. I don't know what your comment is referring to, if it is my post regarding evolution then maybe you have misunderstood what I said. I only pointed out that some people believe evolution occurs by pure chance, accident if you will, some people believe it is a tool used by an intelligent being, "GOD." I was not questioning the theory, and it is a theory, just saying the debate is one that can't be argued successfully because it is impossible to know for sure if a God does in fact exist. I personally believe in God and evolution, but can't prove anything.

Dirty Harris

Harris has generally expressed bewilderment in these matters. Asked in 1998 about Riscorp, she said: "It's really surprising. . . . We are all in it together trying to figure this out." Asked again in 2001, when she announced her run for Congress, she said: "I learned from Riscorp more than anything. I had no knowledge of anything that was going on."

The puzzled looks and cryptic press statements simply won't cut it anymore. Harris served as Florida's chief elections official before seeking a seat in Congress, and now she is running for U.S. Senate. If she truly learned from Riscorp, she can't claim to have been blindsided by 16 bundled checks. If Riscorp once paid the salary of a Senate campaign aide Harris thought was a "volunteer," surely she keeps closer track on the comings and goings of her current aides.

Prosecutors in the Wade case were careful to give Harris the benefit of the legal doubt, saying the contractor "did not inform" her the contributions were illegal. But voters may not be so forgiving. Her breezy explanations make her look either disingenuous or disoriented, and neither is senatorial.

More HERE

*****end of clip*****

I say give her the benefit of the doubt - she must be just dumb, uninformed and disoriented. Poor girl, someone should help her to her car.

capt

Bush's Katrina problem just got bigger

Today's Associated Press report about videotape of a videoconference in which President Bush was told before Hurricane Katrina's landfall that the storm would be hugely catastrophic and that there was concern that New Orleans' levees might fail is a stunning piece of bad news for the White House.

What makes this revelation particularly bad for Bush is that it directly contradicts his by now famous statement on the Good Morning America television show days after the hurricane. "I don't think anyone anticipated the breach of the levees," he said.

(Updated 3/3/2006 at 2:01 pm CST with White House statement. See end of posting.)

The video makes clear that such levee breaches were definitely anticipated by experts like Max Mayfield of the National Hurricane Center who told the federal officials assembled for the videoconference as much, including Bush who participated from his Crawford, Texas ranch. Mayfield warned that the hurricane would be among the worst to hit the U.S. in recorded history.

About the levees, Mayfield specifically said: "I don't think any (computer) models can tell you with any confidence right now whether the levees will be topped or not, but that's obviously a very, very grave concern." Bush made his Good Morning America statement just five days later.

Ironically, Mayfield was joined in his dire warnings by none other than Mike Brown, the man who has become the poster child for the federal government's botched response to the hurricane. As the video reveals, Brown was eerily prescient in his predictions that Katrina was "a bad one, a big one." Brown even warned of trouble at the Superdome, worrying about not having enough medical and mortuary teams there and telling his listeners, the president included, that the floor of the Superdome was 12-feet below sea level. The only reason that would matter would be if he expected a flood.

Now that the video from Aug. 28, the day before Katrina hit the Gulf Coast is out, it may have the effect of somewhat rehabilitating the almost clownish image Brown has been saddled with, rightly or wrongly, ever since the hurricane caused its massive destruction. So far, the more the public learns about the actions of federal officials in the days before and after Katrina struck, the better Brown looks.

But if the video helps Brown, it's potentially devastating for the White House. The fact that the president didn't ask any questions during the briefing likely won't help him turnaround the growing disatisfaction with his leadership among Americans, as demonstrated by his 34 percent approval rating in a recent poll.

In coming days, reporters and the public will likely want to know why the president said no one anticipated the levee breaches when some officials did? Did the president not hear that part of the briefing? Or did he knowingly say something that wasn't truthful?

More HERE

*****end of clip*****

"Or did he knowingly say something that wasn't truthful?"

Um . . . that would be HE LIED AGAIN? How many more lies will we have to endure before we impeach the SOB.

capt

Bush Plan Would Raise Deficit by $1.2 Trillion, Budget Office Says
_______________

WASHINGTON, March 3 — President Bush's budget would increase the federal deficit by $35 billion this year and by more than $1.2 trillion over the next decade, the Congressional Budget Office reported on Friday.

The nonpartisan budget office said that Mr. Bush's tax-cutting proposals would cost about $1.7 trillion over the next 10 years and that his proposals to partly privatize Social Security would cost about $312 billion during that period.
___________

I guess Buscheney's afraid they'll get investigated by DHS if they don't keep runnin' up the debt!

Katherine Harris to Headline "Reclaiming America for Christ"

Florida Representative Katherine Harris, currently a candidate for U.S. Senate and formerly the person who helped engineer George W. Bush’s theft of the 2000 presidential election, will headline the Reclaiming America for Christ conference to be held in Fort Lauderdale this month.

"Reclaiming America for Christ 2006 is your chance to get the tools and training, ideas and energy you need to change America for the better, " crows the web site for the conference, to be held March 17-18. "Our nation hangs in the balance and it will take men and women – equipped with strategies that work – to reset the wildly spinning moral compass of our great land."

Harris will give a talk on March 18 called "Bringing Faith to the Public Forum."

The conference is sponsored by the Center for Reclaiming America for Christ – we’ll call them simply, CRAC -- which boasts the following initiatives on its web site:

More HERE

*****end of clip*****

The CRAC people sound like they are all on CRACK!

capt

Here's another interesting bit of news. Michael Crichton noted in the appendix that he got the world temperature data from GISS, (Goddard Institute for Space Studies), The Climate Research Unit, University of East Anglia, Norwich UK, and the Global Historical Climatology Network, maintained by National Climate Data Center And the Carbon Dioxide Information And Analysis Center of Oakridge National Laboratory, Oakridge Tennessee. All the charts and graphs in the book are real, but after the first hardcover publication in Dec. 2004 the GISS removed all the data from the website before 1880, now the charts appear to show a warming trend, whereas before they didn't. Now I wonder, why would they do something like that? I also found a chart from Paris that goes all the way back to 1757, I thought that was cool.

EXCLUSIVE: FBI WHISTLEBLOWER SIBEL EDMONDS IS READY TO TALK!

Blogged by Brad on 3/3/2006 @ 11:04am PT...

'Gag Ordered' Former Translator Seeks to Tell Congress and the American People What She Knows
Online Petition Launched Calling on Congress to Hold Joint Public Hearings by the Senate and House Judiciary Committees to Finally Allow the Truth of Her Allegations to be Told...

She's fought her case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. It was the very same day that the facade cracked on the front of the building and a chunk of marble -- just above an allegorical statue representing "Order" and just below the words "Equal Justice" -- came crashing to the ground. The highest court in the land refused to hear her case.

Along the way, the Dept. of Justice has done everything in their power (and then some) to keep her quiet. They invoked the rarely used "State Secrets Privilege" to shut her up -- going so far as to use it, without explanation, to remove her and her own attorneys from the courtroom when arguing their case against her.

In at least two unclassified Senate briefings, FBI officials confirmed the validity of her reports, but the information from those briefings was then retroactively classified by the DoJ -- which served to gag the Congress from further investigation on the matter. The DoJ even retroactively classified a 60 Minutes profile on her -- after it had already aired!

All of that, even after the DoJ's own Inspector General's report found Sibel Edmonds' allegations to be "credible" and "serious" and "warrant[ing] a thorough and careful review by the FBI." The unclassified version of that report was only released by the DoJ after prodding from Congressional members and the 9/11 Commission.

Ranking Senate Judiciary Committee Members Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Pat Leahy (D-VT) both publicly support her case and would like to allow the Congress and the American public to hear more.

Want to know what it is that she knows? What it is that she feels we the people ought to know about? And what it is that has led her to form the National Security Whistleblowers Coalition to support other patriots like herself who are trying to expose crimes and corruption from within our own government? We do. And we hope you do too.

Therefore, The BRAD BLOG is pleased to support a new petition calling on Congress to hold a joint Senate and House Judiciary Committee investigation, with open hearings into all of these matters.

Government of the people, by the people, and for the people. You all remember that, right? Let's make this happen. Please sign her petition right now.
------------
What can all this underhanded behavior mean other than bushco has some MONSTROUS skeletons in the closet?

And please spread the word to other blogs and bloggers (and perhaps even the MSM may want to get in on the act -- it is their country too, after all), and ask them to do the same. This one's important.

We've reported over the last few months about various aspects of Edmonds' case. However, for those unfamiliar with the larger pictures of Edmonds' allegations and what she would like to testify about before the Congress and the American people -- all based on what she heard and saw first-hand while working as an FBI translator just after 9/11 -- please see the following bullet point summary of just a few of her explosive whistleblowing allegations...

Katherine Harris Caught Up in Bribery Scandal

Campaign Donations From Defense Contractor Under Scrutiny

TAMPA, Fla. (March 3) - U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris said Thursday she did not knowingly do anything wrong in her associations with a defense contractor who prosecutors say illegally funneled thousands of dollars to her campaign in 2004.

Questions about the donations have arisen as Harris, the former Florida secretary of state who oversaw the 2000 presidential election recount, tries to unseat U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.

The donations were described in a plea agreement last Friday, when Mitchell Wade, the former president of MZM Inc., pleaded guilty to bribing U.S. Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham in exchange for assistance in getting $150 million in Defense Department contracts for his company.

He also admitted making illegal campaign contributions in the names of MZM employees and their spouses to Harris and Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Va. Prosecutors said Harris got $32,000 from employees who were reimbursed by Wade. Harris said she recently donated the money to charity, and didn't know the donations would be reimbursed.

More HERE

*****end of clip*****

Seems like Harris is not just a nutcase? She is a criminal as well. MZM was a scam and she is either complicit or stupid.

capt

Pat Robertson loses seat on evangelical broadcasters' board

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson, criticized by some evangelicals for comments about Venezuela's president and Israel's prime minister, lost a bid for re-election to the National Religious Broadcasters' board of directors.

Robertson, founder of the Virginia Beach-based Christian Broadcasting Network, was one of 38 candidates for 33 board seats during the NRB's recent convention. The group represents mostly evangelical radio and TV broadcasters.

NRB President Frank Wright said there was no broad effort to distance the group from Robertson. But "there was broad dismay with some of Pat's comments and a feeling they were not helpful to Christian broadcasters in general," he said in Wednesday's Washington Post.

In the past few months, Robertson suggested that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez should be assassinated and that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's stroke was divine punishment for pulling out of the Gaza Strip.

A Robertson spokeswoman said Thursday that he had been a board member for 30 years but attended only one board meeting "due to his extensive schedule."

"It was amicable and expected that he would not continue to serve" on the board, spokeswoman Angell Watts said in a statement.

Robertson has had a close relationship with the NRB, which named him Christian Broadcaster of the Year in 1989. The network's latest tax statement shows that CBN donated $161,300 to the NRB in 2004-05, The Virginian-Pilot newspaper of Norfolk reported Thursday.

Among the successful candidates for the board was Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the Washington-based American Center for Law and Justice, a nonprofit group founded by Robertson. Also on the NRB board is Michael D. Little, CBN president.

*****end of clip*****

The nutcase should be relieved of any duty.

capt

Exclusive: Top CIA Official Under Investigation

No. 3 Official at CIA Is Subject of Investigation Related to Bribery Probe

March 3, 2006 — A stunning investigation of bribery and corruption in Congress has spread to the CIA, ABC News has learned.

The CIA Inspector General has opened an investigation into the spy agency's executive director, Kyle "Dusty" Foggo, and his connections to two defense contractors accused of bribing a member of Congress and Pentagon officials.

The CIA released an official statement on the matter to ABC News, saying: "It is standard practice for CIA's Office of Inspector General — an aggressive, independent watchdog — to look into assertions that mention agency officers. That should in no way be seen as lending credibility to any allegation.

"Mr. Foggo has overseen many contracts in his decades of public service. He reaffirms that they were properly awarded and administered."

The CIA said Foggo, the No. 3 official at the CIA, would have no further comment. He will remain in his post at the CIA during the investigation, according to officials.

Two former CIA officials told ABC News that Foggo oversaw contracts involving at least one of the companies accused of paying bribes to Congressman Randall "Duke" Cunningham. The story was first reported by Newsweek magazine.

More HERE

*****end of clip*****

Good old Duke, nice of him to wear a wire, eh?

I hope he takes down every slug that is complicit in his dastardly crimes. He will be eligible for parole in seven years and one month. Pay back $1.8 million of the $2.4 million he accepted in bribes. Is that justice? Bribing defense contractors during a time of war[sic] is treason. He should have a much longer sentence.

capt

#179 O'Reilly, thank you for the photo link! I saved it in my favorites column.

#185 capt, that is why we must pray to God to be merciful. Tony Blair is a murderer and a war criminal.

#192 capt, another wedge issue! That will be the Nazi Party's 2006 election theme. Please let us not reclaim God through murders and war crimes. Katherine Harris knows that the Republicans are the devils incarnate.

My wife just made a comment that Reagan ruled more effectively with Alzheimer's disease than Hitler Bush and what he may think is his brain.

There is much talk regarding global warming. If we collected animal and human dung to be baked into fuel cakes would this operation ease the thinning of the ozone? As the Nazi Party embraces the principles of the Taliban, will women have a future in Nazi America other than collecting animal and human dung?

American Soldiers

2,566 American soldiers have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan for Bush and his lies.

Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the tides and hurricanes he will encounter. The statesman who yields to war fever must realize that once the signal is given, he is no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events. Sir Winston Churchill

Henry Kissinger says that military men are just dumb stupid animals to be used as pawns in foreign policy.

In the eyes of empire builders men are not men but instruments. Napoleon Bonaparte

Nazi America is a mirror image of Hitler Bush.

Arundhati Roy says that Hitler Bush is the world nightmare incarnate. Gerald asks the question is Hitler Bush the father of the devil incarnate party?

Confucius spoke that before you seek revenge dig two graves.

When an illegal war is launched, every person killed and injured, every piece of property destroyed, and all environmental damage is a war crime. A war without borders and limits is a perpetual war. This war of aggression proliferates terrorism in proportion to its reckless widening, making the world ever more dangerous. TCR News

One cannot help but wonder: Where there alternative ways of spending a fraction of the war’≥ $1 to 2 trillion in costs that would have better strengthened security, boosted prosperity, and promoted democracy? Joseph E Stiglitz

G.K. Chesterton said that Jesus speaks sanity to a world of lunatics.

Flying Gunships Return

Senate Votes To Muzzle
Grass Roots Activists

LobbySense.com
3-3-6

Statement by LobbySense in Response to Markup of S. 2128 - The Lobbying Transparency and Accountability Act

Senators Vote to Restrict Free Speech for Citizen Activists

FAIRFAX, VA -- "Today the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee passed onerous disclosure rules on America's grassroots activists that infringe on several First Amendment protections including freedom of speech, assembly and the ability of citizens to petition the government," stated Kerri Houston, National Spokesperson for The LobbySense Coalition.

"These restrictions are part of a Lobby Reform bill that should be targeted at Congress, not at groups that bring the people's message to Congress."

The original author of the language, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) backed away from the grassroots constraints in the bill, but the Lieberman (D-CT) and Levin (D-MI) amendment to regulate grassroots activities passed 10-6.

All seven committee Democrats voted for it (Lieberman, Levin, Akaka (HI), Carper (DE), Dayton (MN), Lautenberg (NJ), and Pryor (AR); as did Republicans Stevens (AK), Voinovich (OH), and Chafee (RI). Voting "no" were Republicans Coleman (MN), Coburn (OK), Bennett (UT), Domenici (AZ), and Warner (VA), in addition to Collins.

"What is extraordinary is that Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska not only voted for these disclosure and mobilization restrictions, but embraced them. It seems odd that Senator Stevens wants to slap duct tape on the very free-market economic and environmental organizations that have stood behind the policy issue most important to him - America's need for prudent and environmentally sound drilling in ANWR. These "grassroots" include many of our coalition partners as well as the Inupiat and other Alaskan citizen activists in his home state who have gone to the mat for him on this issue," stated Jason Wright, LobbySense Executive Director.

"The bill will proceed to the floor for a vote next week, and the 50-plus members of the LobbySense coalition will continue to be active and vocal against these restrictions. We will encourage Congress to focus instead on real solutions to actual problems -- increased transparency for Congress, enhanced and enforced criminal statues for lawbreakers, and restraints on the spending that caused the corruption in the first place,' Houston concluded.

The complete Amendment and a summary is available at www.LobbySense.com
----------
Is that like a gag order on activists?

U.S. Planting Stories

Baghdad official who exposed executions flees

Faik Bakir, the director of the Baghdad morgue, has fled Iraq in fear of his life after reporting that more than 7,000 people have been killed by death squads in recent months, the outgoing head of the UN human rights office in Iraq has disclosed.

"The vast majority of bodies showed signs of summary execution - many with their hands tied behind their back. Some showed evidence of torture, with arms and leg joints broken by electric drills," said John Pace, the Maltese UN official. The killings had been happening long before the bloodshed after last week's bombing of the Shia shrine in Samarra.

Mr Pace, whose contract in Iraq ended last month, said many killings were carried out by Shia militias linked to the industry ministry run by Bayan Jabr, a leading figure in the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (Sciri).

Mr Pace said records, supported by photographs, came from Baghdad's forensic institute, which passed them to the UN. The Baghdad morgue has been receiving 700 or more bodies a month. The figures peaked at 1,100 last July - many showing signs of torture.

More HERE

*****end of clip*****

Meet the new boss - same as the old boss.

As the occupying force we seem no better than Saddam.

One more reason to bring the troops home.

capt

Nazi America's Destiny

Historic Hypocrisy

Because Hitler Bush Is an Idiot

Not Hitler Bush but Bushitler.

Fox 'Business' News: Strippers, Not Enron
Source: News Hounds
URL Source: http://www.newshounds.us/2006/03/03 ... s_news_strippers_not_enron.php
Published: Mar 3, 2006
Author: We watch FOX so you don't have to.

You could never tell it from watching Fox News' business show, but there is a big financial story unfolding about the fate of millions of American investors. So why has "Your World with Neil Cavuto" been ignoring it?

The major story that is getting nearly no coverage from Cavuto is the five-week-old trial of former Enron bosses Ken Lay and Jeff Skilling, who are accused of a conspiracy to defraud investors by concealing losses in 2000 and 2001. The collapse of Enron left investors and employees -- whose pension funds were in company stock -- with nothing.

Instead of taking a peek at the trial, Cavuto offered more than five minutes of discussion with two comely blondes who have formed a group to bring strippers to Jesus. The lengthy interview was paired with split-screen images of strippers in action. Its relevance to a business show was never explained, although the word "financial" did come up once. One of the blondes said that the industry often is a "financial trap" for "the girls" and so many cannot just quit their jobs on the spot.

Fox News' black-out of news on the Enron trial stands in stark contrast to its saturation coverage given the 2004 trial of Martha Stewart, who was convicted on a much less serious charge in a matter that produced no measurable harm to anyone. During the Stewart trial, Fox News offered updates throughout the day of the trial, from beginning to end, with additional segments of speculation about the effect of the trial on Wall Street and whatever else its reporters and producers could dream up.

Yet with Enron, Cavuto has not even told us of Lay's financial problems, how Enron lobbyists worked to prolong the energy crisis in California, or followed up with interviews with former Enron employees who are watching the trial and asking what they are feeling.

Why the difference? Could it be that Stewart is a Democrat and "Kenny Boy" is a Republican pal of George Bush? I'm just asking. Or could it be that the Stewart trial was in Manhattan, just down from Fox News headquarters, and the Enron trial is in Houston? Could it be that Murdoch won't spend the money to send a reporter to Houston to cover a trial in one of the biggest financial collapses in U.S. history? But couldn't they find a local affiliate to shoot some video for Fox and do a stand-up outside the courthouse?

Fox's inability -- or refusal -- to cover this major financial story speaks volumes about the quality of business news produced by Cavuto's show and the ability of Fox to handle the business news network it keeps talking about launching.
------------
As fair and balanced as you can get. No wonder half the people don't have a clue what's going on, but now they can tell you all about "Strippers for Jesus!"

Abdul Causes Security Breach at Airport

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Paula Abdul was allowed to board a plane at the Las Vegas airport without passing through a security checkpoint, prompting all passengers and luggage to be screened when they landed in California, officials said Friday.

A worker led the "American Idol" judge and a companion around the mandatory screening process before they boarded a Southwest Airlines flight headed to Burbank, Calif., Thursday afternoon, said Elaine Sanchez, a spokeswoman for McCarran International Airport.

She said she could not confirm reports that the employee was trying to help the pop star avoid a swarm of fans.

Federal Transportation Safety Administration officials were alerted to the security breach while the plane was in the air, TSA spokeswoman Jessica Altschul said.

"We're conducting an internal investigation to see who exactly was responsible," she said.

The person who took Abdul past the checkpoint worked for an airport tenant, but not Southwest, Sanchez said. She said she could not identify the worker while the investigation was under way.

An Abdul spokeswoman did not return a phone call.

*****end of clip*****

All too obvious but:

"American Idle?"

capt

Ominous Warnings And Dire Predictions of World's Financial Experts

Here are some terms that make me a lot more nervous than "Global Warming," because this is coming, it is right now, and there is no stopping it.

1 housing bubble
2 coming crisis in Social Security
3 oil supply risk
4 rising budget deficit
5 rising long-term interest rates
6 record-high current account deficit
7 excessive household debt
8 falling U.S. dollar
9 DEEP FUNK
10 FINANCIAL DISASTER
11 GREAT DISRUPTION
12 ECONOMIC ARMAGEDDON
13 FINANCIAL APOCALYPSE
14 FINANCIAL TRAIN WRECK
15 DEMOGRAPHIC TSUNAMI

I found all these terms uttered by the most famous economists in the world, in ONE article!Melted ice caps? We won't make it that far, soon we will all be back in the stone age.

Following the Money

We are spending about five billion dollars a month in Iraq. In a over two years, we have spent the equivalent to half of the 12-year Vietnam War or half of World War I with many fewer men under arms. Over a billion a week is all Rumsfeld asks. And the Congress and American public have willingly voted for this money because, as one general once told me," we need the best for our boys."

But there is a mismatch here. While the DOD is pouring buckets of water through the procurement sponge, only a few drops are reaching some of the troops. Troops will tell you that in the Green Zone or in the bigger camps "around the flagpole," where the brass hangs out, there are fancy facilities run by KBR and other contractors but that if you are deployed outside these zones, you will be hurting for vehicle parts, body armor, food and even drinking water. Even around the flagpole, some troops have told us that they are getting what they don't need but not getting what they do need to fight and win.

Various IAVA veterans tell stories about how the billion a week did not trickle down to them during the war and even months after the war. Perry Jefferies, several months after President Bush landed on the aircraft carrier and declared "mission accomplished," was forced to commandeer the rare shower trucks that came to Camp Caldwell so his hungry and desperate troops could drink the water. Ray Kimball will tell you how he frantically tried to keep his group of helicopters flying, while based at the Baghdad Airport, even though he did not get a single spare part delivered for two months after the war started.

More HERE

*****end of clip*****

Worth a read.

capt

Watching the Defective

What the foreign press really thinks of us (hint: it's not all kittens and rainbows)

Watchingamerica.com has for some months been part of a nutritious media breakfast, serving daily doses of U.S.-focused news and commentary from abroad to an America unwholesomely satisfied with the view from up its own ass. And now that Katrina has plunged us deeper than ever into the warm, fecal waters of national self-examination, it's especially refreshing to step away to perspectives so distant, at times, as to render exotic even such familiarly American phenomena as, for instance, screwed-over black people. "There are some interesting and heart-wrenching stories about this race, which they call 'Negro,'" explained analyst Dr. Shahram Mohammednejad last week to viewers of the Iranian News Network's Katrina coverage. "Surely you know that up to 50 or 60 years ago, blacks had to sit at the back of the bus. Martin Luther King's mother was the first to have the courage to sit at the front. That started a revolution. [King] was eventually assassinated by the CIA."
As such B-minus homework suggests, of course, the risk of a site like Watching America is that the average American know-nothing might come away from it confirmed in his belief that foreigners know even less. Indeed, given the quantity of unabashed conspiracy theory on display here (the CIA/Mossad/Freemasons blew up the World Trade Center, says one Arab talking head after another; the Nicole Kidman vehicle

The Interpreter is part of a plot to destabilize the Mugabe regime, says the Zimbabwean state press), you half suspect the site itself of conspiring to make non-Americans look asinine. But what then to make of the incisive, knowing critiques relayed from Taiwan, from France, from Mexico? "[If] the United States didn't exist it would have to be invented, so that other countries would find it harder to conceal their own defects and inconsistencies," writes one Parisian daily. And the fact that that's supposed to be a defense of the U.S. (from pro-American Le Figaro) suggests just how indefensible we've become.

*****end of clip*****

Watchingamerica.com is a daily trip worth the price of the ride, free!

capt

Administration Revives Dispute Over Eavesdropping Authority

In a new defense of its warrantless eavesdropping program, the Bush administration yesterday reopened a dispute about whether it tried and failed to obtain direct congressional authority for use of the president's war-making powers on U.S. territory.

The Justice Department has asserted that Congress implicitly granted President Bush the power to secretly order interception of some overseas calls and e-mails made by Americans in the United States when it passed a resolution authorizing use of military force against those responsible for the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Eavesdropping is part of war, the administration maintains, and the battlefield includes the United States.

But former senator Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), majority leader at the time of the vote, argued in a Dec. 23 opinion article in The Washington Post that Congress could not have implied such power because it refused a more direct request.

"Literally minutes before the Senate cast its vote" on Sept. 14, 2001, Daschle wrote, the White House asked to insert the words "in the United States" into the use-of-force resolution. "I could see no justification for Congress to accede to this extraordinary request for additional authority," Daschle added. "I refused."

*****end of clip*****

There are a couple of paragraphs of blah blah blah after the clip above but the message is clear. One more lie, many more crimes.

capt

Future Nobel Peace Prize Winner- Nonie Darwish tells it like it is

Beverly Hills "Peace Activist" Nonie Darwish sipped at a cup of warm Palestinian children's blood and talked with us today about her plans for peace in the Middle East. We asked her about her protest against the film Paradise Now and why she feels it shouldn't be shown anywhere.
Beautiful as always, She replied that Arabs were never meant to be equal in any respect to Israelis and that it is their refusal to accept their lot as a lesser life form that has contributed to all of the problems in the world today. In a direct quote she said, "it would probably be better for everyone if the Palestinian people were exterminated from the face of the Earth, the Israelis need the land and God gave them the land including all of Syria and most of Iraq and pretty much anything that they want because God also told the Israelis that they should rule the Earth and that everyone else should serve them." We asked Nonie where she got this information and she said the Israelis told her so it must be so.

We asked her if the Palestinians, having no other weapons but rocks and nowhere to live weren't using the only thing at their disposal to defend themselves against genocide. Hah! she said, "and why should they be allowed to defend themselves at all? It is their destiny to serve a master race. Is it moral or legal to resist the commands of your betters? I think not.
------------
Part satire, all true.

Harris Requested Funds At Behest of Contractor

Last year, she first requested five defense projects totaling $15.8 million. A month later, she wrote another letter to Reps. C.W. Bill Young (R-Fla.) and John P. Murtha (D-Pa.), the senior members of the panel, adding the Wade project. It was for Naval Criminal Investigative Service airborne capability, which she placed third on her list of funding priorities. She said it was "to support counterintelligence and combating terrorism missions."

Harris said she has not been contacted by any officials regarding the incident.

More HERE

*****end of clip*****

Sound like some very bad timing for Harris. It makes it all sound like it was Quid Pro Quo, and that would make it a crime. I do not think this is going away. If she put the request in writing this is looking very bad for her.

capt

capt @215: Oh my! Those Repugs have such clever fundraising schemes -- they are always thinking up new ways to help people.

In a statement Thursday, Harris said: "I never requested funding for this project in exchange for any contributions, but rather to bring more high-skill, high-wage jobs to the region."

#174
Capt,
I was watching Democracy Now the other day. It was broadcasting from your home town I believe. Amy Goodman interviewed a VA nurse who wrote a letter to the editor critical of the bush administration and was nailed for it.

V.A. Nurse Accused of Sedition After Publishing Letter Critical of Bush on Katrina, Iraq

How magnanimous eh?

Oh Jeez,
Look at that. You posted it a few posts down.

Yep, right here in the ABQ.

Such a terrible shame. This is not America.

capt

True altruism lies in babies' helping hands: experiment

BEIJING, March. 4 -- Any parent can relate tales of a wobbly toddler's endearing desire to help out. Now scientists have documented it in a study suggesting that the capacity for altruism, or social kindness, emerges as early as 18 months of age.

It was a simple experiment to illustrate fairly sophisticated brain development: Tots watched as psychology researcher Felix Warneken did ordinary tasks, such as using clothespins to hang some towels.

Oops, he dropped a clothespin. Video shows one baby glancing between Warneken's face and the dropped pin before quickly crawling over, grabbing the object, pushing up to his feet and eagerly handing back the pin.

Warneken never asked for the help and didn't even say "thank you," so as not to taint the research by training youngsters to expect praise if they helped. After all, altruism means helping with no expectation of anything in return.

Over and over, whether Warneken dropped clothespins or knocked over a stack of books or lost a marker he was going to write with, each of 24 toddlers repeatedly helped within seconds but only if it looked as if Warneken needed it.

That was the key: The toddlers offered no help when he deliberately pulled a book off the stack or threw a marker on the floor, Warneken, of Germany's Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology, reports in Thursday's edition of the journal Science.

*****end of clip*****

A priory altruism? A little gift from God? Is it instinct?

Whatever it is - seems nice enough to me!

capt

Well,
Unfortunately for George it is America. She got on Democracy Now and she told her story. She hired a lawyer and she won. It's still America. We just have to keep fighting to keep it. We have to. The neo cons are slipping and sliding all over themselves to distance themselves from Bush and Co. I think we are gaining ground. I think we can do it. I think we can. I think we can. I think we can.

Off to see some old friends. Enjoy your Saturday everyone.

The Bungling Bush Presidency is Falling Apart

An old acquaintance in Washington - a former member of Republican administrations whose foreign policy views are decidedly hard-line - recently had this to say to a friend about the Bush administration: This might be the most inept administration in American history.

Considering some of the bozos who have served in the White House - James Buchanan and Warren Harding are two names that come to mind - that is a breathtaking statement. Considering the stakes involved with the United States, the most powerful nation in the world, it is also frightening.

But it should come as no surprise that President George W. Bush has fallen to an approval rating of 34 percent in a recent national poll. Just look at the events in this winter of his discontent:

More Here

*****end of clip*****

Sounds like the rest of the world is coming around to what we (and others) have been saying all along.

capt

Saldin -- Sorry you feel brow-beaten, but you certainly deserve the reminder that Criton is a novelist. You don't find facts in fiction, even when there is a bibliography. Try Ruddiman's books. You'll certainly enjoy the conclusion of the first one I mentioned, which I don't want to give away. In the second one you will find temperature records extending back for at least 417,000 years -- much cooler than Paris' record. More data of the same sort can be found in the RealClimate archives, going back to at least 620,000 --- even cooler.

capt, I have to rethink my thought processes from Hitler Bush to Bushitler. It fits in nicely with my one third theory. One third is Bush; one third Hitler; and one third reveals that he is full of shit.

One-Third Theory

When I was in college, I came across the one-third theory and I have used this theory as a guide. A third will love you; a third will hate you; and a third are somewhere in between.

In politics I use the same theory. A third will be repugnants; a third will be Democrats; and a third will be undecided or independent.

Bush will never lose his one-third base. Most Americans (but they do not want to believe) and the world know him as a murderer and a war criminal and he still receives 35% of the vote. Bush can only go but up in the polls. The reason for him to go up is because he has his base and he will never lose his base and the third of Americans who are left are either too fickle or too stupid to see him as a murderer and a war criminal.

Bushitler is really scrambling for a CIA covert terrorist attack within the Nazi States of America so he can scare Nazi Americans shitless and he can gain more power. There will be a CIA covert terrorist attack somewhere in Nazi America before the 2008 election!!!!!!!!!!

Tahiti Sea Level Findings

IODP Scientists Acquire "Treasure Trove" of Climate Records off Tahiti Coast

Investigators Retrieve Textbook-Quality Coral Fossil Sampling to Document History of Paleoclimatic Change

Bremen, Germany—Ån international team of scientists, supported by the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program, reunited at the University of Bremen to analyze a trove of coral fossil samples retrieved from Tahitian waters during October and November 2005. Two weeks ago, led by chief scientists from France and Japan, the science party started their year-long analysis of 632 meters of fossil material retrieved from 37 boreholes drilled beneath the seafloor. The initial conclusion is that the IODP Tahiti Sea Level Expedition has assembled the most accurate physical evidence available today of changes in sea level during the last deglaciation, including a full record of temperature and salinity changes in the southern Pacific.

Co-chief scientist Gilbert Camoin, of CEREGE, a geoscience research center in France, summarized the expedition’≥ success: "Tahiti has given us a treasure of records that archive sea level change over approximately the last 20,000 years. Because corals are ultra-sensitive to environmental change, we have been able—¢y splitting lengths of coral reef cores we acquired—†to get better, more accurate descriptions of reef growth during the sea level rise that occurred after the last glacial maximum, 23000 years ago." Camoin explains that Tahiti was chosen for this expedition because of its unique geology and its location: a relatively stable, volcanic island, Tahiti is subsiding at a rate of just .025 mm per year, in the southern Pacific far away from the previously glaciated regions. "Tahiti presents a microcosm of what’≥ happening globally in paleoclimatology today," he says.

Japanese co-chief scientist Yasufumi Iryu, of Tohoku University, praises the quality of the cores obtained. "The longest continuous coral core we collected is 3.5 meters long," he confirms. "It represents 350 years of coral growth." Providing a reliable climate record with no gaps, massive coral samples—™ust five percent of the samples obtained—°re highly valued by scientific investigators as they reconstruct climate variability and piece together frequency and amplitude of climatic anomalies such as El Ni?o.

"Our goal to acquire high-resolution archival paleoclimate records has been met," says Camoin. "Examining the massive coral cores retrieved from 40 to 120 meters below sea level, we identified grooved pairs of light and dark bands, each pair measuring a centimeter in width, and each representing one year of growth." According to Camoin, the coral fossils record age in their grooves. "Using radiometric methods, we are able to determine a coral fossil’≥ age within 30 years."

Iryu, who specializes in El Ni?o anomalies, agrees that the age and water depth information found archived in the coral reef cores is simple, but crucial. In addition, "we measured live microbes (bacteria) living in the spaces within the deep fossil reefs. These samples," he confirmed, "have been collected and frozen for DNA sequencing."

"Coral reefs comprise the richest ecosystem on Earth," says Camoin, "and the most fragile." But coral reefs are diminishing, he notes: half of all reefs are expected to disappear in the next few decades. "Coral reefs are playing a prominent role in global matter cycles," Camoin asserts.

IODP Expedition 310 was conducted by the European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling (ECORD), through ESO, one of IODP’≥ three regional drilling operators and the program’≥ specialist in mission-specific platform operations. ECORD represents 17 nations and provides support to IODP as a contributing member. A list of participants and their contact information is available at www.ecord.org/exp/tahiti/310.html.

The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program is an international ocean research program that promotes scientific advancement of the Earth through monitoring and sampling subseafloor environments. IODP receives its primary funding from the U.S. and Japan, through the National Science Foundation and the Ministry of Science, Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, respectively. For photos or more program information, visit www.iodp.org.

For more information, contact:

Albert Gerdes, ECORD/ESO: +49-421-218-65540, agerdes@marum.de
Nancy Light, IODP Management International: +1-202-361-3325, nlight@iodp.org
Alan Stevenson, ECORD/ESO: +44-131-650-0376, agst@bgs.ac.uk

*****end of clip*****

Subseafloor sampling is a good source of solid data.

capt

I Love America!!! Do You???

In regard to the NON-Proliferation treaty. We just continue to say to the world "do as we say not as we do".

DEMOCRACY NOW WEBSITE
Thursday, March 2nd, 2006
U.S. Enters New Nuclear Age as Bush Seeks Funds for New Generation of Nukes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A new nuclear age appears to be on the horizon. President Bush recently asked Congress for $27 million to help jumpstart the country's first new nuclear weapons program in two decades. As we broadcast from New Mexico - the center of the country's nuclear weapons program - we speak with Greg Mello of the Los Alamos Study Group. [includes rush transcript]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"We are on the verge of an exciting time."
Those were the recent words of the nation's top nuclear weapons executive, Linton Brooks. Here in New Mexico - the center of the country's nuclear weapons program - a new nuclear age appears to be on the horizon. Bush recently asked Congress for $27 million to help jumpstart the country's first new nuclear weapons program in two decades. The money will be used to fund a competition between the Los Alamos and the Lawrence Livermore laboratories to find and design a new generation of nuclear bombs to replace the country's entire nuclear arsenal.

Meanwhile in another major development in the country's quest for new nuclear weapons, the U.S. and Britain conducted a joint underground nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site last week. Anti-nuclear activists including the mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan denounced the test, the first in nearly two years. In Hiroshima, the peace watchtower at the Peace Memorial Museum -- which displays the number of days since the last nuclear test -- was reset to zero.

Greg Mello, director of the Los Alamos Study Group.

More at Democracy now

If this were a dictatorship, it'd be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I'm the dictator. George W. Bush

Make no mistake Bushitler you are a despotic dictator of a banana republic that is now a hell hole created by your evil and vile policies and practices.

Saladin..Capt...others

This is one of the best interviews that I have read/heard in a very long time. I have been missing Edward Said...his clarity and honesty about the Palestinian/Israeli conflict is matched by Norman Finklestein who has been taking heat for his book THE HOLOCAUST INDUSTRY.

GO TO DEMOCRACY NOW

Norman Finkelstein & Former Israeli Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami Debate: Complete Transcript
Download MP3 audio

AMY GOODMAN: We turn now to one of the longest running and most bitter conflicts in modern history: Israel and the Palestinians. Well over a decade has passed since the historic Oslo Accords that brought hopes for a lasting peace. Today, relations between the Israeli government and Palestinian Authority are virtually nonexistent. Israel and the P.A. have not held final status peace talks in over five years. With the recent election of Hamas, Israel says it will cut off all ties to any Palestinian government that includes the group. After the election Israel withheld tax funds it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority. It finally transferred the funds but says any Hamas-led Palestinian government will get, quote, "not even one shekel." That's, well, a dime in the United States.

The Palestinian Authority is on the brink of financial disaster. This week, the P.A. announced it will be unable to issue paychecks to its more than 130,000 employees. It's the largest employer in the Occupied Territories. Hamas's victory is seen as, in part, as a reaction to what many Palestinians see as the corruption of the old guard. An internal Palestinian inquiry has found at least $700 million has been stolen from Palestinian public funds due to corruption in the last few years. The total figure could be billions more.

Meanwhile, the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank continue to expand. The Israeli group Peace Now reported 12,000 new residents moved into West Bank settlements in 2005, 3,000 more than the total number removed as part of Israel's disengagement from the Gaza Strip, and construction continues in settlements located both inside and outside the route of Israel's separation barrier.

Today, we bring you a discussion with two of the world's leading experts on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both of them have new books on the subject. We're joined by Shlomo Ben-Ami, both an insider and a scholar. As Foreign Minister under Ehud Barak, he was a key participant in years of Israel-Palestinian peace talks, including the Camp David and Taba talks in 2000 and 2001. An Oxford-trained historian, he is currently Vice President of the Toledo Peace Centre in Madrid. His new book is called Scars of War, Wounds of Peace: The Israeli-Arab Tragedy. President Bill Clinton says, quote, “ìhlomo Ben-Ami worked tirelessly and courageously for peace. His account of what he did and failed to do and where we go from here should be read by everyone who wants a just and lasting resolution.

We're also joined by Norman Finkelstein. He's a professor of political science at DePaul University. His books include A Nation on Trial, which he coauthored with Ruth Bettina Birn, named as a New York Times notable book for 1998. He's also the author of Image and Reality of the Israel-Palestine Conflict and The Holocaust Industry. His latest book is Beyond Chutzpah: On the Misuse of Anti-Semitism and the Abuse of History. His website is NormanFinkelstein.com. Avi Shlaim of Oxford University calls Beyond Chutzpah ҂rilliantly illuminatingɠOn display are all the sterling qualities for which Finkelstein has become famous: erudition, originality, spark, meticulous attention to detail, intellectual integrity, courage, and formidable forensic skills.Ӡ

We welcome you both to Democracy Now! It's very good to have you with us. Well, I want to start going back to the establishment of the state of Israel, and I'd like to begin with Israel's former Foreign Minister, Shlomo Ben-Ami. Can you talk about how it began? I think you have a very interesting discussion in this book that is rarely seen in this country of how the state of Israel was established. Can you describe the circumstances?

SHLOMO BEN-AMI: Well, for all practical purposes, a state existed before it was officially
MORE AT DEMOCRACY NOW....WELL WORTH THE READ...

Always fascinating to me the argument or the questions about human activity and the effect on global warming .. When 95% of the worlds scientist who are specialized in this area agree that the burning of fossil fuels is the major reason for global warming. Why would one have such a difficult time believing that this is the case.

Somewhat similar to the pre-war intelligence. Iaea experts, inspectors and El Baradei, many cia analysts, historians, political and military analyst were all on the same page before the invasion...there were no weapons of mass destruction.

It was the lunatics the ones with an agenda who were saying there were WMD's. Who am I going to believe?

Scientists Tackle the Question: "What Will It Really Take To Stop Global Warming?"
Researchers, Led by NYU Physicist Martin Hoffert, Publish Comprehensive Study of Non-fossil Fuel Energy Source Alternatives
Study Finds Massive Investment in Alternative Energy Sources Required to Stem Ecological Disaster
A team of researchers, led by Martin Hoffert, professor of physics at New York University, has conducted what may be the first comprehensive study of non-carbon-dioxide-producing energy sources to evaluate how to stabilize the Earth climate while meeting the world energy needs. The study, which was published in the November 1 issue of Science, found that no existing alternative energy source, nor combination of sources, currently exists that could adequately replace the energy produced by fossil fuels. The study concluded that massive research commitments are needed to develop these technologies in order to effectively slow global warming and adverse regional climactic changes from the fossil fuel greenhouse effect.

The study call for prompt and aggressive energy research and development distinguishes it from the Bush administration Energy Plan, which focuses on domestic oil exploration, and the recent United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change "Mitigation" report, which indicates that existing technologies can stabilize human-induced adverse climate change.
-------------------------------------------------
ENDLESS STUDIES SUPPORTING THAT IT IS THE BURNING OF FOSSIL FUELS THAT CAUSES GLOBAL WARMING.

If you apply a certain type of logic in one situaltion how does one not apply it to another???

While I actually try the strategy of reduce...reduce...reduce..reuse..recycle

I really appreciate George Carlins what I call a "rude Buddhists attitude"...he says "The planet will be fine, the humans are the ones that are fucked". "the planet has been around for billions of years, the earth may shake humans off like a bad case of fleas".

More George Carlin
Actually there isn't a single thing in the universe that isn't "natural". Everything is made from elements that naturally exist in the universe. This doesn't mean I'm saying that global warming isn't real, and isn't for the most part caused by humans. Just that the whole point of natural vs. unnatural is kind of mute. It should be described as beneficial vs. harmful. The term "natural" has been twisted by the conservative machine to instantly bring up the image of smelly drugged up hippies in the minds of the ignorant masses. If you say things are "harmfull", or "dangerous" they can't twist that. Global warming isn't going to destroy THE planet. It's going to destroy HUMAN civilization. The planet will be just fine, and actually much better off without us. So if people don't wise up soon we will just die off and make way for the next dominant lifeform to come forward. Hopefully they would be a bit smarter than us, and not kill themselves.

Re #233

What scientists agree upon is that greenhouse gases are causing global warming. Methane and carbon dioxide are the two major greenhouse gases. Of these two, many say that carbon dioxide is the worst offender since it stays resident in the atmosphere for about 150 years. Methane is resident for only 9--10 years.

However, and to correct a previous post, methane has already more than doubled over any previous high in the past 600,000 years. Carbon dioxide has not.

I am puzzled about why nobody is proposing any actions to reduce methane production along with carbon dioxide production.

If it is a certainty, and you are convinced it is oil companies that are to blame, then it comes down to consumers. We must all stop driving, boycott ALL plastic and anything that is packaged in plastic. And think very hard about ways that we use oil, directly or indirectly, everyday. If the demand for fossil fuels goes away, they will have to come up with something else to turn a profit on, because almost everything we use or do requires the burning of fossil fuel. The consumers will have to make the first move, because here is one thing that IS certain, as long as there is demand, there will be supply.
Mr. Benson, I have read mostly data supporting global warming and human contributions to it. I am not quoting Crichton's book as a source of fact, I know the difference between fact and fiction, but the charts and bibliography provided me with a very long reading list to research, which I have been doing. I also know that ice core drilling samples give a lot of data from eons ago, which I find fascinating. The only thing I know for sure is that we have some very serious in your face problems that weigh far more heavily on my mind then global warming, and if we don't find solutions soon, we will go the way of the Dodo, and the earth will continue without missing a beat. I am trying to concentrate on what are pressing issues while doing my part to lessen my own impact on the environment, what else can anyone do? This is how I prioritize, economic collapse, nuclear war, rigged elections leaving only lying, phony politicians as a choice. I'm sorry if anyone feels I am out to lunch by my reluctance to worry overly much about something that may or may not cause catastrophe in my lifetime, I can only do what I can do. I don't have any pull with lobbyists or oil companies!

Bad Science, Bad Fiction

Michael Crichton's latest book, State of Fear, is a novel in name only. More accurately described, it's a work of thinly disguised political commentary...

Mr. Benson, they can start by exterminating all the termites in the world and outlawing cows!

"I'm sorry if anyone feels I am out to lunch by my reluctance to worry overly much about something that may or may not cause catastrophe in my lifetime"

Saladin, surely you are not suggesting that if "it" doesn't have an effect on YOU personally, you don't give a shit. Or are you?

A termite walks into a bar and asks, "Where's the bartender?"

189:

Yet another of the Florida asses that i am forced to suffer.

capt, FYI:

The "Brandon Times" link on the page that you linked is my hometown (Brandon High, `83). The Chamber of Commerce article on that link is the one you gave me the quotes page for.

Rick

caroline, that one review is what you base your opinion on? Did you actually read the book? Or any of the references, many of which disagree strongly with Crichtons conclusions? You can't please everyone.

caroline, maybe you missed the rest of my post. I believe that we need to address issues that are destroying our country right freakin now! Not ten years from now or a hundred years from now. If we don't stop those psychos in DC, real soon, global warming won't matter because it will be nuclear WINTER that will kill us! Do what we can to lessen our own impact now but deal with the serious threat we are facing first. If you perceived such a ridiculously selfish meaning from that post you aren't paying attention.

Halliburton Eyed for Dubai Ports Deal

The Bush administration is working behind the scenes to defuse the Dubai Ports World controversy by having the UAE-based firm team up with an American company.

According to the New York Daily News, which first reported the new White House strategy on Saturday, "one snag may be that sources say the U.S. company best equipped to partner with DP World is Halliburton, once headed by Vice President Dick Cheney."

But a role for Halliburton may not be such a "snag" after all, since the controversial company's involvement has already been endorsed by leading ports security critic, Sen. Charles Schumer.

"I'd take Halliburton over U.A.E. at this point, if I had to take a choice right now," Schumer told the Fox News Channel on Feb. 20.

Schumer explained that Democats hate Halliburton not for any security reasons, but because "they made large amounts of profit" from what he said were no-bid contracts in the Iraq war.
But if the company "can do the best job and they get the [ports] contract on the merits," Schumer said, "I'd pat them on the back."

The News said that any revamped deal "would have to be something along the lines of the Marine One contract, where British-and Italian-owned AgustaWestland had to take on Maryland-based Lockheed Martin to win the contract to build the president's helicopter last year."

But a better example may be Port of Long Beach, where the state-run China Ocean Shipping Company [COSCO] was finally allowed to operate two large terminals at the California port after it teamed up with an American firm.

In 1998, Congress blocked COSCO's initial bid to run a terminal at Long Beach that was formerly operated by the U.S. Navy.

In 2001, however, COSCO entered into a joint venture with Stevedoring Services of America to form a new company, Pacific Maritime Services - which signed a 20 year lease to operate what will eventually be five terminals at the port.
The Long Beach deal allowed the Chinese government-owned company to retain a 51 percent controlling interest in PMS.
------------
Typical bushco manuever, pick the worst possible company for port security so that ANYONE else would be preferrable, even halliburton.

Saladin, please practice what you preach.

Saladin --

Please go to www.realclimate.org and read the last 10 or so comments attached to the first article. There you will find several web sites mentioned. These web sites keep track of 'global warming critics' who have been discredited. Go through these lists, crossing off items from Crichton's bibliograhy as you go. Voila! Almost nothing left to research then...

Now if you want to take the time to really learn about climate, read my comment, #51, to discover two books which will get you started. But you really don't want to go researching all the junk in Crichton's bibliography --- becuase you have more important concerns. Good for you!

To name one, can you tell us more about the woman who is/was an FBI translator and is being muzzeled? Somehow nothing about this situation has previously come to my notice. Thanks.

Saladin - No, I did not read that particular Crichton book because I found long ago that his type of political novel was not very appealing to me. When Crichton began writing fiction with a political agenda as his motivator, I lost interest in him. He's a fearmonger.

I realize that fiction is a powerful tool for social change, bad or good. Crichton does not "speak" to me; his work does not resonate with me. He's a clever person. That's about it.

(I am very familiar with Crichton's work and have worked in publishing.)

I think it's pretty damned hilarious that Karl Rove arranged a meeting for Crichton with George Bush, so that Bush could get Crichton's POV on global warming. Now, THAT'S SOLID SCIENCE! What a joke.

caroline, meaning? You know, you have said some incredibly rude things to me in the past and I have no idea why other than the fact that I seem to piss you off for some reason. I have always let those mean comments slide, but I would really like to know what your problem with me is besides the obvious political disagreements.
David, if you go to the Bradblog website I linked it will link you to the petition for Sibel Edmonds. She was an FBI translator who was put under a gag order to shut her up about the information she had regarding the events of 9/11. She also has a website and if you google the name it will give you tons of info. As for global warming data sources, as I said, I have read mostly the pro side, very little against. But I feel if I don't read both arguments, upon what do I base any conclusion? I am not trying to be argumentative, I just want to gather info. I don't know all the facts, far from it, so I will not say this is true or that is true. But I really do have bigger priorities, like the fact that bushco and their cronies are systematically tearing this country apart, and have accomplished an amazing amount of damage in 5 short years, to me that is of far greater concern then climatology at the moment, considering they have 3 more years in which to finish the job. I think we should derail that train wreck first so we can move on to these other problems.

I don't care about Crichtons politics, as everyone keeps pointing out it is FICTION! Fake characters, fake situations. If his fiction inspires fear in anyone than those people need some therapy. The only reason I read the book was because it presented a different point of view that I had not read before, even if it is fiction. Is that a sin these days? So what if he met with bush, there are pictures of bill clinton with bush looking mighty friendly with each other, is that something I should be concerned about? I'm not, because I'm not surprised, especially when daddy bush claims he's practically part of the family!

capt: "He should have a much longer sentence."

Normally, I would agree. But, he wore that wire and his past, to some degree, is also mitigating, IMO.

Rick

Saladin --

Science is a means to obtain reliable information. All scientists agree there is global warming. There isn't any other side anymore, just those in the pay of oil companies, etc. Paying attention to them is the same as paying attention to the Intelligent Designers, the Flatearthers and others of that ilk.

Thanks for the reminder of where to look.

Saladin, you accuse me of being rude to you, but I feel that you are rude to me. So, does that make us even? Or does that mean I'm "not paying attention?"

His politics are fiction? Or is books are fiction?

The fact is that many people cite Crichton's "work" as though it is science-based. You're right, it is FICTION. Made-up stuff, with made-up characters -- and THAT is why it is hilarious that Bush looked to him for DATA, FACT, OPINION, STRATEGY, SUPPORT on global warming.

Please, don't start the Bill Clinton did this or did that argument. That is so lame.

Bush greeted by Osama banners on India tour
By Justin Huggler in Delhi
Published: 04 March 2006

Independent Online UK

...Even as he visited a business school and an agricultural college, a few miles away police fought with rock-throwing demonstrators protesting at Mr Bush's visit. Much of the city had been shut down in a strike, black flags flew over the old city, and banners strung across the street said: "Bush go home". The protests in Hyderabad were fuelled by the fact that the population of the city is 40 per cent Muslim; many of the protesters carried posters of Osama bin Laden.
------------
No wonder he traveled with an army for protection. I get the distinct feeling they didn't really like him! Did that ever backfire, maybe he should just stay home now.

caroline, we are on the same side, remember? I will bash clinton as well as bush, it's equal opportunity bashing, because they both SUCK as far as I'm concerned. Maybe you don't think I bash bushco enough, I'll try to do better!

PS if Crichton is a bush supporter, he's an IDIOT!

And now for more fear mongering news.

UAE buys British firm that runs U.S. military facilities

World Tribune | March 4 2006

WASHINGTON The United Arab Emirates intends to operate U.S. military factories.

The Bush administration has informed Congress of a review of the UAE acquisition of a British manufacturer of engine components for U.S. military aircraft and main battle tanks. The British firm operates nine factories, including military production facilities in Connecticut and Georgia.

Officials said Dubai International Capital has acquired the London-based Doncasters Group for $1.2 billion. Doncasters produces engine components and turbine blades for military platforms, and its clients include Boeing, General Electric, Honeywell and Pratt and Whitney, Middle East Newsline reported.
"It's a standard business deal by a consortium that seeks opportunities," an official said. "But it also fits in well with Dubai's plans to create an aerospace industry."

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States completed a standard 30-day review and last week decided to extend the investigation for another 45 days. Dubai International is part of Dubai Holding, the third-largest shareholder in DaimlerChrysler.

http://www.conyersblog.us/
We go from This...
Impeachment Forum in NYC

We had a rousing and informative evening last night in New York at the impeachment forum hosted by Harpers Magazine.

It was held at the historic Town Hall, on West 43d Street, which was jam packed. As a matter of fact, the crowd was overflowing and we weren't able to get started until about 8:30. Sam Seder of Air America moderated -- while the forum was not aired live, I expect excerpts to be played on his show. C-Span covered the event, and should air it over the weekend -- I am still looking for the time, let me know if you see it or learn of it. The press was there, and I see that the New York Observer and Salon have already run articles.
END OF CLIP

http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/030106/news2.html
To This....
Former Conyers aides press ethics complaints
By Jonathan E. Kaplan

Two former aides to Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) have alleged that he repeatedly violated House ethics rules.

Deanna Maher, a former deputy chief of staff in Conyers’s Detroit office, and Sydney Rooks, a former legal counsel in the district office, provided evidence for the allegations by sharing numerous letters, memorandums and copies of e-mails, handwritten notes and expense reports with The Hill.

Fri Nite Lou Dobbs Brings up the Ethics probe about Conyers Not a word about his efforts on the Impeachment Of GWB.

Looks Like Rove has been busy....

This is for you Hajji: Freedom in Iraq: Websites off limits to troops
Justin Raimondo

I suppose it's possible to justify anything under the rubric of "military discipline," but one can't help thinking that the impetus for this clampdown was a noticeable uptick of antiwar dissent within the ranks. That recent poll reporting that over 70 percent of our troops on the ground in Iraq want us out by the end of the year shocked even me: it must have sent the boys in the Pentagon into gibbering conniptions.

Yes, the whole world is afraid of the U.S. military, and that includes our rulers in Washington, who stand in such fear that their armed servants will discover the truth about this rotten war that they have resorted to censoring the Internet. Hey, what is this, Red China?

Actually, it's worse: the Chinese Reds block access to the kooky cultists of Falun Gong and Western accounts of the Tiananmen Square massacre: the range of what's forbidden is relatively narrow compared to the broad restrictions described above.

I don't know that Antiwar.com is among the blocked sites, but I'm assuming it is: I often get letters from U.S. military personnel, but none, suspiciously, directly from Iraq. Hmm. At any rate, perhaps someone reading this will write in to correct me, but if we aren't among the censored sites I'd be very much surprised.

The Voice of the White House

March 2, 2006 : There is growing concern inside both the White House and among senior Republicans in Washington , that if VP Cheney doesn't resign of his own free will or is forced out of office, the Republicans will, in turn, be forced out of office in November. Even Diebold and Jeb Bush can't corrupt nationwide elections, like they did in Florida in 2000, and the continuous imbecility and arrogance of the current Administration is becoming widely evident, even in the Bible Belt. The American media, whores to the end, have been cooperating with Bush by hiding important information. The New York Times knew a year before they finally published it about Bush's determination to spy on everybody in the United States via the NSA and the entire media was aware of the FEMA Katrina tapes wherein Bush is clearly shown, contrary to his pathetic bleating denials later, that he was fully aware of the pending disaster, and did nothing, later trying to blame FEMA head Brown for his, and the grossly incompetent Chertoff's manifest inaction. Bush was, by growing rumor, drunk at Crawford and Chertoff is a moron and a sycophant of the worst order, typical backside licking Bush toady and as useless as tits on a boar pig.

PRESIDENT BUSH –†Overall Job Rating in recent news media/nonpartisan national polls
PollingReport.com

Dozens of polls, all on one page.

I posted this many months ago, but it's funny and worth another round.

Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a US radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. Recently, she said that as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned in any circumstance.

The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a US resident, which was posted on the Internet:

Dear Dr. Laura,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to follow them:

a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They say the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

b) I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15: 19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

f) A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

g) Leviticus 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

h) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

i) I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

j) My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev. 24:10-16) Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your devoted disciple and adoring fan

"Our main agenda is to have ALL guns banned. We must use whatever means possible. It doesn't matter if you have to distort facts or even lie."

"Our task of creating a Socialist America can only succeed when those who would resist us have been totally disarmed."

Both quotes from Sarah Brady, President of Handgun Control, Inc. and wife of James Brady.

She is an IDIOT! Disarm people so we can become socialist? I don't think so! Bill Clinton thought her worthy of honor? UGH!

Rick,

"Dirty Harris" was all about Kate, I missed the "Brandon" - I think if Duke is messing with defense contractors during a time of war he should have charged differently.

There are many vets, not many that can bring the likes of Duncan Hunters to stand with them or offer letters knee deep.

8 years of ten possible is likely as close to justice as justice will get. He still was under-charged - but he wore a wire. Bih fish - little fish. That is justice in America.

Now if we could just get the rest of the criminals to do some time? Maybe a little impeachment on the side?

capt

Govt. Eyes Error That Cost U.S. Billions

WASHINGTON - How it happened or who's responsible is a mystery eight years after the fact. But what may have been a simple error —†or perhaps something more ominous —†has given a multimillion-dollar windfall to a group of oil and gas companies and could cost the government billions of dollars more in the years to come.

The Interior Department disclosed Wednesday that a provision was mysteriously deleted from hundreds of federal drilling leases in the late 1990s that would have required producers to pay royalties, once prices reached a certain level, on oil or gas taken from deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

In 1995, Congress exempted deep-water oil from royalty payments to spur development. But a price threshold was included in leases issued in 1996 and 1997 and again in leases sold in each year since 2000 that reinstates the royalties if market prices reach a certain level.

For some reason the language "was inadvertently dropped" from an addendum attached to more than 1,100 leases the Interior Department's Minerals Management Service issued for 1998 and 1999, Walter Cruickshank, the agency's deputy director, told a House Government Reform subcommittee Wednesday.

He said officials have not been able to determine who made the change, although he said it had to have been a human act, not a computer glitch.

"It is clear that there is no record telling people to take the language out," he said, and it was widely known that the department wanted the price threshold restriction in any oil and gas leases as a matter of policy.

In the late 1990s, when oil prices were well below the threshold, the issue may not have attracted attention.

Rep. Darrell Issa (news, bio, voting record), R-Calif., the subcommittee chairman, called the whole matter "suspicious."

"This is a $7 billion word processing error," Issa told reporters. He said some of the leases issued during those two years could remain in effect for as long as 85 years, so the government will be unable to collect royalty payments from oil and gas taken from those leases for decades to come.

While providing no specific number, Cruickshank said the government already has lost "several hundred million" dollars in royalty payments from the 1998-99 leases because they lacked the threshold language. If prices remain high, lost royalties "will be in the billions of dollars," he acknowledged.

More HERE

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I wonder if we can get someone to wear a wire on this one?

capt

America the Pitiful

There can be no justice without truth; no peace without justice. If we truly reap what we sow, we are in for some hard times in the years ahead. When our government behaves irresponsibly and with violence toward the world, it is incumbent upon the people to restrain it, to remake that government in the image of the people, rather than the elite. But this is only possible with an aroused and wakeful electorate. Revolution requires an informed and militant citizenry. Awakening is the first step in the long and difficult journey to self liberation. The people will not rise until they awake. If they are to awaken, we must get them off the opiates that make them comatose. We must get them off the commercial news.

Progressives and conservatives alike recognize that we have an obscene and belligerent presidency that is buoyed by a frightened and timorous congress. They see that the institutions of government are not servants of the people—they are the servants of their corporate pay masters. Depravity and concentrated wealth hold sway in the halls of government. The White House is a brothel teeming with corporate lobbyists, whose fornications are conducted beyond the pale of public view. Congress is as awash in corporate money as maggots on a corpse. The Bush cabal has to go. However, we must also recognize that the cancer extends well beyond Bush. We must recognize that the system itself is the malignancy. Effective and conscientious citizenship demands more from us than paying taxes and exercising our right to vote. It demands that we act for the common good with conscience and tenacity of purpose. Let us finish the revolution that was begun here in the 1700s.

Real democracy cannot be served by paying homage to freedom through garish displays of trinkets—flags and plastic yellow ribbons. These symbols are shallow, superfluous, and disingenuous. Anyone can administer them. To do so requires neither courage nor effort—real patriotism requires an abundance of both. Unlike real patriotism, the symbols of patriotism do not require thought or understanding—they are a conditioned response to the choreographed propaganda that oozes from our televisions and radios, the words that drip from the nation’s daily newspapers. Real patriots do not encourage the champions of Manifest Destiny in their grim work of conquest and empire—they actively oppose them and resist. Those who uphold the Constitution and the Bill of Rights when the government does not are the real patriots. They are America’s dissenters and protesters. They do not require flags and ribbons to demonstrate their patriotism. Their every gesture, their very lives, is an expression of the patriotism that might have made America a different place than it is now—if only there were more of them.

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"If we truly reap what we sow, we are in for some hard times in the years ahead."

I fear that statement is painfully true.

capt

Earth Is Melting at Both Ends

March 2, 2006 — For the first time, scientists have confirmed Earth is melting at both ends, which could have disastrous effects for coastal cities and villages.

Antarctica has been called "a slumbering giant" by a climate scientist who predicts that if all the ice melted, sea levels would rise by 200 feet. Other scientists believe that such a thing won't happen, but new studies show that the slumbering giant has started to stir.

Melting at Both Ends

Recent studies have confirmed that the North Pole and the South Pole have started melting.

Experts have long predicted that global warming would start to melt Greenland's two-mile-thick ice sheet, but they also thought the more massive ice sheet covering Antarctica would increase in the 21st century.

It seems they were wrong.

Two new studies find that despite the increasing snowfall that comes with global warming as a result of the increased moisture in the air, Antarctica's ice sheets are losing far more than the snow is adding.

According to the National Academy of Sciences, Earth's surface temperature has risen by about 1 degree Fahrenheit in the last century, with accelerated warming during the last two decades. Most of the warming over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities through the buildup of greenhouse gases — primarily carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Although the heat-trapping property of these gases is undisputed, uncertainties exist about exactly how Earth's climate responds to them.

"The warming ocean comes underneath the ice shelves and melts them from the bottom, and warmer air from the top melts them from the top," said NASA glaciologist Jay Zwally. "So they're thinning and eventually they get to a point where they go poof!"

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Screw the facts, kill the termites and run your gas guzzlers belching Co2! Hey is will only effect those with beach-front property at first anyway.

All of us inlanders are fine! (for now)

capt

Michael Crichton’s State of Confusion

There are only a few out-and-out errors, but to be generous, they probably just slipped through the editing process. For instance, on p187 "higher temperature means more water vapor in the air and therefore fewer clouds" — presumably, he meant that if the temperature is higher, the relatively humidity could be lower (and so there might be less clouds).

On p368. "Croplands are warmer than forested lands." This is probably a confusion with the urban heating issue, but the actual impact is the opposite — croplands have a higher albedo than forests, reflect more solar radiation, and are thus cooler. In fact, while this is not yet fully quantified, it appears to have been a significant cooling term in the global budget over the last 150 years.

On p461 "…Greenland shows that, in the last hundred thousand years, there have been four abrupt climate change events." More like 40. And that is probably an undercount given that Greenland may not record events in the tropics.

At the end of the book, Crichton gives us an author’s message. In it, he reiterates the main points of his thesis: that there are some who go too far to drum up support (and I have some sympathy with this), and that because we don’t know everything, we actually know nothing (here, I beg to differ). He also gives us his estimate, ~0.8 C for the global warming that will occur over the next century and claims that, since models differ by 400% in their estimates, his guess is as good as theirs. This is not true. The current batch of models have a mean climate sensitivity of about 3 C to doubled CO2 (and range between 2.5 and 4.0 degrees) (Paris meeting of IPCC, July 2004) , i.e an uncertainty of about 30%.

As discussed above, the biggest uncertainties about the future are the economics, technology and rate of development going forward. The main cause of the spread in the widely quoted 1.5 to 5.8 C range of temperature projections for 2100 in IPCC is actually the different scenarios used. For lack of better information, if we (incorrectly) assume all the scenarios are equally probable, the error around the mean of 3.6 degrees is about 60%, not 400%.

Crichton also suggests that most of his 0.8 C warming will be due to land use changes. That is actually extremely unlikely since land use change globally is a cooling effect (as discussed above). Physically-based simulations are actually better than just guessing.

Finally, in an appendix, Crichton uses a rather curious train of logic to compare global warming to the 19th Century eugenics movement. He argues, that since eugenics was studied in prestigious universities and supported by charitable foundations, and now, so is global warming, they must somehow be related. Presumably, the author doesn’t actually believe that foundation-supported academic research ipso facto is evil and misguided, but that is an impression that is left.

In summary, I am a little disappointed, not least because while researching this book, Crichton actually visited our lab and discussed some of these issues with me and a few of my colleagues. I guess we didn’t do a very good job. Judging from his reading list, the rather dry prose of the IPCC reports did not match up to the some of the racier contrarian texts. Had RealClimate been up and running a few years back, maybe it would’ve all worked out differently…

*****end of clip*****

Did you know Michael was exorcised in 1986?

At least he has that going for him. A good and successful fiction writer. He is 6 feet 10 inches tall so he has the height thing going for him as well.

capt

The socialist quote attributed to Sarah Brady has been disputed -- and successfully debunked -- for years. The "National Educator" said when they published the quote she did not "deny it or charge them with libel" therefore it must be accurate.

One version had Brady writing that ridiculous quote to Howard Metzenbaum, who said he never received a letter from Brady with that comment in it.

Be careful what you automatically believe. It could cause one to get over heated and contribute to global warming.

Capt,

I've always been torn between my desire to live in the mountains or to live at the ocean's edge...

WOO HOO!!! GO MELTING ICECAPS! WOO HOO!

-T

An Excellent Article

Hajji,

In CA I lived on the cliffs in Laguna and used to go surfing in the morning and skiing in Big Bear in the evening.

Then I moved to Big Bear and reversed!

Those were the days!

capt

A Sad Article

As we must account for every idle word, so must we account for every idle silence: Benjamin Franklin

=
A person who won't read has no advantage over one who can't read: Mark Twain

=
Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth: Henry D. Thoreau

=
Where liberty is, there is my country: Benjamin Franklin

=
And though tyranny, because it needs no consent, may successfully rule over foreign peoples, it can stay in power only if it destroys first of all the national institutions of its own people : Hannah Arendt, from her book The Origins Of Totalitarianism p.128

===

Thanks ICH Newsletter!

War - a sign of patriotism?

#274,

Good Piece!

Thanks!

capt

So Capt, now you gang up on me? Because of a passing mention of a fictional story that I, God forbid, actually read? I am so, so, so sorry! Does that pass muster with you? I am a crackpot for reading a Michael Crichton book and wondering? Maybe I should stick with whatever is acceptable on the corn blog. And don't question anything that has been determined acceptable. Please forgive me, I have erred. You should feel better now.

Army to open criminal probe of Tillman death
Friendly fire blamed in death in Afghanistan of former NFL player

From Barbara Starr
CNN Washington Bureau

Saturday, March 4, 2006; Posted: 7:23 p.m. EST (00:23 GMT)

vert.tillman.jpg
An earlier investigation found that Cpl. Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004.
Covad - High Speed Internet for Business
Secure, low-cost DSL service for small and medium business - learn more.
www.covad.com

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Army will launch a criminal investigation to determine whether ex-NFL player Cpl. Pat Tillman's 2004 death from friendly fire in Afghanistan was negligent homicide, CNN learned on Saturday.

Well I certainly feel better...

Last night Catfish, corn, green beans and crablegs and Sierra Nevada.

Tonight ribeyes with s'rooms and onions, zucchini, and half a sweet 'tater with "Flying Dog" pale.

I wish I could share it with you all!

Wait, tomorrow's Sunday, which means I can't buy beer, here below the buckle of the bible belt.

Sorry 'bout that!

Why is everybody suddenly so passionate and sensitive all sudden-like? You know we all share the same water in Hajji's Love Hottub! One person pisses, and we're ALL swimmin' in it!

Goodnight and sweaty dreams!

-T

Saladin?

"So Capt, now you gang up on me?"

What the heck are you talking about?

I posted about MC because it was others on the thread posting about him and his GOP leanings?

I have not addressed you or anything you have posted about him?

Chill out sister - NOTHING I posted was to, or about you? Why would you think otherwise?

My better half enjoy's Michael Crichton (whom I believe is a good FICTION writer?). I think no less of her and I think no less of you for reading his book. WTF brought about such a conclusion?

Gang up on you with whom and how?

It was never my intention, if I was addressing you, the post would start out as "Saladin," As I alway do when addressing you or your post.

Maybe less caffiene? More herbal tea or some of that home brew? Calm down take an inventory and think about what you say before you say it.

We are all friends here as far as I can tell. You may not think so but we are. You can make friends wonder when you accuse them of being less than supportive.

Reference to MC as a source of climate data is laughable but to each their own.

Pass muster? You are way out of line. I do not give a flying flip what you read - why would I?

You are over-reacting to nothing? WHY? (rhetorical but you might consider a bit more friendly intercourse)

capt

Saladin,

Maybe I am not suppose to have and post my opinion on the author?

I will let your comments censor me. I will not post about any author you are reading but . .

I will need your reading list because I have no clue what you might be reading from day to day.

Let me know.

peace

capt

US calls Russia-Hamas meeting Useful

Former Russian PM calls Hamas victory a complete fiasco for US

WASHINGTON: Washington called "useful" on Friday a meeting between Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov and officials of Hamas, noting that Moscow reiterated the demands of the Middle East quartet to the Palestinian leaders.

The meeting, which Washington originally greeted cooly, "served the purpose to deliver the message ... that the expectations of the international community are that (Hamas) will renounce terror, recognise Israel and accept obligations and commitments made by the Palestinian Authority," said Adam Ereli, a State Department spokesman.

"This is a choice that we all want Hamas to make. So to the extent that hearing it directly and forcefully from the Russians can serve that purpose, then that's all well and good," Ereli said.

The quartet - the United States, Russia, the United Nations and the European Union - have insisted since Hamas's surprise election win in January that the group end attacks on Israel and acknowledge Israel's right to exist.

Without these steps, the quartet has threatened to cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority.

Earlier Washington had greeted Moscow's decision to receive Hamas leaders coldly, calling for "clarifications" from Russia.

Complete fiasco - The shock victory of the radical group Hamas in Palestinian elections was a "complete fiasco" for US diplomacy in the Middle East, Yevgeny Primakov, a former Russian prime minister and respected expert on the region, said Saturday.

The Hamas win in the January 25 elections marked "a complete fiasco of US attempts to export democracy to the Middle East," Interfax news agency quoted Primakov as saying at a foreign policy conference.

He said it was "wrong" for the West to continue to treat Hamas as a terrorist organisation in light of the election, "wrong" to demand immediate formal recognition of Israel and "wrong to starve them financially" as the United States has said it intends to do. "Hamas should be involved in the road map peace plan," the blueprint for Israeli-

Primakov has held a number of posts at the top levels of the Russian government, including that of foreign minister, but the bulk of his career has focused on the Middle East, where he also served as Russia's special envoy.

A senior US diplomat, David Welch, told a US congressional panel in Washington on Thursday that Washington's strategy in light of Hamas election victory was to isolate the group financially and politically and to "make their function as a government enormously difficult". afp

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Sure, I guess it is useful to know where Hamas stands.

Not very hopeful for a peaceful coexistence with their neighbors but maybe they will find some common ground without all out war. I hope they can do so.

capt

There are things I could say, but for the sake of peace I won't. Carry on Capt.
PS I would NEVER support censorship, by all means, say what you want, I do.

Dick Cheney and Cocaine Kate hit Mardi Gras trail

KATE Moss dancers snorting "cocaine" were there, along with a spoof of movie Brokeback Mountain and "friends" of the apparently gay-friendly Dick Cheney.

The essential lampoon of Prime Minister John Howard was also thrown in, as well as a celebrity float headed by the new face of Australian tourism, Lara Bingle, and music guru Molly Meldrum, who was also there in person with Moss.

More than 120 floats and marching groups took part in the 28th annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, with the theme "I Believe".

Troubled supermodel Moss was among those "honoured" with a float in the parade.

A colourful group of men wearing blonde wigs formed the Kate Moss Line Dancers and danced their way through the event with the tagline "The most glamorous rehabilitated model in the world".

Other floats were inspired by Oscars favourite Brokeback Mountain and reality television show Outback Jack, complete with gay farmers and Miss Showgirls from rural towns.

Some carried serious political messages, such as the world peace float formed in light of the Cronulla riot, and other marchers simply revelled in the opportunity to dress in skimpy sequined outfits.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore led a City of Sydney float based on the cult comedy show Little Britain.

Also entertaining the crowd lining the streets in and around Oxford Street were Snow White and the Seven Dykes and Miss Wagga Wagga.

Chairman of the new Mardi Gras board Marcus Bourget said the event, launched as a political protest in 1978, was still about "expression and about the gay and lesbian community having a powerful voice".

Despite criticism in recent years, he said the parade was still essential as a forum to push for change.

Chief of Parade this year was opera singer and actress Deborah Cheetham.

"Over the years I've seen so many people who I've admired and respected take on this role so to be given it myself means a great deal to me," she said.

Partner Maxine Kohler and their daughter Tamara joined her.

About 1400 volunteers wearing T-shirts bearing the message "I believe all love is equal" kept the excited crowd under control.

Australian Idol winner Kate DeAraugo, television host Ian Dickson, and singer Tiffani Wood also marched in the parade.

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A funny title and some campy fun. Dick will be hating this piece!

capt

"There are things I could say, but for the sake of peace I won't."

There is peace in my world and in my heart and soul. The only rift in my world is wonder what is up with you? Please tell me why you would even post such a thing?

There are things you could say? Then say it sister - let it rip. You elude to something? Take your best shot. I can take anything anybody wants to dish out. I do not take anything on the blog personally.

I still have no clue what the hell your problem is so update me. I am here? Still your friend and still not "ganging up on" poor little you.

There is NOTHING I can say that I have not. I respect you enough to be honest and forthright. You have lost respect for me? What is it you cannot say?

capt

bill o'reilly is a crybaby nancy boy ha!

Pull the troops out now! Cartoons are deadlier!

AP

Just What Iraq Needs

Clean water, electricity, jobs? Just What Iraq Needs No, more prisons

Just what Iraq needs: more prisons.

Never mind that the country suffers from dirty water and shortages of medicine and electricity. Never mind that raw sewage regularly spills into the streets of Baghdad. Never mind that unemployment stands at over 60 percent. Never mind that of all these essential services are less available than before the invasion.

Never mind all that.

The Bush administration has determined that all the new money allocated to rebuilding Iraq should go to prisons.

More HERE

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Read this - it is absolutely sickening. Then the $325 million dollar no-bid contract for KBR to build "detention centers" here in the states?

Pretty obvious the intention behind the detention. Here or there we are a global village so it is the same all over (or will be soon).

capt

US pumps cash into prisons as Iraq crumbles

The only extra US funding for Iraq next year will be for new prisons, officials have revealed, as America continues to cut federal money for reconstruction.

State Department co-ordinator James Jeffrey said he would ask Congress for US$100 million ($151 million) extra for prisons, but it would be the only request for additional funds in 2006 and 2007 as the US winds down its US$20 billion ($30.2 billion) reconstruction scheme.

"This is the one bit of construction we will be doing - US$100 million for additional bed capacity for the Iraqi legal system," he said.

More HERE

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Linked from the other piece.

capt

The Bashing of Bennish

What is remarkable is the consistency of the media to engage in ad hominem attacks against anyone who holds an out-of-the-box global view. The folks at Fox really need to get out more. Out here in the real world there are many different global views. Some citizens in this country don’¥ support capitalism. Ain’¥ that a shocker. Some folks even refer to it as "predatory capitalism". Some folks don’¥ support wars of aggression and many do not support the occupation of other countries by this government. Sometimes anti-war activists are tolerated, but anti-capitalist activists, now that is a whole other issue. It strikes at the heart of the Empire.

It is the educational system that has enabled the global aggressions that have inflamed the rest of the world. The Harvard/napalm connection is just one old example of the military-university complex. The failure of our schools to give an accurate view of world history is an even bigger problem that educators often ignore. This is not a freedom of speech issue. It is an issue of the right of students to have access to accurate historical information. Do students have the legal right to accurate historical information?

I applaud Bennish. He is one of the few with the moral fortitude to do the right thing. We should not allow him to be alone in bearing the burden that comes with exposing the truth. If the facts that Bennish presented to his class were wrong, then and only then, should he be criticized. I have yet to hear anyone attack the information he presented to his students. Instead of bashing Bennish, he should be a candidate for "The Teacher of the Year" award. The entire country should be examining the lessons that Bennish attempted to teach. A free and open discussion of the information would benefit this "Mis-informed R us Nation".

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The truth used to matter. Now it matters more not less and every way the fascists try to hide behind lies is their weakness. Their foolishness deluding themselves that they can hide the truth will be their downfall. They know some will resist, ergo detention centers.

"In times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." ~ George Orwell (1903 - 1950)

capt

Parents Complain About Book's Undertones

SAVANNAH, Mo. - A children's book about two male penguins that raise a baby penguin has been moved to the nonfiction section of two public library branches after parents complained it had homosexual undertones.

The illustrated book, "And Tango Makes Three," is based on a true story of two male penguins, named Roy and Silo, who adopted an abandoned egg at New York City's Central Park Zoo in the late 1990s.

The book, written by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, was moved from the children's section at two Rolling Hills' Consolidated Library's branches in Savannah and St. Joseph in northwest Missouri.

Two parents had expressed concerns about the book last month.

Barbara Read, the Rolling Hills' director, said experts report that adoptions aren't unusual in the penguin world. However, moving the book to the nonfiction section would decrease the chance that it would "blindside" readers, she said.

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Since when does it matter if a TRUE STORY blindsides the reader. I have always loved a surprise in a book or movie that is a true story. Why the heck would someone write a book that did not enlighten?

Next they will outlaw certain other subjects. Shut up the teachers, hide the truth of our mistakes, we will be perfect! WOO HOO!

No really, everybody loves fearless leader. We do as he says or we are in trouble. Say you love him too or we have to tell the block-captain.

We never started a war, we only defend ourselves from terrorists and insurgents. That is why they can break down any door, they are protecting us from the badmen.

All sing hail to the chief! What? Are you a terrorist? You might need re-programming. If you do not love fearless leader you have been hypnotized by the badmen. A few months in a detention center will cure you.

Is this what it is coming to or is it already here in a more insidious form? They are burning the books by reclassification.

capt

All British soldiers to be out of Iraq in 12 months

All British and United States troops serving in Iraq will be withdrawn within a year in an effort to bring peace and stability to the country.

The news came as defence chiefs admitted privately that the British troop commitment in Afghanistan may last for up to 10 years.

Iraq's national defence force will assume responsibility for security

The planned pull-out from Iraq follows the acceptance by London and Washington that the presence of the coalition, mainly composed of British and US troops, is now seen as the main obstacle to peace.

According to a senior defence source directly involved in planning the withdrawal, Britain is the driving force behind the scheme. The early spring of next year has been identified as the optimum time for the start of the complex and dangerous operation.

The source explained that troop numbers were expected to decrease slightly over the next 12 months but that the bulk of British and American forces, who make up 138,000 of the coalition's 153,000 troops, would be withdrawn simultaneously.

The British and American military had hoped to begin removing their forces from Iraq this year but those plans were shelved because of worsening security and the failure of both Sunni and Shia leaders to form a government of national unity.

The source added that the British Army had still not recovered - in terms of training and intervals between operational tours - from the war in Iraq almost three years ago.

In recent months, both the US and British governments have both come under sustained pressure to name a date when the coalition will begin the withdrawal of forces.

President George W Bush's popularity is at an all-time low in opinion polls and the Iraq war has so far cost the American taxpayer 150 billion (pounds). US forces have sustained more than 18,000 casualties; 2,297 servicemen have been killed.

The cost to the British Government is estimated at 3 billion (pounds) and 103 servicemen have died on operations.

The Sunday Telegraph understands that coalition forces, comprising troops from 24 countries, will begin to reduce their presence on the ground markedly over the next few months.

They will withdraw to their bases, where they will in effect become a garrison force to be deployed only in emergency.

British Armed Forces are also expected to hand over control of the notoriously dangerous Maysan province, where two soldiers were killed in a bomb attack last week, and the more peaceful al-Muthanna province, in the next few months.

Eventual responsibility for day-to-day security in Iraq will be taken over by the Iraqi Defence Force, which now numbers more than 232,000 police officers and soldiers.

One of the factors in the debate over withdrawal from Iraq has been the impetus of the looming long-term task in Afghanistan, Operation Herrick, which will see the deployment of a further 3,500 British troops.

The source said: "Our presence [in Iraq] is now part of the problem. That is a situation which is now accepted by both governments. We are viewed as an occupation force even though, at the moment, we are in Iraq at the invitation of the government.

"Every time we go out on patrol we run the risk of drawing fire and taking unnecessary casualties. The security situation will not improve in the short term, whether we are in Iraq or not."

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said there was no fixed date for a withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq.

*****end of clip*****

OMG! Can this be the best news in a long while? Forget about it actually happening - the fact that the discussion is both real and reasonable is a heck of a start!

I am all happy times two! Think about it, a REAL discussion about BRINGING THE TROOPS HOME!

It has been a long time coming but maybe this is the first correct step in the correct direction.

(dancing!)

capt

I can read the future. When the troops come home and Iraq goes to the dogs because they need our help and we are not there to give it, the liberanumnutz here will be saying 'I cant believe were not there helping them!'

The demogogs here talk to express a singular view, which does not take into consideration that no issue is singular in its effect on anything. It thus allows you all to take both sides of the same argument when either side is more appropriate for you.

The 'bring the troops home!' rally cry, does not take into consideration anything other than YOUR particular viewpoint and as far as you consider it, damn anyone elses viewpoint that dis agrees with you.

Perhaps you would do better listening to the age old advice: Its best to be thought of as a fool, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

Drew

You should, as always, take your own advice. If it is good advice it applies to you!

"Please give me some good advice in your next letter. I promise not to follow it." ~ Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892 - 1950), Letters

Thanks

capt

THR you threaten to derail me from time to time with your wack job spin on things.

Not a stupid person..your, impact? Brief..

depth? unknown.

Stupid people piss me off.

We have been successful at what we set out to do. Not bring Jeffersonian democracy to the Middle East but we went for WMD's - call it a success that we confirmed there are none. We effected a regime change and put Saddam and his sons to justice.

Hang a "Mission Accomplished" sign on our billion dollar compound called embassy and bring the troops home.

The fact that a real discussion has started is a real improvement. Will it be in one year - I doubt it but a date, any date, gives us something with which we can try for, a real exit plan.

Of course they will screw up the egress and there will be set-backs and surprises but before now it has been un-patriotic to even mention such a thing. It is not "cut and run" and it is not "defeatist" or "cowardly" it is a reality. Our continued occupation is not the answer to the current problem.

There are plenty of things here for Busheney to screw as their pooch here at home. No reason to have our troops dying in the mess Busheney made. Not if the dying is for some abstract unattainable elusive undefined goal.

Maybe some people did learn something from Vietnam?

I sure hope so.

capt

Troops out of Iraq by 2007, U.S. & U.K.

Reuters, posted by Drudge

Since cartoons upset them so, we could just send in the Knights who say "Ni!"

Priests Purify Shrine After Bush Visit

Maybe they can come and de-bushify the White House, too!

-T

TRH, time for more "terrorist" attacks in London now. You know how those insurgents HATE the idea of the invaders backing off.

Hey David- great work on Pajamas Media- hardly a liberal blog to be found in their blogroll. But hey, there are a few token liberal blogs. Great work. Thank goodness you lent your good name to the project. PM has turned into one big opportunity for conservative blogs to be bankrolled by more wingnut welfare. Because as I peruse their homepage, I see nothing but neocon, right wing drivel. Congrats for your part in all of it! Thanks for doing your part to get the conservative POV out- I mean, before they only had the mainstream media for that!

#292-
ya, right.
I suggest that all of you click my name and watch the video:: 'LOOSE CHANGE 2nd edition'
and/or then go here :: reopen911.org/ and order the FREE DVD: 'CONFRONTING THE EVIDENCE'

Read today's DOONESBURY. Gary Trudeau appears to be addressing certain cornbloggers.

The White House "Situational Science Adviser" says, "Situational science is about respecting both sides of a scientific argument, not just the one supported by facts."

HA!

In other words, don't research both sides you idiot, just believe what we tell you is the truth. You are far too stupid to figure it out for yourself, just looking at the other side proves that!

PS since every single study in opposition to what I say is the truth has already been debunked there is no need to look at it for yourself, trust me.

capt: I fear that not only will they not be brought home, they will be sent into Iran very soon. The administration CANNOT allow the bourse to occur...

The Iranian bourse, scheduled to take effect this monthm, provides a perfect opportunity for Middle Eastern oil countries to give the US the big finger. They may not be able to defeat the US military, but they can dismantle the US economy.

http://www.newswithviews.com/public_comm/public_commentary31.htm

excerpt:
"In March 2006, Iran will take Iraq's switch to the petroeuro to new heights by launching a third oil exchange. The Iranians have developed a petroeuro system for oil trade, which when enacted, will once again threaten U.S. dollar supremacy far greater than Iraq's euro conversion. Called the Iran Oil Bourse, an exchange that only accepts the euro for oil sales would mean that the entire world could begin purchasing oil from any oil-producing nation with euros instead of dollars. The Iranian plan isn't limited to purchasing one oil-producing country's oil with euros. Their plan will create a global alternative to the U.S. dollar. Come March 2006, the Iran Oil Bourse will further the momentum of OPEC to create an alternate currency for oil purchases worldwide. China, Russia, and the European Union are evaluating the Iranian plan to exchange oil for euros, and giving the plan serious consideration.
"...is there a direct threat to the stability of the U.S. dollar, the U.S. economy, and the U.S. standard of living? Are Americans being set up for a collapse in our economy that will make the Great Depression of the 1930's look like a bounced check?"

LOL

iamowl, The subject of the Bourse has been covered here pretty extensively, most of us realize that is the main motive that lies behind the Iran propaganda. But this time we aren't threatening a backwater country hollowed out and powerless from 10 years of sanctions, it will be so much worse this time, all to save a currency that is destined for destruction anyway.

I drop by to see anything new (from David) and see that this is still this forboding BS on the Iranian Bourse! Mark my Happy words, NONEVENT! Too much global interdependence and reliance on US consumption to help most trade-surplus countries.

Iran just wants to thumb its nose at US and the Euro is the lesser `imperial' currency! Drop this BS on a small OPEC exporter! Go worry about Freedom of Speech in the face of Muslim double standards. Geeze Louis, you bunch of economic weed-smokers!

A Right, and Fresh, version of Iraq:

DUDE, WHERE'S MY CIVIL WAR?
New York Post
March 5, 2006 -- BAGHDAD

I'M trying. I've been trying all week. The other day, I drove another 30 miles or so on the streets and alleys of Baghdad. I'm looking for the civil war that The New York Times declared. And I just can't find it.

Maybe actually being on the ground in Iraq prevents me from seeing it. Perhaps the view's clearer from Manhattan. It could be that my background as an intelligence officer didn't give me the right skills.

And riding around with the U.S. Army, looking at things first-hand, is certainly a technique to which The New York Times wouldn't stoop in such an hour of crisis.

Let me tell you what I saw anyway. Rolling with the "instant Infantry" gunners of the 1st Platoon of Bravo Battery, 4-320 Field Artillery, I saw children and teenagers in a Shia slum jumping up and down and cheering our troops as they drove by. Cheering our troops.

All day - and it was a long day - we drove through Shia and Sunni neighborhoods. Everywhere, the reception was warm. No violence. None.

And no hostility toward our troops. Iraqis went out of their way to tell us we were welcome.

Instead of a civil war, something very different happened because of the bombing of the Golden Mosque in Samarra. The fanatic attempt to stir up Sunni-vs.-Shia strife, and the subsequent spate of violent attacks, caused popular support for the U.S. presence to spike upward.

Think Abu Musab al-Zarqawi intended that?

In place of the civil war that elements in our media declared, I saw full streets, open shops, traffic jams, donkey carts, Muslim holiday flags - and children everywhere, waving as our Humvees passed. Even the clouds of dust we stirred up didn't deter them. And the presence of children in the streets is the best possible indicator of a low threat level.

Southeast Baghdad, at least, was happy to see our troops.

And we didn't just drive past them. First Lt. Clenn Frost, the platoon leader, took every opportunity to dismount and mingle with the people. Women brought their children out of their compound gates to say hello. A local sheik spontaneously invited us into his garden for colas and sesame biscuits.

It wasn't the Age of Aquarius. The people had serious concerns. And security was No. 1. They wanted the Americans to crack down harder on the foreign terrorists and to disarm the local militias. Iraqis don't like and don't support the militias, Shia or Sunni, which are nothing more than armed gangs.

Help's on the way, if slowly. The Iraqi Army has confounded its Western critics, performing extremely well last week. And the people trust their new army to an encouraging degree. The Iraqi police aren't all the way there yet, and the population doesn't yet have much confidence in them. But all of this takes time.

And even the police are making progress. We took a team of them with us so they could train beside our troops. We visited a Public Order Battalion - a gendarmerie outfit - that reeked of sloth and carelessness. But the regular Iraqi Police outfit down the road proved surprisingly enthusiastic and professional. It's just an uneven, difficult, frustrating process.

So what did I learn from a day in the dust and muck of Baghdad's less-desirable boroughs? As the long winter twilight faded into haze and the fires of the busy shawarma stands blazed in the fresh night, I felt that Iraq was headed, however awkwardly, in the right direction.

The country may still see a civil war one day. But not just yet, thanks. Violence continues. A roadside bomb was found in the next sector to the west. There will be more deaths, including some of our own troops. But Baghdad's vibrant life has not been killed. And the people of Iraq just might surprise us all.

So why were we told that Iraq was irreversibly in the throes of civil war when it wasn't remotely true? I think the answers are straightforward. First, of course, some parties in the West are anxious to believe the worst about Iraq. They've staked their reputations on Iraq's failure.

But there's no way we can let irresponsible journalists off the hook - or their parent organizations. Many journalists are, indeed, brave and conscientious; yet some in Baghdad - working for "prestigious" publications - aren't out on the city streets the way they pretend to be.

They're safe in their enclaves, protected by hired guns, complaining that it's too dangerous out on the streets. They're only in Baghdad for the byline, and they might as well let their Iraqi employees phone it in to the States. Whenever you see a column filed from Baghdad by a semi-celeb journalist with a "contribution" by a local Iraqi, it means this: The Iraqi went out and got the story, while the journalist stayed in his or her room.

And the Iraqi stringers have cracked the code: The Americans don't pay for good news. So they exaggerate the bad.

And some of them have agendas of their own.

A few days ago, a wild claim that the Baghdad morgue held 1,300 bodies was treated as Gospel truth. Yet Iraqis exaggerate madly and often have partisan interests. Did any Western reporter go to that morgue and count the bodies - a rough count would have done it - before telling the world the news?

I doubt it.

If reporters really care, it's easy to get out on the streets of Baghdad. The 506th Infantry Regiment - and other great military units - will take journalists on their patrols virtually anywhere in the city. Our troops are great to work with. (Of course, there's the danger of becoming infected with patriot- ism . . .)

I'm just afraid that some of our journalists don't want to know the truth anymore.

For me, though, memories of Baghdad will be the cannoneers of the 1st Platoon walking the dusty, reeking alleys of Baghdad. I'll recall 1st Lt. Frost conducting diplomacy with the locals and leading his men through a date-palm grove in a search for insurgent mortar sites.

I'll remember that lieutenant investigating the murder of a Sunni mullah during last week's disturbances, cracking down on black-marketers, checking up on sewer construction, reassuring citizens - and generally doing the job of a lieutenant-colonel in peacetime.

Oh, and I'll remember those "radical Shias" cheering our patrol as we passed by.

Ralph Peters is reporting from Forward Operating Base Loyalty, where he's been riding with the 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

Too Difficult

Dear Cornposters:

As a loyal, patriotic, and true American I cannot and I will not shrug my responsibility to tell it as it is and like it is. Nazi Americans will not like what I say but I must say it. Nazi Americans do not want to accept that their Nazi government is evil and vile. They do not want to accept the fact that their Nazi government is into murders and torture of human beings. Acceptance of Nazi America's evil and vile deeds and ways is too difficult for Nazi Americans because they believe that their country can do no wrong.

Let us look at how the Nazi American government is evil and vile in her policies and practices.
1. Nazi America's brutal and vicious attack on Iraq and her people.
2. Nazi America's use of chemical weapons is seen in bombs, missiles, and bullets that are laced with depleted uranium. White phosphorus was also dropped upon the Iraqi people. Depleted uranium will live in the water and land for 10,000 years.
3. Nazi America's training center in Fort Benning, Georgia is a prime example that trains foreign leaders and militia to kill and torture dissenters of a country. These leaders and militia are given up to date and state of the art training in killing and torturing of human beings.
4. Nazi America's detention centers kill and torture prisoners without due process. These detention centers also have up to date and state of the art killing and torturing tactics.

These are some examples of Nazi America's ways. Nazi Americans want to believe that Nazi America is good, holy, and saintly. They cannot accept the fact and the truth that Nazi America is bad, evil, and devilish in her policies and practices.

Nazi America is the most evil and vile nation to have come upon our planet. Here are some examples of Nazi America's demented, depraved and diabolical ways.
1. Nazi America is emulating Great Britain's colonization days.
2. Nazi America is invading and expanding like Napoleon when he was the imperial ruler of France.
3. Nazi America and Nazi Germany are similar in that their buttocks are attached together so they can protect each other's backside.
4. Nazi America is truly glorified because she is closely linked to Josef Stalin and Mother Russia in the killing of 29 million people.
5. But, what truly makes Nazi America, the most evil and vile nation in the universe is the Project for a New American Century that is out to exterminate 6 billion human beings because the members of PNAC believe that planet, Earth, can only sustain 500 million people. The PNAC is planning and plotting to exterminate 6 billion human beings.
6. Rigged elections have destroyed American democracy.

Yes, my fellow Nazi Americans, it would be too difficult to live in the real world of an evil and a vile Nazi America. Almost three years since Nazi America attacked Iraq in a wrong and an immoral, Nazi Americans still believe that Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden are linked together, like Prescott Bush and Adolph Hitler.

Nazi Americans want the Nazi States of America to be called SAINT NAZI STATES OF AMERICA. But, the reality is that the Nazi States of America is best known for her true name that is the DEVIL INCARNATE NATION. Yes, the Nazi States pf America is really the Devil Incarnate Nation.

Sincerely,

Gerald

I was just watching Wes Clark on This Morning. He said we need to have a congressional hearing into the abramoff scandal, the NSA spy scandal,
and finish the 9/11 investigation.

Before I leave to lunch and watch some NCAA B-ball, Happy commentary on Debt/Borrowing/Global Capital flows:

When one borrows a small amount of money, the `bank' owns you; few would dispute this. What most don't realize is that when an entity (person, company or country) borrows a LOT of money, that entity owns the `banks'.

Most recently, ARGENTINA very successfully renegotiated its (relatively) massive int'l debt and not only shave the amount down dramatically but also rescheduled its debt payments. Look around the corporate world where `troubled' companies' debts are being traded at nickels and dimes to the dollar...Check out how GM's debt is being traded for...

Do equity holders suffer along with debt holders, sure, sometimes getting wiped out. My personal speculation in Enron is slowly receding into File 13 but not yet forgotten.

The fact is our country is filled with foreign investments, be it foreign-held Treasury debt or in-country investments by Dubai, Saudi Arabia, etc.... As a name-brand example, Citigroup's largest shareholder is the Saudis. Why would any country that holds US investments wants to voluntarily take a huge `haircut' on its existing investments AND undermine both its biggest customer and destination for much of its own investments? I guess it must be the Muslims' love of comitting suicides while taking some infidels out...

Bottom line, a country or two (smallish) can focus its trade in Euros, Yen, whatever and invest its surplus in somethng other than US dollars BUT it will not be the the case for the majority and large `trade surplus' countries. Do anyone seriously think the Chinese, Japanses, etc... will put all their surpluses in the Euro? How would yuo like to buy some Texas Hill Country cheap (today) but guaranteed to be waterfront properties in a few hundred thousand years?

I'm 99% certain this is the lady that was sitting down taking notes the whole time I was at the 'Tea Party' protest here in Houston. If anybody wants to see that picture again that she's in, holler at me.

First Annual President's Day for Peace in Houston
By Mimi Kennedy, PDA National Advisory Board Chair

A Polling Site

I'm laughing, but it's really pretty sad. That 'happy' still can show up here and think people give an ounce of credence to anything he says. He's been punked so many times by proved a mis-informationalist... it's like his leader... damn the torpedos, full speed ahead.
The New York Post?? hahaha And they rode around during the curfew, when nobody else dared ventured out. Gawwwd, you're fkn pitifull dude.
Climb back up to your 70'above sea level mansion.
LMAO

The Answer Is Yes!

With an Idiot in the WH It's Par for the Course

CIA Has the Aim on its Target

Bush Is a Divider and Not a Uniter

A Must Read Article

With God on Our Side

The article, "With God on Our Side," reveals that the Democrats have a serious problem. They have moved away from economic deprivation issues to gender and choice issues. The Democratic Party is in very deep trouble in Nazi America. I, personally, believe that the Democrats are dead as a viable political party.

The Democratic Party is as useful and as useless as nipples on a bull.

#319
The article Bush is Divider not a Uniter is a very important article.

Bush Divides His Allies in the War Against Terror
The President's visit to Pakistan was cool compared to the way he wooed rivals India

by Justin Huggler

Seeking to bolster America's main ally in the "war on terror", President George Bush made his first visit to Pakistan under intense security yesterday. But Pakistani discomfort was visible at the new strategic alliance the US is seeking with India, its historic rival.
--------------------
The impact that this administration has had on the congress in this country is catastrophic. There has been no real progress since Bush was elected. Since the neocons took over the attitude is every man for himself. It takes more courage than ever to stand up like Senator Feingold did against the policies of the administration.

This has made the leadership in the country not only question itself but attack itself. It has been paralized into inaction.

Now it appears the Bush administration is branching out to the allies to cause the same kind of rift.

No Bravery

#324, hits a bullseye with comments!!!

Bushitler is a amazing amoeba! It is amazing how one creature can divide the entire world!

Murtha: The 'Only People Who Want Us in Iraq' are Iran, al Qaeda, and China

Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) today on CBS's Face the Nation:

Murtha's concerns are grounded in fact. The war in Iraq has allowed a historic expansion of Iranian influence westward, created a new haven and terrorist training ground for al Qaeda, and strained our military into a "'thin green line' that could snap unless relief comes soon."
UPDATE: Crooks & Liars has the video.

Full transcript below:

MURTHA: The public is way ahead of what's going on in Washington. They no longer believe it. The troops themselves, 70 percent of the troops said we want to come home within a year. The only solution to this is to redeploy. Let me tell you, the only people who want us in Iraq is Iran and al-Qaeda. I've talked to a top-level commander the other day, it was about two weeks ago, and he said China wants us there also. Why? Because we're depleting our resources, our troop resources and our fiscal resources.

SCHIEFFER: Now, Congressman, when you say al-Qaeda wants us there, why would al-Qaeda want us there?

MURTHA: Because we're depleting our resources. A very small proportion of what's going on in Iraq -they're diverted their attention away from the war on terrorism. The war on terrorism is worldwide. In Iraq, it's a civil war. We have diverted ourselves away from that war on terrorism.

Watch the rat jump from the sinking ship.

Kristol: Conservatives Believe The Bush Administration Is Incompetent

Today on Fox News Sunday, Weekly Standard Editor Bill Kristol said that conservatives have come to believe the Bush administration is incompetent:

BILL KRISTOL: I think it's become in people's minds an emblem of the administration that just isn't as serious about the competent execution of the functions of government as it should be. And even -I'm struck talking to conservatives and Republicans - they agree with the president on basic political philosophy, the they agree with his basic policy agenda, but they are worried that they just don't seem to be able to execute as well as they should be.

Kristol is right, and it's a dynamic that makes policy debates almost irrelevant. Even if the administration were to stumble onto a policy that would improve things, it's highly unlikely the people in charge would be able to execute the policy effectively.
--------------
Yes but the freaking people like Kristol elected this bunch of incompetents. It's not like the bush administration crawled out of a cave to be elected. Cheney and Rumsfeld have been around a long time. The neocons thought they could control this bunch of criminals and found out otherwise. The criminals couldn't control the crimials. Isn't that how it works?

Mutiny in the ranks.

"I think the administration has looked at the legitimate power of the executive during a time of war and taken it to extremes. [It's] to the point that we'd lose constitutional balance. Under their theory, there would be almost no role for the Congress or the courts." -Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
--------------------
Wow it took him just a presidential term and 1/2 to figure that out. Lose constitutional balence. You gave it to the administration, dope. It's hard to be respectful of these idiots.

Support the Troops

Truly a Great Article to Read

#329 and #330, sums up the problem very well! Who gave an idiot all this power? Not the Democrats, not Gerald, and not most of the Cornposters!!!

Heck of a job, Mr. President

The Bush administration has a substantial credibility problem. Things it says turn out not to be true. Again and again.

Two troubling examples made the news last week, and they illustrate a serious problem rooted in a combination of political arrogance, incompetence and disdain for the audience. Often it seems the White House, or the president himself, offers the American public an incredulous shrug to punctuate the plea, "Who could have known?"

In Iraq, a virulent insurgency is killing civilians and American soldiers. Before the war, the Bush administration said the U.S. military would be greeted as liberators by a grateful public. Almost three years of mayhem and chaos later, the White House blames the insurgency on the residue of Saddam Hussein's supporters and foreign terrorists.

Who could have known?

In 2003, the White House was repeatedly warned the insurgency had deep local roots and could lead to civil war. Local conditions, not foreign terrorists, would fuel the flames. The information was prepared by a committee of senior intelligence analysts at the request of the U.S. military command.

As the insurgency gained strength, what did President George W. Bush have to say? "Bring 'em on."

....This past week, as New Orleans celebrated a ragged but determined Mardi Gras, the same scenario of information and denial was exposed.

Transcripts and a government video revealed the administration and the president were warned in advance about the perils of Hurricane Katrina, the vulnerability of levees and the potential for catastrophe.

The president is not directly responsible for making sure ice and cots are available, but he is accountable for the urgency of the response by his team.

Before the storm hit, he was told firsthand about the dangers. So, it is mystifying how he could stand before the American public four days later and declare no one could have anticipated the levees being breached.

Earlier, a room full of people he presumably leads told him exactly that.

President Bush is great at sales, but he cannot deliver a product -time after time.
---------------
I wouldn't say great on sales. You know, when your appeal is that you seem like somebody a person can have a beer with...that should be sending a signal.
I saw Bush's god awful debates. He stank. He smears the competition. He outspends them. And finally he cheats to win.

Harking back to an old thread: What can we as individuals do to be effective politically? I hope one thing is to stand and be counted at key decision points.

On Tuesday, the Senate Intellegence Committee meets and, with God's good grace, votes to investigate the NSA warrantless wiretapping of US citizen's.

The White House, Senator Roberts and Senator Bill Frist are trying their damnest to derail the vote. It is my hope that squaking to committee members at this time can exert some pressure to fufill their constitutional obligation as an oversight body.

I sent the letter below to the Republican Senators on the Intelligence Committee namely,
Pat Roberts, Kansas
Orrin G. Hatch, Utah
Mike Dewine, Ohio
Christopher S. Bond, Missouri
Trent Lott, Mississippi
Olympia J. Snowe, Maine
Chuck Hagel, Nebraska
Saxby Chambliss, Georgia
http://intelligence.senate.gov/members.htm

"Regardless of one's political orientation, the NSA program has provoked intense controversy among Americans. Recent polls show that half of all Americans believe that the program violates the law and is wrong.

"On a matter of such importance which is dividing our country, both sides in the debate would be well-served by bringing facts to light, a result which can be achieved only if the Senate Intelligence Committee holds hearings on these matters.

"The Intelligence Committee?s meeting on March 7th presents an important credibility test for Senator Frist and Senator Roberts. If both are serious about their desire to let this committee perform its duties, Chairman Roberts will keep his word and permit the committee to conduct a vote on Senator Rockefeller?s reasonable proposal to review the Administration?s controversial domestic spying program.

I found some good talking points on Glenn Greenwald?s blog to use in drafting my letter.
http://glenngreenwald.blogspot.com
And I used the US Senate directory to submit the letters on line. It took me just less than an hour.
http://www.senate.gov/general/
contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
ReddHead and Jane Hamsher at Firedoglake have organized "a letter to the editor campaign" n Kansas to provide political pressure to Senator Pat Roberts who is co-chairman of the committee.
http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/

This issue is whether the US Senate will provide constitutionally required oversight into the executive branch?s warrantless wiretapping of US Citizens. Do you think this is an important issue? If you do, take some time to contact your senator. There are ample resources to make the process simple and to add your own voice to the chorus of citizens who are not pleased with the direction our country is taking on these important issues.

White House Trains Efforts on Media Leaks
Sources, Reporters Could Be Prosecuted

By Dan Eggen
Sunday, March 5, 2006; Page A01

The Bush administration, seeking to limit leaks of classified information, has launched initiatives targeting journalists and their possible government sources. The efforts include several FBI probes, a polygraph investigation inside the CIA and a warning from the Justice Department that reporters could be prosecuted under espionage laws.

In recent weeks, dozens of employees at the CIA, the National Security Agency and other intelligence agencies have been interviewed by agents from the FBI's Washington field office, who are investigating possible leaks that led to reports about secret CIA prisons and the NSA's warrantless domestic surveillance program, according to law enforcement and intelligence officials familiar with the two cases.

New Orleans drowned, and Bush really didn't care

God, am I tired of having my country being run by an eighth-grader.

In the video, released this week by AP, from a day before Hurricane Katrina made landfall, a crowd of hurricane and disaster experts -- including, yes, "Brownie" -- are seem warning the President of the United States that Katrina could dwarf Andrew, that New Orleans' levees could break, even that the Superdome could turn into a disastrous place to house storm victims. Poor Michael Brown (now there's a phrase I never thought I'd use) even calls it "the Big One."

And what, when faced with the wrath of nature, does the most powerful man in the universe do? No questions -- not even for the head of FEMA. No queries about what was standing by or what else might be needed or what contingency plans were in place if the levees did break. No decisions, no orders, just patronizing assurances that it's all under control and people would get whatever help they needed. And then the most powerful man in the universe turned the lights out and went back on vacation while thousands of people died, many of them due to the negligence and delayed response of the federal government.

How does a survivor of Katrina, now living in Houston or Little Rock or Worcester or Los Angeles, feel when watching that video? Especially if they lost everything? Especially if they still have no idea where their child is? Especially if family members drowned? Especially if their city is never coming back to what it once was?

The grim punchline to the video -- beyond all the death and carnage and the inexcusable federal response, that is -- came four days later, when the most powerful man in the universe, the one who says he regularly converses with God, got up in front of all the cameras and declared, "I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees." You said a little too much there, George. The sentence should have ended just before the word "anybody."

.....When the head of FEMA is bracing for "the Big One," he doesn't call the mayor and ask, "Ray, everything under control?" He calls the President of the United States, the most powerful man in the universe, the man who with a few orders and signatures can mobilize unimaginable resources in a matter of minutes.

Bush didn't. And for agonizing days, while New Orleans flooded and thousands drowned and many thousands more begged the world, on camera, for shelter, food, water, and safety, the entire federal apparatus under the command of one man went about its business and then went home and watched the disaster unfold on the evening news.

And then, not only did Bush try to shuffle off blame with his levee comment and the White House insistence that it was really the fault of local (Democratic) officials, but for the next six months all that promised federal relief and assistance has turned into a quagmire of Republican cronyism and broken promises. Everything, to these people, is about sound bites in service of power and enriching friends.-

--------------------------
I keep remembering the people in the hospitals who died there because no one came for them. The doctors finally did what they thought was the best thing they could do. They gave those with no chance of surviving enough drugs to end their lives. Those people died without their families there to say goodbye. They died in pain and in horrible conditions.
The people left to fend for themselves in the flooded homes died without their families. They died alone and scared and starving. That's what this admininistration has done for this nation.

"Whatever you do for the least of my brethren you do it for me."

How many times can the feckless claim they didn't know? The ignorant claim that had no clue? The mindless claim they never thought about it?

Every time!

Regarding O'Reilly's post about the NSA spying on US citizens and caroline's post from WaPo about the WH training "efforts on media leaks:"

I agree with O'Reilly that it is important to make our voices heard with members of the Senate Intelligence Committee; however, I think this WaPo article is indicative of the dirty, ugly fight that the busheviks are ready to unleash. The leakers of the NSA program will be turned into traitors who deserve imprisonment; and the NSA spy program eavesdroppers will be patriots saving us from terrorists.

Two paragraphs from the WaPo article make me think that the SIC under Roberts will be carrying water for the Administration and screwing the rest of us:

"Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, said last month that he is considering legislation that would criminalize the leaking of a wider range of classified information than what is now covered by law."

"President Bush has called the NSA leak "a shameful act" that was "helping the enemy," and said in December that he was hopeful the Justice Department would conduct a full investigation into the disclosure."

WMR

March 5, 2006 -- Bush trip to South Asia a disaster. The corporate media won't tell you this -- but the Bush trip to South Asia was nothing less than a disaster, according to direct and uncensored reports from India and Pakistan. Street protests against Bush in India were not in the "thousands," as reported by the media, but in the "hundreds of thousands." And they involved more than Muslims, but included protestors from left-wing and regional parties, as well as labor unions and student organizations.

The safest place Indian authorities could find for Bush to give his keynote speech was the New Delhi zoo and boat club Purana Quila complex. Indian legislators threatened a noisy reception for Bush if he address parliament.

Indians remained miffed that another noted Indian scientist was crudely denied a visa to visit the United States. Agro-scientist P. C. Kesavan was invited to attend a scientific conference in the United States this month. However, Kesavan said he was forced to wait in line for three hours at the U.S. Consulate in Chennai and was then handed a 14-item questionnaire and told to return in two days. Kesavan told the Press Trust of India, "It is an insult to the Indian scientific community. It always happens to Indian scientists whenever they apply for a visa to visit the US." Two Indian nuclear scientists were also denied visas to attend conferences in the United States: Dr. Placid Rodriguez, the former director of the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR) and former Indian Institute of Science head Goverdhan Mehta. All three scientists were denied visas by the US Consulate in Chennai, Kesavan said he would never again step foot on American soil and said that the US visa officer at the Chennai consulate did not know what DNA, genetics, radiation biology, and sustainable development meant. President Bush announced during his trip that his administration would open yet another US consulate in Hyderabad -- perhaps staffing it with additional US foreign service personnel who will continue to represent the incompetence and ignorance of Condoleezza Rice and George W. Bush.

Harkin calls for pullout, says Iraq is now 'quagmire'

Sen. Tom Harkin said in Iowa Friday that Iraq has deteriorated into "civil war," declaring it no longer manageable by U.S. forces.

Harkin's comments make the Iowa Democrat among the first members of Congress to declare publicly that Iraq had slipped into war between Muslim factions. They come as polls show President Bush's approval at managing the situation at an all-time low.

"I'm firmly convinced now, after all this time, that it really is a civil war," Harkin said.

The senator, an opponent of the war, said the only solution to the surge of sectarian violence is to begin withdrawing U.S. forces.

"You keep hoping for the best," Harkin said. "And then after a while you say, wait a minute, this isn't working. This isn't working."

#339 Micki, I agree with your understanding of how the administration is trying to frame these issues.

Criminalizing the RECIECPT of government secrets is a frightening breach of first amendment rights. The Bush admin has been at war with the free press since day 1. They used them to spin the war, blame them for things the American public could get on board with, and now attempt to gag them by threatening them from printing legal and illegal leaks.

Rather than spending all of tonight watching the red carpet pre-Oscar show and the Oscars, spend an hour contacting your favorite government official(s) about the issue you are most concerned about.

Jeanne, 8th grader? I think that's giving him way more credit than he deserves!
Looks like everyone, ESPECIALLY baby bush, is much mo betta off now that saddam is gone!

#312 Having read the complete post, next time just go to lunch and spare us the blather.

Data In Drug Promotional Brochures Can Be Inaccurate

Brochures produced by pharmaceutical companies to promote drugs to doctors don't always present accurate data. A study published today in the open access journal BMC Family Practice found that three out of twenty promotional brochures studied contained data that was different from the original study on the effects of the drug. Although the differences were small, the authors of the study recommend that doctors review original studies before changing their drug prescribing behaviour based on promotional brochures.

Roberto Cardarelli and colleagues from University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas, USA asked physicians in five clinics to collect the promotional brochures they had received from pharmaceutical companies. Twenty brochures representing 20 different drugs were collected from October to December 2004 and the original corresponding studies were obtained. Two reviewers compared the content of each brochure with the data presented in the original study.

Cardarelli et al.'s results show that for three of the brochures studied, the data presented on the brochure differed from the results of the underlying study. Of the 20 identified studies, 15 studies were rated as valid and 16 had been funded by the pharmaceutical company producing the drug.

#58 The number of hurricanes in the Caribbean and gulf have not increased but the size and power of them have. It may be cyclical; it may be a trend due to higher average ocean water temperatures. This is the main point of concern, higher average ocean water temperatures.

#341 That "mission accomplished" bushbanner should be changed to QUAGMIRE ACCOMPLISHED

Wars throughout history have been waged for conquest and plunder. In the Middle Ages when the feudal lords who inhabited the castles whose towers may still be seen along the Rhine concluded to enlarge their domains, to increase their power, their prestige and their wealth they declared war upon one another. But they themselves did not go to war any more than the modern feudal lords, the barons of Wall Street go to war.

The feudal barons of the Middle Ages, the economic predecessors of the capitalists of our day, declared all wars. And their miserable serfs fought all the battles. The poor, ignorant serfs had been taught to revere their masters; to believe that when their masters declared war upon one another, it was their patriotic duty to fall upon one another and to cut one another's throats for the profit and glory of the lords and barons who held them in contempt. And that is war in a nutshell.

The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and all to lose-especially their lives.

Eugene Debs : 16 June 1918: The speech was given to about 1,200 people and was later used against Debs to make the case that he had violated the espionage Act. The judge sentenced Debs to ten years in prison:

===

Thanks ICH Newsletter!

#347
Or "shit happens"
or maybe "oops"

World in peril, Chomsky tells overflow crowd

VESTAL - There are dire consequences to the current direction of the U.S. foreign policy, said Noam Chomsky in a speech Saturday at Binghamton University. Among those consequences, he said, is a nuclear Armageddon.

"Under the current U.S. policies, a nuclear exchange is inevitable," the 77-year-old MIT professor said in his presentation, "Imminent Crises: Paths Toward Solutions." He spoke to an over-capacity crowd in BU's Osterhout Concert Theater.

Chomsky cited nuclear proliferation and environmental collapse as the two greatest crises that "literally threaten survival."

More HERE

*****end of clip*****

Noam, still telling it like it is.

capt

Virginia hamlet waits for indoor plumbing
Sewage treatment project drags on seven years just miles from mansions

Less than a mile down the road from a million-dollar emblem of greater Washington's housing boom, Emma G. Howard and her son, Bishop, tote drinking water from neighbors or buy it at the Safeway eight miles away. They scrape their plates into a slop bucket on the kitchen floor and wash them in a basin of boiled water.

And they relieve themselves in a wood-planked outhouse across the back yard.

The Howards and 15 other people live in the western Loudoun County hamlet of Willisville. Surrounded by rolling pastures, horse-country manors and new mansions -- many with four or more bathrooms -- most of Willisville has existed without indoor plumbing since it was founded just after the Civil War, when freed slave Heuson Willis bought a cabin on three acres for $100.

It was terrible land then, and it is terrible today: soggy, heavy with clay, not fit for crops, pastures or, more recently, simple septic tanks. But on the eve of the 21st century, Loudoun officials promised to help. In 1999, the county received a state loan to build a small sewage treatment plant in Willisville.

Seven years later, at least six residents live with outhouses and no running water; an additional nine live in houses with failing septic systems. Construction on the sewage plant has not begun, and its projected cost has more than doubled, from $250,000 to about $600,000. Design delays, bureaucratic hurdles and government neglect have caused the Willisville On-Site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Project to founder, county officials say.
---------------------
Just wait until the housing boom hits the area. Not only will the treatment plant get built but the residents will be forced out.

#350
An overflow crowd and bush can't get anybody but protesters.

#351,

Appalachians meets The Emerald City.

If they wanted indoor plumbing or water they should have been born into money or worked real hard and made themselves a fortune just like the wealthy. (sarcasm)

capt

Gergen on Secrecy

check out the video of David Gergen on Howard Kurtz's Reliable Sources this morning

GERGEN:
This administration has engaged in secrecy at a level we have not seen in over 30 years. Unfortunately, I have to bring up the name of Richard Nixon, because we haven't seen it since the days of Nixon. And now what they're doing -- and they're using the war on terror to justify -- is they're starting to target journalists who try to pierce the veil of secrecy and find things and put them in the newspapers.

Now, in the past what the government has always done is go after the people who leak, the inside people. That's the way they try to stop leaks. This is the first administration that I can remember, including Nixon's, that said -- and Porter Goss said this to Congress -- that we need to think about a law that would put journalists who print national security things to...bring them up in front of grand juries and put them in jail if they don't -- in effect, if they don't reveal their sources.
--------------------
I could be wrong but I think this is the first administration in history that literally spends more time trying to keep secrets and engage in secrecy than in doing the work it's been elected to do.

#353
I was thinking the same thing. I guess the wealthy are more important. They...you know...do things.

Boy, I think something is hitting the fan. Nobody has good things to say about the Bush administration.

Issue One: President Bush's performance

Treating us badly

It is not so much that the highlighted ports deal was about to take place without an appropriate investigation; not so much the recently acknowledged National Security Agency spying program; not so much the continuing lack of responsibility by anyone in the Bush administration for acknowledging mistakes, misstatements and alterations of facts through spin and revisionist history from the "WMDs" in Iraq to the miserable response to Katrina -- it is the continued lack of respect for the people who voted this administration into office and the absolute secrecy with which this administration governs that is most alarming and most threatens the United States in keeping Americans safe and attaining the stated goal of "spreading democracy."

How can any person, American or in a foreign country, take America seriously when there is a continuing and pervasive trend of hiding the truth behind the decisions this administration makes, time and again addressing these concerns publicly only after being exposed belatedly by the "liberal" press? George W. Bush has become an embarrassment and an impediment to the successful future of this country.

We now face three more years of cover-ups and insulation rather than solid legislation that aims to secure issues ranging from civil liberties to health care to caring for Americans who work the majority of their lives toward retirement, only to fear for their financial and personal safety.

When did this country decide it was OK to be treated like this by its elected president?

MARK GUALAZZ
---------------------
This was a letter to the editor.
His last question is one that has been on the tip of my tongue for about 2 years.

A banner:

"It's all Curveballs Fault"

Another letter from the same paper.

The greatest threat
Unfortunately we are witnessing firsthand (locally, nationally, internationally) the consequences when poor judgment, cloaked in secrecy, is inseparably linked with a lack of congressional oversight.

The lack of oversight is not limited to the ports; it includes the reasoning for, and administration of, the war in Iraq; the inhumane treatment of prisoners and the torture scandal; the Plame scandal; the ongoing Medicare fiasco; the Abramoff corruption scandal; the handling of Hurricane Katrina and the resultant aftermath; and the continuing warrantless NSA wiretapping scandal.

Only now Republicans in Congress are joining with the Democrats insisting that they need to intervene in the port decision-making process precisely because the administration has exercised such poor judgment and cannot be trusted to operate without congressional oversight. Too little, too late. Oversight is not a partisan issue; it is the rule of law.

The rule of law, so foundational to the safety and security of our nation, is being violated. Regardless of how well-intentioned, poor judgment, cloaked in secrecy, without oversight, not only violates the rule of law, but produces consequences detrimental to us as individuals and the nation as a whole.

When incompetence allows the rule of law to be violated, it is a recipe for disaster. This formula may turn out to be the greatest threat to the security and well-being of this nation.

PAUL (CHIP) FELLNER

"A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor; he speaks in accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their arguments, he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation, he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of the city, he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murder is less to fear." ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero - (106-43 B.C.) Roman Statesman, Philosopher and Orator.

Capt,
We know who the real traitors are.

Tomgram: Dahr Jamail Follows the Trail of Torture

What Does the Katrina Video Say About Bush?

The video of President Bush conferring with disaster officials from his Texas ranch the day before Katrina struck is disturbingly similar to the footage of the casual way Bush reacted to news of the Sept. 11 terror attack. This is the same Bush who time and again has primed his public image as a tough-talking, swaggering guy who moves quickly and decisively when a crisis hits. But Bush has been anything but a no-nonsense taskmaster in the face of disaster.

His first reaction to Sept. 11 was befuddlement and fear. It took him days to swing into action. His next response was to duck and dodge criticism of his glacial response to 9/11. His last ploy was to let others take the heat or the fall for his fumbles. Then-National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice was the perfect patsy for Bush's Sept. 11 failing. At the 9/11 Commission hearing, she fervently defended her boss from the charge that he fell asleep at the national security wheel before, during and after the attacks. She strongly made the case that there was no laxity in the Bush administration's fight against terrorism.

Counter terrorism expert Richard Clarke, who charged that the administration had slumbered on the terrorism fight didn't have a chance to rebut anything Rice said. Rice had the last word, and thus there could be no "he-said, she-said" exchanges between them. Rice was a loyal Bush soldier and shouldered some of the blame for the Sept. 11 lapse. This helped keep some sheen on her boss' Teflon shield.

Now there's Katrina. Bush tore another page from the same dodge-and-blame playbook. It took him days to get relief efforts up to speed in New Orleans. He then ducked criticism that there was incompetence, indifference and even racism in his laggard response to the crisis. Finally, he dumped full blame for the failures on FEMA director Michael Brown. It worked. Much of the public and many in the media hammered Brown for the dire plight of the hurricane devastated evacuees. Bush quickly took the cue and canned Brown. Brown, as Rice, played the fall-guy role well, kept silent and bowed out quietly. Later, and especially with the public surface of the damning Katrina video, he's found his spine, and blames the Katrina bumbles on the "fog of bureaucracy." That's a clever way to avoid saying that the man at the top didn't do his job.

The Katrina video is graphic proof that Bush did more than fumble the preparedness ball. He ignored it. Brown begged those at the government's disaster operation center to do whatever it took to get hurricane relief efforts going. He also urged that National Guard units be prepared to quickly move in and aid relief efforts, since this storm could be "the big one." Brown also showed some sensitivity to those who would have to be herded into the Superdome to escape floodwaters. He demanded that provisions be made for their medical and safety needs. He even worried about the Superdome's roof. Other disaster officials and experts warned urgently about the possibility of the levees being breached.

Bush knew all of this, and seems to have done little except offer verbal reassurances. Four days after the storm hit and floodwaters tore through the city, Bush lied and publicly stated that no one anticipated that the levees would break. Not once during the briefing, as the video shows, did Bush ask one question about the levees.

The worst part of this is that so little has changed in the months since the Katrina debacle. Thousands of evacuees are still scattered in far-flung cities across the country, many without jobs, and living under the daily threat that they can be evicted from the hotels and apartments that they have been temporarily housed in. And thousands of New Orleans and Gulf residents whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed still have not received any compensation for their losses. Bush has maintained mute silence about their predicament.

Mayor Ray Nagin and Louisiana officials were justifiably livid at the disgraceful shots of the president's men in crisis and their boss blithely doing nothing to deal with it. They shouldn't have been. His dumbfounded response to 9/11 offered hints that Bush can't manage a real disaster. The videotape is smoking-gun proof that Bush is not, and never has been, the man of action that the president's spin-masters have made him out too be. His embarrassingly low poll ratings are firm testament that much of the public has finally wised up to his leadership failings.
----------------------------
I know this is a long post but it made a real statement. Where do you cut?
People say Bush is a great president because of the way he handled 9/11. It doesn't seem like that to me.
How many more flub ups are there going to be?

"Colours of Infinity"

Arthur C. Clarke - Narrates

David Glimour - Music

Fractals and the Mandelbrot set on PBS here in NM RIGHT NOW - If you have not seen it. It is very good TV.

capt

Fractals have changed computer modeling.

Fractals as simple as the Madelbrot set could not even be explored on Mainframe computers - no graphics.

Just sayin'

capt

Not on my public tv station. We have a pledge drive.

This is a segment of the article Capt posted by Dahr Jamail. It is an excellent article.

And an excellent point can be made by this portion below. We went to war with Iraq to get rid of an evil dictator yet we send prisoners to one of the most vicious dictators in the world. Bush clearly does business with him, has pictures taken with him, has dealings with him.
Read below and tell me why our president is doing business with this dictator and why we went to war in Iraq.

Outsourcing Torture

Extraordinary renditions -- the kidnapping of terror suspects and their transport to countries willing to torture them for the Bush administration -- have been the rage (for the CIA) in Europe in recent years and have enraged European publics. But far less is often known about what happens to those kidnappees on the other end of the process. Craig Murray, however, knows more than most of us. He was the British Ambassador to Uzbekistan from 2002 to 2004, a time when that country's strong man, Islam Karimov, was described by Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, and Donald Rumsfeld as an "important ally" of George Bush in his war on terror. Murray was dismissed by the British government in October 2004 when he made public his findings on extraordinary renditions to Uzbekistan and the torture by Uzbek security personnel of those rendered into their hands by the CIA.

Murray describes Karimov as having longstanding ties with Bush. These seem to have begun in 1997 when Bush was still governor of Texas. He then met with Uzbek Ambassador Sadyk Safaev, a meeting (for which there is documented evidence) organized by Ken Lay, CEO of Enron, in order to enlist the governor in brokering a two billion-dollar gas deal between the corporation and that oil-rich country. Karimov, says Murray, "was a guest in the White House in 2002. It's very easy to find photos of George Bush shaking Karimov's hand." Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld was, he added, "particularly chummy with Karimov" back then and, at the time, the administration was making use of the Karshi-Khanabad air base, also known as K2, in that country.

Murray is not alone in considering Karimov one of the most vicious dictators on the planet, a man personally responsible for the death of thousands. The ambassador helped uncover evidence of one detainee who "had had his fingernails extracted, he had been severely beaten, particularly about the face, and he died of immersion in boiling liquid. And it was immersion, rather than splashing, because there is a clear tide mark around the upper torso and arms, which gives you some idea of the level of brutality of this regime."

While not certain that detainees who had been rendered were boiled alive, about extraordinary rendition Murray said, "There is no doubt that George Bush and Condoleezza Rice have been lying through their teeth about extraordinary rendition for some time." As he put it, "The United States, as a matter of policy, is willing to accept intelligence got by torture by foreign agencies. I can give direct firsthand evidence of that and back it up with documents."

When asked why he decided to go public with his information, Murray replied, "I think it's just what any decent person would do. I mean, when you come across people being boiled and their fingernails pulled out or having their children raped in front of them, you just can't go along with it and sleep at night."

"We do not have to visit a madhouse to find disordered minds; our planet is the mental institution of the universe." ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832)

It is running on the pledge drive.

Check PBS again, when they are done talking and selling, they run Colours.

capt

Sadly they break up the continuity but see if you can catch any of it, it is worth seeing.

The book and DVD can be purchased on Amazon $35.

capt

#126 Haj, That's great news. Glad to hear it.
PS. They got two faet of powder at the 'bush last weekend. I may just have to make a trip north after the next snowfall.

#128 Capt. I've gone two years, two months and five days without a cigarette. I don't miss them anymore. Before I started my most recent streak, I quit once for nine years and another time for eighteen months. Not smoking is a beg relief once you get over the hump. Try again. It's worth it. You crazy (rads insane) mofo.

Oh, oh!

Would Bill Frist (the toady) actually do this? Rumors are flying that Frist, as Senate Majority Leader, will throw Repugs Olympia Snowe and Chuck Hagel off the Senate Intelligence Committee because they "might" vote with Rockefeller and the other Dems on March 7 in favor of an investigation of the busheviks' NSA warrantless eavesdropping program.

Frist thought about making "rule changes" but decided that, since it is generally accepted that membership assignments to committees are at the discretion of the majority leader, that he will maneuver Snowe and Hagel off the SIC committee. (General Rove, the evil genius works in mysterious ways.)

Where does this crap stop?

I guess their crimes require extraordinary cover-up, eh?

No doubt, on all counts!

If I just tell the nurses not to give me any I could quit. Too hard to sneak a smoke when they control the lighter. Hooked up to a thorazine drip you can forget you are a non-smoker so it is a challenge.

No doubt..

capt

"I guess their crimes require extraordinary cover-up, eh?"

So far.

Damn them and the horse they rode in on!

capt

Gerald, check this out.

"And now comes a curious new contract for KBR, the Halliburton subsidiary. The contract provides for establishing temporary detention and processing capabilities to augment existing Immigration and Custom enforcement. It's a contingency contract -- the contingency they have in mind apparently being "in the event of an emergency influx of immigrants into the United States." Canadians drowning from global warming? Mexicans feeling the return of PRI? Ah, but the contract also specifies the detention centers are to "support the rapid development of new programs." New programs? Far be it from me to speculate.

http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/33019/

Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the tides and hurricanes he will encounter. The statesman who yields to war fever must realize that once the signal is given, he is no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events. Sir Winston Churchill

Henry Kissinger says that military men are just dumb stupid animals to be used as pawns in foreign policy.

In the eyes of empire builders men are not men but instruments. Napoleon Bonaparte

Nazi America is a mirror image of Hitler Bush.

Arundhati Roy says that Hitler Bush is the world nightmare incarnate. Gerald asks the question is Hitler Bush the father of the devil incarnate party?

Confucius spoke that before you seek revenge dig two graves.

When an illegal war is launched, every person killed and injured, every piece of property destroyed, and all environmental damage is a war crime. A war without borders and limits is a perpetual war. This war of aggression proliferates terrorism in proportion to its reckless widening, making the world ever more dangerous. TCR News

One cannot help but wonder: Where there alternative ways of spending a fraction of the war's $1 to 2 trillion in costs that would have better strengthened security, boosted prosperity, and promoted democracy? Joseph E Stiglitz

We do not have to visit a madhouse to find disordered minds; our planet is the mental institution of the universe. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

G.K. Chesterton said that Jesus speaks sanity to a world of lunatics.

#375 O'Reilly, thank you for the article info! I have added it to my favorites column.

Molly Ivins is one of my foxes! I will post the names of the fourteen foxes.

Editor calls on Library of Congress to reclassify The 9/11 Commission Report as “fiction”

Sorry, it is fifteen foxes!!!

The Fifteen Foxes

What is great about the computer, I can log onto different websites and focus on some people and their articles. The fifteen foxes for me are Arianna Huffington, Maureen Dowd, Teresa Whitehurst, Karen Kwiatkowski, Eleanor Clift, Molly Ivins, Cindy Sheehan, Katrina Vanden Heuvel, Sister Joan Chittister, OSB, Naomi Klein, Devvy Kidd, Nora Ephron, Helen Thomas, Linda Schrock Taylor, and Karen Horst Cobb. Not only are these fifteen women pleasant to look at, but they also write exceptional articles.

Here is a brief overview of why these writers are foxes for me.

1. Cindy Sheehan is a mother of a soldier that was killed in Iraq. She wants to know what noble cause killed her son. The chickenhawk, Bush, refuses to answer the question.
2. Eleanor Clift may not write articles like the rest of the women but I enjoy her intelligence in standing up to the bushcos when she appears as a guest on the various talk shows.
3. Molly Ivins is from Texas and she, too, will not take any crap from Bush or his family. Plus, any woman who drinks beer from the bottle is my kind of woman.
4. Arianna Huffington is a Republican but she is an objective person in assessing America's problems. She chooses her country over her party.
5. Karen Kwiatkowski is a retired military colonel with a Ph.D. Her articles are well written and her love for the military is noted but she will not go along with stinking military thinking from the generals and from that chickenhawk, Bush.
6. Teresa Whitehurst is a Ph.D. clinical psychologist who writes great Christian articles that reveal her discipleship in following Jesus.
7. Maureen Dowd is a columnist with the NYTimes. She, too, writes very good articles that reveal her innate nurturing and sensitivity as a true female. Why this gorgeous woman is not married I do not know.
8. Katrina Vanden Heuvel is also on the list of foxes and she is a valuable member. Katrina writes articles for The Nation magazine.
9. Sister Joan Chittister, OSB, can be read on NCRonline.org. Sister Joan is a bit of a maverick for a Catholic nun but she does convey some interesting thoughts.
10. Naomi Klein writes for The Nation and her writings are also published in the Guardian.
11. Devvy Kidd writes for News with Views website. She has several interesting articles to read. You can also type in her name and you can check the articles.
12. Nora Ephron is a writing whom I have come to read her articles on The Huffington Post website. She is an author and has worked on the Hollywood scene.
13. Linda Schrock Taylor has been added to my list of foxes. I have read her articles on LewRockwell.com.
14. Helen Thomas is another woman added to my list of foxes. How could I have missed her? For years she was the first news reporter to ask a question at presidential press conferences. Since Helen had the opportunity to ask the first question, she tried to be fair and impartial. Today, she is more of an honest reporter.
15. Karen Horst Cobb is a freelance writer from New Mexico. She has written two great articles about Christians.

There will probably be other names of foxes that will be added to my list but these fifteen names are a good start.

First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.
Thomas a Kempis (1380 - 1471), 1420

You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.
Malcolm X (1925 - 1965), Malcolm X Speaks, 1965

Living apart and at peace with myself, I came to realize more vividly the meaning of the doctrine of acceptance. To refrain from giving advice, to refrain from meddling in the affairs of others, to refrain, even though the motives be the highest, from tampering with another’s way of life - so simple, yet so difficult for an active spirit. Hands off!
Henry Miller (1891 - 1980)

Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome.
Isaac Asimov (1920 - 1992)

Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of soul. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people.
Jawaharlal Nehru (1889 - 1964)

Words were never invented to fully explain the peaceful aura that surrounds us when we are in communion with minds of the same thoughts.
Eddie Myers

"Like the wind crying endlessly through the universe, Time carries away the names and the deeds of conquerors and commoners alike. And all that we are, all that remains, is in the memories of those who cared we came this way for a brief moment." ~ Harlan Ellison (1934 - ), "Paladin of the Lost Hour"

The way we can honor, praise, and thank God is to pursue Shalom for all His children.

Shalom

Here is more reality!

Here is what America and the world need in order to attain peace and justice on our planet for all of God's children. Here is also what I believe God wants for His children and His vision for the world.

Shalom translated means peace but it is much more than peace. Shalom is a vision of social wholeness; a state of well being for all, where everyone has access to the goods of creation intended to meet the needs of all. Shalom is the substance of the biblical vision of one community embracing all creation where all enjoy the resources that make communal harmony joyous and effective.

Shalom is nothing less than God's intended vision of the world, a dream of God that resists our tendencies for division, hostility, fear, lust, and misery. If there is to be well-being, it will not be just for the isolated and insulated individuals, it is security and prosperity granted to the whole community - the poor, the widow, the orphan, the immigrant, the tax collector and the sinner, the despised and the rejected, young and old, the have and the have nots, the powerful and the dependent. We are in it together. Together we stand before God's blessings and together we receive the gift of life. Shalom comes only to the inclusive embracing community that excludes no one.

CT-Sen: Lieberman consultant freaks out over blogger

Another page of history written for the Republican culture of corruption:

SAN DIEGO - Former U.S. Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, who collected $2.4 million in homes, yachts, antique furnishings and other bribes on a scale unparalleled in the history of Congress, was sentenced Friday to eight years and four months in prison, the longest term ever meted out to a congressman.

more (link)

Katrina Video Refuels Debate Over Response

White House Issues Defense Of Bush's Handling of Storm

"As the debate reached a new boil, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced the resignation yesterday of Matthew Broderick, the department's director of operations coordination, who will leave March 31. Chertoff said Broderick wants to spend more time with his family, but he is the second person associated with the Katrina response to resign, following Michael D. Brown, who directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

more (link)

"Culture of Death"

He was bribed to send defense contractor money to specific criminal enterprises.

His "corruption" could be responsible for poor vests and/or no armor.

He was under-charged. What do you call messing with defense contractor public money during a time of war?

capt

U.S. Cites Exception in Torture Ban
McCain Law May Not Apply to Cuba Prison

By Josh White and Carol D. Leonnig
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, March 3, 2006; A04

Bush administration lawyers, fighting a claim of torture by a Guantanamo Bay detainee, yesterday argued that the new law that bans cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of detainees in U.S. custody does not apply to people held at the military prison.

In federal court yesterday and in legal filings, Justice Department lawyers contended that a detainee at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, cannot use legislation drafted by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to challenge treatment that the detainee's lawyers described as "systematic torture."

more (link)

335:

O'Reilly: "On Tuesday, the Senate Intellegence Committee meets and, with God's good grace, votes to investigate the NSA warrantless wiretapping of US citizen's."

Nice letter. Good information. I made the calls and sent this my e-mail last week:

"Senators Hagel and Snowe:

"I want to compliment your staff members with whom I spoke today. They were each very polite and professional. Please extend these wishes to your staff.

"Regarding the topic of this correspondence [Warrantless wiretapping investigation], please do not waiver in your support of a full and exhaustive investigation of Mr. Bush's activities. Although I am a Floridian (and a registered Democrat), like you, I am an American citizen and I believe, as I hope you do, that the Constitution is the bedrock of our government and that the rights enumerated therein are inalienable. Some say that if I'm not talking to a terrorist, I should have nothing to fear of these NSA programs. Well, the same is true of this administration: if they are not breaking the law, they should not fear a review of their program.

"It probably should go without saying, but please keep in mind that your oath of office is to uphold the Constitution, not the party. My rights and the rights of your constituents in Nebraska and Maine depend on you to vote your conscience. I believe that if you search your soul, you will agree that country is more important than party.

"Again, thank you for your efforts to this point and I pray that these efforts continue."

I also posted this at Glenn Greenwalds blog at http://glenngreenwald.blogspot.com/. As O'Reilly notes, it is a great source of information on the NSA scandal.

H/t for this information to Eyes Wide Open:

Toll-free Senate Switchboard #: 888-355-3588

Hagel, Chuck (R - NE)
Tel: (202) 224-4224
Fax: (202) 224-5213
chuck_hagel@hagel.senate.gov

Snowe, Olympia J. (R - ME)
Tel: (202) 224-5344
Tel: (800) 432-1599 (toll free number in Maine)
Fax: (202) 224-1946
olympia@snowe.senate.gov

Rick

I'm sorry to say that neither 'Munich', nor my other Oscar favorite, 'Paradise Now,' won awards. But I DID blog in support of Munich after David Brooks did his trashiest best to sully the film's reputation (see my post linked to this comment). I'm betting that an unofficial campaign by right-wing pro-Israel types helped do in 'Munich;' and an official campaign by same helped do in 'Paradise Now's chances. Too bad, they both deserve to be seen by a much wider audience.

I hadn't been to a movie in years, but I did go see "Munich" with some friends. You're right, it's a hella film. I want to see Syriana too, but...

#388 Another voice in a chorus of voices asking our senators to respect the constitution and honor their duty to the American people. Nice job Alan.

Greenwald's been a tour de force since he started blogging. I like the way Jane Hamsher and ReddHead unspin the spin too. I believe all three are trained as lawyers. They're very good at putting the pieces together.

Oops. Nice job Rick.

hey hey

Sunday's Houston Chronicle, the Editorial page, backed one of Delay's opponents in the primary Tuesday! That one shocked me. I'll see if I can find it.
I'm thinking Delay will still win Tues. but get his hat handed to him in November.

In the contested race for incumbent Rep. Tom DeLay's District 22 seat, the Chronicle recommends challenger Tom Campbell

It has been a grueling night of the soul for many loyal Republicans in District 22 as they have pondered their choices for the seat long occupied by their stalwart champion, Rep. Tom DeLay. The once-invincible incumbent has drawn three credible primary opponents, and the nominee will face well-funded former Democratic Congressman Nick Lampson in next fall's general election.

This alone offers persuasive evidence of the scope of discontent with DeLay and what has come to be called DeLayism in Washington — a political culture built on special-interest money that has brought allegations of a Congress for sale to the highest bidder. DeLay currently faces trial in a state court in Austin on charges of directing illegal campaign contributions into Texas legislative races. Federal prosecutors also are scrutinizing his relationship with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
=====================
I'd say too little, too late. Think I should hijack my across-the-street neighbor's Tom Delay sign? Or just add "sucks" to it?

Aide left Harris to work for MZM

An aide to Rep. Katherine Harris quit last year to work for a defense contractor who at the time was pressing the Longboat Key Republican to secure federal funding for a counterintelligence project.

Mitchell Wade, former principal owner of defense contractor MZM Inc., pleaded guilty last Friday to bribing a California congressman and to charges he gave illegal campaign contributions to Harris and a lawmaker from Virginia.

The move last April by Mona Tate Yost, Harris' former schedule coordinator, to MZM suggests the contractor was more tightly tied to the congresswoman's office than previously known. Wade had asked Harris over dinner last year to seek funding for a project in her district that would benefit MZM.

"Think I should hijack my across-the-street neighbor's Tom Delay sign? Or just add "sucks" to it?"

Add "CRIMINAL" to it. Don't get caught.

This may be hard for you ignorant leftys to understand, so I will type slow, so that it doesn't go to far over your liberal wing nut heads.

Today's Liberals are f*cken stupid, cowardly traitors, who are constantly worried that real people will try to take away a Liberals right to take away other peoples rights.

Dear Congressman Hoekstra:

As a matter of conscience, I am returning the Intelligence Commendation Award medallion given me for "especially commendable service" during my 27-year career in CIA. The issue is torture, which inhabits the same category as rape and slavery - intrinsically evil. I do not wish to be associated, however remotely, with an agency engaged in torture.

http://tinyurl.com/rzp2x

This may be hard for you ignorant leftys to understand and harder for me to write. I am a f*cken stupid, cowardly traitor who is constantly worried that fake people will try to take away my brain. So f*ck U. Gdmm frkn Libruls.

A deluded king and his court lickspittles

Cut off from reality and surrounded by flatterers like Rice and Cheney, Bush clings to grandiose illusions of heroism.

By Sidney Blumenthal

Mar. 02, 2006 | Republicans representative of their permanent establishment have recently and quietly sent emissaries to President Bush, like diplomats to a foreign ruler isolated in his forbidden city, to probe whether he could be persuaded to become politically flexible. These ambassadors were not connected to the elder Bush or his closest associate, former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft, who was purged last year from the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board and scorned by the current president. Scowcroft privately tells friends who ask whether he could somehow help that Bush would never turn to him for advice. So, in one case, a Republican wise man, a prominent lawyer in Washington who had served in the Reagan White House, sought no appointments or favors and was thought to be unthreatening to Bush, gained an audience with him. In a gentle tone, he explained that many presidents had difficult second terms, but that by adapting their approaches they ended successfully, as President Reagan had. Bush instantly replied with a vehement blast. He would not change. He would stay the course. He would not follow the polls. The Republican wise man tried again. Oh, no, he didn't mean anything about polls. But Bush fortified his wall of self-defensiveness and let fly with another heated riposte that he would not change.

more (link)

Bush Declares War on Freedom of the Press

"This flamboyant use of the forces of criminal prosecution to threaten whistle-blowers and intimidate journalists are nothing more than the naked tactics of street thugs and authoritarian juntas."

Just how widespread, and uncontrolled, this latest government assault has become hit close to home last week when one of the FBI's National Security Letters arrived at the company that hosts the servers for this web site, Capitol Hill Blue.

The letter demanded traffic data, payment records and other information about the web site along with information on me, the publisher.

Now that's a problem. I own the company that hosts Capitol Hill Blue. So, in effect, the feds want me to turn over information on myself and not tell myself that I'm doing it. You'd think they'd know better.

I turned the letter over to my lawyer and told him to send the following message to the feds:

Fuck you. Strong letter to follow.

More HERE

*****end of clip*****

"Paramount among the responsibilities of a free press is the duty to prevent any part of the government from deceiving the people and sending them off to distant lands to die of foreign fevers and foreign shot and shell."

"The Founding Fathers gave the free press the protection it must have to bare the secrets of government and inform the people."

"The Framers of the Constitution knew that free speech is the friend of change and revolution. But they also knew that it is always the deadliest enemy of tyranny."

~ Hugo Black

capt

Thousands of Federal Cases Kept Secret

WASHINGTON - Despite the Sixth Amendment's guarantee of public trials, nearly all records are being kept secret for more than 5,000 defendants who completed their journey through the federal courts over the last three years. Instances of such secrecy more than doubled from 2003 to 2005.

An Associated Press investigation found, and court observers agree, that most of these defendants are cooperating government witnesses, but the secrecy surrounding their records prevents the public from knowing details of their plea bargains with the government.

Most of these defendants are involved in drug gangs, though lately a very small number come from terrorism cases. Some of these cooperating witnesses are among the most unsavory characters in America's courts multiple murderers and drug dealers but the public cannot learn whether their testimony against confederates won them drastically reduced prison sentences or even freedom.

In the nation's capital, which has had a serious problem with drug gangs murdering government witnesses, the secrecy has reached another level the use of secret dockets. For hundreds of such defendants over the past few years in this city, should someone acquire the actual case number for them and enter it in the U.S. District Court's computerized record system, the computer will falsely reply, "no such case" rather than acknowledging that it is a sealed case.

At the request of the AP, the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts conducted its first tally of secrecy in federal criminal cases. The nationwide data it provided the AP showed 5,116 defendants whose cases were completed in 2003, 2004 and 2005, but the bulk of their records remain secret.

"The constitutional presumption is for openness in the courts, but we have to ask whether we are really honoring that," said Laurie Levenson, a former federal prosecutor and now law professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. "What are the reasons for so many cases remaining under seal?"

"What makes the American criminal justice system different from so many others in the world is our willingness to cast some sunshine on the process, but if you can't see it, you can't really criticize it," Levenson said.

The courts' administrative office and the Justice Department declined to comment on the numbers.

*****end of clip*****

Nothing grows in the shadows and darkness except mushrooms.

capt

Georgetown Law Students Turn Backs To Gonzales

This is a wonderful photo to see first thing in the morning!

Happy Monday, all Corn blog visitors & residents!! Happy strikes Gold by being `acquired', thanks to Women generally:

NBC Universal to buy iVillage for $600M
By Angela Moore, MarketWatch
Last Update: 9:35 AM ET Mar 6, 2006

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- NBC Universal said Monday it had agreed to buy female-focused Web site iVillage Inc. for about $600 million in a bid to expand its digital offerings in health and women's interests, and tie the site to its television programming. The deal, which values iVillage at $8.50 a share, is expected to close in the second quarter pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Across the industry, media companies are seeking ways to take advantage of surging online advertising revenue, as consumers spend an increasing amount of time on the Web. Women are one of the fastest-growing audiences online. A Pew Internet & American Life Project study conducted during January to June 2005 found that 86% of women ages 18-29 were online, compared to 80% of men in the same age group.

THE LAVON AFFAIR IS HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF?

In 1954, Israeli agents working in Egypt planted bombs in several buildings, including a United States diplomatic facility, and left evidence behind implicating Arabs as the culprits. The ruse would have worked, had not one of the bombs detonated prematurely, allowing the Egyptians to capture and identify one of the bombers, which in turn led to the round up of an Israeli spy ring.

Some of the spies were from Israel, while others were recruited from the local Jewish population. Israel responded to the scandal with claims in the media that there was no spy ring, that it was all a hoax perpetrated by "anti-Semites". But as the public trial progressed, it was evident that Israel had indeed been behind the bombing. Eventually, Israeli's Defense Minister Pinhas Lavon was brought down by the scandal, although it appears that he was himself the victim of a frame-up by the real authors of the bombing project, code named "Operation Susannah."

It is therefore a fact that Israel has a prior history of setting off bombs with the intent to blame Arabs for them.
This is not the only example of a "False Flag" operation designed to trick the United States into attacking Israel's enemies. According to Victor Ostrovsky, a Mossad defector now living in Canada, Ronald Reagan was tricked into bombing Libya by means of a radio transmitter smuggled into Tripoli by the Mossad, which broadcast messages designed to fool the United States into thinking Libya was about to launch a massive terror attack on the west. On the basis of this fake evidence, the US bombed Libya, killing Khadaffi's daughter.

The Jews of Iraq is a story by a Jewish writer revealing yet another false flag operation where Israelis used bombs and planted the blame on Arabs

More HERE

Saladin,

The Same picture with a comment

HA!

capt

"I never cease being dumbfounded by the unbelievable things people believe." ~ Leo Rosten (1908 - )

Another War for Israel
The amen corner howls for war with Iran

Justin Raimondo

A prominent public official finally said what we've been saying all along in these pages:

"The U.S. presence in Iraq is hurting the worldwide war on terrorism and benefits only Iran and al-Qaeda, U.S. Rep. John Murtha said on Sunday. 'The only people who want us in Iraq are Iran and al-Qaeda,' Murtha said on CBS's Face the Nation political talk show. 'And I talked to a top-level commander the other day and he said China wants us there also. Why? Because we're depleting our resources, our troop resources and our fiscal resources.'"

Not to worry: Iran, it seems, is next on our hit list, and this is largely at the behest of the one beneficiary of the Iraq war Murtha fails to mention: Israel. The Israelis have been loudly howling for months about the prospect of a nuclear Iran: their amen corner in the U.S. has gone into overdrive, pushing for sanctions and drawing a dire picture of nuke-wielding "mad mullahs." The world was shocked when Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad threatened to wipe Israel off the map, yet it has to be said that even the maddest mullahs don't imagine nuking Washington, D.C. Iran's nukes, if it ever acquires any, in 10 years' time, like the experts say, will more than likely target Tel Aviv, not Toledo.

Yet in one important sense, at least, the former is just as American as the latter, at least it is in the eyes of American decision-makers, who conduct U.S. foreign policy as if Israel were the 51st state. An outstanding example of this unique symbiosis is the news that the Israelis have penetrated Iran via U.S.-occupied Iraq, with the full complicity and assistance of the Americans:

"Israel's special forces are said to be operating inside Iran in an urgent attempt to locate the country's secret uranium enrichment sites. 'We found several suspected sites last year but there must be more,' an Israeli intelligence source said. They are operating from a base in northern Iraq, guarded by Israeli soldiers with the approval of the Americans, according to Israeli sources."

The dramatic narrative of the Iranian nuke crisis is going according to a familiar script, one we became well-acquainted with in the run-up to war with Iraq. All the same ingredients of the Iraqi potboiler are being thrown into the mix: a Middle Eastern country ruled by an unattractive tyrant, Israel's partisans furiously beating the drums for war, and "weapons of mass destruction" described by dubious exile groups. Playing the part of Chalabi, we have the Marxoid-feminist cult of Maryam Rajavi and her army of Amazonian fighters. Ostensibly corralled within the walls of Camp Ashraf in Iraq, these Iranian "freedom fighters", half of them women, are on the State Department's list of terrorist organizations. Yet I have it on good authority that American visas are being handed out to these burly gals at a fast clip: all they have to do is show up at a U.S. embassy somewhere in the Middle East, say, Istanbul, and they are granted "asylum" in the U.S. They constitute a reserve army ready to spring into action when the time comes to put an Iranian face on an American invasion.
--------------
Very good article, he isn't afraid to call a spade a spade. If the American people fall for this again we deserve whatever shit hits the fan because of it.

Oh yeah I have such a big money pile. I am so overjoyed that I am so rich. It is so great to make so much money. There are so many fools sinking thier money into the stock market now for guys like me to take advantage of! I am so happy happy happy I could pee myself! Oh the joy! I am so happy that so many poor latino kids are being blown up in Iraq! I am so happy about the largest budget deficit in history! Oh boy I am so happy to give future generations the joy of paying massive interest to communist China! Oh the joy!
I am so patriotic (just not when I have to pay my taxes)! I am going to go take a money bath right now!

Capt, apparently they kicked his ass with regards to the debate on "Legal" spying on Americans.

More great economic news!

Factory orders fall

The U.S. used to be make stuff. We used our industrial might to win wars. Now we are a nation of do nothing middlemen and poor bastards who make hamburgers. Bush has crippled us. We outsource everything, even bullets.

"Being in politics is like being a football coach. You have to be smart enough to understand the game, and dumb enough to think it's important." ~ Eugene McCarthy (1916 - )

More workers getting canned?

Another kick in the teeth for the American worker

corky, our economy is in it's death throes. Sleepy sheeple like happy read the establishment media, full of lies and propaganda designed to keep the people from waking up and storming DC en masse, and then brag about how great they personally are doing, and can't for the life of them understand anyone elses predicament. They are fools who will fall the hardest when the rug built on a fiat currency and fake credit is finally yanked out from under them. But they are also the ones who will do whatever big brother requires of them to maintain their standard of living because they are really just selfish, greedy traitors of the worst sort who tell themselves they are good Christians who deserve every good thing they get, and everyone else suffers because they are stupid and lazy. Don't sweat those idiots.

New thread~!

Pipes: Mass Murdering Muslims a Good Thing

Kurt Nimmo | March 6 2006

Once again, the Islamophobe Daniel Pipes reveals the Straussian neocon mindset, disregarding the teaching of his guru, Leo Strauss, who advised Machiavellian deception when dealing with the dumbed-down masses. Fixing Iraq is neither the coalition's responsibility nor its burden, Pipes told New York Sun on February 28. Civil war in Iraq would be a humanitarian tragedy but not a strategic one, Pipes continued, allowing us commoners a glimpse of the way the Straussian neocon mind works.

According to Pipes, a civil war in Iraq would be a good thing since it would invite Syrian and Iranian participation, hastening the possibility of an American confrontation with those two states, an objective at the very core of the Straussian plan to unleash society and culture destroying chaos and violence in the Middle East and thus breaking the region up into more easily controllable Bantustans. More sectarian violence would also put an end to the dream of Iraq serving as a model for other Middle Eastern countries, thus delaying the push toward elections. This will have the effect of keeping Islamists from being legitimated by the popular vote, as Hamas was just a month ago.

In other words, if thousands of Iraqis must suffer horrible deaths in a civil war created by the Straussian neocons in the Pentagon, this will be a price worth paying, as Madeline Albright said of the medieval sanctions imposed on Iraq (1.5 million Iraqis killed, 500,000 of them children), because it will prevent democratic elections resulting in the empowerment of leaders opposed by the Straussian neocons.

As Pipes views it, an Iraqi civil war can only be considered a good thing because Muslims will die, not non-Muslims, and for Daniel Pipes and his Straussian neocon ilk, thousands of dead Muslims is not a big deal. In fact, as Pipes hints, the civil war in Iraq is all about killing as many Muslims as possible, adding an appreciable heap to the 250,000 or so Iraqis killed since Bush launched his invasion.

Pipes admission that civil war in Iraq is a good thing on several levels gives more credence to the claim that the Straussian neocons basically engineered the current violence through black ops and provocations. Let us give thanks that Daniel Pipes is a windbag unable to keep a secret or pretend, as the Bush administration does, that the civil war in Iraq is an unfortunate tragedy. In fact, it is all part of a long-held plan adopted wholesale from the Jabotinsky Likudites in Israel.
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How on earth did these evil monsters EVER gain so much power? Maybe there really IS a devil! And he hates freedom.