Thursday, March 22, 2007
And Justice For All...Maybe
Seeing stories like this come up makes me incredibly angry but at the same time I'm thoroughly unsurprised by them. Welcome to Bush's America, where the word Justice, apparently doesn't apply if you're a CEO of a major cash crop producing industry.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Viva Las Vegas
For those of you who haven't been following the situation with the Nevada Democratic party's Debate, which has been for some absurd reason partly sponsored by Fox News (Faux?), there has been some change in the situation of late, but most candidates are still making decisions on whether or not to attend. Edwards has already backed out. Obama's decision is expected soon. The rest of the field seems to be in little hurry to make a decision.
But what I wonder is, if candidates are willing to pull out of the Nevada Democratic Party's version of the Debate, is it out of the realm of possibility for another Nevada based organization to set up another debate of their own, untainted by Fox? Surely a group like AFSCME or others would have assets in place or could raise them to form an alternative if there was still interest in debating in Nevada among candidates looking to expands their recognition (i.e. Obama, and Richardson plus the rest of the second tier) Just a thought....
But what I wonder is, if candidates are willing to pull out of the Nevada Democratic Party's version of the Debate, is it out of the realm of possibility for another Nevada based organization to set up another debate of their own, untainted by Fox? Surely a group like AFSCME or others would have assets in place or could raise them to form an alternative if there was still interest in debating in Nevada among candidates looking to expands their recognition (i.e. Obama, and Richardson plus the rest of the second tier) Just a thought....
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Hmmm...
Sorry about the lack of postings of late, but between surgery last week and some post-surgery issues (i.e. feeling like crap) I haven't been in much of a position to add much lately, but hopefully I'll be back in the swing of things before the weekend, but rest assured, I've been watching all the drama and there's much I want to comment on.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
What a Nightmare...
Ever have one of those days where you just wished you'd stayed in bed? Problem is those days seem to multiply faster than you'd think possible of late.
It's now been four months since an electoral surge of voter anger pushed the Republicans out of the majority and into a defensive holding action. Saving Face. Holding Back the Tide. Whatever you want to call it. So far Democratic efforts to end the war have manifested in the form of days of Debate on the House side, and two abortive Senate votes to hold similar Debates. Since then attempts to bring the Administration to the light of reason have gone from weak to weaker to weakest. When a non-biding House resolution didn't work, then it was talk of cutting funding. When that proved to unappetizing for some Democratic leadership backed away and after regrouping is now bringing out another gem of non-confrontational double talk that again demands no definite action. The Senate's latest offering doesn't look much better, with the latest sally forth being an attempt to revoke the original war authorization, hoping to hamstring the scope of the mission, but again with little real immediate ability to end the war or at least bring about a draw down.
Meanwhile on the Administration side of the ball, it looks more and more like the Vice President, hereafter referred to as "a Senior Administration Official" has lost the plot all together. Of late he has become the poster child for an Administration so deep in denial that they can barely even begin to point out what they've done right in the War on Terror. To start with, the Man's logic leads him to believe that bringing troops out of Iraq would actually HARM our efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan even though the Reason the situation in Afghanistan is teetering on the brink is because we withdrew troops to invade Iraq in the first place.
And as much as the Administration talks about Supporting the Troops, it rings awful hollow when you see what they come home to at Walter Reed and god knows how many other VA facilities across the country. Iraq colors and distorts everything it touches and one begins to wonder if there's anything anyone can do about it, while a certain someone has the power to forestall all progress with the simple flick of a pen. They're stuck and haven't the slightest idea what to do about it but they certainly won't take anyone else's advise on it, we've certainly seen that.
As if that isn't enough stupefying news to Twist the mind and Infuriate the senses, now comes news that the Republicans are looking to stonewall the 9/11 recommendations passed by the House already, which drew great support in the November elections. Why you might ask? When they are designed to help secure this country and prevent another 9/11? Because the White House apparently fears the unionization of Airport Security Screeners far more than any attack on this country. In my estimation the very definition of petty. If it's not our security that they care about, then what is it they care for...
Lies, Damn Lies
Oh the Tangled Web we Weave, when We Practice to Deceive
Pick a line any line, they all seem to work...
It's now been four months since an electoral surge of voter anger pushed the Republicans out of the majority and into a defensive holding action. Saving Face. Holding Back the Tide. Whatever you want to call it. So far Democratic efforts to end the war have manifested in the form of days of Debate on the House side, and two abortive Senate votes to hold similar Debates. Since then attempts to bring the Administration to the light of reason have gone from weak to weaker to weakest. When a non-biding House resolution didn't work, then it was talk of cutting funding. When that proved to unappetizing for some Democratic leadership backed away and after regrouping is now bringing out another gem of non-confrontational double talk that again demands no definite action. The Senate's latest offering doesn't look much better, with the latest sally forth being an attempt to revoke the original war authorization, hoping to hamstring the scope of the mission, but again with little real immediate ability to end the war or at least bring about a draw down.
Meanwhile on the Administration side of the ball, it looks more and more like the Vice President, hereafter referred to as "a Senior Administration Official" has lost the plot all together. Of late he has become the poster child for an Administration so deep in denial that they can barely even begin to point out what they've done right in the War on Terror. To start with, the Man's logic leads him to believe that bringing troops out of Iraq would actually HARM our efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan even though the Reason the situation in Afghanistan is teetering on the brink is because we withdrew troops to invade Iraq in the first place.
And as much as the Administration talks about Supporting the Troops, it rings awful hollow when you see what they come home to at Walter Reed and god knows how many other VA facilities across the country. Iraq colors and distorts everything it touches and one begins to wonder if there's anything anyone can do about it, while a certain someone has the power to forestall all progress with the simple flick of a pen. They're stuck and haven't the slightest idea what to do about it but they certainly won't take anyone else's advise on it, we've certainly seen that.
As if that isn't enough stupefying news to Twist the mind and Infuriate the senses, now comes news that the Republicans are looking to stonewall the 9/11 recommendations passed by the House already, which drew great support in the November elections. Why you might ask? When they are designed to help secure this country and prevent another 9/11? Because the White House apparently fears the unionization of Airport Security Screeners far more than any attack on this country. In my estimation the very definition of petty. If it's not our security that they care about, then what is it they care for...
Lies, Damn Lies
Oh the Tangled Web we Weave, when We Practice to Deceive
Pick a line any line, they all seem to work...
A New High in Lows for the Army
Just shows that the Army seem to think the best way to make the Walter Reed scandal
go away is to not talk about it. Maybe if the patients don't talk about it no one will notice the deplorable conditions America's wounded heroes have to deal with.
Who knew things would get worse for them once they get home...
go away is to not talk about it. Maybe if the patients don't talk about it no one will notice the deplorable conditions America's wounded heroes have to deal with.
Who knew things would get worse for them once they get home...
Monday, February 26, 2007
Good on Ya Bruce Crandall
Currently watching a press conference from the White House wherein retired Lt. Colonel Bruce Crandall is being awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during Vietnam. Crandall is best known for his Actions leading the Helicopter Assault element of Hal Moore's 7th Cavalry in the Ia Drang valley in November of 1965. He was later among those written of in Moore and Joe Galloway's book "We Were Soldiers Once...and Young" which was later turned into a movie, with Crandall portrayed by Greg Kinnear. Congratulations to Colonel Crandall and an honor far too long in coming.
Osama who?
A new article out in the Washington Post shows just how far off the plot the likes of Bush, Cheney, and Schoomaker are when it comes to what's really important in the war on terror. Of course he's also the samr guy that thought killing Saddam and his two sons would bring calm to Iraq and we all know how That turned out.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Meet the New Boss...Same as the Old Boss
Looks like U.S. plans to expand Anti-Missile defenses in Europe have ruffled Russia's feathers. The rhetoric between the White House and Putin, although most is coming from Putin genuinely seems to echo the relations at a Cold War tone.
The key to this particular barb seems to be that there was an unspoken rule that NATO country's would not establish bases in the Eastern tier of countries, but the further east the NATO involvement moves, from Yugoslavia to now the Middle East, the further operational bases would have to move. It makes sense from a strategic viewpoint, as if the target of Iranian missiles might be European in nature, that eastern bases would prove advantageous, but the Russians have never been one to have their neighbors militarized, especially if the anti-missile bases could be seen as being half looking to Iran, and half looking to defend against Russia itself.
Just imagine the deep freeze that would kick in if and when Ukraine joins NATO under an eventual planned national vote.
The key to this particular barb seems to be that there was an unspoken rule that NATO country's would not establish bases in the Eastern tier of countries, but the further east the NATO involvement moves, from Yugoslavia to now the Middle East, the further operational bases would have to move. It makes sense from a strategic viewpoint, as if the target of Iranian missiles might be European in nature, that eastern bases would prove advantageous, but the Russians have never been one to have their neighbors militarized, especially if the anti-missile bases could be seen as being half looking to Iran, and half looking to defend against Russia itself.
Just imagine the deep freeze that would kick in if and when Ukraine joins NATO under an eventual planned national vote.
Update: Britain Withdrawl
When it rains it pours...
Looks like the Danish have decided to withdraw their contingent as well. I'm sure Tony Snow will love spinning this in addition to the British announcement.
Looks like the Danish have decided to withdraw their contingent as well. I'm sure Tony Snow will love spinning this in addition to the British announcement.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Notes and Quotes
- The TV business is uglier than most things. It is normally perceived as some kind of cruel and shallow money trench through the heart of the journalism industry, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs, for no good reason.
- Hunter S. Thompson, San Francisco Examiner, 1985
This article has to sum up my feelings about culture in this country better than anything else I've seen of late. Concise and to the point in a way that's more than a little painful to contemplate. I guess sometimes we do have to be saved from ourselves. In case you haven't seen it, here's the budget in full.
As if Iraq and Afghanistan weren't enough on our plate, looks like we're getting to fund a fight in Somalia with the African Union acting as our agents there. I'm really hoping we can stabilize things there, but instituting a borderline secular Christian government in a largely Muslim country with the backing of a neighboring strongman's military is not typically a blueprint for success.
I really wonder if this will give Bush an idea it's time we start planning to do the same, but I highly doubt it. The Administration seems determined to stay in this mess until either the Army collapses from the strain or Iraq collapses completely. It's hard to see any other result, seeing as the latest brilliant security plan is already showing signs of crumbling.
Gotta love it when the VP starts waxing Nixonian when discussing how to leave Iraq. Every day it looks more and more like they've run up a hell of a tab that the rest of us will get to Pay for, call it Presidential Dine and Dash.
Just to lighten the mood I wanted to post this blog entry from Michael Ruhlman's blog by one of my favorite authors'/chef/travel-show host Anthony Bourdain. A bit of vintage Bourdain vitriol, proving once again that he has to be the closest thing to the Hunter S Thompson of the Cooking World. If you haven't seen him on No Reservations on the Travel Channel, I highly recommend it.
We support the troops...(until they reach the VA)
I know this has been posted elsewhere but I thought it was important to comment on it.
I know that the GOP prides itself on supporting the troops and the Military overwhelming rewards them for this perceived support with their votes, but I'm really beginning to wonder why. The VA has always been given lackluster support, regardless of which party has been in possession of the White House, but it boggles my mind that in the midst of the worst war in decades to face this country, with the highest numbers of wounded returning home since Vietnam, the Administration is actually cutting back the money being spent on VA care facilities. We can spend billions on the war, but apparently the millions that are needed for the VA and care of returning wounded soldiers and sailors is too much for the Administration.
The conditions at Walter Reed and other facilities look to be truly appalling. The only excuse I can think of why they were not changed at Walter Reed specifically is because the facility is due for closure under the current budget and Bethesda Naval taking up its patients. Still, if the facility is still housing soldiers and sailors, it falls on the administration to provide for their care. And in the mean time, the Democrats need to take steps to address this and show that they do indeed care for the health and welfare of our servicemen, not just on the battlefield, but at home as well.
As for the Administration, their response strikes me as being somewhere between a yawn and annoyance at the situation, with Tony Snow promptly dumping responsibility back on Defense and the Department of the Army for not doing its job even though the Administration had been informed of the problems before. Guess someone has to die before this Administration takes notice, but then again that didn't hold true during Katrina or Iraq, so why would it here...
I know that the GOP prides itself on supporting the troops and the Military overwhelming rewards them for this perceived support with their votes, but I'm really beginning to wonder why. The VA has always been given lackluster support, regardless of which party has been in possession of the White House, but it boggles my mind that in the midst of the worst war in decades to face this country, with the highest numbers of wounded returning home since Vietnam, the Administration is actually cutting back the money being spent on VA care facilities. We can spend billions on the war, but apparently the millions that are needed for the VA and care of returning wounded soldiers and sailors is too much for the Administration.
The conditions at Walter Reed and other facilities look to be truly appalling. The only excuse I can think of why they were not changed at Walter Reed specifically is because the facility is due for closure under the current budget and Bethesda Naval taking up its patients. Still, if the facility is still housing soldiers and sailors, it falls on the administration to provide for their care. And in the mean time, the Democrats need to take steps to address this and show that they do indeed care for the health and welfare of our servicemen, not just on the battlefield, but at home as well.
As for the Administration, their response strikes me as being somewhere between a yawn and annoyance at the situation, with Tony Snow promptly dumping responsibility back on Defense and the Department of the Army for not doing its job even though the Administration had been informed of the problems before. Guess someone has to die before this Administration takes notice, but then again that didn't hold true during Katrina or Iraq, so why would it here...
Friday, February 16, 2007
Notes: Afternoon Edition
A few interesting stories floating around this afternoon, admittedly some from a few days back, but still noteworthy none the less:
Apparently there's a run of states pushing to move their primary dates ever earlier in the year, despite possible penalties. Personally I think Alabama would be an interesting primary just to get an early read on how candidates will play in the deep South.
As the strain on the Army continues due to Iraq we continue to see corners cut to keep recruiting numbers as high as possible. I can't help but think of this as another parallel with the British and Roman Empires. While the society never truly sacrifices for its wars, be they popular or unpopular, the military is forced to increasingly turn to less than stellar choices to fill the ranks, i.e. the Romans paying the Germanic tribes to guard the frontier and the British opening their jails for convicts to don the Redcoat and take the King's schilling. After all, the British Army was considered an All Volunteer Force too.
Apparently there's a run of states pushing to move their primary dates ever earlier in the year, despite possible penalties. Personally I think Alabama would be an interesting primary just to get an early read on how candidates will play in the deep South.
As the strain on the Army continues due to Iraq we continue to see corners cut to keep recruiting numbers as high as possible. I can't help but think of this as another parallel with the British and Roman Empires. While the society never truly sacrifices for its wars, be they popular or unpopular, the military is forced to increasingly turn to less than stellar choices to fill the ranks, i.e. the Romans paying the Germanic tribes to guard the frontier and the British opening their jails for convicts to don the Redcoat and take the King's schilling. After all, the British Army was considered an All Volunteer Force too.
Deep Pockets
Found an interesting article about some of the fund-raisers and backers that have and haven't chosen up sides for the Election '08 season that promises to be one of, if not the largest extravaganza's in political history.
Personally I find it amusing that the "maverick" McCain has already signed up the backer most identified with the Swift-Boating of fellow veteran John Kerry. And on the other side Obama has wrangled the backing of George Soros, the deep pockets the the Right loves to hate. Let the bile and acrimony begin, this is going to get ugly, my fellow Americans.
It's enough to give me the Fear.
Personally I find it amusing that the "maverick" McCain has already signed up the backer most identified with the Swift-Boating of fellow veteran John Kerry. And on the other side Obama has wrangled the backing of George Soros, the deep pockets the the Right loves to hate. Let the bile and acrimony begin, this is going to get ugly, my fellow Americans.
It's enough to give me the Fear.
Saturday Senate Vote...who's in and who's....in Iowa
A couple of tidbits on the Senate vote on the House Iraq resolution which is passing as I write this.
First, The current number of Senate Republicans voting for a cloture vote on stands at four, with Smith of Oregon, Collins and Snowe of Maine, and Warner of Virginia.
http://electioncentral.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2007/feb/16/second_gop_senator_to_back_dems_push_for_vote_on_anti_escalation_resolution
As it mentions at the end of the article wisdom has it that The Democrats will have to line up as many as 11 GOP senators to a Yea vote for a Lieberman proof majority, so conversations with are expected to last right up to the vote.
Also of interest is this tidbit about Where exactly Senator McCain will be spending his Saturday.
Apparently he's too much of a maverick to put Iraq on his Voting Record. I'm sure his constituents appreciate that.
First, The current number of Senate Republicans voting for a cloture vote on stands at four, with Smith of Oregon, Collins and Snowe of Maine, and Warner of Virginia.
http://electioncentral.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2007/feb/16/second_gop_senator_to_back_dems_push_for_vote_on_anti_escalation_resolution
As it mentions at the end of the article wisdom has it that The Democrats will have to line up as many as 11 GOP senators to a Yea vote for a Lieberman proof majority, so conversations with are expected to last right up to the vote.
Also of interest is this tidbit about Where exactly Senator McCain will be spending his Saturday.
Apparently he's too much of a maverick to put Iraq on his Voting Record. I'm sure his constituents appreciate that.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Master-Debater
Two thought really struck me while watching the House Iraq debates over the last two days.
The first, true to form and with very few exceptions the Republican congressmen seemed to deliver the same speech repeatedly, so much so that I found myself glancing at the names of the speaking congressmen and the "live" cue in the corner of the screen so as to make sure I wasn't watching a taped speech. I know talking points are the vogue with the GOP, but for god's sake, is a little originality so much to ask for? The overwhelming theme in the speeches on the GOP side of the aisle almost struck me as a guilt trip of sorts, but maybe that's just me.
Second, the level of debate and speech-writing at times struck me as almost amateurish, especially a remark from a Republican congressman that "while we have given war a chance we haven't given victory a chance" came off as almost a "I am rubber you are glue" grades-school retort. It really made me wonder, is this is the level of what society has become or are the great orator's like William Jennings Bryan and Daniel Webster anomalies in American politics?
The first, true to form and with very few exceptions the Republican congressmen seemed to deliver the same speech repeatedly, so much so that I found myself glancing at the names of the speaking congressmen and the "live" cue in the corner of the screen so as to make sure I wasn't watching a taped speech. I know talking points are the vogue with the GOP, but for god's sake, is a little originality so much to ask for? The overwhelming theme in the speeches on the GOP side of the aisle almost struck me as a guilt trip of sorts, but maybe that's just me.
Second, the level of debate and speech-writing at times struck me as almost amateurish, especially a remark from a Republican congressman that "while we have given war a chance we haven't given victory a chance" came off as almost a "I am rubber you are glue" grades-school retort. It really made me wonder, is this is the level of what society has become or are the great orator's like William Jennings Bryan and Daniel Webster anomalies in American politics?
Monday, February 12, 2007
A Tipping Point?
An interesting article from Salon a few days ago gives an update on the effects the fighting in Iraq is having in Saudi Arabia:
http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2007/02/08/saudis/index.html?source=rss
Here's one item of that probably isn't playing well with the White House in the wake of the Administration's rhetoric of late:
"Differences over Iraq could also worsen U.S.-Saudi relations. Already Saudi Arabia has held talks with Iranian officials regarding coordination in Iraq at a time when the Bush administration was pressing to isolate the regime in Tehran"
Looks like the Saudi's are working a serious high wire act trying to keep their own ethnic issues from burning down the house. Too bad the place looks about as stable as a house of cards in a wind storm...
http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2007/02/08/saudis/index.html?source=rss
Here's one item of that probably isn't playing well with the White House in the wake of the Administration's rhetoric of late:
"Differences over Iraq could also worsen U.S.-Saudi relations. Already Saudi Arabia has held talks with Iranian officials regarding coordination in Iraq at a time when the Bush administration was pressing to isolate the regime in Tehran"
Looks like the Saudi's are working a serious high wire act trying to keep their own ethnic issues from burning down the house. Too bad the place looks about as stable as a house of cards in a wind storm...
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