The cynical election ploy of three repug senators was shown up for what it really was when they agreed that the Bush administration would be allowed to go forward with its illegal practices of detention, interrogation and trial of accused terrorists. Congress will not pass legislation that formally reinterprets or reaffirms the Geneva Conventions (no paper trail). Nor will the Senate, at least formally, endorse the administration's use of interrogation techniques that the civilized world regards as cruel and inhumane (in other words, torture). And, 'supposedly' trials of accused terrorists will be fairer than the system outlawed in June by the Supreme Court, as if we'll ever know what the new and improved system is.
Thus, Mr. Bush will continue using the CIA to secretly detain and abuse terrorist suspects. He will do so by implementing his own interpretation of the Geneva Conventions by executive order, and by relying on more than questionable Justice Department opinions authorizing such practices as exposing prisoners to hypothermia, waterboarding and prolonged sleep deprivation and so on and so on. Under the 'compromise' agreed to yesterday, Congress would recognize his authority to do this, while preventing prisoners from any appeal to U.S. courts. CIA personnel will also be immune from prosecution for these serious abuses of human rights, both past, present and future!
Such is the result of the 'moral indignation' of senators McCain, Graham and Warner (repugs all). So, U.S. violations of international law will continue with Congressional assent- fighting terror with terror. America's moral and legal standing in the world will only continue to suffer when such 'standards' are codified into American law, as it looks will be the case.
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Sunday, September 24, 2006
Sunday, September 17, 2006
The Worst of the Worst
"So, I have come to develop a loathing for him. If you want to accuse me of hating George Bush, go right ahead. Guilty as charged. If a man is this indifferent to the people whose lives hang in the balance based on his actions, I think he is a terrible person. If you don't hate him, you're not paying attention."- from Cenk Uygur's post titled "Top Ten Worst People in the Bush Administration" at the Huffington Post.
Click on the post link to read the entire article!
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Click on the post link to read the entire article!
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Thursday, September 14, 2006
Torture is Torture, Right?
Not in Bush world. . .
As most of us know, recently the Supreme Court ruled that al Qaeda detainees are protected by the Geneva Conventions, which ban "humiliating and degrading treatment." So, the 'law abiding' (lol) Bush administration is now telling the military that it may not (One supposes, no one in the administration had previously read the Geneva Conventions?) :
-force detainees to be naked, pose in a sexual manner or perform sexual acts.
--place hoods over detainees heads or duct tape eyes.
--beat or electrically shock, burn or otherwise inflict any form of pain on detainees.
--use hypothermia or treatment which will lead to heat injury of detainees.
--perform mock executions in front of detainees.
--deprive detainees of the necessary food, water and medical care.
--use dogs in interrogations of detainees.
But, not surprisingly, this sadistic administration wants it codified into law that the CIA may not be constrained from doing these things:
--attention grab, which involves the rough shaking of detainees.
--attention slap, an open-handed slap to the face of detainees.
--belly slap, meant to cause temporary pain to detainees, but no internal injuries.
--long-term standing and sleep deprivation of detainees, 40 hours at least.
--cold room, in which detainees are left naked in cells kept in the 50s and frequently doused with cold water.
--water boarding, in which detainees faces are covered with cellophane, then water is poured over it triggering an unbearable gag reflex.
. . .and who knows what else, because its 'secret'.
Since when does the law of the land not apply to everyone? Ahh, only in Bush world. . .
Scarey!
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As most of us know, recently the Supreme Court ruled that al Qaeda detainees are protected by the Geneva Conventions, which ban "humiliating and degrading treatment." So, the 'law abiding' (lol) Bush administration is now telling the military that it may not (One supposes, no one in the administration had previously read the Geneva Conventions?) :
-force detainees to be naked, pose in a sexual manner or perform sexual acts.
--place hoods over detainees heads or duct tape eyes.
--beat or electrically shock, burn or otherwise inflict any form of pain on detainees.
--use hypothermia or treatment which will lead to heat injury of detainees.
--perform mock executions in front of detainees.
--deprive detainees of the necessary food, water and medical care.
--use dogs in interrogations of detainees.
But, not surprisingly, this sadistic administration wants it codified into law that the CIA may not be constrained from doing these things:
--attention grab, which involves the rough shaking of detainees.
--attention slap, an open-handed slap to the face of detainees.
--belly slap, meant to cause temporary pain to detainees, but no internal injuries.
--long-term standing and sleep deprivation of detainees, 40 hours at least.
--cold room, in which detainees are left naked in cells kept in the 50s and frequently doused with cold water.
--water boarding, in which detainees faces are covered with cellophane, then water is poured over it triggering an unbearable gag reflex.
. . .and who knows what else, because its 'secret'.
Since when does the law of the land not apply to everyone? Ahh, only in Bush world. . .
Scarey!
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Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Latest Data on Poverty in America
In this period of 'great economic growth', according to the delusional Bush administration, these recently released facts by the Census Bureau are quite telling of the real America:
-In 2003, 2004, and 2005, the percentage of the poor living in deep poverty stood at 42-43 percent, higher than in any prior years on record.
-The percentage of the poor who are below half the poverty line has risen steadily over the last two and half decades: from 34 percent in 1980 to 39 percent in 1990 to 43 percent this year.
-The actual percent of the population who lived in deep poverty in 2005 rose to 5.4 percent!
-The poverty rate is higher in the fourth year of an economic recovery (2005) than it was in the previous recession (2001).
-The median income for non-elderly households was $2,000 lower in 2005 than in the 2001 recession year.
These developments in a so-called 'economic recovery' are unprecedented in economic recoveries (with data going back to the 1960s). They are bad news for the poor, indeed.
It is the shame of the republic!
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-In 2003, 2004, and 2005, the percentage of the poor living in deep poverty stood at 42-43 percent, higher than in any prior years on record.
-The percentage of the poor who are below half the poverty line has risen steadily over the last two and half decades: from 34 percent in 1980 to 39 percent in 1990 to 43 percent this year.
-The actual percent of the population who lived in deep poverty in 2005 rose to 5.4 percent!
-The poverty rate is higher in the fourth year of an economic recovery (2005) than it was in the previous recession (2001).
-The median income for non-elderly households was $2,000 lower in 2005 than in the 2001 recession year.
These developments in a so-called 'economic recovery' are unprecedented in economic recoveries (with data going back to the 1960s). They are bad news for the poor, indeed.
It is the shame of the republic!
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Friday, September 01, 2006
Tell Everyone!
Connecticut is under attack by the notorious. . .
JOE BUSH a.k.a. The Monstrous Morph
Click above or on the title link to see the evil evidence
-Courtesy of the Huffington Post's 'Contagious Festival'.
(This message not endorsed by joe lieberman, george w. bush, their supporters or donors. Any similarity to persons living or dead is entirely intentional.)
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JOE BUSH a.k.a. The Monstrous Morph
Click above or on the title link to see the evil evidence
-Courtesy of the Huffington Post's 'Contagious Festival'.
(This message not endorsed by joe lieberman, george w. bush, their supporters or donors. Any similarity to persons living or dead is entirely intentional.)
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Saturday, August 26, 2006
On To a Dem Victory!
The Republican "advantage" on national security issues is gone. This administration cannot be trusted with our security. From Iraq to terrorism to doing right by our troops and veterans, Democrats offer a new direction. Our plan is to take a strong Democratic stance on national security to all 50 states -- red, blue or purple. We've got the staff on the ground ready to work.
Donate Now for a DEMOCRATIC PARTY victory in November!
Just click on the post title link. . .or, here:
http://www.democrats.org/page/contribute/playoffense
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Donate Now for a DEMOCRATIC PARTY victory in November!
Just click on the post title link. . .or, here:
http://www.democrats.org/page/contribute/playoffense
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Monday, August 14, 2006
Another Pro Repug 'Newsman'
Most are aware of CNN's 'newsman' Chuck Roberts in inimitable repug fashion, referring to Ned Lamont as the 'Al Queda candidate' on air the other day- as Ms Huffington lamented on CNN's Reliable Sources yesterday and on her blog today. So, it was fascinating to listen to the replacement host of Face the Nation on CBS Sunday, Scott Kelly (big hair, fake suntan). Not only did his interview of Ned Lamont sound like it came straight from a repug press release, he even used the term 'democrat party' in at least one of his questions/comments!
Use of the phrase 'democrat party' instead of the proper 'Democratic Party' is the terminology of repug party operatives and pundits- exclusively till now (or is it that Kelly is just that. . .hmm?). This is done to purposefully diminish and slur the legitimate name of the Democratic Party, called such for well over 150 years now.
Of course, no one in the MSM that I have seen called CBS or Kelly on it. One could expect such language thrown around by the 'reporters' at Fox News, but CBS? So much for the 'liberal' media. . .
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Use of the phrase 'democrat party' instead of the proper 'Democratic Party' is the terminology of repug party operatives and pundits- exclusively till now (or is it that Kelly is just that. . .hmm?). This is done to purposefully diminish and slur the legitimate name of the Democratic Party, called such for well over 150 years now.
Of course, no one in the MSM that I have seen called CBS or Kelly on it. One could expect such language thrown around by the 'reporters' at Fox News, but CBS? So much for the 'liberal' media. . .
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Sunday, August 13, 2006
GOP Fear Mongering
Democrats.org has a post called:
The GOP Playbook: Fear-Mongering
It's worth checking out... just click on the link.
With no record to run on, the President's poll numbers in the tank, and polls showing Americans' willingness to put their trust in Democrats to keep them safe, Republicans are resorting to the only thing they have left, using desperate measures to try to win votes.
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Friday, August 11, 2006
Addenda to Previous Post
-addendum 1 (yesterday afternoon): Already in some print media today are stories totally contradicting the BBC world service on radio/internet stories of early this morning about columns of israeli tanks and troops crossing into lebanon. On the BBC world service webpage, too this afternoon the only reference to overnight actions of Israel in Lebanon was a massive air bombing raid (@800 strikes they say). Hmm. . .?
-addendum 2 (this afternoon): Isn't is interesting that little more than 24 hours after my original post stating that Israel had made a major ground incursion into Lebanon (per a radio/internet report on BBC world service) that it is being reported that Israel is doing just that now! Or, was it perhaps that Israel had already begun the major ground incursion earlier, but managed to restrict the news and/or have it retracted until they decided to release it? It is exactly the type of media manipulation that Israel has done before and is so good at!
-addendum 2 (this afternoon): Isn't is interesting that little more than 24 hours after my original post stating that Israel had made a major ground incursion into Lebanon (per a radio/internet report on BBC world service) that it is being reported that Israel is doing just that now! Or, was it perhaps that Israel had already begun the major ground incursion earlier, but managed to restrict the news and/or have it retracted until they decided to release it? It is exactly the type of media manipulation that Israel has done before and is so good at!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Don't Believe a Word of It!
Supposedly, this morning in London a major terrorist plot was uncovered and thwarted that targeted planes leaving Heathrow Airport. Yah right! Everyone should be reminded of the last 'terrorist plot' British authorities uncovered (lol).
Here are some things that make this 'story' awfully suspicious:
First, Joe Lieberman is defeated in the Democratic primary in Connecticut, signaling a major shift of public opinion against the war in Iraq- implying a disasterous defeat for the warmongering repug party in November. This is followed by Tony Snow virtually threatening, in his next day White House news brief, that another 9/11 incident was imminent if the public were to turn against repug war 'policy'.
Next, in the wee hours of the morning, U.S. and British time, Israel makes a massive ground incursion into southern Lebanon just as the U.N. tries to hammer out a cease-fire agreement. It was talked about on BBC's overnight world service on the radio/internet for instance. It would have been the main news topic of American media this morning without a doubt.
Oh, it should be noted also that, 'coincidentally', Blair and Bush had a long conversation on the telephone yesterday, according to Snow. Hmm. . .? Then, as if a wish gift from the gods (be careful what you wish for) Blair, Bush and Israel are handed a terror plot 'story' that takes the arrogant Israeli invasion (which has already been shown by both administrations' cynical inaction and stonewalling on the Israeli-Lebanon war is exactly the type of action they both truly support) off the media radar just in time for the early British and American 'news shows' (these so-called 'news shows' on the networks and cable are usually incapable of handling more than one big story at a time, as everyone knows- especially the American and British administrations). America and Britain thus wake up to a frightening scenario of terrorist dastardliness. Fear has served both governments well before. As Karl Rove would tell us, when you have a winning hand why fold. . .
Then there is the 'story' of the missing Egyptian students in the U.S. that has the media in such an uproar. Need more be said?
The Israeli invasion story may be off the radar for now, but it surely will be long enough for Israel to pound Lebanon into further submission. How convenient!
I hope the American and British people are starting to wise up to the 'crying wolf' media tactics of Blair and Bush. Lieberman's defeat is hopefully a signal of it.
-as an addendum: Already in some print media today are stories totally contradicting the bbc world report stories of early this morning of columns of israeli tanks and troops crossing into lebanon. On the BBC world service webpage too this afternoon the only reference to overnight actions of Israel in Lebanon was a massive air bombing raid (@800 strikes they say). Hmm. . .?
-addendum 2: Isn't is interesting that little more than 24 hours after my original post stating that Israel had made a major ground incursion into Lebanon (per a radio/internet report on BBC world service) that it is being reported that Israel is doing just that now! Or, was it perhaps that Israel had already begun the major ground incursion earlier, but managed to restrict the news and/or have it retracted until they decided to release it? It is exactly the type of media manipulation that Israel has done before and is so good at!
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Here are some things that make this 'story' awfully suspicious:
First, Joe Lieberman is defeated in the Democratic primary in Connecticut, signaling a major shift of public opinion against the war in Iraq- implying a disasterous defeat for the warmongering repug party in November. This is followed by Tony Snow virtually threatening, in his next day White House news brief, that another 9/11 incident was imminent if the public were to turn against repug war 'policy'.
Next, in the wee hours of the morning, U.S. and British time, Israel makes a massive ground incursion into southern Lebanon just as the U.N. tries to hammer out a cease-fire agreement. It was talked about on BBC's overnight world service on the radio/internet for instance. It would have been the main news topic of American media this morning without a doubt.
Oh, it should be noted also that, 'coincidentally', Blair and Bush had a long conversation on the telephone yesterday, according to Snow. Hmm. . .? Then, as if a wish gift from the gods (be careful what you wish for) Blair, Bush and Israel are handed a terror plot 'story' that takes the arrogant Israeli invasion (which has already been shown by both administrations' cynical inaction and stonewalling on the Israeli-Lebanon war is exactly the type of action they both truly support) off the media radar just in time for the early British and American 'news shows' (these so-called 'news shows' on the networks and cable are usually incapable of handling more than one big story at a time, as everyone knows- especially the American and British administrations). America and Britain thus wake up to a frightening scenario of terrorist dastardliness. Fear has served both governments well before. As Karl Rove would tell us, when you have a winning hand why fold. . .
Then there is the 'story' of the missing Egyptian students in the U.S. that has the media in such an uproar. Need more be said?
The Israeli invasion story may be off the radar for now, but it surely will be long enough for Israel to pound Lebanon into further submission. How convenient!
I hope the American and British people are starting to wise up to the 'crying wolf' media tactics of Blair and Bush. Lieberman's defeat is hopefully a signal of it.
-as an addendum: Already in some print media today are stories totally contradicting the bbc world report stories of early this morning of columns of israeli tanks and troops crossing into lebanon. On the BBC world service webpage too this afternoon the only reference to overnight actions of Israel in Lebanon was a massive air bombing raid (@800 strikes they say). Hmm. . .?
-addendum 2: Isn't is interesting that little more than 24 hours after my original post stating that Israel had made a major ground incursion into Lebanon (per a radio/internet report on BBC world service) that it is being reported that Israel is doing just that now! Or, was it perhaps that Israel had already begun the major ground incursion earlier, but managed to restrict the news and/or have it retracted until they decided to release it? It is exactly the type of media manipulation that Israel has done before and is so good at!
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Wednesday, August 09, 2006
On Lieberman's Defeat
The democratic wing of the Democratic Party scored a victory yesterday in Connecticut!
Of course, the poor loser Lieberman missed the victory party. He is too busy wallowing in his egoitis. The people and his supposed party be damned. . .
One thing is for sure, among many things, Lamont understands what Lieberman doesn't and apparently never will- America is under attack by the bloody hands of:
Of course, the poor loser Lieberman missed the victory party. He is too busy wallowing in his egoitis. The people and his supposed party be damned. . .
One thing is for sure, among many things, Lamont understands what Lieberman doesn't and apparently never will- America is under attack by the bloody hands of:
'Click on the link to see the evidence for yourself!!!
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