Saturday, June 19, 2004
What is the State of the Economy?
While Bush is touting the economy, and we are seeing economic growth numbers, but hearing how bad the economy is by Democrats, the question becomes, what is the state of the economy?
It is true that job numbers are increasing at a solid rate (Heck, 6% unemployment was incredibly low for a recession), and economic growth numbers seem to be in line, but does this tell us everything about our economy? I doubt it quite honestly.
Democrats are right, we are still having a huge amount of jobs going overseas, and the trade deficit is rising. Inflation is rearing its ugly head to about 5% annual rate currently and it is higher if energy prices are factored in, and the fear of them rippling through the economy is significant. While energy prices are in decline again, the odds are that the days of $1.50 per gallon of gas are gone. Greenspan is going to raise rates at least .25 this month, and projections by market analysts predict there will be up to 5 rate increases of .25 to correct the historically too low interest rates that now sit at 1%, leaving little the fed could do if the economy tanked right now.
Congress is running for more tax cuts, but at what cost? Does anyone understand economics? The deficit spending with good growth only means more money must be put into bonds by banks, which means less money to loan you and I for our homes, cars, small and large business investments, etc. And you know who gets priority on those loans... large corporations that are less likely to disappear. It's impact on the economy costs us much more than the marginal impact of $1-300 a year we would have in additional income from tax cuts as interest rates rise and the costs of goods grow.
The only question is... can Kerry take advantage of the economic news that is much softer than it appears if we only look at employment and growth numbers? Inflation, rising interest rates, lower real wages, increased trade deficits... will they impact the economy in time for Kerry to get any gain from it? Most people don't understand economics, can Kerry make them understand to gain footing on GW? Even if Kerry gets elected, does he become a one term President because of the problems GW would leave behind? And can Kerry actually solve those problems with a Republican Congress to prevent him from passing legislation? Only time will tell, but it could make Kerry the second Carter if inflation hits due to energy prices and rate hikes kill the economy while he is in office. Carter's economic woes started before he was elected, Kerry could suffer the same fate of economic factors outside of his control if elected.
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It is true that job numbers are increasing at a solid rate (Heck, 6% unemployment was incredibly low for a recession), and economic growth numbers seem to be in line, but does this tell us everything about our economy? I doubt it quite honestly.
Democrats are right, we are still having a huge amount of jobs going overseas, and the trade deficit is rising. Inflation is rearing its ugly head to about 5% annual rate currently and it is higher if energy prices are factored in, and the fear of them rippling through the economy is significant. While energy prices are in decline again, the odds are that the days of $1.50 per gallon of gas are gone. Greenspan is going to raise rates at least .25 this month, and projections by market analysts predict there will be up to 5 rate increases of .25 to correct the historically too low interest rates that now sit at 1%, leaving little the fed could do if the economy tanked right now.
Congress is running for more tax cuts, but at what cost? Does anyone understand economics? The deficit spending with good growth only means more money must be put into bonds by banks, which means less money to loan you and I for our homes, cars, small and large business investments, etc. And you know who gets priority on those loans... large corporations that are less likely to disappear. It's impact on the economy costs us much more than the marginal impact of $1-300 a year we would have in additional income from tax cuts as interest rates rise and the costs of goods grow.
The only question is... can Kerry take advantage of the economic news that is much softer than it appears if we only look at employment and growth numbers? Inflation, rising interest rates, lower real wages, increased trade deficits... will they impact the economy in time for Kerry to get any gain from it? Most people don't understand economics, can Kerry make them understand to gain footing on GW? Even if Kerry gets elected, does he become a one term President because of the problems GW would leave behind? And can Kerry actually solve those problems with a Republican Congress to prevent him from passing legislation? Only time will tell, but it could make Kerry the second Carter if inflation hits due to energy prices and rate hikes kill the economy while he is in office. Carter's economic woes started before he was elected, Kerry could suffer the same fate of economic factors outside of his control if elected.
9/11 Commission Calls Administration on Iraq-Al Qaeda Links
While the bipartisian 9/11 commission has reported there are no collaborative links between Iraq and Al Qaeda, the Bush Administration continues to argue there are links. To its credit, the Commission has called the Administration on its claims of those links and asked for it to provide proof of such links.
It still begs the question of why didn't the Administration provide that evidence when it testified before the committee? Bush still refers to that "Chech thing" as evidence, referring to the supposed meeting between Mohammad Atta and an Iraqi offical, which the 9/11 commission says is highly unlikely since Atta was on his cellphone in Florida at the time. Cheney has said that he "probably" knows something the commission doesn't.
President Bush is still seeking to find a justification for the Iraqi conflict that the American public will support as his numbers continue to go south on the issue of Iraq. With no WMD found, they are still repeating the "there could still be WMD, we just haven't found them yet" claim in spite of David Kay's statement that they just aren't there. They have used this same argument on the Al Qaeda links too.
This administration is taking possibility as fact in its statements, which could mean that GW is having gay sex with Cheney. There is no proof of it, but it is a possibility as it has never been fully disproven, right? I highly doubt they are having gay sex, but if we treat possibility as fact, as they have with justifications for war, such logic would still apply, and it illustrates the very flaw in their argument. Possibilities are just that, possibilities, not fact. It has never been proven that hot pink crows don't exist, but that doesn't mean they do.
For GW, this is a huge dent in his armor as the "straight shooter" is proving he is anything but a "straight shooter." The question is only, how will this kink in his armor impact November?
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It still begs the question of why didn't the Administration provide that evidence when it testified before the committee? Bush still refers to that "Chech thing" as evidence, referring to the supposed meeting between Mohammad Atta and an Iraqi offical, which the 9/11 commission says is highly unlikely since Atta was on his cellphone in Florida at the time. Cheney has said that he "probably" knows something the commission doesn't.
President Bush is still seeking to find a justification for the Iraqi conflict that the American public will support as his numbers continue to go south on the issue of Iraq. With no WMD found, they are still repeating the "there could still be WMD, we just haven't found them yet" claim in spite of David Kay's statement that they just aren't there. They have used this same argument on the Al Qaeda links too.
This administration is taking possibility as fact in its statements, which could mean that GW is having gay sex with Cheney. There is no proof of it, but it is a possibility as it has never been fully disproven, right? I highly doubt they are having gay sex, but if we treat possibility as fact, as they have with justifications for war, such logic would still apply, and it illustrates the very flaw in their argument. Possibilities are just that, possibilities, not fact. It has never been proven that hot pink crows don't exist, but that doesn't mean they do.
For GW, this is a huge dent in his armor as the "straight shooter" is proving he is anything but a "straight shooter." The question is only, how will this kink in his armor impact November?
Introducing Myself
My name is Tony. Some of you may know me as Chris Knight from other boards, but IRL, I am Tony. I am a PhD student in political rhetoric (1st year) and a college debate coach in policy debate. I currently reside in Kansas (Go Hawks!) and I am building the elite of political simulations with friends of mine, while working on 9 research projects for the election, including Debate Watch which is sponsored in part by the Commission on Presidential Debates.
I am a Libertarian, but not a partyline Libertarian, and my views on things are quite different than most would expect of a Libertarian. For those who wish to try to figure it out, I call myself a postmodern communitarian libertarian, though most don't want to bother and I can understand why.
My posts may incite some discussion, which would be good, but make sure you read them carefully, because the keys to them are in the details.:-) Now, let's have some fun :-)
What topics do you want to discuss?
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I am a Libertarian, but not a partyline Libertarian, and my views on things are quite different than most would expect of a Libertarian. For those who wish to try to figure it out, I call myself a postmodern communitarian libertarian, though most don't want to bother and I can understand why.
My posts may incite some discussion, which would be good, but make sure you read them carefully, because the keys to them are in the details.:-) Now, let's have some fun :-)
What topics do you want to discuss?
As the cesspool swirls...
The Leaders of 9/11 Panel Ask Cheney for Reports that would support the White House's assertions that there was a close relationship between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda. In particular they want access to evidence supporting Mr. Cheney's suggestion that one of the hijackers, Mr. Atta, might have met in Prague in April 2001 with an Iraqi intelligence agent, Ahmad Khalil Ibrahim Samir al-Ani. Cheney has vociferously objected to the Commissions assertions, based on intelligence reports, that there were no close ties between Saddam's government and al Queda. Naturally the Commission wants something more than bald assertions from the Vice President.
Abu Zubaydah, one of the highest-ranking Qaeda leaders in American custody, told the C.I.A. that Mr. bin Laden rejected the idea of working with Mr. Hussein, a secular leader whom Mr. bin Laden considered corrupt and irredeemable, according to a September 2002 classified intelligence report leaked to The New York Times by a Bush Administration official. Iraqi Agent Denies He Met 9/11 Hijacker in Prague (Sorry, I only have an AOL link for this. The piece is by James Risen of the NYT from late 2003.) Separately, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Al Qaeda's chief of operations until his capture on March 1, 2003, in Pakistan, has also told interrogators that Al Qaeda never agreed to work with Mr. Hussein.
The initial Czech report of the Atta/Ani meeting is considered very weak because it's based on the allegations of a single member of the Prague Arab community who made the allegation only after 9/11, many months after the meeting supposedly took place. And also because American records indicate that Mr. Atta was actually in Virginia Beach, Va. during the period in which he is alleged to have met with Mr. Ani in Prague. Indeed many Czech officials are now skeptical that the meeting ever took place (see AOL link above).
So, we have Cheney making the press circuit insinuating that the 9/11 Commission's report is wrong... that there was a cozy relationship between Saddam and al Queda. What does he offer to back up his assertions? He conceedes that "we just don't know," whether the meeting took place or not. Which begs the question: Show Us the Proof. Which incidentally is a must-read opinion piece!
It seems that at least once a week I read about some assertion by the Bush Administration which reminds me of talkshow host Ed Schultz's 3rd rule about "Righties" : They think you're stupid. I mean think about this for a second. I could assert that the Moon is made of green cheese and that NASA reports to the contrary are wrong. Does that make me right simply because I insinuate that I'm right and that they're wrong? Of course not! Only a fool would blindly accept my assertion in the face of evidence to the contrary. Ditto for Cheney's assertions and insinuations.
Show Us the Proof!
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Abu Zubaydah, one of the highest-ranking Qaeda leaders in American custody, told the C.I.A. that Mr. bin Laden rejected the idea of working with Mr. Hussein, a secular leader whom Mr. bin Laden considered corrupt and irredeemable, according to a September 2002 classified intelligence report leaked to The New York Times by a Bush Administration official. Iraqi Agent Denies He Met 9/11 Hijacker in Prague (Sorry, I only have an AOL link for this. The piece is by James Risen of the NYT from late 2003.) Separately, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Al Qaeda's chief of operations until his capture on March 1, 2003, in Pakistan, has also told interrogators that Al Qaeda never agreed to work with Mr. Hussein.
The initial Czech report of the Atta/Ani meeting is considered very weak because it's based on the allegations of a single member of the Prague Arab community who made the allegation only after 9/11, many months after the meeting supposedly took place. And also because American records indicate that Mr. Atta was actually in Virginia Beach, Va. during the period in which he is alleged to have met with Mr. Ani in Prague. Indeed many Czech officials are now skeptical that the meeting ever took place (see AOL link above).
So, we have Cheney making the press circuit insinuating that the 9/11 Commission's report is wrong... that there was a cozy relationship between Saddam and al Queda. What does he offer to back up his assertions? He conceedes that "we just don't know," whether the meeting took place or not. Which begs the question: Show Us the Proof. Which incidentally is a must-read opinion piece!
It seems that at least once a week I read about some assertion by the Bush Administration which reminds me of talkshow host Ed Schultz's 3rd rule about "Righties" : They think you're stupid. I mean think about this for a second. I could assert that the Moon is made of green cheese and that NASA reports to the contrary are wrong. Does that make me right simply because I insinuate that I'm right and that they're wrong? Of course not! Only a fool would blindly accept my assertion in the face of evidence to the contrary. Ditto for Cheney's assertions and insinuations.
Show Us the Proof!
Friday, June 18, 2004
Gender equality by any other name...
Apparently the members of the New Jersey Assembly have voted unanimously, 78-0, to approve a bill making it legal for bar owners and others to offer special promotions such as charging women different prices for drinks. The Bill was specifically designed to overturn a June 1st Administrative Ruling by the state Division on Civil Rights that forbade the practice as a violation of state civil rights rules.
State Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, a Democrat, said,
Well, duh! But, since when is profit a legitimizing motive for discrimination? It defies common sense to view black slavery as anything other than a way for Southern plantation owners to stay competitive and financially successful. Did that make it okay?
Gov. James E. McGreevey, also a Democrat, led the charge in denouncing the Division on Civil Rights decision, calling it "bureaucratic nonsense."
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State Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, a Democrat, said,
"It defies common sense to view Ladies Night as anything other than a way for a bar or restaurant owner to stay competitive and successful."
Well, duh! But, since when is profit a legitimizing motive for discrimination? It defies common sense to view black slavery as anything other than a way for Southern plantation owners to stay competitive and financially successful. Did that make it okay?
Gov. James E. McGreevey, also a Democrat, led the charge in denouncing the Division on Civil Rights decision, calling it "bureaucratic nonsense."
Take two of these and call me in the morning.
AKA give me two for the road...
Okay, all puns aside. This is an unscheduled health news update. Health Day reports "Experts See Surge in Teen Breast Implants"
Now, being the product of parochial schools from first grade on up, I suppose I could be pinned with the "sheltered" label... even though those who know what I did during highschool would testify otherwise (LOL). But, I just don't remember girls getting boob jobs when I was 18. As a single parent of 11 and 16 year old daughters I can't imagine giving either of them fake boobs for a present. The very idea is just completely foreign to me. Do you suppose it's a maternal thing? Somehow I'm thinking that Carla wouldn't say that it is.
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Okay, all puns aside. This is an unscheduled health news update. Health Day reports "Experts See Surge in Teen Breast Implants"
The number of 18-year-old girls getting breast implants has tripled in the last two years, according to experts, and their parents seemingly approve because they give the implants as graduation presents.
The New York Post, citing figures from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, reported that the number of girls that age who got cosmetic implants went from 3,872 in 2002 to 11,326 last year.
"There is a trend in which parents are giving implants as a gift, including as a graduation present," Dr. Stephen Greenberg, who practices in Woodbury, L.I., and New York City, told the Post.
Now, being the product of parochial schools from first grade on up, I suppose I could be pinned with the "sheltered" label... even though those who know what I did during highschool would testify otherwise (LOL). But, I just don't remember girls getting boob jobs when I was 18. As a single parent of 11 and 16 year old daughters I can't imagine giving either of them fake boobs for a present. The very idea is just completely foreign to me. Do you suppose it's a maternal thing? Somehow I'm thinking that Carla wouldn't say that it is.
Whose zooming whom?
The "independent" 9/11 Commission is now telling us that by continuing to read a book to elementary school kids in Florida after being notified that the second Twin Tower had been struck by a plane President Bush was trying to project strength and calm? Really? That same Commission also relates how Vice President Cheney was in a bunker under the White House issuing orders for the military to scramble jets to shoot down one or more of the highjacked jets.
Um... okay. So we have the President and alleged Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces reading childrens books during a time of extreme crisis while the Vice President is the one on the ball issuing orders to those same Armed Forces and generally doing SOMETHING constructively related to said extreme crisis???
Does anyone out there still doubt that Bush is but a figure head President?
UPDATE:
According to the Washington Post Cheney told the Commission that he was acting in response to a phone request from Bush when he authorized the shoot downs of the highjacked planes. The only thing is... there apparently isn't a shred of evidence that Bush ever made the alleged call. Heh... go figure. Must be part of the Vast Left Wing Conspiracy. LOL
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Um... okay. So we have the President and alleged Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces reading childrens books during a time of extreme crisis while the Vice President is the one on the ball issuing orders to those same Armed Forces and generally doing SOMETHING constructively related to said extreme crisis???
Does anyone out there still doubt that Bush is but a figure head President?
UPDATE:
According to the Washington Post Cheney told the Commission that he was acting in response to a phone request from Bush when he authorized the shoot downs of the highjacked planes. The only thing is... there apparently isn't a shred of evidence that Bush ever made the alleged call. Heh... go figure. Must be part of the Vast Left Wing Conspiracy. LOL
Thursday, June 17, 2004
We never thought we'd get so troubled.....
So our President in his infinite wisdom has decided to trot out the tiredIraq-Al Qaida connection despite the fact that the 9/11 Commission (and pretty much everyone else) says no such link exists.
These people are charlatans and liars. What’s so very disturbing about this is that so many people in the US are still going to vote for Bush. This election is set to be extremely close once again. No matter what evil these people generate…a large percentage of the US population will still vote for them. It feels like an insanity.
The White House would also try to convince us that they didn’t link Iraq and 9/11. But as theDailyKos points out, the White House did as much when it sent it’s letter to Congress to declare war on Iraq:
I have also determined that the use of armed force against Iraq is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take the necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organiza-tions, or persons who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. United States objectives also support a transition to democracy in Iraq, as contemplated by the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-338).
These people are without shame.
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These people are charlatans and liars. What’s so very disturbing about this is that so many people in the US are still going to vote for Bush. This election is set to be extremely close once again. No matter what evil these people generate…a large percentage of the US population will still vote for them. It feels like an insanity.
The White House would also try to convince us that they didn’t link Iraq and 9/11. But as theDailyKos points out, the White House did as much when it sent it’s letter to Congress to declare war on Iraq:
I have also determined that the use of armed force against Iraq is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take the necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organiza-tions, or persons who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. United States objectives also support a transition to democracy in Iraq, as contemplated by the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-338).
These people are without shame.
Utah, part deux
Day 2 in Utah has come to an end.
Some highlights:
Free buffet breakfast in the hotel lobby this morning. I was expecting fruit and cereal. They had eggs and muffins and cinnamon buns, too. Not to mention several kinds of juices and some really weak coffee. Of course being from Oregon (land of moderate temperatures and rain eight months out of the year) I like my coffee strong and extra hot. What’s good to me is probably motor oil to the layperson…LOL
Temple Square. We drove into Salt Lake City today and walked around the square that includes the massive and impressive Mormon Temple (can’t go in without the official membership card), the Mormon Tabernacle (dome shaped building with a very big and beautiful pipe organ where the famous choir does their thing) and several other Mormon related buildings. It’s a gorgeous place…beautiful and immaculate gardens. We then ventured across the street to an urban mall to grab a quick snack. There I was able to obtain a latte. I told the barista that I was from Oregon and her drink had a lot to live up to. She didn’t dissapoint.
Next we piled into the van and drove to Lagoon.It’s a pretty decent amusement park all on it’s own…but it also includes a water park. We spent the first part of the day going on rides (a couple of kick butt roller coasters included) and bided our time until the sun finally peeked out. We then went on to amusement park water based rides and proceeded to get soaked. After that it was off to the water park. Unfortunately our weather didn’t hold out especially great…so we spent about an hour and a half at the water park and called it a day.
Tomorrow we’ll be taking the drive to the Grand Canyon. I’m not expecting any free wireless service so there may be no blogging me for awhile.
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Some highlights:
Free buffet breakfast in the hotel lobby this morning. I was expecting fruit and cereal. They had eggs and muffins and cinnamon buns, too. Not to mention several kinds of juices and some really weak coffee. Of course being from Oregon (land of moderate temperatures and rain eight months out of the year) I like my coffee strong and extra hot. What’s good to me is probably motor oil to the layperson…LOL
Temple Square. We drove into Salt Lake City today and walked around the square that includes the massive and impressive Mormon Temple (can’t go in without the official membership card), the Mormon Tabernacle (dome shaped building with a very big and beautiful pipe organ where the famous choir does their thing) and several other Mormon related buildings. It’s a gorgeous place…beautiful and immaculate gardens. We then ventured across the street to an urban mall to grab a quick snack. There I was able to obtain a latte. I told the barista that I was from Oregon and her drink had a lot to live up to. She didn’t dissapoint.
Next we piled into the van and drove to Lagoon.It’s a pretty decent amusement park all on it’s own…but it also includes a water park. We spent the first part of the day going on rides (a couple of kick butt roller coasters included) and bided our time until the sun finally peeked out. We then went on to amusement park water based rides and proceeded to get soaked. After that it was off to the water park. Unfortunately our weather didn’t hold out especially great…so we spent about an hour and a half at the water park and called it a day.
Tomorrow we’ll be taking the drive to the Grand Canyon. I’m not expecting any free wireless service so there may be no blogging me for awhile.
Grrrr....
As a few of you know, we've been trying to switch from Blogger to MovableType. I waited until MT 3.0 was released and purchased it. Then, since I don't know diddly squat about CGI scripts, I chose to go with a paid installation by the Movable Type crew.
That was about 3 weeks ago. There was quickly a hitch in that an error message was being generated which seemed to have the installer stumped. She said she checked with the crew who wrote the program for MT 3.0 and they didn't know what to make of it either. So, I tried to get our domain host to help out with it. Turns out they don't offer support for installed scripts. I've been going round and round with the Movable Type installer for the last three weeks trying to do whatever I could to facilitate fixing the problem.
I finally gained access to my CGI error log and passed that on to the MT installer. She says that it's no help and that it looks like we'll have to make do with the older MT 2.66 weblog program since it installed without any problems.
Out of frustration I decided that I had nothing to lose and did a Google search using "CGI, errors" as the search criteria. The very first hit that I opened was on debugging common CGI errors. The friggin' second most common CGI error listed and the second most common cause of that error was friggin' exactly the error message that the Movable Type programmers supposedly were stumped by! Mind you we are paying Movable Type to install this program. This wasn't some favor they decided to do for us. And I, the guy who doesn't know jack about CGI scripts, find the problem and the fix listed on the open web within literally 30 seconds of looking!?!
I'm still convinced that the Movable Type platform is superior in virtually every way to the free Blogger one we've been using. But, it would be an understatement to say that I'm disappointed in the competence exhibited by the "professional" (by definition since we're paying them for the install) folks at Movable Type.
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That was about 3 weeks ago. There was quickly a hitch in that an error message was being generated which seemed to have the installer stumped. She said she checked with the crew who wrote the program for MT 3.0 and they didn't know what to make of it either. So, I tried to get our domain host to help out with it. Turns out they don't offer support for installed scripts. I've been going round and round with the Movable Type installer for the last three weeks trying to do whatever I could to facilitate fixing the problem.
I finally gained access to my CGI error log and passed that on to the MT installer. She says that it's no help and that it looks like we'll have to make do with the older MT 2.66 weblog program since it installed without any problems.
Out of frustration I decided that I had nothing to lose and did a Google search using "CGI, errors" as the search criteria. The very first hit that I opened was on debugging common CGI errors. The friggin' second most common CGI error listed and the second most common cause of that error was friggin' exactly the error message that the Movable Type programmers supposedly were stumped by! Mind you we are paying Movable Type to install this program. This wasn't some favor they decided to do for us. And I, the guy who doesn't know jack about CGI scripts, find the problem and the fix listed on the open web within literally 30 seconds of looking!?!
I'm still convinced that the Movable Type platform is superior in virtually every way to the free Blogger one we've been using. But, it would be an understatement to say that I'm disappointed in the competence exhibited by the "professional" (by definition since we're paying them for the install) folks at Movable Type.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
....oh we've got trouble my friends...right here in River City...
Joe Gandleman over at The Moderate Voice has an interesting piece today on how the Reagans are getting pissed at the Bushes.
My good buddy Manny also emailed me on this story. Thanks for keeping me in the loop.
I don't see how anyone who isn't an entrenched Bush supporter thinks it's a good idea for Bush to wrap himself up in Reagan. The differences are so stark. It also smacks of Bush being desperate.
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My good buddy Manny also emailed me on this story. Thanks for keeping me in the loop.
I don't see how anyone who isn't an entrenched Bush supporter thinks it's a good idea for Bush to wrap himself up in Reagan. The differences are so stark. It also smacks of Bush being desperate.
...Utah is the place where I wanna be...
Greetings from Utah!
There happens to be free wireless internet in my hotel :) The kids are all tucked into bed for the night so....
We left Oregon yesterday afternoon...and drove to Boise, Idaho. It's about 440 miles.
Then this morning we drove to Utah. The striking thing about the Utah landscape is that it's definitely not Idaho or Oregon. Oregon is very green with lots of different types of trees. You can see beautiful snowy mountain peaks and lots of water. Idaho (Boise to the Utah border) is agricultural..flat for the most part with a few mountains in the distance...but small ones. Barely any snow. Boise is also one giant strip mall. I haven't been to Salt Lake City but I hear it's kind of like that too.
Tonight we drove to Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake. There are buffalo, antelope, deer, all sorts of birds and apparently coyote and fox. We saw the buffalo and the antelope and the birds...and a gazillion bugs. I've never seen so many bugs in my life. I guess they dig the salt marshes.
Tomorrow we're off to a nearby amusement park.....and the Grand Canyon on Friday.
Next time I get wireless...I'll blog again if I can.
Be good to each other and be nice to Kevin, please.
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There happens to be free wireless internet in my hotel :) The kids are all tucked into bed for the night so....
We left Oregon yesterday afternoon...and drove to Boise, Idaho. It's about 440 miles.
Then this morning we drove to Utah. The striking thing about the Utah landscape is that it's definitely not Idaho or Oregon. Oregon is very green with lots of different types of trees. You can see beautiful snowy mountain peaks and lots of water. Idaho (Boise to the Utah border) is agricultural..flat for the most part with a few mountains in the distance...but small ones. Barely any snow. Boise is also one giant strip mall. I haven't been to Salt Lake City but I hear it's kind of like that too.
Tonight we drove to Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake. There are buffalo, antelope, deer, all sorts of birds and apparently coyote and fox. We saw the buffalo and the antelope and the birds...and a gazillion bugs. I've never seen so many bugs in my life. I guess they dig the salt marshes.
Tomorrow we're off to a nearby amusement park.....and the Grand Canyon on Friday.
Next time I get wireless...I'll blog again if I can.
Be good to each other and be nice to Kevin, please.
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Open Thread
Y'all have the floor. What's on your mind? Read a good book lately? Tell us about it! Got a political pet peeve that you are itching to get off your chest? Tell us about it!
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Vacation...all I ever wanted...
I'm off on vacation with the family until June 29.
I am taking the laptop but I don't know how much access I'll have to wireless so I have no plans to post any blogs.
Kevin will be doing most of the blogging...along with (hopefully) a couple of guest bloggers.
Be nice to him until I get back. :)
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I am taking the laptop but I don't know how much access I'll have to wireless so I have no plans to post any blogs.
Kevin will be doing most of the blogging...along with (hopefully) a couple of guest bloggers.
Be nice to him until I get back. :)
Monday, June 14, 2004
...couldn't happen to a nicer guy....
The left (and apparently a lot of other folks) have apparently had it with Tom DeLay.
Congressman Chris Bell (D-TX) is filing an complaint with the House Ethics Committee against DeLay.
Bell's complaint accused DeLay of soliciting campaign contributions in return for legislative favors; laundering illegal campaign contributions through a Texas political action committee; and improperly involving a federal agency in a Texas partisan matter.
This is a precedent setting action as House members have had a seven year basic, unwritten rule not to file ethics violations against one another. Ethics complaints before that time had previously brought down two speakers.
DeLay is also defending his seat from a strong challenge by Richard Morrison. Morrison has caught the eye of quite a few grassroots political organizations who are helping raise money and gain exposure. According to polling by a private organization (see Morrison's website) only 36 percent of folks in the district plan to vote for DeLay.
Getting rid of DeLay is a high priority for a lot of people...and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
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Congressman Chris Bell (D-TX) is filing an complaint with the House Ethics Committee against DeLay.
Bell's complaint accused DeLay of soliciting campaign contributions in return for legislative favors; laundering illegal campaign contributions through a Texas political action committee; and improperly involving a federal agency in a Texas partisan matter.
This is a precedent setting action as House members have had a seven year basic, unwritten rule not to file ethics violations against one another. Ethics complaints before that time had previously brought down two speakers.
DeLay is also defending his seat from a strong challenge by Richard Morrison. Morrison has caught the eye of quite a few grassroots political organizations who are helping raise money and gain exposure. According to polling by a private organization (see Morrison's website) only 36 percent of folks in the district plan to vote for DeLay.
Getting rid of DeLay is a high priority for a lot of people...and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
We'll get em next time...
The US Supreme Court dismissed today the case involving athiest Michael Newdow and the removal of "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance.
The case was dismissed on a technicality regarding Newdow's ability to speak in his daughter's stead. By dismissing the case, the Court left open the possibility that a different case about the "under God" phrase of the Pledge could be brought back to them in the future.
Kevin Drum of Washington Monthly thinks the court copped out. But having had this discussion with a lawyer friend of mine via email, I disagree.
He says that the concept of legal custody in the state of California might be completely screwed up if a father is allowed to speak for his daughter's wishes. It's a good decision by the USSC.
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The case was dismissed on a technicality regarding Newdow's ability to speak in his daughter's stead. By dismissing the case, the Court left open the possibility that a different case about the "under God" phrase of the Pledge could be brought back to them in the future.
Kevin Drum of Washington Monthly thinks the court copped out. But having had this discussion with a lawyer friend of mine via email, I disagree.
He says that the concept of legal custody in the state of California might be completely screwed up if a father is allowed to speak for his daughter's wishes. It's a good decision by the USSC.
Oh Bill...I love you so...I always will....
Title Inspiration
The King is back.
Former President Bill Clinton is set up for his rock tour of book events to promote his new biography My Life.
John F Harris of the Washington Post takes a look at the coming tour and reflects on Clinton's legacy.
David Kirkpatrick of the New York Times talks about what Clinton will do while on the book tour and how Clinton plans to support and campaign for John Kerry...without overshadowing him.
I don't know if Clinton is planning a trip out this way to schlep is book...but if so...I'll be going. I loved the guy when he was President..and I believe his legacy will bear the very good things Clinton did while President. His work on peace in Ireland, thwarting terrorism, working for unity between nations (which we can really see now in stark contrast to Bush) and his masterful handling of the US economy are all a tribute to his Presidency.
Just as the GOP has spent the last week beatifying Ronald Reagan...they will spend the next week thrashing on Clinton. Giving their loud, obnoxious and overwhelming voices in the media...it will be difficult to rise above the din. But Clinton will manage it. He's too charismatic and too good with the media not to.
I love this guy. LOL
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The King is back.
Former President Bill Clinton is set up for his rock tour of book events to promote his new biography My Life.
John F Harris of the Washington Post takes a look at the coming tour and reflects on Clinton's legacy.
David Kirkpatrick of the New York Times talks about what Clinton will do while on the book tour and how Clinton plans to support and campaign for John Kerry...without overshadowing him.
I don't know if Clinton is planning a trip out this way to schlep is book...but if so...I'll be going. I loved the guy when he was President..and I believe his legacy will bear the very good things Clinton did while President. His work on peace in Ireland, thwarting terrorism, working for unity between nations (which we can really see now in stark contrast to Bush) and his masterful handling of the US economy are all a tribute to his Presidency.
Just as the GOP has spent the last week beatifying Ronald Reagan...they will spend the next week thrashing on Clinton. Giving their loud, obnoxious and overwhelming voices in the media...it will be difficult to rise above the din. But Clinton will manage it. He's too charismatic and too good with the media not to.
I love this guy. LOL
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Hit the road Jack...don'tcha come back no more....
In honor of the great Ray Charles, who died this week.
The lyrical inspiration is also appropriate for the feelings of a group known as Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change. This group of 26 retired US diplomats and military officers are working to convince Americans that the Bush Administration needs to go.
The group includes 20 ambassadors appointed by both Dem and GOP presidents. It also includes former State Department officials and military leaders.
Member William C Harrop is a former Ambassador to Israel under Bush 41 and before that to four African countries. Harrop says he is an independent but usually votes Republican:
"We agreed that we had just lost confidence in the ability of the Bush administration to advocate for American interests or to provide the kind of leadership that we think is essential,"
"The group does not endorse Kerry, although it more or less goes without saying in the statement,"
Other prominent members include retired Marine Gen. Joseph P. Hoar, commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East during the administration of Bush's father; retired Adm. William J. Crowe Jr., ambassador to Britain under President Clinton and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Reagan; and Jack F. Matlock Jr., a member of the National Security Council under Reagan and ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1987 to 1991.
I can't remember a time when in the months leading up to an election we had groups of former prominent officials coming out advocating for the voting out of a sitting President. I know there was a lot of rank and file vitriol on the GOP side for Clinton but I can't remember groups of prominent former officials coming out for his ouster in 1996.
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The lyrical inspiration is also appropriate for the feelings of a group known as Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change. This group of 26 retired US diplomats and military officers are working to convince Americans that the Bush Administration needs to go.
The group includes 20 ambassadors appointed by both Dem and GOP presidents. It also includes former State Department officials and military leaders.
Member William C Harrop is a former Ambassador to Israel under Bush 41 and before that to four African countries. Harrop says he is an independent but usually votes Republican:
"We agreed that we had just lost confidence in the ability of the Bush administration to advocate for American interests or to provide the kind of leadership that we think is essential,"
"The group does not endorse Kerry, although it more or less goes without saying in the statement,"
Other prominent members include retired Marine Gen. Joseph P. Hoar, commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East during the administration of Bush's father; retired Adm. William J. Crowe Jr., ambassador to Britain under President Clinton and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Reagan; and Jack F. Matlock Jr., a member of the National Security Council under Reagan and ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1987 to 1991.
I can't remember a time when in the months leading up to an election we had groups of former prominent officials coming out advocating for the voting out of a sitting President. I know there was a lot of rank and file vitriol on the GOP side for Clinton but I can't remember groups of prominent former officials coming out for his ouster in 1996.
Oh how the mighty have fallen....
Perrenial Presidential Candidate and consumer activist Ralph Nader is running up against a possible ethics violation.
According to today's Washington Post, Nader has been running his campaign offices out of the same building that until April housed a public charity that he created.
Apparently Nader's charity, Citizen Works has several connections to his presidential campaign. The charity's listed president,Theresa Amato,is also Nader's campaign manager. The office housing the campaign, the charity and other sub tenets has the same common receptionist for greeting visitors. FEC records show that Nader's campaign has paid rent to Citizen Works and Citizen Works' landlord.
The Post story cites several legal and campaign finance experts that voice skepticism that the arrangement is legal. The Nader campaign claims no wrongdoing.
Nader has trumpeted himself as the champion of consumers and the "anti-Dem/GOP". He's claimed to be the guy who has the integrity and the honesty that the other candidates and the parties don't have. If one of the other candidates had done something like this I have a tough time believing Nader wouldn't have used it to point out that he's better and different.
This story reminds me a little of the maladies of Rush Limbaugh, although not to the same degree. Both scream about certain "values" and "virtues" that people must adhere to..but in the end are just hypocrites.
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According to today's Washington Post, Nader has been running his campaign offices out of the same building that until April housed a public charity that he created.
Apparently Nader's charity, Citizen Works has several connections to his presidential campaign. The charity's listed president,Theresa Amato,is also Nader's campaign manager. The office housing the campaign, the charity and other sub tenets has the same common receptionist for greeting visitors. FEC records show that Nader's campaign has paid rent to Citizen Works and Citizen Works' landlord.
The Post story cites several legal and campaign finance experts that voice skepticism that the arrangement is legal. The Nader campaign claims no wrongdoing.
Nader has trumpeted himself as the champion of consumers and the "anti-Dem/GOP". He's claimed to be the guy who has the integrity and the honesty that the other candidates and the parties don't have. If one of the other candidates had done something like this I have a tough time believing Nader wouldn't have used it to point out that he's better and different.
This story reminds me a little of the maladies of Rush Limbaugh, although not to the same degree. Both scream about certain "values" and "virtues" that people must adhere to..but in the end are just hypocrites.
..and my head I'd be scratchin'...while my thoughts were busy hatchin'...if I only had a brain...
Just in case you've found the real Bush campaign website wanting...this site should fill in any blanks..and make you laugh while doing it.
If you're not easily offended by people parodying rightwing Christian rhetoric...this site will make you positively fall out of your chair laughing.
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If you're not easily offended by people parodying rightwing Christian rhetoric...this site will make you positively fall out of your chair laughing.
Urgent Action Alert - Update
I think the GOP attempt to legalize electioneering from the pulpit (see Urgent Action Alert or scroll down the page to it) needs a little context. This attempt by Hastert and DeLay hasn't happened in a vacuum. This is a premeditated and deliberate campaign by certain factions of the GOP to do an end run around the Constitutional separation of Church and State.
Having been exposed in Pennsylvania, the Bush/Cheney04 strategists appear to have taken a two-pronged approach to getting around the Constitutional obstacle.
1. Rewrite Federal tax law to allow politicking from the pulpit. This was the subject of the NCC's Urgent Action Alert.
2. Steve at I like to write points us to a recent report in the National Catholic Reporter:
This at a time when some American Catholic Bishops are already engaged in partisan politics by publically focusing attention on whether Catholics who publically support gay marriage and abortion ought to receive the Eucharist while glibly ignoring those Catholics who publically support the Death Penalty - which the Vatican is formally opposed to. In fact this very same Pope appealed to, then Texas Governor, George W. Bush to spare the life of convicted murderer and Death Row inmate Karla Fay Tucker. Not only did Bush decline the Pope's appeal, but he went on to publically mock Tucker's appeal for clemency. As the New York Press notes, in Kerry's a Bad Catholic, there are many more issues which the Vatican strongly and very publically support which Bush and most Republicans just as strongly and just as publically oppose.
In an opinion piece published by the National Catholic Reporter, Joan Chittister seeks to answer the question: Is John Kerry a good Catholic?. Citing six different Popes and a formal Bishop's position paper, Joan Chittister forcefully yet eloquently demolishes the argument that Catholics can't in good conscience vote for John Kerry.
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A plan by the George W. Bush reelection campaign to enlist 1,600 "friendly" houses of worship in Pennsylvania is a misguided attempt to build a church-based political machine that should be dropped immediately, says Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Americans United asserts that the plan jeopardizes the tax-exempt status of churches and could divide congregations with partisan politics. Bush Campaign Attempting To Forge Church-Based Political Machine
Having been exposed in Pennsylvania, the Bush/Cheney04 strategists appear to have taken a two-pronged approach to getting around the Constitutional obstacle.
1. Rewrite Federal tax law to allow politicking from the pulpit. This was the subject of the NCC's Urgent Action Alert.
2. Steve at I like to write points us to a recent report in the National Catholic Reporter:
During his June 4 visit, Bush asked the Vatican to push the American Catholic bishops to be more aggressive politically on family and life issues, especially a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
A Vatican official told NCR June 9 that in his meeting with Cardinal Angelo Sodano and other Vatican officials, Bush said, “Not all the American bishops are with me” on the cultural issues. The implication was that he hoped the Vatican would nudge them toward more explicit activism.
Other sources in the meeting said that while they could not recall the president’s exact words, he did pledge aggressive efforts on the cultural front, especially the battle against gay marriage, and asked for the Vatican’s help in encouraging the U.S. bishops to be more outspoken.
According to sources, Sodano did not respond to the request. Source: The Word From Rome June 4, 2004
This at a time when some American Catholic Bishops are already engaged in partisan politics by publically focusing attention on whether Catholics who publically support gay marriage and abortion ought to receive the Eucharist while glibly ignoring those Catholics who publically support the Death Penalty - which the Vatican is formally opposed to. In fact this very same Pope appealed to, then Texas Governor, George W. Bush to spare the life of convicted murderer and Death Row inmate Karla Fay Tucker. Not only did Bush decline the Pope's appeal, but he went on to publically mock Tucker's appeal for clemency. As the New York Press notes, in Kerry's a Bad Catholic, there are many more issues which the Vatican strongly and very publically support which Bush and most Republicans just as strongly and just as publically oppose.
In an opinion piece published by the National Catholic Reporter, Joan Chittister seeks to answer the question: Is John Kerry a good Catholic?. Citing six different Popes and a formal Bishop's position paper, Joan Chittister forcefully yet eloquently demolishes the argument that Catholics can't in good conscience vote for John Kerry.
Stupid is as stupid does...
J at Value Judgement has a commentary on a piece from the New York Times about Kerry's habits on the road while campaigning.
What sticks out to me from J's comments and the piece is the offense some people take at others being smart and/or intellectual. When did it become an albatross to be articulate? Why is it cute and endearing to not be able to fashion a coherent sentence?
One of the things I really liked about Clinton was his ability to talk to people in an eloquent way. Gore did it too but he was slammed for it. Shouldn't our Presidents be well informed and sharp? Have we become so dumbed down that we will now not vote for someone who can articulate their positions intelligently?
Admittedly Kerry has a high minded way of speaking. He uses multisyllabic words. He sounds very Senatorial sometimes. This is supposed to be a bad thing, according to some. Apparently the United States of America might be too afraid to hire a President who's smarter than the average US citizen.
There's your scary thought for the day.
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What sticks out to me from J's comments and the piece is the offense some people take at others being smart and/or intellectual. When did it become an albatross to be articulate? Why is it cute and endearing to not be able to fashion a coherent sentence?
One of the things I really liked about Clinton was his ability to talk to people in an eloquent way. Gore did it too but he was slammed for it. Shouldn't our Presidents be well informed and sharp? Have we become so dumbed down that we will now not vote for someone who can articulate their positions intelligently?
Admittedly Kerry has a high minded way of speaking. He uses multisyllabic words. He sounds very Senatorial sometimes. This is supposed to be a bad thing, according to some. Apparently the United States of America might be too afraid to hire a President who's smarter than the average US citizen.
There's your scary thought for the day.
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