Home » Blog » This'll ruffle some feathers
Blog for America
This'll ruffle some feathers
Linked to groups: FIU Campus Corps
So, Happy Boxing Day to one and all!
The progressive movement may be outnumbered and outmanned in the media. But it seems as though slowly and surely, much like the American people, they are realizing that those terrible crazy progressives who are to the left might actually be correct! Well this horrendous notion has caught on at Slate apparently. Why Progressives should forget the middle is fantastic and makes a case too many Americans don't want to hear, but that is vital to have OUR goals met. And it's something we should make clear during our conversations about primaries, unless someone who is willing to fight for the goals becomes elected, we're going to get more of the same old results.
What progressives should be focused on now is taking on the political movement that brought Bush to power. In short, what we need right now isn't Bush bashing—what we need is partisanship.
More under the fold:
From further on in the piece:
The question, however, is whether Democrats will take advantage of America's new liberalism. To do that, they have to be ready to forcefully make the case that progressive goals are right and conservatives are wrong. They also need to be ready to fight some very nasty political battles.
But any attempt to change America's direction, to implement a real progressive agenda, will necessarily be highly polarizing. Proposals for universal health care, in particular, are sure to face a firestorm of partisan opposition. And fundamental change can't be accomplished by a politician who shuns partisanship.
I like to remind people who long for bipartisanship that FDR's drive to create Social Security was as divisive as Bush's attempt to dismantle it. And we got Social Security because FDR wasn't afraid of division. In his great Madison Square Garden speech, he declared of the forces of "organized money": "Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me—and I welcome their hatred."
The piece makes a case for something that us DFA members recognize, but others don't. When you get past asinine labels, Americans are much more liberal than they believe they are. And they agree with us on a host of things, from universal health care to funding our schools and improving our stance abroad through diplomacy.
It's time to rise up and fight. It'll be a long nasty one, but the fight is worth it, isn't it? As the Talmud says: "To save one life is as if you have saved the world."
Dean is always first at the bfa!
TEHRAN, Iran - Russia is preparing to equip Iran with a powerful new air defense system that would dramatically increase its ability to repel an attack, Iran's defense minister said Wednesday.
The S-300 anti-aircraft missile defense system is capable of shooting down aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missile warheads at ranges of over 90 miles and at altitudes of about 90,000 feet. Russian military officials boast that its capabilities outstrip the U.S. Patriot missile system.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
makes sense..........Russia has invested all that tech no how and $ in irans nuke plants..they need some sort of protection form US/Israeli strike........
Chalk up another one for US foreign policy.......great job Bush/Cheney/Hillary and all the rest...
idiots
But any attempt to change America's direction, to implement a real progressive agenda, will necessarily be highly polarizing. Proposals for universal health care, in particular, are sure to face a firestorm of partisan opposition. And fundamental change can't be accomplished by a politician who shuns partisanship.
For the Democratic front runners, "change" is just an empty slogan for the primary season. And for most in Congress, "partisanship" is as poisonous as populism.
Expect nothing but corporate pandering from them and you won't be disappointed.
Russia is preparing to equip Iran with a powerful new air defense system that would dramatically increase its ability to repel an attack, Iran's defense minister said Wednesday.
I'm for anything that will stop us crazy Americons from shooting ourselves in the foot again.
3. Well, now they'll have a bargaining chip. They'll tell the U.S. to take their missiles (and I'm not talking about Patriot batteries which don't work) our of Iraq and Russia will take its missiles out of Iran.
I've been telling you for months, if not years.
I'm for anything that will stop us crazy Americons from shooting ourselves in the foot d*ck again.
THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE
ignored by all presidential candidates
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2007/12/23/cccrisis123.xml
Crisis may make 1929 look a 'walk in the park'
Twenty billion dollars here, $20bn there, and a lush half-trillion from the European Central Bank at give-away rates for Christmas. Buckets of liquidity are being splashed over the North Atlantic banking system, so far with meagre or fleeting effects.
As the credit paralysis stretches through its fifth month, a chorus of economists has begun to warn that the world's central banks are fighting the wrong war, and perhaps risk a policy error of epochal proportions.
"Liquidity doesn't do anything in this situation," says Anna Schwartz, the doyenne of US monetarism and life-time student (with Milton Friedman) of the Great Depression.
"It cannot deal with the underlying fear that lots of firms are going bankrupt. The banks and the hedge funds have not fully acknowledged who is in trouble. That is the critical issue," she adds.
Lenders are hoarding the cash, shunning peers as if all were sub-prime lepers. Spreads on three-month Euribor and Libor - the interbank rates used to price contracts and Club Med mortgages - are stuck at 80 basis points even after the latest blitz. The monetary screw has tightened by default.
York professor Peter Spencer, chief economist for the ITEM Club, says the global authorities have just weeks to get this right, or trigger disaster.
They still have another couple of months before this starts imploding. Things are very unstable and can move incredibly fast. I don't think the central banks are going to make a major policy error, but if they do, this could make 1929 look like a walk in the park," he adds.
The Bank of England knows the risk. Markets director Paul Tucker says the crisis has moved beyond the collapse of mortgage securities, and is now eating into the bedrock of banking capital. "We must try to avoid the vicious circle in which tighter liquidity conditions, lower asset values, impaired capital resources, reduced credit supply, and slower aggregate demand feed back on each other," he says.
New York's Federal Reserve chief Tim Geithner echoed the words, warning of an "adverse self-reinforcing dynamic", banker-speak for a downward spiral. The Fed has broken decades of practice by inviting all US depositary banks to its lending window, bringing dodgy mortgage securities as collateral.
Quietly, insiders are perusing an obscure paper by Fed staffers David Small and Jim Clouse. It explores what can be done under the Federal Reserve Act when all else fails.
Section 13 (3) allows the Fed to take emergency action when banks become "unwilling or very reluctant to provide credit". A vote by five governors can - in "exigent circumstances" - authorise the bank to lend money to anybody, and take upon itself the credit risk. This clause has not been evoked since the Slump.
Yet still the central banks shrink from seriously grasping the rate-cut nettle. Understandably so. They are caught between the Scylla of the debt crunch and the Charybdis of inflation. It is not yet certain which is the more powerful force.
Ross Stone
December 24th, 2007
Starting February 2008, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will put into effect “Advance Passenger Information System (APIS).” U.S. Citizens will need permission from the United States Government to travel on air and sea vessels from or through the U.S. That includes foreign visitors.
The Nazis in 1933 invoked similar cross border travel measures against Germans Citizens who tried to leave the country. Unlike America, Germany wasn’t building a huge fence on its border that could contain its Citizens. Subsequently Nazi police started checking Citizens’ ID Cards when traveling on local bus and passenger trains. Police selectively targeted known political and labor activists, and persons of interest. The police delighted in stopping targeted persons from traveling to work so they would lose their employment. The Gestapo referred to this as the “Don’t Live List.” Beginning February 8, 2008, U.S. Government ’s issuance of ” right to travel passes” will mirror Nazi’ travel-restrictions if the United States is allowed to stop U.S. Citizens using air and sea travel without evidence they committed a crime.
Perhaps by coincidence, Rep. Jane Harman’s current bill HR1955 “The Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act” and S.1959 would create a “new government commission” with the power to determine which Americans and Organizations are “ideologically based toward violence”, promote or support “Violent Radicalization or Homegrown Terrorism.” Several vague provisions in HR 1955 and S.1959 such as “facilitate” could be used by Government to add thousands of activist organizations and millions of Americans to no travel lists. Anyone attending a “planned anti war rally” or environmental meeting could under these two bills be alleged as “facilitators” to promote violence or planing to coerce a government and its people.
Joining or contributing money to an organization that is subsequently deemed by the “new government commission” as “ideologically based toward violence” might get a lawful Citizen on a corporate or government no hire black list.
How the Nazis expanded its “Don’t Live List.”
After thousands of Germans were prohibited from leaving Germany, the Nazi Government ordered landlords not to harbor or rent to Jews, anyone the Nazis said were on their black list. Soon targeted citizens and several ethic groups had no employment, no place to live except the street. Displaced and starving these citizens were easily arrested for loitering and under broad provisions of “1933 German Discriminatory Decrees” that are too similar to provisions found in the Patriot Act.
Sphere: Related ContentAngela Schierholz
Zawya
December 26, 2007
The global homeland security business is flourishing and governments and businesses worldwide are expected this year to spend over AED 216 billion ($59 billion) to thwart terrorists and secure their home countries, denoting a six-fold increase from 2000 figures, according to industry estimates
Is Hillary really a hawk?
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_russ_wel_071226_hillary_s_telling_th.htm
Stephen Zunes demonstrates in a three-part blockbuster series on Foreign Policy in Focus, Hillary's not talking tough just to win votes. Far from the option of last resort for her, force comes in a much-too-close-for-comfort second to diplomacy.
In articles on her Iraq, military, and international law policies, Zunes demonstrates that they're consistent with those she supported, and even advocated, while her husband was president.
Reading all three will outfit you with all the talking points you need to disarm a Hillary supporter. We've cherry-picked the most eye-opening.
- Of her White House days, Zunes writes that "when President Bill Clinton and others correctly expressed concerns that bombing Serbia would likely lead to. . . ethnic cleansing in Kosovo, Hillary Clinton successfully pushed her husband to bomb that country anyway."
- She also defended the bombing raid on the Sudanese chemical-weapons-plant-that-wasn't. (If you'll recall, it was a pharmaceutical plant.)
- Hillary supports military aid, including missiles which can be nuclear weaponized, to Israel, Pakistan and India, all of which have refused to sign the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. She even voted to end restrictions on US nuclear cooperation with such states.
- After defending Israel's right to occupy Palestinian territory, not to mention its erection of The Wall, she denounced the International Court of Justice for calling on Israel to abide by international humanitarian law.
- Besides supporting her husband's bombing of Iraq, Hillary, Zunes writes, "has expressed pride that [his] administration changed underlying U.S. policy toward Iraq from 'containment' to 'regime change.'" Hindsight may be 20/20, but imagine seeking credit for that!
- During the Senate debate over the resolution authorizing the invasion of Iraq, Clinton was the only Democrat to accept all of the Bush administration's claims about Iraq.
- When Barack Obama noted that the use of nuclear weapons against terrorists amounted to overkill, Hillary replied, "I don't believe that any president should make any blanket statements with respect to the use or nonuse of nuclear weapons."
As if the above weren't troubling enough, Hillary's stances and votes on international law are downright chilling.
- In 2002, she voted in favor of an amendment by Senator Jesse Helms (yes, you read that right) prohibiting the United States from cooperating with the International Criminal Court. In other words, when it comes to prosecuting for genocide in Darfur, don't look at us.
- After Israel's 2002 offensive in the West Bank, Hillary opposed UN efforts to investigate alleged Iraqi war crimes by Israeli occupation forces. Even more startling, she criticized President Bush for calling on Israel to pull back.
- Finally, she refused to support the international treaty to ban land mines. Then she voted down a Democratic-sponsored resolution restricting U.S. exports of cluster bombs to countries using them against civilian-populated areas.
- Just keeping defense donors happy or are these legitimate weapons to her?
To become sore or inflamed; fester. = rankle
Maybe we're wantin' to *ruffle* some feathers, lol!?
Sarah Thomsen
WBAY-TV
December 23, 2007
If you’re ticketed by Green Bay police, you’ll get more than a fine. You’ll get fingerprinted, too. It’s a new way police are cracking down on crime.
If you’re caught speeding or playing your music too loud, or other crimes for which you might receive a citation, Green Bay police officers will ask for your drivers license and your finger. You’ll be fingerprinted right there on the spot. The fingerprint appears right next to the amount of the fine.
7.
Re: Russian/Iran
Just what Bush has been hoping for -- a cold war with Russia and a reason to bomb Iran.
The Repugs twisted "minds" think this is a way to keep power. Maybe it is, what do I know.
- Home /
- News /
- Politics /
- Special reports
John Edwards Q&AEmail|Print| Text size – + By Charlie Savage Globe Staff / December 20, 2007 10. Is there any executive power the Bush administration has claimed or exercised that you think is unconstitutional? Anything you think is simply a bad idea?
Our Founding Fathers believed deeply in a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government. Whether on signing statements, disregard for the Geneva Conventions, or violation of the established FISA process to authorize warrantless and illegal spying on American citizens, the Bush administration has repeatedly attempted to increase the power of the executive branch relative to the judiciary and legislative branches, which does damage to the constitutional design of our government and violates our constitutional traditions. We do not have a royal presidency. We do not have a king of the United States of America. Whatever George Bush thinks, he is not king. And it's important for the American people to understand that their president respects them and understands that the Oval Office and the White House and the presidency doesn't belong to one person. It belongs to the American people.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
thanks for the link Joan
"We must try to avoid the vicious circle in which tighter liquidity conditions, lower asset values, impaired capital resources, reduced credit supply, and slower aggregate demand feed back on each other," he says.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That is exactly what happened during the Reagan Depression in Iowa when farmland in my neighborhood went from $4000 an acre to $800 in about eighteen months. The conditions that caused it are very similar to the origins of the current crisis in the home mortgage industry.
caution is advised
the good thing about an incredibly debased currency is that it prevents a rush to cash under the mattress, who wants to get stuck holding dollars
The only real Progressive in the primaries is Dennis Kucinich. Even Edwards and Obama are not truly Progressive. After speaking out against the Iraq Invasion from outside of Congress before it began, Obama voted for every reauthorization (funding) bill for the occupation. Also, both Edwards and Obama have proposed mandatory insurance as a health care plan. Dennis Kucinich is the only candidate for the Presidency who has actually proposed a single-payer health care plan (Medicare for all). He is also the only candidate who has promised to end the occupation of iraq before the end of his first term as President.
19.
Eric
It is not necessary for a candidate to proclaim if he/she is a progressive during a primary or even a general election.
One only needs to watch, listen and ask questions if necessary to know in one's mind who is really going to be progressive and to what degree.
Then, too, the degree of progressiveness may not be so important as a president. Howard Dean was not all that progressive in some areas, yet we know he would have made (and may some day make) an excellent president for progressive-thinking Dems.
~~~~~
You're welcome Phil.
Nite All --
The only real Progressive in the primaries is Dennis Kucinich.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And he's gonna lose sooooooooooooooooooooooo bad.
#13, I edited it because I totally overlooked that.
Hi Folks,
quick drop in. With respect to health insurance, we have a health industry with all the complexities, horizontal links, and profiteering. Moreover, the health industry has volumes of information on Americans, and they play the games of ratings for high risk and low risk.
While we have wonderful technology, life saving drugs, we have also been inured to treating health providers the same way we do our super markets: constant testing, checkups, supplements (one supplement advertised itself as treating slime on the brain!), and we aren't going to be able to change that very easily: there's simply too many players, too much profit to be made, and it has become a major industry much like the dominance of the automobile industry.
We are being told that it's a simple fix; it's anything but that, and it's unlikely to be fixed. As American consumers we've been taught that pills fix anything, and we're pretty fanatic about it. I suspect the American public is way over medicated. Another friend remarked that we have the most expensive urine in the world with all our vitamins, supplements, etc.
So, while I find Dennis Kucinich's plan the most reasonable, I would bet my Christmas stocking that it can't happen.
There's something else going on, and that's the marketing of information about people. Google is a prime holder of enormous amounts of information on what we buy, our interests, what we do in our lives. How are they going to use this? There are no regulations at present.
A very complex world and ever increasing complexity in technology, and we ordinary folks don't know much about it or how it works. Will it be used against us?
Maybe that's why intelligence, character, experience, the ability to reason, think, and work with others, and a vision are so important in the candidate we choose.
Pat.....
I believe you describe Howard Dean, and there is no Howard out there.
There is one who is almost perfect on the issues however. Nation Mag. liked him best, but said Dennis had not lit a fire under the Progressives. Yet, Progressives took the internet test to determine their candidate, and they said "OMG I'm for Kucinich"! Why is it that the "Right" or whoever they are, can get behind a Ron Paul (not pretty either) and donate 6 million in a day to propel him in the polls where the media doesn't ignore him.
Why is it, since Dennis is a Progressive's dream with the issues, don't they get behind him and propel him in the polls like Paul? We'll never win if we think we're not quite good enough, that our candidate doesn't please what we think everyone else wants instead of what we want.
This is a mildly interesting article about a fellow from the national archives with 34 years of gov't service who is resigning perhaps partly over the battles with the Office of the VP over whether it was part of the archives rules:
THE WHITE HOUSE
Challenging Cheney
A National Archives official reveals what the veep wanted to keep classified--and how he tried to challenge the rules
By Michael Isikoff | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Dec 24, 2007
http://www.newsweek.com/id/81883/page/1
Thanks, Daniel. Most of the time, you bring us things even we don't want to think about...but IMO it's happening.
Over medicated and under meditated. And I'm a huge believer in homeopathy and naturopathy. I had an oncologist who told me that he always recommends supplements, many of which have been tested and proven to prevent cancer reoccurence ( and other diseases). Like anything else, you have to choose wisely.
Where would many of us be without antibiotics? Likely, dead. Or chemo? Likely, dead.
Speaking of chemo, Denise, thank you for being an integral part of the community that is developing drugs to halt cancer. Bless you.
Hi Audrey,
Yes, I'm definitely a Dean and Gore idealist with respect to balance, pragmatism, experience, the ability to see the whole picture.
I'd vote for Dennis Kucinich. Actually, the only democrat I'd have some difficulty voting for is Hillary, and a lot of that has to do with her temperament and not wanting the whole Hillary/Bill scene all over again.
I sat on a Town Council years ago, and even in a tiny town, it's very difficult to see an issue as absolutely black or white. For instance, we had to vote on a new sewage treatment system. The big company gave us the best deal, had the most detailed plans, etc. The smaller company was local, knew people, promised a quality treatment as well. I've forgotten which one we chose, but the one we did select defaulted. This was after lots of meetings, lots of information to try to understand what a sewage treatment system had to do, finances, experts, etc.
Our issues are so complex today. I'm an English teacher and know zot about business. I talked to several people over Christmas who have degrees in business, who are working in techonology fields from health to information, and I recognized how fast and how much change is occurring, and how little I know and I suspect many Americans know. What I like about Obama and Dodd and others is that they are capable of complex thinking, and some are reluctant to make blanket statements that translate into sound bytes.
So, yes, I'd back Kucinich, but you are right in the sense that he hasn't caught fire with other than Progressives.
Thanks seashell, I appreciate that very much!
Amazing stuff happening, just the beginning with much more to come.
The Kennedy Center Honors are on tonight (on now in Chicago).
xoxoxo
Pat......
I agree with what you say. If the other candidates were really so capable of complex thinking, why are they not calling for Impeachment? The majority of Americans have figured that one out, not so complex in view of the evidence.
Nation Mag didn't say that he hadn't caught fire with other than Progressives. They said he hadn't caught fire WITH the Progressives.
That's why I ask why this group saw Ron Paul, iked what he said on the issues and got behind him right away. They didn't ask if he could win, or that other Repugs might not like him, or whether the Religious right would support him, or whether he was tall or coiffed or pretty?
That's my question. Why can't we do that? I wouldn't ask the question, if so many here hadn't demonstrated their support for Dennis on the issues.
Are they more pragmatic in that they recognize what is in their interest, and they go after it.
They don't seem to get bogged down in a lot of details, but keep their eye on the prize. Where as we keep stressing over details and miss the big picture and never really win, because we don't choose what we want.
I'm not speaking of candidates as much as I am "us".
I think you are right about us being a herd of cats, stressing over details, and not getting behind Kucinich.
I had a friend who lamented that she ccould always see more than one side to an issue, and she had trouble making up her mind. She gave me a rule that she said she followed sometimes: I'll decide when I get to the fork in the road, and then I'll take the turn that feels right.
Republicans and ideologues seem to feel most comfortable locking onto a position and never second guessing, never reconsidering. That might be viewed as strength in the short run, but I don't think it is in the long run.
Thich Nhat Hanh is his book Calming the Fearful Mind in a Time of
Terror proposed a council of elders to work through the UN to solve intractable problems. There was an aricle in The Christian Science Monitor where that exactly happened. A statesman who was Ethiopian went back to his home country and gathered a council of elders to try to deal with the civil war. They solved the dilemma this way. The rebels who had been condemned to death were pardoned as long as they admitted their guilt. Everyone could live with that.
Still there was another statesman who said that this wasn't a solution at all: it was simply going back to old ways that didn't work, that was pandering to various groups. So, for me, I'm truly tired of the promises and hype. It's difficult, detailed, complex work, and all I know for sure is that none of the Replicans running have the capacity for complexity, and most of the Democrats do, but will we support them?
Howard Dean had the charisma, so much going for him, but he didn't have the sophistication and the experienced advisers who could have taken control and worked the system such as the caucuses in Iowa. It was a hard fall, and it is a measure of his courage and integrity that he went on to do so much good for the Democratic Party, that he has a vision and he's working on it. It may save us in the long run. But, I don't think we'll see him as President.
Maybe things just have to play out, and we'll participate and ponder as it happens.
why isn't ron paul calling for impeachment???
and then...
...the only guy who can save us from ourselves: the big dad in the sky. yes, that's right, the big dad in the sky. he's handing out spankings and restriction like never before. look out kids, the big dad's coming to your town this holiday season, and he's promised spankings for all my friends...
Just what Bush has been hoping for -- a cold war with Russia and a reason to bomb Iran.
Like all bullies, NeoCons attack weakness, not strength. The more armed Iran is, and the more likely a confrontation with Russia, the more likely they will back off.
33
Republicans and ideologues seem to feel most comfortable locking onto a position and never second guessing, never reconsidering. That might be viewed as strength in the short run, but I don't think it is in the long run.
______________________________________________________
Sounds like some of the folk around these parts, too, as they refuse each candidate for one reason or another. Flexibility is a strength, as is humility.
Sounds like some of the folk around these parts, too, as they refuse each candidate for one reason or another. Flexibility is a strength, as is humility.
Give me something to choose from other than a steaming pile of Demoturds and Republicraps and I'll be flexible.
everyone has to set their own parameters for acceptability. real choices are derived that way. besides, not paying attention to the details is just not in my genes...
Off for a while. Your gut response make me laugh, Sitka. Fraid we aren't going to see the perfect candidate, nor even one that can evoke the passion that Howard did. Everything changes.
I read that the media is geared to the average 16 year old, that Americans read an average of one book a year, that 30 percent don't read a book a year. Not a very high level electorate to deal with, I'm afraid.
But, I love, have such hope for, have gratitude for this great country despite its terrible mistakes, its prejudices, corruption, hatred, and injustice at times in our history. The American dream was always more than just a chicken in every pot: it was opportunity to live, justice to protect and defend, aspiration for education, skills, work, and service; it was generosity, independence, rights, a voice and participation. It was community, pride in work, love of our beautiful lands, pleasure in being able to walk on them, to fish, to hunt, to picnic. It was pride in our infrastructure: libraries, schools, transportation, communication, government. Those aspirations were and are the American dream.
I hope we haven't trashed it, trivialized it, traded it for a pocketful of mumbles.
Night Audrey, Denise, Sea, Improv, and Sitka
38 Lock on!
Oh I don't know Pat - some things never change. Thanks for your voice here.
I feel the same way about you, Denise. In fact, we're neighbors at least in spirit from the UP.
Night.
what things really never change? seems to me all things are always and constantly changing. for better and/or for worse. you think a thing has gelled and then you discover that its jello. moving to and fro, melting in the dining room after the other deserts have been served and eaten. only some want to eat this thing made from the most unacceptable parts of dead animals, and yet, there it is: jello. an instant package of never the same never unchanging crap that looks slightly artistic...
Oh mprov if you could peek into my mom' basement now, and how it was 40 years ago, you'd really see that things don't change. I swear it looks like the day my dad remodeled it back in 1965 - only thing that has chanaged is the washer and dryer. And we won't go into other rooms of the house..lol.
But I know what you mean. And now I want jello.
Official Bush Countdown Clock: http://www.officialbushcountdown.com/?gc...
Huckabee's team brought back three pheasants — one of which the candidate claimed he personally shot — and promised they'd be "cleaned and eaten."
Huckabee, who polls show continues to hold onto his lead in Iowa eight days before the state¹s caucuses — also joked the trip could serve as a metaphorical campaign message.
"Don't get in my way," he said while pointing to the three dead birds.
"This is what happens…You vote for me, you live. You don't…there you go."
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/
Like all bullies, NeoCons attack weakness, not strength.
Does that mean that Rove is not a NeoCon?
what things really never change?
Why is change resented?
Once you have reached your level of comfort...
you do nothing to change your comfort level~
Watched a Jimi Hendrix Isle of Wright DVD
The essential quote by him was (roughly):
Love has to overcome the love for money.~
Hello Denise.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, (48-51) I'm out of here...................................................................
In my mailbox today:
Presidential Candidate Comparison on healthcare - from 'Iowa for Healthcare' (SEIU) - looks like a decent comparison, both democrats and republicans are included in it.
1 Pro-Edwards from 'Alliance for A New America'
1 Pro-Edwards from the Edwards Campaign
1 Anti-Obama from AFSCME
2 Pro-Hillary from the Hillary Campaign
2 Pro-Hillary from the American Federation of Teachers
1 Pro-Richardson from the Richardson Campaign
4 Pro-Biden from 'Operation: Smart Exit'
This was the heaviest political mail day yet. But there is always tomorrow.......
Hi sunlight!!
Hope you had a nice Christmas
Some things change, some things don't. some things change and have to be changed back :)
Some things MUST BE CHANGED TO IMPROVE. Some things don't have to change just for the sake of changing.
.
Grams stairway. Had a GREAT steel pipe my Grandpa made in
the Steel Mills,but someone took that old thing out and put that
crappy piece of wood. Now we are going to have to find something to
replace that crappy piece of wood.
Same kitchent cabinets, not changed.
:)
56.
Yes, thank you. a very nice one. I consider myself priviliged.
Which doesn't mean that I don't see the ones that aren't..............
"Don't get in my way," he said while pointing to the three dead birds.
"This is what happens…You vote for me, you live. You don't…there you go." Huckabee
This is a truly frightening man and the shots of him with the dead birds was obscene IMO. People who kill animals should be forced to have nothing for sustenance for a year except eat what they kill for themselves and their families. It's not like there's no Safeway store. Lordy, I do oppose killing. It's all so sporty like, isn't it? Kill the animals, kill the *ragheads.* All so sporty.
*********************
IMO the problem with resisting change is that you end up with hardening of the attitudes....you stay with the drunk spouse or soul destroying job. I've noticed that one of the earmarks of change and growth in humans is the ability to say, "I'm sorry. I goofed. It was my fault. I've hurt you." Projection of the shadow self onto others is legion, and stultifies growth. Putz is a prime example.
We are so busy making sure our bodies are comfortable, (warm home, lotsa food, heat, air conditioning, cars etc) that it's easy to ignore what the mind and soul need and so we suffer atrophy in those areas. Churches and society and the CM tell us what to think and what our souls need but what is really happening is that this country is slowly dying of soul-hunger and mental suicide. IMO
*****************
I wish I could be more optomistic about Obama and Edwards, yet I think it won't matter, if it's true that Clinton is now ahead in IA by double digits. I suspect filthy politics from the Clintonistas and never really hoped much that anybody else would or could get the nomination. As usual, the public is being fed garbage, letting us think we actually have a voice. Cynical? You bet. But I'll work to get Smith gone...I'll help out locally.
The public loves races and games...so we'll likely be given a Huckabee/Clinton choice, neck and neck....a RW preacher who would put us in burkas with crosses hanging from our necks, or another, and more dangerous, neo-con.
Not to harp, but it's all about religion.
Craig Unger on the Rise of the Christian Right and Neoconservatism
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/122607J.shtml
Craig Unger, a contributing editor for Vanity Fair, garnered national attention with his previous book, "House of Bush, House of Saud." In "The Fall of the House of Bush: The Untold Story of How a Band of True Believers Seized the Executive Branch, Started the Iraq War, and Still Imperils America's Future," Unger turns his attention to neoconservative officials and theorists. Truthout's Jason Leopold recently sat down with Unger and discussed the influence of the religious right on our current government.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/122607T.shtml
Matthew D. LaPlante, The Salt Lake Tribune, says, "It's no secret that the current, frenetic pace of extended duty and war-related deployments have been tough on military members and their families. But an analysis of Pentagon data shows the suffering has not been shared equally."
Gustav Wynn: Hillary vs. Kucinich: the battle for the Democratic Party If you want to send the Democratic Party a message on primary day, let them know how you feel about being misrepresented, taken for granted and ignored after the 2006 elections. But how do US voters choose for 2008? Sadly, for decades we've been voting for the wrong reasons: appearance, electability, media coverage and financial backing.
Some things MUST BE CHANGED TO IMPROVE.
Yes, of course.
I know some people who built a house 20 or more years ago.
They still use a ladder to get to the second floor where their bedroom is.
Dashing headlong into the 18th century.
Donna Halper: Why the "War on Christmas Won't Stop... And Why It Should (1 comments) The War on Christmas is over for another year, but the right is hard at work implementing a strategy they've been trying to use since the 1790s... This year, they got some results, with the House passing a resolution that implies America is a Christian nation... I discuss the history behind their strategy and what progressives can learn from it.
My my, this is fodder for all our political lists. I dare the Register in IA to print this. Perhaps we could make leaflets and drop them all over the States. In fact, that may be a good idea...
Judicial Watch Announces List of Washington’s “Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians” for 2007Washington, DC –Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, today released its 2007 list of Washington’s “Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians.” The list, in alphabetical order, includes:
1. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY): In addition to her long and sordid ethics record, Senator Hillary Clinton took a lot of heat in 2007 – and rightly so – for blocking the release her official White House records. Many suspect these records contain a treasure trove of information related to her role in a number of serious Clinton-era scandals. Moreover, in March 2007, Judicial Watch filed an ethics complaint against Senator Clinton for filing false financial disclosure forms with the U.S. Senate (again). And Hillary’s top campaign contributor, Norman Hsu, was exposed as a felon and a fugitive from justice in 2007. Hsu pleaded guilt to one count of grand theft for defrauding investors as part of a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme.
2. Rep. John Conyers (D-MI): Conyers reportedly repeatedly violated the law and House ethics rules, forcing his staff to serve as his personal servants, babysitters, valets and campaign workers while on the government payroll. While the House Ethics Committee investigated these allegations in 2006, and substantiated a number of the accusations against Conyers, the committee blamed the staff and required additional administrative record-keeping and employee training. Judicial Watch obtained documentation in 2007 from a former Conyers staffer that sheds new light on the activities and conduct on the part of the Michigan congressman, which appear to be at a minimum inappropriate and likely unlawful. Judicial Watch called on the Attorney General in 2007 to investigate the matter.
3. Senator Larry Craig (R-ID): In one of the most shocking scandals of 2007, Senator Craig was caught by police attempting to solicit sex in a Minneapolis International Airport men’s bathroom during the summer. Senator Craig reportedly “sent signals” to a police officer in an adjacent stall that he wanted to engage in sexual activity. When the police officer showed Craig his police identification under the bathroom stall divider and pointed toward the exit, the senator reportedly exclaimed 'No!'” When asked to produce identification, Craig presented police his U.S. Senate business card and said, “What do you think of that?” The power play didn’t work. Craig was arrested, charged and entered a guilty plea. Despite enormous pressure from his Republican colleagues to resign from the Senate, Craig refused.
4. Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA): As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on military construction, Feinstein reviewed military construction government contracts, some of which were ultimately awarded to URS Corporation and Perini, companies then owned by Feinstein's husband, Richard Blum. While the Pentagon ultimately awards military contracts, there is a reason for the review process. The Senate's subcommittee on Military Construction's approval carries weight. Sen. Feinstein, therefore, likely had influence over the decision making process. Senator Feinstein also attempted to undermine ethics reform in 2007, arguing in favor of a perk that allows members of Congress to book multiple airline flights and then cancel them without financial penalty. Judicial Watch’s investigation into this matter is ongoing.
5. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R-NY): Giuliani came under fire in late 2007 after it was discovered the former New York mayor’s office “billed obscure city agencies for tens of thousands of dollars in security expenses amassed during the time when he was beginning an extramarital relationship with future wife Judith Nathan in the Hamptons…” ABC News also reported that Giuliani provided Nathan with a police vehicle and a city driver at taxpayer expense. All of this news came on the heels of the federal indictment on corruption charges of Giuliani’s former Police Chief and business partner Bernard Kerik, who pleaded guilty in 2006 to accepting a $165,000 bribe in the form of renovations to his Bronx apartment from a construction company attempting to land city contracts.
6. Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR): Governor Huckabee enjoyed a meteoric rise in the polls in December 2007, which prompted a more thorough review of his ethics record. According to The Associated Press: “[Huckabee’s] career has also been colored by 14 ethics complaints and a volley of questions about his integrity, ranging from his management of campaign cash to his use of a nonprofit organization to subsidize his income to his destruction of state computer files on his way out of the governor’s office.” And what was Governor Huckabee’s response to these ethics allegations? Rather than cooperating with investigators, Huckabee sued the state ethics commission twice and attempted to shut the ethics process down.
7. I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby: Libby, former Chief of Staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and fined $250,000 for lying and obstructing the Valerie Plame CIA leak investigation. Libby was found guilty of four felonies -- two counts of perjury, one count of making false statements to the FBI and one count of obstructing justice – all serious crimes. Unfortunately, Libby was largely let off the hook. In an appalling lack of judgment, President Bush issued “Executive Clemency” to Libby and commuted the sentence.
8. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL): A “Dishonorable Mention” last year, Senator Obama moves onto the “ten most wanted” list in 2007. In 2006, it was discovered that Obama was involved in a suspicious real estate deal with an indicted political fundraiser, Antoin “Tony” Rezko. In 2007, more reports surfaced of deeper and suspicious business and political connections It was reported that just two months after he joined the Senate, Obama purchased $50,000 worth of stock in speculative companies whose major investors were his biggest campaign contributors. One of the companies was a biotech concern that benefited from legislation Obama pushed just two weeks after the senator purchased $5,000 of the company’s shares. Obama was also nabbed conducting campaign business in his Senate office, a violation of federal law.
9. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who promised a new era of ethics enforcement in the House of Representatives, snuck a $25 million gift to her husband, Paul Pelosi, in a $15 billion Water Resources Development Act recently passed by Congress. The pet project involved renovating ports in Speaker Pelosi's home base of San Francisco. Pelosi just happens to own apartment buildings near the areas targeted for improvement, and will almost certainly experience a significant boost in property value as a result of Pelosi's earmark. Earlier in the year, Pelosi found herself in hot water for demanding access to a luxury Air Force jet to ferry the Speaker and her entourage back and forth from San Francisco non-stop, in unprecedented request which was wisely rejected by the Pentagon. And under Pelosi’s leadership, the House ethics process remains essentially shut down – which protects members in both parties from accountability.
10. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV): Over the last few years, Reid has been embroiled in a series of scandals that cast serious doubt on his credibility as a self-professed champion of government ethics, and 2007 was no different. According to The Los Angeles Times, over the last four years, Reid has used his influence in Washington to help a developer, Havey Whittemore, clear obstacles for a profitable real estate deal. As the project advanced, the Times reported, “Reid received tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from Whittemore.” Whittemore also hired one of Reid’s sons (Leif) as his personal lawyer and then promptly handed the junior Reid the responsibility of negotiating the real estate deal with federal officials. Leif Reid even called his father’s office to talk about how to obtain the proper EPA permits, a clear conflict of interest.
Judicial Watch is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Judicial Watch neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office. For more information, visit www.judicialwatch.org.
http://www.opednews.com/maxwrite/linkframe.php?linkid=48222
For your amusement:
"Will Joe Trippi Bring Down Edwards?"
http://tinyurl.com/ys484g
The war on Christmas?
It's all hogwash. But effective. Rile up your Christmas lovers and you have a constituency.
Religion is finally taking down America.
The English left for America to live their different religion.
America needs Religion to survive?
62. COOL.
Now, like me, newer things aren't made as well, so, I much like older things in alot of areas. And we are really bummed that they removed the older stand/claw foot tubs and sink and put in the modern styles. :(
FBI Prepares Vast Database of Biometrics: working link The FBI is embarking on a $1 billion effort to build the world's largest computer database of peoples' physical characteristics, a project that would give the government unprecedented abilities to identify individuals in the United States and abroad. Digital images of faces, fingerprints and palm patterns are already flowing into FBI systems in a climate-controlled, secure basement.
**********************
Who's giving the okey dokey to all these fascist projects? Is there no oversight anywhere anymore?
News Release: Mukasey Waterboarding Stance Termed Betrayal of Jewish Tenets Michael Mukasey's claim he did not know if waterboarding is torture is "betrayal of fundamental Jewish tenets," according to Dean Lawrence Velvel of the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover.
With Bush in their pocket, the Carlyle Group buys the "Birth Certificate of Democracy" -the Magna Carta Freedom's most valuable document, the Magna Carta, which laid the groundwork for the concept of popular sovereignty has been sold at auction to David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group, a web of Bush supporters if not co-conspirators. Something akin to this occurred March 28, 193 AD when the Praetorian guards sold the Roman empire to the wealthy senator Didius Julianus for the bargain price of 6250 drachmas.
Now, like me, newer things aren't made as well, so, I much like older things in alot of areas. And we are really bummed that they removed the older stand/claw foot tubs and sink and put in the modern styles.
Things made cheaply don't last long. Makes you buy them again and again more often.
It's hard to find things that are made to last.
Seashell.....
Judicial Watch finds Obama and Hillary guilty of corruption? It won't mean anything to their supporters. One is a woman, and the other will make you feel good, if you believe him.
Pelosi and Reid are crooks, but nobody will call them on it. Funny, they can't get into the club until they play the game and become crooks, then they can't ever stop because the power structure has the goods on them. So, why would they prosecute them, they own them, and they're just where they want them.
Who needs an honest candidate like Dennis if he's not playing the game, and they tell us he can't win.
" the presidency doesn't belong to one person. It belongs to the American people." John Edwards Boston Globe link
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Edwards understands the basic premise behind You have the power, and the "epic battle" he speaks of to wrest control of our Government from the grip of special interests will get most intense two years into his term in the off year election, so sign on if you like to be part of taking the country back. nothing worthwhile is easy
seashell
If I post a hunting party photo from Thanksgiving Day with Chris Dodd and the dead pheasants, including the one he made that good shot on, will you drop your support of him.
A VERY belated Merry Christmas to those who celebrated!
Season's greetings to all.
I don't know how these last few days slipped past without at least a skim-through BFA ... I MUST be having fun because time is a-flying ... or so the adage goes. But these last few days have been a blur. Just two more ... and things should settle down a bit for a time. Why did I ever think that *retirement* would be more relaxing?
***********
Mainly wanted to send my most sincere best wishes to all good Dean believers here and to thank Franco for the Krugman thread post.
Krugman has the right of it.
Hope to be back to spend more time later.
LOL, Phil. No, I still support him and think that killing our precious creatures is very disagreeable, to put it mildly.
What is it with men and deadly weapons? Back to the caves with you! :-)
Actually, I would be more disposed to think kinder of hunting if men used slingshots or boomerangs...perhaps poison blow darts. This kind of killing is outrageous since our precious creatures have no chance against the killing machines men use.
My father gave up hunting one day..he just stopped cold. The man loved animals and simply couldn't kill them anymore. My mother, sister and I were very happy when he did that, plus he shaved off his moustache.
When I lived in Mexico, I had tarantulas the size of dinner plates crawling in thru the thatched roof and hanging out on the walls. They seemed to be drawn to classical music. I had to make decisions as to whether I could live there or not, since I also had to deal with boas, rattlers, coral snakes. I almost moved back to the states when I was reading quietly in my hammock one night and glanced up to see a snake coiling itself down the hammock rope toward me.
I ended up staying almost four years in Yucatan, on the Caribbean, and should prolly write a book.
For some reason, I've always run toward change, instead of away from it. It's either bravery or foolishness, prolly the latter, altho when I moved to MX it was menopause!
It's bedtime for this boza.
Pre-menopause...actually it was long before. So it must have been foolishness, giving up a great job and the interest (unknown to me at the time) of my boss, who was rich and eligible and handsome and about to take me to Italy on a business trip, since I was his assistant.
Roads not taken.....clones not yet invented or accepted. :-)
Nitey nite.
good morning, everybody
Woke to the most fabulous endorsement on BH. Don't miss it!
Need to do some propaganda catapulting of my Game of America post.
67. Actually most people came here because they were misfits back home in the old country. They were ambivalent about their decision and had to come up with a reason. The desire to worship a different god and not follow the directions of those they left behind worked well for them.
Making a decision all on your own is a scary enterprise. If it turns out to be wrong, what do you do? How do you make another choice that might also be wrong? If you're acting on someone else's behest, then the responsibility for error can be shared or pushed off on the other alltogether. So, being obedient is actually a recipe for continued action. Strange, isn't it?
What's different here is that we credit Howard Dean for all achievements, rather than blaming him for failures. But, that works as a motivator as well. Because, equally strange is that success is also suppressive of future action. You know the saying, "don't sit on your laurels." That's because there's always the temptation to stop taking innovative action and just exist by rote. And that's the end of progress.
Fraid we aren't going to see the perfect candidate, nor even one that can evoke the passion that Howard did. Everything changes.
It isn't about perfection. It's about swallowing whatever swill is put on the plate. When you shrug your shoulders and accept it, it's the best you'll ever get.
Not even Dean was/is perfect, but that's never stopped me from supporting what I think many of his goals are.
As for today's lot of pretenders, I have absolutely no trust in their belief in what they say their goals are since their actions too often belie their words.
The Pro Richardson piece that Kevin listed was from the NRA and yes in Iowa a NRA endorsement is a plus. This state is full of hunters. There was a time in America's history when the ability to put game on the table was integral to survival and it is much too recent in evolutionary time to make a difference. it is possible that it is a Mars/Venus genetic selection since most cultures have had a gender difference long enough that the males have done the hunting for long enough to evolve as more skilled in hand eye co-ordination. lol
we are the more visual gender in the big picture I think, landscape wide,in the way we process information, it is why we get lost driving because we think we can figure out the route with visual clues instead of directions
I have absolutely no trust in their belief in what they say their goals are
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think if you listen carefully you will find the true priorities of each of the candidates. then match them to your own
this is a strong field
someone for everyone
By Sasha Issenberg
Globe Staff / December 27, 2007
DES MOINES - Volunteers who accept Barack Obama's invitation to "change the world" and want to start by helping him in the must-win Iowa caucus are not asked by the campaign for evidence of their enthusiasm, but for a travel itinerary. If they don't have transportation or a place to stay in the state, the Obama campaign gently tells supporters to stay home.
nowadays the Iraqis just refer to it as "continuous bombardment". Everybody's still wanting to know how and when it's going to stop. Whoever explains that to the American people is whom they should elect to be President.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Monica, Bill Richardson does a decent job of that if anyone is listening.
I continue to be concerned by the people who are managing this year's campaigns.
I wouldn't touch Joe Trippi with a ten foot pole.
94. Well, Dodd finally got a mention on CNN and on ABC in the last few days. Richardson continues to be absent from media consciousness.
Are you saying he's actually talking about the bombing?
I think the bracketing of Richardson's Out. Now. and Hillary's pro military stances have left little room for the rest in between
the pro Biden piece in the mailbox is aimed at Richardson
Obama is now trying to pry away Edwards supporters with his message.
the fourth place finisher should be the one to watch Feb.5th
Are you saying he's actually talking about the bombing?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Richardson is the only one talking about current military operations in Iraq.
everyone else appears relieved to have "progress" from the "surge" taking it off the front burner
Trippi isn't running Edwards campaign or I would be worried too, lol. He is just consulting.
I've discovered that if you write up a post and link it to a group, you can go back and edit it and link it to another group you belong to. Though you can't email a post to a group of which you are not an organizer or host.
Richardson has had the best TV ads of those without full organizations (to find supporters where they are rather than to simply inspire support). Dodd and Biden have to catch him first before they get to try and join the three way tie in first.
there are reasons why he has been polling higher, and the fact he has been direct about talking about Iraq at every stop is one of them
Steve Murphy, who was associated with the Gebhardt campaign (consultant) is now managing Richardson. I just don't think that any of these people really care what happens, as long as they get their money.
Fully 75% of the direct mail (glossy fliers with lots of photos) arriving at our address are for people who are no longer here and haven't been here in five years. I've voted here in four elections and the first piece of mail that arrived for me yesterday was from ASCME.
The consultants are using old mailing lists, some obviously purchased from commercial direct mailers. This stuff does not get forwarded and it would be my guess that the tree-huggers who see this stuff in their boxes are going to be turned off.
Steve Murphy, who was associated with the Gebhardt campaign (consultant) is now managing Richardson. I just don't think that any of these people really care what happens, as long as they get their money.
With Democratic consultants, past failures are what they pad their resumes with.
Why Democratic politicians hire them is anybody's guess.
Trippi isn't running Edwards campaign or I would be worried too, lol. He is just consulting.
Even worse for Edwards -- Trippi is serving as his TV spokesperson. Whatever Trippi is good at, that isn't it.
If they don't have transportation or a place to stay in the state, the Obama campaign gently tells supporters to stay home.
That's sensible.
MA not Clinton country anymore ?:
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/12/26/obama_leads_clinton_in_mass_fundraising/
Obama leads Clinton in Mass. fundraising
By Ken Maguire
Associated Press Writer / December 26, 2007
BOSTON—Barack Obama leads Hillary Rodham Clinton in campaign donations from Massachusetts and has doubled her tally from the state's most politically generous ZIP code -- 02138 -- a Cambridge district home to Harvard professors, lawyers and assorted liberal intellectuals.
Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. and architect Graham Gund are among the Cambridge donors who have contributed to Obama, who has raised $2.7 million in Massachusetts compared to Clinton's $2.1 million, according to the most recent federal figures of individual contributions.
Clinton, whose husband, former President William Clinton, visited Boston before leaving office to personally thank Massachusetts for its support, has been outpaced in the Harvard Square district that is home to some of the nation's top opinion makers.
Obama has picked up $313,000 to Clinton's $154,000 in the district that includes Harvard University and the city's high-rent homes overlooking the Charles River, according to the federal figures compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics.
"He's our best hope for bringing our country together," said Myra Gordon, an attorney who gave Obama $2,300, the maximum an individual can donate per election, per candidate. "He wants to work with both parties. He's opposed to the war. He's going to try diplomacy. She's more of a divider."
...
Oh the way in to work this morning, I passed by a hotel with a billboard advertising "Book your NYE room now".
I thought to myself "what is a NYE" ?
maybe NYE is a close translation to NEE:
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Library/3932/python.html#Nee
...
Monty Python and the Holy GrailScene 13HEAD KNIGHT: Nee! Nee! Nee! Nee!
ARTHUR: Who are you?
HEAD KNIGHT: We are the Knights Who Say Nee!
ARTHUR: No! Not the Knights Who Say Nee!
HEAD KNIGHT: The same!
BEDEVERE: Who are they?
HEAD KNIGHT: We are the keepers of the sacred words: Nee!, Pang! and Nee-wom!
RANDOM: Nee-wom!
ARTHUR: Those who hear them seldom live to tell the tale!
HEAD KNIGHT: The Knights Who Say Nee demand a sacrifice!
ARTHUR: Knights of Nee, we are but simple travellers who seek the enchanter who lives beyond these woods.
HEAD KNIGHT: Nee! Nee! Nee! Nee!
ARTHUR and PATSY: oh, ow!
ARTHUR: Well, what is it you want?
HEAD KNIGHT: We want...A SHRUBBERY!!!
ARTHUR: A what?
HEAD KNIGHT: Nee! Nee!
ARTHUR and PATSY: Oh, ow!
ARTHUR: Please, please! No more! We shall find a shrubbery.
HEAD KNIGHT: You must return here with a shrubbery or else you will never pass through this wood alive!
ARTHUR: O Knights of Nee, you are just and fair, and we will return with a shrubbery.
HEAD KNIGHT: One that looks nice.
ARTHUR: Of course.
HEAD KNIGHT: And not too expensive.
ARTHUR: Yes.
HEAD KNIGHT: Now...GO!
END OF SCENE 13
...
Barack Obama leads Hillary Rodham Clinton in campaign donations from Massachusetts
If any should know the deceptiveness of fundraising numbers, it should be Dean's people.
"He wants to work with both parties."
More collaboration with the GOP isn't the way to get my vote.
the E and C seesaw -- ok, what is it, is Hillary touting her Experience or her ability to make Change ?:
http://www.nyobserver.com/2007/poll-clinton-most-admired-woman-bush-most-admired-man
Clinton Wins, So Does George Bushby Katharine Jose | December 26, 2007
Hillary Clinton’s campaign just sent out a press release announcing that, for the sixth straight year, she is the most admired woman in the world, according to a Gallup poll of Americans.
The press release does not mention that the same poll found George W. Bush to be the most admired man, in front of Bill Clinton, Al Gore and Barack Obama, according to this Gallup video report of the poll.
Press release:
Gallup Poll:Hillary Clinton Most Admired Woman
For 6th Straight Year, Hillary Is Named Most Admired Worldwide
For the sixth consecutive year, Hillary Clinton was named the most admired woman in the world in a Gallup poll released today. She was picked by 18 percent of respondents, her highest standing since 2000.
“Americans know Hillary has been fighting for children and families for 35 years," said Clinton Campaign Manager Patti Solis Doyle. "They admire her commitment and strength to make change."
...
If they don't have transportation or a place to stay in the state, the Obama campaign gently tells supporters to stay home.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Well, after watching the Iowa caucus' in 2004 live on CSPAN>.......if I were an Iowan, thats probably what Id do......................I hope not alot of people from majpr industrialized nations would watch that effective example of elemntary school democracy at work...................kin remonds me of the time in 1965, Miss Lambs class, just before recess, when we played democracy..................as for me, I was more interested in Mary Jean Sumner.........................
111.
...
she is the most admired woman in the world, according to a Gallup poll of Americans.
...
+++
Funny that -- the most admired in the world, yet only Americans are polled.
Sounds like American baseball finale called the World Series.
clear and cold for caucus night
Hillary lucked out.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Which is why our silly assbackwards system of nominating people should be flushed down the nearest urinal.................to depend upon one or 2 single rural states, the weather, or Mrs Lipscomb having a cold on 12th st in Kiocock is.................insane.
The Iowa caucus allocates it's (tiny) share of the National nominating Convention, and only sheeple in other states would let it be more than a first look at how party activists view the field, not some final test.
The failure lies with the rest of you not Iowa if you end up with a nominee you don't like.
The Iowa process has put them all on record.
use that knowledge generated and sort through them yourself
every single one of them would make a better President than any single one of the Republicans
First time I donated to the Obama '08 campaign was earlier this week on Christmas Eve. Tight funds this year for me but found a way to donate a few dineros.
Ole Obama !
as a veteran myself, kudos to this Iowan veteran Kent:
http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.iml?Article=114085
Obama Campaign: Former co-chair of Clinton's Iowa Veterans Committee now backs Obama
12/26/2007
Contact:
Josh Earnest, 515.229.9571
Tommy Vietor, 515.418.7972
DES MOINES - Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign today announced that United States Army veteran Kent Sovern, who was announced just last week as the statewide Co-Chair of Senator Clinton's Veterans Committee, has now decided to caucus for Senator Obama and is encouraging other Iowa veterans to caucus for Obama on Thursday, January 3rd. Sovern also serves on the Iowa Democratic Party Veterans Caucus and is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War.
"I believe Senator Obama has the judgment and courage to stand up for America's veterans and find a responsible way to get our combat troops out of Iraq," said Sovern of Des Moines. "We can trust him to tell us the truth on the tough issues - even when it's not convenient. That's why I'll be standing for him on Thursday, January 3rd and encouraging veterans across Iowa to do the same."
...
The failure lies with the rest of you not Iowa if you end up with a nominee you don't like.
I'll ignore the petty insult to the overwhelming majority and point out that we may not even get a chance to vote for the candidate we now prefer by the time our primaries roll around.
Everybody should be first and equal in the timing and weight of their votes.
looks like the Clinton lock on Massachusetts is not so tight anymore:
Delahunt says Obama will restore US image abroadDecember 27, 2007
US Representative William Delahunt of Massachusetts, a leading foreign policy voice in the Democratic Party, will endorse Barack Obama for president today, saying he believes the senator will repair the image of the United States overseas.
...
Delahunt's endorsement - Obama's first from the Massachusetts congressional delegation -
...
First time I donated to the Obama '08 campaign was earlier this week on Christmas Eve.
Good work. At the moment I'd like to see Obama win just to stop Hillary in her tracks and send Edwards back to Palookaville.
121.
Yeah, I'm too embarassed to say how many dineros I forked over -- let's just say I came no where near the individual campaign donor limit !
I'm glad Iowa is proving to be a close 3 or more race. It's like not knowing if it's going to be a boy or a girl. Not knowing if you won the lottery. Not knowing if you score high enough on the SATs. Not knowing if you'll get a return call after the first date. Not knowing ....
(But frankly I'm nervous as hell ! Maybe I'll watch some Monty Python clips in the next few days, especially Knights who say NEE !, on NY'sE.)
On December 27th 2007, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated by being shot in the neck during a suicide bomber's attack as she was leaving a political rally in Pakistan. The explosion went off just after Ms. Bhutto left the rally in Rawalpindi, minutes after her speech to thousands of people. This happened two weeks before elections.[61]
123.
Oh my god ! Extremists kill again ! Thanks Paine for pointing this out about her assassination:
new thread http://www.blogforamerica.com/view/23379#comment-1148153
extremists can go to hell
I hope you mean assassins. Extremist is just a political term for those you disagree with.
In this country I see so called moderates as extremists in their pursuit of corporate patronage.
Add your comment
(to reply directly to a comment, click the reply icon for that comment)Post closed to commenting
Videos of some of the 64 House Healthcare Heroes standing strong for a public health insurance option
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver
Congressman Lloyd Dogget
Congressman Keith Ellison
Congressman Bob Filner
Congressman Phil Hare
Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey
Congresswoman Maxine Waters
Blog for America
-
1 Turncoat Senator vs. 410,649 Americans
By Mary R on Nov 19, 2009 3:06 PM EST -
Send a message they can't miss
By Mary R on Nov 17, 2009 12:00 PM EST -
Will the real Democrat please stand up?
By Mary R on Nov 11, 2009 2:03 PM EST -
3 Million and Counting
By Mary R on Nov 6, 2009 12:47 PM EST -
Is Sen. Nelson listening to Nebraska?
By Mary R on Nov 6, 2009 12:31 PM EST
Recent Blog Posts
-
How To Make Beats
By daimos77 on Nov 23, 2009 10:31 AM EST -
Judd Gregg's Vote Against Democracy
By Douglas M on Nov 22, 2009 8:34 PM EST -
Sunday items
By Gerry Lykins on Nov 22, 2009 8:25 AM EST -
Friday finds
By Gerry Lykins on Nov 20, 2009 7:48 AM EST -
1 Turncoat Senator vs. 410,649 Americans
By Mary R on Nov 19, 2009 3:06 PM EST
-
By Sitka on Dec 26, 2007 5:26 PM ESTDean