Sunday, July 22, 2007

The Dreaded M Word


Such much news..so little time! There is so much that I would like to be writing about now but unfortunately I am in the process of packing and moving. Moving is perhaps one of the most unpleasant and frustrating experiences that we all encounter at one time or another. The shit that accumulates is incredible. I just finished one of the 'junk drawers' in the kitchen that had among other things grocery store receipts from ages ago, old bread ties never used, camera film with pictures of who knows what and so much more. Packing, in itself, is stressful but packing and not being sure how you are going to finance the move is, well...almost instant ulcer material!

If all goes well and I can get back on my feet, I plan a few changes for this blog. Overall, the blog will be much expanded and offer my readers a much greater interactive experience. Besides increasing the frequency of updates, I plan to offer a much more in-depth look at some of the most important political and financial news stories of the day. I also have many other new ideas that I think will greatly enhance this blog.

Although I have only been at this for a very short time, I have enjoyed every minute of it. Blogging is a learning experience in itself and a chance to met people along the way. If all of my plans work out (I am keeping my fingers crossed!), I should be back in about four weeks. I really appreciate those of you who come and the many wonderful people I have met. Talk to you soon!

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Jet Set Lifestyle of Iraq Ambassador to U.N.

I'm speechless...

"IRAQ'S ambassador to the United Nations, Hamid al Bayati, likes the high life. Bayati, who's been on the job for just over a year, is said to be living in a $22,000-a-month apartment at Trump World Tower on First Avenue. He's renting while the Iraqi U.N. Mission and official ambassador's residence on East 79th Street undergo a $40 million renovation. Where did the Iraqis get the cash? Newsmax.com reports the U.N. Security Council is paying with funds it once used to finance the now-terminated U.N. Iraq arms inspectors. When asked about the lavish use of the cash, Bayati refused comment. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Zalmay Khalilzad shrugged off the Iraqis' lush lifestyle by telling reporters, "$40 million is not a lot of money." According to U.N. documents, the U.S. delegation approved the transfer of the cash from the Security Council to Iraq. All of this comes as the federal Government Accounting Office reported the war in Iraq is costing American taxpayers $12 billion monthly."

Bill Moyers Journal

A great look at the impeachment issue.

What's Up With Leash Girl- Lynndie England?

Remember her? The infamous ex- Abu Ghraib guard known for her love of leashes and asspiles? She's got a new life and a new job! As the Guardian explains:

"KEYSER, W.Va. (AP) Lynndie England, one of the most recognizable figures of the Abu Ghraib prison scandal in Iraq, has a new role as a volunteer member of this Eastern Panhandle city's recreation board.

England, 24, contributed her knowledge of computers, electronics and graphics for Keyser's Strawberry Festival, which helped her land the unpaid position, said Roy Hardy, the England family's attorney.

``When (council members) saw how hard she worked for the festival, they didn't hesitate to put her on the board,'' said Hardy, who is also a board member. ``If it wasn't for her, we wouldn't have been able to pull off (the Strawberry Festival). She was an absolute asset.''

England, who now works in Hardy's law firm as a legal assistant, was released in March from a military prison in San Diego after serving half her 36-month sentence. She was convicted of six counts involving prisoner mistreatment. Eleven U.S. soldiers have been convicted of crimes at the prison near Baghdad.

England was in several images taken in late 2003 by U.S. guards at Abu Ghraib. One shows her holding a naked prisoner on a leash, while in others she posed with a pyramid of naked detainees and pointed at the genitals of a prisoner while a cigarette hung from the corner of her mouth.

The photos were among several that sparked outrage and severely damaged America's image in the Muslim world.

England blamed the abuse on reputed ringleader Pvt. Charles Graner Jr., whom she said took advantage of her love and trust while deployed in Iraq. Graner received the harshest sentence, a 10-year prison term.

England and Graner were members of the 372nd Military Police Company based in western Maryland. She is from Fort Ashby, near Keyser."

I have so many issues with this story. First, how can a 'woman' who essentially helped destroy America's image abroad serve just 18 months in jail? That is an outrage. Second, she's working as a legal assistant? What! And finally, in her new role on the city's recreation board, what kind of 'games' do you think good ol' Lynndie will come up with?

Strawberries, anyone? Sometimes truth is indeed stranger than fiction!

It's August- Time For A Vacation!


On the heels of the interim report which gave the Iraqi government failing marks in showing progress, the Iraqi Parliament proceeds with plans to take a vacation the whole month of August. A whole month! Predictably, there is silence from the White House on this issue.

Add to this the recent Webb Amendment, shot down by Senate Republicans, which would have given our own soldiers much needed rest in between deployments and you don't have to be a genius to realize that all this talk of 'Support The Troops' is utter garbage (unless there is a nice photo-op, of course!). Our men and women in uniform, sent into the meatgrinder that is Iraq, have been neglected, and deserve this country's support.

Bob Schieffer of CBS News wrote a great column entitled "Baghdad Is Too Hot For Its Leaders?' offering a great perspective on this issue. He writes:

"I am still not sure that I believe it: The Iraqi parliament is going on vacation during the month of August.

The White House offers the lame excuse that, after all, Baghdad is hot in August – sometimes 130 degrees.

May I ask a follow-up?

How much hotter do you suppose it is if you are a wearing a helmet, full body armor, carrying ammunition and walking foot patrols through Baghdad?

The last I heard, that is how American troops are spending their August in Iraq.

For me, this does it.

God help the Iraqi people because there is not much America can do to help a government that leaves Americans dying in the streets while the parliament escapes to cooler climes.

Does this mean we should pull out immediately?

No. A sudden withdrawal could set the entire region aflame. The truth is there are no good options left. But from here on, we need to put aside the dream of building a democracy in Iraq and focus solely on what is in our national interest.

It won't be pretty, but for all our good intentions, about all we can do now is try to contain this mess, pull our troops back from the middle of this civil war, and concentrate instead on the terrorist threat that this country faces around the world.

As for what kind of government Iraq needs, let their parliament figure it out. They can get right on it when the Baghdad weather turns cooler."

Take a look at the response from Tony Snow on this issue- it's pathetic!

Friday, July 13, 2007

Friday Night Disco Series

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket


Amii Stewart- Knock on Wood
This video is timeless...

Thursday, July 12, 2007

The Politics of Fear


Appearing on the Hugh Hewitt radio show, Rick Santorum, the former Republican Senator speaks of "unfortunate events" that will occur in the United States within a year and will alter Americans perception of the current war. In this interview, he stated "Between now and November, a lot of things are going to happen, and I believe that by this time next year, the American public’s going to have a very different view of this war, and it will be because, I think, of some unfortunate events, that like we’re seeing unfold in the UK. But I think the American public’s going to have a very different view".

Unfortunately, this tactic has become quite commonplace today. It was just last month that the new head of the Arkansas Republican Party, Dennis Milligan, had this to say:

"At the end of the day, I believe fully the president is doing the right thing, and I think all we need is some attacks on American soil like we had on Sept. 11, 2001. And the naysayers will come around very quickly to appreciate not only the commitment for President Bush, but the sacrifice that has been made by men and women to protect this country."

I often think back to the days when our leaders, both former and current, spoke of America's great strength and determination in fighting its' enemies. Hope, strength and courage were hallmarks of the American way. Now, politicians have turned the tables and use the tactics of fear and terror to push their political agendas. Don't like my policies- face a terror attack. It's about as simple as that.

Think fear mongering politics aren't successful? Take a look at where we are today- Afghanistan the forgotten war, the disaster that is Iraq is getting worse by the day, America's reputation is in tatters and now the clouds of war are brewing on the horizon with Iran. War, War, and more War. That seems to be the order of the day.

After the billions spent in this 'War on Terror', there is not much to show for it. Recent reports show Al-Qaeda stronger than ever. Terrorists attacks and bombings have become everyday events and more and more innocent civilians caught up in this violence are killed. The military is broken and the troops that politicians so bravely hid behind are just pawns in this global chess game. Yet, we are told that we must 'stay the course', 'remain resolute' or whatever the catch phrase of the day happens to be.

So when is enough really enough? What is it going to take to make people realize that we are the car speeding along soon to go off the cliff ahead? Oh hell- let's tell them we must go a little faster because, you know, we could be attacked...

“Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”
FDR’s First Inaugural Address

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Lady Bird Johnson Passes Away

Lady Bird Johnson passed away today at the age of 94. She was a truly remarkable and gracious woman. R.I.P.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Bush Interview in Ireland

Remember this interview way back when from Ireland? Hint- right after the Abu Ghraid scandal? Well, if you were in the states, you probably don't, because it wasn't shown. This interview is unbelievable and features all the old talking points. The Irish journalist hits hard and asks the tough questions. It is interesting to see Bush's testiness when faced with a real journalist and not some Rush Limbaugh clone. If only we could have someone in our MSM that would do the same...

Michael Moore Takes Down Wolf Blitzer


As I have mentioned before, I worked in the health care field for many years and can attest to the fact that the health care system is broken. Take a look at this video when CNN attempts the tired 'hit piece' that proceeds the interview with Michael Moore. Not taking this lying down, Moore turns the tables and shows the true face of the so-called mainstream media.

The Cost of War- 12 Billion Dollars a Month

I have written several times in this blog about the economy today and how that it has affected me personally, hence the title of it. I have seen the good times and, more recently, the not-so-good times. The people of this country, as a whole, are suffering and being slowly strangled in a web of debt and despair. About the only ones to prosper in this economy are the super rich, the CEO's, the ones who don't worry about how they are going to pay their next light bill or how they can save more on their next grocery store run.

In the bigger picture, signs of the country's decay can be seen everywhere. Crumbling roads and bridges, lack of basic public services, small towns decimated by job loss when the only factory in town moves overseas...the list goes on and on.

Meanwhile, in the nation's capitol, such petty concerns are not that important. The politicians, when not patting themselves on the back or giving themselves the latest pay raise, continue to spend (borrowed) money like drunken sailors. This story illustrates this point clearly:

"Congressional analysts say the boost in troop levels in Iraq has increased the cost of war there and in Afghanistan to $12 billion a month. All told, Congress has appropriated $610 billion in war-related money since Sept. 11, 2001. That's roughly the same amount that was spent on the war in Vietnam, taking inflation into account. Iraq alone has cost $450 billion. The figures come from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, which provides research and analysis to lawmakers. For the 2007 budget year, CRS says, the $166 billion appropriated to the Pentagon represents a 40 percent increase over 2006. If Congress approves President Bush's pending request for another $147 billion for the budget year starting October first, the total bill for the war on terror would reach more than three-quarters of a trillion dollars."

Three-quarters of a trillion dollars. Makes you feel good, huh? While many of us here worry every single day about every penny that we have, this country has spent $610 billion (borrowed) dollars in war-related money in only six years! This is outrageous. And the kicker is that every single year, the money Congress appropriates to the Pentagon skyrockets while we 'little people' are told that our public services must be cut because they need to be frugal with the 'people's money'.

The sad reality is that the decline in the overall state of the nation and economy have taken place in small incremental baby steps and many do not realize just what has been lost, stolen or plundered. Add to that the many who have been brainwashed for the last twenty five years or more that government is bad and has no role in providing for its citizens and you find a population that is apathetic in many ways.

In the real world, people can't just live on credit cards and spend, spend, spend. Well, government can't survive on borrowed money forever, either. If this out of control spending is not reigned in, we are going to suffer a financial hangover like never seen before...

Monday, July 9, 2007

Turkish Troops on Iraq Border

Not a good sign...

Bush Invokes Executive Privilege--Again!

President Bush invoked executive privilege Monday to deny requests by Congress for testimony from two former aides about the firings of federal prosecutors. The White House, however, did offer again to make former counsel Harriet Miers and one-time political director Sara Taylor available for private, off-the-record interviews.

In a letter to the heads of the House and Senate Judiciary panels, White House counsel Fred Fielding insisted that Bush was acting in good faith and refused lawmakers' demand that the president explain the basis for invoking the privilege. The latest move in the separation of powers fight between the legislative and executive branches came as members of Congress began returning from their Fourth of July recess. An atmosphere of high tension accompanied the resumption of work as a fight also loomed there between majority Democrats and some key Republicans and Bush over his Iraq war policy.

Rep. John Conyers stated that "Contrary what the White House may believe, it is the Congress and the courts that will decide whether an invocation of Executive Privilege is valid, not the White House unilaterally," the House chairman said in a statement.

This crew in the White House seem to invoke executive priviledge when questioned about anything. What are they hiding? These 'private off the record' offers are nonsense. It invites just another whitewash of any meaningful oversight. Take a stand Congress! Our future depends on it.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Dick Cheney and Impeachment


There is a movement out there...take a look.

Another Republican Jumps Ship

It is truly phenomenal how many people blindly follow the Republican Party no matter what the latest act of corruption or scandal happen to be. Question anything and you are immediately banished to 'the other side' without so much as a second glance. I came across this article today written by a gentleman who has been a Republican his entire life. He has decided that he can take no more. It is a great read but the comments that follow are what really make this story so interesting. Check the responses from some of the Republicans. They are full of anger and hate at what they perceive as an act of disloyalty to the party. As is typical, they never question the substance of his arguments but rather turn their anger on the writer.

David Schuster and Fouad Ajami

As you may recall, Fouad Ajami compared Scooter Libby to 'a fallen soldier'.

Watch this exchange on Hardball.

Friday, July 6, 2007

Friday Night Disco Series

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket


Heatwave- Boogie Nights

Border Towns and NAFTA


Corp Watch has a great article that looks at the effects of NAFTA in the border towns of Mexico. The results of this agreement have definitely been mixed, at best.

“In the town of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, close to the U.S. border, two streets intersect: one is called Progreso (Progress) and the other is Fabrica (Factory). They are aptly named streets because they are thoroughfares that only house manufacturing plants called maquiladoras - giant mall sized buildings ringed with fences and with guardhouses posted out front. There are no houses or shops here – indeed, the sidewalks on Progreso and Fabrica are empty, and the only noise that can be heard during a workday are the trucks that drop off supplies and pick up finished goods.”

It goes on...

“Some of the factories belong to well-known companies like Caterpillar or Sony, others to less well-known companies like Delphi. Early every morning at the beginning of the workday, special buses arrive from specific neighborhoods carrying workers, while others arrive in their own vehicles. They are smartly dressed young women and men whose jobs range from assembling videotapes to refurbishing defective machines. The factories are huge, employ thousands of workers and do brisk business. It is hard to imagine that they could ever pack up and leave, but it is a distinct possibility in the chaotic world of border economics.”

Read the whole thing. It presents compelling stories from those most affected by this agreement. It has been 13 years since NAFTA was signed and it appears that the promises of jobs and increased prosperity were not fully fulfilled. If NAFTA had truly lived up to the hype, millions of workers from Mexico would have no need to be risking their lives streaming across the border every single day.



Las Maquilas- a short film about maquilas in Mexico.

Chaos at the National Hurricane Center

Reading this story about the staff revolt at the National Hurricane Center in Miami was not a comforting thought here in the midst of hurricane season. Is there any agency still around that is not polluted by the stench of politics?

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Fred Thompson and Watergate

Today we find out that the latest conservative idol, the 'New Reagan' or 'Mr. Law and Order' Fred Thompson was the White House mole during the infamous Watergate hearings. According to Scott Armstrong, an investigator for the Democrats on the committee, "Thompson was a mole for the White House. Fred was working hammer and tong to defeat the investigation of finding out what happened to authorize Watergate and find out what the role of the president was."

As you may recall the Watergate scandal was a 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. by members of President Richard Nixon's administration and the resulting cover-up which led to the resignation of the President.

Over thirty years later we see many of the same cast and crew in Washington that were around in the Watergate years and often found in the highest levels of our government. Fred Thompson is just the latest to come back on the scene. I think we all have had enough of the old ghosts from the Nixon days to last a lifetime. Let's move on...

Just Another Day..Republican Hypocrisy

Here's Kate O'Beirne on Hardball

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

The Business of Business- Chocolate Slavery

It is hard to believe that in this day and age, slavery is alive and well all across the globe. This often is practiced with the complicity of government officials and business leaders. Today I am going to look at this horrid practice in relation to just one issue- chocolate.

The stage- the Ivory Coast in Western Africa. The scene- thousands of children plowing away as slave labor in large cocoa plantations wielding machetes as they work countless hours. The year- 2007! The result- the chocolate you consume in the forms of candy bars and other delectable pleasures. Yes, that’s right. That glass of chocolate milk at breakfast or those candy bars that your kids sell at school for the latest fundraiser are the products of slave labor. Not a pleasant thought, huh?

This sad saga is nothing new. Unfortunately, though, to date nothing substantive has been done about it. Oh there was the ‘outrage’ expressed way back in 2001 by the US Congress. There was the threat to require chocolate makers to certify that their products were ‘slave free’. Imagine that- no question that slaves were actually being used in the cocoa plantations, just that the labeling would have to reflect this! And the response? Oh the horror, the chocolate industry replied. Consumers might boycott our products resulting in lower revenues meaning lower payments to producers which would result in more slaves. The bill, of course, never reached the House-Senate conference committee. The chocolate industry then joined together and declared that they would work together to put an end to this practice by 2005 in a declaration known as the Cocoa Protocol. Just give us a few years, they said...

Well, the deadline came and went and nothing was done. In fact, the deadline was extended to 2008. Congress is once again expressing their ‘outrage’ with Democratic Congressman Eliot Engel declaring, "The deadline came and went and we were very unhappy. They now need to live up to that agreement. If they don't, personally I would be for implementing some sanctions, because I think six years is enough.” Wow- tough talk. I am sure they are really scared.

Meanwhile back on the plantations, life is miserable for the kids that have been sold or traded to these plantation owners. School is not an option for most and the fear of beatings is all too real. The kids are piled into one small hut and sleep on wooden planks. The windows are sealed shut to prevent any of them from trying to escape, although most are too afraid to attempt it as they would be beaten if they were caught.

The Ivory Coast Government has created what they call a model village named Petit Yammousoukro which they claim is a model project under the auspices of the Cocoa Protocol. The village proudly showcases a school at one end and pronounces that this is an example of the chocolate industry’s commitment to end slave labor and put kids back in school. The school, a mud hut, was built by the villagers themselves. The American Government, through USAID provided the school with wooden desks and a blackboard. The chocolate industry provided nothing. The school opened in January of this year, over five years after the Cocoa Protocol was signed.

The American and British chocolate manufacturers claim to know nothing about the project in Petit Yammousoukro and the sad reality is that after many years, nothing has been done. Unfortunately, nothing will get done as long as these companies continue to rake in the profits from this operation. They will continue to claim that progress is being made and that all they need is a little more time. As Susan Smith of the Chocolate Manufacturers Association in the United States put it, “This is a long term project. I think I've learned that they're moving forward on pilots.”

Talk and more talk! Unfortunately for these slave children, every day that passes increases their despair and the very struggle to survive becomes even more difficult.

Visit Stop The Traffik today and see what you can do to stop this despicable practice.


Watch and Weep...

What's Behind the Curtain?

Recently I had a post which looked at the results of the annual 'Corporate Hall of Shame', a poll taken to expose the world's worst corporate abusers. Afterwards, I did a bit of research on each of these companies to see for myself exactly why they made the final list. This was definitely an eye-opening experience! After looking under the PR curtains these companies put up with their slick press releases and sifting through the corporate media stories, a picture developed that was quite disturbing.

This post was originally intended to be a detailed look at just one of the companies on that list but as time passed and I read more and more information, this became impossible. I plan to present this in a series of posts each with its own story. Together, let's study what has gone terribly wrong with business today and the horrific practices employed all in the name of profits and expanded markets.

Happy Fourth of July


"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

No greater words have been written in our nation's history.

Today is a day to reflect on the many sacrifices and promises of our country's forefathers. In light of recent history and events, many should take the time to read the Constitution to get a better understanding of just how much we have strayed from this glorious path.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Keith Olbermann Resign Video

Wow! Keith Olbermann lays it on the line...

Marcy Wheeler on Hardball

Author of Anatomy of Deceit talks about the Libby case.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Mr. 'Law and Order' Fred Thompson Speaks

So what did the upstanding 'Law and Order' guy Fred Thompson have to say about the pardon of Scooter Libby?

"I am very happy for Scooter Libby. I know that this is a great relief to him, his wife and children. This will allow a good American, who has done a lot for his country, to resume his life".

These Republicans love to shout about transparency, justice, tough on crime, the rule of law, etc., etc. but when it comes to one of their own...

Bush Commutes Libby Sentence

To think that Paris Hilton spent more time in jail than Scooter Libby ever will .....

FDR and the New Deal- The 75th Anniversary

It was 75 years ago today that Franklin D. Roosevelt accepted the nomination to run as the Democratic candidate for President. It was in this nomination speech that the idea was born of the New Deal. On this day, I encourage you to read it.

The speech is fascinating in that in it Roosevelt expresses his humanity, his brilliance, his leadership and vision. It is also quite unsettling as the comparisons to those economic times he speaks about almost mirror what we see now. His talk of how the famous trickle down theories were not working and how corporations of the time were so corrupt and greedy is almost like reading the papers today. These so-called 'policies' thrown out by the corporatists in Washington are nothing new. It's the same now as it was then.

I was personally moved by his words and wished that today we had our own FDR around to run for President of our troubled nation. For so long now, we have settled for mediocricy, failure and the tired 'lesser of two evils' charade. It is past time to demand real leadership, vision and true achievements from our politicians and not just the latest catch phrase or cute campaign song. The time is now...

To read more about FDR and his legacy, check out the Franklin D. Roosevelt American Heritage Museum.

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Bush and Putin

Tonight I was catching up on the news about the Bush-Putin meeting in Maine when I came across this story from ABC News entitled Father Knows Best. After serving seven years in office, I'm now reading that our 'president' needs pep talks and advice from his father on how to deal with a foreign leader?! WTF?

Remember the cries from the right about Democratic 'girlie men' and all that crap? Well now we see George W. Bush coddling under his father's wing seeking help in dealing with Putin. Give me a break....

Patrick Leahy on Meet The Press

Here's the interview from Meet The Press this morning.

Constitutional Showdown Looms

Patrick Leahy, the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman said today that he is ready to go to court if the White House continued to resist subpoenas on documents related to the firing of federal prosecutors.

This ratchets up the confrontation looming between the White House and Congress. We will see if the Democrats hold tough (as they should) and force this White House to follow the rule of law.

Al Gore Speaks

Al Gore speaks out on climate change and global warming in today's editorial pages of The New York Times. It is a powerful and stirring call to action on this most urgent problem.

Gore writes, "Our children have a right to hold us to a higher standard when their future — indeed, the future of all human civilization — is hanging in the balance. They deserve better than a government that censors the best scientific evidence and harasses honest scientists who try to warn us about looming catastrophe. They deserve better than politicians who sit on their hands and do nothing to confront the greatest challenge that humankind has ever faced — even as the danger bears down on us."

I often think how different times would be now if the Supreme Court would not have decided the outcome of the 2000 elections. Al Gore, the people's choice, would have been seated (in the true spirit of democracy!) and perhaps this nation, led by a true leader and statesman, would have started to tackle some of the most urgent problems that we, as a planet, face today. Think about it...