For those who may not be paying attention to such matters, the following: the Republican Party is NOT the party of REFORM. They are the party of Corruption and Abuse of Power. Missed the Bushit spewed yesterday? Bush claims he has the right to spy on Americans without a warrant. Speaking of official mendacity, the present AG, Mr. Gonzalez has said that Bush has a inherent right to spy on us under the constitution. Oh, by the way, spying on Americans will now be called, by Bushco, "Terrorist Surveillance Program."
General Payden has made it known that he knows the Fourth Amendment and by god Bush is good to go with his spying on U.S. citizens via that Amendment. Is that right? I mean, General Payden said so. And, why would he say that if it weren't true. After all, he's a General in the U.S. Air Force. Uhhh...well...let's just go back and read it, just in case we can't quite remember the whole thing from college, or high school, or wherever.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Let's see here. Bush has the right to spy on U.S. citizens because the 4th Amendment says he does. Thus spake the good and true general. However, there is just this one little item, "...upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation,...would that mean get a goddawm warrant? Sure looks like it to me. Perhaps the general should go back and read that part again. It doesn't say whenever the fuck you want to, and for whatever trumped up reason you claim. Bush claims that these are new circumstances requiring new tactics. Let's just take a little trip down memory lane, shall we. Founding Father's...British marching on the capital with intent to burn it down and hang the traitors therein. Might be a pretty good reason, according to Bushco, to spy on citizens to protect the country. Nope. Not here. They left the Fourth Amendment intact. Hmmmm.
Nixon tried this tactic in the 70's. Claimed he was trying to protect the country from those commie, pinko, fags. It was Bushit then, it's Bushit now. There is no reason to spy on citizens of the U.S. without a warrant.
In its battle against Islamic terrorists, the federal government may need reminding that the enemy is not us.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Friday, January 20, 2006
Lobbying
There is a lot of discussion in DC about lobbying and the reforms necessary to bring it under control. Before our stat's let's just make this clear. The problem we have at present is a Republican problem. It is not a Democrat problem. Jack .....off and company passed out money to the Republican Party. From 2001 - 2004 they gave all of their money to the Republican Party. They gave none to the Democratic Party. Got that? They gave none, during that period to the Democratic Party. The people who are trying to make this a DC problem are trying to smear all with the same pile of shit. This is a Republican Party issue.
Now that we have taken care of that bit of housekeeping, let's move on. With Republicans in control of every facet of government, the number of registered lobbyists in Washington D.C. has more than doubled since the year 2000 to more than 34,750. Any particular reason why? you might wonder. Let's see, the Republican Party favors business over people? And, since that is true, the way to get your share of the business type handouts is to make your case known. Lobbyists.
Since the year 2002, what lobbyists charge has increased by 100%. Just look at your own earnings....I'll wait...now take your 2000 earnings and give them a 100% boost. Does that resemble what has happened to your earnings since 2000? I thought not. Just a question. Why would all of those congress critters and the staff that worked for them be moving into the lobbyist field? Earinings up by 100% over a five year period. Jesus Christ!!!! You don't mean...Doh!!
So now we have the Republican Party attempting to make it appear as if they are going to try and clean the whole mess up. And who do they put in charge of the clean-up? Rick Santorum. Senator Santorum was a major player in making "K" Street the Republican owned & operated mess it is today. He was an architect of this corrupt, criminal group that has stolen the government.
For those who may still be under the illusion that the Republican Party has anything to do with fiscal responsibility, let me just remind you that Federal oulays from 200 - 2004 increased by 30%. That would make it $2.29 Trillion. Their statements that they intended to reduce the government by any means is coming to fruition. They are spending us into non-existence. We may not have to worry about taking care of those less fortunate, because we won't have the capability.
Maybe we can get some of that Lobbyist money to help them out?
Now that we have taken care of that bit of housekeeping, let's move on. With Republicans in control of every facet of government, the number of registered lobbyists in Washington D.C. has more than doubled since the year 2000 to more than 34,750. Any particular reason why? you might wonder. Let's see, the Republican Party favors business over people? And, since that is true, the way to get your share of the business type handouts is to make your case known. Lobbyists.
Since the year 2002, what lobbyists charge has increased by 100%. Just look at your own earnings....I'll wait...now take your 2000 earnings and give them a 100% boost. Does that resemble what has happened to your earnings since 2000? I thought not. Just a question. Why would all of those congress critters and the staff that worked for them be moving into the lobbyist field? Earinings up by 100% over a five year period. Jesus Christ!!!! You don't mean...Doh!!
So now we have the Republican Party attempting to make it appear as if they are going to try and clean the whole mess up. And who do they put in charge of the clean-up? Rick Santorum. Senator Santorum was a major player in making "K" Street the Republican owned & operated mess it is today. He was an architect of this corrupt, criminal group that has stolen the government.
For those who may still be under the illusion that the Republican Party has anything to do with fiscal responsibility, let me just remind you that Federal oulays from 200 - 2004 increased by 30%. That would make it $2.29 Trillion. Their statements that they intended to reduce the government by any means is coming to fruition. They are spending us into non-existence. We may not have to worry about taking care of those less fortunate, because we won't have the capability.
Maybe we can get some of that Lobbyist money to help them out?
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Informed
Taken from a Al Gore speech 01/16/06 in which he was quoting James Madison. "The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary,in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny."
Notice anything familiar in there, George? I know, a lot of big words. But, the man was saying that one party (in this case the Republican's) control of the Presidency, Congress, and Supreme Court all at the same time can cause problems for those who would prefer to remain FREE. You might consider the indictment of Scooter and Tom, along with the singing of Jack ....off and Scanlon, and maybe the investigation of Frist as a clue.
Then there is this matter of lying. You see, lot's of people believe you when you speak...unfortunately. That means that we don't have a very informed citizenry. And, as Thomas Jefferson said, "An informed citizenry is the only true repository of the public will." That means that we need people to hear opposing viewpoints. Seems harsh I know. That means there is a need for a skeptical press. Not FOX, CNN, NYT, and WAPO. But real journalists who ask tough questions. And then ask tougher follow-up questions forcing those questions to be answered.
Quoting John Locke, "All just power is derived from the consent of the governed." He certainly meant the informed governed.
From Gavin Menzies.
Bush: Look, Dick, there's a message in my Alpha Bits. It says "Oooooo."
Cheney: George, those are Cheerios.
Notice anything familiar in there, George? I know, a lot of big words. But, the man was saying that one party (in this case the Republican's) control of the Presidency, Congress, and Supreme Court all at the same time can cause problems for those who would prefer to remain FREE. You might consider the indictment of Scooter and Tom, along with the singing of Jack ....off and Scanlon, and maybe the investigation of Frist as a clue.
Then there is this matter of lying. You see, lot's of people believe you when you speak...unfortunately. That means that we don't have a very informed citizenry. And, as Thomas Jefferson said, "An informed citizenry is the only true repository of the public will." That means that we need people to hear opposing viewpoints. Seems harsh I know. That means there is a need for a skeptical press. Not FOX, CNN, NYT, and WAPO. But real journalists who ask tough questions. And then ask tougher follow-up questions forcing those questions to be answered.
Quoting John Locke, "All just power is derived from the consent of the governed." He certainly meant the informed governed.
From Gavin Menzies.
Bush: Look, Dick, there's a message in my Alpha Bits. It says "Oooooo."
Cheney: George, those are Cheerios.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Some Quotes
Not quite sure why, but I keep running into people who just cannot help but tell me all about how religious they are. When I ask them how they voted in the last election, they tell me Republican. So, I thought I might just jot down here a couple of quotes from people who believe, at least in part, what they believe and show them what these reputed people might have to say about how they act and re-act, politically.
Doug Smith, citizen. "Too many people are willing to die to wage war, too few are willing to die for peace."
George Washington, 1st President, US. This is taken from a speech. "For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection, should demean themsevles as good citizens."
Rabbi Hillel, 30-90 B.C. "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when?"
Isaiah, Author. " Woe be to you legislators of infamous laws...who refuse justice to the unfortunate, who cheat the poor among my people of their rights, who make widows their prey and rob the orphan."
And lest you should believe that all of those folks carrying the Bush banner are on your side. This e-mail between two very highly (at the time) respected lobbyists working with/for the Republican Party. {Scanlon to Abramoff} "The wackos get their information through the Christian Right, Christian Radio, mail, the internet and telephone trees...Simply put, we want to bring out the wackos to vote against something and make sure the rest of the public lets the whole thing slip past them."
Makes you all warm and fuzzy...don't it?
Might want to go back and re-read your philosophy book(s).
Doug Smith, citizen. "Too many people are willing to die to wage war, too few are willing to die for peace."
George Washington, 1st President, US. This is taken from a speech. "For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection, should demean themsevles as good citizens."
Rabbi Hillel, 30-90 B.C. "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when?"
Isaiah, Author. " Woe be to you legislators of infamous laws...who refuse justice to the unfortunate, who cheat the poor among my people of their rights, who make widows their prey and rob the orphan."
And lest you should believe that all of those folks carrying the Bush banner are on your side. This e-mail between two very highly (at the time) respected lobbyists working with/for the Republican Party. {Scanlon to Abramoff} "The wackos get their information through the Christian Right, Christian Radio, mail, the internet and telephone trees...Simply put, we want to bring out the wackos to vote against something and make sure the rest of the public lets the whole thing slip past them."
Makes you all warm and fuzzy...don't it?
Might want to go back and re-read your philosophy book(s).
Dear Veteran
Just so that you know what will await you, if you make it back to the US alive. A nation so grateful that they display yellow ribbons on their vehicles, saying that they support the troops. The fact that we have cut money to the VA to assist those who will come back maimed and wounded in body or spirit, should in no way be payed attention to. After all, we support the troops. But, times are tough you know. I mean, you should be grateful that we allowed you to serve this nation in containing terrorism...I mean, freeing the people of Iraq. You know, we have to fight them over there so that we don't have to fight them here. But, by god we support our troops.
Oh, and there is this one thing. If you happen to have served 37 years, and have a Bronze Star and Purple Hearts. And decide to serve in Congress and really do something to help your brothers in arms. But you disagree with those in the White House. They (those in the White House) just might "Swift Boat" the hell out of you. You see, you cannot disagree with the White House, so just a precaution here. You may want to look into the cases of Senator John Kerry and Congressman John Murtha for background.
For those familiar, a short story about the treatment of Congressman Murtha. This of course begins with Congressman Murtha standing up in Congress and telling President Bush that the war in Iraq was bullshit and should be ended immediately. The first step by the WH was to call for a strategy to smear the Congressman. Then a news magazine (right wing) aired a story, broadcast and sponsored by the Repbulican National Committee, with a quaote from 1996 by a Harry Fox, who was quoting a John Saylor, former Rep (R-PA), stating that Murtha was "pretending to be a big war hero." It turns out that Mr. Fox had lost the 1974 election for that Congressional seat held by Mr. Murtha. Oh, and it just so happens that Mr. Saylor died in 1973 (thus the election duel in 1974), and Mr. ;Fox is now to infirm to interview. Thus the 1996 quote.
So, just in case you decide to run for public office as a Democrat, you might want to bring you body armor along with you...and a steel jock strap.
Oh, and there is this one thing. If you happen to have served 37 years, and have a Bronze Star and Purple Hearts. And decide to serve in Congress and really do something to help your brothers in arms. But you disagree with those in the White House. They (those in the White House) just might "Swift Boat" the hell out of you. You see, you cannot disagree with the White House, so just a precaution here. You may want to look into the cases of Senator John Kerry and Congressman John Murtha for background.
For those familiar, a short story about the treatment of Congressman Murtha. This of course begins with Congressman Murtha standing up in Congress and telling President Bush that the war in Iraq was bullshit and should be ended immediately. The first step by the WH was to call for a strategy to smear the Congressman. Then a news magazine (right wing) aired a story, broadcast and sponsored by the Repbulican National Committee, with a quaote from 1996 by a Harry Fox, who was quoting a John Saylor, former Rep (R-PA), stating that Murtha was "pretending to be a big war hero." It turns out that Mr. Fox had lost the 1974 election for that Congressional seat held by Mr. Murtha. Oh, and it just so happens that Mr. Saylor died in 1973 (thus the election duel in 1974), and Mr. ;Fox is now to infirm to interview. Thus the 1996 quote.
So, just in case you decide to run for public office as a Democrat, you might want to bring you body armor along with you...and a steel jock strap.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Pat
Pat Robertson, that mental giant in the Intelligent Design world, has stepped on his dick again. This time, it concerns Israel. Pat told his audience on the 700 Club that Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's stroke was a divine punishment for "dividing God's land."
Now, I'm not really the one to ask for an opinion on religion of any sort. But, it seems to me, that if you're trying to sell something, you don't make outrageous statements that indicate that you're an idiot to your potential customers. But this guy is one of those who cannot seem to supress his need to spread his stupidity before the entire world.
As you may recall, this guy ran for president on the Republican ticket not to long ago. It should have given all an indication of what was to come further down the road. His occasional gaffes weren't really. They were indeed the way the guy was thinking. When he indicated that those who did not believe (in Christianity) needed to be re-educated, he wasn't kidding. Now we see Intelligent Design, which of course is neither, and efforts by some of his followers to put it into the Science curriculum. Man, did we ever dodge one there. Of course, we got something so much better, the Busheviks.
It would be nice if we could gather up the Robertson's and Cruise's, et.al., and put them in pen to entertain each other with their sheer stupidity. Call it cleaning up airwave pollution.
Now, I'm not really the one to ask for an opinion on religion of any sort. But, it seems to me, that if you're trying to sell something, you don't make outrageous statements that indicate that you're an idiot to your potential customers. But this guy is one of those who cannot seem to supress his need to spread his stupidity before the entire world.
As you may recall, this guy ran for president on the Republican ticket not to long ago. It should have given all an indication of what was to come further down the road. His occasional gaffes weren't really. They were indeed the way the guy was thinking. When he indicated that those who did not believe (in Christianity) needed to be re-educated, he wasn't kidding. Now we see Intelligent Design, which of course is neither, and efforts by some of his followers to put it into the Science curriculum. Man, did we ever dodge one there. Of course, we got something so much better, the Busheviks.
It would be nice if we could gather up the Robertson's and Cruise's, et.al., and put them in pen to entertain each other with their sheer stupidity. Call it cleaning up airwave pollution.
DeLay aside
CNN is reporting that Tom DeLay will not seek to retain his Majority leadership position in the House of Representatives. Seems those not caught in the trap are looking for new leadership, saying that the "Culture of Corruption" meme was starting to have effect. Geez, that didn't take too long.
The closer we get to a trial of Abramoff and co, the faster things happen. Beginning with Scanlon turning on Abramoff, now Abramoff turning on the memebers of Congress, and perhaps higher, we are seeing money being shipped out (Bush the other day) to charities, etc to try and distance themselves.
Maybe it's just me, but there is a beauty to symmetry. For the last few years, the Republicans have held power in all three branches of government. As has often been said about total power and corruption, it makes a hell'uva mess. And, here we have the first branch beginning to break. Perhaps this will once again bring some sanity to the governance of this country.
The closer we get to a trial of Abramoff and co, the faster things happen. Beginning with Scanlon turning on Abramoff, now Abramoff turning on the memebers of Congress, and perhaps higher, we are seeing money being shipped out (Bush the other day) to charities, etc to try and distance themselves.
Maybe it's just me, but there is a beauty to symmetry. For the last few years, the Republicans have held power in all three branches of government. As has often been said about total power and corruption, it makes a hell'uva mess. And, here we have the first branch beginning to break. Perhaps this will once again bring some sanity to the governance of this country.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
'06 To Go
And, their off. We are expecting some news of interest concerning Jack Abramoff and all of his connections this week. While we know that their will be many familiar names involved, it will be interesting to see just how far his nasty little net was cast. It would be great to believe that once it all comes down and is settled, that all will have learned their lessons and we would'nt face this kind of thing again. Alas!! Such is not likely to be the case.
Scalito will, beginning next week, face those who would decide his fate...judicially speaking. One can but wonder how this little parade will fare. It could be that he will have more rain on his parade than the Rose Bowl Parade just passed. Lots of speculation from across the spectrum. However, what I have been able to glean finds him more in favor of corporate rights than human rights. We shall see.
Am just now seeing a "News Flash" stating that Jack Abramoff will plead guilty and cooperate with prosecutors. Since we know that the wailing and gnashing of teeth has already begun, it will be of interest to see how many start to scurry now. Burns of Montana sent his money back to the organization last month. But, it may be way to late. The stench may already have tainted his sorry ass. Others too have returned contributions, but we may see a flurry in the next few weeks. Or, may not. They may be paralyzed by now. Knowing that their base may be watching much closer than they previously were.
And of course, we will be watching to see how Congress handles the FISA situation. We can certainly hope that they take this seriously and pull the reins in on the Busheviks. We have been drawn down a terrible path, and at this time, they (Congress) are the ones we must depend on. Certainly not the warmest feeling I've had in the last five years.
Let us all decide to make it a better year than last. And to so with a happy heart, and grand resolve.
Scalito will, beginning next week, face those who would decide his fate...judicially speaking. One can but wonder how this little parade will fare. It could be that he will have more rain on his parade than the Rose Bowl Parade just passed. Lots of speculation from across the spectrum. However, what I have been able to glean finds him more in favor of corporate rights than human rights. We shall see.
Am just now seeing a "News Flash" stating that Jack Abramoff will plead guilty and cooperate with prosecutors. Since we know that the wailing and gnashing of teeth has already begun, it will be of interest to see how many start to scurry now. Burns of Montana sent his money back to the organization last month. But, it may be way to late. The stench may already have tainted his sorry ass. Others too have returned contributions, but we may see a flurry in the next few weeks. Or, may not. They may be paralyzed by now. Knowing that their base may be watching much closer than they previously were.
And of course, we will be watching to see how Congress handles the FISA situation. We can certainly hope that they take this seriously and pull the reins in on the Busheviks. We have been drawn down a terrible path, and at this time, they (Congress) are the ones we must depend on. Certainly not the warmest feeling I've had in the last five years.
Let us all decide to make it a better year than last. And to so with a happy heart, and grand resolve.
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