According to Waldo, da Republicans have a new bussword--Fascism.
Mosquito says, "People who live in glass houses should not throw stones." Did Rove forgot to look this word up before authorization?
NOUN:1. often Fascism a. A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism. b. A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government. 2. Oppressive, dictatorial control.http://www.bartleby.com/61/57/F0045700.html
noun [U]
a political system based on a very powerful leader, state control and extreme pride in country and race, and in which political opposition is not allowed
fascism
Main Entry: fas·cism
Pronunciation: 'fa-"shi-z&m also 'fa-"si-
Function: noun
1 often capitalized : a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition
2 : a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control
And then there's the famous defiinition of fascism that's attributed to the fascist--Mussolini. Fasicism is the merger of corporation and the state.
BIG BUZZ...BUZZ...BUZZ
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Katrina--What the MSM is NOT Reporting
A year has passed since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast. Congress was quick to authorize $110 billion in federal funds to rebuild New Orleans--NOLA. One year later, the debris is still there and not one single home rebuilt. 73,000 NOLA residents live in FEMA trailers and another 200,000, more than half the city’s former residents, remain in temporary refuges.
Now a new report surfaces that the corporate welfare philosophy the Bush administration promotes and the Corporate Congress supports placed Americans living in New Orleans at high risk.
BBC investigative journalist Greg Pallast reveals that FEMA had no evacuation plan for New Orleans. An evacuation plan should have been in the hands of every FEMA first responder, in the firehouses, police stations, and hospitals of New Orleans.
Unfortunately, cronyism raised it’s ugly head again in our corporate controlled government. The evacuation plan for New Orleans was privatized and outsourced to IEM--“Innovative Emergency Management,” a Baton Rouge corporation.
The Bush Administration authorized $500,000 to IEM for a NOLA evacuation plan. Amazingly, no such plan is on file anywhere. FEMA has refused to comment on this.
Pallast reports:
Pallast could not find any prior history of IEM’s work in evacuation planning services.
IEM has refused to comment. Since the corporate mainstream media is not picking this story up they probably figure it's best to lay low and let it be. With a little time they can proceed with business as usual. Isn't that how things work in Bush's America? No one has to be responsible or accountable if you are connected with money and Corporate America.
Thousands of Americans needlessly died due to no evacuation plan. An evacuation plan that should have been in effect long before Hurricane Katrina struck.
This report surfaced due to the integrity of Dr. Ivor van Heerden, the Deputy Director of the Louisiana State University Hurricane Center. He has been threatened with the loss of his job if he revealed what he knows.
Dr. van Heerden knows alot. Louisiana State University developed a disaster plan for NOLA which included the 127,000 people in the city who didn’t have cars. LSU knew where these no-car people were — they mapped it — and how to get them out. Pallast writes:
Meanwhile the Bush administration says that they have hired a consulting firm to fix the failed evacuation plan. Who did they hire? IEM, the same company who failed with the first contract and refused to comment on the Pallast story. Could the Bush administration be more corrupt, more incompetent? When is our Corporate Congress going to remember they are supposed to be the US Congress and hold this administration accountable for something? When will our Justice Department and our legal system do their job and go after corporations that are fraudelent?
We need to dump this crony filled Corporate Congress and elect a U.S. Congress that will act quickly to insure that "whistleblowers" are protected from the Bush Administration. The U.S. Congress should Authorize an independent investigation on the Katrina debacle so the appropriate folks are finally held accountable.
Democracy Now ran a two-part series with Greg Pallast on Aug 28 and 29.
Hurricane Expert Threatened for Pre-Katrina Warnings
Now a new report surfaces that the corporate welfare philosophy the Bush administration promotes and the Corporate Congress supports placed Americans living in New Orleans at high risk.
BBC investigative journalist Greg Pallast reveals that FEMA had no evacuation plan for New Orleans. An evacuation plan should have been in the hands of every FEMA first responder, in the firehouses, police stations, and hospitals of New Orleans.
Unfortunately, cronyism raised it’s ugly head again in our corporate controlled government. The evacuation plan for New Orleans was privatized and outsourced to IEM--“Innovative Emergency Management,” a Baton Rouge corporation.
The Bush Administration authorized $500,000 to IEM for a NOLA evacuation plan. Amazingly, no such plan is on file anywhere. FEMA has refused to comment on this.
Pallast reports:
“…IEM’s founder, Madhu Beriwal, had no known experience in hurricane evacuations. She did, however, have a lot of experience in donating to Republicans....An IEM press release in June 2004 boasted legendary expert James Lee Witt [the former FEMA Director] as a member of their team. That was impressive. It was also a lie. In fact, Witt had nothing to do with it. When I asked IEM point blank if Witt’s name was used as a fraudulent hook to get the contract, their spokeswoman said, weirdly, “We’ll get back to you on that.”
Pallast could not find any prior history of IEM’s work in evacuation planning services.
IEM has refused to comment. Since the corporate mainstream media is not picking this story up they probably figure it's best to lay low and let it be. With a little time they can proceed with business as usual. Isn't that how things work in Bush's America? No one has to be responsible or accountable if you are connected with money and Corporate America.
Thousands of Americans needlessly died due to no evacuation plan. An evacuation plan that should have been in effect long before Hurricane Katrina struck.
This report surfaced due to the integrity of Dr. Ivor van Heerden, the Deputy Director of the Louisiana State University Hurricane Center. He has been threatened with the loss of his job if he revealed what he knows.
Dr. van Heerden knows alot. Louisiana State University developed a disaster plan for NOLA which included the 127,000 people in the city who didn’t have cars. LSU knew where these no-car people were — they mapped it — and how to get them out. Pallast writes:
Dr. van Heerden offered this life-saving info to FEMA. They wouldn’t touch it. Then, a state official told him to shut up, back off or there would be consequences for van Heerden’s position. This official now works for IEM....
Van Heerden had other disturbing news. The Hurricane Center’s computer models showed the federal government had built the levees around the city a foot-and-a-half too short.
After Katrina, the Hurricane Center analyzed the flooding and found that, had the levees had just that extra 18 inches, they would have been “overtopped” for only an hour and a half, not four hours. In that case, the levees would have held, and the city would have been saved.
He had taken the warning about the levees all the way to George Bush’s doorstep. “I myself briefed senior officials including somebody from the White House.” The response: the university’s trustees threatened his job."
Meanwhile the Bush administration says that they have hired a consulting firm to fix the failed evacuation plan. Who did they hire? IEM, the same company who failed with the first contract and refused to comment on the Pallast story. Could the Bush administration be more corrupt, more incompetent? When is our Corporate Congress going to remember they are supposed to be the US Congress and hold this administration accountable for something? When will our Justice Department and our legal system do their job and go after corporations that are fraudelent?
We need to dump this crony filled Corporate Congress and elect a U.S. Congress that will act quickly to insure that "whistleblowers" are protected from the Bush Administration. The U.S. Congress should Authorize an independent investigation on the Katrina debacle so the appropriate folks are finally held accountable.
Democracy Now ran a two-part series with Greg Pallast on Aug 28 and 29.
Hurricane Expert Threatened for Pre-Katrina Warnings
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Corporations love George Allen
It looks like George Allen disapoints consumers but is a favorite of corporate special interests. Why am I not surprised? Of course, George Allen loves to brag about how much money he has to run for office, courtesy of these wonderful corporate folks.
Does anyone wonder why George Allen does not like to talk about the bills he supports in Washington when he's out on the campaign trail?
Consumers
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Public Citizen's Congress Watch 0 percent in 2003-2004.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Public Citizen's Congress Watch 0 percent in 2003.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Public Citizen's Congress Watch 4 percent in 2001-2002.
Business
2006 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association 100 percent in 2006.
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Association of Government Contractors 0 percent in 2005. (A zero from a business group....makes me wonder if this is the type of organization that does not favor no-bid contracts going to Haliburton and wants a level playing field for all their members.)
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 100 percent in 2005.
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Business-Industry Political Action Committee 94 percent in 2005.
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the International Sleep Products Association 100 percent in 2005.
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council 100 percent in 2005.
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Federation of Independent Business 100 percent in 2005.
2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 100 percent in 2004.
2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council 100 percent in 2004.
2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association 100 percent in 2004.
2003-2004 On the votes that the American Forest and Paper Association considered to be the most important in 2003-2004, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time
2003-2004 On the votes that the National Association of Manufacturers considered to be the most important in 2003-2004, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association 67 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Federation of Independent Business 100 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Electrical Contractors Association 83 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Business-Industry Political Action Committee 100 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 On the votes that the National Retail Federation considered to be the most important in 2003-2004, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Associated Builders & Contractors 100 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 On the votes that the National Small Business Association considered to be the most important in 2003-2004, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
2003-2004 On the votes that the National Restaurant Association considered to be the most important in 2003-2004, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Associated General Contractors of America 100 percent in 2003-2004.
2003 On the votes that the National Retail Federation considered to be the most important in 2003, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Associated Builders & Contractors 100 percent in 2003.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Business-Industry Political Action Committee 100 percent in 2003.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 100 percent in 2003.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Federation of Independent Business 100 percent in 2003.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Maryland Business for Responsive Government 100 percent in 2003.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Association of Government Contractors 100 percent in 2003.
2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association 100 percent in 2002.
2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 95 percent in 2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Associated Builders & Contractors 100 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Federation of Independent Business 100 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council 100 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Business-Industry Political Action Committee 88 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Electrical Contractors Association 62 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association 100 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 On the votes that the National Association of Manufacturers considered to be the most important in 2001-2002, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Associated General Contractors of America 100 percent in 2001-2002.
2001 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Federation of Independent Business 100 percent in 2001.
2001 Senator Allen supported the interests of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 100 percent in 2001.
2001 On the votes that the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association considered to be the most important in 2001, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
2001 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council 100 percent in 2001.
1999-2006 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association 100 percent in 1999-2006.
1999-2004 On the votes that the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association considered to be the most important in 1999-2004, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
Info courtesy of Project Vote Smart
Does anyone wonder why George Allen does not like to talk about the bills he supports in Washington when he's out on the campaign trail?
Consumers
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Public Citizen's Congress Watch 0 percent in 2003-2004.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Public Citizen's Congress Watch 0 percent in 2003.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Public Citizen's Congress Watch 4 percent in 2001-2002.
Business
2006 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association 100 percent in 2006.
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Association of Government Contractors 0 percent in 2005. (A zero from a business group....makes me wonder if this is the type of organization that does not favor no-bid contracts going to Haliburton and wants a level playing field for all their members.)
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 100 percent in 2005.
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Business-Industry Political Action Committee 94 percent in 2005.
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the International Sleep Products Association 100 percent in 2005.
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council 100 percent in 2005.
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Federation of Independent Business 100 percent in 2005.
2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 100 percent in 2004.
2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council 100 percent in 2004.
2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association 100 percent in 2004.
2003-2004 On the votes that the American Forest and Paper Association considered to be the most important in 2003-2004, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time
2003-2004 On the votes that the National Association of Manufacturers considered to be the most important in 2003-2004, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association 67 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Federation of Independent Business 100 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Electrical Contractors Association 83 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Business-Industry Political Action Committee 100 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 On the votes that the National Retail Federation considered to be the most important in 2003-2004, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Associated Builders & Contractors 100 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 On the votes that the National Small Business Association considered to be the most important in 2003-2004, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
2003-2004 On the votes that the National Restaurant Association considered to be the most important in 2003-2004, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Associated General Contractors of America 100 percent in 2003-2004.
2003 On the votes that the National Retail Federation considered to be the most important in 2003, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Associated Builders & Contractors 100 percent in 2003.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Business-Industry Political Action Committee 100 percent in 2003.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 100 percent in 2003.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Federation of Independent Business 100 percent in 2003.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Maryland Business for Responsive Government 100 percent in 2003.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Association of Government Contractors 100 percent in 2003.
2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association 100 percent in 2002.
2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 95 percent in 2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Associated Builders & Contractors 100 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Federation of Independent Business 100 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council 100 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Business-Industry Political Action Committee 88 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Electrical Contractors Association 62 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association 100 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 On the votes that the National Association of Manufacturers considered to be the most important in 2001-2002, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Associated General Contractors of America 100 percent in 2001-2002.
2001 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Federation of Independent Business 100 percent in 2001.
2001 Senator Allen supported the interests of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 100 percent in 2001.
2001 On the votes that the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association considered to be the most important in 2001, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
2001 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council 100 percent in 2001.
1999-2006 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association 100 percent in 1999-2006.
1999-2004 On the votes that the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association considered to be the most important in 1999-2004, Senator Allen voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
Info courtesy of Project Vote Smart
George Allen's Record Begs the Question
George "The Fallen" Allen gives Virginians "cause for pause." Allen's abysmal voting record correlates with the attitude displayed in his macaca remarks.
Civil Rights
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 15 percent in 2005.
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 0 percent in 2005.
2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Arab American Institute 0 percent in 2004.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 13 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 12 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 7 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the League of United Latin American Citizens 17 percent in 2003-2004.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Arab American Institute 0 percent in 2003.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 6 percent in 2003.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 7 percent in 2003.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the League of United Latin American Citizens 25 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 14 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 7 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 27 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Arab American Institute 0 percent in 2001-2002.
2001 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 27 percent in 2001.
2001 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 20 percent in 2001.
2001 Senator Allen supported the interests of the League of United Latin American Citizens 36 percent in 2001.
Info courtesy of Project Vote Smart
Civil Rights
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 15 percent in 2005.
2005 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 0 percent in 2005.
2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Arab American Institute 0 percent in 2004.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 13 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 12 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 7 percent in 2003-2004.
2003-2004 Senator Allen supported the interests of the League of United Latin American Citizens 17 percent in 2003-2004.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Arab American Institute 0 percent in 2003.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 6 percent in 2003.
2003 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 7 percent in 2003.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the League of United Latin American Citizens 25 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 14 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 7 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 27 percent in 2001-2002.
2001-2002 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Arab American Institute 0 percent in 2001-2002.
2001 Senator Allen supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 27 percent in 2001.
2001 Senator Allen supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 20 percent in 2001.
2001 Senator Allen supported the interests of the League of United Latin American Citizens 36 percent in 2001.
Info courtesy of Project Vote Smart
Allen is Running Away From His Constituents?
Mosquito was LOL reading on Daily Kos how Mike Stark, a UVA student, asked George Allen a pertinent question given Allen's history and his recent Macaca rant.
Stark asked The question, "Have you ever used the word nigger?"
Allen answered, "Oh, c'mon... sheesh..."
Stark also asked Allen to explain why he had a confederate flag and a noose hanging from the tree in his law office.
Allen's said, "Listen - just let me do this here, and then I'll answer your question about the flag and the noose."
Then his campaign staff had the hotel manager ask the law student to leave.
Allen then cancelled the rest of his day's events.
How is Allen going to campaign in Virginia if he won't answer questions from his constituents?
Allen is running all right....from his constituents. This is not a good sign.
Maybe we should collect footage from around the state of Allen avoiding his constituents. We could title it, "See Allen Run."
Stark asked The question, "Have you ever used the word nigger?"
Allen answered, "Oh, c'mon... sheesh..."
Stark also asked Allen to explain why he had a confederate flag and a noose hanging from the tree in his law office.
Allen's said, "Listen - just let me do this here, and then I'll answer your question about the flag and the noose."
Then his campaign staff had the hotel manager ask the law student to leave.
Allen then cancelled the rest of his day's events.
How is Allen going to campaign in Virginia if he won't answer questions from his constituents?
Allen is running all right....from his constituents. This is not a good sign.
Maybe we should collect footage from around the state of Allen avoiding his constituents. We could title it, "See Allen Run."
I Beta'd but shoulda Waita'd...
oh...why are mosquitos so quick?
I jumped on board the blogspot beta bandwagon and it appeared that I lost all my technorati and my ability to let folks know I posted something via leftblogs, blognetnews....BUT...hopefully it's fixed...IF this post ends up showing up.
Between the blog glitch, family, life, and trying to help a friend find someone to edit that Drake videotapy (we have a lead but if you have someone in Hampton Roads who can load up our videotape, help us edit to get it up on You Tube)...please get in touch with me.
So hopefully things will settle down and the posts will start going up again. Too many exciting things are happening to get blown off the net now!
Hope all is well out there....Buzz...Buzz....Mosquito
I jumped on board the blogspot beta bandwagon and it appeared that I lost all my technorati and my ability to let folks know I posted something via leftblogs, blognetnews....BUT...hopefully it's fixed...IF this post ends up showing up.
Between the blog glitch, family, life, and trying to help a friend find someone to edit that Drake videotapy (we have a lead but if you have someone in Hampton Roads who can load up our videotape, help us edit to get it up on You Tube)...please get in touch with me.
So hopefully things will settle down and the posts will start going up again. Too many exciting things are happening to get blown off the net now!
Hope all is well out there....Buzz...Buzz....Mosquito
Thursday, August 24, 2006
California Cowboy Man
This is a rough draft of a song by Star Womanspirit. Posted with her permission.
Sing to Bob Dylan's Tambourine Man music.
Chorus:
California Cowboy Man don't say your lies to me
I'm not happy and I'm not going to vote for you
California Cowboy Man don't say your lies to me
Take that noose down from your tree and ride away.
Though I know the corporate empires will turn me into sand
Money vanishes from my hand
You want me blindly here to stand and never seeing
My weariness amazes me, you tried to tie my feet
I have others to meet
Your ancient, empty lies are dead for dreaming
Chorus
I know the corporations have bought your Senate seat
Haliburton's off the hook
You left me blind to pay bills that I'm not buying
You gave them Net Neutrality, tried to strip me of free speech
You called Sid Macaque
You racist slang awoke us from our blinding sleep
Emding Chorus (keep repeating and fade out)
I'm rising from deep sleep to march in Webb's parade
To safeguard my freedom from the likes of you.
California Cowboy Man don't say your lies to me
I'm not happy and I'm not going to vote for you
California Cowboy Man don't say your lies to me
Take that noose down from your tree and ride to Iowa.
California Cowboy man don't say your lies to me
Take that noose down from your tree and ride to Iowa....
Sing to Bob Dylan's Tambourine Man music.
Chorus:
California Cowboy Man don't say your lies to me
I'm not happy and I'm not going to vote for you
California Cowboy Man don't say your lies to me
Take that noose down from your tree and ride away.
Though I know the corporate empires will turn me into sand
Money vanishes from my hand
You want me blindly here to stand and never seeing
My weariness amazes me, you tried to tie my feet
I have others to meet
Your ancient, empty lies are dead for dreaming
Chorus
I know the corporations have bought your Senate seat
Haliburton's off the hook
You left me blind to pay bills that I'm not buying
You gave them Net Neutrality, tried to strip me of free speech
You called Sid Macaque
You racist slang awoke us from our blinding sleep
Emding Chorus (keep repeating and fade out)
I'm rising from deep sleep to march in Webb's parade
To safeguard my freedom from the likes of you.
California Cowboy Man don't say your lies to me
I'm not happy and I'm not going to vote for you
California Cowboy Man don't say your lies to me
Take that noose down from your tree and ride to Iowa.
California Cowboy man don't say your lies to me
Take that noose down from your tree and ride to Iowa....
Did Anyone Notice George Allen Won an Award?
George Allen won the Buzzflash GOP Hypocrite of the Week award. This is Allen's first HOTW Award.
Check it out here.
Check it out here.
Is That Karen Hughes at Drake's Coffee Chat?
What is Karen Hughes doing at a Thelma Drake Coffee Chat?
Video footage taken at Drake's 8/18/06 Coffee at Princess Anne Library in Va. Beach captured an attendee who looks and talks like Karen Hughes.
Comparing the video's voice track to an online voice track appears to verify the sighting along with video comparisons from online videos.
Unfortunately, my friend (who shot the footage and made the connection that day) has been unsuccessfully searching for someone with editing capabilities so she can download and edit the film and get it up on you tube. Anyone know someone in the Hampton Roads area who would like to assist in this editing task? If so, please Email me!
IF it was Karen Hughes at the coffee chat a number of interesting questions emerge.
--Why didn't Thelma introduce her (as she did others in attendence)?
--Is Thelma's campaign in trouble?
--Does Thelma need this high powered consultant known as Karl Rove's "kryptonite?"
--Is Karen Hughes now being dispatched to the campaigns of needy Republicans?
--Does this conflict with her duties as Undersecretary of State and her work in the middle-east?
How important is Karen Hughes in the Bush camp? Allegeldy, Bush told Karen he would not run for president unless Hughes was on board for the campaign. She has been cited as his closest confidente. She runs George Bush's election campaigns and keeps George on message. Hughes is superb at developing the message. According to the Christian Science Monitor, Hughes focused on domestic issues and promoted compassionate conservatism while Rove focused on pushing the conservative agenda.
There's a comparison pic over at sparkle pony's blog SparkleponyBlog:annnnnd-more-karen-hughes Not the greatest but it's the best I can do until the video can be put online.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Ava Lowery brings back something we should never forget...
Ava Lowery does it again. Her latest video about Hurricane Katrina should be seen by all. You can see it here
Billions have been wasted and American citizens never got the assistance we have paid for. Lots of money was given to cronies such as Operation Blessing (put up on the FEMA website) and out of state companies like Cheney's favorite corporation--Haliburton.
It's SHAMEFUL that no one was held accountable for the rampant cronyism and incompetency. WE SHOULD NOT FORGET WHAT HAPPENED. WE SAW IT WITH OUR OWN EYES…
Start asking the incumbents why they have done nothing to see that the NOLA victims are helped. Why didn't they act to hold our federal officials accountable for the Katrina/Fema disaster.
Ask everyone what they plan to do about this should they be elected/re-elected to office in November.
No one is safe as long as FEMA is broken and our government remains stuffed with incompetent cronies.
No one is safe until we take action and make sure we always help our own people. We need to start now with the victims of Katrina.
Billions have been wasted and American citizens never got the assistance we have paid for. Lots of money was given to cronies such as Operation Blessing (put up on the FEMA website) and out of state companies like Cheney's favorite corporation--Haliburton.
It's SHAMEFUL that no one was held accountable for the rampant cronyism and incompetency. WE SHOULD NOT FORGET WHAT HAPPENED. WE SAW IT WITH OUR OWN EYES…
Start asking the incumbents why they have done nothing to see that the NOLA victims are helped. Why didn't they act to hold our federal officials accountable for the Katrina/Fema disaster.
Ask everyone what they plan to do about this should they be elected/re-elected to office in November.
No one is safe as long as FEMA is broken and our government remains stuffed with incompetent cronies.
No one is safe until we take action and make sure we always help our own people. We need to start now with the victims of Katrina.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Virginia Senate Race is a Toss Up
The NY Times needs to update their Senate race info.
VIRGINIA is NOW A TOSS UP...and their website should reflect this!!
VIRGINIA is NOW A TOSS UP...and their website should reflect this!!
Monday, August 21, 2006
Washington Post Declares Iraq is in Civil War
Finally the MSM is catching on. Better late than never.
The Washington Post states that Iraq is in Civil War.
I wonder how long the Bush regime will continue to use the term "sectarian violence?"
"Some say" that Washington is planning to forget democracy in Iraq and are working on a plan b to install a government that is "friendly" to Washington.....Washington has a bias for foreign dictatorships....when are they going to learn?
The Washington Post states that Iraq is in Civil War.
I wonder how long the Bush regime will continue to use the term "sectarian violence?"
"Some say" that Washington is planning to forget democracy in Iraq and are working on a plan b to install a government that is "friendly" to Washington.....Washington has a bias for foreign dictatorships....when are they going to learn?
Tony Blair "betrayed" by George Bush
The Daily Mail says the Bush-Blair alliance is on shaky ground. The Daily Mail reports that Bush feels betrayed by Bush and Bush "has let him down badly over the Mideast crisis."
I have been let down by Bush so many times I no longer expect him to do anything right. Get used to it Blair. You were foolish to ever trust George Bush Jr.
Our few friends are getting fewer....
I have been let down by Bush so many times I no longer expect him to do anything right. Get used to it Blair. You were foolish to ever trust George Bush Jr.
Our few friends are getting fewer....
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Billionaire's for Bush speak out on Drake--guest blog by K. Gore
Although it was only 10 a.m. on a hot Friday morning, Congresswoman Thelma Drake’s most grateful local supporters, Billionaires for Bush, were decked out in evening finery toasting their candidate with fluted champagne glasses in the parking lot of the Princess Anne Area Library in Virginia Beach as they awaited her arrival.
“Thelma has been the best return on any investment that I have ever made,” noted tux-attired Rob Da’Pour II, who claimed to be the CEO of a small family oil company. “Why for the $151 million that I and the 50 biggest corporations, such as AT&T and Exxon Mobile, have made in campaign contributions to legislators, we have been granted tax breaks worth over $55 billion. That’s 55 BILLION dollars!” Da’Pour chuckled while rubbing his hands together. “Why that’s better than a 36,323% return on investment!”
Nodding her head in agreement, Mrs. Iona Cenator noted, “Thelma Drake has fought hard for the repeal of the Death Tax which affects 8,000 of the wealthiest Americans. Without Thelma’s hard work, how could I be assured that my great, great, great, great grandchildren would live as well as I and my husband do without having to work hard?!” Mrs. Cenator smiled approvingly, “I owe so much to Rep. Drake for working so hard for her wealthiest constituents.”
Representing Virginia’s second congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Thelma Drake, is running for re-election against a member of a prominent Virginia Beach (VA) political family member and commissioner of revenue, Democrat Phil Kellam.
A virtual rubber stamp of the Bush policies, Drake has a record of voting with Bush 97% of the time, breaking rank only on such locally hot topics as beach sand replenishment.
Despite representing an area with a significant military presence, Drake has consistently voted against bills that would hold military contractors accountable, provide benefits and research for veterans, and adequately equip our men and woman to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan while Drake takes campaign contributions from defense industry lobbyists.
Deemed vulnerable for her voting record and funding from special interest groups, Drake has been the target of MoveOn.org T.V. ads emphasizing that the congresswoman has been caught red-handed accepting money from special interest groups and then voting favorably on their issues at the expense of her constituents.
To get out her message, Drake has been holding open meetings, “Coffee with Your Congresswoman,” across her district during her summer recess from Congress. At each of these, Drake has been challenged by MoveOn members waving large red foam hands with “Caught Red-Handed”; holding signs with such slogans as “Support Our Troops, not Halliburton” and “Caught Red-Handed; and distributing information.
The emphasis changed this past Friday at the Drake coffee being held at the Princess Anne Area Library in Virginia Beach. Rather than encountering unhappy constituents waving red foam hands outside, Drake found herself the object of a street theater satire as the local Billionaires for Bush attended to show their “support” for Drake.
Holding signs that read, “No Billionaire Left Behind,” “Government of, by, and for the corporations,” and “Survival of the Richest,” the Billionaires for Bush group cheered Rep Drake whenever she mentioned legislation she supports, such as drilling for oil off the Virginia Coast or preventing insurance plans offered under Part D of the Drug Prescription Plan of Medicare to bargain for a reduced rate on drugs as the Veterans Administration does.
The group also cheered wildly when Drake called the democratically elected President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, a communist and enemy of the United States for nationalizing the country’s oil company in an attempt to build a viable middle class in the country.
Rep. Drake was deft in framing her answers that often were characterized by misdirection, side-stepping the issue, or claiming that she had no answer as she had only been a congresswoman for a year and a half. Another favorite response to questions whose answers might reflect unfavorably with those constituents who attended was to claim that she was not aware of the data that the person asking the question offered and would look into it.
Celebrating once again outside the library at the conclusion of the Coffee, the Billionaires expressed their pleasure at the congresswoman’s answers and their sense that they could count on her the next two years to significantly increase their profits and reduce their taxes if she were elected to another term.
“Yes,” Da’Pour’s wife, the beautiful Robin exclaimed, “Thelma is one of the best investments at any billionaire in Virginia can make!”
Guest Blogger--K. Gore
Mosquito is posting this with permission from the author....We had to wait for our "go-between" to get the finaly copy proofed. We understand that one of the copy editors may have posted it on another blog somewhere...so if you see it twice...oh well...that's the breaks....
“Thelma has been the best return on any investment that I have ever made,” noted tux-attired Rob Da’Pour II, who claimed to be the CEO of a small family oil company. “Why for the $151 million that I and the 50 biggest corporations, such as AT&T and Exxon Mobile, have made in campaign contributions to legislators, we have been granted tax breaks worth over $55 billion. That’s 55 BILLION dollars!” Da’Pour chuckled while rubbing his hands together. “Why that’s better than a 36,323% return on investment!”
Nodding her head in agreement, Mrs. Iona Cenator noted, “Thelma Drake has fought hard for the repeal of the Death Tax which affects 8,000 of the wealthiest Americans. Without Thelma’s hard work, how could I be assured that my great, great, great, great grandchildren would live as well as I and my husband do without having to work hard?!” Mrs. Cenator smiled approvingly, “I owe so much to Rep. Drake for working so hard for her wealthiest constituents.”
Representing Virginia’s second congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Thelma Drake, is running for re-election against a member of a prominent Virginia Beach (VA) political family member and commissioner of revenue, Democrat Phil Kellam.
A virtual rubber stamp of the Bush policies, Drake has a record of voting with Bush 97% of the time, breaking rank only on such locally hot topics as beach sand replenishment.
Despite representing an area with a significant military presence, Drake has consistently voted against bills that would hold military contractors accountable, provide benefits and research for veterans, and adequately equip our men and woman to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan while Drake takes campaign contributions from defense industry lobbyists.
Deemed vulnerable for her voting record and funding from special interest groups, Drake has been the target of MoveOn.org T.V. ads emphasizing that the congresswoman has been caught red-handed accepting money from special interest groups and then voting favorably on their issues at the expense of her constituents.
To get out her message, Drake has been holding open meetings, “Coffee with Your Congresswoman,” across her district during her summer recess from Congress. At each of these, Drake has been challenged by MoveOn members waving large red foam hands with “Caught Red-Handed”; holding signs with such slogans as “Support Our Troops, not Halliburton” and “Caught Red-Handed; and distributing information.
The emphasis changed this past Friday at the Drake coffee being held at the Princess Anne Area Library in Virginia Beach. Rather than encountering unhappy constituents waving red foam hands outside, Drake found herself the object of a street theater satire as the local Billionaires for Bush attended to show their “support” for Drake.
Holding signs that read, “No Billionaire Left Behind,” “Government of, by, and for the corporations,” and “Survival of the Richest,” the Billionaires for Bush group cheered Rep Drake whenever she mentioned legislation she supports, such as drilling for oil off the Virginia Coast or preventing insurance plans offered under Part D of the Drug Prescription Plan of Medicare to bargain for a reduced rate on drugs as the Veterans Administration does.
The group also cheered wildly when Drake called the democratically elected President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, a communist and enemy of the United States for nationalizing the country’s oil company in an attempt to build a viable middle class in the country.
Rep. Drake was deft in framing her answers that often were characterized by misdirection, side-stepping the issue, or claiming that she had no answer as she had only been a congresswoman for a year and a half. Another favorite response to questions whose answers might reflect unfavorably with those constituents who attended was to claim that she was not aware of the data that the person asking the question offered and would look into it.
Celebrating once again outside the library at the conclusion of the Coffee, the Billionaires expressed their pleasure at the congresswoman’s answers and their sense that they could count on her the next two years to significantly increase their profits and reduce their taxes if she were elected to another term.
“Yes,” Da’Pour’s wife, the beautiful Robin exclaimed, “Thelma is one of the best investments at any billionaire in Virginia can make!”
Guest Blogger--K. Gore
Mosquito is posting this with permission from the author....We had to wait for our "go-between" to get the finaly copy proofed. We understand that one of the copy editors may have posted it on another blog somewhere...so if you see it twice...oh well...that's the breaks....
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Friday's Coffee Chat with Thelma and the Billionaires for Bush entourage
A friend has promised me a dvd copy of a videotape that was taken of Thelma's coffee chat at Princess Anne Library on August 18th. Local Billionaires for Bush were in attendence. I did get to view the raw footage.
Rob du Pore and his wife Robin du Pore gathered a few friends to attend the event. Ahneeda Summore and Iona Senator were also among the B4B contingent. They are very happy with Thelma Drake's support for the Bush-Cheney administration policies.
Thelma fielded questions concerning medicare insurance from constituents who have been hurt by the policy and were unable to get help from her office when they called. Thelma promised to assist these people. She continues to support the Medicare drug program but fails to address the "no-bid" contract awarded to the pharmaceutical industry and how IF the government could negotiate for better drug prices this would benefit the medicare recipients and the American tax payer. There was also no mention of the fact that the pharmaceutical industry basically wrote the bill that was passed.
Drake defended the oil drilling off VA coasts and emphasized how clean the oil rigs are. She failed to address the issue the oil rigs will need land based infrastructure. The oil/gas leaks take place along the pipeline and at the storage tanks. LOts of spills occur when ships are being loaded. This is why the areas with oil rigs have kerosene placed outside hotel lobbies and on ground floor hotel rooms so that the tourists can clean the tar off of there feet.
Thelma did not mention that any oil and gas drilled at this time will go on the world market and the oil companies will achieve the major profit. IF the oil and gas stays in the ground it will only increase in value and would be a reserve that could be used in the future for America's needs if that desparate time should ever come.
At the end of the event the videotape shows one of Thelma's supporters assaulting Rob du Pore of the Billionaires for Bush entourage. He took some money that Rob left on Thelma's chair and snatched du Pore's hat off his head. He then BOPPED du Pore on the head with his money and smashed his hat back on his head. Rob du Pore told the man he has to back off and some were wondering if the Drake fan was going to escalate the situation into a brawl. Instead, he left the room quickly.
Rob du Pore and his wife Robin du Pore gathered a few friends to attend the event. Ahneeda Summore and Iona Senator were also among the B4B contingent. They are very happy with Thelma Drake's support for the Bush-Cheney administration policies.
Thelma fielded questions concerning medicare insurance from constituents who have been hurt by the policy and were unable to get help from her office when they called. Thelma promised to assist these people. She continues to support the Medicare drug program but fails to address the "no-bid" contract awarded to the pharmaceutical industry and how IF the government could negotiate for better drug prices this would benefit the medicare recipients and the American tax payer. There was also no mention of the fact that the pharmaceutical industry basically wrote the bill that was passed.
Drake defended the oil drilling off VA coasts and emphasized how clean the oil rigs are. She failed to address the issue the oil rigs will need land based infrastructure. The oil/gas leaks take place along the pipeline and at the storage tanks. LOts of spills occur when ships are being loaded. This is why the areas with oil rigs have kerosene placed outside hotel lobbies and on ground floor hotel rooms so that the tourists can clean the tar off of there feet.
Thelma did not mention that any oil and gas drilled at this time will go on the world market and the oil companies will achieve the major profit. IF the oil and gas stays in the ground it will only increase in value and would be a reserve that could be used in the future for America's needs if that desparate time should ever come.
At the end of the event the videotape shows one of Thelma's supporters assaulting Rob du Pore of the Billionaires for Bush entourage. He took some money that Rob left on Thelma's chair and snatched du Pore's hat off his head. He then BOPPED du Pore on the head with his money and smashed his hat back on his head. Rob du Pore told the man he has to back off and some were wondering if the Drake fan was going to escalate the situation into a brawl. Instead, he left the room quickly.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Judge rules Bush's wiretaps are unconstitutional
Today, A federal judge ruled that Bush's warrantless wiretapping program is unconstitutional and ordered an immediate halt to the activity.
Another win for US!!
One of our freedoms was protected from the Bush-Cheney Cabal today. Here's the link
Another win for US!!
One of our freedoms was protected from the Bush-Cheney Cabal today. Here's the link
Iraq Is Falling Apart
The media has documented the 1,000 deaths in Lebannon this month. But 3,000 have died in Iraq without much of a whisper.
Bush says "stay the course" (look for a message change of "we need to adapt" and be "flexible") and as "they stand up" we'll stand down. Approximately, 1000 Iraqi policeman resigned recently from the Fallujah police force. So much for the stand up stand down Bush plans.
We should be accustomed to Bush's plans falling apart. Can you remember a single Iraqi Bush plan that has succeeded?
I'm sick of the loser. Bush and his cronies continue to amass wealth and sacrifice nothing as they continue to lose, lose, lose...and it's the average American left to pick up the pieces.
Of course one plan that is being promoted by others -- to break up Iraq into three separate entities--Kurdish, Shiite, and Sunni--has been vetoed by Bush. Our "unelected" president proves himself notta genius time and again. But Cheney has a different agenda that continues to get pushed and it does not involve peace in the Middle East (or anywhere wlse in the world)
Even the New York Times says that Iraq is balling apart.
Bush says "stay the course" (look for a message change of "we need to adapt" and be "flexible") and as "they stand up" we'll stand down. Approximately, 1000 Iraqi policeman resigned recently from the Fallujah police force. So much for the stand up stand down Bush plans.
We should be accustomed to Bush's plans falling apart. Can you remember a single Iraqi Bush plan that has succeeded?
I'm sick of the loser. Bush and his cronies continue to amass wealth and sacrifice nothing as they continue to lose, lose, lose...and it's the average American left to pick up the pieces.
Of course one plan that is being promoted by others -- to break up Iraq into three separate entities--Kurdish, Shiite, and Sunni--has been vetoed by Bush. Our "unelected" president proves himself notta genius time and again. But Cheney has a different agenda that continues to get pushed and it does not involve peace in the Middle East (or anywhere wlse in the world)
Even the New York Times says that Iraq is balling apart.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
George Allen used a known ethnic slur
George Allen's Macaque shows up in a list of ethnic slurs.
Macaque
(Belgium & France) a Negro (originally) or a person of North-African origin (more recently); derived from macaque monkeys
Here's the link
Ask anyone of Indian descent what Macaque means. They will probably know what this word means (especially if they've spent time in the Tunisian area or have lived abroad for a number of years).
Amazingly, enough the connections don't end here. Other blogs have pointed out that George's mother is French-Tunisian. George actually speaks French.
It seems reasonable to conclude that Allen knows and understands this term. It's Allen's excuses that are far-fetched.
I think he was counting on the fact that most Americans are not bi-lingual and French is not "often" the second language if they are bi-lingual. In VA, it's more likely the second language will be Spanish.
George, I think you've been caught red-handed with this one.
Buzz...Buzz...
Macaque
(Belgium & France) a Negro (originally) or a person of North-African origin (more recently); derived from macaque monkeys
Here's the link
Ask anyone of Indian descent what Macaque means. They will probably know what this word means (especially if they've spent time in the Tunisian area or have lived abroad for a number of years).
Amazingly, enough the connections don't end here. Other blogs have pointed out that George's mother is French-Tunisian. George actually speaks French.
It seems reasonable to conclude that Allen knows and understands this term. It's Allen's excuses that are far-fetched.
I think he was counting on the fact that most Americans are not bi-lingual and French is not "often" the second language if they are bi-lingual. In VA, it's more likely the second language will be Spanish.
George, I think you've been caught red-handed with this one.
Buzz...Buzz...
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Condi Rice continues her "progress in Iraq" campaign
15 year old Ava Lowery does her magic again. While Condi Rice continues to state, "progress in Iraq" ad nauseum...Ava decides to speak out on the "progress in Iraq."
See it here
See it here
Monday, August 14, 2006
Virginian Pilot Censorship
Dr.Disamodha Amarasinghe has been attempting to get the Virginian Pilot to run a story about DU--depleted uranium for months now. He has talked with editors and reporters about this topic.
The Virginian Pilot uses the AP wire service for much of its coverage. DU finally surfaces in the mainstream media via the AP. Yet, the Virginian Pilot did not run the story.
There is a news black out in Hampton Roads on this topic.
This topic is of crucial interest in the Hampton Roads area due to large numbers of servicemen stationed here who are directly effected by the DU issue.
AP story is here
DU is number 4 on The Top 25 Censored Media Stories of 2003-2004 on Project Censored's list. Check it out:
#4: High Levels of Uranium Found in Troops and Civilians
This is a story everyone needs to be aware of. Will American's stand for our service members to be exposed to such a deadly toxin...just so our shells can cut through armor like a hot knife through butter?
Don't let censorship leave you in the dark. Do your own research on depleted uranium.
The Virginian Pilot uses the AP wire service for much of its coverage. DU finally surfaces in the mainstream media via the AP. Yet, the Virginian Pilot did not run the story.
There is a news black out in Hampton Roads on this topic.
This topic is of crucial interest in the Hampton Roads area due to large numbers of servicemen stationed here who are directly effected by the DU issue.
AP story is here
DU is number 4 on The Top 25 Censored Media Stories of 2003-2004 on Project Censored's list. Check it out:
#4: High Levels of Uranium Found in Troops and Civilians
This is a story everyone needs to be aware of. Will American's stand for our service members to be exposed to such a deadly toxin...just so our shells can cut through armor like a hot knife through butter?
Don't let censorship leave you in the dark. Do your own research on depleted uranium.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Unhook from the Matrix
Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land is an excellent video on the Middle East. It provides sound background information on the current conflict and features great analysis of how the US mainstream media reports on the Middle East.
It's one hour and 19 minutes of time well spent.
If you believe that Israel and the US are the "good guys" in the middle east and that the Palestinians are the "bad guys," then I triple dare you to watch this documentary.
It's one hour and 19 minutes of time well spent.
If you believe that Israel and the US are the "good guys" in the middle east and that the Palestinians are the "bad guys," then I triple dare you to watch this documentary.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
David Addington is linked to George Allen
If money talks then George Allen is David Addington’s favorite elected official in America. Since 1999 David Addington has given financial contributions to only one candidate for federal office. It appears that Virginia's very own George F. Allen is Addington's favorite man in Congress. Addington has contributed a total of $2,950 to Virginia's junior Republican Senator.
From the Federal Election Commission Website:
David Addington is also David S. Addington and he “used” to work for American Trucking Association and Holland and Knight LLP. The total contributions reported to the FEC are $2,950.00.
An Additional $4,000 was donated to George Bush by associates at American Trucking Association
So who is David Addington? The U.S. News and World Report described him as “the most powerful man you’ve never heard of.” Until recently there were no known photos of David Addington. A single photo has surfaced; it's posted on a few websites including Wikopedia.
Addington is Dick Cheney’s chief of staff. It is reported that he worked with Alberto Gonzales to craft Cheney’s torture policies. Colin Powell stated, “It’s Addington. He doesn’t care about the constitution.” (Powell does not remember making this statement but Lawrence Wilkerson, his former top aide, confirms that he and Powell shared this opinion of Addington.)
Addington is also credited as the architect behind President Bush’s signing statements. It is said that he crafted the legal strategy to expand the powers of Vice President Dick Cheney. I think it may be impossible to differentiate between vice presidential and presidential powers under this new schema. Dick Cheney is undisputedly the most powerful VP in American history.
Addington is quite the man. Anccording to a former-high ranking lawyer in the Bush Administration the Bush Administrations legal positions are “all Addington.” Addington has pushed the “New Paradigm,” a strategy that states the Presdient, in his Commander-in-Chief role, has the authority to disregard the law if national security demands it. This strategy makes secret detentions, renditions, torture and warrantless surveillance on American citizens possible. The majority of legal scholars state that the New Paradigm policies are unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court appears to have knocked down the “New Paradigm” strategy in the recent Hamdan v. Rumsfeld decision. As a result, it has been reported that the White House is scrambling to lobby Congress to pass new legislation that will grant them immunity from criminal prosecution for war crimes.
To me, David Addington is a very scarey man. He appears to hold Congress in disdain and expressed this sentiment during a hearing about covert actions in Central America by muttering “assholes.” This shows compatibility with “F--- Y—“ Dick Cheney.
All Virginians should research David Addington and question why George Allen is the one man he is known to financially support.
Sources:
THE HIDDEN POWER: The legal mind behind the White House's war on terror.
WikoPedia on David Addington
Additional Links:
Answers.com on David Addington
Madsen Report on David Addington
From the Federal Election Commission Website:
ADDINGTON, DAVID
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22301
HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP
ALLEN, GEORGE
VIA FRIENDS OF GEORGE ALLEN
04/29/1999 $200.00
07/21/1999 $500.00
ADDINGTON, DAVID S. MR.
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22301
AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATION/ATT
BUSH, GEORGE W
VIA BUSH FOR PRESIDENT INC.
05/30/2000 $1000.00
ADDINGTON, DAVID
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22301
AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSNS INC
ALLEN, GEORGE
VIA FRIENDS OF GEORGE ALLEN
06/05/2000 $500.00
ADDINGTON, DAVID S MR.
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22301
U.S. GOVERNMENT/ATTORNEY
BUSH, GEORGE W
VIA BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC
07/12/2004 $250.00
ADDINGTON, DAVID
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22301
US GOVERNMENT/ATTORNEY
ALLEN, GEORGE
VIA FRIENDS OF GEORGE ALLEN
08/30/2005 $250.00
03/29/2006 $250.00
David Addington is also David S. Addington and he “used” to work for American Trucking Association and Holland and Knight LLP. The total contributions reported to the FEC are $2,950.00.
An Additional $4,000 was donated to George Bush by associates at American Trucking Association
DOVE, STEPHEN
ARLINGTON, VA 22201
AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSNS INC
ALLEN, GEORGE
VIA FRIENDS OF GEORGE ALLEN
06/13/2000 $250.00
WHITTINGHILL, JIM
ARLINGTON, VA 22207
AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSNS INC
ALLEN, GEORGE
VIA FRIENDS OF GEORGE ALLEN
06/13/2000 500.00
MCCORMICK, WALTER
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22308
AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSNS INC
ALLEN, GEORGE
VIA FRIENDS OF GEORGE ALLEN
06/19/2000 500.00
COUGHLIN, SUSAN
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314
AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSNS INC
ALLEN, GEORGE
VIA FRIENDS OF GEORGE ALLEN
06/19/2000 $500.00
HOLCOMB, RICHARD
ARLINGTON, VA 22207
AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSNS INC
ALLEN, GEORGE
VIA FRIENDS OF GEORGE ALLEN
12/01/2003 $200.00
12/01/2003 $1800.00
06/30/2005 $250.00
So who is David Addington? The U.S. News and World Report described him as “the most powerful man you’ve never heard of.” Until recently there were no known photos of David Addington. A single photo has surfaced; it's posted on a few websites including Wikopedia.
Addington is Dick Cheney’s chief of staff. It is reported that he worked with Alberto Gonzales to craft Cheney’s torture policies. Colin Powell stated, “It’s Addington. He doesn’t care about the constitution.” (Powell does not remember making this statement but Lawrence Wilkerson, his former top aide, confirms that he and Powell shared this opinion of Addington.)
Addington is also credited as the architect behind President Bush’s signing statements. It is said that he crafted the legal strategy to expand the powers of Vice President Dick Cheney. I think it may be impossible to differentiate between vice presidential and presidential powers under this new schema. Dick Cheney is undisputedly the most powerful VP in American history.
Addington is quite the man. Anccording to a former-high ranking lawyer in the Bush Administration the Bush Administrations legal positions are “all Addington.” Addington has pushed the “New Paradigm,” a strategy that states the Presdient, in his Commander-in-Chief role, has the authority to disregard the law if national security demands it. This strategy makes secret detentions, renditions, torture and warrantless surveillance on American citizens possible. The majority of legal scholars state that the New Paradigm policies are unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court appears to have knocked down the “New Paradigm” strategy in the recent Hamdan v. Rumsfeld decision. As a result, it has been reported that the White House is scrambling to lobby Congress to pass new legislation that will grant them immunity from criminal prosecution for war crimes.
To me, David Addington is a very scarey man. He appears to hold Congress in disdain and expressed this sentiment during a hearing about covert actions in Central America by muttering “assholes.” This shows compatibility with “F--- Y—“ Dick Cheney.
All Virginians should research David Addington and question why George Allen is the one man he is known to financially support.
Sources:
THE HIDDEN POWER: The legal mind behind the White House's war on terror.
WikoPedia on David Addington
Additional Links:
Answers.com on David Addington
Madsen Report on David Addington
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Joe Lieberman and "The Secret Chamber" Defeated
Today is for celebration by the people and the netroots. Joe Lieberman went down!
To understand the scope of this one must realize that Lieberman was only one of two Democratic Senators that "The Secret Chamber" endorsed. The Secret Chamber prefers the Republican Party.
Do you know what "The Secret Chamber" is? You should. In 2004, Chamber CEO Tom Donohue bragged about defeating Senator Tom Daschle, the leader of the Senate Democrats. They endorsed 269 candidates in 2004. 249 Secret Chamber candidates were victorious.
It's difficult to track The Secret Chamber's activities since they use a variety of tactics to remain hidden. Hiding behind local front groups is standard operating procedure.
The Secret Chamber needs to be ferreted out. They are very active in state and local elections, and have a particular interest in the Attorney General positions in each state. They want tort reform so that corporations can operate without consequences...without having to answer to anyone.
It would be wise to analyze every candidate running for the office of Attorney General candidate. I remind you of how Attorney General Mark Early protected Pat Robertson from prosecution when he violated the law and used non-profit contributions to finance his mining adventures in Africa. he was exposed by the Virginian Pilot and Mark Early acknowledged there was a case...but he refused to prosecute it. Attorney Generals can offer special interests alot of protection.
We need to pay attention to the secret corporate interests that lurk in the dark back alleyways of our federal and state legislatures. (It would be wise to keep an eye out even in city council races.) They often run our governments at our expense.
Sources:
Lieberman and The Secret Chamber
NEW REPORT UNCOVERS STEALTH STRATEGY ...
The Secret Chamber
Ralph Nader discusses the Secret Chamber and it's ties with Joe Lieberman on today's broadcast of DemocracyNow.org
To understand the scope of this one must realize that Lieberman was only one of two Democratic Senators that "The Secret Chamber" endorsed. The Secret Chamber prefers the Republican Party.
Do you know what "The Secret Chamber" is? You should. In 2004, Chamber CEO Tom Donohue bragged about defeating Senator Tom Daschle, the leader of the Senate Democrats. They endorsed 269 candidates in 2004. 249 Secret Chamber candidates were victorious.
It's difficult to track The Secret Chamber's activities since they use a variety of tactics to remain hidden. Hiding behind local front groups is standard operating procedure.
"Most people believe the Chamber is an apolitical and innocuous business support organization. But it is anything but," said Joanne Doroshow, Executive Director for the Center for Justice & Democracy. "This group has its hands in just about every level of electoral politics, dipping into the very foundations of our democratic process. It is important that this effort, which has largely stayed under the radar, become known to the public," Doroshow added...."The Secret Chamber uses the argument that it is only working on voter education and issue advocacy, therefore, it does not have to follow the election rules. However, the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission has determined that they were working to defeat a candidate and The Secret Chamber is in litigation in Washington State.
Citizen groups that have contended with the Chamber's agenda and lobbyists view this giant organization's pursuit of corporate greed and power, at the expense of peoples' economic well-being, health and safety, to be without peer in Washington, D.C. By a large margin, the Chamber is the worst of them all.
The Chamber demands that the federal government subsidize corporations, take the federal cop off the corporate crime, fraud and abuse beat, weaken its laws protecting the environment, workers, consumers, and small taxpayers, keep enlarging the bloated, wasteful military contracting budget and generally accede to the Chamber's ideology of becoming a corporate government. Link
The Secret Chamber needs to be ferreted out. They are very active in state and local elections, and have a particular interest in the Attorney General positions in each state. They want tort reform so that corporations can operate without consequences...without having to answer to anyone.
It would be wise to analyze every candidate running for the office of Attorney General candidate. I remind you of how Attorney General Mark Early protected Pat Robertson from prosecution when he violated the law and used non-profit contributions to finance his mining adventures in Africa. he was exposed by the Virginian Pilot and Mark Early acknowledged there was a case...but he refused to prosecute it. Attorney Generals can offer special interests alot of protection.
We need to pay attention to the secret corporate interests that lurk in the dark back alleyways of our federal and state legislatures. (It would be wise to keep an eye out even in city council races.) They often run our governments at our expense.
Sources:
Lieberman and The Secret Chamber
NEW REPORT UNCOVERS STEALTH STRATEGY ...
The Secret Chamber
Ralph Nader discusses the Secret Chamber and it's ties with Joe Lieberman on today's broadcast of DemocracyNow.org
George Allen makes another top 10 list!!
| |
Leadership PACs:
Top 20 Recipients
Election cycle: List Top 20:
Rank | Candidate | Office | Amount |
1 | Santorum, Rick (R-PA) | Senate | $395,523 |
2 | Burns, Conrad (R-MT) | Senate | $354,500 |
3 | Kennedy, Mark (R-MN) | Senate | $344,600 |
4 | Talent, James M (R-MO) | Senate | $288,365 |
5 | DeWine, Mike (R-OH) | Senate | $284,000 |
6 | Gerlach, Jim (R-PA) | House | $263,570 |
7 | Steele, Michael (R-MD) | Senate | $261,199 |
8 | Allen, George (R-VA) | Senate | $243,331 |
9 | Casey, Bob (D-PA) | Senate | $233,700 |
10 | Kean Jr, Thomas H (R-NJ) | Senate | $232,421 |
11 | Bilbray, Brian P (R-CA) | House | $218,837 |
12 | Sodrel, Michael E (R-IN) | House | $217,234 |
13 | Davis, Geoff (R-KY) | House | $215,271 |
14 | Wilson, Heather (R-NM) | House | $211,584 |
15 | Simmons, Rob (R-CT) | House | $211,033 |
16 | Porter, Jon (R-NV) | House | $209,995 |
17 | Chabot, Steve (R-OH) | House | $204,308 |
18 | Reichert, Dave (R-WA) | House | $201,761 |
19 | DeLay, Tom (R-TX) | House | $201,599 |
20 | Roskam, Peter (R-IL) | House | $197,500 |
Daily Kos Beats CNN
If you depend on Corporate Mainstream Media for your news this is the information you recieved when Lieberman's website crashed. (Source is CNN)
CNN Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Officials with U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman's re-election campaign blamed "dirty politics" and "Rovian tactics" for what they said was an online attack on their Web site as Connecticut voters headed to the polls Tuesday.
The rest of the article is no better than the beginning.
If you went to the Daily Kos you would have found the real news....Joe Lieberman's 12 million dollar campaign was spending a mere 15 dollars a month for their website hosting (compare this to the dailykos monthly bill of 7k a month) and his website went down and crashed. Lamont's campaign had nothing to do with it.
The Daily Kos was on this story from the get go....and their reporting solved the mystery of the website crash early.
The incompetency of Lieberman's campaign had everything to do with it. The Lieberman campaign resorted to Rovian tactics and deception. Their pals at the MSM press gleefully went along with it. Surely, the MSM press checks out The Daily Kos. The corporate interests backed Lieberman for Senate. I doubt the MSM will even print the corrected version of the story. Of course, that's now "old news."
But "we, the people" are fed up with the propaganda....so when your newspapers continue to lose revenue that's just too bad. Your news broadcasts are suffering declining revenues also. You have made yourselves irrelevant...at a time when we needed you the most.
Lieberman blames Rove-like tactics for Web site disruption
Challenger Lamont calls charge 'scurrilous,' denies involvement
By Robert YoonCNN Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Officials with U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman's re-election campaign blamed "dirty politics" and "Rovian tactics" for what they said was an online attack on their Web site as Connecticut voters headed to the polls Tuesday.
The rest of the article is no better than the beginning.
If you went to the Daily Kos you would have found the real news....Joe Lieberman's 12 million dollar campaign was spending a mere 15 dollars a month for their website hosting (compare this to the dailykos monthly bill of 7k a month) and his website went down and crashed. Lamont's campaign had nothing to do with it.
The Daily Kos was on this story from the get go....and their reporting solved the mystery of the website crash early.
The incompetency of Lieberman's campaign had everything to do with it. The Lieberman campaign resorted to Rovian tactics and deception. Their pals at the MSM press gleefully went along with it. Surely, the MSM press checks out The Daily Kos. The corporate interests backed Lieberman for Senate. I doubt the MSM will even print the corrected version of the story. Of course, that's now "old news."
But "we, the people" are fed up with the propaganda....so when your newspapers continue to lose revenue that's just too bad. Your news broadcasts are suffering declining revenues also. You have made yourselves irrelevant...at a time when we needed you the most.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Private Developer Uses Army to Circumvent Local Government
Hopefully Virginia's Senators and Representatives will get busy in September and introduce legislation preventing the Federal Government from using Federal land for commercial ventures with private developers.
This Military Theme Park in Fairfax Va is a ridiculous idea. No developer should be able to circumvent local government and callously disregard the local planning needs of the community .
We definitely don't need our U.S. Department of Defense becoming involved in private, commercial endeavors. This is not part of their mission.
The Washington Post article with details is here.
This Military Theme Park in Fairfax Va is a ridiculous idea. No developer should be able to circumvent local government and callously disregard the local planning needs of the community .
We definitely don't need our U.S. Department of Defense becoming involved in private, commercial endeavors. This is not part of their mission.
The Washington Post article with details is here.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Makhail Gorbachev speaks out on Middle East, UN, and the U.S.
After reading this I hope Congress will stand their ground and not approve John Bolton as our U.N. representative. America is in dire need of a diplomatic ambassador not a neocon bully.
The complete interview with Gorbachev can be found here
MAKHAIL GORBACHEV (Translation): I don’t think it will go as far as World War III. We will come to our senses. But before we reach the point where we come to our senses, too many things are going to be ruined, too many. And it all started with an attempt, to get back two soldiers. And here are the results. If it continues at this pace, then I think that the British Foreign Minister was right when he said that what was happening was not a surgical operation but rather something more serious, and that the Americans must understand what it is all leading to.
The Americans defendedIsrael Israel
US Russia
The complete interview with Gorbachev can be found here
MAKHAIL GORBACHEV (Translation): I don’t think it will go as far as World War III. We will come to our senses. But before we reach the point where we come to our senses, too many things are going to be ruined, too many. And it all started with an attempt, to get back two soldiers. And here are the results. If it continues at this pace, then I think that the British Foreign Minister was right when he said that what was happening was not a surgical operation but rather something more serious, and that the Americans must understand what it is all leading to.
The Americans defended
GEORGE NEGUS: But what do we do now? What do we do to stop this?
MAKHAIL GORBACHEV (Translation): I think the Security Council must have an urgent meeting and issue this demand immediately, And Israel must submit to it. And the other side must submit as well. They too are firing missiles. And then the process must begin, it will be difficult, as usual, but it must be a diplomatic and political process....
MAKHAIL GORBACHEV (Translation): Do you know what the greatest danger is? That the precedent is being created… that when some breach of international law is detected, the immediate reaction is to use force, and to actually employ force on a large scale. In my opinion this approach means nothing but danger and is fraught with consequences. Things must be done within the limits of international law and there are tools for this.
GEORGE NEGUS: You have said that you fear other nations could be drawn into this exchange that's occurring now.
MAKHAIL GORBACHEV (Translation): If Lebanon can be treated in this way, it creates an atmosphere in which people try to solve their problems in this way. If people take pre-emptive actions and engage in pre-emptive strikes and so forth, I think we might be taken too far. We won’t think our way out of this. Force will be used. And that means victims and destruction and that means our diplomacy is in crisis. And so are international politics.
GEORGE NEGUS: The Americans are standing by and watching this happen. What do you think the American role should be? We're talking about the Israelis here.
MAKHAIL GORBACHEV (Translation): The US President …once again said that he supports
People understand something very wrong is going on. And thinking and informed people ask themselves, “Perhaps the whole agenda is different? Perhaps they’re trying to pull us into something else?” Imagine how many negotiations and peace processes will be scuttled as a result of this action. People everywhere will be trying to use force. The Russian proverb says…I don’t know if Australians have a similar one…”Brawn beats brains.” That is the principle.
But we are now living a world where we need a lot of brains and we need intelligent people in politics. Especially where international politics is concerned.
MAKHAIL GORBACHEV (Translation): ...You asked me about America…As the sole remaining super power they have a great role to play. But that role means even greater responsibility, and I think they tend to forget that. That means that some other interests are being served. So tell us what those interests are and then the world will decide whether it agrees to it.
So this problem to do with nuclear energy will remain extremely important, and everything must be done to keep the situation under control. That means we must strictly adhere to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, get rid of nuclear weapons and we must consider very carefully and responsibly the issue of whether or not to build nuclear power plants.
Past and Present War Crimes
In 1994, the records of the Vietnam War Crimes Working Group were declassified after the 20 year period required by law and moved to the National Archives. They sat unnoticed until now.
The LA Time was examining the files and obtained copies of about 1/3 of the report (3,000 pages) before government officials removed them from the public shelves stating they contained personal information and were "exempt" from the Freedom of Information Act.
One Vietnam Vet who served on the task force believes these secret records deserve to be made public. He believes they should be made public due to civilian and prisoner abuses occurring in Iraq. This vet, Retired Brig. Gen. John H. Johns, said, "We can't change current practices unless we acknowledge the past."
Most of the suspects were allowed to leave the service and were never charged despite a 1969 written opion by the Army General Counsel, Robert El. Jordan III, that ex-soldiers could be prosecuted through courts-martial, tribunals, or military commissions.
Lt. Gen. Robert G. Gard, a task force member in the '70's, believes that the top Army brass should have demanded a tougher response.
"We could have court-martialed them [soldiers accused of war crimes] but didn't," Gard said, "The whole thing is terribly disturbing." ...
Among the substantiated cases in the archived reports:
The initial prison sentences ranged from 6 months to 20 years, but appeals granted reductions in the sentences. The stiffest sentence a 20 year term only resulted in seven months of confinement. This was for the crime of committing indecent acts on a 13-year-old girl in an interrogation hut in 1967.
In more than half the cases no punishment was given. Many only received a letter of reprimand or a fine
Our military had little interest in prosecuting Vietnam war crimes. This historic pattern repeats itself in Iraq today.
I know too many soldiers that are proud of their service and they do not deserve to have their military service tarnised by the current system which allows war crimes to become standard operating procedure and go unpunished.
There is evidence suggesting that the war crimes occurred in Vietnam because of orders from those in command. There are allegations that the orders for Iraqi war crimes come from the White House, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, and top Pentagon brass.
We need an accountable military system with leadership that prevents war crimes instead of encouraging them.
The L A Times article can be found here
The LA Time was examining the files and obtained copies of about 1/3 of the report (3,000 pages) before government officials removed them from the public shelves stating they contained personal information and were "exempt" from the Freedom of Information Act.
One Vietnam Vet who served on the task force believes these secret records deserve to be made public. He believes they should be made public due to civilian and prisoner abuses occurring in Iraq. This vet, Retired Brig. Gen. John H. Johns, said, "We can't change current practices unless we acknowledge the past."
Most of the suspects were allowed to leave the service and were never charged despite a 1969 written opion by the Army General Counsel, Robert El. Jordan III, that ex-soldiers could be prosecuted through courts-martial, tribunals, or military commissions.
Lt. Gen. Robert G. Gard, a task force member in the '70's, believes that the top Army brass should have demanded a tougher response.
"We could have court-martialed them [soldiers accused of war crimes] but didn't," Gard said, "The whole thing is terribly disturbing." ...
Among the substantiated cases in the archived reports:
• Seven massacres from 1967 through 1971 in which at least 137 civilians died.According to the LA Times:
• Seventy-eight other attacks on noncombatants in which at least 57 were killed, 56 wounded and 15 sexually assaulted.
• One hundred forty-one instances in which U.S. soldiers tortured civilian detainees or prisoners of war with fists, sticks, bats, water or electric shock.
...many war crimes did not make it into the archive. Some were prosecuted without being identified as war crimes, as required by military regulations. Others were never reported.It was determined that evidence against 203 soldiers was strong enough to warrant charges. These "founded cases" were referred to the soldiers' superiors. Action was taken on only 57 cases. Only 23 convistions were obtained in the 57 court martials.
In a letter to Westmoreland in 1970, an anonymous sergeant described widespread, unreported killings of civilians by members of the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta — and blamed pressure from superiors to generate high body counts.
"A batalion [sic] would kill maybe 15 to 20 [civilians] a day. With 4 batalions in the brigade that would be maybe 40 to 50 a day or 1200 to 1500 a month, easy," the unnamed sergeant wrote. "If I am only 10% right, and believe me it's lots more, then I am trying to tell you about 120-150 murders, or a My Lay [sic] each month for over a year."
A high-level Army review of the letter cited its "forcefulness," "sincerity" and "inescapable logic," and urged then-Secretary of the Army Stanley R. Resor to make sure the push for verifiable body counts did not "encourage the human tendency to inflate the count by violating established rules of engagement."
Investigators tried to find the letter writer and "prevent his complaints from reaching" then-Rep. Ronald V. Dellums (D-Oakland), according to an August 1971 memo to Westmoreland.
The records do not say whether the writer was located, and there is no evidence in the files that his complaint was investigated further.
The initial prison sentences ranged from 6 months to 20 years, but appeals granted reductions in the sentences. The stiffest sentence a 20 year term only resulted in seven months of confinement. This was for the crime of committing indecent acts on a 13-year-old girl in an interrogation hut in 1967.
In more than half the cases no punishment was given. Many only received a letter of reprimand or a fine
Our military had little interest in prosecuting Vietnam war crimes. This historic pattern repeats itself in Iraq today.
I know too many soldiers that are proud of their service and they do not deserve to have their military service tarnised by the current system which allows war crimes to become standard operating procedure and go unpunished.
There is evidence suggesting that the war crimes occurred in Vietnam because of orders from those in command. There are allegations that the orders for Iraqi war crimes come from the White House, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, and top Pentagon brass.
We need an accountable military system with leadership that prevents war crimes instead of encouraging them.
The L A Times article can be found here
Hopefully This IS a Do Nothing Congress....
I hear this Congress is called the Do Nothing Congress....I hope it's true. They keep managing to pass laws that amount to "corporate welfare" giving extra benefits to the elite and taking more and more from the middle and lower class.
Everytime I turn around they are introducing "once again" legislation that we managed to stop....drilling in ANWR. Doesn't anyone realize this is only going to benefit BIG OIL...That precious national resource is going to be spoiled so "Our Oil" can go on the world market to make more profits for Big Oil. That is "our" oil and should have remained so until a time came when we were desparate enough to have to use it. What's the rush? "Our Oil" is only going to increase in value. But Big Oil lobbyists had the last say on this one. This bill was beaten back again and again because the majority of Americans did not want this bill passed. Big Oil got it's way....once again at our expense. AND we get no break in our gas prices.
Speaking of "once again" legislation...don't pass that dreadful Stevens telecommunications bill without strong net neutrality protections. Don't give the telecommunications a blank check to control our internet.
They continue to try to pass the Paris Hilton giveaway and now the Republicans are attaching this to much needed minimum wage increases. I say don't give millions away to the Paris Hiltons in order to throw a few scraps to ordinary Americans. Wait until November, when hopefully this can be done right.
Bush and Cheney are pushing their Republican Congress to rush a few more bills into play to avoid any November surprises that will prevent their passage. They want to legalize criminal actions that the Bush regime maybe guilty of. A bill will "legalize" spying and possibly mass data collection on American citizens, another bill will immunize the CIVILIANS from prosecution for war crimes (renditions, torture, and illegal invasions), and also let's not forget to give Bush and Cheney a new power-- the ability to lock up Americans that they determines to be a threat to their version of "National Security," with no habeus corpus, and no entitlement to the fair trial as we have always known in this now mythical land of the free.
They want us to give up our freedoms while they make us "less safe" with hopes of invading Iran next. They have the propaganda machine running full blast to support their plans for world domination. The way I see it the American citizens have nothing to gain from invading Iran and everything to lose.
I hope that the Bolton nomination doesn't go through. We need a statesman not a neocon in the United Nations. The United Nations will never fulfill it's promise as long as the United States continues to act the bully and refuse to follow international law. We tell others they must adhere to international law while we blatently break the laws time and again.
I hope the Democrats maintain their newly found spines and hold off all of this nonsense....and I pray our November elections are not stolen. I have full confidendce that if the elections are honest Americans will vote to restore the balance of power in D.C. and get some accountability back into our government.
How can anyone continue to wonder why the world resents the current US gov? The majority of Americans no longer support the Bush/Cheney cabal. Many Americans are furious and resentful of what's been done in our name. I don't believe the world is going to continue to rein in their resentment to "just our gov" if we "approve" the current Republican policies this November....and why should they?
Everytime I turn around they are introducing "once again" legislation that we managed to stop....drilling in ANWR. Doesn't anyone realize this is only going to benefit BIG OIL...That precious national resource is going to be spoiled so "Our Oil" can go on the world market to make more profits for Big Oil. That is "our" oil and should have remained so until a time came when we were desparate enough to have to use it. What's the rush? "Our Oil" is only going to increase in value. But Big Oil lobbyists had the last say on this one. This bill was beaten back again and again because the majority of Americans did not want this bill passed. Big Oil got it's way....once again at our expense. AND we get no break in our gas prices.
Speaking of "once again" legislation...don't pass that dreadful Stevens telecommunications bill without strong net neutrality protections. Don't give the telecommunications a blank check to control our internet.
They continue to try to pass the Paris Hilton giveaway and now the Republicans are attaching this to much needed minimum wage increases. I say don't give millions away to the Paris Hiltons in order to throw a few scraps to ordinary Americans. Wait until November, when hopefully this can be done right.
Bush and Cheney are pushing their Republican Congress to rush a few more bills into play to avoid any November surprises that will prevent their passage. They want to legalize criminal actions that the Bush regime maybe guilty of. A bill will "legalize" spying and possibly mass data collection on American citizens, another bill will immunize the CIVILIANS from prosecution for war crimes (renditions, torture, and illegal invasions), and also let's not forget to give Bush and Cheney a new power-- the ability to lock up Americans that they determines to be a threat to their version of "National Security," with no habeus corpus, and no entitlement to the fair trial as we have always known in this now mythical land of the free.
They want us to give up our freedoms while they make us "less safe" with hopes of invading Iran next. They have the propaganda machine running full blast to support their plans for world domination. The way I see it the American citizens have nothing to gain from invading Iran and everything to lose.
I hope that the Bolton nomination doesn't go through. We need a statesman not a neocon in the United Nations. The United Nations will never fulfill it's promise as long as the United States continues to act the bully and refuse to follow international law. We tell others they must adhere to international law while we blatently break the laws time and again.
I hope the Democrats maintain their newly found spines and hold off all of this nonsense....and I pray our November elections are not stolen. I have full confidendce that if the elections are honest Americans will vote to restore the balance of power in D.C. and get some accountability back into our government.
How can anyone continue to wonder why the world resents the current US gov? The majority of Americans no longer support the Bush/Cheney cabal. Many Americans are furious and resentful of what's been done in our name. I don't believe the world is going to continue to rein in their resentment to "just our gov" if we "approve" the current Republican policies this November....and why should they?
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Thelma Drake losing moderate and conservative republicans
I ran into a friend today. Her family owns a popular restaurant in Virginia Beach. Her family is very Republican....I've never known them to vote any other way.
Imagine my surprise to hear that they are dissatisfied with Thelma Drake and will not be voting for her in November. When moderate and conservative Republicans aren't happy... it's a safe bet that Thelma is in big trouble.
Exceptional public speaking skills at "coffee's with Thelma" cannot cover up a record of voting 97% of the time to "stay a disastrous course," allowing oil corporations to gouge the public with high gas prices, and letting defense contractors who de-fraud the US government off the hook...it doesn't evven wash among many Republicans.
Imagine my surprise to hear that they are dissatisfied with Thelma Drake and will not be voting for her in November. When moderate and conservative Republicans aren't happy... it's a safe bet that Thelma is in big trouble.
Exceptional public speaking skills at "coffee's with Thelma" cannot cover up a record of voting 97% of the time to "stay a disastrous course," allowing oil corporations to gouge the public with high gas prices, and letting defense contractors who de-fraud the US government off the hook...it doesn't evven wash among many Republicans.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
USA Plans for Israeli Defense Forces to Attack Syria Next....
A credible source-- The Jerusalem Post--reported on July 31,
Is this the preamble for the next part of Cheney's grand plan? To have the US illegally invade Iran?
It appears they finally learned something from prior mistakes in Iraq. This time they will plant the evidence they need to back up their false claims.
It's tragic that they haven't learned the major lesson. Trying to make the United States a modern day Roman Empire is a road to disaster for the USA and the world.
[Israeli] Defense officials told the Post last week that they were receiving indications from the US that America would be interested in seeing Israel attack Syria.It now appears that the following is true...
The Israeli invasion of Lebanon was planned by top Israeli officials and VP Dick Cheney. On June 17 and 18, former Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Likud Knesset met with Vice President Dick Cheney (in Beaver Creek, CO) and discussed the impending Israeli invasions of both Gaza and Lebanon. Netanyahu then participated in a special "Ex-Prime Ministers" meeting in Israely. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former Prime Ministers Ehud Barak and Shimon Peres participated in this meaning. There is now a "Clean Break" policy. All prior middle east peace accords will be disregarded by Israel. (Source June 22/23 Wayne Madsen)
Is this the preamble for the next part of Cheney's grand plan? To have the US illegally invade Iran?
Arch-neocon Michael Ledeen, a Karl Rove unofficial foreign policy adviser, was at the White House on July 20. They discussed a $25 million grant for planting chemical and biological weapons shells that were confiscated in Operation Desert Storm. These shells are to [be] planted inside the Iranian border to "prove" Iran planned to attack U.S. soldiers in Iraq. Wayne Madsen's website also reveals that White House sources ..."report that George W. Bush dropped by the White House meeting to offer his support to the Iranian opposition operatives."Will the neocons ever give up on any of their war plans? Is this part of the infamous October Surprise that Karl Rove is creating to "keep the power" in November?
It appears they finally learned something from prior mistakes in Iraq. This time they will plant the evidence they need to back up their false claims.
It's tragic that they haven't learned the major lesson. Trying to make the United States a modern day Roman Empire is a road to disaster for the USA and the world.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
9/11 Commission "believed" the Pentagon Lied...
Today the Washington Post reported that the 9/11 Commission believed the Pentagon was lying to them regarding their response to 9/11 and they referred the matter over to the Transportation Department for further investigation. They could have referred the perjury allegations to the Justice Department. However, who has faith that Gonzales would faithfully execute his duties as US Attorney General? It appears that Gonzales prefers to continue in his role as Bush's private attorney.
We should all questionGeorge Bush's performance concerning 9/11. From his lack of action when it was reported to him that a second plane had hit the towers (he continued to sit in an elementary school classroom with a blank look on his face) to his criminal negligence of doing nothing after receiving a report entitled, "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in US." On Aug 06 2001, a CIA agent flew out to his ranch to give Bush a high priority verbal briefing about the agencies concerns that Bin Laden would strike soon, possibly by hijacking planes and using them to fly into buildings.
I describe it as criminal negligence because Bush snapped at the agent, "All right, you’ve covered your ass," and then went back to his vacation on the ranch. Bush did absolutely nothing to safeguard the U.S. against an impending attack. Condi Rice performed no better she was also briefed and did nothing. Less than a month later, 9/11 occurred. Some of the Pentagon brass took action and cancelled their flight plans on 9/11.
It may have been possible to prevent 9/11...but not with our current leadership.
Karl Rove, the ultimate spin meister, was able to create a myth of Bush being "extraordinary" at keeping us all safe. It's a tragedy for all of us that Rove is so good at twisting the truth. Bush rewarded Karl by "protecting" him after Karl outed a CIA agent--Valerie Plame--and letting expensive investigations occur when Bush knew from the beginning what really happened. Bush also allowed Rove keep his top secret security clearance.
Hopefully, come fall, we will be able to have an in-depth, independent investigation of 9/11 and the pre-Iraqi invasion (WMD myths, intelligence failures, etc etc) and the American people can get the truth so we can get our country back on track.
Unfortunately, we will have to wait and hope the powers that be don't "manuever" another election theft this fall. They are even more motivated to steal the fall election. They're already starting to realize that there's a law on the books (that needs to be legislated out of existed) that could be used to try our Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and others for war crimes.
It's too bad that the current Republicans in office find it more profitable to protect the Grand Oil Party instead of their country.
George Allen's Grand Oil Party
Senator George Allen doesn't seem to have a principle or ethic left that can't be bought. Allen has been an strong supporter of States Rights...(well he was when States Rights had a history of keeping Jim Crow laws in effect.)
Now States Rights are often being used to empower the citizens of a state. Combine this with lots of Big Oil money. Suddenly George Allen is circumventing Virginia's right to self determination and selling us out with his Senate Amendment 4748. The Senate Amendment text can be found on Raising Kane (August 1, 2006).
George Allen, the citizens of Virginia lobbied hard against oil drilling off our coasts. We don't want the oil spills. We requested that Governor Kaine veto the legislation. Governor Kaine listened to the people of Virginia. The shame of this is that you refuse to hear us. You are a dirty rotten scoundrel to have put up an Amendment circumventing Virginia's wishes in this matter.
If oil is drilled at this time the main beneficiaries are Big Oil and not the American nor Virginian people. That oil will be out of here and put up on the world market. We want to keep our oil until there is a time that we maybe desperate for it's use. If it's drilled now it goes on the world market for a fraction of what it is truly worth.
If there comes a time in the future when we decide that it's in our best interests to drill off Virginia's coast we'll be sure to let you know.
In the meantime, keep Big Oil's greedy hands off our coastline and our oil!
Please contact Senator Warner asap and request that he NOT support this amendment eroding states rights in Virginia. Let Senator Warner know that we want to keep our oil for now. We may really need it in the near future and it should only be drilled if it's going to be designated for distribution in America and not placed on the world market!
Now States Rights are often being used to empower the citizens of a state. Combine this with lots of Big Oil money. Suddenly George Allen is circumventing Virginia's right to self determination and selling us out with his Senate Amendment 4748. The Senate Amendment text can be found on Raising Kane (August 1, 2006).
George Allen, the citizens of Virginia lobbied hard against oil drilling off our coasts. We don't want the oil spills. We requested that Governor Kaine veto the legislation. Governor Kaine listened to the people of Virginia. The shame of this is that you refuse to hear us. You are a dirty rotten scoundrel to have put up an Amendment circumventing Virginia's wishes in this matter.
If oil is drilled at this time the main beneficiaries are Big Oil and not the American nor Virginian people. That oil will be out of here and put up on the world market. We want to keep our oil until there is a time that we maybe desperate for it's use. If it's drilled now it goes on the world market for a fraction of what it is truly worth.
If there comes a time in the future when we decide that it's in our best interests to drill off Virginia's coast we'll be sure to let you know.
In the meantime, keep Big Oil's greedy hands off our coastline and our oil!
Please contact Senator Warner asap and request that he NOT support this amendment eroding states rights in Virginia. Let Senator Warner know that we want to keep our oil for now. We may really need it in the near future and it should only be drilled if it's going to be designated for distribution in America and not placed on the world market!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
A George Allen Top Donor visits me...
Should I consider it a compliment that George Allen's top donor--McGuire, Woods et al--may have someone in their office visiting my blog?
Since my blog tracker brought them to my attention I decided to check them out. McGuire Woods et al donated $69,775 to George Allen's re-election campaign. Well, I am doing what I can to send George riding off into the sunset. I want a Senator in Congress who is not accepting big money from the corporate elite. Then maybe that Senator will support legislation that is beneficial to me...such as Net Neutrality and national health insurance.
By the way, I don't want anyone to forget that the telecommunications industry sure got their money's worth from spending money to lobby George Allen. Remember George is number 8 on the top ten list for telecommunications mone. George killed Net Neutrality in committee. His vote could have sent the bill to the Senate floor for a vote by the entire Senate. Funny, George thinks Supreme Court nominees are entitled to a floor vote but not Net Neutrality. (But the wind has blown me off topic.)
I decided to visit open secrets to get some information on McGuire Woods et al. I found the following in the McGuire Woods client information section
Interesting to discover this--Center for Governmental Studies/UVA paid this lobbying firm $75,00. Is this what an esteemed Public University in VA has to do to "access" Senator George Allen?
I was shocked to discover that the cities of Hampton and Staunton VA also use this lobbying firm. Has it gotten so bad that our local governments don't get decent access without using our hard earned tax dollars?
If this is not evidence that we need campaign finance reform asap I don't know what is.
McGuire Woods et al is a legal lobbying firm that counts the following among their clients:
Anthem Inc (Anthem Insurance) $230,000
AP Moeller Maersk (Maersk Inc) 140.000
Center for Governmental Studies/UVA 75,000
City of Hampton, VA 20,000
City of Staunton, VA 44,000
Council of Americas First Freedom 65,000
Dominion Resources 60,000
Eastman Chemicals 64,000
Gannon International 40,000
National Basketball Association 300,000
National Star Route Mail Contractors Assn 82,000
Paulson & Company 30,000
Smithfield Foods 420,000
Virginia Military Institute Foundation 85,000
According to my calculator, McGuire Woods et al raked in $1,655,000 from their 14 top clients. The website gives the total as $1, 648,00. This is for the year 2005.
Hmmm...I wonder if George Allen will keep on boasting about all that money he has raised for his re-election campaign?
My sincere thanks to the Center for Responsive Politics for providing this information online for free.
Important Note: According to the opensecrets.org website, The organizations themselves did not donate, rather the money came from the organization's PAC, its individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals' immediate families. In addition much of this data is from the 1999-2004 election cycle.
Since my blog tracker brought them to my attention I decided to check them out. McGuire Woods et al donated $69,775 to George Allen's re-election campaign. Well, I am doing what I can to send George riding off into the sunset. I want a Senator in Congress who is not accepting big money from the corporate elite. Then maybe that Senator will support legislation that is beneficial to me...such as Net Neutrality and national health insurance.
By the way, I don't want anyone to forget that the telecommunications industry sure got their money's worth from spending money to lobby George Allen. Remember George is number 8 on the top ten list for telecommunications mone. George killed Net Neutrality in committee. His vote could have sent the bill to the Senate floor for a vote by the entire Senate. Funny, George thinks Supreme Court nominees are entitled to a floor vote but not Net Neutrality. (But the wind has blown me off topic.)
I decided to visit open secrets to get some information on McGuire Woods et al. I found the following in the McGuire Woods client information section
Interesting to discover this--Center for Governmental Studies/UVA paid this lobbying firm $75,00. Is this what an esteemed Public University in VA has to do to "access" Senator George Allen?
I was shocked to discover that the cities of Hampton and Staunton VA also use this lobbying firm. Has it gotten so bad that our local governments don't get decent access without using our hard earned tax dollars?
If this is not evidence that we need campaign finance reform asap I don't know what is.
McGuire Woods et al is a legal lobbying firm that counts the following among their clients:
Anthem Inc (Anthem Insurance) $230,000
AP Moeller Maersk (Maersk Inc) 140.000
Center for Governmental Studies/UVA 75,000
City of Hampton, VA 20,000
City of Staunton, VA 44,000
Council of Americas First Freedom 65,000
Dominion Resources 60,000
Eastman Chemicals 64,000
Gannon International 40,000
National Basketball Association 300,000
National Star Route Mail Contractors Assn 82,000
Paulson & Company 30,000
Smithfield Foods 420,000
Virginia Military Institute Foundation 85,000
According to my calculator, McGuire Woods et al raked in $1,655,000 from their 14 top clients. The website gives the total as $1, 648,00. This is for the year 2005.
Hmmm...I wonder if George Allen will keep on boasting about all that money he has raised for his re-election campaign?
My sincere thanks to the Center for Responsive Politics for providing this information online for free.
Important Note: According to the opensecrets.org website, The organizations themselves did not donate, rather the money came from the organization's PAC, its individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals' immediate families. In addition much of this data is from the 1999-2004 election cycle.
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