suburban nomad

2005-07-23T15:29:00.000-07:00

yes, im alive

2005-05-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

No need to file a missing blogger report, I'm alive. But I've been busy. Projects mostly, plus I'm getting involved with the local mayoral race. VOTE CASTRO! Had to get that plug in there. Anyways, I'm around. More later.

Has anyone seen Ljly?

2005-05-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

I'm rather concerned about Ljly, since the site hasn't been updated since the end of April and my queries have gone unanswered. Can someone let me know that Ljly is okay? Please stop by MoxieGrrrl.com and leave a comment or email me at mg(at)moxiegrrrl(dot)com.

corny-n

2005-04-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

Today, on NPR's Talk of the Nation, John Cornyn (R-Texas) talked about the filibuster. Needless to say, he was fried, even by a member of his own party. Sen. Cornyn made the demolition of the filibuster seem like the best thing for the nation. It seemed like what he was telling us is that we should all let the one-party system take care of everything. We won't even need to think! Just sit back and let one party take control. Screw checks and balances! Screw the constitution! They're Republicans! They don't need democracy!

jesus votes

2005-04-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

How low will the Republicans go to get their dirty deeds done? They obviously don't mind dragging Jesus into it. This Sunday has been a rallying day of conservative "Christians" called "Justice Sunday". No, it's not the apocalypse, but it could be for the filibuster. Justice Sunday was created to get support to stop the blocking of Dubya's judicial nominees, and support is gathering in churches across the nation. Churches. Places of worship are being turned into political battlegrounds. That's appalling, even more so than the idea of destroying the filibuster. I guess they will soon be telling us that Jesus was a Republican.

republican hypocrisy

2005-04-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

I was watching TV yesterday and managed to catch a bit of Washington Journal on C-SPAN. One of the discussions was about the judicial branch and it's right to make decisions like Roe v. Wade. I always feel for the hosts of the program because they have to put up with some real idiots, but one caller took the cake as far as who has been watching a little to much Fox News. He called in and stated that he didn't support the rights of the Supreme Court to rule on cases like Roe v. Wade. Of course the host turned it around beautifully asking about rulings such as Bush v. Gore. As I expected, the caller strongly supported the 2000 ruling despite his previous proclamation that this is supposed to be "a government for the people, by the people." Oh the hypocrisy!

outfoxed

2005-04-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know this movie came out some time ago, but I know tons of people who have never heard of Outfoxed. This is the price I pay for living in a city that Clear Channel calls home. Anyway, if you haven't seen how Fox News is turning America inside out with deception and misinformation, than you need to see Outfoxed!

ashamed to be texan

2005-04-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

This is certainly not the first time I have been ashamed to consider myself a Texan. There was the redistricting flap, and of course we are responsible for such jackasses as Tom DeLay and John Cornyn. And now, this piece of legislation marks yet another day when I yearn to live a state where the capitol is not dominated by a load of bigots.

Texas could become the only state to bar gays from becoming foster parents under legislation passed Wednesday by the House.

The ban is part of a bill to revamp the state's Child Protective Services agency. It passed 135-6 with two abstentions and now heads to the Senate.

Now that's some lone star hate.

freeway blogger would be proud

2005-04-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

hillary

2005-04-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

On Hillary Clinton, the AP tells us...

She is leading in the polls for her party's White House nod in 2008. Republican Newt Gingrich ranks her as a formidable presidential candidate. Longtime critics are amassing money and manpower to derail her political career.

But wait, not so fast!

And all Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton wants to talk about is her re-election bid next year. "'06, '06, '06," the New York Democrat chuckled when asked recently about her presidential ambitions.

Mixed emotions here people. It would be great for Hillary to get into the 2008 election, but we need someone like her on The Hill. I'm I right?

back

2005-04-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hope there where no parties while I was gone. I had to head up to Washington for a few days on personal business, but managed to do some sticking to the man. Does anyone else ever feel that weird evil feeling when passing Tom DeLay's office? See you tomorrow!

Where Are Those "Culture of Lifers" Now?

2005-04-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

Iraqi children are being exposed to deadly - and preventable - diseases because of contaminated water.

"Our people are drinking water either directly from rivers or wells, even the so-called treated water or clean water is not actually clean," says Mr Misocni.

"It is contaminated with sewage water."

And that means children, in particular, are getting sick.

Where are all the protestors who stood outside Terri Schiavo's hospital wailing about how she's being murdered? Are they now standing outside town halls, governor's mansions and the White House wailing about this issue? Doubtful. The dying aren't white women in consistent states of vegitation. Or they just live too far away and who cares about Iraqi children anyway, right?

Just making a point.

It's been fun playing house again with Suburban Nomad - hope I didn't bore y'all too much. See ya in the blogosphere!

Not That The Nuts Will Believe Them...

2005-04-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

But the Department of Children and Families found no evidence to suggest that Michael Shiavo ever abused or neglected his wife, nor was there any evidence/witnesses to back up her parents' claim that he ever said he couldn't wait for her to die so he would be rich (or variations on that theme).

This very agency filed an 11th hour appeal alleging abuse back in 2003. Judge Greer ordered investigation records to be released, which, oddly enough, appears to show Michael Shiavo to be a very caring husband.

The DCF said its investigation found Michael Schiavo to be a loving spouse who cared deeply about his wife.
"The staff involved with her care stated the spouse is always courteous and is rarely alone with the patient," the 2003 report found.

"There is no supporting documentation that the spouse ever made statements about 'Is the bitch ever going to die?' or 'When will the bitch die because I will be rich.'"

A DCF report from a year earlier said Michael Schiavo had no access to hundreds of thousands of dollars awarded to his wife from a medical malpractice suit.

"He is only the guardian of person and the financial guardian is a banking institution. All expenditures are authorized by the court and [Michael Schiavo] has no control over them," it said.

So, do you think he may have ACTUALLY BEEN DOING ALL HE DID ON HER BEHALF? I wonder if all those happy little idiots to emailed me or left a comment that "HE ABUSED HER! HE'S OUT TO GET HER MONEY! HE IS EVIL!" will dismiss this agency's investigation findings or if they will change their tune a little?

It must be difficult to change someone's opinion on such an emotional subject. I mean, think of all those people who projected their own beliefs onto this shell of a woman... all those who grasped at anything that might help keep her breathing carcass going. So many of them pointed to the allegations of abuse, which have now been dismissed. He's not getting a big cash settlement, he never said he couldn't wait for "the bitch to die", and staff members who cared for her all stated he was a loving, caring husband. There is no other motive to let her die than to abide by HER WISHES.

PS: I am still coming down from my CNN high. I appreciate all the emails of congratulations, and yes, I am working on getting a copy of the piece for the site (should have something by next weekend). I found it kind of amusing that they pointed to my site where I discussed another website - they could have left me out of it completely and just focused on the Phil A. Buster site. But hey, MoxieGrrrl was on CNN :)

Where Are The Democrats???

2005-04-15T06:21:00.000-07:00

Crossposted at MoxieGrrrl.com

While Republicans have been pushing to change the way "checks and balances" are supposed to work (remember that from your 3rd Grade Social Studies class?), non-supporters have been working quickly and quietly to make sure those checks and balances remain in place.

One such effort came from the Alliance for Justice, who created a simple animation designed to teach the public about what's happening without resorting to empassioned, heartstring tugging. It is reminiscent of SchoolHouse Rock's "I'm Just A Bill", but without the catchy tune. Check out the animation here at www.SavePhil.com. If Alliance for Justice had even a fraction of the money the Democratic party has, it could get this animation out to hundreds of thousands, if not millions more people.

The problem is that the Democratic party needs to step up to the plate and fight just as dirty and Republicans do. The GOP got bitchslapped by the public for Tom DeLay's antics, for getting too involved in Terri Schiavo, for Cornyn's apparent endorsement of violence against judges. Dems need to get off their asses and get to work here. The GOP platform is cracking under the strain of egos clamoring for the top of the popularity pyramid and are resorting to slaughtering off the wounded. Where are the Dems to show a united front, all working together to make sure the public's interests are taken care of and educating those who still haven't heard what morons these people are being?

Time For A 'Caption This!'

2005-04-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

You know the drill, my darlings :) What is Bush saying/thinking in THIS photo?

Oww! Oww, Stop! My Sides Hurt!

2005-04-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hey there, friends and neighbors! I'm back to wreck the joint while Ljly's away in DC.

Sauntered over to Bill O'Lielly's website after Media Matters caught him in another blatant fib, and nearly fell off my chair laughing.

Get this! His email newsletter? It's called "The Spin Stops Here" - BWAHAHAHA! Ouch! My stomach!

I decided not to submit my email address to receive such inane rantings, although I'm sure a weekly dose of such ridiculousness would help keep my stomach muscles ripped. Perhaps ol' "Falafel Sex" Bill should start marketing it as a weight management program.

THAT'S IT! I've hit the new fad exercise!

Learn to breathe deeply when gasping at Bush's audacity!
Run further and faster than ever before from the retardedness of MSM on TV!
Strengthen and tone your stomach muscles by laughing at GOP pundits and spin monkeys!
Weight train by practicing to toss your computer out a window (additional purchase of new computers may be necessary depending on rage level)!

But that's not all!

If you act now, you will receive the bonus lesson: Learn to project your voice by yelling at the asshattery of people like Tom DeLay and JeffJamesGannonGuckert!

Order within the next 15 minutes and we'll throw in a free copy of Bill O'Reilly's work of fiction, Those Who Trespass - Look out! A killer is on the loose, and wants revenge. Television executives and correspondents are his prey. Can New York City Detective Tommy O'Malley crack the case - or will he be scooped by sultry tabloid reporter Ashley van Buren? And do they have more in common than a knack for solving crimes? Find out...

Damn, if you could only see how fantastic my abs look after reading that book description. Later kids!

d.c. bound

2005-04-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

Headed to D.C. and I won't be back until Sunday. Moxie Grrrl said she might stop by so NO PARTIES!

the so called liberal media

2005-04-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

When in danger, blame it on the liberal media. Hey, it's working for Tom DeLay as Fox News, Bill O'Reilly and others are brushing off his ethics infringements as a smear from the left. Last week, John Gibson stated...

"The liberal media is hammering 'The Hammer' -- Tom DeLay under a microscope and under the gun. Is this simply a media hit job?"

Alright people, in between the Pope watch on CNN and Bill O'Reilly uttering the term "shut up" ad nauseam, I would say that this story hasn't been covered enough. The most powerful man in the House could also be one of the most crooked and we're not worried about this!? The media was chopping away at Clinton and that blue dress yet when the Republicans take control, but now, their moral outrage seems to have sunken away. It's time for some real news.

newt

2005-04-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

I can hardly wait for the 2008 election! Why? It'll be fun! Especially if Newt Gingrich runs!

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) will spend two days in New Hampshire next week to meet editorial boards and conservative activists, convincing several of his former House colleagues that he will run for the presidency in 2008.

This could be fun! It'll be like a cakewalk! If Clinton got pounded for his affair, just imagine what will happen to him. He'll be smothered by all his political baggage! Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Georgia) told The Hill...

“Newt is a brilliant guy, like Bill Clinton in many ways, complete with some tragic flaws of his own,”

Gingrich has got way to much to work with.

closed caption

2005-04-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

Horrible pun. Anyway, it's been a while since a good "caption it".

Here, Dubya (left) is giving Aerial Sharon a tour of the Crawford Ranch. Question! Why, Mr. President, do you have nothing better to do than show the leader of Israel the fishin' whole?

the mole

2005-04-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

After Rick Santorum's statements concerning DeLay's ethics controversy, one can only wonder if DeLay is becoming some sort of mole for the Republican Party. It's unsightly and they want to remove it. Today, for example, Rep. Christopher Shay (R-Connecticut) told the AP...

"Tom's conduct is hurting the Republican Party, is hurting this Republican majority and it is hurting any Republican who is up for re-election,"

Burn!

"My party is going to have to decide whether we are going to continue to make excuses for Tom to the detriment of Republicans seeking election,"

So what's next for DeLay? Will his Republican counter-parts push him to face prosecution? Could he be blacklisted? Could the exterminator be exterminated? Sounds like that's not out of the question for some in his own party.

et tu, rick?

2005-04-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

Rick Santorum is actually, believe it or not, standing up for justice. Well, kind of. He is encouraging Tom DeLay to answer questions concerning his questionable ethics. Today, on ABC Santorum said...

"I think he has to come forward and lay out what he did and why he did it and let the people then judge for themselves,"

Wow. I didn't expect to hear that out of Santorum's mouth! While the Senator believes firmly that DeLay did nothing wrong, at least he is calling for him to explain himself. DeLay was later quoted as saying, "Et tu, Rick?"

squeezing the middle class

2005-04-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

George has tried everything to boost his approval rating, and if you remember, he once announced a tax cut. It's a nice phrase, but nothing more as it only benefited a small percentage of wealthy Americans. Now taxes could rise, but of course, they will put a strong squeeze on the middle class. NYTimes writes...

Baffling in its complexity and often bizarre in its impact, the alternative minimum tax is a giant undeclared tax increase that will ensnare tens of millions of moderate-income families in the next several years.

Sneaky. And it will wring in billions for the federal government while affecting eighteen million households. That's not a lot, but look where it is coming from! Dubya, the friend of middle America, what a joke.

papal spin

2005-04-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

Once again, I bow down before Jon Stewart. It was last night that he shows us just how low the Republicans will go to score a few points. In this case, they have exploited the death of a pope to point out the hand full of views which are shared by Pope John Paul II and George W. Bush. As many GOPigs have pointed out, the pope stood for a culture of life, however, what wasn't stated was the Vatican's slamming of the war in Iraq and the death penalty. But hey, facts don't seem to matter much to the Republican Party.
>The clip

rush limbaughtomy

2005-04-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

On April 1, a federal court ruled that ballast water containing "invasive species" such as mollusks could not be dumped in U.S. waterways. Well, Rush Limbaugh doesn't care, instead, he wants to talk about immigration...

LIMBAUGH: So invasive species like mollusks and spermatozoa are not good, and we've got a federal judge say, "You can't bring it in here," but invasive species in the form of illegal immigration is fine and dandy -- bring 'em on, as many as possible, legalize them wherever we can, wherever they go, no matter what they clog up. So we're going to break the bank; we're going to bend over backwards. The federal judiciary is going to do everything it can to stop spermatozoa and mollusks from coming in, but other invasive species? We're supposed to bend over and grab the ankles and say, "Deal with it." Well, the mollusks may be brought in against their will. My point is they don't know where they are, and they, frankly, don't care. So if you ship them out -- but we can't ship 'em out. It's not that we can't ship 'em out. We're not going to be able to bring 'em in now, but invasive species that, say, on their own power and of their own desire and volition cross the border and come here, we can't say diddly-squat about it.

Spermatozoa?

fascism could be renewed

2005-04-05T14:51:00.000-07:00

As the AP reports...

The Bush administration's two top law enforcement officials on Tuesday urged Congress to renew every provision of the anti-terror Patriot Act. FBI Director Robert Mueller also asked lawmakers to expand the bureau's ability to obtain records without first asking a judge.

Damn. This isn't good. Not that I have anything to hide but it's so sad to see us surrender our rights like this. Then again, we don't have to surrender. If anybody in the Senate is reading this, just remember that they haven't outlawed the filibuster yet. We can't let the government take complete, unquestionable control of this country, we can't allow the government to rid us of our rights for the purpose of defending them. If we renew the Patriot Act and even think about passing the Patriot Act II, we will not be able to say that we are, in fact, a democracy.

oh, the hypocrisy!

2005-04-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

Even now, months after the election, I hear about how John Kerry is a "flip flopper". It's then that I have to reactions. One is that Karl Rove is a damn good strategist if he can make a buzz word like that and have it floating around long after a campaign is over. The other is laughter because if they would step back and take a look at Dubya's record, they would see he's had his fair share of waffles. Our Commander-in-Chief has changed courses on the existence of OPEC, Ahmed Chalabi, WMD's in Iraq, free trade, Osama bin Laden, the 9/11 commission, and even abortion. Abortion! Oh, the hypocrisy!!!

sinclair stupidity

2005-04-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

Media Matters tells us that on the thirty-first of March, Sinclair Broadcast Group's "The Point" featuring Mark Hyman displayed their company's stupidity. In it, Hyman claims...

"Not unlike the Communist Chinese, the ACLU abhors individual religious freedom, and it supports only those civil liberties that fit its narrow political agenda."

If Sinclair's news director where to do some research, as actual journalist's do, he would find that the ACLU once joined Rev. Jerry Falwell to fight a Virginia law prohibiting the incorporation of churches. They also hailed Pres. Clinton's signing of a bill to protect the First Amendment right of freedom of religion from unfair government restrictions. Plus, the organization that Rush has dubbed the Anti-Christian Litigation Unit threatened to take legal action against a park manager who had refused to allow a Baptist church from performing a baptism in a public park. So why not give us some real news, Sinclair? Would it really kill you to present facts?

freeway blogging

2005-04-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

More photos from the loveable Freeway Blogger here.

the rock

2005-03-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

Is the rock cracking for Dubya? A poll shows that it could very well be the as his ratings dropped lower than NBC's...

Public approval for Bush slipped from 52 percent in a CNN-USA Today-Gallup poll over the weekend to 45 percent in that same poll released Thursday. A CBS News poll released earlier in the week found Bush's approval slipping six points to 43 percent.

This drop can be blamed on who where considered his "rock" during the election...

The Gallup poll found Bush losing support among men, self-described conservatives and churchgoers while the CBS poll found a drop among men and Republicans.

Bad news for Bush as it turns out that more and more of Americans have minds.

the excuse president

2005-03-28T11:51:00.000-08:00

I am convinced that George Bush could get away with anything. He could murder Nancy Pelosi with his bare hands on the steps of the capital on nation television, and he'd get away with it. Hey could be photographed smoking a joint with Osama bin Laden in the Rose Garden and the picture could be printed on the front page of every newspaper from D.C. to Dubai and he'd get away with it. Because, by the end of the day, Brit Hume and Sean Hannity will have saved his ass and Rush Limbaugh will chime in, insisting that it's Bill Clinton's fault.

It's funny really. Everything that Bush has done that has turned out bad, is actually the fault of someone else.

Abu Ghraib is all the fault of a few bad apples, despite the fact that we instructed them to torture the living shit out of inmates. 9/11 happened on Dubya's watch, but is actually all Bill Clinton's fault. The same can be said for the deficit.

People say Gerald Ford was the excuse me president, well George Bush is the excuse president. Not once has he taken responsibility for something. Yet, he is seen as a strong leader! How the hell does that work?

I think he should make it a personal goal to, at one point or another, take responsibility for one of his actions. Why doesn't he admit that he was AWOL during Vietnam? Nobody cared a year ago, so why would people care four years from now? If he where a really ambitious, he would confess that his ruthless spending is why we have a deficit that will take generations to patch. Anything! He should just be an adult for once and take the blame for anything!

It must be nice knowing that, whatever you do, it will always be the fault of someone else. Sorry I totaled your car, but it's not my fault, it was the guy in front of me.

take that, delay!

2005-03-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

Daily Kos reported today that the support for government intervention in the Schiavo case is microscopic!

This is relieving as it shows that many people still have common sense!

the least he could do

2005-03-27T17:49:00.000-08:00

Today at Fort Hood, the Easter Bunny failed to visit. Instead, troops where met with someone of far lesser intelligence. Presdient Bush. Dubya flew fifty-miles from his ranch (hope that wasn't to far out of the way) to attend a service at the largest active-duty base in the forces. Yes, it was a kind gesture but it's really the least he could do and if Rush hits the airwaves tomorrow praising the President on this "act of leadership" I'm going to vomit. While I'm sure many where happy to see him there, but I think our men and women in uniform would much rather have some body armor and bullets before they head into battle.

recovering from a limbaughtomy

2005-03-26T10:18:00.000-08:00

Rush is an idiot, but is always good for a laugh for that very reason. I found on Media Matters, on the twenty-third, he posed this "question" to his listeners...

LIMBAUGH: A question for those of you who are our friends on the left. Just answer it honestly to yourself: How many of you want Terri Schiavo to die simply because some Christian conservatives want her to live? How many of you have rejoiced when a death row inmate has been saved because of later investigation into DNA? Do you want Terri Schiavo to die because some Christian conservatives want her to live? Is that it?

[...]

Could it be -- and I suspect this is the real answer -- could it be that you have been so pent up with rage and frustration over the Christians in this country?

You just hated the success of The Passion of the Christ. You hated the outpouring of support for that movie, you just despise the red-state, hayseed, holy-roller crowd that you think is steamrollering the country.

Maybe this is just payback; you want this woman to die because Christian conservatives want her to live. And, since you don't like Christian conservatives so much you want them to be disappointed. You want them to find out what it's like to be on the losing side.

You want them to find out what it's like to not get away with everything they want just because they're Christians. Is that it? Does it really have nothing to do with Terri Schiavo; does it have solely to do with the fact that you want payback?

No, it's because I'm under the impression that Terri Schiavo had expressed that she would not want to be kept alive artificially. I don't hate Christians, I'm one too. My views are not purposely the exact opposite of the "Christian right". I never saw the Passion of the Christ, so I have no reason to oppose it. This is one of the reasons you are so widely hated, Rush, you insist on putting each and every liberal in the same boat. It turns out Scarborough (you know, that pasty white guy?) feels the same way...

Why is that the same activists who fight to save the whales, the spotted owls, and a snail darter, for God's sake, sit quietly by while the U.S. government helps kill Terri Schiavo? Why do we see the visceral reaction by leftist organizations to the attempts to save Terri Schiavo's life? Do these liberals really hate George Bush so much? And that's all you ever hear about, George Bush. You never hear about Terri Schiavo.
But do they hate George Bush so much that they are cheering for Terri's death only because the president of the United States and his brother are fighting for Terri's life?

Once again, Terri is not an animal! She expressed in words, something an animal cannot do, that she does not want to be kept alive artificially! Thus, we are trying to fulfill her wishes and if you pricks would get out of the way and stop insisting that no one would want to die, we could do what poor Ms Schiavo wants!

finally!

2005-03-26T09:30:00.000-08:00

Photo: AP
Now that's a good use for duck tape, Tom Ridge. They finally shut up!

how low can they go?

2005-03-25T11:42:00.000-08:00

In reading the New York Times today, I came across this article concerning how the Republicans have turned Terri Schiavo into a religious issue just like everything else. In the piece, Raymond Arroyo, a news director at Eternal Word Television Network states...

``You have a collusion of events that I think only the spiritually blind would ignore,'' Arroyo said. ``It's not hard to see the similarities between the pope and what Terri Schiavo is going through, to some extent, and the sufferings of Christ that we commemorate Good Friday.''

Yes, we who oppose the reinsertion of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube are so much like the ancient Romans who persecuted and later crucified Christ. One question, Mr Arroyo, how low can you go? Then again, I guess I'm just spiritually blind.

photo op friday

2005-03-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

Got a head ache, George? What's your caption?

a democracy, in theory

2005-03-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

Oh what a fascist state this nation is becoming! However, all signs of democracy have not been lost as prisoners of war held at Guantanamo Bay are now actually getting trials. Who would have thought that people would get trials in a democracy? As the NY Times reports...

A 30-year-old Sudanese prisoner listened with barely concealed anger on Tuesday and slouched deeper into his seat as an Air Force officer told a military panel why the man remained a threat to the United States and should not be released from the prison camp here.

A step in the right direction, but wait, there's more!

The prisoner never heard some of the evidence against him because it was deemed classified and was given to the court in secret. He disputed some of the charges, such as that he had participated in a prison riot in Afghanistan, and argued that it was legal for him to have traveled there.

That's right, we may be having trials but they seem to be rather crooked to me! Okay, sure, he's a terrorist (seems like something for a court to decide) but if we are going to start spreading democracy and justice, we should apply it to everyone (if we did that though, Dubya wouldn't have a job). I'm sure someone like Rush would assert that anyone who wants suspected terrorists to have trials is a traitor, but if you're really an American, you would firmly belive in each in every persons right to a swift and just trial, whether they are a citizen or not. So now can I just say that Dubya and all his other cronies are fascists?

sticks and stones

2005-03-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

Bush seems to be getting rowdy in his battle to completely destroy Social Security. He stated today that "There will be bad political consequences for people who are unwilling to sit down and talk about the issue." Sure, he did say he just wants to talk, but if he wanted to do that, he would have called off his henchmen at USA Next long ago! Do I detect a hint of that Cheney "be afraid" strategy? It doesn't matter because, as the polls show, these petty attacks are failing. According to CNN.com...

In the CNN/USA Today/Gallup survey of 909 adult Americans taken Friday through Sunday, 40 percent approved of President Bush's approach to Social Security and 53 percent disapproved. The question had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3 percentage points.

So, to you President Bush, I say sticks and stones may break our bones but political threats will never hurt us.

thank you, jon

2005-03-22T14:19:00.000-08:00

The Schiavo controversy is such a messy one, most of the mess the result of the shameful partisan politics being played at Teri's expense. I've heard opinions from some of the most distinguished political analysts on this issue, but the best comes from where else, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Here, Jon Stewart explains the scenario and in this "interview" with Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show cuts the Republicans in Congress (DeLay, Frist and other such slime bags in particular) down to size. Thank you Jon! Thank you so much for putting this "issue" in perspective the way you only can!

usa next is back

2005-03-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

I just got an email from Democracy for America, here are some snippets...

A couple of weeks ago a right-wing front group called "USA Next" made national news when it started its anti-Social Security campaign with a bigoted, hateful ad. Immediately, tens of thousands of DFA grassroots supporters created a backlash so strong that USA Next spent the next few weeks licking its wounds.
But now they're back. USA Next is set to go on the air with its political hate speech in the next two weeks.
Their latest project: producing distorted polls to generate news coverage and "evidence" of support for their privatization agenda. It's part of a coordinated effort by corporate interests and conservative ideologues to wage a multi-front war on Social Security.

A frightening prophecy but DFA is taking action. You can petition media outlets not to air these faulty polls. Of course, Fox is ahead of the game, already airing this crap, but fake news is what they do best. Here is the petition and I'll be posting more info as it comes along.
MMFA: Hume presents false poll by COMPASS (pro-privatization group)

another rush limbaughtomy

2005-03-21T10:03:00.001-08:00

Quoth the jerk...

If you put together a video of ANWR, you would see nothing but snow and rock. It is no place anybody's ever going to go. The wildlife that lives there wishes it didn't, but it's too stupid to figure out how to move anywhere. They don't have moving vans sent to their places like people in Philadelphia do when they want to get out of someplace. This is absolutely absurd.

Wow. Rush Limbaugh knows the creatures at ANWR so well, that he can speak for them and their displeasure with their current living environment. But of course, Rush also knows that their so stupid that they could never get out of their snow covered waste land. Then again, the scariest part of this whole, deranged lie is that someone probably used it in debate with a Democrat that very evening. Well, I have to keep packing my bags if I'm ever going to make it to Canada by tomorrow.

Hunting for a Director

2005-03-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

From the Humane Society:

Today, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) expressed its strong disappointment that Interior Secretary Gale Norton has named Matthew J. Hogan to be acting director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Norton announced the appointment yesterday, following last week's resignation of Director Steve Williams. Hogan was formerly the chief lobbyist for Safari Club International (SCI), an extreme trophy hunting organization that advocates the killing of rare species around the world.

"Having a Safari Club lobbyist in charge, even temporarily, of the federal agency that is supposed to protect endangered species is precisely the wrong course to pursue for any Administration," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "Someone with a true wildlife conservation ethic, not an allegiance to the trophy hunting industry, should be nominated by President Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate for the permanent director position as soon as possible."

Now, don't get me wrong, I appreciate a good recipe for Groundhog

or Cream Muskrat Casserole

but seriously, I can't see why the agenda of SCI should get propped to the top of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. I mean, they promote elephant hunting.

At least we don't have wild elephants in America.

By the way, there's always THIS guy for the Director job at Fish and Wildlife if Hogan doesn't pan out...

Double Dead Gonzo!

Today I'll Be Your Server

2005-03-20T06:16:00.000-08:00

Just a brief note of introduction: I'm PSoTD, and Ljly asked me to hang out a bit here today with a few posts. This is the first time anyone's asked me to help out like this, thanks Ljly, I appreciate the invite!

I'm going to start with a bit of a reprint from a few months ago, but it's timely, since Congress bamboozled the news media into dominating the news with their coverage of steroids in baseball this past week...

How many times does major league baseball have to prove that it does not deserve separate treatment from government than other professional sports leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, NHL...

I'm sick of politicians using the exemption as a crowbar to get baseball to do what it should. Why? Because baseball has been in the position now, for years, of waiting for political pressure before doing things right by their customers. It's a dance by the players and the owners. We saw it with the strikes, we saw it with the "contraction issue", and we see it today with the issue of steroids. They want Congress to serve as the arbiter of their disagreements. I, for one, am sick of that.

You know what Congress is? It is the de facto Commissioner of Baseball on these issues. The owners and the players don't have to compromise, they know they can wait until Congress rings the bell before coming to class to work things out. The antitrust exemption destroys any chance of having a strong Commissioner of Baseball anymore, because of how the process works.

Either get rid of the antitrust exemption for Major League Baseball, or give it to any professional sport that comes down the pike.

And another thing - the news media has to be smarter about how they cover these issues. Everytime Congress drags major league baseball in front of committee, ESPN and the sports shows cover them, which makes sense. But it's like it is a challenge to CNN and MSNBC and other cable news outlets - they feel they have to cover the same event in almost as full of detail. It happened during the contraction issue a few years ago, and it happened last week.

Congress knows this. They are completely playing the media for photo ops. The news media has to quit being stupid or complicit or both on these matters. There are more important news stories out there.

all hat, no cattle

2005-03-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

As pointed out in a Washington Post article, Dubya seems to be all hat and no cattle on Democracy's march.

The administration has pumped substantial new funds into promoting democracy in Muslim countries but virtually nowhere else in the world. The administration has cut budgets for groups struggling to build civil society and democratic institutions in Russia, Eastern Europe and Asia, even as Moscow has pulled back from democracy and governments in China, Burma, Uzbekistan and elsewhere remain among the most repressive in the world.

While bringing "democracy" to Iraq and Afghanistan is dandy, we seem to be hypocritical when it comes to the rest of the world. After all, it's treason to buy Cuban products, but there's nothing wrong with purchasing Vietnamese or Chinese items. Not to mention that we are all to chummy with Saudi Arabia. Why does George get away with saying one thing, and doing another and have the nerve to call John Kerry a flip-flopper?

get out the picket sign!

2005-03-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

I'm out here in San Francisco and I'm happy to hear about the big plans to mark the anniversary of the war in Iraq here in the Bay Area. Tomorrow, ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) will be protesting in the Civic Center. Other rallies will be taking place around the country in coordination with ANSWER and other groups. Here are a ton of listings in just about every state. If you find something happening in your area, get out and voice your opinion!

bush: screw diplomacy

2005-03-17T11:16:00.000-08:00

Wow. First Bolton now Wolwowitz! This is really reiterating the classic Bush beleif "screw diplomacy". He certainly doesn't seem to care about allies. So whats next? Maybe Rush Limbaugh as the Ambassador to France? After all, it would fit in with the Bush motif "screw diplomacy".

what a quagmire!

2005-03-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, I'm here in San Francisco, pleasurably one of the most liberal cities in America! Thanks Moxie for looking over the place while I was gone. Now for the feature attraction...

Bush has spoken first hand to the press (amazing!) but told them we are in lack of a general withdrawal plan. That's right! No timetable, no nothing says Dubya.

"Our troops will come home when Iraq is capable of defending herself," Bush told reporters.

Great, just great! America wasn't able to defend itself till well after 1776 but that was before so suicide bombings and draping panties over prisoners heads. And what about Afghanistan? They had a head start and we will still have to be there for a decade if we want them to stand on their own two feet without becoming a drug-state. This should serve as a good lesson for "our" President, nations take a while to build, thus it's best to go one at a time. So, if we want to create a fully sovereign Iraq, we'll be there a while. Not only that, but we could be going it alone as our allies continue to pull back. Next on the list being Italy with it's 3,000 soldiers. Can I say it now? QUAGMIRE ACCOMPLISHED!!!

This is beautiful...

2005-03-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Okay, this may be my last Guest Blog here at Suburban Nomad, and I'd like to thank Ljly for bestowing such an honor to me. No applause, just throw money!

Now, on to the news:

Who can honestly say that these two women are going to destroy America?

Mary Beth Brindley, left, and Evelyn Hall, who have been together for 45 years, and were married on March 4, 2004, pose by the front door of their house in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, March 2, 2005. (AP Photo/Greg Wahl-Stephens)

My god, they look like a team of Terminators, don't they? Run for the hills! Mary Beth and Evelyn are bringing the apocalypse!

Come on now... How stupid does that sound? And look how adorable they are? I just wanna hug them, they are so cute. And they've been together 45 years! I wonder how many heterosexual marriages last that long?

Well, even though they don't live in California, I'm sure they are plenty happy for Californians after hearing that:

A judge ruled Monday that California's ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional - a legal milestone that, if upheld on appeal, would open the way for the most populous state to follow Massachusetts in allowing same-sex couples to wed.

Judge Richard Kramer of San Francisco County's trial-level Superior Court likened the ban to laws requiring racial segregation in schools, and said there appears to be "no rational purpose" for denying marriage to gay couples.

Of course it will be appealed, but it's certainly a step in the right direction. Homosexuals are a HUGE percentage of Americans, and in America all people are equal. Judge Kramer is right, there is no rational purpose for denying gay couples the right to marry. I have heard NO arguments from anyone opposing gay marriage that make any sense.

In fact, the most I hear is "God says marriage is between a man and a woman." Okay, well, if your religion dictates that gays shouldn't marry, then I guess you could ban gay marriages from your church. But the thing is, we also have this thing called the Separation of Church and State. That means that religion and government are SEPARATE.

I'm not even going to pretend I know each religion's stance on homosexuality. In my personal experience, I'm pretty familiar with Atheism, Agnosticism and Paganism. I know none of those religious avenues give a damn whether you're gay or straight. But I DO know that I am not the only one who practices those religious (or non-religious, re: agnosticism) ideals.

Therefor, it seems obvious that the state is NOT staying separate from the church, since it is imposing specific religious beliefs on all citizens, whether they agree with those beliefs or not.

So how about we stop treating gays and lesbians like second-class citizens and destroy one more source of bigotry and make the world at least SLIGHTLY better for our kids, ok? I'll make sure Mary Beth and Evelyn promise not to invade your homes and turn everyone gay.

G'night everyone, I'm outta here. Try the veal and don't forget to tip your waitress!

I Am Totally Unimpressed

2005-03-14T11:11:00.000-08:00

I'm back with a little nugget to roll around in your heads for a bit.

I just happened to come across this article on Yahoo talking about a Half a Dozen Lawmakers Have Kids at War. Half dozen. That would be six.

So, just to make sure I had it right, I googled the number of congressmen/women and senators: 535.

Out of 535 members of Congress, a grand total of 6 have kids serving.

Do you remember when Jimmy Stewart served in the military? Remember when Elvis Presley served? I'm not a big fan of Elvis, but I definitely respect him for putting his MASSIVE musical career on hold to enlist. How about Alan Alda, Gene Autry, Tony Bennett, Humphrey Bogart, Charles Bronson, Johnny Carson, Charles Durning, Clint Eastwood, Douglas Fairbanks, Clark Gable, Lee Marvin, Jack Palance, Charles Schultz, Rod Sterling, Judge Wapner, and Jack Warden, among many others...

If these people served in the military, I wonder why more prominent citizens do not? I thought it awfully funny that Britney Spears thought we should all support Bush, but I don't see her signing up for duty. What about Bush's daughters? Teddy Roosevelt had four sons in action in World War I - two were wounded and his youngest, Quentin, was killed. Do you think there is a chance in hell of Barbara or Jenna signing up? Riiight.

And if the military is suffering from very low enlistment numbers, perhaps all these people who support the war should enlist themselves or their kids in order to prove their loyalty. How many more soldiers could be brought in? You can't tell me that out of 535 lawmakers, only 6 have kids that are eligible to go into the service.

I'm just sayin'...

Kneel Before Zod... Errr, Moxie!

2005-03-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Muahaha! I have taken control of Suburban Nomad, and you will be forced to endure me for two days! If you don't leave multiple comments for Ljly BEGGING him never to let me back, I will be very disappointed, for I am eeeeeevul and like to be dramatic!

And now, the news:

Oh for crissake! Why can't the New York Times take the .11 seconds it took me to Google "SITE Institute"?

Thanks to DailyKos, we see that the same day the NYT runs an article about fake news created by the government, they actually FALL for fake news created by the government!

Turns out the second article contains quotes from Rita Katz, a woman that outed chickens linked to terrorism (she's now being sued by the poulty company) who now runs a "non-profit" organization called SITE Institute (The Search for International Terrorist Entities) along with Josh Devon, some dude with a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Economics and for some reason has extensive experience in terrorism research and analysis.

And for a donation of $1,000.00 or more, you get a free copy of Rita's book, Terrorist Hunter : The Extraordinary Story of a Woman Who Went Undercover to Infiltrate the Radical Islamic Groups Operating in America.

Well, New York Times... is it laziness? Is it simply an oversight? Did someone forget to take that ONE last step to make sure the information they had was solid and credible? Or are people just so bored at this point that you don't really care about getting to the truth anymore? Death and sex alone no longer sells for ya?

I don't give a damn what the excuse is. It's pathetic and you are all fired. One day you will turn around and realize you're subscriptions have dropped off and no one cares what you print because they know your word isn't worth shit anymore.

Why, o why is it too much to ask that the media DO THEIR JOBS?

Back with more after these messages...

caption it

2005-03-13T13:11:00.000-08:00

Leave a caption in the comments...as for me, my fingers are starting to hurt after those last two posts. Those where long ones.

delay and his posse

2005-03-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

Since DeLay was indicted for corruption and being a jackass in general, he and his posse of Republican comrades are working to escape this thing called justice. As the New York Times reports...

A legal defense fund established by Tom DeLay, the House majority leader, has dramatically expanded its fund-raising effort in recent months, taking in more than $250,000 since the indictment last fall of two his closest political operatives in Texas, according to Mr. DeLay's latest financial disclosure statements.

According to the report, the fund has collected over $1 million since it's creation in 2000. I'm sure he'll need the cash, but where is it coming from?

Among the corporate donors to the defense fund is Bacardi U.S.A., the Florida-based rum maker, which has also been indicted in the Texas investigation, and Reliant Energy, another major contributor to a Texas political action committee formed by Mr. DeLay that is the focus of the criminal inquiry. Groups seeking an overhaul of Congressional ethics rules have long complained that companies might seek the favor of powerful lawmakers by contributing to their legal defense funds.

Joel V. Staff, CEO of Reliant Energy (Houston) donated a total of $7,000 dollars to the DeLay organization according to FEC filings. The corruption and corporate sleaze makes it all the more juicy!

special lies with brit hume

2005-03-12T18:42:00.000-08:00

Something that's always good for a laugh is checking in with sites like Media Matters to see what kind of crap the conservative media has been dishing out. I thought this certainly tops my list of faux news...

On the March 10 edition of Fox News' Special Report with Brit Hume, La Jeunesse reported that ANWR would produce "10 billion" barrels of oil or "nearly as much as we import [from] Saudi Arabia"; suggested that "experience shows" that drilling would not "hurt migrating caribou" in the refuge; and stated that the "oil exploration area ... total[s] 2,000 acres, or less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the refuge." In fact, available evidence contradicts each claim.

Oh this guy should do stand up! The truth is, by definition, wilderness could not possibly occupy the same space with oil wells. Also, government studies have shown that there is a possibility of three billion barrels of oil in ANWR, far from the Fox reported ten billion. But enough of that garbage, let's move on to some more lies!

Appearing on MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews on March 9, Ginsberg, a GOP lawyer and MSNBC contributor, claimed that "the personal accounts -- well, it's going to be part of the solution. What this is all about is putting the whole program in a solvent way."

What this cut-up obviously didn't know was that a "senior administration official" admitted that private accounts would not address long term problems. This confirms my belief that even though they are a completely worthless news agency, they certainly provide us with some good laughs.

better cash in the food stamps!

2005-03-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks to George W. and his pals in Congress, over 300,000 family's could be cut from the food stamp program if they receive other government services. But it's not just food stamps, it's a number of food aid programs for the poor.

Cuts in food programs for the poor are getting support in Congress as an alternative to President Bush idea of slicing billions of dollars from the payments that go to large farm operations.

But wait, there's more!

Instead, Republican committee chairmen are looking to carve savings from nutrition and land conservation programs that are also run by the Agriculture Department. The government is projected to spend $52 billion this year on nutrition programs like food stamps, school lunches and special aid to low-income pregnant women and children. Farm subsidies will total less than half that, $24 billion.

Why am I not surprised that George W. Bush and his Republican comrades are going completely screw the poor! But the White House has got different plans for that money...a war.

got kerry?

2005-03-11T16:27:00.000-08:00

Kerry gave a smackdown to the Bush plan to go drillin' in ANWR. But then again, it was probably Dick Cheney's plan. In the San Francisco Chronicle...

"The only mandate this administration has is for unity, to find common ground,'' Kerry said in an interview with The Chronicle. "The American people did not vote to drill in ANWR.''

How true.

Kerry characterized the president's plan for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as a "phony, absolutely fraudulent offering,'' which vastly overstates the potential to reduce gas prices or the nation's reliance on foreign oil. He called it the "ideological linchpin'' to a broader, more reckless environmental policy.

Nice to hear him stickin' it to the man again! Check it on Higher Pie.

dissent in the gop ranks

2005-03-11T09:10:00.000-08:00

Bush is still losing support, even among his own party! A new AP-IPSOS survey claims that the President's approval for Social Security privatization stands at only 37%. Domestic issues is lacking with 53% disapproval. Domestic, of course, concerning health care, education, and the environment. The same can be said for the handling of Iraq, but many feel is fightin' the terrorists. Ha! I won't get into that now, here are the results...

Domestic issues: Approve 44% Disapprove 53%
Foreign policy and terrorism: Approve 52% Disapprove 46%
Iraq: Approve 45% Disapprove 53%
Economy: Approve 47% Disapprove 50%
OVERALL: Approve 48% Disapprove 50%

This is BIG news! Check out all the results here (pdf).

thursday poll dancing

2005-03-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

I've stayed away from Gallup recently, but I thought I would see what was shakin' and I've got some bad news for USANext. Even though they launched what could be the worst advertising campaign ever, they have miserably failed in convincing the public that the AARP is in fact run by Satan. Why am I not surprised?

Most Americans view the AARP favorably. Those aged 65 and older are least likely to hold a positive view.

I don't know what's up with the 65+ group, perhaps that's the Gallup talking or is there a basis to it?

On a local note, Julian Castro is ahead in the polls in his race for mayor according to a Survey USA study.

a new mccarthy

2005-03-10T07:42:00.003-08:00

I have a question...to bad I couldn't ask it at the President's town hall meetings where only Republicans are permitted entrance, and then you probably have to be held at gun point while reading your question from an index card. What a system of debate we have got here! Dean has already slammed Dubya for this idiotic and "un-American" action. Harsh words? Hardly. How the hell can you have a debate when one side of the issue has to stand in a "free speech zone" five hundred feet from the event! Not only that, but a few weeks back some government officials where barred from his "town hall meetings" because of their affiliation with Democracy for America groups. Sounds like we've replaced Joe McCarthy.

so long, truth!

2005-03-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

The Republican noise machine has been shattering ear drums with their scorn and hatred for Dan Rather which was sparked by a single incident that would bring an end to the journalist's career. The days after CBS produced letters and memos claiming that Dubya was AWOL, Republicans labeled it "Memogate" and did something they rarely do, exercise their constitutional right to assemble. Protesters organized outside CBS in the defense of truth and George W. Bush. What an oxymoron. But as their stupidity, and the flaw of an outstanding journalist was blown to the nth degree, Rather decided to step down. Tonight he will leave the network, but tomorrow, Rush, Bill, Sean, Brit, and other misleading and equally unapologetic talking heads will do yet another show. SO LONG TRUTH!!!

blaming it on clinton

2005-03-08T16:03:00.000-08:00

With news of yet another surgical procedure heading the way of Bill Clinton, I became especially disgusted with some of the GOPropaganda. It seems that, under the Bush administration, everything that goes wrong is not the fault of the current president, but Bill Clinton. In the days after September 11, Rush Limbaugh hit the airwaves blaming the terrorist attacks on our former president, the same has been done with about every challenge America faces. Troops getting killed in Iraq? Clinton. Recession on Wall Street? Clinton. Your house burns down? Clinton. Unfortunately, he has become the RNC's whooping boy so that Dubya doesn't have to take the fall for anything. Let's face it, Ford was the excuse me president, Bush is the excuse president.
Hope all goes well for President Clinton!

support the troops, kinda

2005-03-07T15:40:00.000-08:00

The GOP's meaning of support the troops is obviously a little different then what you have in mind. Veterans will now have to pay a $230 fee per year to receive services if they are neither poor or disabled. Never the less, they devote their live's to their country, but, once you retire, it's gonna' cost you! What a better way to say "We Salute You!"

tolerate

2005-03-07T14:25:00.000-08:00

Good news for our homosexual friends as a Maryland bill to ban gay marriage died in committee today. At least we know that a move for truly equal rights is making progress, but this positive bulletin is met by a reminder of what really needs to be engraved into this nation. Hundreds held vigil for a young, gay male who had been beaten unconscious outside a hotel in Santa Fe. As the AP wrote...

The attackers later followed Maestas [the 21 homosexual] to a hotel, knocked him to the ground and repeatedly struck him in the face and head, according to investigators.

I think, and I know many agree, that gay marriage would be a step in the right direction, but what we need is to have tolerance. People could start by not bludgeoning young men because they are different, or turning them into outcasts because they are not like the rest. And perhaps our President could create a stiffer penalty for hate crimes, rather than turn his back on such violent acts.

excuses

2005-03-06T07:57:00.000-08:00

The Italian hostage who was met with a barrage of American bullets when she was trying to leave Iraq on Monday has refused to except the US Military account of the incident. She is now claiming that she might have been targeted for her nation's cooperation with terrorists.

Italian hostage Giuliana Sgrena, shot and wounded after being freed in Iraq, said Sunday U.S. forces may have deliberately targeted her because Washington opposed Italy's policy of dealing with kidnappers.

The AP report continues...

Friday evening's killing of the agent and wounding of the journalist, who worked for a communist daily, has sparked tension with Italy's U.S. allies and put pressure on Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to take a hard line with President Bush.

Oh yeah, where real popular on the world stage right now, aren't we! I think it's time for Rummy to come up with some answers.

saving sequoias

2005-03-05T16:37:00.000-08:00

California is the home of Barbara Boxer, and the gayest city in America, so it comes as no surprise to me to hear that the state's attorney General is suing the Bush administration. Over what? Well, even though he could have chosen any issue from a violation of civil rights to being a flat out jerk, the thing that hit a nerve with him was Dubya's plan to log in an environmental reserve for the tallest trees in the nation. Sequoias. The AP reports...

California's attorney general sued the Bush administration Thursday over its management plan for the Giant Sequoia National Monument, home to two-thirds of the world's largest trees.
The federal plan adopted in December would illegally allow commercial logging in the 327,769-acre central California preserve, the suit alleges.

Want some wood?

practice what you preach!

2005-03-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

Condi, America's "diplomat" is now calling on Lebanon to hold fair elections...

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has called for fair elections in Lebanon, where the Syrian-backed government resigned on Monday.

It's good to hear that we are encouraging democracy in the Middle East, but if only we practiced what we preached! It's not like our president was democratically elected. My snark is more truth than you may think, after all, there is a ton of evidence (which I can provide if someone asks) proving that votes where suppressed, and down right thrown out in 2000 and 2004. Not only that, but we go around, waging war without reason or basis, and throw people in jail because we say they're terrorists. This, of course, could proven with a trial, which happens to be a constitutional right, which is denied to the detainee! It's a sad sight to see such fascism in such a land.

breaking news: dubya mentions bin laden

2005-03-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

Finally, the President of a nation that had several thousand of it's citizens killed by a man that sparked a war on terror has actually mentioned the name of that man!

"Recently, we learned that Osama bin Laden [oh my god, he said it] has urged the terrorist Zarqawi to form a group to conduct attacks outside Iraq, including here in the United States," Bush said at a public swearing-in ceremony for Michael Chertoff, the new head of the Department of Homeland Security.

So now that we can say his name, will we be catching him anytime soon?

sorry everybody!

2005-03-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

It's only a few more years, world! America says sorry at www.sorryeverybody.com

1500 and counting

2005-03-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

Today was the day of the 1500 American casualty in Iraq and this me to write down a few suggestions for how we could save a some lives here or there.
First off, let's take some of the money we're spending on things like inaugurations and Tom DeLay (grammatical note: considering he has no soul, I see him as a thing) and put some money towards body armor for our troops. This will prevent them from rummaging around in dumps searching for scraps of armor. Next up, let's fulfill our promise to troops who signed up for a certain time period by letting them leave the forces rather then extend their tour of duty for months or years at a time. Or, you could just call off the war and then you wouldn't have any casualties. But I guess that's just me and the rest of the world.

survey says!

2005-03-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

A new Pew Research poll shows that Dubya seems to be losing ground in his push to destroy Social Security.

Despite Bush's intensive campaign to promote the idea, the percentage of Americans who say they favor private accounts has tumbled to 46% in Pew's latest nationwide survey, down from 54% in December and 58% in September. Support has declined as the public has become increasingly aware of the president's plan. More than four-in-ten (43%) say they have heard a lot about the proposal, nearly double the number who said that in December (23%).

This is good news, at least it won't be easy for Bush and the rest of the GOP to overhaul SS.

private property

2005-03-02T14:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a new picture from my friend Abo...

Frighteningly true.

social security causes cancer

2005-03-01T13:16:00.000-08:00

Of all the claims that I have heard saying that Social Security and the AARP are "evil", I can safely say I would not be the least surprised should Tom DeLay tell reporters on the steps of our Capitol, that Social Security causes cancer or is run by Osama bin Laden. This is what I have come to expect from the deafeningly loud Republican noise machine who does not shed a bit of care for the facts, only the things they could say to bring down SS. From the claims that the investing your retirement in Wall Street is a safe concept to the downright idiotic claims that the AARP hates our troops, we won't be fighting the Republicans as much as Rupert, Rush and Sean. Oh wait, I have to go, I hear Tom DeLay will be washing his sword clean of Nancy Pelosi's blood in Town Lake.

if you're going to make an attack ad...

2005-02-28T17:20:00.000-08:00

at least do it right! Raw Story is reporting that the couple used in this anti-AARP attack ad is now suing USA Next:

The couple in the photo, Richard M. Raymen and Steven P. Hansen of Portland, Oregon, have come forward through an attorney to demand that USA Next stop using their image, and that the organization publicly apologize for using their image in a homophobic and libelous way. The demand, contained in a letter sent today to USA Next Chairman and CEO Charles Jarvis, references the couples’ right to seek damages for the misappropriation of their image.

Great, but what do the people over at the homo-phobic USA Next have to say? Not much, they have not produced a statement (that I'm aware of) and will probably keep using the ad until they're sued. At which point, Rush will have a great story about how gays hate American families. Let's just hope the couple wins the suit and teaches those theives a lesson.

independence

2005-02-28T16:09:00.000-08:00

Recently, MoxieGrrrl posted a comment saying that, while it's great people are donating to political campaigns, another equally important group of non-profs are indy media organizations. Since Rupert Murdoch has waged a war on unbiased news, straight facts are hard to come by these days, which is very unfortunate. Among other reasons, there is the daunting and simply frightening power the press has to brainwash America, distort the facts and cause entire elections to be swayed. If America knew the facts, John Kerry would have one by a landslide. Thus, if you can, I recommend you donate to your friends in the real media. Such groups are IndyMedia.org, Democracy Now!, and NPR.

show me the money

2005-02-27T18:31:00.000-08:00

Celebrity political donations, what a topic. The thing is, these people are loaded, and they aren't spending it all on themselves. Ben Afflack, Woody Allen, Tom Clancy, Margaret Cho, Bill Cosby, Michael J. Fox, Jane Fonda, just to name a few. You can read 'em all here. But what about the media? Lou Dobbs, Walter Cronkite, Matt Drudge (take a wild guess where his cash went!), Nancy Grace, Michael Bloomberg, Chris Mathews, there all here.

canadian...waffles?

2005-02-27T09:13:00.000-08:00

Recent actions by the Bush administration seem a bit hypocritical, especially after winning an election with the aid of a simple-minded buzz-word "flip-flop." What am I referring to? The Administration is currently allowing beef and meat to flow in from Canada, despite high risk of Mad Cow disease. All the while, prescription drugs are being barred access to American markets. The Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, asked...

"Why allow bad beef to enter the U.S. from Canada and not allow safe medicine?"

A good question, but what about an answer? Well no one could track down the President for an answer, but I think he's to busy getting his soft money from the pharmaceutical industry for any questions.

lesbian pulled from yearbook

2005-02-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

A school in Florida has kicked a photo of one their students out of the yearbook. The student, a self proclaimed homosexual is a straight-A pupil and has a clean discipline file, however, school administrators would not permit this photo because she is wearing a tuxedo, not a dress. "Because that's me, you know. That represents me. The drape does not," Davis said. 'They're not accepting me, that's the whole reason we're here." She said. Well what a case of bigotry we have got here. Why don't they just cut out photo's of everyone who is different, the African-Americans, the Hispanics, anyone who looks remotely different. It would be consistent with their current line of action. Apparently, the student tried to purchase an ad but was refused the ability to do so by school administrators. If you are also outraged, email the principal here.

dean in kansas

2005-02-26T11:32:00.000-08:00

DNC Chairman Dean got a warm reception yesterday when he visited Lawrence, Kansas, where he spoke to over nine-hundred sign-waving democrats. This seemed like an interesting gig for the liberal considering that Kansas and the rest of the Midwest are known for their alleged conservatism. However, Dean countered these thoughts, saying...

"I don't care how far west you go, there is not one county in this state where there are not Democrats,"

Later adding that the Democratic Party represents Kansas values. So we already know that Dean is working hard in not just blue states, but red states as well. He is trying to show the Midwest that Democrats aren't the enemy, and when he and the rest of the party succeeds, we will have a great chance at taking back The House and The Senate.

protection

2005-02-25T16:57:00.000-08:00

I always like to take shots at tax funded abstinence programs. For good reason. They are educational crap. Spreading lies and inaccurate information is not the way to prevent AIDS, however, you could use a condom. A Reuters report tells us...

Programs that promote abstinence and monogamy to combat AIDS are failing in a landmark Ugandan study, and only condom use has kept the deadly virus in check, researchers reported on Wednesday.

Great. Now can I have the tax-dollars I spent funding this crap back?

beautify the highways...

2005-02-25T14:02:00.000-08:00

with anti-Bush signs!!!

More at freewayblogger.com

scalper

2005-02-24T16:56:00.000-08:00

I think Bush has head issues. Yes, the brain or the lack thereof, and of course blowing up the heads of others, but I'm talking about the cranium. Check this out . Hats off to MoxieGrrrl. Not only that, and I know I have blogged this before, but what's with the hair? Is the Commander-in-Chief using Just for Men?

panel finds no child left behind is crap

2005-02-24T14:05:00.000-08:00

As the NY Times wrote...

A bipartisan panel of state lawmakers that studied the effectiveness of President Bush's No Child Left Behind initiative assailed it today as a flawed, convoluted and unconstitutional education reform effort that had usurped state and local control of public schools.

The title sounds great, but in reality, this bogus bill forces educators to teach to the test, not student's actual needs. One student here in San Antonio has refused to take the standardized TAKS exam for that very reason. Good for her. I think the child who really got left behind is our President.

wwjd?

2005-02-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

Turns out some churches are being turned into recruitment centers. Didn't Jesus teach them anything? THIS JUST IN...Jesus quit.

shrek and traditional values

2005-02-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

We've heard the attacks on Sponge Bob, and even Bert and Ernie but Shrek? A report in The Vancouver Sun claims that some "Christian" fundamentalists found that the film Shrek 2 features cross dressing and transgender themes that are unsuitable for children. May I remind these people that these are CARTOON CHARACHTERS and I would be shocked to find a single child under the age of seven who found that film to be homo-erotic! Quit attacking the innocent and non-existant cartoon charachters because I'm ready to label these alleged crusaders of morality insane for calling Shrek 2 a GLBT flick!

one question each

2005-02-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

We all know Dubya isn't the greatest orator, and perhaps it's for that reason that he is dealing out one question to each of the world leaders attending his address in Brussels. As The Independent put it...

As the leader of the free world George Bush is known to be a busy man. There have also been question-marks in the past over his attention span and dislike of protracted debate, but, even by the standards of the Bush White House, the assembled heads of Europe will be given short shrift tomorrow when they gather to address the President of the United States.

So does this mean that the distinguished leaders will only be allowed three crayons to color their paper place mats at the state dinner?

attacking the aarp

2005-02-21T14:57:00.000-08:00

USA Next has put up this attack ad on the internet...

What this has to do with Social Security, I'll never know. "Rp" at the Daily Kos made this, more truthful version...

george bush's european vacation

2005-02-21T09:27:00.000-08:00

Bush's speech went better than I expected. I wouldn't have been surprised had he stood up, looked at Jacques Chirac, and utter a "f*ck you, Frenchie!" That's what I have come to expect from my "president" and thank God that didn't happen. No, things went relatively well as Dubya spoke of peace and friendship, if only he could do that more often. An analyst with the BBC stated that, when all was done and the assembled applauded, it all seemed a bit devoid. Perhaps, but at least he made progress, at least he left Washington and went somewhere other than the Ranch.

"liberal media"

2005-02-20T08:01:00.000-08:00

I don't know how many times I have heard the term "liberal media", but after "memogate" I have come to the conclusion that hermits and the Amish aren't missing much without radio and TV. However, is the media really that liberal? I don't think so. Sure, Dan Rather made a mistake (whether it was intentional, I can't say), but we're forgetting people like Rush, Bill, Sean, Ann, and even that Gannon jerk (even though he's not really a journalist). These people reach millions, the Limbaugh program alone plays on four-hundred radio stations nationwide. Sean Hannity you can actually see (that's not really a good thing, is it), and he enters millions of homes through the awesome power of lies. Ann Coulter, the RNC's key slut, writes mediocre books, Gannon/Guckert asks scripted questions to and for the Bush administration. Let's not forget Fox News, Clear Channel, and a myriad of conservative newspapers, radio stations and TV stations nationwide that lean to the right and bash the media as leaning left. But they can say what they want, they're just following the Republican's key rule, be a hypocrite!

brit hume: liar at large

2005-02-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

Currently, there is a huge campaign underway to see that Fox "News" anchor, Brit Hume, resign due to his habit of lying and misleading the public without apology or correction. Sign the petition, or send him an email. This is what I wrote to the liar at large...

Mr. Hume,

Rupert Murdoch, your employer, is no friend to journalism, neither are you or your channel. You are consistently and unapologetically passing off lies as news while more trustworthy anchors like Dan Rather are being canned. How dare you taint the media and make these disgusting attempts to brainwash the American people. One example, and probably the most foolish of your lies was when, on the third of this month, you claimed that FDR wanted privatization of accounts. You have mislead the public one to many times to be called a journalist and I believe that you should either resign or be fired immediately.

Ljly

asbestos not dangerous

2005-02-19T07:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, George Bush signed a bill that would put restraints on class action suits. Flashback to State of the Union, "frivolous asbestos suits". Remember that? Well that's what Bush is trying to prevent because, as we all know, asbestos doesn't give you cancer anymore! "We're making important progress toward a better legal system," Bush said. So let's all thank George Bush for protecting his friends in corporate America and trampling people like the citizens of Libby, Montana where asbestos got into the air and over 200 people died from the poisoning. Thanks Mr. Bush, I'm sure your corporate friends will appreciate the favor!

political compass

2005-02-16T17:29:00.000-08:00

Authoritarian

Left

Right

Libertarian

My results (figures!), get yours. It's not one of those stupid polls some teenagers came up with and put on their AIM profile, it's actually a good political scale.

sweeps

2005-02-16T16:49:00.000-08:00

Today, I got an email from a loyal reader who begged the question, why is there no news about the Rwandan genocide situation? While this is a very valid question, I think it's part of a much bigger one, how much news are we actually getting? CNN, MSNBC, Fox (if you can call that news) all provide around-the-clock news coverage along side a myriad of websites and radio stations. However, when one million people where killed in the course of a few months, the media was to busy talking about the OJ case. When refugees where being slaughtered in Darfur, the cable news channels where running stories on Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart and Scott Peterson. While these are news items, the mainstream is flooded with somewhat irrelevant stories for sweeps and ratings. The FAA report that came out recently was buried by Charles and Camella, the 2004 election fraud story swept aside by Michael Jackson and Martha. We were all awed by the dawn of twenty-four hour news, thinking that we would never miss a thing, but now, we are missing much more than ever before.
Some sites with straight news... RawStory.com, BuzzFlash.com, BBC News

heating up

2005-02-15T19:06:00.000-08:00

Well, the Kyoto Protocol comes into effect tomorrow, and it's so good to know that when it comes to putting the breaks on global warming, America's message to the world is "screw you!" Or at least that's what it seems. President Bush is yet to sign the treaty even though 141 other nations have chosen to. It would only be fair, but what's fairness nowadays when you can get Rupert Murdoch and Condi to back you.

BBC News

the budget balloon

2005-02-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

Today, the Washington Post published an article reading:

For President Bush, the budget sent to Congress last week outlines a painful path to meeting his promise to bring down the federal budget deficit by the time he leaves office in 2009. But for the senators and governors already jockeying to succeed him, the numbers released in recent days add up to a budgetary landmine that could blow up just as the next president moves into the Oval Office.

Plus, "our" president just proposed $82 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan today. So you better start hoarding that extra cash because once Bush leaves, the taxes are going up. Of course, in 2008, a Democrat will win (I pray for it everyday), they will be forced by the budget situation to raise taxes to save our nation from an implosion. Then, Rush and the other propaganda minions will slap that Dem as a "taxer and spender". I can hear it now. Damn, what a quagmire.

poll dancing

2005-02-12T19:18:00.000-08:00

AP-Ipsos Public Affairs has come out with a new poll. Here are some of the results:

Strongly Republican.....17%
Moderately Republican.....22%
Independant/Neither.....8%
Moderately Democrat.....30%
Strongly Democrat...22%
Other.....1%

Wow. The number of people who say they are strongly Democrat outnumber those who say they are strongly Republican. It is also outside the margin of error (3.4%). That's good news.
Also, here is a graph from the poll...

Read all the data here!

here's a thinker

2005-02-12T11:05:00.000-08:00

Now here is a thinker, which is the lesser of two evils? Donald Rumsfeld (above left), was on the board of a company that sold nukes to North Korea, which he is now calling a terrorist state. Hypocrite. Then again, Saddam Hussein (above right, just wanted to make sure you knew which one was which) gassed Kurds and attempted to commit genocide against them. On the other hand, it's not like those things didn't happen Rummy's watch. Wow. This is a question that's gonna' have me up all night!

bush: be afraid!

2005-02-12T09:40:00.000-08:00

The AP:

President Bush warned Saturday that if Congress does not act now to overhaul Social Security, the choices ahead will be harsh and painful. He repeated his call to add private accounts to the system.

It sounds like Bush is using the Cheney approach, which is of course to scare everyone crap less. Sooner or later, he is going to try and convince us that if we don't do away with Social Security, bin Laden will attack us again.

the crisis

2005-02-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

When Bush made an unsuccessful run for Congress almost thirty years ago, he told voters that Social Security would be bust in ten years. What did he propose? He wanted to essentially privatize SS, giving Americans the opportunity to invest their retirement savings in Wall Street. Twenty-seven years after making this prophecy, Social Security is still distributing money to the retired, disabled and others. One week ago, the President said the same thing. Why should we beleive him? Come on, the man said the same thing in the seventies!

pulling a cheney

2005-02-09T15:24:00.000-08:00

Dick Cheney, way back when, opposed making MLK Day a holiday, now a local San Antonio school recently announced the possible destruction of apparently "low key" holidays such as Martin Luther King Day. What pricks. They defend their decision by stating that students should learn about these holidays rather than spend the day at home. That's makes sense but after all, it is a federal holiday. What do you think?

mideast leaders declare truce

2005-02-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

BBC News reports:

The Palestinian leader and Israeli prime minister declare a truce amid hopes of a "new era of peace".

Now we're getting somewhere.