bravery

I just read a note entitled "Bravery" written, supposedly by a young Marine. Just thought I'd put some old guy into the thing. First, I am one of those that stepped into the breach so that the young man could make such statements, if he did. Second, the reason for stepping into the breach is so that all can speak their minds. That means those that disagree. Third, a young man is more apt than others to be decieved by those who would send him to his death for no good reason. Fourth, one should be wary of those who wrap themselves in the flag. Hitler carried a nation to hell wrapped in a flag.

The war being perpetrated upon the Iraqi, and US, people is a crime. It was brought about by a group that did not have the best interest of the country or world in mind. There is no connection between 9/11 and Iraq. There is NO reason for us to be there. The reason we went to war was to get Bin Laden. He is still alive and well. Al Queda was not in Iraq when we got there. They now drive the politics and agenda in Iraq. Why in the fuck is that young man in Iraq? Who would put him in a position to write such a thing?

Just my guess, but the message was not written by a young Marine, but a political hack trying to score political points. Very sad that such a thing could, or would, be done in the name of a war that we should not be part of. And, in the name of those who stand in the breach for their brethren.

If my supposition is incorrect, I refer to my original statement. Like the writer (maybe) I stood in the breach and earned my right to make up my own mind about whatever subject...and make myself known. Much as the young man is doing now.

Just a thought from Mark Twain: "Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it."

Spontaneous Feeling

In her book, entitled "Bait and Switch," Barbara Ehrenreich wrote, "Picking up after a firing and regrouping in a mode of passionate engagement, and doing so time after time-this is a job for a professional actor or for a person who has lost the capacity for spontaneous feeling." Italics are mine.

So, I was just wondering, is that the issue with so many in the corporate world? Lay, Skilling, Scrushy, and Frist come to mind. These people seem devoid of real emotion of any kind. Their loyalty is to the dollar and nothing more. They seem to believe that they are entitled to do as they wish, as long as it makes money...for themselves. As Mr. Lay sat before the House Committee looking into the Enron scandal, his face was devoid of any emotion. Rather like the oil exec's who sat before another House Committee stone faced and pronounced that they had not been involved with VP Cheney in writing the Energy Bill.

It will be interesting to see how these folks react during their upcoming trials. Those who are most accomplished will of course have a religious experience and move from prison to talk radio. But the others, I wonder if they will somewhere down the road have an epiphany, and actually change their thinking. Or, continue down the path they know and re-create the chaos and mayhem they foisted on so many.

Christmas, The Aftermath

Hope everyone had a great Christmas. We surely did. We spent the holiday with our dear friends the Wyma's in Palos Park, ILL (Chicago). The day went just perfectly...if you're looking for a holiday to remember. We had imbibed a little the eve of and when we got up the first and most important issue was coffee and a Bloody Mary. With the first cup of coffee, the dishwasher was turned on. As we all stood in the kitchen contemplating all things perfect, we noticed water running onto the floor from the front of the dishwasher. All sprang to life and the appliance in question was turned off and towels were spread to catch the flow. After a little discussion, the P-traps were loosed and found to be free of debris. That of course meant that places downstream had to opened and sure enough a block was found, and removed. Condensing the operation, down to one line, we were then set for a dinner to rival all others. And, sure enough, David put together a dinner to remember. Filet Mignon, double baked potatoes and bundled esparagus. The butcher had done us a real favor, and the steaks were of the "melt in your mouth" variety. The bundled esparagus was a real treat, though I must admit that the tieing, after cocktails, didn't impress any Boy Scout. However, in the end, they were a hit with all.

For another version of a "Wyma Week-end" we thank you sincerely.

Now we have a couple of weeks to restore our livers and get ready for the next excursion, Washington DC in Jan/Feb.

Christmas Presents

We've had two Christmas presents this year. Ted Stevens and his never ending "drill ANWR" seems to have been done in, at least for this year, by Democrats who have suddenly begun to find their balls. And the Patriot Act has been extended as is for 6 months, so that the two sides can continue to negotiate what is to be done with it.

Next year perhaps we can find an impeachment in our stockings. And, DeLay and Frist in jail. Does one good to dream.

S & K Technologies

Since the arrest of Robert J. Klein Jr last month, I have tried to find out more about him and the company that originally took him to Iraq.

S & K Technologies is a contracting company owned by the Salish & Kootenai tribes located in St. Ignatius, MT. This very small town on the Flathead Indian Reservation, some 40 miles north of Missoula, is not a household name in the world at large. But is quite well known to the Department of Defense.

As a Tribal-Owned corporation with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) as the sole shareholder in the company the two tribes, as sole owners qualifies for the Small Business Administration 8 (a) Program. This program gives the company the ability to offer such things as: a sizeable (unable to quantify) line of credit to fund large contracts; SBA 8 (A) qualified, so that they are not subject to the $3 million limitation on services contracts or the $5 million limitation on supply (manufacturing contracts); the ability to establish more than one 8 (a) firm, if Tribally-Owned; the ability to joint venture with other firms, while size standards for sole-source contracts don't applysince they are Tribally-Owned; participation on the Board of Directors is not restricted.

The second program that is avaiable to the firm is the SBA Hubzone Program. This program provides federal contracting opportunities to firms located in "historically under utilized business (HUB) zones." HUBZONE contracts can be awarded on a sole source or competitive basis.

Pause. The 8 (a) program is divided into two pahses over nine years. A four-year development stage and a five-year transition stage. So my first question is, how does the firm qualify for 8 (a) assistance in 2003? You see, there were government contracts awarded under 8 (a) for Iraq to S & K Technologies in 2003. If my math is correct, 2003 would be 18 years from the time of incorporation, or 9 years past the time when the program would be applicable.

In 2003 Robert J. Stein Jr. was sent as an Administrative Support employee of S & K Technologies to Iraq as a contractor. He was "outprocessed" in October of 2004. He was then hired by the American Occupation Authorities as a comptroller and financial officer. He was then subsequently arrested in the fall of 2005 for bribery and kickback schemes. On the S & K Technologies website, they claim the following: We've earned an outstanding reputation by maintaining the highest ethical standards and professional integrity. Mr. Stein was a felon at the time of his hiring by the firm. It may be that Mr. Stein was squeaky clean during his time with S & K, and only returned to his felon ways when he went to work for the government. However, that claim would be dubious.

Back to S & K Technologies in Montana. They have the HQ in St. Ignatius, MT, an IT group in Bremerton, WA, and Aerospace in Webster, TX, Warner Robbins, GA and Dayton, OH. And of course, an office in Washington D.C. Remember that they can form more than one firm or form joint ventures without penalty under the 8 (a) program. Of the contracts mentioned that were let in 2003, one is worth just less than $5 million, while another is worth $27 million. And what kind of operations are we talking about? Some are communications. However, one involves the EC-130H Compass Call Aircraft. This is a modified Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft configured to perform tactical command, control and communication countermeasures or C3CM, used for jamming enemy communications.

So, our little firm on the Flathead Reservation now has arms across the nation and is doing maitainance on Air Force aircraft. And they can be given no-bid contracts due to the 8 (a) status. Where else then do we find this outfit working? On their client list we find the USAF, the Saudi Royal AF, NASA, Dept. of AG, the Coast Guard, GSA, EPA, and FAA. Not a bad client list.

My second question. If no one knows about this firm, and they stay out of the limelight, can it be that they are exploiting the system? And, is the government exploiting the fact that they are covered by 8 (a), to let no-bid contracts?

Right now we don't know the answers. But, Mr Stein will come to court during the next year and it will be of considerable interest to see what part S & K Technologies has played in the Iraq saga.

11 Million Illiterates

How in the hell do eleven (11) Million people in the US attain adulthood with the inability to read? I've heard lots of discussion about the failure of schools and teachers and parents and...who or what the hell ever, but that statistic actually surprises me. That number means that all of those 11 million people were allowed to move through however many grades and not one teacher noticed, or gave a fat rats ass whether they learned to read or no. The school or schools that they attended took tax money and absolutely, positively and catastrophically failed them. The rest of us, the tax payers, allowed that to happen. We obviously do not demand that schools actually educate their charges. We don't demand that our money be spent wisely and judiciosly.

What do we do about that problem? How do we go about making sure that we get our money's worth from the system? Who is it that must be held accountable for such things as sending finished product into the world with an obvious defect?

It occurs to me that a taxpayers union might be one idea. Have people actually watching schools and holding them accountable to obvious, basic metrics. Such as, the ability to read, write a sentence, and how to do basic math. Seems simple enough on it's face, but obviously it is much more difficult. Because 11 million adults can't accomplish those tasks.

Perhaps if we spent more time working on that issue, rather than whether someone is saying Merry Christmas we might get a better outcome. Or, maybe if we took the money that is being poked down the warhole that is Iraq and put it to use paying teachers what the job is worth. Perhaps hire enough of them to accomplish the task and provide the materials necessary. We might come up with a system that can teach everyone who enters their doors to read. Seems like a worthwhile project to me.

Heavy Heart

Tonight I have a heavy heart. It's not about family. All of them are safe at home with their loved ones. All to old or to young to be a part of Bush's war in Iraq. It's not about friends. All of them are safe and sound also. It's Christmas time, my favorite holiday season of the year. Terri and I are going to spend Christmas in Chicago with our long time friends the Wyma's.

So, what you might wonder would cause me to have a heavy heart? My answer is actually quite simple. It is the last night in the life of Stanley Williams. Williams is to murdered by the state of California at 0001 hours, 12/13/05. Since everyone knows the story, I will spare us all the details. But, tonight I have a heavy heart.

Merry Christmas to all of the Christians in the world. Thou Shalt not kill...indeed.

Christmas

Now hear this!! All of you fucking idiots screaming about how the lack of the word Christmas is somehow taking the meaning out of the season. Since you're obviously illiterate, let's do a quick fix of your knowledge base. The "Season" is based on an event going back a very long time. Like since the time the earth was able to sustain seasons. It's called Solstice. It was co-opted by the Christians as a significant time for a festival.

If you take the time to speak to a scholar, (a scholar will be someone who can actually read and understand the book you claim to know all about) he/she will tell you that the guy you're claiming as a Savior was probably more likely born in the March/April time frame. There goes your Jesus Birthday bullshit scheme right at it's core.

Since most of this crying and wailing is done by people trying to sell something, (religion) or Christiban, let me just clue you into something. There are a lot of us who don't give a rat's ass about your fucking illiterate claims or your whining. Since we know that you will spend more than we will for presents for this occaison, and will drag out the same old tired shit next year. After all...it comes around every year. Check your calendar for Winter Solstice.

Now SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!!!!

Fly

I've watched this for a couple of days wondering what the hell was going to happen. Condi Rice went to Europe to try and make nice concerning the flights of terrorists in and out of EU airspace and the possible CIA prisons in a couple (or more) of the EU nations. Suddenly, last night, we see that EU officials say Condi Rice cleared concerns over US policy. I'd love to have been a fly on the wall during that enlightening process.

At the same time, the Law Lords (think Supreme Court US) in England made it known that information gathered using torture would not be allowed. And, that it had been established in England for many hundreds of years. That makes one wonder how the US SCOTUS will handle the question when it comes up. We can sure as hell hope it comes up. In light of the CIA questions being asked, it's hard to imagine that it won't.

My question is:what the hell did that woman say to those EU officials that they would suddenly take her word for anything? She is a known prevaricator inside a regime that has no use for the truth or for facts. Hopefully, a reliable source will spill the proceedings to someone in the press...the Europeans press, since the US press hasn't the guts for that sort of thing. And, certainly doesn't have the will to actually ask questions.

Poorest Populations in the U.S.

According to the newest data from the Census Bureau, roughly 12.5% of the U.S. population is living in poverty. This in the richest nation in the world.

Lest you should think otherwise, children under 18 represent 17.6%.

This data is from 2003, the latest year for which Census data is available. A toltal of between 35.2 and 36.5 million people fell under the poverty threshold. Poverty threshold for a single person was $9,393 or less. For a family of four, that amounts to $18,660. This isn't a lack of HDTV. This is grinding povery.

So what states house the highest percentages of poor residents relative to the state's total population you ask? Mississippi (18.3), Louisiana (18.1%), New Mexico (17.7%), West Virginia (16.3%), and Texas (16.2%).

So, let's see what we have going here. The upper 1% of earner's in the U.S. need a tax break. We pay Wal-Mart (incentives they're called) to build their gulags throughout the country. And, of course we have the Bushco debacle (2 Billion per month) in Iraq.

With 12.5% of the U.S. population living in poverty, that seems more like a crime wave than good governance. The religious crap they peddle is terrific for the ignorant. But as anyone who has ever participated in that business can attest, one of the tenets of christianity is to take care of the least among us. Kinda sounds like Bushit to me.

Noise Pollution

Taken from a post at www.thestar.com.

A study done by Charite University Medical Centre in Berlin studdied 2,000 heart attack victims. What it revealed is that excessive environmental noise (think airplanes, jack hammers, Bushco) increases heart attacks by 50% in men and 300% in women. Studies have previously linked excessive noise to high blood pressure, heart disease, and cognitive/learning difficulties. Noise kills.

In 1969, Dr. William Stewart, former U.S. Surgeon General, state, "Calling noise a nuisance is like calling smog an inconvenience." And, the EU has established noise as a public-health menace equal to or greater than the problem of cigarette smoke.

If we know then that noise should be curbed for the sake of people's health, the only thing that can be lacking is political will. That should be enough to put it on hold for another 50 years or so. So, we can expect to put up with deafening car stereos roaring enghines and outdoor speakers into the forseeable future.

If that is true, then it occurs to me that quiet is an immensely valuable resource. If that is true, and since I live on 5 acres in a remote location, I wonder if there is an approaching market for quiet. Hmmmm

CIFA

CIFA(CounterIntelligence Field Activity) could soon be transformed according to a presidential commission. The office now coordinates Pentagon security efforts including protecting military facilities from attack. The transformation would allow it to investigate crimes within the U.S. such as treason, foreign or terrorist sabotage or even economic espionage. Does anyone see a hole big enough to drive a tank through? Obviously, the sons-of-a-bitch haven't got enough to do with their time. Not a problem that they can't fulfill their goddam mission. Like say...providing the troops with battle armor...or, armored vehicles to assist in thwarting IED's. No, let's waste a little more of the tax payer's money by trying to do the FBI's job. Now hear this you low life, scum suckin', mother fucker's. Their are a lot of us who have done our duty for this nation. And, we are not interested in your low life, pathetic, as usual lowest possible standard interest in our lives. Try, if you can, to protect our children and grandchildren from your wretched and assinine intrusion into Iraq.

From a war veteran, to the sorry excuse for a secretary of defense...you, are a useless piece of humanity. You have no right to be connected with the military in any way. You have no qualification whatsoever. You have done everything you can to denegrate it. So, just do the right thing and resign. Of course, we know that you would never do the right thing, so how about if, just because you are a chicken-shit at heart, you have a heart attack and leave the office quietly?

Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it.
Mark Twain

Thanks,
A Real Patriot

Death Penalty

and one of the reasons I am against it.

In 1984, Ruben Cantu was charged with murder. He was 17 years old. He professed his innocense up to the time of his execution at age 24. His co-defendant, David Garza, recently signed a sworn affadavit stating that Cantu wasn't with him the night of the killing. Juan Moreno, the lone living eyewitness, has said that he fingered Cantu because he was afraid of the police and believed that is what they wanted him to do.

This is another example of the law getting it wrong. And, one of the reasons I believe that the death penalty should be abolished. Not to save those who are guilty, but to protect those who are not. No innocent person should have to face dying at the hands of the state.

We have long known that errors are made at court. Yet we persist in killing innocents who are convicted in those courts, knowing that we could be making the ultimate error. And, in a society such as ours, which professes it's religion so loudly, one would think that such a barbarous act as executing a person would have ended long ago. Unfortunately, for Reuben Cantu, and others, what we say and what we do are polar opposites.

Abramoff Update

I spoke of this mess in an earlier post. The grind toward a conclusion will take another step tomorrow when Michael Scanlon (a former Abramoff partner) will plead guilty to one felony count of conspiracy. Scanlon has agreed to testify against one-time partner Abramoff in any future criminal case involving the ex-lobbying superstar. Redundancy is something I will try and avoid on this site. However, in this case, I believe it is worth repeating that this case is bigger than all of the other problems facing Bushco. Essentially because Abramoff and his partners are connected to so many Republicans, and some Democrats, in high places, when the testifying begins, there are going to be a lot of political openings in the halls of Congress. And, very possibly, some jail time for some of those involved. It matters not which party they come from, if they were involved with Abramoff they are going to pay dearly.

When all is said and done, and some of the people who need to be gone are, we will have, in my mind, a chance to repopulate the place with those who will, at least short term, have the country's best interest at heart. Do I think it will last forever? Of course not. But, after the long decline during the latter part of the Democratic Party rule, and all of the Republican Party rule, the nation's agenda has been set aside for short term political gain. Hopefully, we will see the nation's business, at last, put back on the front burner.

Tomorrow we should get perhaps an idea of what is to come. Whether that actually happens or not, will depend upon the Prosecutor's in the case. But, with Scanlon ready to testify, there will, or probably already is, a hell'uva lot of maneuvering over the next few weeks. It will be interesting to see who all starts to lawyer up. Of course, DeLay and Frist already have their separate crew's on-board. But, the implosion of the Republican Party will a spectacle to behold. Since a goodly number of people in leadership positions are expected to be touched by the time the play is over.

Rep. John Murtha (D-PA)

Those of us who were against the disaster in Iraq from the beginning are starting to see larger and larger gains in the number of people coming over to our side. Today, Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) called for the immediate removal of our troops from Iraq. The Republicans who still back the operation immediately began to pump the same tired shit down the same line. "Surrendering to terrorists" and "not supporting our troops." So, for those who may be interested, this is how John answered Cheney's (one of the prime architect's of this war) complaint. "I like guy's who've never been there that criticize us who've been there. I like that. I like guy's who got five deferements and never been there and send people to war, and then don't like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done." That slapping sound you hear is John putting one upside Dick's head.

We are beginning now to see the press come back to life, our Federal Representatives reappear, and the people of the country taking stock of what has happened in their name while they weren't paying attention. We are seeing the subject beinning to roll over and the awful truth that the thing is covered with maggots, eating at the decaying flesh of our society and destroying our world. It is now that people must take hold of this mess and clean it up. Fumigate the premesis and put things aright in our nation. The Theocracy must be put back in it's place on the fringe of politics. Those who would take a few millions in a year from the poor and needy, while pumping billions per month into the black hole that is Iraq must be sent back to their low places. And, business must be put in it's place. If they cannot operate in this world without doing damage to the environment, and that means the people who populate the environment, then they need to fold and let someone else take their places.

So, I welcome those for whom the light is beginning to dawn, back to the world of reason. Hopefully, we can now begin to rebuild our nation. Where Human Rights and Civil Rights aren't just something we pay lip service to, but something we as a nation have as a priority. Rather than dismantling our world in the name profits for the few, a world where we become, in the truest sense of the word, our brothers keeper.

Yellow Ribbons

As I travel around I see a lot of those Yellow Ribbons with the Support Our Troops lettering. That's a kind gesture. We should all support our troops. The poor bastards are underpaid on any scale and used for the worst possible invention by man...war. So, I'm just wondering...has every one of those people who have one of those Yellow Ribbons on the back of their car called, written, e-mailed his/her Federal Representatives and demanded that they return the money that has been cut from the VA budget? I'm guessing they probably haven't. Those folks are not leaders, but followers. They respond to the squeaky wheel. So, for all of those who have had contact with their rep's, thanks. For those who haven't, why the hell not? Could it be that the words on those Yellow Ribbons are no more than Bushit to impress other people? Hmmmm!! I would hope not. However, it's hard to figure why Congress would cut the budget for VA more, after they were told that there would be a significant shortfall in the current budget, if all of those Yellow Ribbons had spoken.

Dear Sheeple of the Right

You may not have noticed, but there are some changes afoot that you might like to know about. First, John Edwards, on the Washington Post.com site wrote in part: "I was wrong...it was a mistake to vote for this war in 2002"... That may not seem significant, but he is the first Democrat to make that statement. There will be others. You may want to get onboard this train now. There are many of us who have been saying this since 2002, but we welcome one and all.

Second, when VP Cheney says Enhanced Interrogation Techniques, he means TORTURE. Changing the words does not change the facts.

Third, tonight a new compromise bill concerning Guantanamo has been agreed to. The bill will grant Gitmo detainees automatic access to the courts where they are sentenced to 10 years or more. And the courts could have discretion to hear lesser sentences.

Thought I'd just put this in, Senator Harry Reid (NV), with several of his colleagues, have issued a short preamble to an upcoming Plan to get out of Iraq. Since Bushco got us into that mess, it would be appropriate for him to come up with an actual plan to get the hell out. I'm sure they were just waiting around for the right time. But, just in case, the Democrats will give him some assistance. 'Cuz you know, it's like...hard work. No more BUSHIT!! Let's start arranging for those young folks to come home.

Sincerely,
tsilaicos

Cuba

There was a vote in the UN the other day concerning Cuba. The resolution was a demand for the US to stop it's embargo of Cuba and allow it to begin to take care of it's people. The issue isn't new to the UN. In fact, this is the 14th year in a row that this has come up, with similar results. This year, the vote was 182-4. Three nations voted with the US, with one abstention. Four nations didn't vote.

What in the hell is it with the US that we cannot get over Cuba? Just how are they going to do any damage at all to this country? They have no military to speak of. A significant portion of the island nation's people live in abject poverty. There hasn't been an economy of any note for decades. Why is it that we persist in punishing those people? The argument that the government is corrupt is simply a red herring. We have a corrupt government. Just in case anyone was wondering, I. Lewis Libby was indicted. Congressman Tom DeLay, was indicted. Senate Majority Leader Frist is under scrutiny by the SEC. A whole raft of people are under investigation by the Abramoff Grand Jury. Seems pretty hypocritical, doesn't it?

We have gotten past Germany, Japan, Italy, even Viet Nam. Perhaps it is time for the folks in this nation to apply a little pressure to Congress to remedy this affair and put Cuba back into the league of nations.

Shut-Up and Sign-Up

Now hear this. All young Republicans. Two years from now, we'll still need troops in Iraq. The National Guard will essentially be out of the fight. You see, the National Guard cannot be made to return under4 current rules that limit to 24 months guardsmen's active duty obligation. You have made it known that you support the Bush Administration's War in Iraq. You now have the opportunity to show the world what you're made of...truely. If you start your military career now, you will be fully trained and ready to take your place inside of two years. That will give us a seamless transition from National Guard, who make up a significant portion of the people assigned to that theatre, and active duty personnel.

You have been given three years now to finish up at school and get your affairs in order. The time for action is now. Oh, and don't worry about the lack of vehicle and body armor, I'm quite sure your family will be able to furnish it for you. And, if you're wounded, there are the medals. Don't be concerned about the lack of hospital care when upon your return you find them closed or unsuitable. Private care is much better anyway. And, arms and legs can be purchased on the open market. After all, this is a Capitalist country isn't it? One should expect to take care of these things themselves.

Forgot one other small item. Congress is trying desperately to manage the national debt...what with the war and all. So, the Food Stamp Program will be cut. Your family will be grateful enough just to see you serving your country and will provide food and shelter for your wive's/husband's and children. Quite sure you're aware that beginning wages in the military will leave you a little short.

So, here is your opportunity you fucking little twits. Shut-Up and Sign-Up.

Cheney and Torture

We know how VP Cheney feels about torture. After Senator McCain's amendment specifically demanding that there to be no torture of detainees was passed in the Senate, VP Cheney went to the Senate and tried mightly to have it rescinded.

So, where do others who appeared on Sunday talk shows stand? Lets have a little looksee. Why don't we start with who might back VP Cheney? Senator Orrin Hatch (R) Utah, on CBS's "Face the Nation" said he supports the VP's efforts to gain a CIA exemption. He stated that the administration opposes torture, yet stated further, "They're going to do everything in their power to make sure that our citizens in the United States of America are protected."

Someone against? Senator Chuck Hagel (R) Nebraska on "This Week) on ABC gave us this. "I think the administration is making a terrible mistake in opposing John McCain's amendment on detainees and torture. Why in the world they're doing that, I don't know."

Now that we have the for and against, let us have a word from the person who submitted the amendment in the first place. Senator John McCain, (R) Arizona, on "Fox News Sunday" gives us this quote. "Our image in the world is suffering very badly, and one of the reasons for it is the perception that we abuse people that we take captive."

We would rather expect Hatch to spew the administration line. His ethics have, for many years been suspect partly because of his direct participation in the supplement world, hosted in large part in his home state of Utah. So, ethics isn't really his big issue anyway. It is interesting how he contends that the administration opposes torture, but VP Cheney is doing everything in his power to allow it. And, lest any should forget, this administration gave us the Gonzalez opinion telling us that torture was ok in some cases. Written by Mr. Addington, VP Cheney's replacement for I. Lewis Libby. That they had to rescind it after they had their asses handed to them by the nation at large, does not make me comfortable that these folks are here to protect my rights in any way.

Senator Hagel is using something called "Common Sense" when he wonders why the administration opposes the McCain amendment. Torture has been shown to be entirely ineffective in gathering information from detainees. Not just once, or just recently, but for many years by a host of nations and entities. Hopefully, he will continue to press on this subject and keep it before the public eye.

Senator McCain is the only one who could have given the weight necessary to make this amendment happen. Having been a POW for five years during the Vietnam debacle, he has the moral authority to carry the flag and state the case.

Remembering as I do the speeches, articles, television and radio pouring vile upon those who would torture, it seems to me that Bushco is trying its damndest to drag this country down the path taken by ocracy's and ism's since time immemorial. They do not seem to understand that the reasons for resisting torture of detainees is not for them as much as it is for us. When we see human rights as ok for me but not you, regardless of the reason, we have taken a step towards destroying the vary things that this country has stood for since it's inception.

That some of the above has already happened with the Patriot Act, the decision to take Food Stamps from 300,000 of the worst off among us, while funneling billions into the useless endeavor that is Iraq, makes me for one, very sad and concerned.

Bushco: Spreading Democracy Through Torture.

Add On

There are a couple of issues I would like to add too in this article.

First there is a recent medical study commissioned by the Commonwealth Fund, a private nonpartisan, nonprofit foundation in NY. They're survey of 7000 sick adults in US, Australia, Canada, NZ, Britain and Germany, found the following among these countries: (1)the US is highest in cost; (2)the US has the highest error rate; (3)the US has the highest disorganized care. If you read my previous blog about David and his unfortunate venture into the medical world, you will recognize the "highest disorganized care" finding. For those who may be wondering, the view of these folks as to the health of medicine in this country is that "healthcare in the US is quietly imploding." For those of us fortunate enough to have good healthcare and good insurance, it really doesn't appear that bad. But, if you happen to be among the working poor in this nation, you are only to aware. I have seen this close up and personal. Members in my extended family who have working class jobs (Mom & Dad both work), but who have to ration healthcare because they can't afford the co-pays that go with it. Do I advocate universal health care (UHC)? If you haven't read my previous blogs on the matter, let me help you. YES!!

NEXT

As President Bush's poll numbers drop down there with Nixon's Watergate numbers, let us just remind ourselves of the promises that came with him into the WH. "...uniter not a divider", "higher standards for those working in the WH", "The way you earn credibility with the American people is to set a clear agenda that everybody can understand"... Well let's see here. He still has three years to make good on any one, let alone all, of these and the rest of the political promises that spilled from Rove's mind. At this moment, he still has a divided nation. "Scooter" Libby stands indicted. Rove is still under investigation. There is now indication that the Italian's told Bush pre-Iraq that the fake letter which linked Saddam to Niger was produced by a rogue intel guy in Italy. Cheney just led a charge to dismantle the McCain bill that strictly forbids torture by US troops. Secret bases on foriegn soil used by the CIA to hold prisoners, so that they don't have to adhere to US, UN or any other law. And, the clear agenda that Mr. Bush spoke of seems to be more and more apparent. Do everything that can be done to enhance life for corporations, start a war, make the public debt so high that it forces the dismantling of the Welfare State. (Welfare State means those less fortunate).

NEXT

Read an article today that was of the generic "How to prevent cold/flu" variety. Found the usual wash your hands (cool), avoid large crowds if you can, cough into your shoulder, get plenty of rest, items. Then there was, take aged garlic to prevent. That one got my attention. So, I went looking for verification of the statement. There is no recommendation by any National Health Agency for taking garlic to prevent a cold or the flu. So, just in case you have heard this from some other source, it's bullshit.

NEXT

A retired Bexar (San Antonio,TX) County judge has been selected to oversee the proceedings in the trail of Tom DeLay. It turns out that Pat Priest, the retired judge, is a Democrat. Wonder what the DeLay camp is saying about that? Priest is described as a judge with a Social Conscience, which puts him at odds with DeLay and company right off the bat. Since Tom & company already had their shot, and the original judge stepped aside, this is the end of that ploy. No more complaints will be heard in the matter...at least, inside the judicial system. Hopefully, this will drag out well into next year when DeLay has to stand for re-election.

NEXT

With the problems the Republicans are having and will continue to have into the forseeable future, it is entirely possible that we will have a complete regime change by the end of '08. I pity the poor sob who has to follow behind and clean up the mess that this administration (elephant) is making. It will take someone who can truly lead. At this juncture I am not committed to anyone in the field. But, like most folks I know, I'm looking for a radical departure from where we are today.

AND LAST

Thank You!! Rosa.

My Right Arm

We have a friend, David, who is an upstanding citizen. He has a job, pays taxes, doesn't beat his wife, or kick his dog. In other words, he is a decent, hard working citizen.

In early July, he began to notice a loss of feeling in his right arm and pain radiating down his neck and into his arm and back. Like most, he paid little attention and went to work every day hoping that it would resolve itself. It didn't. David was sent into the medical maze with the hope and belief that those in the maze would take care of him and his problem. He was sent from specialist to specialist and test after test. During that time he became unable to do his job. And, the problem became worse and worse, until he entirely lost the ability to raise his arm. In mid October, he ran into his primary physician who asked him how things were going. David told him the story of how he had been sent from test to test with no attempt at resolution. The primary doctor made some phone calls and within a week, David was on his way to the surgical suite. His neck was opened up, discs removed and cadaver bones put in their place, a plate screwed into the spine for stability and he was sent home.

Ninety days unable to work. Ninety days of pain and agony. Ninety days of testing and reports to nowhere, concluding nothing. Brought to a place where he was attempting to get appointments on his own with the Mayo clinic.

Medical malpractice is a real thing. It does real damage to real people...like David. Regardless of the bullshit spewed by physicians about how the cost of malpractice insurance is ruining their businesses, they will never admit to the fact that it just might be that many of them are just plain incompetent and have no business being there in the first place. I am not a lawyer. I have never played one on television. However, I worked inside the medical maze for many years. And, my advise to David was to make an appointment and go see an attorney specializing in medical malpractice.

The bottom line, for me, is that people who do damage to other people should be held accountable. I don't give a goddamn whether they have a gun or a scalpel. The pain, agony and suffering are just as damaging in any case.

Spine?

Jesus Christ!!! Was that some spine showing in the Dem Group? YYYYAAAAAAHHHHHOOOOOO!!!! Harry Reid has given us a few glimpses over the last year, but this is exemplary action on his part. He has been prodding the Rebub's to act on the investigation of intel info pre-Iraq. They have been dragging it out and accomplishing absolutely nothing since before the election in '04. With Bush trying like hell to keep the Talking Points moving in his direction, as per the last five years, he brought out the Avian Flu show. Harry, wanting to keep the Talking Points on "Scooter" dragged the Senate into a closed session. The Repub's were out in full, and between snivel and pule, pissed as hell because they hadn't been notified pre-action. Of course, anyone who knows anything about the system knows that if he had, they would have quashed it instantly. Excellent move Harry. That, by the way, is why they call it politics. This action today took the Alito, Avian Flu pieces and put them where they belong...on page 2.

Have been putting 1 1/2 miles per trip, Mon/Wed/Fri in the pool. Terri has decided we need to also be working out at the gym. Either I am going to be one healthy SOB, or I will soon be dead. A glass, or two, of port helps the tired old muscles.

Chris Matthews

This afternoon, Chris Matthews took a paper from a production person and proclaimed that the Democrats had defamed the Supreme Court Nominee, Mr. Alito, in a talking points paper being passed around. Being the lazy ass that he is, he started running the party line before he did any fact checking or even a quick read of the paper. Turns out, it was bullshit. The papers are on-line and available to those who would like to verify this. The whole affair has the smell of Rove. Although, it was first seen on the Drudge site and one cannot forget that this character's name should really be Sludge. It will be interesting to see how the MSM plays the whole affair tomorrow. And, it will be interesting to hear what Matthews has to say. Shill.

Also of interest today was the exchange between Gregory of NBC and Scottie, at the WH briefing. Jeff has been on Scottie boy's ass since Katrina hit. Today he seemed to come down to calling him a liar. Of course, he is. But, rarely does anyone confront the spinners at 1600 Penn. Maybe. Just maybe. The WHPC is going to come to life and start confronting these people every time they start lieing. It was a thing of beauty.

We went to watch "Grapes of Wrath" at a theatre in Seattle yesterday. Wonderful. The acting was not Broadway, but it did hit all of the highlights. And, it was delightful to get back to a story that I have read many times over the years. It was good to get back into a theatre, as well. We get to a few productions every year, but never enough.

Merry Fitzmas!!

Well, we didn't get all we wanted for Fitzmas this year. But wait, the season isn't over yet. We may be getting more at later dates. We got Libby. We just didn't get Rove. But Rove remains a possiblity, as does Bolton. Bolton was an Undersecretary in 2003.

If Libby goes to trial, will it matter? By the time the whole affair is over and done, it will be near the end of this Administration. And, with that would likely come a Presidential pardon. It may be that what this really represents is the start of the drip drip drip that we saw with Watergate. A three year Fitzmas season. Oh wouldn't it be luv-ely?

Picked this thought up in several places today, Rove may do more damage to the WH by remaining in place. While he remains under investigation, the Sword of Damocles hangs over the Administration's head. It will be hard for them to stay focused while Rove is busy trying to keep his sorry ass out of jail. Andrew Card is a very smart guy. But, he's not Karl Rove. And, Rove is the brain of Bush. Without him, Bush flounders. And that just may be the best thing that can happen for this country for the next three years. Besides the Democrats getting their collective shit together. If there is such a thing.

Signed the on-line petition tonight that Senator Kennedy has going. It calls for the WH to turn over all relevant documents relating to PlameGate. Not that I think for one minute that they will be turned over. If these folks could do the right thing, they wouldn't be in this mess to begin with.

Fritzmas Eve!!

Well, what we've all been waiting for is nearly here. Tomorrow is the last day that the PlameGate Grand Jury is scheduled to be empaneled. Since nothing else has been heard, we can only surmise that tomorrow is Fitzmas. Therefore, this has got to be Fitzmas Eve. It's enough to keep you wide awake all night waiting for jolly old Fitz to come down the chimney and deposit the goddamned gifts already.

Have been busy for a couple of days touristing. Did a tour of a part of the Boeing plant. They take you through the 747 assembly area. It was great to get back in there and see how manufacturing has improved since last I was there. Definitely something all should get a chance to see.

Today we went through the Museum of History and Industry. It recalls the history of Seattle and all the major players. It only takes a couple of hours to go through it, and they have done a superb job of keeping you looking around the corners. One of those places for people with a history gene.

It will be interesting to see who President Bush will nominate for the SCOTUS now that Harri has pulled the plug on her nomination. Interesting that it was the right who did her in. I find it quite satisfying to see them eating their own. What bothers me is that the replacement may turn out to be what the Fundies want. That is a scary proposition. Perhaps a stark raving lunatic in the Senator Brownback (KS), Pat Robertson mold.YIKES!!!

Now we hear that Cheney and Libby withheld documents from a House panel...against the advise of WH staff. This just gets better everyday. Is there some kind of play at work here though? It's hard to beleive that an old player like Cheney would step into that particular pile. Stranger things have happened, but it sure seems odd. There are way too many conspiracy theories for me to want to participate. So, I'll stick for now with a stupid mistake.

What the hell is with all of the stories about Shrub treating his lower level staff like shit. Had heard rumors about it for a couple of years, but they now seem to be coming from inside. With him not being able to take responsibility for his own actions, I guess it was inevitable that he would turn on those inside when things started downhill.

This Week

Had hoped to see an indictment come down last week in the V.P. case. Didn't happen, but hopefully it was just putting off the inevitable. The Grand Jury is due to expire midnight 10/28/05. The Republican spin is something like they will need something besides perjury, since that is such a non issue. However, a very well done article by kos, over at www.dailykos.com , brings back to life words quite the opposite by a host of Republicans back in '99. Specifically, Senator Kay Hutchison from Texas. She was on Russert's show yesterday (10/23/05) and made the remark expecting no push back. Russert, quite out of character, reminded her of the 180 from '99. There was no response from Hutchison. She should have been forced to back up her words. Although, even one follow-up question by Russert of a Republican must be seen as a very large step.

Three Republicans were faced with a replay of the Hutchison remark yesterday on Hardball this afternoon. One spun himself into the ground. One said that Democrats in Seattle (where he is today) are dismissing the perjury charges as being of little import, that the real issue is Iraq and the fact that we were lied to about the reasons for going in. The third basically said that Bush has two ways to go. One bad, the other worse. The first would be to get rid of all of his staff and start again, with an apology to the citizens of the U.S. The second would be to go down with the ship. Hmmmmm.

Just a question here. Why would Fitzgerald set up a web site concerning this whole affair, and then end the Grand Jury proceedings with no indictments, or with a report?

More UHC

This is information I gathered on from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development site. The costs and comparisons I found, and use here, were for inustrialized nations only. And, are for the year 2002.

In the U.S. we pay more for pharmaceuticals, hospital stays and physican visits than in any other industrialized country. For instance, it was found that for a hospital day, in the U.S. the cost was $2,434. While in Canada a hospital day cost $870.

Per capita, the U.S. ranks near the bottom of all industrialized nation for hospital beds available, physicians and nurses, and available technology (MRI/CT). It seems possible that two of the reasons for higher health costs could be greater intensity of care (I do not know the exact meaning of this phrase) in hospitals and the higher frequency of use of MRI/CT technology.

Anytime Universal Health Care is discussed, the cost to tax payers is raised. That is certainly something to be considered. Total health spending in the U.S. in the year 2002, was $1.55 Trillion, or $5,267 per capita. Of that money spent, 46% came from government. The next highest cost per capita is roughly $2,000 dollars less. The major difference of course, is that all other industrialized nations cover the basic health coverage of all it's citizens. In the U.S. over 45 million of our citizens are without coverage of any kind. I found no statistics for costs per patient covered by the government. Nor did I find anything indicating what that money covered. It seems to me that to extend the Medicare program to all would not be that much of a stretch. Especially in light of the billions now being squandered in Iraq.

One other item of note, was this statistic found concerning malpractice. With the big push in many states to cap payments on medical malpractice suits, one would think that the cost had to be in the billions. However, malpractice payments take up .o5% of that money.

With the information available, I have to wonder if the free market is conducive to the better good in as far as medicine is concerned. And, again my question. Why do we not have Universal Health Care in this country?

Universal Health Care II

Why is it that we do not have Universal Health Care? Most agree that we need it. The question has, up until now been, how is it to be payed for. Some information avaiable to all may be of assistance.

In a Harris Poll (09/6-12/05) appearing in the WSJ it was revealed that 75% of Americans strongly/somewhat favored Universal Health Care. What this poll does not tell us is how strongly they would favor that care if they were asked to pay for it. And, how much each segment of the question is influenced by the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

On the Public Agenda web site I found the results of a Gallup poll (11/04) with 64% of Americans agreeing that we should have guaranteed health care. In a Kaiser/Harvard poll (11/04) when the above was asked along with the condition that they pay for the care, only 45% agreed.

Can one surmise that if the 64% went to 75%, that the 45% also rose to 55%? No way of knowing without further data. However, it is worth some thought. Because, that would mean that over 50% of the country feels that Universal Health Care is important enough to pay for. That would indicate a sea change is occuring in this country.

In a 2004 report, found on the National Coalition on Health Care website, we find that although 45 million Americans are uninsured, the U.S. spends more on health care than other industrialized nations, and these countries provide health insurance to all of their citizens.

Further, 50% of people who had low and mid-range- compensation jobs either had problems with medical bills in previous 12 months or were paying off accrued debt due to medical related bills. Lest we consider otherwise, fully 25% of those considered to be in the higher-compensated category were in the same situations as those previously mentioned.

How this is helpful to a healthy and vibrant economy escapes me. Since most of these medical bills and accrued debts seem to be attributable to hospitalizations due to a lack of basic disease prevention, it seems to me that a good percentage of the bills and debts could be eliminated with very basic health care. It further occurs to me that if one were to prevent childhood diseases, one would also be reducing adult diseases.

So, why don't we have Universal Health Care?

Congratulations!! to Tom DeLay. For being booked in the state of Texas;>)

With Four Part Harmony

28.8 SUCKS!!!!!! Tried to get this done twice last night...got bumped both times and lost the damn thing. Hence the header.

In an earlier post I had spoken of my hope for Louis Farrakhan and his new endeavor. Have since learned that one of the co-founders is a Rev Wilson. This man is a biggot. Equal as long as you're Black...and straight. There was a scheduled speaker for Sat who was blocked from speaking because he was Gay. That there wasn't a hue and cry from all involved speaks volumes for me. With that in mind, I am pulling my support for the association.

Since the Grand Jury in the Plame case meets on Wed & Fri, there is conjecture that there may be indictments handed down today. As for me, I haven't a clue. Whenever it happens, I am of two minds. The first of course is that it will be good to start this regime down to the path to oblivion. However, it bothers me that such an outfit could be put in place with the duplicity of the press and public. And, the fact that there are no democrats, with few exceptions, screaming at the top of their lungs is very disappointing.

As much as import as the Plame case has, the Abrahmoff Grand Jury is the one with the potential to do the most harm to the Republican Party as a whole. People throughout the Party are tied by money to Abrahmoff and his co-horts. One expects the DeLay, Blount, Santorum group to be involved, but there are many, many more who will find the heavy gaze upon them when this Grand Jury finishes it's work.

T with back spasms of unknown etiology. Going to see about that this am. Hopefully, it can be figured out and something done to alleviate the spasms and the associated pain. Tough little beggar;>)

Judy!! Judy!! Judy!!

Sorry...you have to take'em where you find'em.
Have been watching the Judith Plame story unfold all day. The article that she wrote, coupled with the NYT article answered some, but certainly not all questions. Of course the obvious question was, Where, when, how did you find the notes? that you couldn't find before? An article which will appear in the WSJ in the am gives some of the answer. In it Ms. Plame says that she was asked a question, by Mr. Fitzgerald, and she said that she needed to return to her office and see if the answer was in her notes. And Lo and Behold, what should she find but her long lost notes. A question from the WSJ was, paraphrasing, was there any info about any conversations with Rove? WSJ indicates that Judy became "irritated" and said she wasn't going to answer any question like that. Scuzzy bitch didn't get sent back to jail for not having any answer to the questions when she appeared before the Grand Jury. I'll bet anything that Judy would have spilled her guts if she had been faced with a return to jail with no EASY button to push. Wonder what her upcoming book will have to say on that subject?

Spin on the Iraq election all over the MSM today. What baffles me is the Republican inability, or refusal, to see that now that the Constitution has passed, although 96% of Sunni's voted against it, there is going to be at least as much violence as before. Why? Because they now know that they are indeed outside the decision making process. They all voted against it and it had no effect whatsoever. They can now see that they will be dominated by the Kurd's and Shia. And, they are supposed to come into the fold for what? If votes don't get it...then maybe guns will.

And then there' Ms. Rice. Telling us quite frankly that al Qaeda wasn't really the issue. They were just the catalyst. That after 9/11 we could either go after al Qaeda or look at the big picture and move on that. Now they're not even bothering to try and cover up the fact that they had this in mind long before 9/11. Bushco is a den of criminals, who led the country to war on trumped up intelligence and were assisted every step of the way by the MSM (Judith Miller=NYT/WaPo/WSJ/CNN, et. al.). Every one of the journalists (in name only) who helped propagate the WMD tale (aluminum tubes) should hang with their bosses.

Louis Farrakhan

Read a Time (online edition), David E. Thigpen article in the form of a Q&A, in which Louis Farrakhan spoke of a new movement called the "Millions More Movement". This would be a coalition of Black, Latino, Gay, Native American and Poor. It will be interesting just see if he can forge such a coalition. The agenda for the group will be to use their collective leverage to force government to attend to the disenfranchized. You may remember that govenment was indeed working on that agenda before the Republicans took control. That it was making headway mattered not to these folks. Beginning (kind of) with Ronnie's stupid remark that "We have fought the war on poverty...poverty won", it has been a downward spiral for those fighting to de-Haiti-ize themseves. Only time will tell if Mr. Farrakhan can make this happen. But, I wish him the very best of luck with his new endeavor.

Rove testified today. It sure would have been fun to be a fly on the wall during that little meeting with the Grand Jury and Mr. Fitzgerald. Now if we can get an indictment of that scuz bucket. The only thing better would be to see Rove, Scooter, DeLay, Frist, Cheney and the rest of that fun group all standing before a judge. Of course there is a lot of business to be handled before any of that can be done. But, it sure is nice to speculate.

Just a thought. GWB, ultimate dis-proof of Intelligent Design.

Earle Attack Ads

So now the Free Enterprise Fund, (Google them for info) is putting up the money for attack ads against the Prosecutor who brought charges against Tom Delay. This is the same type of bullshit ad as the Swift Boat ads against Kerry during the Presidential race. In the ads, Mr. Earle, is charged with being a partisan zealot who has no agenda but to get conservatives. The fact that he has brought charges against 12 Democrats vs 3 Republicans is conveniently left out. And, the clear possibility that he may indeed be guilty as charged, is assigned to nothing more than wild speculation. One of the claims by Mr. Delay is that he was never offered the opportunity to appear before the Grand Jury that indicted him. That, it turns out, is more bullshit. Mr. Delay was asked to appear several months ago, and the Grand Jury let the offer stand until the last day that it was seated.

There are of course these other minor issues with Mr. Delay. That he has over the last few years been admonished three (3) times by the House Ethics Committee isn't discussed publically by anyone associated with the Republican Party. That he is tightly connected to Jack Abramhov, the lobbiest who is facing charges of fraud, money laundering, a possible connection to murder, etc., should in know way be mentioned either.

So, hopefully there will be a quick reaction (somebody involved over at dkos?) to this attack by Free Enterprise Fund. Fortunately, the ads appear only on Faux News channel, so most of those who see them are Kool-Aid drinkers who beleive anything that's spewed. The ads are only being run in the Austin area, which bothers me a little about their polluting the jury pool. It might be instructive for the Austin Chronicle, or someone like them, to follow up with a poll to see what impact the ads have.

Ariana

Huffington is my new hero. That woman is everywhere. There is a report over at Huffingtonpost.com that Fitzgerald is somehow trying to tie Cheney into Plamegate. To many possibilities to try and trace them all right now. However, if Cheney were named as an unindited co-conspirator, that would send him home. Bushco would have to come up with a name that could be passed by voice vote in both houses. Who? McCain? Condi? Need to ponder on that a while. And, what if McCain gets the nod? Very hard to beat McCain if he's already in the seat. Maybe Clark/Edwards?

New In-Sink-Erator in place. And, it works...with no leaks. Tomorrow I can go put a mile or so in the pool. That's one of the best parts of my retired routine. Terri taught me how to swim, not just keep may head above water, about 15 years ago. It is now my favorite sport. Just a hair above skiing. Can't wait for ski season. Last year it was so bad all of the resorts closed up in early Jan and never re-opened. Think I'll take a chance and get a season lift ticket for Steven's Pass.

TALLY HO!!! The Fox.

Not, there goes the mother fucker. Got That? heh

Cool day yesterday. Got hooked with MySpace.com which in turn hooked me up with Kerri, Ryan and Dani. All grown up adults doing whatever grown up adults do.

Today is the day for installing the new garbarateur. YeeHaw!!

Bush on another photo-op tour. Saving lots of fuel there, prez. Trying to do his impression of President Carter with Habitat for Humanity. Standing there watching a woman pound a nail before he started. Probably a learning thing.

A report that Scooter is leaving the country. Any possibility the rest of those ass-hats will follow his lead? Maybe someplace like...Nigeria. There oil connections would help them out down there.

days off

Sure enough got to visit with Carmen and Samantha for a few hours yesterday. COOOOOOL!!!!! They introduced me to Claire's. Boy am I happy about that. Samantha kept us there for about a week or so. Fortunately, the cost was minimal. Had pizza, one slice roughly the size of Deleware. And, they took me to a park. FILLED with blackberry bushes. Thank You, girls!!!!! At the end, however, they got us safely to a 31 flavors ice cream place. Let me just say there is EGG NOG ice cream available to one and all. Just in case you were wondering.

Thanks!! to there parents for letting them loose with me for a few hours. No harm done. Right?

Since it came up today...let me introduce some to this new idea. We are moving to Georgetown, TX, sometime during '07. The house will go up for sale around Apr/May of that year. Sometime after that, we will head south. We already have a place to stay, thanks to Keith, so that once in place we can decide whether to buy a new place, or pick up a previously owned place. At Sun City, TX., previously owned, would mean, somebody died. Just to keep everyone on the same page:-]

Plame, et.al.

On, and On, and On and On it seems to go. How Plame was such a hero of press rights for going to jail. HELLO!!!!! This woman was a shill for the let's go into Iraq and fix the world's problems, group. For those who may not know, that would be Bushco. She is not really worth the effort. What is worth the effort, is management that let her do what she was doing without reining her in. Or, at least, putting her stuff aside as just so much bullshit, to be plowed under later. This is a big deal folks. Plame is one of a bunch who led us down the path of, the US is doing the right thing, path. For those of us who were opposed to this fuck-up from the beginning, let me just say; What the fuck were you thinking? Of course, we know what the problem was, they weren't.

Enter, Mr. Fizgerald. Now there is all sorts of shuffling going on about who might, or not, be to blame for being part of the Plame Blame problem. Well folks, let's have a look. Begin with, Plame works for NYT. Then, Valerie writes a book. Her husband had worked for Publisher. Publisher puts money behind Plame book. Now it's a best seller. Becomes a NYT best seller. Amazing, eh? Now, NYT gives Ms. Plame more time and space than she really deserves, and she pumps up the Iraq war machine. By the way, read "Iraq war machine" as Bushco. Now there is an "outing" of a CIA agent, possible due to a leak. Enter Ms. Plame. She claims she is protecting a "source". Turns out it is Libby, VP Cheney's man. Why such a big deal? Becuse, ladies and gentlemen, this is about the outing of a US CIA agent. This is not some bullshit story your parent's told you so that you wouldn't smoke pot. This is about the live's of people who are really participating in the war against terrorism. The real issue here is whether someone in the establishment, outed a CIA agent for political expediency. Libby, or Rove, or one of that group, did, without a doubt, turn over that name. The only thing to be pondered now is, who? That will come. However, no matter the person, the reason will persist. Bush and his puppeteer will remain on the watch list. These are people to fear. They can and will lie cheat and steal at any level to make themselves right. Valerie Plame? Just a very small cog in a very large wheel that has one goal in mind. The Company is right. All else is without mention. Don't believe me? Ask those on the right who have suddenly begun to ask questions re?Meir. Then look back over the last five years at what has been accomplished of the conservative agenda. How many god issues have been advanced?...I'll wait...none? Has there been any movement on the Roe vs Wade issue?...none? Hmmmmmm! Could it be that the old style Republican party has been hijacked by idiots like Bush, Rove, Limbaugh, O'Reilly, Coulter,etc? Question:Are we better off now financially, than we were when the (R)'s took control of the House, Senate, Judiciary, Presidency, and press? Are we less involved in the worlds problems? Are we in any way a more moral state? Are we any safer? Perhaps then another look at what is happening in the world in our name would be good. The biggest threat I see to my freedoms in this country, under the present constiturion, is the government of the US.

H.R. 3893

So, there is this House bill, which eliminates safeguards for building new refineries and creating a scheme to weaken clean air and water protections that only benefit polluting industries. And, in a five minute vote (called for by the management) it is defeated 210-212. However, there is a postponement for an hour while the indicted Delay does some...counceling on the floor. There are some changes to votes made and what do you know, the bill passes 212-210. With all that is going on in the Republican Party, one might thing that a postponement of an hour to twist arms to pass a bill wouldn't been advised. Not these folks. They are corrupt and cannot act in any other way. Democratic Leader Pelosi went before the cameras and made her feelings known, but nothing showed up in MSM tonight during prime time news. Where in the hell is the press? I guess the same might be asked about the ten thwarted terrorist attacks. The MSM is now doing no more than shilling for the right. Pathetic Bastards. It pays for those on the left to be vigilant.

Put in 1 1/4 miles in the pool this morning, inside 43 minutes. Felt pretty good. May up the distance to 1 1/2 just to see how it goes.

Picking up Carmen and Samantha in the morning for a partial day. It will be good to see them. Interested in hearing all about everything. Both interested in playing basketball, maybe I can get them moving in that direction. Grades and sports, too. Cool.

CBS News Poll

CBS News Poll

Bush approval rating overall:

10/3-5/05

Approve 37%
Disapprove 58%

This is a new floor for this president. It is interesting to note however, that the supporters are still at 79%. Is there a division in this country? Pretty simple when you see the numbers. What I can't for the life of me figure out, is how people can watch what has happened in this country since President Bush was elected, and still support him. They simply will not place blame at his feet for the great damage he has done. Somehow it must be someone else's fault. Even when it is pointed out that they have been in control of every branch of government for the last five years, they still cannot bring themselves to look this...problem in the face and call it what it is, inept. The thought of three more years of this outfit is enough to drive a person to drink...more.

Funny to watch the Repubs scrambling around with the HM situation. When Dems suggested that they might oppose Roberts, they were obstructionists, blunting the will of the President. Now that they oppose Meirs, they are making sure that advise and consent is in play. Hmmmm

We'll See

There is a lot of talk around the web tonight about upcoming indictements in the Republican Party. Can't say as I'd mind all that much...in fact, it would be great. However, think I'll just wait and see. We've had our hopes up before, only to see them plummet to earth with a resounding thud. Anyone remember election eve?

A couple of positive items the last few days. Hackett will run for the Senate seat in Ohio, and Jack Carter (Jimmy's son) will run in Nevada. Maybe the tide is really shifting for the Democratic Party. We have waited many years for new faces to pick up the torch. Looks like three females have prompted many. I mean Cindy, Katrina and Rita, of course.

David had his surgery the other day and is now at home. Says he doesn't have any real pain. Voice screwed up from having the larynx pressed out of shape during the procedure, and there is a very large bruise on his neck. But, he sounds (?) good none the less. We are all greatly relieved that it is all over and that things are to return to normal for him. It has been tough the last few months not having use of his right arm. Being a truck driver, it has kept him at home with nothing to do but brood over the loss of the use of the limb. He was depressed until just recently when we all started working with him to come up with a plan of action. The fact that it was all taken out of our hands and brought to resolution so quickly, was a situation that none of us could have forseen. Shit. Did I just say that? What a bush thing to say. Anyway, there is no bandage, he won't have to wear a collar, pt will be minimal, he can begin driving as soon as he is comfortable doing so, and within a month may be back to work. Way to go David!!!

Doc Hastings

Doc Hastings(Rep), Chairman of the House Ethics Committee was in southern Washington yesterday telling one and all that he fully supported Tom Delay and he expected him to return soon to take over his duties. Hopefully, someone down there (Dem) is looking seriously at running against this clown. This would be one of several anchors to be tied securely around Doc's neck. As a part of a system which over the last few years has sanctioned Mr. Delay, it seems just a little disingenuous for Doc to be saying anything other than we'd better wait and see how this all turns out. Even that is probably a stretch, but I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Hanford being so close and all.

-4.75/-6.51

Went over to PoliticalCompass.org and did the test. Didn't really need to, I already knew, but it was fun. Anyone wondering where they stand in the spectrum might want to go see about it.

What the hell is with the leaders on the left. Either they have all been bought off by the same people as have control of the right, or they are just blobs soaking up money and benefits. For most of them, I think the answer is self evident.

Great Day!!

My favorite time of year, autumn. Today, partly cloudy and maybe 60. Time to prune the rose bushes, hedge, and small alder trees. Not much of a rise mind you, but enjoyable.

Harriet Miers selected by...Harriet Meirs for SCOTUS. Kind of like Cheney picking Cheney. Heck'uva job Brownie. Only time will tell whether she will be part of a social liberties, regressive, snatch back.

Am paying more attention to Wes Clark. The only Progressive candidate with balls enough to do a smash down on the likes of Limbaugh and O' Reilly. Play to the middle my ass. Play to your strong suit. Attack the Bush cabal and make it known that there will be no kowtowing to these assholes.

And, yes I feel better now.

My favorite singer is my granddaughter Breanna Lynn. She might be yours too. Give her a listen at Breanna-Abell.com. This kid has got it. It's a long way to where she wants to go, but she doesn't have to worry about having the talent.

There has been a lot of discussion concerning Senator Obama and the views he expressed last week. Just for the helluv it shall we CEASE FIRE! Maybe just sit and think awhile before we go off at the keyboard. The Senator is one of us. And, a bright star in our future. Just because we may not agree with him 100% does no make him the enemy. The enemy is Bushco and the Dirty Congress that supports them. Let's just relax, watch them turn against each other and think about our Master Plan. We have plenty of time.

I will preface this post by saying that I cannot vouch for the veracity of the story.
Just read a story, via Dkos, by Tony Parsons in the Mirror. This story concerns a Tory councillor and deputy mayor Owen Lister. It seems Mr. Lister has claimed that children who are severely handicapped should be done away with, so as to save the government money and move others who may be better candidates for health improvement up the ladder for treatment. We know these wretched souls have aways been around, William Bennet comes to mind, but, we must make sure that they are challenged each and every time they let this kind of filth cross their lips. These two high profile people were challenged. We must make sure to challenge the variations at every level wherever and whenever we come across it. By our silence we give tacit approval.

After watching at other sites, mostly Dkos, I have decided to participate in the sphere by publishing my own blog. The purpose is fairly simple. As much as I agree with the many, and sharper in the arena, none speak for me in my own language. Therefore, let the games begin...with: As many friends as I have who are still on the Bush bandwagon, it baffles how they come to the conclusion that he is anything but a dupe. It is beyond my comprehension to believe that the man has ever had an original thought. Yes, I've heard the bit about him being someone you could have a beer with. That is pure bullshit. I am someone you could have a beer with. That in know way qualifies me to be the President of the United States. This is not someone who makes well reasoned decisions. But, who makes snap decisions based on anything fed to him by those surrounding him. The frightening part is that these people are not principled, but people with a desire to do the best they can to better their own class (business) with no thought as how it might affect the country at large. They care not one whit how much damage their actions might have on the rest of the world or that there may be consequences detrimental to our own existence. With this mangled mess going in, it becomes clearer how his decisons can be so tragic. In the case of Iraq, Cheney wanted to go to war, W thought is was a great idea (oil/daddy) and the country was lied to and led down the path. In the case of NO, no one fed him anything and that is what he did.