Let the Browser Beware:

Beware the Power of Online Advertisers and Marketers. Your privacy is invaded on the internet in ways you would never approve in your off line life.

Consumer Groups Call for FTC Investigation of Online Advertising and Consumer Tracking and Targeting Practices

Consumer Privacy Must Be Protected from Digital Commercial Shadowing

Privacy Violations Demand an Injunction Against Microsoft and Others

Washington, DC: The Center for Digital Democracy (CDD) and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (US PIRG), two of the leading public-interest advocacy groups working on behalf of a more diverse and competitive online environment, filed a complaint today with the Federal Trade Commission, calling on the commission to undertake an immediate, formal investigation of online advertising practices. As the groups make clear in their 50-page filing (PDF), the data collection and interactive marketing system that is shaping the entire U.S. electronic marketplace is being built to aggressively track Internet users wherever they go, creating data profiles used in ever-more sophisticated and personalized "one-to-one" targeting schemes.

"Unfortunately, over the last several years the FTC has largely ignored the critical developments of the electronic marketplace that have placed the privacy of every American at risk," declared Jeff Chester, CDD executive director. "The FTC should long ago have sounded a very public alarm--and called for action--concerning the data collection practices stemming from such fields as Web analytics, online advertising networks, behavioral targeting, and rich 'virtual reality' media, all of which threaten the privacy of the U.S. public."

Current privacy disclosure policies, CDD and US PIRG contend, are totally inadequate, failing to effectively inform users what data are being collected and how that information is subsequently used. While many companies claim they collect only "non-personally identifiable" information, they fail to acknowledge the tremendous amounts of data compiled and associated with each unique visitor who visits their website. Thus even if these companies don't know the names and addresses of users, they literally know every move those users make online, through sophisticated online tracking and analysis technologies.

“The emergence of this on-line tracking and profiling system has snuck up on both consumers and policymakers and is much more than a privacy issue,” said U.S. PIRG Consumer Program Director Ed Mierzwinski. “Its effect has been to put enormous amounts of consumer information into the hands of sellers, leaving buyer-consumers at risk of unfair pricing schemes and with fewer choices than the Internet is touted to provide.”

It is therefore incumbent on the Federal Trade Commission, according to the CDD/PIRG complaint, to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices by using its authority under Section 5 of the FTC Act to address this issue on a variety of fronts:

• launching an immediate investigation into the online marketplace in light of this new environment

• exposing practices that compromise user privacy

• issuing the necessary injunctions to halt current practices that abuse consumers

• crafting policies—and recommending federal legislation—to prevent such abuses.

As a first step in this direction, the complaint urges the FTC to look closely at Microsoft's new set of adCenter services, a wide-ranging data-collection and ad-targeting scheme that is deceptive and unfair to millions of users. Especially disturbing is Microsoft's use of data gleaned from its Hotmail service (which attracts over 30 million users every month) to sharpen its ad-targeting efforts, and those of its adCenter clients.

"Microsoft, like Google and Yahoo, is actively rewriting the rules that govern the online marketplace," explained Chester. "It is the FTC's job to make certain that these rules reflect more than corporate self-interest. The public interest matters, too, and it is the FTC's responsibility to protect and promote that vital perspective, by issuing injunctions against the most egregious of the new invasive advertising practices, which are fully described in our complaint."

---

The Center for Digital Democracy (www.democraticmedia.org) is a Washington-based nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining the diversity and openness of the media, focusing especially on the new broadband communications systems. CDD's executive director played a leading role in the passage of the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998.

U.S. Public Interest Research Group (www.uspirg.org) serves as the federation of state PIRGs, which are non-profit, non-partisan public interest advocacy organizations that take on powerful interests on behalf of the American public. Source

More From The Center for Digital Democracy:

A Tour of Online Advertising's Two-Way Mirrors

On 1 November the Center for Digital Democracy (CDD) and the U.S. Public Internet Research Group (US PIRG) filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, calling for an immediate, formal investigation of online advertising, consumer tracking, and targeting practices. (A copy of the 50-page filing is available online [PDF], along with an accompanying press release.) Current privacy policies are inadequate, CDD and US PIRG believe, failing as they do to inform users what data are being collected and how that information will subsequently be used. Nor are consumers prepared for the sophisticated technologies and techniques--ranging from user tracking and Web analytics to behavioral targeting and audience segmentation--that online advertisers employ in their effort to create personalized, "one-to-one" marketing campaigns. Needed is a policy of opt-in and full disclosure, in which Internet users are fully apprised of the data collection practices of the sites they visit, along with a requirement that companies secure a visitor's explicit consent before collecting any personal information. Currently, the ad and marketing industries enjoy the advantage of automatically (and surreptitiously) collecting whatever data they desire, without disclosing the extent and subsequent use of the data collected.

In their call for the FTC to address these important issues (by investigating and exposing unfair and deceptive practices, issuing the necessary injunctions to halt those practices that violate consumer privacy, and establishing policies to prevent such abuses in the future), CDD and US PIRG identified four areas of particular concern:

• User Tracking/Web Analytics

• Behavioral Targeting

• Audience Segmentation

• Information Gathering/Data Mining

While these are complex areas that involve sophisticated (and often transparent) technologies, it's possible to get a better sense of how online advertisers monitor, track, and target us online by visiting their websites, to get a glimpse "behind the curtain" of the new online marketing machinery.

Included in the discussion below are links to many of the key players in the online advertising industry, focusing on those, including Microsoft, whose marketing practices routinely threaten the privacy of millions of Internet users.

You might want to check out the CDC's 10 question FAQ PDF File

Buzz...Buzz...

COSTCO--The Great Alternative

If you haven't heard of Costco maybe you should. Besides keeping costs down and competitive with Wal-Mart and Sam's Club Price Club pledges they will not raise ANY item above a 15% mark up. Costco also treats it's employees well...A cashier at the store after four years makes over 4ok a year and employees with a 26 hour or more work week can sign up for insurance benefits.

Wall Street criticizes Costco Management for granting generous employee benefits and Costco's refusal to never charge a consumer more than a 15% mark up on any item. (15% is the maximum mark up Costco will charge and items are often priced less than the 15%) Costco's largest competeitor--the Wal-Mart/Sam's Club Gang--are famous for pricing some items very low and then making a profit with extravagant mark ups on other items in the store. Costco holds firm to their business ethics. They are rewarded with very loyal customers. They don't spend billions on advertising and these savings are passed onto their customers. Amazingly, Costco stock is doing well while Wal-Mart is plummetting.

I don't like to shop. But I always have a good experience to shopping at Costco. I am willing to drive 30 minutes to shop there. The employees are great and give great customer service unlike Wal-Mart and Sam's Club.

Goes to show...if you treat your employees with respect and dignity they will do the same with the customers.

So if you must shop why not shop somewhere where your money supports other folks in your community instead of some rich heir/heiress living halfway across the country?

You may learn to enjoy shopping when you "like" the folks you are handing your money over too.

Vote with your dollar and support good business ethics.

Media Watch--Virginian Pilot Fails it's Readers

On Wed, November 15 The Virginian Pilot ran a story entitled "Pills and Bills" comparing generic drug costs and advising its readers on pharmacies they could choose from.

Amazingly enough they left out a major cost cutting pharmacy in the region. Consumer Reports has identified Costco as providing the best deal on medications in the country. There are three Costco stores in our region AND the medications are also available via the internet.

Costco also allows non-members to use their pharmacy so the annual membership price is not a factor.

I contacted Michelle E. Shaw, one of the reporters of this story, During our conversation Ms. Shaw affirmed she was familiar with Costco and the Consumer Reports information. When asked why Costco was excluded from the story Ms. Shaw stated that it was because they only had three stores in the Hampton Roads region and the criteria for selecting the pharmacies was clearly stated in the story.

I read the story and I "missed the criteria that Ms. Shaw was referring too.

It's too bad that the Virginian Pilot readers were not given the information that would have directed them to what is most likely "the best deal in town."

One has to wonder if advertising revenues have anything to do with "leaving out 'Costco'." Costco is often called the biggest retailer that you haven't heard of. Costco relies on word of mouth, internal advertising, and rarely spends money advertising with corporate media.

The Virginian Pilot did a disservice to it's readers by not mentioning Costco as a valuable resource to check out when comparing prescription drug costs.

MEDIA WATCH

The United States now ranks 53rd in the world concerning news reporting. The represents a free fall of 34 spots in four years (The US started as 17th in the world.)

The Corporate Media rivals the power of governments, it is hypothesisized that George Bush's cousin, working in the notorious Fox News Dept. gave the okay to announce that George Bush had won Florida which helped set the environment for the election of George Bush in 2000. Bush's appointment to the Presidency was approved by the Supreme Court which bypassed the votes of the American people.

The media can make or break the reputation of a politician, a military leader, a civic leader, or any citizen activist.

The Corporate Media is the largest and least reported special interest lobbying group in the USA.

Hopefully bloggers will consistently keep a watch on the Media, locally and nationwide and call them to task for corporate bias, corporate agendas, "influencing" Congress, distorting the facts, refusing to cover important stories....and the list goes on and on.

It needs to be blogged about when the Corporate Media tries to paint the new Democratic party as split and divisive while ignoring a greater split and dividing currently occurring in the Republican party.

If you read an article in the national or local press that you know is not giving a full factual picture (perhaps it is in your area of expertise?) call them on it.

The Corporate Media is going to continue the corporate agenda and NOT report the news accurately....unless other forces kick in to stop this pattern of behavior.

Calling them on it is one step to reversing this process. Blogs are a valuable tool to OUTING the Corporate Media.

Where in the World is Dick Cheney now?

Some folks are wondering once again where VP Dick Cheney is.

During his reign as one of the most powerful Vice Presidents in this nation's history Dick Cheney has been able to literally fly under the radar. The President is held to more accountability than the vice president.

Hopefully, the new Congress will fix this problem and demand that the Vice President's schedule (including visitors) and travel is transparent and open. Folks are still fighting to find out who was on the secret energy commission that Cheney convened years back....

It is not in America's interest to allow Cheney to continue his Machiavellian operations behind the scenes in clandestine invisible ways

No Olive Branch for Bush, Frist and McConnell

Considering Bush's decision to not act in a bipartisan manner (i.e. his recent RE-submission of five extremist judges and pushing this lame duck comgress to act rashly and hastily pass unacceptable legislation). Neocon Republicans Bill Frist and Mitch McDonnell's (the next Senate Minority Leader) are rejecting bi-artisanship to continue Bush's arrogant agenda....this song has become a national anthem for these times.

Thank you Dixie Chicks!

A Liberal's Pledge to Disheartened Republicans

To My Conservative Brothers and Sisters,

I know you are dismayed and disheartened at the results of last week's election. You're worried that the country is heading toward a very bad place you don't want it to go. Your 12-year Republican Revolution has ended with so much yet to do, so many promises left unfulfilled. You are in a funk, and I understand.

Well, cheer up, my friends! Do not despair. I have good news for you. I, and the millions of others who are now in charge with our Democratic Congress, have a pledge we would like to make to you, a list of promises that we offer you because we value you as our fellow Americans. You deserve to know what we plan to do with our newfound power -- and, to be specific, what we will do to you and for you.

Thus, here is our Liberal's Pledge to Disheartened Conservatives:

Dear Conservatives and Republicans,

I, and my fellow signatories, hereby make these promises to you:

1. We will always respect you for your conservative beliefs. We will never, ever, call you "unpatriotic" simply because you disagree with us. In fact, we encourage you to dissent and disagree with us.

2. We will let you marry whomever you want, even when some of us consider your behavior to be "different" or "immoral." Who you marry is none of our business. Love and be in love -- it's a wonderful gift.

3. We will not spend your grandchildren's money on our personal whims or to enrich our friends. It's your checkbook, too, and we will balance it for you.

4. When we soon bring our sons and daughters home from Iraq, we will bring your sons and daughters home, too. They deserve to live. We promise never to send your kids off to war based on either a mistake or a lie.

5. When we make America the last Western democracy to have universal health coverage, and all Americans are able to get help when they fall ill, we promise that you, too, will be able to see a doctor, regardless of your ability to pay. And when stem cell research delivers treatments and cures for diseases that affect you and your loved ones, we'll make sure those advances are available to you and your family, too.

6. Even though you have opposed environmental regulation, when we clean up our air and water, we, the Democratic majority, will let you, too, breathe the cleaner air and drink the purer water.

7. Should a mass murderer ever kill 3,000 people on our soil, we will devote every single resource to tracking him down and bringing him to justice. Immediately. We will protect you.

8. We will never stick our nose in your bedroom or your womb. What you do there as consenting adults is your business. We will continue to count your age from the moment you were born, not the moment you were conceived.

9. We will not take away your hunting guns. If you need an automatic weapon or a handgun to kill a bird or a deer, then you really aren't much of a hunter and you should, perhaps, pick up another sport. We will make our streets and schools as free as we can from these weapons and we will protect your children just as we would protect ours.

10. When we raise the minimum wage, we will pay you -- and your employees -- that new wage, too. When women are finally paid what men make, we will pay conservative women that wage, too.

11. We will respect your religious beliefs, even when you don't put those beliefs into practice. In fact, we will actively seek to promote your most radical religious beliefs ("Blessed are the poor," "Blessed are the peacemakers," "Love your enemies," "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God," and "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."). We will let people in other countries know that God doesn't just bless America, he blesses everyone. We will discourage religious intolerance and fanaticism -- starting with the fanaticism here at home, thus setting a good example for the rest of the world.

12. We will not tolerate politicians who are corrupt and who are bought and paid for by the rich. We will go after any elected leader who puts him or herself ahead of the people. And we promise you we will go after the corrupt politicians on our side FIRST. If we fail to do this, we need you to call us on it. Simply because we are in power does not give us the right to turn our heads the other way when our party goes astray. Please perform this important duty as the loyal opposition.

I promise all of the above to you because this is your country, too. You are every bit as American as we are. We are all in this together. We sink or swim as one. Thank you for your years of service to this country and for giving us the opportunity to see if we can make things a bit better for our 300 million fellow Americans -- and for the rest of the world.

Signed,

Michael Moore
mmflint@aol.com
(Click here to sign the pledge)
www.michaelmoore.com

Mosquito
mosquito-blog.blogspot.com

P.S. Please feel free to pass this on.

Authors Bio: Michael Francis Moore (born April 23, 1954) is an American film director, author, and social commentator. He is widely known for his outspoken, critical views on globalization, large corporations, gun violence, the Iraq War, and the George W. Bush administration. wikipedia profile mmflint@aol.com www.michaelmoore.com

Michael Moore said it so well. I posted it because I believe it needs to be disseminated widely. I don't know a single "left winger" who has expressed sentiments that vary from this. So calm down you conservative folks....you're going to be treated fairly. Hopefully, many of you will want to reciprocate. One day maybe the more extreme radical neo cons will "see the light" and give up their dirty, power grabbing tricks and divisive wedge tactics.

Bush Impeachment poll...

MSNBC is running a poll on how the American people feel about impeaching Bush....Looks like more Americans are behind impeaching Bush than impeaching Clinton.

Live Vote
Do you believe President Bush's actions justify impeachment? * 384402 responses
Yes, between the secret spying, the deceptions leading to war and more, there is plenty to justify putting him on trial.
87%
No, like any president, he has made a few missteps, but nothing approaching "high crimes and misdemeanors."
4.4%
No, the man has done absolutely nothing wrong. Impeachment would just be a political lynching.
6.4%
I don't know.
1.9%
Not a scientific survey. Click to learn more. Results may not total 100% due to rounding.

Here's the link in case you'd like to cast your own vote.

My Buzz on George Bush

Lately, when my thoughts have turned to the sudden "bi-partisan" PR blitz put on by George Bush I was just too angry to write anything.

Bush's sudden turn around was so artful....He dumped Rumsfeld!! That was great! But then he quickly nominated this Gates guy....I started to check out this Gates guy and the more I read the angrier I became.

I feel like the entire Bush "turn around" is nothing more than another Rovian PR job to enable Bush to continue the "same ole same ole" stay the course with this new guy.

Even worse...it looks like Bush's folks still have their guns aimed at Iran and want to create another disaster for America. (Hell, why does Al Queda even need to plan an attack on American soil as long as Bush is in office and deadset on such disastrous goals?)

I have come to the conclusion that Gates is just another Bush loyalist "yes" man and is another bad move. He "politicized" the CIA. That IS the major problem with the "faulty intelligence" and cherry picking that got us into Iraq. The fact that Bush is wanting the man that helped him lead this nation astray to be rewarded with the position of Secretary of Defense is typical Bush. Promote incompetent yes folks who are loyal and get rid of the competent folks who have skills and integrity.

The next Secretary of Defense needs to be carefully considered. I'm very happy to hear from local Webb folks (and the Virginia Beach Dems blogger)--Beach Mom) that Jim Webb will question the Gates nomination. I "thought" this would be the case. I didn't get the idea that Webb prefers "yes" men.

During this congress we will get a chance to see which Republicans are willing to work together with the Democrats to pull our nation from this fiery quagmire that Bush insisted on.

It will also give us a chance to assess if there are TWO parties up in Washington. I'm hoping the Democrats will prove themselves. But if the Democrats go with the status quo and let Gates through then I'll be singing the David Rovics new song, "Democrats make me want to vomit."

In my book BOTH parties have to prove themselves now.

Soldier's Dad will speak at Free Event

Bob Watada, father of LT Ehren Watada, will speak about his son's opposition to the Iraq War at the 40th Street Stage in Norfolk. LT Watada is facing court martial. He is the first officer in the armed forces to refuse deployment to Iraq.

There will also be a question and answer period.

WHEN: 7 pm Wednesday
WHERE: 40th St. Stage
809 40th St. Norfolk (In the back section of the building across the street from Felinis Restaurant on Colley Ave.)

FREE EVENT

Five Buzz Night

David Rovics came to town and Hampton Roads underground and activist communities came together to create an unforgettable Five Buzz night.

I'd heard the buzz on Rovics so I had to go....the people who have seen him are passionate about him. I came prepared. I read the reviews comparing this protest folk singer to the likes of Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Phil Ochs. I didn't expect to end the night knowing that Rovics is our modern day troubadour and is the rightful heir to take the stage once dominated by the likes of Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Phil Ochs.

The 40th Street Theatre was almost packed....but that was the only near miss of the night.

Rovics revived us....He is a master of being with an audience. The charisma and camaraderie ricocheted back and forth between Rovics and the people. It was warm, tender, funny, insightful and everyone got charged up together....

I rarely give something Five Buzz night....But for any educated grassroots activist Rovics is the king of protest folk.

If you missed this evening you missed the chance to mingle with a diverse, colorful community filled with young anarchists, older socialists, a self defined "communitist", progressive democrats, progressive entrepreneurs, and even surburban yuppies who have simply had enough.

The entire left stage area was filled with young anarchists who knew the chorus to many of the songs. Right stage had an older crowd of activists settled down with families, and the middle, larger area was filled with folks of all ages, and from various walks of life from Ghent business folk, entrepreneurs, college kids, and even some gray haired hippies.

You also missed out on the opportunity to hear a great indy artist in the perfect environment. Unlike Dylan who never participated in demonstrations and according to Joan Baez wrote peace songs because they sold well...Rovics is in the trenchs and this is obvious in his music. His music is real and in your face...there is nothing distant or subtle about it. Rovics is direct with his message and many of his songs could be called anthems for the worldwide people's movement.

After the concert, my friend Star asked David Rovics what he thought about performing in Norfolk. According to Star, Rovics said Norfolk was an exciting and enjoyable venue. He loved the theatre setting and he loves Norfolk's underground progressive community. It seems that places like New York City and San Francisco can seem jaded in comparison. The folks there have an abundence of progressive artists on a regular basis.....Rovics gets a charge playing for the Norfolk Community.

Do did we David....So did we...

So Rovics will return....IF it happens in the same place the show will be undoubtedly be sold out because everyone left saying they were going to have to get their best friend to see Rovics when he comes back to town. So if you want to catch Rovics when he returns to Norfolk I suggest you purchase an advance tickets so you'll know you'll be able to attend. This is truly a must experience event for all folks desiring a more compassionate, saner, and humane world.

Kudos to Hampton Roads Indy Media Coalition and their producer Luna for this fabulous event.



NEW ORLEANS

David Rovics is a firm believer in the commons so he makes all his music available for download at his website Do yourself a favor....download David Rovics...Then I'll see you at his next attendence in Norfolk, hopefully in 2007.

A glimpse of Norfolk life tonight

Hope you can make the David Rovics concert tonight and network with other Hampton Roads grassroots activists. You'll also be supporting an Indy Artist.

WHERE: 40th Street Theatre
Norfolk, VA 23508
(757) 423-4084Norfolk VA
Tickets:sliding fee scale of $15.00-$20.000 at the door
WHEN: 7:30 pm Monday nite Nov 13th

David Rovics Performing In Norfolk

WHERE: 40th Street Theatre
Norfolk, VA 23508
(757) 423-4084Norfolk VA
WHEN: 7:30 pm Monday nite Nov 13th

WHY: A "Perfect" way for Virginians of all stripes and colors to come together and celebrate a new unity in Virginia with the recent Jim Webb Victory!

"Listen to David Rovics..."
Pete Seeger

"Rovics has his fist tight on the pulse of intervention through music."
Sing Out! Magazine

"David Rovics is the musical version of Democracy Now!"
Amy Goodman, host, Democracy Now!

"David Rovics is a guy George W. Bush would probably like to clamp in chains at Guantanamo Bay -- the last American protest singer (or so it seems)... In these days of ongoing neo-conservatism he carries the torch of dissent and protest -- in fact if the great Phil Ochs were to come back from the dead tonight he'd probably be hailed as the new David Rovics."
Andy Kershaw, BBC Radio 3

"If Alternative Radio had a musical voice, it would be David Rovics. He will tell the people."
David Barsamian, host, Alternative Radio

"David Rovics' music gives life and hope in the struggle for peace and justice. He is an inspiration."
Reverend Roy Bourgeois, founder, SOA Watch

"If the key to building a mass movement is to make it 'irresistible,' David is opening the flood gates."
Medea Benjamin, Founding Director, Global Exchange

"In that Wobbly tradition of sharp social commentary, David is a master."
The Industrial Worker

"Inspiring, and inspired... For anyone despairing of finding the next generation, worry no more!"
AK Press

"David Rovics is the peace poet and troubador for our time."
Cindy Sheehan

"David Rovics is the musical version of PBS — that is, if PBS had more cojones!"
The Lone Star Iconoclast, Crawford, Texas

Come on OUT, have a GREAT TIME, and SUPPORT an indy artist and the local Hampton Roads Indy Media Coalition. Tickets are $15.00 BUT if you buy an advance ticket over the weekend they are $10.00...Buzz...Buzz....Buzz...Mosquito

Deer breaks fence in Portsmouth...and life goes on

We are on the long road to taking our country back....hopefully we celebrated some last night...I know I did. I couldn't go to sleep and kept checking the election returns...but now I'm short on time. I have to shower and dress to leave in an hour for a big community activist meet up tonight....

But life goes on....my dear friend called to say a large buck was spotted in her Portsmouth neighborhood....not only spotted but it broke her fence...so I went over to help her fix her fence b/c her dogs "have" to have their space. It's an old Portsmouth working class neighborhood...you probably know it...Park Manor...so we are all wondering where in the world that deer came from?

Approximately three decades ago, some bears were cut off from the dismal swamp and they lived for quite a while where Manor High School is located. No one believed the children in the neighborhood who spoke of "strange creatures" in the area. But when a Portsmouth police officer saw a momma bear and her cub in his next door naighbors yard the bear hunt was on. They caught 3-4 bears and transplanted them to the great Dismal Swamp.

Hopefully this "deer" Buck will have the same fate.

My big wish for the day is that Allen will take the advice he gave to Gore when Florida was "stolen"....just concede and let the nation move on. Well Webb did not "steal" the VA election...the dirty tricks that are being investigated have ties to Allen's staffers....(e pluribus media...the link can be found at Daily Kos).....

Amazing...the media knows that Montana's Senator has been declared a winner with 2,000 votes....so why is Webb with over 7 thousand votes?

Hopefully as soon as the canvassing is done Allen will spare Virginians the cost of a recount. But with what I know of Allen's character...it would be a BIG LEAP for Allen to concede gracefully. But on this point I do hope I'm wrong.

Hope all is well is your world....Buzz...Buzz...

Dems have the Senate too....WOW...Almost perfect!!

Almost perfect here in VA. The results here probably won't be "official" until near the end of November but I'll bet that Webb keeps his lead. So with Webb from VA and Tester from Montana maintaining their wins at the end of this month the Dems will have the majority of the Senate and the House.

It's about time to get some accountability back in DC....

Buzz...Buzz...Buzz....

White House Video Re-Writes History

There should be a law against this sort of propagandistic historical revision....

Check it out.

Buzz...Buzz...VA is trying to turn blue...

And many of us living in VA are getting blue faces and red eyes from checking the VA state board election returns....

But it does look like Webb is going to get this by a squeaker.....the majority of the remaining precints are Webb Country....But this election is probably going to have to have a recount to make any results official...

So go ahead and celebrate Webb supporters....mis me a marguerita...it's time to start partying and maybe our eyes will "un-cross" while we continue to monitor thewe election returns.

Unfortunately, the 2nd district will continue to have to put up with the bought off, sold out Drake.

Thankfully I don't live in that district.

Buzz...Buzz...Buzz....

My Town is Webb Country

CANDIDATES Party Vote Totals Percentage
J. H. Webb JR Democratic 7,235 62.09
G. F. Allen Republican 4,277 36.71
G. G. Parker Independent 121 1.04
Write Ins 19 0.16

Precincts Reporting: 16 of 31 (51.61%)
Registered Voters: 57,644 Total Voting: 11,652 Voter Turnout: 20.21 %

Will Hussein's Verdict include the Republican WMD aid?

I wonder if on Thursday when Hussein's verdict is expected to be completed IF there will be any mention of the fact that Germany and a US Republican administration actually supplied Saddam with the chemical resources necessary for his horrendous gas attacks on his own people.

Or, if one year after these attacks, Rumsfeld is photographed shaking Saddam Hussein's hand. The Republicans don't want us to remember they counted Hussein as a great ally a year after he gassed his people.

The great Corporate Media is not going to remind you of the history....

Fox News can't spell it out

The Fox News crew who love to crow that they are fair and balanced....need to learn how to spell Democrat....

Check this out.




Here's the source

For those of you who want REAL investigative journalism link to democracynow.org

For those of you that would love to see some GREAT television sign up for the basic Dish Network package...the FSTV (Free Speech TV) and LINKTV provide great news programs and documentaries with sound investigative journalism. Cancel the cable and switch to Dish Network...you won't regret it.

Saddam Hussein was sentenced to death without a verdict

It Looks like the Corporate Media continue to collarboarate with the Bush/Cheney/Rove propaganda team.

On Sunday we watched Saddam Hussein sentenced to death. Didn't you find it interesting that there wasn't a verdict? The news sure "pretended" like there was a verdict.

A sentence of death without a court verdict is itself newsworth. So why wasn't that reported? (B/C it would have exposed this "news" as nothing more than spin and propaganda with the purpose of "influencing" the midterm elections.)

The "actual verdict" won't be ready until Thursday. The judicial system is obviously under some heavy duty Bush administration influence...Have you ever heard of a court trial give the sentencing first and wait for the verdict?

The reports did not mention that former US Attorney General Ramsey Clark actually walked out of the trial but I haven't heard why Maybe it was this new Court system of sentence first verdict later?

Reality in Bush World is so bizarre...How much more of this charade can we take?

Here's the source

Nov. Surprise? Bush has everything in place to attack Iran....

Exclusive to DEBKAfile’s military sources: US aircraft carriers USS Eisenhower and USS Enterprise in the Red Sea off the Saudi Arabian coast. It is considered “extraordinary” that the US has two large aircraft carriers and their battle groups in such a small body of water as the Red Sea.

A fourth US aircraft carrier, the USS Boxer, is expected to be “on the scene” at the beginning of next week, as soon as it has completed it’s military training exercises off the coast of India. According to DEBKAfile, “…the intelligence reaching Iran, the Boxer and its escorts carry 850 Marines who have just spent months in special training for operations on offshore oil rigs and platforms.”

If the US attacks Iran before the November 7th elections this could be the dreaded October/November surprise promised by Karl Rove.

However, breaking news reports show that the Bush administration now has a it’s own public relations disaster brewing regarding Bush administration's incompetence in defense matters. According to the Chicago Times, the Bush administration put up a website to make public some of the documents seized when they invaded Iraq. Unfortunately, they recently posted extremely sensitive documents that could assist terrorists in building a nuclear bomb.

This latest incident of incompetence may be enough to deter Bush’s longstanding plans to invade Iran.

Sources are:

Nov 01

Oct 30

Chicago Times

Saudi's Say Iraq is Lost

The Saudi's released a study concluding that Iraq is lost and there is no way the US. can win it.

According to the Hindustan Times:

The question in Iraq is not "if the US succeeds - it has failed by every single measure that you can think of," said Obaid, private security and energy advisor to the Saudi ambassador to Washington, Prince Turki al-Faisal.

"The failure is only compounded by the fact that we just don't know what the endgame is." said Obaid, head of the Riyadh-based independent consultancy which advises the Saudi government....

The study concluded that a Kurdish drive for quasi-independence within Iraq would gather speed, as would the insurgency, and Iranian influence in the country could be expected to increase as American influence waned.

Vice President Dick Cheney said in an interview yesterday violence would go on "for some considerable period of time in Iraq," but argued progress had been made.

Here's the source

Gas Sale ENDS on Nov 7th

As if you hadn't already figured this one out.

It is predicted that gasoline is going to go up right after the elections. We had a pre-election sale on gas courtesy of the Saudi's and Big Oil....

So tell all your friends to top off their tanks now....heck we all might want to buy some gas containers and top them off too!

But the Grand Oil Party was susing this pre-election sale for their benefit not yours. Don't worry about Big Oil...The GOP will make make sure Big Oil gets theirs...and at our expense.

Vote all the bums out!!

Buzz....Buzz....Buzz.....Mosquito

Here's the source

VDOT NEEDS TO ELIMINATE COMMERCIAL BILLBOARDS

With the argument that VDOT is using to get rid of a Webb sign--that it's "distracting" drivers--then no commercial billboards should be allowed on any of Virginia's highways.It's ILLEGAL to put campaign signs up on public property...notice how many Allen signs are on public property...they've seem to be having trouble getting private property owners to put up Allen signs.

IF a driver is that distractable should they be driving?

It reeks of politics to me.

Here's the story.

George Allen's best doesn't trump Keith Olbermann

George Allen has a video up at his website which is his response to Keith Olbermann. If that's the best Allen can do I would "normally" say that George Allen is in trouble.

The pudgy fellow (who's built like a tank) is the same guy that ran interference on Webb's tracker and would rudely get in the way of any shot she tried to take of Allen. I've seen him before at Allen's stops and he's like a linebacker on a football team...His job is to keep you away from his quarterback. He's "pushing" Mike Stark with his heavy body...that's what this clown does...and is preventing Stark from getting close enough to ask Senator Allen a question. So the assault started there...with the body push...Stark is simply trying to leave the room and yes he does use his arms to push the body off of his so he can exit the room.

I say "normally" b/c with all of Allen's "connections" in this case I'm sure he's going to pull every string he can to get his folks off of the assault charge they so soundly deserve.

ALL Virginia elected officials should make themselves available to constituents questions.

Allen's staff is notorious for shielding him from his constituents. IF you were one of the many constituents calling Allen on any issue (let's use Net Neutrality for example) you will know from experience that they are good at putting up a castle wall around their king.

I'm also tired of the corporate media painting Allen as a "popular" VA Senator. Obviously they did not do any research. One glance at Allen's approval ratings would show this is not the case. Allen may have been a popular governor but as a Senator he has let Virginians down.

I'll be so glad when Webb replaces Allen.

Buzz...Buzz...Buzz...

George Allen is a Rotting Fish Head--Sign Wars Part 2

Jim Webb is right....The fish rots from the head down.

Mosquito says that George Allen is a BIG Rotting Fish Head

Allen's Goons not only attack Virginians who ask legitimate questions about Allen's character but his "supporters" think it's okay to break the law....My Portsmouth friend has been taking her Webb yard signs in at night so they won't be stolen. Allen's supporters STOLE her Webb yard signs at 1 pm today. These folks are shameless.

Well my industrious friend had a back up plan....She actually attended one of those Vote Yes rallies to study the opposition and they gave her vote yes yard signs to put up in her yard. So she's reversing them and making her own yard signs.....

"THEY" STOLE MY JIM WEBB YARD SIGNS.
THEY ARE LIARS AND CHEATERS!
VOTE THEM OUT!!

We are all proud Webb Supporters and we do NOT Lie, we do NOT Cheat, and we do NOT Steal!!

George Allen is going down!

Big Brother's PENTAGON to Monitor BLOGS....

According to United Press International:

Pentagon expanding PR office

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Defense is creating a Public Affairs "rapid response team" to respond to what it sees as unfair or inaccurate coverage.

Many of the additional staff at the Pentagon Public Affairs Office will be dedicated to booking television news appearances for DOD officials and their representatives, and to trying to convince reporters and newspapers to cover the stories that the Pentagon wants to see more of.

Others will be dedicated to monitoring the Internet, creating podcasts and responding to reports on blogs, negative stories and terrorist propaganda.

The Pentagon press office in the last few weeks has also inaugurated a new blog on its Web site defenselink.mil to respond immediately to news reports it objects to.

Now Mosquito has to wonder....did those folks up in Washington get their letters mixed up again and misidentify their countries? It looks like they think this is the old USSR instead of the USA.....

Buzz....Buzz.....

George Allen has alot of questions he needs to answer!

Here's a letter from the marine veteran, University of VA law Student who was attacked by George Allen's goons the other day....I wish Allen was going to be appearing in my neck of the woods....I hope that other Virginians will show up and ask Allen why he won't release his bar application and open the book on why he was arrested when he attended UVA. Was it a hate crime? Was it an assault? Was it worst than this? "Many" are thinking that his divorce records are closed due to domestic violence.

So if George Allen is going to be the "open book" he says he is...then he needs to open the books and let Virginians take a look at the book for themselves.....

Too bad the media failed to accurately report this major "macaca" incident of Allen's campaign. The attackers were NOT simply supporters showing up for the event. They are in George's inncer campaign circle...I saw two of these guys at other campaign appearances in other parts of the state.....But Virginians won't forget what happened....

Letter from Mike Stark

The following is a letter to NBC29 from Mike Stark, the man who was tackled for a comment he made at Senator Allen's campaign stop in Charlottesville on Tuesday.

My name is Mike Stark. I am a law student at the University of Virginia, a marine, and a citizen journalist. Earlier today at a public event, I was attempting to ask Senator Allen a question about his sealed divorce record and his arrest in the 1970s, both of which are in the public domain. His people assaulted me, put me in a headlock, and wrestled me to the ground. Video footage is available here, from an NBC affiliate.

I demand that Senator Allen fire the staffers who beat up a constituent attempting to use his constitutional right to petition his government. I also want to know why Senator Allen would want his staffers to assault someone asking questions about matters of public record in the heat of a political campaign. Why are his divorce records sealed? Why was he arrested in the 1970s? And why did his campaign batter me when I asked him about these questions.

George Allen defends his support of the Iraq war by saying that our troops are defending the ideals America stands for. Indeed, he says our troops are defending our very freedom. What kind of country is it when a Senator's constituent is assaulted for asking difficult and uncomfortable questions? What freedoms do we have left? Maybe we need to bring the troops home so that they can fight for freedom at George Allen's campaign events. Demanding accountability should not be an offense worthy of assault.

I will be pressing charges against George Allen and his surrogates later today. George Allen, at any time, could have stopped the fray. All he had to do was say, "This is not how my campaign is run. Take your hands off that man." He could have ignored my questions. Instead he and his thugs chose violence. I spent four years in the Marine Corps. I'll be damned if I'll let my country be taken from me by thugs that are afraid of taking responsibility for themselves.

It just isn't the America I know and love. Somebody needs to take a stand against those that would bully and intimidate their fellow citizens. That stand begins right here, right now.

W. Michael Stark

When will they call out the Bush Cabal?

The press has gone on "ad nauseum" about Kerry's botched joke.... I'm wondering why they ignored the botched DEEDS of the Bush Cabal related to the Iraqi War. It's not too late to call them out on this stuff...Since the same thing is often repeated by different members of the Cabal these are not just gaffes….they are often actual Bush Policy….

On the IRAQI War
"Bring 'em on."
-President George Bush [source: CNN]

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."—Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2004 (Truer words have never been spoken George…)

"My belief is we will, in fact, be greeted as liberators."
-Vice President Dick Cheney [source: Washington Post] Too bad “belief” is not a fact.

"It could last, you know, six days, six weeks. I doubt six months."
-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld [source: Washington Post] another belief vs. fact scenario.

"...weeks rather than months."
-Vice President Dick Cheney [source: Washington Post]

"Support for Saddam, including within his military organization, will collapse at the first whiff of gunpowder."
-Former Pentagon Chairman Richard Perle [source: Washington Post] When is this regime going to get it….FACTS are necessary for good governance

"I don't know anyone who thought this would be a war without resistance."
- Former Pentagon Chairman Richard Perle (after the war began) [source: Washington Post] What were all those protestors and experts (that were not given airtime saying?) You need to expand your circle of advisors….

"Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed."
-President George Bush [source: Whitehouse.gov] LOL…Life is interesting in Bush World…

"I have a special word for Secretary Rumsfeld, for General Franks, and for all the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States: America is grateful for a job well done."
-President George Bush (using the troops as shields to praise Rumsfeld and Franks) [source: Whitehouse.gov]

"It's very important for us to stay the course, and we will stay the course."
-President George Bush [source: US Department of Defense] Repeated Ad Nauseum by Bush and other administration officials

"You know, when I campaigned here in 2000, I said, I want to be a war President. No President wants to be a war President, but I am one."—Des Moines, Iowa, Oct. 26, 2006 Yes George and you still treat the troops like they are your personal toy soldiers….

"One has a stronger hand when there's more people playing your same cards."—Washington, D.C., Oct. 11, 2006 Only in the Bush World you grew up in George. The rest of us only get a stacked deck AGAINST us…courtesy of you and other ELITES….

"You know, one of the hardest parts of my job is to connect Iraq to the war on terror."—Interview with CBS News, Washington D.C., Sept. 6, 2006 Funny how facts get in the way….

On IRAN….


"This notion that the United States is getting ready to attack Iran is simply ridiculous. And having said that, all options are on the table." --Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 22, 2005

Seymour Hersh and others have been warning us that Bush has made up his mind to invade Iran next….We now have two major Naval battlegroups off the coast of Iran and the alleged plan is to start a war with Iran.

The Press is not doing it’s job…but we need to do ours….

VOTE THE REPUBLICANS OUT AND HOLD THESE BUFFOONS RESPONSIBLE BEFORE THEY DRAG AMERICAN DOWN TO DEPTHS WE’VE NEVER KNOWN….

Buzz…Buzz….

Allen's Staffers Assault a Virginian Citizen Asking Questions

Another Macaca Incident.

These look like the same Allen Staffers who have accompanied Allen on his Tidewater visits. Beware Folks....If you want to ask Allen a question if his staffers don't like the question you may end up assaulted.

George Allen told the press that stuff like this happens.....

This video on YouTube shows the assault...


As far as news in Virginia goes this definitely TRUMPS the Kerry story the media is hyping. So it will be intereting to see if Virginia's "lame stream press" will give this latest incident the coverage it deserves.

Thanks to Not Larry Sabato and Raising Kaine blogs for getting this out.

Sign Wars in Portsmouth, VA

I have lesbian friends who live peacefully in Portsmouth VA. They are both community activists. One of them walks daily in the park and has an organic garden in the front yard that the neighbors rave about.

Their Webb signs were stolen...AND a large 6 foot by 4 foot "swiftboat" vets for George sign was put up NEXT to their house on the city owned Railroad tracks.....They did the right thing...they called the city who got it down within two days.

They called last night upset b/c now the vet sign was back up AND 4 vote yes signs were placed in front of it.

This morning they called. It seems their neighbors got upset at the divisiveness in the neighborhood. The neighbors decided to take it upon themselves to take down the signs, save the city some money, and show their support for their neighbors.
Their neighbors are disgusted with the divisiveness and nastiness of the Allen people. These neighbors have decided they are now voting for Jim Webb.

My friends are feeling much better now. They figured the Allen contingent is stupid enough to keep putting that sign back up...AND more of their neighbors will end up defecting.

They now have two vote no signs in their yard and hope to have replacement Webb signs up tomorrow with another sign that says...they've been stealing our signs!!!

Star

Senator Warner, Allen And Drake Promoting the Marriage Amendment

It appears that Warner, Allen and Drake will be at 1520 Little Creek Road tomorrow. There's going to be a PRO Marriage Amendment rally there. The event is 3-5 pm.

Funny....they didn't advertise this one ot the general public.....

Buzz...Buzz...Buzz...Mosquito

Lynn Cheney wrote a lesbian novel and then

she condems Jim Webb on the Wolf Blitzer show?

I think Cheney is jealous because Webb is a much better writer and he wins awards....

There is a copy of Sisters online in pdf format here But I'll warn you...it's not a great read.

So much for the Corporate Media

I know lots of folks believe the corporate propaganda that the media is liberal.

So why has NBC refused to air paid advertisements of the Dixie Chicks new film "Shut Up and Sing?" According to Variety, "NBC’s commercial clearance department said in writing that it ‘cannot accept these spots as they are disparaging to President Bush.’”

A video of the commercial and more info is available here

I hope NBC gets LOTS of complaints. They are using our PUBLIC AIRWAVES to SUPPRESS FREE SPEECH.

If Folks have had it with negative campaign ads...

Then Allen does not stand a chance to be re-elected. He is currently the KING of Negative Campaign Ads.

But when you don't have a record to run on....It seems all Allen has got is money to run negative campaign ads.

Virginians deserve so much better than Allen. I hope they realize this and make it to the polls on November 7th to vote for Webb.

Cheney says Bush Administration ALLOWS Waterboarding

According to Dick Cheney Waterboarding is not torture....Maybe Cheney, Bush, and Rumsfeld nee to experience waterboarding for themselves?

Here's the link

Great New Dems Ad Exposes Another Bushite LIE

Voting Machines FAVORING Allen

Virginia's electronic voting machines in Alexandria, Falls Church and Charlottesville will not be able to accomodate George Allen's party affiliation. How's that for helping Allen distance himself from his record of beinga a Bush Republican?

Even worse, Allen's opponent's last name will be left off b/c these same voting machines don't have the room to accomodate his opponent's name.

So it will be George F. Allen versus Janes H. "Jim" Dem

How's that for fair elections Virginia style?

Yahoo is the source

Webb and Allen at NAACP Update

I "hear" that Webb was very well received at the NAACP...and there was so much applause and cheering during his speech that they had to ask the audience to stop so Webb could finish his speech.

I also "hear" that the local press got it wrong. Webb is now a lifelong member of the NAACP...LOL...George Allen took out the "thirty dollar" member for one year. Allen is such a cretin!!

Anyway....the Allen camp is having a difficult time finding legal places to put their signs and they are going up in illegal public areas.

So report them as you see them people....Allen should not get away with all the rule breaking he likes to do. I guess he's practicing to be Bush's heir????

Buzz...Buzz...

Maybe we should stop having elections?

If you listen to the Republican spin you might start to think that elections are a bad idea.....It was just so convenient that the Foley sexual predator scandal came out "right before an election"....and now those damn "insurgents" are increasing their attacks b/c of the US elections.

Well, Mr. Bush...The New York Times HELD BACK the wiretapping story (while you campaigned and told the American people that no such program existed) when you were running for re-election...they held it for an entire year. I guess you prefer the media to listen to your commands...

Now you have the military making this political spin with no proof whatsoever. It's more feasible that the insurgency is "surging" because it's the month of Ramadan and the attacks typically increase during this time period. Combine that with the fact that you recently fired two of their top leaders who were top commanders in the police force, along with arresting a top leader on Tuesday.....and you have stirred up a hornet's nest.

Now you are using the military to put out Republican spin and distort our political process evidenced by the daily press briefing by Major General Caldwell yesterday.

Precise quotes are difficult because CNN broke in with a special report on Caldwell's daily briefing. They QUICKLY cut away after the Major General uttered two sentences to cover some dribble (It may have been the sting ray that jumped into the boat and attacking an elderly man)......But here's the gist of what Caldwell said.

Caldwell stated that the stepped-up insurgent violence may be part of an effort to influence the American elections....so far so good Caldwell is following the Republican line.Previously, Caldwell consistently blamed the increased attacks on Ramadan...but "today" he started using the Republican "spin." I doubt that was an accident and probably one reason why CNN was featuring this as a "special report" and broke into their progarmming with the briefing.

I have a feeling CNN cut away from the briefing because of what he started to say after this. Caldwell went on to say that the Baghdad situation is "deteriorating" (attacks increased by 22 percent). Caldwell said that the "Forward Together" plan is not working and needs to be reassessed. Despite increased US troops and joint US/Iraq operations.

The US Military should not be used to sway political elections....The military should not just state a Republican talking point with no evidence to back it up. This is the Pentagon INTERFERING with the American election process.

According to Will Bunch, "What General Caldwell said amounts to political slander. Democrats and others who care about the political process here at home should comdemn it quickly, because slander has a way of spreading....The Congressional Iraq Study Group says that civil war is weeks away, even though it looks like it's here already. Why isn't CNN reporting this story by the Reuters news agency, that Sunnis in parts of Iraq are already declaring an independent state..."

Shame on George Bush, Karl Rove, Dick Cheney and the Republican party for using the Pentagon to help them spin and try to win an election.

More details available here

Breaking news Iraq

CNN had a "short" newscast from Baghdad with Caldwell making a statement that the situation in Iraq is worsening and that we are going to have to re-think what we are doing....the network then cut to a fountain of youth report and nothing more is being said about Caldwell's press announcement (of which was not broadcast in its entirety.)

It sounds like the civil war in Iraq is worsening. Hopefully, Al Jazeera will be able to cover this soon....

Buzz...Buzz....Mosquito

Riverbend Lives! Baghdad Burning is Back!!

I just visited Baghdad Burning and River is up and running again.

If only the Corporate Media would publish River's words about Iraq to add some much meeded perspective to balance out the Bush and Corporate Propaganda that floods America's media.

Thank Heavens for the internet. This post is a must read. Read it here

We can publicly finance our elections.

The United States is going to spend 42 million to "influence" the Palestinian election.

If the United States would stop meddling in the free elections of other countries and allow the citizens in those country the right of self-determination without outside interference....we could divert all of that money used worldwide to finance our own elections. (That 42 million is a drop in the bucket compared to what they are allegedly spending in South America to influence elections in Brazil, Venezuela and Nicaragua) This would include the money that is spent to spread "propaganda journalism" around the world; propaganda that finds its way back to the USA to distort the viewpoints of US citizens.

Besides the goodwill this will foster...no one wants another country interfering with their election process...except, perhaps, for the small 1% "elite" minority at the top.


with public financing other countries (for example China and Israel) would no longer be able to "influence" US elections. There will no longer be justification for our elected representatives to take money or gifts for anyone.

Oh my gosh, this could be the end of the corporations controlling the American government.

It seems like a win win situation to me.

Rape charge recommended for Israeli president

It's good to remember that in some countries the president is not above the law.

It's "refreshing" to know that law enforcement still works well in other parts of the world. Israeli police are recommending that the Israel President be charged with rape and other crimes.

Now Israel's Attorney General has to decide whether to take the President to trial. Hopefully their Attorney General is nothing like ours and a trial will occur.

With any luch...this will provide an example to our own law enforcement agencies.

Here's the source

Riverbend still MIA

The United Nations Refugee Agency estimates that 365,000 Iraqi's leave Iraq each year. Source

It's been 10 weeks and one day since Riverbend last blogged. I hope she's busy relocating in a safer place and is not one of the 650,000 Iraqi civilian causalties. She has given all of us, worldwide, an un-embedded view of reality in Iraq.

I trust Riverbend's version not not the "Bushworld" delusion. I am checking her blog daily and hope to see another post soon.

Baker will recommend Jim Webb's plan in Iraq

That's my prediction.

The commission led by James Baker and backed by President Bush will not "officially" announce it's recommendations until AFTER the election. Allegedly, they don't want their conclusions to affect Bush's presidency. However, the LA times reports that they are NOT recommending "stay the course."

The options they recommend sound like they came from our very own Jim Webb. Wow.,..soon George Bush is going to be pushing Webb's options....I guess everyone knows better than to plagiarize George Allen's work. Never pick anyone dumber than you to copy from.

Wouldn't it be best if we had Webb in the Senate rather than that rubber stamp George Allen? That rubber stamp that gets so much funding from the lobbyists for the elite special interests?

Anyone taking bets on Rove's October surprise?

From my internet surfing the October surprise I'm hearing the most talked about is this....

The USA will do whatever it takes to make Iran attack one of it's vessels or stage such an attack....Then this will be used as the "excuse" to bomb Iran....

So...If the US bombs Iran is this going to affect your vote? I would hope that IF you aee one of those minority folks voting Republican this year you would immediately change your vote for the opposition if they bomb Iran.....but who can figure what Americans will do these days with all the corporate propaganda filling the airways....I continue to be astounded that Americans have repeatedly voted against their own self interests....what with the rich getting richer and the middle class having to struggle more and more just to stay afloat.....

Bush and Rove are said to be very upbeat and confident that their October Surprise is going to do the trick and allow them to maintain their control of power.....

But others believe that we are all in for a surprise on November 7th...when the elections are "fixed" once again.

Neither scenarios is promissing.

November 7th is going to be interesting.

Buzz... Buzz....Mosquito

How long have Republicans hidden Foleygate?

It appears that Foleygate started in the Republican party long before Foley. Remember Lawrence King? He was an African American and a top Republican. He's now serving time for financial fraud. It appears he should be serving more time for allegedly running a child prostitution ring. It catered to such powerful people that it is alleged the FBI was used to cover up the evidence. According to this website:

A True Story About Sex, Child Abuse, Murder and Drugs, Covered up By Authorities

“Conspiracy of Silence”, a documentary listed for viewing in TV Guide Magazine was to be aired on the Discovery Channel, on May 3, 1994. This documentary exposed a network of religious leaders and Washington politicians who flew children to Washington D.C. for sex orgies. Many children suffered the indignity of wearing nothing but their underwear and a number displayed on a piece of cardboard hanging from their necks when being auctioned off to foreigners in Las Vegas, Nevada and Toronto, Canada. At the last minute before airing, unknown congressmen threatened the TV Cable industry with restrictive legislation if this documentary was aired. Almost immediately, the rights to the documentary were purchased by unknown persons who had ordered all copies destroyed. A copy of this videotape was furnished anonymously to former Nebraska state senator and attorney John De Camp who made it available to retired F.B.I. chief, Ted L. Gunderson. While the video quality is not top grade, this tape is a blockbuster in what is revealed by the participants involved.

The Conspiracy of Silence documentary is available online at google. Click here

This video should be seen by EVERYONE in America. Then think of Foleygate....then go vote them OUT!!

George Allen is either a liar and/or not very bright!

My bet is on both....but this sure shows what a bad liar George is.

This man should not be a Senator in any country for any citizen, IMO....

Howling Latina exposes the truth about the liklihood of George Allen being served a warrant for fishing. Check it out here

Buzz...Buzz....

HOW TO WIN THE SIGN WARS

Attention Webb supporters--When the Webb sign is stolen don't just sit down and whine. MAKE A HOME MADE SIGN SAYING...THEY STOLE MY I SUPPORT JIM WEBB SIGN.

This will get the proper attention and expose the opposition for what they are. RICH AND CROOKED....

Buzz...Buzz...Mosquito

America's record is worse than Russia's.....

When it comes to ousting an incumbent it is more difficult to do so in America's current rigged political system than in Russia's. Imagine that...Russia has state run television and a horrible record of umsolved murders of reporters that do "investigative" journalism. America has a corporate media (that spreads it's own propaganda that it is liberal) and journalists are not rewarded financially or in their careers for doing "investigative" journalism. Plus it takes LOTS of money from the big corporations who favor the incumbents they know they can buy off.

Here are the statistics.

America--- Incumbants remain in office 98% of the time
Russia--Incumbants remain in office 92% of the time.

This election I'm afraid Americans may be stunned at election day if the Republicans retain power with the current rate of dissatisfaction. But without VERIFIABLE elections we will never know if our vote is counted fairly.....

Some groups are suggesting that folks wear a sticker that is blue or red to allow others to know how they are voting so the general public can "guess" for themselves...Hopefully the media will once again resume exit polling which is often a good evidence on election rigging....

Hopefully Americans have had enough and will do what it takes to restore a balance of power and accountability in our government. Otherwise, our tax dollars will be continued to be used against the best interests of the majority of Americans...i.e. the most often neglected group--the middle class.

Buzz...Buzz...

UPDATE--Riverbend of Baghdad Burning

My source contacted the publisher of Baghdad Burning--the Feminist Press. They are concerned because they have had no communication with River. The publisher's spokesperson confirmed that this is the longest lapse in communication with Riverbend that the publisher has experienced.

My source will be sending an email (within the next few days) to someone at the Feminist Press who will forward it onto their contact email for River....Hopefully, River will surface soon and be in contact...that is the best case scenario.

Riverbend of Baghdad Burning still MIA....

If you aren't familiar with River you should be. Her blog--Baghdad Burning--should be read by all Americans.

Recently, The Diplomatic Times Review, Smirking Chimp, talk nation, and various blogs are asking where Riverbend is. There has been no word, despite inquiries, concerning River.

She remains missing in action. I pray that she and her family have been occupied with making it to a safe place. Hopefully we will hear something soon....It is not looking good at the moment.

True Costs of War?

We know about BILLIONS and BILLIONS of dollars that have been spent (and misspent) on the Iraqi War. Other costs of war are surfacing. One in four of the American troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering a war related disability. Shamefully, neither the Pentagon nor the VA is tracking accurately whether the disability is related to losing a limb, eye, PTSD, Gulf War Syndrome (i.e. radiation poisoning from American DU weapons). How can the Pentagon or the VA be seen as seriously attending to the nation's wounded if they are tracking what the problem is so they can accurately access what services are needed and where?

Then another study is released yesterday that reveals 650,000 Iraqi's have died due to America's illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq. 650,000 dead Iraqis. All these deaths for what? To make a few American elites wealthier? That seems to be the only positive pay off in America....a few folks have become very wealthy as war profiteers. Virginia's own Blackwater is one prime example. Cheney's Halliburton and their subsidiary--Kellog Root and Brown--have also reaped huge profits from no bid contracts. BIG Oil has also done splendidly. Meanwhile the rest of us are burdened with the costs of war for at least another generation.

Can anyone be surprised that Al Queda wants us to "stay the course" so they can continue their successful recruitment drives.

We are less safe in spite of the terrible price paid by our soldiers and the innocent Iraqi citizens.

I hope Americans have had enough of this madness.

If you want more details on the study of the Iraqi death toll or the American soldiers on disability it is covered in today's Democracy Now webcast.

Hampton Roads is Waking Up....

On Saturday the Hampton Roads Indy Media Coalition, the Five Points Partnership and the Norfolk PDA sponsored a screening of the documentary, Up the Ridge. Approximately 100 folks showed up in spite of the gray, rainy day. The filmmakers--Amelia Kirby and Nick Szuberla were on hand to answer questions about the film.

Up the Ridge is a one-hour documentary produced by Appalshop?s
Amelia Kirby and Nick Szuberla. In 1999, Kirby and Szuberla
were volunteer DJ's for the Appalachian region's only hip-hop
radio program in Whitesburg, KY when they received hundreds of
letters from inmates transferred into nearby Wallens Ridge
State Prison, the newest prison built to prop up the region's
sagging coal economy. The letters described human rights
violations, racial tension, and cultural conflict between staff
and inmates. Filming began that year and, through the lens of
Wallens Ridge, the film offers viewers an in-depth look at the
United States prison industry and the social impact of moving
hundreds of thousands of inner-city minority offenders to
distant rural outposts. Up the Ridge explores competing
political agendas that align government policy with human
rights violations, and political expediencies that bring
communities into racial and cultural conflict with tragic
consequences.(From an event Press Release)

A spirited, intense discussion followed the screening. The audience was diverse, college professors, correctional guards, officials connected with the department of corrections, ex-prisoners, and families of prisoners and ex-prisoners shared their points of view. Interestingly enough, everyone, no matter what side of the issue they were on agreed that the system is faulty and needs fixing.

Given the obvious community interest in this topic I hope that there is some follow through by some local community groups on this issue in the near future. It is a long neglected issue that impacts many of our communities and it needs to be addressed.

However, it's great to see various communities in Hampton Roads "waking up" and getting active on a variety of pressing issues.

FYI--Mosquito has to do some traveling so I'll be taking Monday and Tuesday off....Hope all is well out there...

For more information, see http://www.appalshop.org/h2h/film

Portsmouth Mayor Holley Endorses George Allen

Coverage of the press conference in Portsmouth with Mayor James Holley and George Allen by Star Womanspirit

Originally posted here on October 06, 2006 5:39:58 PM

Today, at an afternoon press conference Portsmouth Mayor James Holley III endorsed George Allen with this statement, "I would be remiss in friendship and responsibility if I did not endorse George Allen for his re-election to the Senate."

Mayor Holley is basing his support for George Allen on Allen's support of the Federal Project Hope VI grants for the Jeffrey Wilson redevelopment project. During his speech, Holley took full credit for the Project Hope IV Ida Barbour revitalization project. Holley attempted to give Senator Allen the full credit for the $20 million Project VI grant for Ida Barbour. Holley inferred that Senator Allen was so impressed with what Portsmouth had done with the Ida Barbour Hope grant that "he took it upon himself" to get the Hope VI grant.

However, when a reporter asked Senator Allen what he had done for Project VI. The Senator paused and then stated that he had supported Portsmouth's work on the project. This contradicted the credit that Holley attempted to bestow on Senator Allen

Various black clergy, among them Bishop Glenn, support Senator Allen due to his recent legislative support for black farmers and Allen's endorsement of the federal marriage amendment and the controversial Marshall Newman Amendment to the Virginia State Constitituion. Bishop Glen and Senator Allen clearly stated in their speeches they support marriage as between "one man one woman."

Senator Allen brought up a football analagy in his speech about the importance of an "equal, level playing field." He was asked why he did not support net neutrality to insure an "equal, level playing field" on the internet. Allen spoke of his support for the (Stevens) telecommunications bill which does not insure net neutrality, and he gave various talking points that the telecommunications lobby has been using. Increased competition among cable and phone companies (though the bill does not insure this), cheaper broadband, broadband will expand to cover more localities, no taxes on the internet, and minimal regulation. Senator Allen did not mention the competition on the internet itself between various websites and how small business and consumer choices would be seriously effected with the loss of net neutrality. Senator Allen was asked how companies in Germany and Japan provide their customers with broadband services that are 3x faster and 2/3 cheaper than what is available in the US AND Net Neutrality remained in place. Allen then stated that foreign governments like China wanted to restrain free speech. This reporter wonders what net neutrality has to do with restraining free speech in China.

Allen stated that he wants to run on the issues. The one issue this reporter saw highlighted during the press conference was the upcoming VA State Constitutional marriage amendment. Allen may be planning to make this "wedge issue" a major issue in the remaining weeks of his election campaign.

Critics of the Marshal Newman amendment (including a former Republican attorney general) state that this amendment is unnecessary. Gay marriage is already outlawed in Virginia and this won't change if the amendment is not passed. They state this amendment is too broad and could be interpreted by the courts to apply restrictions to the rights of single heterosexuals who are co-habitating. Finally, the critics assert that the Marshall Newman amendment will be the first amendment to Virginia's Constitution that will RESTRICT the rights of a group of people. Constitutions in the US have traditionally been written to guarantee certain rights not to restrict rights.

This reporter asked Mayor Holley why, since he's listed as a mayor for peace, he would support Senator Allen who has wholeheartedly supported Bush's Iraq invasion and Bush's plans to attack Iran. Holley was unaware that he belonged to mayors for peace. Mayor Holley stated that foreign policy and other issues had no place in his decision to endorse Senator Allen. Holley stated, "I was only looking at Portsmouth, and what's good for Portsmouth."

Where is Riverbend the Baghdad Burning Blogger?

I'm getting anxious. I've visited the Baghdad Burning blog once again and there are no new posts since August 5, 2006.

Riverbend is the Baghdad Burning Blogger "...... I'll meet you 'round the bend my friend, where hearts can heal and souls can mend..."

River became famous and a book was published of her blogs.

Now River is silent. I'm worried that our River may no longer be alive. I sent River an email; I hope I get a reply.

River has posted every month consistently since 8/01/03 except for one lapse in August 2005. River disappeared for an "unannounced" blogging vacation for an eight week period.

I three days it will be 10 weeks since River's last post.

Rivers last post ended with these words:

I sometimes wonder if we’ll ever know just how many hundreds of thousands of Iraqis left the country this bleak summer. I wonder how many of them will actually return. Where will they go? What will they do with themselves? Is it time to follow? Is it time to wash our hands of the country and try to find a stable life somewhere else?

Bush and Pagegate

I've often heard various rumors about Bush being gay. Part of his conversation that was recorded at the World Summitt was very odd for a straight man when he was discussing another man with Tony Blair. One of them said something like, "Have you met (unitellibigle) he's a real honey." (I think this was blair)...the other replied..."yeah, he's real sweet."

According to Wayne Madsen Reports:

In 1976, the Bush family sent George W. Bush to El Paso's Worthy Creations, a Christian gay conversion center. From that time on, Bush became a tool of the Christian right and a self-hating homosexual. The investigation of Bush's gay activities in the TANG unit would have unraveled Bush's new "straight" persona. The GOP went to battle stations to prevent Bush's past from being resurrected.

This one was news to me. Hmmm...wonder if Pagegate will cast a net around George W. Bush himself? Makes it even more interesting that the gay prostitute was able to get a White House press pass and spent some nights at the White House.

It will be very interesting to see how Pagegate unfolds. Allegedly, underage teens in DC (who are not pages) are expected to go public with their own stories.

How Deep does the Foley PageGate Scandal Go?

If only half of what is being reported on the Wayne Madsen Report is true, then Foley is only the tip of the iceberg. This could wipe out quite a few Republicans, including some in the White House.

Republican gay men in a closet are self-destructive...but even worse it appears that their self-hate may cause "acting out" behaviors on minor children.....agghhh....hopefully this won't backlash onto the gay community.

George Allen Portsmouth Mayor James Holley News Conference

An article on the 1 pm Allen/Holley news conference is available at the Hampton Roads Indy Media Coalition website.

George Allen will be in Portsmouth Today with Mayor Holley

Senator George Allen will be in Portsmouth today holding a press conference with Portsmouth's Independent Mayor James Holley at 1:00 pm.

Portsmouth's controversial mayor had to leave office years ago for sending racist hate mail to black leaders in Portsmouth. Amazingly enough James Holley is African American. He has since returned to office in his old positin.

This is a surprising development because Mayor Holley actually joined Mayors for Peace and it appears this is probably a press conference where Holley will endorse Allen for Senate?

Since when was Allen for Peace?

It looks like James Holley is back to playing dirty politics again.

HEY G-E-O-R-G-E ALLEN.....

Yeah, that's right it's still your name....I was being respectful and so I wouldn't use one of those other names. Ahem....

George you say you want the campaigns and the press to focus on the issues. Right?

Why aren't you walking the talk? Why did you REFUSE to debate Jim Webb at the NAACP.

Are you showing your colors once again? Those CUT AND RUN colors?

You'd better change your mind and ACCEPT that invitation if you want anyone in Virginia to take you serioussly.

BUZZ....BUZZ....

Surprised? Cheney Lied.

While campaigning in 2000, Vice President Cheney told us he was no longer connected with his former employer, Haliburton.

Cheney was on ABC in 2003 repeating his claims,

"I've severed all my ties with the company, gotten rid of all my financial interest. I have no financial interest in Halliburton of any kind and haven't had, now, for over three years." source

But it's reported that Cheney earned a 3000 percent profit off of his Haliburton stock last year.

Cheney earned 44 million dollars while working for Haliburton, a job he obtained after he resigned as Secretary of Defense. Would you be surprized to learn that while Cheney was Secretary of Defense (March 1989 to January 1993) he presided over PRIVATIZING the military and awarding large contracts to the private sector?

An intelligent person has to wonder if the Halliburton job offer was a reward for contracts given out while Cheney was Secretary of Defense. An intelligent person has to ask how the mythical "liberal" US press avoided reporting this story.

According to Wikipedia, "Cheney's net worth, estimated to be between $30 million and $100 million, is largely derived from his post at Halliburton."

There is an excellent article--Cheney's Multi-Million Dollar Revolving Door--available here. Project Censored has detailed reporting and sources for further study.

Meanwhile, war profiteers are running our country.

There is no draft so the wealthy don't have to fight in these wars. The majority of enlistees are people who have to work for a living. As the economy worsens for middle and lower class people the large army bonuses are assisting the recruitment drive.

While the wealthy elite (or filthy rich) are enjoying the best times in American history, homelessness and hunger have risen dramatically.

If the trend continues, the middle class in America will not survive the current Republican economic policies.

In the upcoming November elections will the American people be diverted by wedge issues (gays, flag burning, immigration)* and once again vote against their financial interests?

*I didn't mention the national security issue...it's become a moot point. If the Republican party cannot protect 80 children in the Republican controlled Congress they surely aren't up to the job of protecting millions of American citizens.

Top 25 Censored Stories of 2006

If you still believe the corporate media's spin that they themselves put out, i.e. the fiction that the media is liberal, then take a look at the stories the US Corporate Mainstream Media did NOT report.

Imagine, Cheney made a 3000 percent profit on his haliburton stock last year. Can you spell war profiteer? Halliburton charged with selling nuclear technology to Iran...A physicist successfully debunks 9/11 report....The list goes on and on. Check out these stories....It's amazing what isn't being reported.

In the meantime, will we the airways continue to spellbind Americans with rehashed updates on the the Ramsey or Peterson murder stories? I'd rather have the media go back and report the stories they missed.

The media uses public airways. Surely they have a duty to report on stories that are important to the American people?

You can obtain detailed information on each of these stories plus sources here.

#1 Future of Internet Debate Ignored by Media

#2 Halliburton Charged with Selling Nuclear Technologies to Iran

#3 Oceans of the World in Extreme Danger

#4 Hunger and Homelessness Increasing in the US

#5 High-Tech Genocide in Congo

#6 Federal Whistleblower Protection in Jeopardy

# 7 US Operatives Torture Detainees to Death in Afghanistan and Iraq

#8 Pentagon Exempt from Freedom of Information Act

#9 The World Bank Funds Israel-Palestine Wall

#10 Expanded Air War in Iraq Kills More Civilians

#11 Dangers of Genetically Modified Food Confirmed

#12 Pentagon Plans to Build New Landmines

#13 New Evidence Establishes Dangers of Roundup

#14 Homeland Security Contracts KBR to Build Detention Centers in the US

#15 Chemical Industry is EPA’s Primary Research Partner

#16 Ecuador and Mexico Defy US on International Criminal Court

#17 Iraq Invasion Promotes OPEC Agenda

#18 Physicist Challenges Official 9-11 Story

#19 Destruction of Rainforests Worst Ever

#20 Bottled Water: A Global Environmental Problem

#21 Gold Mining Threatens Ancient Andean Glaciers

#22 $Billions in Homeland Security Spending Undisclosed

#23 US Oil Targets Kyoto in Europe

#24 Cheney’s Halliburton Stock Rose Over 3000 Percent Last Year

#25 US Military in Paraguay Threatens Region

Cheney is anti-American values

Americans have always been proud of our freedom and our liberty. We have often bragged that in America we can openly criticize our leaders.

Well, the Bush-Cheney Cabal has a different vision of America. Cheney had an American citizen arrested on June 16 for simply voicing his opinion.

Cheney was outside a shopping center in Beaver Creek, Colorado shaking hands and letting folks take his picture.

Steve Howard walked up to the small group. He simply stated his opinion,"I think your policies in Iraq are reprehensible," and walked away.

Cheney's secret serviceman followed Howard and had him arrested on charges of "assaulting" the vice president.

More details here.

The Buzz on the Gay Tactic

The Gay Buzz and it's affect on VA's anti-gay amendment?

It will be interesting to see how the Family Council attempts to use the Foley scandal in their bid to get Virginians to approve that hateful anti-gay, anti-single, marriage amendment.

I'm willing to bet they won't be relying on facts and science. The scientific studies show that lesbians are the least likely group to sexually abuse children and heterosexual men are the most likely group to sexually abuse children.

I certainly don't advocate going after any group in a discriminatory sense so please don't just start locking up heterosexual men at random! Everyone, even straight men, have rights and should be treated with dignity and respect.

Hopefully, Virginians won't eat the Family Council soundbites and, on Nov 7, the world will see that Virginia is no longer for bigots.

New Webb Ad

This Webb Ad answers Allen's spin with today's truth

O'Reilly spins Foley as a (D-FLA)

FOX 'NEWS' LABELS FOLEY AS DEM DURING O'REILLY FACTOR!

Fox used three different 15 second cutaways to identify Foley as a Democrat from Fla. Every wonder why the studies show that Fox news viewers are the most ill-informed Americans?

They have no shame.....but the people are sick of the right wing corporate spin
Just an accident? We report, you decide.

Weekened happenings

The MoveOn reception at Azar's was absolutely fabulous. The hors d'oeuvres buffet was fabulous with all you could eat grape leaves, tabbouleh, a rice dish, cheese, olives, hummus, pita, and azar's wonderful wraps. The place was filled with friendly progressives. I swear it looks like some Republicans in the area have even drifted over into the Moveon camp. Oh Happy Days.

MoveON has opened an office in in Virginia Beach on Va Beach Blvd. They will be phone banking from this location on a regular basis.

The Al Franken film that followed the reception --God Spoke--was hilarious....What a great evening...greek food and Al Franken!

The Green Screen Film Festival was definitely a success...It looks like various groups in the area may have increased their membership as a result of folks getting connected and hooking up.

The Green Screen Film Festival ends on Tuesday nite. However, their Wed. and Thurs. nite film, Scanner Darkly, could easily have been wrapped into the festival...Ever since the Matrix series I keep an eye out for Keannu Reeves. So this film looks promising.

There was also a GREAT DEMO at gate 5 of the Naval Base. It was historic since it was the FIRST rally against Bush's War on Iran. There were enough folks to put a presence on all four corners of the base intersection and their were three very impressive large banners. (Two of the banners came from a DC group)...Pics on this will follow later. Oh, but you didn't hear about it in the news? Are you really surprised about that? Since when was our local media doing a good job covering local news??

Buzz...Buzz...Mosquito