Saturday, December 31, 2005
Passages . . .
I just read a message from a dear friend who just lost her mother and it made me think about just how precious time is and how we shouldn't waste even a moment. It also made me reflect on the last post I made to this blog.
Why should it matter to anyone who we love? Shouldn't the most important thing be that we find and have love in our lives?
And who gives anyone the right to punish someone for liking or loving another person? And worst of all, claim it's based on a "Christian Code of Conduct." It doesn't sound at all Christian to me.
As the New Year approaches I encourage you to tell family members and dear friends that you love them. Reach out to someone you haven't spoken to in awhile.
And, care less about who someone chooses to love and more about wanting them to have someone to share their love with.
Why should it matter to anyone who we love? Shouldn't the most important thing be that we find and have love in our lives?
And who gives anyone the right to punish someone for liking or loving another person? And worst of all, claim it's based on a "Christian Code of Conduct." It doesn't sound at all Christian to me.
As the New Year approaches I encourage you to tell family members and dear friends that you love them. Reach out to someone you haven't spoken to in awhile.
And, care less about who someone chooses to love and more about wanting them to have someone to share their love with.
Friday, December 30, 2005
How 'Christian' is it to intimidate teenage girls?
Being a teenager is hard enough. Being singled out by the principal for intimidation based on your perceived sexual orientation, and then expelled, is crossing a line.
Gregory Bork, principal of a Lutheran high school in Riverside, Calif., recently called the teenage girls into his office to interrogate them regarding their sexual orientation. Bork later acknowledged that officials had seen no physical contact between the girls but said their friendship was "uncharacteristic of normal girl relationships and more characteristic of a lesbian one."
Bork was able to get one of the girls to say she loved the other, and then promptly expelled them both. He claimed their alleged 'relationship' violated the school's "Christian Code of Conduct."
I question how 'Christian' it is to intimidate two young girls, who may or may not be lesbians, and then to expel them when they even if they might be, they haven't done anything wrong?
Is it wrong for two teenage girls to be close friends? No. Is it wrong for two teenage girls to love each other? No.
Maybe it's time for the school to reexamine its "Christian Code of Conduct." (full story)
Gregory Bork, principal of a Lutheran high school in Riverside, Calif., recently called the teenage girls into his office to interrogate them regarding their sexual orientation. Bork later acknowledged that officials had seen no physical contact between the girls but said their friendship was "uncharacteristic of normal girl relationships and more characteristic of a lesbian one."
Bork was able to get one of the girls to say she loved the other, and then promptly expelled them both. He claimed their alleged 'relationship' violated the school's "Christian Code of Conduct."
I question how 'Christian' it is to intimidate two young girls, who may or may not be lesbians, and then to expel them when they even if they might be, they haven't done anything wrong?
Is it wrong for two teenage girls to be close friends? No. Is it wrong for two teenage girls to love each other? No.
Maybe it's time for the school to reexamine its "Christian Code of Conduct." (full story)
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Go tell it on the 'Mountain'
'Brokeback' a Box Office Success So FarBy SANDY COHEN,
AP Entertainment Writer
December 29, 2005
LOS ANGELES - Who's afraid of a couple of gay cowboys? Not moviegoers, who helped "Brokeback Mountain" post the highest per-screen average over the film-flush holiday weekend.
The Ang Lee film, which follows the 20-year forbidden romance between two roughneck ranch hands, earned $13,599 per theater, compared with $9,305 for weekend winner "King Kong" and $8,225 for "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." (full story)
_____________________________________________________________________
Go Tell It on the 'Mountain': A Q&A With Director Ang Lee
by Sandie Angulo Chen
Chinese director Ang Lee admits that a gay love story set in Wyoming couldn't be farther from the adage "film what you know," but that's what made the subject so compelling to the Oscar-nominated auteur behind 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' and 'Sense and Sensibility.' After his brooding take on 'The Hulk' wrapped, Lee remembered Annie Proulx's short story 'Brokeback Mountain' and realized it was exactly what he wanted to tackle next. Despite the fact that homosexuality is such a divisive issue in this country, Lee, his creative partner James Schamus and best-selling screenwriter Larry McMurtry were rarin' to go. The result is a heartbreaking epic about two '60s ranch hands who discover passion one lonely summer while tending sheep. If some audiences aren't ready for cowboy-on-cowboy love (portrayed by definitively hetero sex symbols Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, no less), Lee says it doesn't bother him. Those who are ready will see why this period drama is roping in some of the best reviews of the year. (full story)
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Conservative columnist 'tells it like it is'
Beyond the imperial presidency
by Steve Chapman
December 25, 2005
What we have now is not a robust executive but a reckless one. At times like this, it's apparent that Cheney and Bush want more power not because they need it to protect the nation, but because they want more power. Another paradox: In their conduct of the war on terror, they expect our trust, but they can't be bothered to earn it. (full story)
by Steve Chapman
December 25, 2005
What we have now is not a robust executive but a reckless one. At times like this, it's apparent that Cheney and Bush want more power not because they need it to protect the nation, but because they want more power. Another paradox: In their conduct of the war on terror, they expect our trust, but they can't be bothered to earn it. (full story)
GOP Investigated Pres Clinton's Cat, 'Oversight' on Pres Bush's Admitted Illegal Spying
Compare and contrast:
1995: Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN), then chair of the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee, investigated whether taxpayers were footing the cost of stationery and postage for the fan club dedicated to President Clinton’s cat, Socks. (They were not - and it turns out Barbara Bush’s dog Millie had a fan club too.)
2005: Two weeks ago, President Bush admitted he willfully flouted a law that requires him to get warrants before wiretapping U.S. citizens. His justification for ignoring the law appears to be nobless oblige. In reaction, Republicans in charge of the Senate Judiciary Committee announced on Friday that they are planning “oversight” hearings into the matter.
The president has admitted he broke the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) hundreds of times. Isn’t it a bit late for “oversight?” (full story)
1995: Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN), then chair of the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee, investigated whether taxpayers were footing the cost of stationery and postage for the fan club dedicated to President Clinton’s cat, Socks. (They were not - and it turns out Barbara Bush’s dog Millie had a fan club too.)
2005: Two weeks ago, President Bush admitted he willfully flouted a law that requires him to get warrants before wiretapping U.S. citizens. His justification for ignoring the law appears to be nobless oblige. In reaction, Republicans in charge of the Senate Judiciary Committee announced on Friday that they are planning “oversight” hearings into the matter.
The president has admitted he broke the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) hundreds of times. Isn’t it a bit late for “oversight?” (full story)
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Bush can't hide from truth
Daschle: Congress Denied Bush War Powers in U.S.
By Barton Gellman
Washington Post Staff Writer
December 23, 2005
The Bush administration requested, and Congress rejected, war-making authority "in the United States" in negotiations over the joint resolution passed days after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, according to an opinion article by former Senate majority leader Thomas A. Daschle (D-S.D.) in today's Washington Post.
Daschle's disclosure challenges a central legal argument offered by the White House in defense of the National Security Agency's warrantless wiretapping of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. It suggests that Congress refused explicitly to grant authority that the Bush administration now asserts is implicit in the resolution.
The Justice Department acknowledged yesterday, in a letter to Congress, that the president's October 2001 eavesdropping order did not comply with "the 'procedures' of" the law that has regulated domestic espionage since 1978. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, established a secret intelligence court and made it a criminal offense to conduct electronic surveillance without a warrant from that court, "except as authorized by statute." (full story)
By Barton Gellman
Washington Post Staff Writer
December 23, 2005
The Bush administration requested, and Congress rejected, war-making authority "in the United States" in negotiations over the joint resolution passed days after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, according to an opinion article by former Senate majority leader Thomas A. Daschle (D-S.D.) in today's Washington Post.
Daschle's disclosure challenges a central legal argument offered by the White House in defense of the National Security Agency's warrantless wiretapping of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. It suggests that Congress refused explicitly to grant authority that the Bush administration now asserts is implicit in the resolution.
The Justice Department acknowledged yesterday, in a letter to Congress, that the president's October 2001 eavesdropping order did not comply with "the 'procedures' of" the law that has regulated domestic espionage since 1978. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, established a secret intelligence court and made it a criminal offense to conduct electronic surveillance without a warrant from that court, "except as authorized by statute." (full story)
Un-Patriot Act extended
What were Democrats thinking when they agreed to extend the Patriot Act for six months? Do they really want to have this debate on the eve of what should be a promising mid-term election for them? One would think that by now the Democrats would have learned just how powerful the Republican spin machine is, and that they shouldn't be handed the keys to the car.
Remember, this spin machine made Max Cleland, former U.S. Senator and American war hero (who lost both legs and his right arm when a grenade exploded during his service in Vietnam) look weak on national defense. It made the questionable military record of George Bush look superior to the ACTUAL military service of John Kerry. Imagine what it will do with any Senator who votes against the USA Patriot Act.
-------------------------------------------------
Senate votes to extend Patriot Act Agreement reauthorizes law for 6 months to negotiate safeguards
The Associated Press
Updated: 12:00 a.m. ET Dec. 22, 2005
WASHINGTON - The Senate on Wednesday passed a six-month extension of the terror-fighting USA Patriot Act as a last resort after Democrats and a small group of GOP senators blocked President Bush and Republican congressional leaders’ attempt to make most of the anti-terrorism law permanent.
Approval of the six-month extension came on a voice vote, and cleared the way for a final vote in the House possibly as early as Thursday. Sixteen provisions in the current law expire Dec. 31 unless the Congress and White House acts. (full story)
Remember, this spin machine made Max Cleland, former U.S. Senator and American war hero (who lost both legs and his right arm when a grenade exploded during his service in Vietnam) look weak on national defense. It made the questionable military record of George Bush look superior to the ACTUAL military service of John Kerry. Imagine what it will do with any Senator who votes against the USA Patriot Act.
-------------------------------------------------
Senate votes to extend Patriot Act Agreement reauthorizes law for 6 months to negotiate safeguards
The Associated Press
Updated: 12:00 a.m. ET Dec. 22, 2005
WASHINGTON - The Senate on Wednesday passed a six-month extension of the terror-fighting USA Patriot Act as a last resort after Democrats and a small group of GOP senators blocked President Bush and Republican congressional leaders’ attempt to make most of the anti-terrorism law permanent.
Approval of the six-month extension came on a voice vote, and cleared the way for a final vote in the House possibly as early as Thursday. Sixteen provisions in the current law expire Dec. 31 unless the Congress and White House acts. (full story)
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Impeach Bush/Cheney Now
Contact your Representative and urge them to being impeachment proceedings against George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. No one in the US should be above the law.
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Judge Resigns in Protest, Newspaper Says
The Associated Press
December 21, 2005
A federal judge has resigned from a special court set up to oversee government surveillance to protest President Bush's secret authorization of a domestic spying program on people with suspected terrorist ties, The Washington Post reported. (full story)
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Judge Resigns in Protest, Newspaper Says
The Associated Press
December 21, 2005
A federal judge has resigned from a special court set up to oversee government surveillance to protest President Bush's secret authorization of a domestic spying program on people with suspected terrorist ties, The Washington Post reported. (full story)
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
In his own words . . .
"Any time you hear the United States government talking about wiretap, it requires -- a wiretap requires a court order . . . Nothing has changed, by the way. When we're talking about chasing down terrorists, we're talking about getting a court order before we do so."
George W. Bush, during a speech on the Patriot Act in Buffalo, NY, April 2004
-----------------------------
From Democrats.com
Support new legislation introduced by Congressman John Conyers, (D-MI)
H.Res.635 would create a select committee - modeled after Sam Ervin's Watergate committee - to investigate the Administration's intent to go to war before congressional authorization, manipulation of pre-war intelligence, encouraging and countenancing torture, and retaliating against critics, and to make recommendations regarding grounds for possible impeachment.
H.Res.636 and H.Res.637 would censure, respectively, Bush and Cheney for failing to respond to requests for information concerning allegations that they and others in the Administration misled Congress and the American people regarding the decision to go to war in Iraq, misstated and manipulated intelligence information regarding the justification for the war, countenanced torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of persons in Iraq, and permitted inappropriate retaliation against critics of the Administration, for failing to adequately account for certain misstatements they made regarding the war, and – in the case of President Bush – for failing to comply with Executive Order 12958.
These two efforts are complementary - H.Res.635 seeks accountability for the Bush administration's monumental crimes, while H.Res.636 and H.Res.637 seek accountability for their coverups.
TAKE ACTION
Ask your Congress Member to support these efforts!http://capwiz.com/pdamerica/issues/alert/?alertid=8329176
George W. Bush, during a speech on the Patriot Act in Buffalo, NY, April 2004
-----------------------------
From Democrats.com
Support new legislation introduced by Congressman John Conyers, (D-MI)
H.Res.635 would create a select committee - modeled after Sam Ervin's Watergate committee - to investigate the Administration's intent to go to war before congressional authorization, manipulation of pre-war intelligence, encouraging and countenancing torture, and retaliating against critics, and to make recommendations regarding grounds for possible impeachment.
H.Res.636 and H.Res.637 would censure, respectively, Bush and Cheney for failing to respond to requests for information concerning allegations that they and others in the Administration misled Congress and the American people regarding the decision to go to war in Iraq, misstated and manipulated intelligence information regarding the justification for the war, countenanced torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of persons in Iraq, and permitted inappropriate retaliation against critics of the Administration, for failing to adequately account for certain misstatements they made regarding the war, and – in the case of President Bush – for failing to comply with Executive Order 12958.
These two efforts are complementary - H.Res.635 seeks accountability for the Bush administration's monumental crimes, while H.Res.636 and H.Res.637 seek accountability for their coverups.
TAKE ACTION
Ask your Congress Member to support these efforts!http://capwiz.com/pdamerica/issues/alert/?alertid=8329176
Intelligent Design is Religion, Not Science
Judge Rules Against Pa. Biology Curriculum
By MARTHA RAFFAELE, Associated Press Writer
December 20, 2005
In one of the biggest courtroom clashes between faith and evolution since the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial, a federal judge barred a Pennsylvania public school district Tuesday from teaching "intelligent design" in biology class, saying the concept is creationism in disguise.
U.S. District Judge John E. Jones delivered a stinging attack on the Dover Area School Board, saying its first-in-the-nation decision in October 2004 to insert intelligent design into the science curriculum violated the constitutional separation of church and state.
The ruling was a major setback to the intelligent design movement, which is also waging battles in Georgia and Kansas. Intelligent design holds that living organisms are so complex that they must have been created by some kind of higher force.
Jones decried the "breathtaking inanity" of the Dover policy and accused several board members of lying to conceal their true motive, which he said was to promote religion. (full story)
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For additional information go to Americans United for Separation of Church and State
By MARTHA RAFFAELE, Associated Press Writer
December 20, 2005
In one of the biggest courtroom clashes between faith and evolution since the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial, a federal judge barred a Pennsylvania public school district Tuesday from teaching "intelligent design" in biology class, saying the concept is creationism in disguise.
U.S. District Judge John E. Jones delivered a stinging attack on the Dover Area School Board, saying its first-in-the-nation decision in October 2004 to insert intelligent design into the science curriculum violated the constitutional separation of church and state.
The ruling was a major setback to the intelligent design movement, which is also waging battles in Georgia and Kansas. Intelligent design holds that living organisms are so complex that they must have been created by some kind of higher force.
Jones decried the "breathtaking inanity" of the Dover policy and accused several board members of lying to conceal their true motive, which he said was to promote religion. (full story)
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For additional information go to Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Bush in Big Trouble
A Time to Impeach
By Doug Ireland, Direland
December 20, 2005
President Bush may find himself in deep trouble after ordering and defending illegal wiretaps of U.S. citizens -- a crime for which Richard Nixon was nearly impeached.
When the U.S. Senate last Friday refused to renew the liberticidal Patriot Act -- with its provisions for spying on Americans' use of libraries and the Internet, among other Constitution-shredding provisions of that iniquitous law -- it was in part because that morning's New York Times had revealed how Bush and his White House had committed a major crime.
By ordering the National Security Agency -- the N.S.A, so secretive that in Washington its initials are said to stand for "No Such Agency" -- to wiretap and eavesdrop on thousands of American citizens without a court order, Bush committed actions specifically forbidden by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Passed in 1978 after the Senate's Church Committee documented in detail the Nixon administration's widespread use of U.S. intelligence agencies to spy on the anti-Vietnam war movement and other political dissidents, FISA "expressly made it a crime for government officials 'acting under color of law' to engage in electronic eavesdropping 'other than pursuant to statute.'", as the director of the Center for National Security Studies, Kate Martin, told the Washington Post this past weekend. (full story)
By Doug Ireland, Direland
December 20, 2005
President Bush may find himself in deep trouble after ordering and defending illegal wiretaps of U.S. citizens -- a crime for which Richard Nixon was nearly impeached.
When the U.S. Senate last Friday refused to renew the liberticidal Patriot Act -- with its provisions for spying on Americans' use of libraries and the Internet, among other Constitution-shredding provisions of that iniquitous law -- it was in part because that morning's New York Times had revealed how Bush and his White House had committed a major crime.
By ordering the National Security Agency -- the N.S.A, so secretive that in Washington its initials are said to stand for "No Such Agency" -- to wiretap and eavesdrop on thousands of American citizens without a court order, Bush committed actions specifically forbidden by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Passed in 1978 after the Senate's Church Committee documented in detail the Nixon administration's widespread use of U.S. intelligence agencies to spy on the anti-Vietnam war movement and other political dissidents, FISA "expressly made it a crime for government officials 'acting under color of law' to engage in electronic eavesdropping 'other than pursuant to statute.'", as the director of the Center for National Security Studies, Kate Martin, told the Washington Post this past weekend. (full story)
Monday, December 19, 2005
Good Grief
'Tis the Season to Be Wary: Christmas Wars are About Power, Not Christ
by Dr. Teresa Whitehurst
"Conservative Christian groups are boycotting stores
that fail to mention 'Christmas' in their holiday greetings
or advertising campaigns. Schools are being pressured
to refer to the December vacation as 'Christmas break.'
Even the White House came under attack this week for
sending out cards with best wishes for the 'holiday season.'
When the office of Gov. Sonny Perdue of Georgia sent out
a press release last Friday announcing plans for a 'holiday
tree' lighting, a half-hour later it sent out another saying,
'It is in fact a Christmas tree.'"
"When Christmas Falls on Sunday, Megachurches Take the Day off,
New York Times, 12/9/05
In the old days, cheerily saying "Happy Holidays" wouldn't get you into trouble. But today the ears of seething "Christian" warriors are cocked for that traditional greeting of goodwill, which they consider an anti-Christian affront. And they moment they hear those two little words, they're ready to go on the attack. (full story)
by Dr. Teresa Whitehurst
"Conservative Christian groups are boycotting stores
that fail to mention 'Christmas' in their holiday greetings
or advertising campaigns. Schools are being pressured
to refer to the December vacation as 'Christmas break.'
Even the White House came under attack this week for
sending out cards with best wishes for the 'holiday season.'
When the office of Gov. Sonny Perdue of Georgia sent out
a press release last Friday announcing plans for a 'holiday
tree' lighting, a half-hour later it sent out another saying,
'It is in fact a Christmas tree.'"
"When Christmas Falls on Sunday, Megachurches Take the Day off,
New York Times, 12/9/05
In the old days, cheerily saying "Happy Holidays" wouldn't get you into trouble. But today the ears of seething "Christian" warriors are cocked for that traditional greeting of goodwill, which they consider an anti-Christian affront. And they moment they hear those two little words, they're ready to go on the attack. (full story)
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Who is Shopping at Wal-Mart?
Feminist groups have been protesting at Wal-Mart stores nationwide for more than three years over the corporation's discriminatory practices toward women workers.
Now we hear that conservative religious right activists are also protesting the company, upset that Wal-Mart wishes people a "Happy Holiday" instead of "Merry Christmas."
So the question to ask is: "Who is shopping at Wal-Mart?"
----------------------------------------------------------
Seacoast residents say Wal-Mart should change practices
NOW says retail giant violates rights of women
By HIROKO SATO
Democrat Staff Writer
NEWINGTON (NH) — A group of local residents joined thousands of women across the country on Saturday in an attempt to make the national retail giant Wal-Mart change the way it operates the business.
For its part, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman challenged many of the "facts" used by the protesters to criticize the nation’s top retailer.
"Workers rights, we defend! Sweatshop labor has to end!" chanted members of the Seacoast Chapter of the National Organization for Women on Saturday while picketing outside the local Wal-Mart store on Woodbury Avenue. (full story)
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Group Fights Wal-Mart on 'Happy Holidays'
By TOM CHORNEAU, AP
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 18) - A group of religious protesters demonstrated outside a Wal-Mart superstore Saturday, hoping to turn away customers by calling attention to the retailer's decision to use "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas" in its seasonal advertising. (full story)
Now we hear that conservative religious right activists are also protesting the company, upset that Wal-Mart wishes people a "Happy Holiday" instead of "Merry Christmas."
So the question to ask is: "Who is shopping at Wal-Mart?"
----------------------------------------------------------
Seacoast residents say Wal-Mart should change practices
NOW says retail giant violates rights of women
By HIROKO SATO
Democrat Staff Writer
NEWINGTON (NH) — A group of local residents joined thousands of women across the country on Saturday in an attempt to make the national retail giant Wal-Mart change the way it operates the business.
For its part, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman challenged many of the "facts" used by the protesters to criticize the nation’s top retailer.
"Workers rights, we defend! Sweatshop labor has to end!" chanted members of the Seacoast Chapter of the National Organization for Women on Saturday while picketing outside the local Wal-Mart store on Woodbury Avenue. (full story)
---------------------------------------------------
Group Fights Wal-Mart on 'Happy Holidays'
By TOM CHORNEAU, AP
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 18) - A group of religious protesters demonstrated outside a Wal-Mart superstore Saturday, hoping to turn away customers by calling attention to the retailer's decision to use "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas" in its seasonal advertising. (full story)
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Friday, December 16, 2005
More Evidence Why Bush Should be Impeached
Bush Lets Government Spy on Callers Without Warrants
By JAMES RISEN and ERIC LICHTBLAU, The New York Times
WASHINGTON (Dec. 16) - Months after the Sept. 11 attacks, President Bush secretly authorized the National Security Agency to eavesdrop on Americans and others inside the United States to search for evidence of terrorist activity without the court-approved warrants ordinarily required for domestic spying, according to government officials. (full story)
By JAMES RISEN and ERIC LICHTBLAU, The New York Times
WASHINGTON (Dec. 16) - Months after the Sept. 11 attacks, President Bush secretly authorized the National Security Agency to eavesdrop on Americans and others inside the United States to search for evidence of terrorist activity without the court-approved warrants ordinarily required for domestic spying, according to government officials. (full story)
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Madam President?
It's well past time for a woman president, and 2008 could be the year! Political pundits love to talk about a Hillary v Condi match up. In this political climate, anything is possible!
For Hillary Clinton, Six Years Make a Difference
By MARC HUMBERT, AP
ALBANY, N.Y. (Dec. 15) - What a difference six years make.
In 1999, Hillary Rodham Clinton was skewered as a carpetbagger from Illinois and Arkansas who would get her comeuppance at the hands of the mayor of New York City. Today, she appears to be coasting to a 2006 Senate re-election victory that could set her up for a White House run two years later.
"It's the difference between night and day," said Clinton adviser Howard Wolfson. "It's the difference between being a sitting first lady running in a state she had never lived in, to being a successful senator representing New York."
Independent polls show Clinton with solid approval ratings and far ahead of the potential Republican competition. She also has a ton of money in the bank - about $14 million as of the end of September and still counting. On Tuesday, she and her famous husband hosted 900 people at $500 a plate in New York City. (full story)
For Hillary Clinton, Six Years Make a Difference
By MARC HUMBERT, AP
ALBANY, N.Y. (Dec. 15) - What a difference six years make.
In 1999, Hillary Rodham Clinton was skewered as a carpetbagger from Illinois and Arkansas who would get her comeuppance at the hands of the mayor of New York City. Today, she appears to be coasting to a 2006 Senate re-election victory that could set her up for a White House run two years later.
"It's the difference between night and day," said Clinton adviser Howard Wolfson. "It's the difference between being a sitting first lady running in a state she had never lived in, to being a successful senator representing New York."
Independent polls show Clinton with solid approval ratings and far ahead of the potential Republican competition. She also has a ton of money in the bank - about $14 million as of the end of September and still counting. On Tuesday, she and her famous husband hosted 900 people at $500 a plate in New York City. (full story)
From Yikes to Yipeeeeee!
If you've ever had renovations done on your home you will appreciate that the construction at mine is finally over!! It's been nearly five months of dust and mess ... but no more! After two days of cleaning, I can finally see my hardwood floors once again! And just in time for the holidays!
Monday, December 12, 2005
Oppose Cruel Immigration Bill
Take Action Against Cruel Anti-Immigrant Bill that Threatens Millions: Vote may occur any day!
The U.S. House of Representatives votes this week on a Republican-backed bill that would make it a felony to be an undocumented worker and gut the due process rights of legal immigrants and U.S. citizens.
On Thursday, Dec. 8, 2005, the House Judiciary Committee passed along strict party lines the measure by Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.). This GOP-sponsored bill, H.R. 4437, would among other things make the crime of being here illegally an "aggravated felony," meaning the entire undocumented population, including 1.6 million children, would be permanently barred from the U.S.
Extreme provisions buried in the bill would target legal immigrants, citizens and those applying for citizenship--taking away basic rights like a day in court and a meaningful defense.
H.R. 4437 subverts America's most deeply held values, including a day in court, checks and balances, and freedom from unjust and arbitrary detention. Instead of fixing our broken immigration system, this bill will make matters worse by turning millions of decent, hard-working people into criminals, driving them further underground and pushing more workers into the black market of smugglers and criminals.
What we need is a system allowing people already here to earn the right to stay by continuing to perform work crucial to the U.S. economy, reforms such as the bipartisan, broadly supported AgJobs bill, cosponsored by both Democrats and Republicans.
The cruel and extremist Sensenbrenner bill is headed for a vote by the entire House this week.
Your House representative needs to hear from you about why this bad bill should not pass. Instead, he or she should support comprehensive immigration reform such as the AgJobs bill (H.R. 884).
TAKE ACTION
Please call and e-mail your U.S. Representative. Ask him or her to vote against this bill.
The U.S. House of Representatives votes this week on a Republican-backed bill that would make it a felony to be an undocumented worker and gut the due process rights of legal immigrants and U.S. citizens.
On Thursday, Dec. 8, 2005, the House Judiciary Committee passed along strict party lines the measure by Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.). This GOP-sponsored bill, H.R. 4437, would among other things make the crime of being here illegally an "aggravated felony," meaning the entire undocumented population, including 1.6 million children, would be permanently barred from the U.S.
Extreme provisions buried in the bill would target legal immigrants, citizens and those applying for citizenship--taking away basic rights like a day in court and a meaningful defense.
H.R. 4437 subverts America's most deeply held values, including a day in court, checks and balances, and freedom from unjust and arbitrary detention. Instead of fixing our broken immigration system, this bill will make matters worse by turning millions of decent, hard-working people into criminals, driving them further underground and pushing more workers into the black market of smugglers and criminals.
What we need is a system allowing people already here to earn the right to stay by continuing to perform work crucial to the U.S. economy, reforms such as the bipartisan, broadly supported AgJobs bill, cosponsored by both Democrats and Republicans.
The cruel and extremist Sensenbrenner bill is headed for a vote by the entire House this week.
Your House representative needs to hear from you about why this bad bill should not pass. Instead, he or she should support comprehensive immigration reform such as the AgJobs bill (H.R. 884).
TAKE ACTION
Please call and e-mail your U.S. Representative. Ask him or her to vote against this bill.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Ann Coulter nude
Not something of interest to me, but it seems to be of interest to at least some "family values" conservatives. Read the full story on Blogenlust.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
In Memoriam
Former Senator Dies at 89 in His Sleep
Presidential Candidate Opposed Vietnam, Challenged LBJ
By FREDERIC J. FROMMER, AP
WASHINGTON (Dec. 10) - Former Minnesota Sen. Eugene J. McCarthy, whose insurgent campaign toppled a sitting president in 1968 and forced the Democratic Party to take seriously his message against the Vietnam War, died Saturday. He was 89. (full story)
Actor-Comedian Dies at 65 of Heart Attack
'He Did Not Suffer, He Went Quickly,' Pryor's Wife Says
By JEREMIAH MARQUEZ, AP
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 10) - Richard Pryor, the groundbreaking comedian whose profanely personal insights into race relations and modern life made him one of Hollywood's biggest stars, died of a heart attack. He was 65. (full story)
Can Mommy Know Best?
by Maureen Dowd
The New York Times
December 10, 2005
Can the network nightly news anchor evolve from the Daddy chair to the Mommy chair?
Will Americans ever trust a petite, pretty woman in jewel tones to deliver the news as much as they trusted tall men with dark suits and deep voices, like Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite and Tom Brokaw? Can high heels match the venerable trench coat?
The network news anchor career path is laden with the same sort of gender tripwires as the one for the presidency. Who do we want to lead us through a crisis?
"Does Mommy know best?" a longtime TV industry analyst mused. "If there's a gigantically frightening news event, people want to turn on the TV and see someone guiding them through it. Will they be comfortable with Elizabeth Vargas or even Katie Couric?"
Last summer, when ABC needed a replacement for Peter Jennings, I asked a top network executive whether the 43-year-old Ms. Vargas had a shot to be the first woman to get a solo network anchor gig. Shouldn't that barrier have been broken long ago? I mean, women can read off a teleprompter as well as men. (full story)
The New York Times
December 10, 2005
Can the network nightly news anchor evolve from the Daddy chair to the Mommy chair?
Will Americans ever trust a petite, pretty woman in jewel tones to deliver the news as much as they trusted tall men with dark suits and deep voices, like Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite and Tom Brokaw? Can high heels match the venerable trench coat?
The network news anchor career path is laden with the same sort of gender tripwires as the one for the presidency. Who do we want to lead us through a crisis?
"Does Mommy know best?" a longtime TV industry analyst mused. "If there's a gigantically frightening news event, people want to turn on the TV and see someone guiding them through it. Will they be comfortable with Elizabeth Vargas or even Katie Couric?"
Last summer, when ABC needed a replacement for Peter Jennings, I asked a top network executive whether the 43-year-old Ms. Vargas had a shot to be the first woman to get a solo network anchor gig. Shouldn't that barrier have been broken long ago? I mean, women can read off a teleprompter as well as men. (full story)
Friday, December 9, 2005
What's Next ... Reactivating WWII Vets?
Medford single mother called back to active duty in Iraq
BY MARTIN C. EVANS
STAFF WRITER
December 8, 2005
While most of her friends and neighbors are amusing themselves with Christmas decorations and holiday gifts, Patricia Arndt is fretting over far more serious matters.
The single mother from Medford has been unexpectedly pulled from the inactive Army reserve and ordered to report for active duty by Feb. 5.
As Christmas nears, Arndt, 43, is trying to sell the Medford home she says she will not be able to keep on an Army salary of approximately $60,000 a year, and is searching for someone to care for her 13-year-old son, Shane. She expects to train for an 18-month tour of duty that could take her to Iraq or Afghanistan.
She said she never saw her return to active duty as a possibility. "Never in a million years," she said.
"This is a very hard thing for me," she said. "I absolutely love my country. I feel I owe it to the Army and my fellow soldiers, because I wouldn't be here without them.
"If I were a reservist assigned to a unit, I'd have been trained and informed of the possibility that I would be called. I'm not prepared for this."
U.S. Army officials said Arndt is not being treated unfairly. (full story)
BY MARTIN C. EVANS
STAFF WRITER
December 8, 2005
While most of her friends and neighbors are amusing themselves with Christmas decorations and holiday gifts, Patricia Arndt is fretting over far more serious matters.
The single mother from Medford has been unexpectedly pulled from the inactive Army reserve and ordered to report for active duty by Feb. 5.
As Christmas nears, Arndt, 43, is trying to sell the Medford home she says she will not be able to keep on an Army salary of approximately $60,000 a year, and is searching for someone to care for her 13-year-old son, Shane. She expects to train for an 18-month tour of duty that could take her to Iraq or Afghanistan.
She said she never saw her return to active duty as a possibility. "Never in a million years," she said.
"This is a very hard thing for me," she said. "I absolutely love my country. I feel I owe it to the Army and my fellow soldiers, because I wouldn't be here without them.
"If I were a reservist assigned to a unit, I'd have been trained and informed of the possibility that I would be called. I'm not prepared for this."
U.S. Army officials said Arndt is not being treated unfairly. (full story)
Thursday, December 8, 2005
Rummy exit could give Dems a chance to replace Liberman with a Democrat!
Rummy exit expected; Lieberman eyed for job
BY THOMAS M. DEFRANK and KENNETH R. BAZINET
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU
WASHINGTON - White House officials are telling associates they expect Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to quit early next year, once a new government is formed in Iraq, sources said yesterday.
Rumsfeld's deputy, Gordon England, is the inside contender to replace him, but there's also speculation that Sen. Joe Lieberman - a Democrat who ran against Bush-Cheney in the 2000 election - might become top guy at the Pentagon.
That's not as farfetched as it might first appear.
The Daily News has learned that the White House considered Lieberman for the UN ambassador's job last year before giving the post to John Bolton, a Bush adviser said.
"He thought about it for a week or so and finally said no," the adviser recalled. (full story)
BY THOMAS M. DEFRANK and KENNETH R. BAZINET
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU
WASHINGTON - White House officials are telling associates they expect Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to quit early next year, once a new government is formed in Iraq, sources said yesterday.
Rumsfeld's deputy, Gordon England, is the inside contender to replace him, but there's also speculation that Sen. Joe Lieberman - a Democrat who ran against Bush-Cheney in the 2000 election - might become top guy at the Pentagon.
That's not as farfetched as it might first appear.
The Daily News has learned that the White House considered Lieberman for the UN ambassador's job last year before giving the post to John Bolton, a Bush adviser said.
"He thought about it for a week or so and finally said no," the adviser recalled. (full story)
Wednesday, December 7, 2005
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Support a Daily Kos Intelligent (Design) Fundraiser
(UPDATED!) Thugs beat up evolution supporter - We're fighting back.
by HollywoodOz
Mon Dec 05, 2005 at 09:12:05 PM PDT
As you've probably seen on the top of the recommended diary list, today a pair of 'Christians' stalked and attacked Professor Paul Mirecki, the Chair of Kansas University's Department of Religious Studies. He currently sits in hospital recovering from his savage beating. [UPDATE: He's since been released from hospital and is doing fine]
Why did they attack him? Because he's running a class about how intelligent design is scientific quackery.
I'm sure the media will downplay the attack as just being a pair of lone lunatics, but let's not fall for that - this is a terrorist act as defined by the Patriot Act, not to mention a hate crime. Quite frankly, I'm not going to stand for it. So I'm fighting back, and you can too. Here's how:
HollywoodOz's diary :: ::
Americans United for the Separation of Church and State have been part of the pushback against Intelligent Design, and though I'm sure other groups are just as deserving, I'm choosing them to be the recipients of a donation drive in Paul Mirecki's name.
The goal? Let's raise $5,000 tonight in donations coming from the Daily Kos. (full story)
by HollywoodOz
Mon Dec 05, 2005 at 09:12:05 PM PDT
As you've probably seen on the top of the recommended diary list, today a pair of 'Christians' stalked and attacked Professor Paul Mirecki, the Chair of Kansas University's Department of Religious Studies. He currently sits in hospital recovering from his savage beating. [UPDATE: He's since been released from hospital and is doing fine]
Why did they attack him? Because he's running a class about how intelligent design is scientific quackery.
I'm sure the media will downplay the attack as just being a pair of lone lunatics, but let's not fall for that - this is a terrorist act as defined by the Patriot Act, not to mention a hate crime. Quite frankly, I'm not going to stand for it. So I'm fighting back, and you can too. Here's how:
HollywoodOz's diary :: ::
Americans United for the Separation of Church and State have been part of the pushback against Intelligent Design, and though I'm sure other groups are just as deserving, I'm choosing them to be the recipients of a donation drive in Paul Mirecki's name.
The goal? Let's raise $5,000 tonight in donations coming from the Daily Kos. (full story)
Monday, December 5, 2005
Judge Upholds Money Laundering Charges against DeLay
Reuters
December 5, 2005
Houston - A Texas judge dismissed part of a criminal indictment against US Rep. Tom DeLay on Monday, but upheld other charges that will put the powerful Republican lawmaker on trial for money laundering.
Texas District Judge Pat Priest dismissed conspiracy charges against DeLay and two co-defendants, saying the actions were not a crime at the time DeLay was charged with violating them.
But Priest upheld the money laundering charges against DeLay, who was forced to step down as House Majority Leader in September when he was first indicted for his role in the Texas campaign financing controversy. (full story)
December 5, 2005
Houston - A Texas judge dismissed part of a criminal indictment against US Rep. Tom DeLay on Monday, but upheld other charges that will put the powerful Republican lawmaker on trial for money laundering.
Texas District Judge Pat Priest dismissed conspiracy charges against DeLay and two co-defendants, saying the actions were not a crime at the time DeLay was charged with violating them.
But Priest upheld the money laundering charges against DeLay, who was forced to step down as House Majority Leader in September when he was first indicted for his role in the Texas campaign financing controversy. (full story)
Sunday, December 4, 2005
Is George Bush the Worst President -- Ever?
By Richard Reeves
Dec 2, 2005
... [President James] Buchanan set the standard, a tough record to beat. But there are serious people who believe that George W. Bush will prove to do that, be worse than Buchanan. I have talked with three significant historians in the past few months who would not say it in public, but who are saying privately that Bush will be remembered as the worst of the presidents. (full story)
Dec 2, 2005
... [President James] Buchanan set the standard, a tough record to beat. But there are serious people who believe that George W. Bush will prove to do that, be worse than Buchanan. I have talked with three significant historians in the past few months who would not say it in public, but who are saying privately that Bush will be remembered as the worst of the presidents. (full story)
Saturday, December 3, 2005
Is Bush Looking for Trouble?
From BuzzFlash.com: "Bush Message to Terrorists: "It's Okay to Bring Cutting Tools and Sharp Objects Aboard Planes Again. Karl Told Me Another Terrorist Hijacking is About the Only Thing That Can Bring Me Out of the Gutter in the Polls." Okay, if this sounds outrageous to you, do you feel safer flying now? And why under any logic would the Busheviks allow the same potential weapons back on planes that were used to hijack the planes on 9/11? The airline union opposes the new terrorist enabling rule, as do relatives of the 9-11 victims, and anyone flying concerned about their life should oppose them. This is a death warrant!"
Air travelers can carry objects like small scissors but expect more thorough pat-downs as security officers go after bombs.
WASHINGTON - Airline passengers soon will be allowed to carry small scissors and some sharp tools onto planes, but there will be a trade-off: the prospect of more thorough pat-downs and other extra security checks before they get to the gate.
The changes announced Friday by Transportation Security Administration chief Kip Hawley go into effect Dec. 22 and are aimed at catching terrorists carrying explosives, which the agency considers a greater threat than dangerous objects smuggled into an airplane cabin.
Flight attendants and relatives of some Sept. 11 attack victims strongly oppose the change, saying it will make airliners more vulnerable to terrorist attack. (full story)
__________________________________
Sharp objects okay to fly with
Air travelers can carry objects like small scissors but expect more thorough pat-downs as security officers go after bombs.
By Associated Press
December 3, 2005
WASHINGTON - Airline passengers soon will be allowed to carry small scissors and some sharp tools onto planes, but there will be a trade-off: the prospect of more thorough pat-downs and other extra security checks before they get to the gate.
The changes announced Friday by Transportation Security Administration chief Kip Hawley go into effect Dec. 22 and are aimed at catching terrorists carrying explosives, which the agency considers a greater threat than dangerous objects smuggled into an airplane cabin.
Flight attendants and relatives of some Sept. 11 attack victims strongly oppose the change, saying it will make airliners more vulnerable to terrorist attack. (full story)
Friday, December 2, 2005
Thursday, December 1, 2005
Holy War Batman ... Bush might be in trouble with Falwell
Have President Bush, First Lady And Republican National Committee Joined 'War On Christmas'?
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Americans United for Separation of Church and State Asks Jerry Falwell Why He Hasn't Objected To White House's Holiday Greetings
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Americans United for Separation of Church and State Asks Jerry Falwell Why He Hasn't Objected To White House's Holiday Greetings
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Monday, November 28, 2005
Rove on the Road to Indictment
o
Fitzgerald Targets Rove Again
By Jason Leopold
t r u t h o u t Investigative Report
Monday 28 November 2005
Continuing his two-year-old investigation into the leak of Valerie Plame Wilson's identity as a covert CIA agent, Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald will present evidence to a second grand jury this week that could lead to a criminal indictment being handed up against Karl Rove, President Bush's deputy chief of staff, sources inside the investigation said over the weekend.
For the past month, Rove has remained under intense scrutiny by Fitzgerald's office. During that time Fitzgerald, according to these sources, has acquired evidence that Rove tried to cover up his role in the leak by withholding crucial facts from investigators and the grand jury on three separate occasions, beginning in October 2003, about a conversation he had with Time magazine reporter Matthew Cooper, as well as not being truthful about the reasons that call was not logged by his office. (full story)
Fitzgerald Targets Rove Again
By Jason Leopold
t r u t h o u t Investigative Report
Monday 28 November 2005
Continuing his two-year-old investigation into the leak of Valerie Plame Wilson's identity as a covert CIA agent, Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald will present evidence to a second grand jury this week that could lead to a criminal indictment being handed up against Karl Rove, President Bush's deputy chief of staff, sources inside the investigation said over the weekend.
For the past month, Rove has remained under intense scrutiny by Fitzgerald's office. During that time Fitzgerald, according to these sources, has acquired evidence that Rove tried to cover up his role in the leak by withholding crucial facts from investigators and the grand jury on three separate occasions, beginning in October 2003, about a conversation he had with Time magazine reporter Matthew Cooper, as well as not being truthful about the reasons that call was not logged by his office. (full story)
Take Action on the Violence Against Women Act
Stop Violence Against Women
Keep up the pressure on Congress to Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act
Congress went home last week and failed to finalize the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. It will not be easy to convene a conference committee and come to an agreement about what the final VAWA2005 should look like. But it is not impossible. Both the House and the Senate will return for a short time in December and the leadership must hear from us that we expect them to get VAWA's differences worked out and passed!
Thanks to all who have signed the VAWA petition already. There are currently almost 12,000 signatures with names from every state. Good job!
If you haven’t taken the opportunity to add your name, please sign the VAWA petition urging Congressional leaders to pass VAWA NOW! Forward this appeal to your colleagues and coalition partners as well, because we will be delivering the final batch of petitions to Congress the week of December 5 and need as many signatures as possible.
Also, call the offices of the House and Senate leadership with this simple message: Add passing VAWA to your December agenda and get it passed before services are reduced and programs are eliminated. Women, children and families are relying on you.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn), 202-224-3135
House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill), 202-225-0600
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev), 202-224-5556
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Cal), 202-225-0100
Send an email to your Senators and Representative asking them to help expedite this process.
Background:
Although VAWA's authorization ran out September 30 along with the funding for all government activities and programs, Congress voted to continue funding at last year's levels through December 17th. But without passage of VAWA 2005, no funding stability or cost of living increases are guaranteed and any new programs in the bill will be unable to get off the ground.
On Tuesday afternoon, October 4, the Senate passed its version of VAWA 2005, S. 1197, by a unanimous consent agreement, meaning that all of the Senators had no objections (or had withdrawn their objections) to the bill. A less comprehensive version of VAWA 2005 passed the House of Representatives on September 28 as H.R. 3402, the Department of Justice's yearly authorizing and funding bill.
While the House version included reauthorization of crucial VAWA programs, it does not achieve all that is needed. At the last minute just before the vote, the Republican leadership dropped important provisions dealing with immigrants and women of color.
The Senate bill still includes many of these House-dropped provisions, but faced its own trimming as a key program was dropped that would have extended coverage for unemployment insurance to domestic violence survivors who lose their jobs as they hide or flee from violence.
Whenever there are differences between similar bills that are passed in the House and Senate a "conference committee" with representatives from both houses, must meet to work out the differences between the two bills and come up with one final bill before the President can sign it. Because the House bill is part of a larger Department of Justice bill, H.R. 3402, and the Senate bill, S. 1191, is free-standing, this makes holding a conference committee even harder.
Keep up the pressure on Congress to Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act
Congress went home last week and failed to finalize the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. It will not be easy to convene a conference committee and come to an agreement about what the final VAWA2005 should look like. But it is not impossible. Both the House and the Senate will return for a short time in December and the leadership must hear from us that we expect them to get VAWA's differences worked out and passed!
Thanks to all who have signed the VAWA petition already. There are currently almost 12,000 signatures with names from every state. Good job!
If you haven’t taken the opportunity to add your name, please sign the VAWA petition urging Congressional leaders to pass VAWA NOW! Forward this appeal to your colleagues and coalition partners as well, because we will be delivering the final batch of petitions to Congress the week of December 5 and need as many signatures as possible.
Also, call the offices of the House and Senate leadership with this simple message: Add passing VAWA to your December agenda and get it passed before services are reduced and programs are eliminated. Women, children and families are relying on you.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn), 202-224-3135
House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill), 202-225-0600
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev), 202-224-5556
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Cal), 202-225-0100
Send an email to your Senators and Representative asking them to help expedite this process.
Background:
Although VAWA's authorization ran out September 30 along with the funding for all government activities and programs, Congress voted to continue funding at last year's levels through December 17th. But without passage of VAWA 2005, no funding stability or cost of living increases are guaranteed and any new programs in the bill will be unable to get off the ground.
On Tuesday afternoon, October 4, the Senate passed its version of VAWA 2005, S. 1197, by a unanimous consent agreement, meaning that all of the Senators had no objections (or had withdrawn their objections) to the bill. A less comprehensive version of VAWA 2005 passed the House of Representatives on September 28 as H.R. 3402, the Department of Justice's yearly authorizing and funding bill.
While the House version included reauthorization of crucial VAWA programs, it does not achieve all that is needed. At the last minute just before the vote, the Republican leadership dropped important provisions dealing with immigrants and women of color.
The Senate bill still includes many of these House-dropped provisions, but faced its own trimming as a key program was dropped that would have extended coverage for unemployment insurance to domestic violence survivors who lose their jobs as they hide or flee from violence.
Whenever there are differences between similar bills that are passed in the House and Senate a "conference committee" with representatives from both houses, must meet to work out the differences between the two bills and come up with one final bill before the President can sign it. Because the House bill is part of a larger Department of Justice bill, H.R. 3402, and the Senate bill, S. 1191, is free-standing, this makes holding a conference committee even harder.
Support Progressive Media
One of my favorite sites is BuzzFlash.com. As you shop this holiday season consider a gift that supports progressive media -- a gift certificate from BuzzFlash.com. Your purchase of a book or DVD from BuzzFlash helps them provide the REAL news.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Saturday, November 26, 2005
The Myth of Intelligent Design
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
At the University of Kansas creationism and intelligent design will be taught in a university class next summer. This would be alarming, but for the fact the class will teach the two as mythology, not science.
Paul Mirecki, chairman of KU’s religious studies department says he plans to teach the course “Special Topics in Religion: Intelligent Design, Creationism and other Religious Mythologies” next semester.”
He’s doing so because he says the KU faculty has “had enough.”
Remember Kansas is the home of six state board of education commissioners who think intelligent design is science and who have mandated that it be taught in the state’s schools as an alternative to Darwin and the Theory of Evolution.
It is likely that students will line up to take the class which will be capped at 120 students, to explore intelligent design as a modern American mythology. (full story)
At the University of Kansas creationism and intelligent design will be taught in a university class next summer. This would be alarming, but for the fact the class will teach the two as mythology, not science.
Paul Mirecki, chairman of KU’s religious studies department says he plans to teach the course “Special Topics in Religion: Intelligent Design, Creationism and other Religious Mythologies” next semester.”
He’s doing so because he says the KU faculty has “had enough.”
Remember Kansas is the home of six state board of education commissioners who think intelligent design is science and who have mandated that it be taught in the state’s schools as an alternative to Darwin and the Theory of Evolution.
It is likely that students will line up to take the class which will be capped at 120 students, to explore intelligent design as a modern American mythology. (full story)
Friday, November 25, 2005
The Republican Grinch that Stole Christmas. . .and possibly your very survival
There are many seasons of our lives, and some are easier to spot than others by simply observing the actions of Religious Right Conservative Republicans in Congress.
For example, the mid-term elections are coming soon, which is evident by renewed interest in the Federal Marriage Amendment. It's a favorite "wedge" issue Republicans like to pull out of their hat to whip their Religious Right base into a frenzy. One would think these Religious Right voters would someday catch on to the fact that they are merely being 'used' by a Republican party with no interest in eliminating the very tool they need for fundraising and GOTV! They have no real interest in passing a Federal Marriage Amendment -- their only interest is 'self-interest' in using whatever means necessary to hold on to their jobs.
And, if there were any question that we are heading into the holiday season one simply needs to observe another action taking place in Congress. The Republican budget aimed at decimating what little relief is left for the poor.
Max Castro, in Progreso Weekly, spells it all out:
Republican Budget Bill Savages the Poor
By Max J. Castro Progreso Weekly
24-30 November 2005 Edition
They are at it again. Anyone who hoped that the images of the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, which made the extent of squalor in America visible and dramatized the life-and-death consequences of inequality, would stir the conscience of our ruling party was wrong. Dead wrong.
Last week, after suffering the embarrassing defeat of its main budget proposal, the Republican leadership in the US House of Representatives managed to push through $50 billion in cuts to "domestic discretionary spending." That is code for programs such as food stamps, health care for poor children, the indigent elderly and the disabled, student loans, and foster care. These are the last remnants of the frayed, flimsy safety net that this society - the least generous of any rich nation toward its disadvantaged - provides the most vulnerable among us.
[edit for space]
What do Republicans have against poor people that they so persistently and savagely seek to punish them even in the face of the kind of evident suffering revealed by the catastrophic events of New Orleans?
The question is more vexing when one considers that the vast majority of Republican members of Congress proclaim themselves staunch Christians, yet their policy choices consistently contradict fundamental tenets of the faith. (full story)
For example, the mid-term elections are coming soon, which is evident by renewed interest in the Federal Marriage Amendment. It's a favorite "wedge" issue Republicans like to pull out of their hat to whip their Religious Right base into a frenzy. One would think these Religious Right voters would someday catch on to the fact that they are merely being 'used' by a Republican party with no interest in eliminating the very tool they need for fundraising and GOTV! They have no real interest in passing a Federal Marriage Amendment -- their only interest is 'self-interest' in using whatever means necessary to hold on to their jobs.
And, if there were any question that we are heading into the holiday season one simply needs to observe another action taking place in Congress. The Republican budget aimed at decimating what little relief is left for the poor.
Max Castro, in Progreso Weekly, spells it all out:
Republican Budget Bill Savages the Poor
By Max J. Castro Progreso Weekly
24-30 November 2005 Edition
They are at it again. Anyone who hoped that the images of the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, which made the extent of squalor in America visible and dramatized the life-and-death consequences of inequality, would stir the conscience of our ruling party was wrong. Dead wrong.
Last week, after suffering the embarrassing defeat of its main budget proposal, the Republican leadership in the US House of Representatives managed to push through $50 billion in cuts to "domestic discretionary spending." That is code for programs such as food stamps, health care for poor children, the indigent elderly and the disabled, student loans, and foster care. These are the last remnants of the frayed, flimsy safety net that this society - the least generous of any rich nation toward its disadvantaged - provides the most vulnerable among us.
[edit for space]
What do Republicans have against poor people that they so persistently and savagely seek to punish them even in the face of the kind of evident suffering revealed by the catastrophic events of New Orleans?
The question is more vexing when one considers that the vast majority of Republican members of Congress proclaim themselves staunch Christians, yet their policy choices consistently contradict fundamental tenets of the faith. (full story)
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
X-on Cheney . . . no mistake!
Some machines are smarter than some people. Take for example the CNN video machine that placed an "X" over the face of Vice President Dick Cheney during a recently televised speech.
______________________________
CNN Apologizes for X on Cheney's Face
By Associated Press
Wed Nov 23, 2005
NEW YORK - CNN has apologized for a "technical malfunction" that briefly flashed a black "X" mark over the face of Vice President Dick Cheney during the network's coverage of a speech on Monday.
The "X" flashed twice, on the air for a total of one-seventh of a second, CNN said Wednesday.
The incident caused a brief sensation on the Web among people suspicious that it was a political commentary. But CNN said some of its machinery had a "momentary glitch" and no human operator was involved.
The "X" is something used by a computer to mark a space where one visual element is to segue into another, and is normally not seen by a viewer. The network likened its appearance to a computer that inexplicably freezes.
"We obviously regret that it happened and are working on the equipment to ensure it is not repeated," the network said in a statement.
______________________________
CNN Apologizes for X on Cheney's Face
By Associated Press
Wed Nov 23, 2005
NEW YORK - CNN has apologized for a "technical malfunction" that briefly flashed a black "X" mark over the face of Vice President Dick Cheney during the network's coverage of a speech on Monday.
The "X" flashed twice, on the air for a total of one-seventh of a second, CNN said Wednesday.
The incident caused a brief sensation on the Web among people suspicious that it was a political commentary. But CNN said some of its machinery had a "momentary glitch" and no human operator was involved.
The "X" is something used by a computer to mark a space where one visual element is to segue into another, and is normally not seen by a viewer. The network likened its appearance to a computer that inexplicably freezes.
"We obviously regret that it happened and are working on the equipment to ensure it is not repeated," the network said in a statement.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Stand Up for Reproductive Rights!
If you live in the Washington, DC area please take note! On Wednesday, November 30, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood, the outcome of which could affect virtually every abortion-related case and statute in the country. This case could eliminate the requirement that abortion restrictions must include protections for women's health.
NARAL Pro-Choice America is organizing a demonstration at the Supreme Court in support of reproductive freedom. It's important that individuals who support a woman's right to safe and legal abortion, and all reproductive services, be present outside the court on that day.
TAKE ACTION!
When: Wednesday, November 30, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Supreme Court Building (Metro: Capitol South, Blue & Orange. Union Station, Red.) What: Reproductive Rights Demonstration
Please RSVP to Jon Nowinski at jnowinski@prochoiceamerica.org or 202-530-4174.
Click here to learn about the case.
NARAL Pro-Choice America is organizing a demonstration at the Supreme Court in support of reproductive freedom. It's important that individuals who support a woman's right to safe and legal abortion, and all reproductive services, be present outside the court on that day.
TAKE ACTION!
When: Wednesday, November 30, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Supreme Court Building (Metro: Capitol South, Blue & Orange. Union Station, Red.) What: Reproductive Rights Demonstration
Please RSVP to Jon Nowinski at jnowinski@prochoiceamerica.org or 202-530-4174.
Click here to learn about the case.
Monday, November 21, 2005
You know it's bad when . . .
My father spent 30 years working for General Motors in Anderson, Indiana. I remember him telling me that if GM ever went out of business that would mean the country was in trouble. Well, I'm so glad he's not alive to see what is happening today.
GM is weaker than it has ever been, and the country is definitely in trouble. And many of the problems we face are top down. We need new leadership in the White House, in Congress, in state legislatures, in corporate America, in far too many houses of worship, and the list goes on.
Being the optimist I am, I think there is still hope . . . but the American people are going to need to wake up soon!
GM is weaker than it has ever been, and the country is definitely in trouble. And many of the problems we face are top down. We need new leadership in the White House, in Congress, in state legislatures, in corporate America, in far too many houses of worship, and the list goes on.
Being the optimist I am, I think there is still hope . . . but the American people are going to need to wake up soon!
Sunday, November 20, 2005
She's known at home as "mean Jean" . . .
"He also asked me to send Congressman Murtha a message - that cowards cut and run, Marines never do,"
-- Rep. Jean Schmidt, during Friday night's House debate, speaking of a phone call she received from a Marine colonel.
"You guys are pathetic! Pathetic!"
-- Rep. Marty Meehan, D-Mass., who was among the House Democrats who responded angrily to Schmidt's words
"I did not intend to suggest they applied to any member," especially Mr. Murtha.
-- Schmidt, retracting her comments when debate resumed
"The poor lady didn't know Jack Murtha was a Marine - she really just ran into a hornet's nest."
-- Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., after the debate.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Let-them-eat-cake Republicans vote themselves a pay raise . . . then leave for two week vacation!
In case you missed it, Congress voted itself a $3,100 pay raise on Friday -- right before deciding to postpone work on bills to curb spending on social programs and cut taxes in favor of a two-week vacation. The cost-of-living increase for members of Congress will put pay for the rank and file at an estimated $165,200 a year. (full story)
This is the same Congress that in October rejected a minimum wage hike from $5.15 an hour to $6.25 for blue-collar workers. The minimum wage was last increased in 1997.
All the Democrats voted for the wage boost. All the negative votes were cast by Republicans. (Four Republicans voted for the increase.)
Why won't Republicans share the wealth? Members of Congress get health insurance, life insurance, pensions, office expenses, ranging from $2 million on up, depending on the population of a state. Taxpayers also pay for their travel, telecommunications, stationery and mass mailings.
An estimated 7.3 million workers (5.8% of the workforce) would receive an increase in their hourly wage rate if the minimum wage were raised. Due to "spillover effects," the 8.2 million workers (6.5% of the workforce) earning up to a dollar above the minimum would also be likely to benefit from an increase.
The earnings of minimum wage workers are crucial to their families' well-being. Evidence from the 1996-97 minimum wage increase shows that the average minimum wage worker brings home more than half (54%) of his or her family's weekly earnings.
Single mothers would benefit disproportionately from an increase — single mothers are 10.4% of workers that would be affected by an increase, but they make up only 5.3% of the overall workforce. (Minimum Wage - Facts at a Glance)
Maybe one of the reasons Republicans felt so comfortable rejecting the minimum wage increase is because the smallest block of voters are -- you guessed it -- single women.
This is the same Congress that in October rejected a minimum wage hike from $5.15 an hour to $6.25 for blue-collar workers. The minimum wage was last increased in 1997.
All the Democrats voted for the wage boost. All the negative votes were cast by Republicans. (Four Republicans voted for the increase.)
Why won't Republicans share the wealth? Members of Congress get health insurance, life insurance, pensions, office expenses, ranging from $2 million on up, depending on the population of a state. Taxpayers also pay for their travel, telecommunications, stationery and mass mailings.
An estimated 7.3 million workers (5.8% of the workforce) would receive an increase in their hourly wage rate if the minimum wage were raised. Due to "spillover effects," the 8.2 million workers (6.5% of the workforce) earning up to a dollar above the minimum would also be likely to benefit from an increase.
The earnings of minimum wage workers are crucial to their families' well-being. Evidence from the 1996-97 minimum wage increase shows that the average minimum wage worker brings home more than half (54%) of his or her family's weekly earnings.
Single mothers would benefit disproportionately from an increase — single mothers are 10.4% of workers that would be affected by an increase, but they make up only 5.3% of the overall workforce. (Minimum Wage - Facts at a Glance)
Maybe one of the reasons Republicans felt so comfortable rejecting the minimum wage increase is because the smallest block of voters are -- you guessed it -- single women.
Bush wants religious freedom in China ... what about in the US, Mr. President?
In China, Bush Urges Religious Freedom
By TERENCE HUNT, AP White House Correspondent
BEIJING - President Bush was greeted in China with good news about trade and is making a point about religious freedom in this communist nation by attending church services before meeting top leaders.
Bush hoped to send a visible message about human rights across this land of 1.3 billion people by worshipping on Sunday at the Gangwashi Church, one of five officially recognized Protestant churches in Beijing. The State Department cited China this month as one of eight countries of "particular concern" for denying religious freedom.
The White House urged China's state-controlled media not to censor news of Bush's visit. (full story)
---------------------------------------
Can you believe the hypocrisy of this guy?
Just a few weeks ago Bush used religion as justification for conservatives to support his Supreme Court nominee. [Our Constitution says there should be no religious test for public office]
As Bush started his first term of office one of the first things he did was establish a White House office of Faith-based initiatives. [Our Constitution says there should be no establishment of religion]
And not that long ago Bush supported the teaching of Intelligent Design -- a new name for creationism -- in public school science classes. [See above.]
The only thing left to say is . . . yikes!
By TERENCE HUNT, AP White House Correspondent
BEIJING - President Bush was greeted in China with good news about trade and is making a point about religious freedom in this communist nation by attending church services before meeting top leaders.
Bush hoped to send a visible message about human rights across this land of 1.3 billion people by worshipping on Sunday at the Gangwashi Church, one of five officially recognized Protestant churches in Beijing. The State Department cited China this month as one of eight countries of "particular concern" for denying religious freedom.
The White House urged China's state-controlled media not to censor news of Bush's visit. (full story)
---------------------------------------
Can you believe the hypocrisy of this guy?
Just a few weeks ago Bush used religion as justification for conservatives to support his Supreme Court nominee. [Our Constitution says there should be no religious test for public office]
As Bush started his first term of office one of the first things he did was establish a White House office of Faith-based initiatives. [Our Constitution says there should be no establishment of religion]
And not that long ago Bush supported the teaching of Intelligent Design -- a new name for creationism -- in public school science classes. [See above.]
The only thing left to say is . . . yikes!
Friday, November 18, 2005
Wake up America!
Listening to the callers on C-SPAN, I have to wonder if the public will EVER wake up to what this administration is doing to our country?
The most patriotic thing a citizen can do is challenge their leaders when they think those leaders are taking this country in the wrong direction. Challenging the president on his reasons for taking this country to war is in NO WAY a slap in the face to the troops. Only someone willing to believe the twisted Rove/Bush/Cheney rhetoric would think otherwise.
If the president is truly interested in stopping "terrorists" then he needs to change course immediately! His actions over the past four years have created more terrorists than existed before the invasion of Iraq.
We have a chance in 2006 to begin to change the direction this country is heading. It is imperative that progressives register and exercise your right to vote!
The most patriotic thing a citizen can do is challenge their leaders when they think those leaders are taking this country in the wrong direction. Challenging the president on his reasons for taking this country to war is in NO WAY a slap in the face to the troops. Only someone willing to believe the twisted Rove/Bush/Cheney rhetoric would think otherwise.
If the president is truly interested in stopping "terrorists" then he needs to change course immediately! His actions over the past four years have created more terrorists than existed before the invasion of Iraq.
We have a chance in 2006 to begin to change the direction this country is heading. It is imperative that progressives register and exercise your right to vote!
Bring them home!
The Republicans would rather play politics with our troops lives then enter into an honest debate about whether or not to bring them home.
Democrats started the long overdue debate, while Republicans continued the same old tired rhetoric. When will Republicans ever have the courage to challenge this president on his lies?
Democrats started the long overdue debate, while Republicans continued the same old tired rhetoric. When will Republicans ever have the courage to challenge this president on his lies?
Thursday, November 17, 2005
The Exception to the Musical . . . Returns to DC!
Taking DC by storm once again!
DECEMBER 20, 2005 - JANUARY 29, 2006
800-494-TIXS
While Bush and Cheney Lie . . . More Americans Die
From Truthout.com:
Cheney Goes with the Same Old 'Same Intelligence' Fiction:
"These are elected officials who had access to the intelligence, and were free to draw their own conclusions." [11/16/05]
But, members of Congress did NOT have access to the same intelligence. "Bush and his aides had access to much more voluminous intelligence information than did lawmakers, who were dependent on the administration to provide the material." [Washington Post, 11/13/05]
Cheney Goes with the Same Old 'Criticism Hurts the Troops' Fiction:
"The saddest part is that our people in uniform have been subjected to these cynical and pernicious falsehoods day in and day out." [11/16/05]
But, Senator Hagel says the delay in the Senate's investigation into the misuse of pre - war intelligence has been frustrating and that it's the Senate's responsibility to get answers. Hagel: I think the Democrats had a valid point," he said. "This has been frustrating. . . . There are very legitimate and critical questions that need to be answered. That is the responsibility of governance. That's part of leadership. And we don't have answers for all those things." [Omaha World - Herald, 11/11/05]
Cheney Goes with the Same Old 'They're Trying to Rewrite History' Fiction:
"The President and I cannot prevent certain politicians from losing their memory, or their backbone - but we're not going to sit by and let them rewrite history." [11/16/05]
But, it's members of the Bush Administration who are trying to rewrite history. Here's Cheney in 2003. "And we believe he has, in fact, reconstituted nuclear weapons." (Vice President Cheney, Meet the Press, 3/16/03)
_____________________________
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid Calls Out the Vice President
Washington, DC - Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid gave the following speech on the Senate Floor tonight.
Remarks as prepared for delivery:
Tonight the Vice President has come out of his bunker and is speaking at a gathering of Washington DC insiders, which is closed to the press.
Unfortunately, he brought his bunker mentality with him. He is repeating the same tired attacks we've heard from administration officials over the last two weeks.
In the last 24 hours, 10 of our brave soldiers have been killed in far off Iraq. On such a night, you would think Cheney would give a speech that honors the fallen and those still fighting by laying out a strategy for success.
Instead we have the Vice President of the United States playing politics like he's in the middle of a presidential campaign.
Yesterday, a bipartisan majority of the United States Senate gave the administration a vote of no confidence for its Iraq policy. We said the era of their "No Plan, No End" approach is over.
Apparently, the White House didn't get the message. The Vice President's speech tonight demonstrates once again that this Administration intends to "stay the course" and continue putting their political fortunes ahead of what this country needs - a plan for success.
Our troops and the American people deserve better. (full text)
Cheney Goes with the Same Old 'Same Intelligence' Fiction:
"These are elected officials who had access to the intelligence, and were free to draw their own conclusions." [11/16/05]
But, members of Congress did NOT have access to the same intelligence. "Bush and his aides had access to much more voluminous intelligence information than did lawmakers, who were dependent on the administration to provide the material." [Washington Post, 11/13/05]
Cheney Goes with the Same Old 'Criticism Hurts the Troops' Fiction:
"The saddest part is that our people in uniform have been subjected to these cynical and pernicious falsehoods day in and day out." [11/16/05]
But, Senator Hagel says the delay in the Senate's investigation into the misuse of pre - war intelligence has been frustrating and that it's the Senate's responsibility to get answers. Hagel: I think the Democrats had a valid point," he said. "This has been frustrating. . . . There are very legitimate and critical questions that need to be answered. That is the responsibility of governance. That's part of leadership. And we don't have answers for all those things." [Omaha World - Herald, 11/11/05]
Cheney Goes with the Same Old 'They're Trying to Rewrite History' Fiction:
"The President and I cannot prevent certain politicians from losing their memory, or their backbone - but we're not going to sit by and let them rewrite history." [11/16/05]
But, it's members of the Bush Administration who are trying to rewrite history. Here's Cheney in 2003. "And we believe he has, in fact, reconstituted nuclear weapons." (Vice President Cheney, Meet the Press, 3/16/03)
_____________________________
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid Calls Out the Vice President
Washington, DC - Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid gave the following speech on the Senate Floor tonight.
Remarks as prepared for delivery:
Tonight the Vice President has come out of his bunker and is speaking at a gathering of Washington DC insiders, which is closed to the press.
Unfortunately, he brought his bunker mentality with him. He is repeating the same tired attacks we've heard from administration officials over the last two weeks.
In the last 24 hours, 10 of our brave soldiers have been killed in far off Iraq. On such a night, you would think Cheney would give a speech that honors the fallen and those still fighting by laying out a strategy for success.
Instead we have the Vice President of the United States playing politics like he's in the middle of a presidential campaign.
Yesterday, a bipartisan majority of the United States Senate gave the administration a vote of no confidence for its Iraq policy. We said the era of their "No Plan, No End" approach is over.
Apparently, the White House didn't get the message. The Vice President's speech tonight demonstrates once again that this Administration intends to "stay the course" and continue putting their political fortunes ahead of what this country needs - a plan for success.
Our troops and the American people deserve better. (full text)
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
The Plot Thickens in Plamegate
The Washington Post is reporting that "Assistant Managing Editor Bob Woodward testified under oath Monday in the CIA leak case that a senior administration official told him about CIA operative Valerie Plame and her position at the agency nearly a month before her identity was disclosed.
"Citing a confidentiality agreement in which the source freed Woodward to testify but would not allow him to discuss their conversations publicly, Woodward and Post editors refused to disclose the official's name or provide crucial details about the testimony.
"Mark Corallo, a spokesman for Rove, said that Rove is not the unnamed official who told Woodward about Plame and that he did not discuss Plame with Woodward."
This would not be the first time Rove, through a spokesperson, denied involvement in Plamegate. It's time for this administration to come clean, and for the individuals who breached national security to be fired or resign.
"Citing a confidentiality agreement in which the source freed Woodward to testify but would not allow him to discuss their conversations publicly, Woodward and Post editors refused to disclose the official's name or provide crucial details about the testimony.
"Mark Corallo, a spokesman for Rove, said that Rove is not the unnamed official who told Woodward about Plame and that he did not discuss Plame with Woodward."
This would not be the first time Rove, through a spokesperson, denied involvement in Plamegate. It's time for this administration to come clean, and for the individuals who breached national security to be fired or resign.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Without PBS there is no 'liberal media'
Report Says Ex-Chief of Public TV Violated Federal Law
By STEPHEN LABATON
November 15, 2005
The New York Times
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 - Investigators at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting concluded today that its former chairman repeatedly broke federal law and its own regulations in a campaign to combat what he saw as liberal bias.
A scathing report by the corporation's inspector general described a dysfunctional organization that violated the Public Broadcasting Act, which created the corporation and was written to insulate programming decisions from politics.
The corporation received $400 million this year from Congress to finance an array of programs on public television and radio, although its future financing has come under heavy criticism, particularly from conservative lawmakers. Its board is selected by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
The corporation's former chairman, Kenneth Y. Tomlinson, who was ousted from the board two weeks ago when it was presented in a closed session with the details of the report, has said he sought to enforce a provision of the Public Broadcasting Act meant to ensure objectivity and balance in programming.
But the report said that in the process, Mr. Tomlinson repeatedly crossed statutory boundaries that set up the corporation as a "heat shield" to protect public radio and television from political interference.
The report said he violated federal law by being heavily involved in getting more than $4 million for a program featuring the conservative editorial writers of the Wall Street Journal. It said he imposed a "political test" to recruit a new president. And it said his decision to hire Republican consultants to defeat legislation violated contracting rules.
Mr. Tomlinson, in a statement distributed with the report, rejected its conclusions. He said that any suggestion that he violated his duties or the law "is malicious and irresponsible" and that the inspector general had opted "for politics over good judgment." (full story)
By STEPHEN LABATON
November 15, 2005
The New York Times
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 - Investigators at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting concluded today that its former chairman repeatedly broke federal law and its own regulations in a campaign to combat what he saw as liberal bias.
A scathing report by the corporation's inspector general described a dysfunctional organization that violated the Public Broadcasting Act, which created the corporation and was written to insulate programming decisions from politics.
The corporation received $400 million this year from Congress to finance an array of programs on public television and radio, although its future financing has come under heavy criticism, particularly from conservative lawmakers. Its board is selected by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
The corporation's former chairman, Kenneth Y. Tomlinson, who was ousted from the board two weeks ago when it was presented in a closed session with the details of the report, has said he sought to enforce a provision of the Public Broadcasting Act meant to ensure objectivity and balance in programming.
But the report said that in the process, Mr. Tomlinson repeatedly crossed statutory boundaries that set up the corporation as a "heat shield" to protect public radio and television from political interference.
The report said he violated federal law by being heavily involved in getting more than $4 million for a program featuring the conservative editorial writers of the Wall Street Journal. It said he imposed a "political test" to recruit a new president. And it said his decision to hire Republican consultants to defeat legislation violated contracting rules.
Mr. Tomlinson, in a statement distributed with the report, rejected its conclusions. He said that any suggestion that he violated his duties or the law "is malicious and irresponsible" and that the inspector general had opted "for politics over good judgment." (full story)
Monday, November 14, 2005
On the road . . .
I have just returned from Oakland, CA, where I attended the NGLTF Creating Change conference. More than 2,500 attended the diverse gathering of LGBTQ activists. I would strongly suggest that anyone concerned with social justice issues consider attending next year's conference. To find out more go to www.ngltf.org.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Is Libby Simply the Fall Guy for Cheney?
The Washington Post is reporting that I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, former chief of staff to the Vice President, may have tried to mask Cheney's role in the leak of CIA operative Valerie Plame.
The report: ". . . suggests an attempt to obscure Cheney's role, and possibly his legal culpability. The vice president is shown by the indictment to be aware of and interested in Plame and her CIA status long before her cover was blown. Even some White House aides privately wonder whether Libby was seeking to protect Cheney from political embarrassment. One of them noted with resignation, "Obviously, the indictment speaks for itself."
It's time for this White House to come clean. Was Cheney involved? Did Rove take part in leaking Valerie Plame's name to reporters? The American people deserve to know the truth.
The report: ". . . suggests an attempt to obscure Cheney's role, and possibly his legal culpability. The vice president is shown by the indictment to be aware of and interested in Plame and her CIA status long before her cover was blown. Even some White House aides privately wonder whether Libby was seeking to protect Cheney from political embarrassment. One of them noted with resignation, "Obviously, the indictment speaks for itself."
It's time for this White House to come clean. Was Cheney involved? Did Rove take part in leaking Valerie Plame's name to reporters? The American people deserve to know the truth.
Bush Spin Machine Attacks Truth Tellers
The truth is a stubborn thing ... and no matter how much the President or his spin machine tries to again mislead the American people the truth stands.
The administration twisted intelligence on Iraq. They mislead Congress and outright lied to the American people.
Don't fall for the spin now that says if you question the president you are sending "the wrong signal to our troops. . ." Our troops should have never been sent to Iraq, more than two thousand are dead, thousands more have been critically wounded -- and countless innocent women and children in Iraq have been wounded or killed.
It's time the administration be held accountable for their lies. The last president who lied was impeached, this president deserves no less.
The administration twisted intelligence on Iraq. They mislead Congress and outright lied to the American people.
Don't fall for the spin now that says if you question the president you are sending "the wrong signal to our troops. . ." Our troops should have never been sent to Iraq, more than two thousand are dead, thousands more have been critically wounded -- and countless innocent women and children in Iraq have been wounded or killed.
It's time the administration be held accountable for their lies. The last president who lied was impeached, this president deserves no less.
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