The Fulcrum
Friday, October 10, 2003
GREAT Krugman - And Last NYT Reference Today
The New York Times is my refuge from the conservatism I endure in a big corporation, which begins every day by reading the Wall Street Journal.
Anyway, here's Paul Krugman:
Anyway, here's Paul Krugman:
All this fuss about the rudeness of the Bush administration's critics is an attempt to preclude serious discussion of that administration's policies. For there is no way to be both honest and polite about what has happened in these past three years.The rest is even better. Others in the blogosphere have said it long before me, but this guy writes some of the best, most reasoned progressive viewpoints.
Quote of the Day
Again from the NYT:
This was, of course in response to aWol's proclamation that he just wasn't sure that the FBI would ever find who leaked the fact that Wilson's wife was a CIA operative. What a farce.
Hey, look, over there! It's Kobe! (Dupes.)
Mr. Wilson said Mr. Bush "certainly seems far less certain about finding the leaker than he is about finding Osama bin Laden or Saddam Hussein."That's Mr. Wilson as in Mr. Joe Wilson, husband of Valerie Plame. And it's just friggin' hilarious!
This was, of course in response to aWol's proclamation that he just wasn't sure that the FBI would ever find who leaked the fact that Wilson's wife was a CIA operative. What a farce.
Hey, look, over there! It's Kobe! (Dupes.)
Red Cross on GITMO
This is interesting... in the NYT today:
This, more than anything, graphically shows what is happening to our country - to our constitution - under the neocon influence. GITMO is an absolute abomination.
And yet, as you'll hear over and over again from so many: "Where is the outrage?"
A senior official of the International Committee of the Red Cross said on Thursday that the holding of more than 600 detainees here was unacceptable because they were being held for open-ended terms without proper legal process.Full details at the Red Cross web site.
[snip]
Mr. Girod's comments departed from the usual reluctance of the International Red Cross to issue public criticism.
[snip]
Under longstanding procedures, the committee agrees that in exchange for access it will not generally publicize its findings but rather take complaints or criticisms to the government in charge in the hope that they can be addressed. Only when the Red Cross decides that its views are not being heeded does it publicize its concerns.
This, more than anything, graphically shows what is happening to our country - to our constitution - under the neocon influence. GITMO is an absolute abomination.
And yet, as you'll hear over and over again from so many: "Where is the outrage?"
Arnold and Enron
It's been widely reported that The Gropenator Elect held "secret" meetings with Enron officials - including Ken Lay - during the California energy crisis. Now we learn this:
California, the first state to pull the plug on electricity deregulation, may now be the first to hop back on the deregulation bandwagon under new Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...
Thursday, October 09, 2003
A Pound of (New) Twenties, Please
Today, the new $20 bill goes into circulation. It is not the typical green we've all grown up with. It has several different, relatively subtle colors, some foil hot stamping as well as some very sophisticated anti-counterfeiting devices. It's a change - huge according to some.
I like them.
My wife is Canadian and I've grown used to the different colors of Canadian currency and their $1 and $2 coins (Looney and Tooney). The very different colors of their bills means that you'll never give a cashier a $20 when you meant to hand over a $1 - we've all done it, then you look at the cashier like they have three heads when they start handing back all that change (or not).
Anyway, for now, the US twenty is the only "greenback" that'll be sporting new colors. Other bills are supposed to follow soon and I hope that the Treasury follows the Canadian model of giving each denominatin a different hue.
Any one out there who doesn't like the new bills can just send them to me. Thanks.
I like them.
My wife is Canadian and I've grown used to the different colors of Canadian currency and their $1 and $2 coins (Looney and Tooney). The very different colors of their bills means that you'll never give a cashier a $20 when you meant to hand over a $1 - we've all done it, then you look at the cashier like they have three heads when they start handing back all that change (or not).
Anyway, for now, the US twenty is the only "greenback" that'll be sporting new colors. Other bills are supposed to follow soon and I hope that the Treasury follows the Canadian model of giving each denominatin a different hue.
Any one out there who doesn't like the new bills can just send them to me. Thanks.
Texas - Again
To answer my question from below: Yes, Rethuglicans from Texas ARE assholes.
Calpundit lays out the reason why the Rethugs are the way they are - despite protestations from some moderates that they're really not so bad. The problem is the Texas Republican Party and its platform and the way that platform - and Texas Rethugs - has infested the wider Republican Party platform like Houston swamp full of roaches. And for those of you who think he's making this up, go read the actual document.
If you're not frightened of the Republican intentions on our country and our constitution, you will be after you read Cal's entry.
More on this later...
Calpundit lays out the reason why the Rethugs are the way they are - despite protestations from some moderates that they're really not so bad. The problem is the Texas Republican Party and its platform and the way that platform - and Texas Rethugs - has infested the wider Republican Party platform like Houston swamp full of roaches. And for those of you who think he's making this up, go read the actual document.
If you're not frightened of the Republican intentions on our country and our constitution, you will be after you read Cal's entry.
More on this later...
Right to Die - Redux
My post below was about Florida, now this from Wisconsin.
The next thing you know we'll be seeing the "chastity belt bill" being introduced - my guess would be Texas.
The measure, known as the "conscience clause" bill, also seeks to protect doctors and others from professional and legal repercussions for refusing to grant a patient's or family's wishes to withhold food and water for terminally ill patients. (via Boots and Sabers)Because, of course, only conservatives can tell you when and how to die. This bill also says that doctors cannot be held liable for refusing to perform abortions or for refusing to do just about anything that has to do with fetal tissue.
The next thing you know we'll be seeing the "chastity belt bill" being introduced - my guess would be Texas.
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
Ground Control to Major... Chin?
It seems that our sometime friend, sometime adversary China may launch an astronaut into space around mid-October. They claim that their space program is entirely home-grown, although even a quick glance at the equipment shows it to be a collection of Soviet/Russian knockoffs.
But my real point is that I hope this inspires our vision-less citizens and politicians to revive our own floundering space program. NASA has gone begging since right after Apollo 11 got back from the moon. Sure, I've read the history, I know that the major impetus behind the "moon race" was the Cold War. But really, has there ever been a time when our nation was so alive, so focused?
We should go to Mars.
Sure, the moon is closer. It has known deposits of commercially useful minerals, it would make a great scientific outpost for astronomy, hell, it may even have water hidden in perpetually dark craters. What it lacks is a challenge great enough to recreate that sense of adventure that everyone else - who thought it really was a race to the moon - had. Mars is far enough away to require some real engineering leaps. Mars is far enough away to challenge the imagination. The mission is difficult enough - and costly enough - to require true international cooperation. Not the half-assed attempts being made with the International Space Station.
Unfortunately I know of nobody in government right now with the imagination, the multi-national popularity, the sheer chutzpah to pull it off. Bush doesn't even read his own news, can he really be expected to have absorbed the historical lessons of the 60s and 70s when he was busy drinking, snorting and going aWol?
Where is a leader with such vision?
But my real point is that I hope this inspires our vision-less citizens and politicians to revive our own floundering space program. NASA has gone begging since right after Apollo 11 got back from the moon. Sure, I've read the history, I know that the major impetus behind the "moon race" was the Cold War. But really, has there ever been a time when our nation was so alive, so focused?
We should go to Mars.
Sure, the moon is closer. It has known deposits of commercially useful minerals, it would make a great scientific outpost for astronomy, hell, it may even have water hidden in perpetually dark craters. What it lacks is a challenge great enough to recreate that sense of adventure that everyone else - who thought it really was a race to the moon - had. Mars is far enough away to require some real engineering leaps. Mars is far enough away to challenge the imagination. The mission is difficult enough - and costly enough - to require true international cooperation. Not the half-assed attempts being made with the International Space Station.
Unfortunately I know of nobody in government right now with the imagination, the multi-national popularity, the sheer chutzpah to pull it off. Bush doesn't even read his own news, can he really be expected to have absorbed the historical lessons of the 60s and 70s when he was busy drinking, snorting and going aWol?
Where is a leader with such vision?
...Then You'll be Treated Like Mexicans
Okay, can we finally just admit that Rethuglicans from Texas are just ASSHOLES?
BTW: I'm of Mexican descent... this really torches my ass.
BTW2: This includes aWol and his band of merry men - whether Texan or not.
BTW3: This really ought to result in somebody's head on a pike.
BTW: I'm of Mexican descent... this really torches my ass.
BTW2: This includes aWol and his band of merry men - whether Texan or not.
BTW3: This really ought to result in somebody's head on a pike.
Right to Die
Jeb Bush continues the Repug conceit that only they know who should die and when.
Conservatives demand that government stay out of their lives, but they sure do want to meddle in everyone else's.
For the second time this year, Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida is seeking to sway a contentious case involving an incapacitated person, this time trying to keep a brain-damaged woman alive against her husband's wishes.Conservatives continue to interfere in the rights of those who wish to die with dignity and of women who would maintain control of their bodies. And yet, completely without irony, they will demand that the government put to death criminals regardless that they cannot guarantee that an innocent person will not be killed. To say nothing of the barbarism of the act itself.
Mr. Bush's decision to file a friend-of-the-court brief on Tuesday came days after his attorney general, Charles Crist, declined to get involved in the case.
Conservatives demand that government stay out of their lives, but they sure do want to meddle in everyone else's.
Hell Has Frozen Over
If it's not completely frozen over, it must surely be pretty damned chilly down there this morning.
And it's my sincerest hope that the lowest, coldest level of Dante's Inferno is reserved for those who would vote to install Schwartzenegger as governor of the 7th largest economy in the world.
The Gropenor Elect, in his "victory speech," still couldn't come up with a single, detailed position on any issue. My mother has some great sayings - which I should write down for posterity (and hilarity) - one of which was "be careful what you wish for; you just might get it." Another was "people get what they deserve, in the end."
And so it is, I think, for California. They were gullible enough to believe a conservative millionaire businessman had their best interests in mind when he started this whole mess. They were so sheep-like that they could be led to the point where they could be stupid enough to vote for an action film movie star who has never elucidated a single detailed plan on any of the hugely important issues facing California.
If the world ended today, it wouldn't surprise me.
Damn.
And it's my sincerest hope that the lowest, coldest level of Dante's Inferno is reserved for those who would vote to install Schwartzenegger as governor of the 7th largest economy in the world.
The Gropenor Elect, in his "victory speech," still couldn't come up with a single, detailed position on any issue. My mother has some great sayings - which I should write down for posterity (and hilarity) - one of which was "be careful what you wish for; you just might get it." Another was "people get what they deserve, in the end."
And so it is, I think, for California. They were gullible enough to believe a conservative millionaire businessman had their best interests in mind when he started this whole mess. They were so sheep-like that they could be led to the point where they could be stupid enough to vote for an action film movie star who has never elucidated a single detailed plan on any of the hugely important issues facing California.
If the world ended today, it wouldn't surprise me.
Damn.
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
One Vial Does Not a Weapons Program Make
I know it's horribly mangled, but apropos, nonetheless.
Millions of dollars and months later, the Kay report reveals...
.
.
.
.
wait for it
.
.
.
.
One vial of reference bugs.
And BushCo. is convinced that this is all the proof we need. (Except of course, they'd like another $600M to keep looking.)
The Rethugs take us all for fools.
Unfortunately, by the reaction all of this dissembling gotten from the press and the public, they are right.
Millions of dollars and months later, the Kay report reveals...
.
.
.
.
wait for it
.
.
.
.
One vial of reference bugs.
And BushCo. is convinced that this is all the proof we need. (Except of course, they'd like another $600M to keep looking.)
The Rethugs take us all for fools.
Unfortunately, by the reaction all of this dissembling gotten from the press and the public, they are right.
California Dreamin'
I lived in California twice; for about 3 years each time. Army pay wasn't really conducive to participating in lots of aspects of the good life out there, but it was a great place to live anyway. Fort Ord, the base where I was stationed doesn't exist anymore; it was closed as part of the "peace dividend" that has somehow disappeared. But it was located just outside of Monterey - perhaps the most beautiful town in America.
Anyway, that's all just to say that I understand the passion that Californians have for their state and their way of life.
What I don't think anyone understands, including Californians, is their politics. The fractious mix of conservative big business, radical student bodies and cities (Berkeley being the prime example) and a mix of immigrants not seen anywhere else in the U.S. except perhaps New York City makes for an incredible melange of interests. Given what politicians have become, that means that any successful office-holder must understand this mix and shape their messages to appeal to the broadest array - all in an attempt to gain a majority of the votes. Or to keep from being recalled.
Today's the day this diverse mix of voters goes to the polls to decide whether to recall Gray Davis and if so, who to install in his stead. Everyone knows the Repug machinations that lead to this point - and for sure Davis' personality and his bad luck at governing during the worst depression in decades has not helped. Everyone also knows all the stories behind the Republican front runner 'Ahnold.' The groping and womanizing and the complete lack of contrition or even acknowledgement on his part. That's all history now. The polls are open.
What will happen? Despite lots of prognosticating in the polls and the press, I don't think anyone can really say. Having lived there and now living on the East Coast I could claim to have some special insight into how this will all turn out. Forget about it. Nothing would surprise me.
I have my hopes. I hope that the recall is rejected. I hope that Schwartzenegger goes down in flames amid a flurry of law suits and further claims. But no matter what happens, I just can't be surprised at what Californians will do to themselves.
And like any train wreck, I just can't look away.
Anyway, that's all just to say that I understand the passion that Californians have for their state and their way of life.
What I don't think anyone understands, including Californians, is their politics. The fractious mix of conservative big business, radical student bodies and cities (Berkeley being the prime example) and a mix of immigrants not seen anywhere else in the U.S. except perhaps New York City makes for an incredible melange of interests. Given what politicians have become, that means that any successful office-holder must understand this mix and shape their messages to appeal to the broadest array - all in an attempt to gain a majority of the votes. Or to keep from being recalled.
Today's the day this diverse mix of voters goes to the polls to decide whether to recall Gray Davis and if so, who to install in his stead. Everyone knows the Repug machinations that lead to this point - and for sure Davis' personality and his bad luck at governing during the worst depression in decades has not helped. Everyone also knows all the stories behind the Republican front runner 'Ahnold.' The groping and womanizing and the complete lack of contrition or even acknowledgement on his part. That's all history now. The polls are open.
What will happen? Despite lots of prognosticating in the polls and the press, I don't think anyone can really say. Having lived there and now living on the East Coast I could claim to have some special insight into how this will all turn out. Forget about it. Nothing would surprise me.
I have my hopes. I hope that the recall is rejected. I hope that Schwartzenegger goes down in flames amid a flurry of law suits and further claims. But no matter what happens, I just can't be surprised at what Californians will do to themselves.
And like any train wreck, I just can't look away.
Monday, October 06, 2003
"A Wall*Mart Kind of Hell"
Ever feel like you needed a shower after being in a Wall*Mart?
I thought it was just me!
I thought it was just me!
The Spiral Downward? (re-edited)
I was kind of out of the news loop this weekend so I was surprised this morning to hear about the Israeli strike into Syria on NPR.
I've only read a single article - in the Wall Street Journal - about this, so I'm not up to speed on the details. I do know, however, that it seems things are hinging on what we do in the UN as far as condemning the attack. As always John Negroponte has orders to make sure that any resolution includes condemnation of the attacks against Israel.
The opinion I do have is based upon my long-time feelings about Sharon's actions over the past several years. I think that "targeted assassinations," destroying suicide bombers' families' homes, continued expansion of settlements in the occupied territories and construction of "the wall" are just not working. Each of these actions only foments and increases the resentment which the Palestinians feel towards Israel (and hence the U.S.) and fuels further violence.
Now before anyone think me an anti-semite; I also feel that the Palestinians, and especially Arafat, have done nothing to make their methods "palatable." And those methods, regardless of the mismatch in military power between the Palestinians and Isreal, taint the cause.
And neither side seems willing to back away from the cycle.
This is what happens when societies that are basically stuck in the middle ages - with family and tribal bonds are closer than national bonds and blood vengeance still an accepted part of dealing with crises - have modern weapons and are given nation-state status. In a sort of grand, technological way, you have to include Israel in that description. Each transgression results in calls for "revenge" from the "aggrieved" side. And from this point in history, no one can say which episode started the whole thing - this time around.
My recommendation (not that anyone would take it, or even care...): A massive U.N. peacekeeping force should "occupy" all of Israel and Palestine. This force must include - or, in fact, be primarily composed of - representatives of the Arab world. And they must force the issue. Key leaders on both sides must be rounded up - by force if necessary - and locked into a room. For as long as it takes.
The situation is too explosive for half measures.
Too bad nobody's listening to me.
I've only read a single article - in the Wall Street Journal - about this, so I'm not up to speed on the details. I do know, however, that it seems things are hinging on what we do in the UN as far as condemning the attack. As always John Negroponte has orders to make sure that any resolution includes condemnation of the attacks against Israel.
The opinion I do have is based upon my long-time feelings about Sharon's actions over the past several years. I think that "targeted assassinations," destroying suicide bombers' families' homes, continued expansion of settlements in the occupied territories and construction of "the wall" are just not working. Each of these actions only foments and increases the resentment which the Palestinians feel towards Israel (and hence the U.S.) and fuels further violence.
Now before anyone think me an anti-semite; I also feel that the Palestinians, and especially Arafat, have done nothing to make their methods "palatable." And those methods, regardless of the mismatch in military power between the Palestinians and Isreal, taint the cause.
And neither side seems willing to back away from the cycle.
This is what happens when societies that are basically stuck in the middle ages - with family and tribal bonds are closer than national bonds and blood vengeance still an accepted part of dealing with crises - have modern weapons and are given nation-state status. In a sort of grand, technological way, you have to include Israel in that description. Each transgression results in calls for "revenge" from the "aggrieved" side. And from this point in history, no one can say which episode started the whole thing - this time around.
My recommendation (not that anyone would take it, or even care...): A massive U.N. peacekeeping force should "occupy" all of Israel and Palestine. This force must include - or, in fact, be primarily composed of - representatives of the Arab world. And they must force the issue. Key leaders on both sides must be rounded up - by force if necessary - and locked into a room. For as long as it takes.
The situation is too explosive for half measures.
Too bad nobody's listening to me.
Friday, October 03, 2003
Fox's Faux Facts
You just knew it was so, but go check out the poll results posted by Atrios about where people who believe false things get their news.
Priceless.
Priceless.
Must Reads for Friday
Two Op-Ed pieces in the New York Times today that should be read (actually, one is a re-read...):
The first is "The Legacy of Blackhawk Down." A great, first-hand account of the background activities of the story most of us know from the soldiers' point of view. Kenneth Cain - who was a young U.N. human rights officer in Mogudishu lays out some lessons that weren't learned about how to do nation building. A great read.
The second is a reprint of Joe Wilson's July 6th piece laying out the facts about the Iraq-Niger yellowcake hoax - and his belief that his facts were twisted in Bush's SOTU. For those who missed it the first time, or who haven't gone back to read it again; take the time. Get the facts - including that he worked under both Repugs and Dems in the past and appears to be anything but a partisan hack.
And in a way, these two are linked. Because we didn't learn from some past experiences - or didn't learn well - the war that we got into because Wilson's findings were ignored has left us with a nation building job that we really don't understand how to do.
One of my favorite, if overused, quotes is "those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
The first is "The Legacy of Blackhawk Down." A great, first-hand account of the background activities of the story most of us know from the soldiers' point of view. Kenneth Cain - who was a young U.N. human rights officer in Mogudishu lays out some lessons that weren't learned about how to do nation building. A great read.
The second is a reprint of Joe Wilson's July 6th piece laying out the facts about the Iraq-Niger yellowcake hoax - and his belief that his facts were twisted in Bush's SOTU. For those who missed it the first time, or who haven't gone back to read it again; take the time. Get the facts - including that he worked under both Repugs and Dems in the past and appears to be anything but a partisan hack.
And in a way, these two are linked. Because we didn't learn from some past experiences - or didn't learn well - the war that we got into because Wilson's findings were ignored has left us with a nation building job that we really don't understand how to do.
One of my favorite, if overused, quotes is "those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
Thursday, October 02, 2003
Why Clark?
If you've read my previous posts on Wes Clark here and here, you know that I've come around to liking him and supporting him. In fact, I need to get something up in my links over there...
Anyway, Josh over at Talking Points Memo posted an interview with Clark. It confirms the sense I got from Clark. He really lays out some impressive progressive ideas sharpened through a lense of a soldier's life - which is not ever easy, either physically, emotionally or economically.
Go read the interview. Think it over. You'll be impressed.
Anyway, Josh over at Talking Points Memo posted an interview with Clark. It confirms the sense I got from Clark. He really lays out some impressive progressive ideas sharpened through a lense of a soldier's life - which is not ever easy, either physically, emotionally or economically.
Go read the interview. Think it over. You'll be impressed.
Sleight of Hand?
These two grafs from the Wall Street Journal (no link because you need a subscription) may indicate how the White House intends to defuse the current mess over Plame-gate:
By widening the investigation, Justice is likely hoping to redirect public and press attention from the White House - specifically from Shrub and Rove.
This may be an easier way to get through this than the North Korea angle (see last post).
"The Justice Department probe into who leaked an intelligence officer's identity reaches beyond the White House, but remains focused on possible government sources rather than their media contacts.
Justice Department officials plan to notify employees of the Defense and State departments to preserve any documents relating to the wife of former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, and the Central Intelligence Agency already has been asked to do so, officials said.
By widening the investigation, Justice is likely hoping to redirect public and press attention from the White House - specifically from Shrub and Rove.
This may be an easier way to get through this than the North Korea angle (see last post).
Bush Too Busy to Notice North Korea Making WMD
While the Bush administration was busy "sexing up" the intel on Iraq's weapons programs and retaliating against Joe Wilson for not supporting those claims, Kim Jong Il was busy reprocessing 8,000 nuclear fuel rods into high-grade uranium.
Now while the CIA has been saying North Korea is likely to have one or two nuclear warheads, the Wall Street Journal is saying that "some U.S. analysts" (probably not Valerie Plame - but I wonder if this is more Team B boys) believe NK has up to six warheads. These same analysts believe that may be enough for Pyongyang to either test a warhead or sell one. Neither of which would do a lot to lower tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
NK says that they must build these weapons because of the "aggressive stance of the U.S." Maybe one of the few countries in the world who would actually be wrong to make such a statement. For all their bullying in the Middle East, BushCo. has been eerily silent on NK nukes.
Watch for this to become the next crisis. While this is serious, I wouldn't put it past BushCo. to use this as a distraction from the CIA leak crisis.
Now while the CIA has been saying North Korea is likely to have one or two nuclear warheads, the Wall Street Journal is saying that "some U.S. analysts" (probably not Valerie Plame - but I wonder if this is more Team B boys) believe NK has up to six warheads. These same analysts believe that may be enough for Pyongyang to either test a warhead or sell one. Neither of which would do a lot to lower tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
NK says that they must build these weapons because of the "aggressive stance of the U.S." Maybe one of the few countries in the world who would actually be wrong to make such a statement. For all their bullying in the Middle East, BushCo. has been eerily silent on NK nukes.
Watch for this to become the next crisis. While this is serious, I wouldn't put it past BushCo. to use this as a distraction from the CIA leak crisis.
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
Daydreamin'
Sure it's too soon to celebrate - this whole gathering storm over revealing a CIA operative's name could just blow over. But thinking about it...well I took a moment to wonder about a future that included something nasty for BushCo. over this.
Karl Rove's head on a pike outside the CIA headquarters at Langley. It would have to be a really large, sturdy pike to hold up that great pumpkin of a noggin', but still... Oh, and Joe Wilson should get to plant it!
"We want...a Shrubbery!" A group of CIA operatives (with those little black rectangles over their eyes, of course) dressed as The Knights Who Say "Ni!" calling for Shrub's head on a platter...
There were others, but none that I'd really want to share...
"Know what I mean? Nudge, nudge..."
Karl Rove's head on a pike outside the CIA headquarters at Langley. It would have to be a really large, sturdy pike to hold up that great pumpkin of a noggin', but still... Oh, and Joe Wilson should get to plant it!
"We want...a Shrubbery!" A group of CIA operatives (with those little black rectangles over their eyes, of course) dressed as The Knights Who Say "Ni!" calling for Shrub's head on a platter...
There were others, but none that I'd really want to share...
"Know what I mean? Nudge, nudge..."
Comments Are Back!
Blogspeak seems to be back up and running this morning!
Comment away!!
Comment away!!
Treason Defined Downward
It's not surprising, but in a way, still shocking nonetheless...
The Wall Street Journal (subscription required, so no link) this morning is calling the entire Wilsongate scandal a "kerfuffle."
Here's a sample graph:
See how the Bush apologists are just not interested, or try to deflect attention away from the real crime. No, to these guys, it's the bigger shame that someone who didn't toe the BushCo. line was used to dig around in this story. If only they had used someone more "dependable," friendlier to the administration...
And of course if she were "ensconced at Langley," then Wilson's wife couldn't possible have been doing anything important or actually running an operation with operatives in the field. The Rethugs are pounding the "she was just an analyst" angle with this.
What I'd like to see in the Justice Department's investigation would be the number of field operatives or important contacts who were compromised with this leak and how many of them were jailed or killed because of it. Unfortunately I think that someone a little more independent of BushCo will be needed to find that. Can you say special prosecutor?
Oh, and one more interesting quote that shows that there may be just a tinge of panic setting in:
But the interest is there in the press at long last. I wonder just how long the White House spinmeisters can keep the lid on this one.
The Wall Street Journal (subscription required, so no link) this morning is calling the entire Wilsongate scandal a "kerfuffle."
Here's a sample graph:
"This is the context in which Mr. Novak was told that Mr. Wilson had been hired at the recommendation of his wife, a CIA employee. This is hardly blowing a state secret but is something the public had a right to know. When an intelligence operative essentially claims that a U.S. President sent American soldiers off to die for a lie, certainly that operative's own motives and history ought to be on the table. In any event, Mrs. Wilson was not an agent in the field but is ensconced at Langley headquarters. It remains far from clear that any law was violated.
See how the Bush apologists are just not interested, or try to deflect attention away from the real crime. No, to these guys, it's the bigger shame that someone who didn't toe the BushCo. line was used to dig around in this story. If only they had used someone more "dependable," friendlier to the administration...
And of course if she were "ensconced at Langley," then Wilson's wife couldn't possible have been doing anything important or actually running an operation with operatives in the field. The Rethugs are pounding the "she was just an analyst" angle with this.
What I'd like to see in the Justice Department's investigation would be the number of field operatives or important contacts who were compromised with this leak and how many of them were jailed or killed because of it. Unfortunately I think that someone a little more independent of BushCo will be needed to find that. Can you say special prosecutor?
Oh, and one more interesting quote that shows that there may be just a tinge of panic setting in:
"At least we can be thankful that Democrats buried the independent counsel statute during the Clinton years. "Leak" investigations are notoriously fruitless in any case and typically a waste of Justice Department resources. It's especially amusing to see the media whose lifeblood is leaks feigning outrage. "
But the interest is there in the press at long last. I wonder just how long the White House spinmeisters can keep the lid on this one.
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Can't Keep Up
If you've been to any of the blogs in my blogroll, or pretty much any blog anywhere, you know that the Wilson-Plame affair has seemingly gotten traction in the minds of the mainstream news, the politcos and - just maybe - the public. Since this is just a part-time gig for me, I can't hope to keep up with the marvels of blogging that do it for a living or as an avocation.
But if you stop by here, at least for now, don't stay long. My comments are down, and you really should be reading some of the better bloggers on this subject. But don't forget to come back!
And start talking about this stuff. We're talking TREASON!
Go. Be informed!
But if you stop by here, at least for now, don't stay long. My comments are down, and you really should be reading some of the better bloggers on this subject. But don't forget to come back!
And start talking about this stuff. We're talking TREASON!
Go. Be informed!
Comments Down...
Blogspeak - the provider of my commenting service is down due to an unspecified virus. I've taken the code out of my blog to protect my readers and myself. Sorry for the inconvenience. I'll have it back up as soon as they say it's safe.
White House Felony
Lambert over at corrente lays out the "Shorter Valerie Plame Affair." Sure to draw Googlers. I'll just quote Lambert in order to increase the odds...
This leaking of a CIA operative's/analyst's name to Bob Novak may just be gaining some traction with the mainstream media. It should.
And heads should roll.
"White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony. White House felony."
This leaking of a CIA operative's/analyst's name to Bob Novak may just be gaining some traction with the mainstream media. It should.
And heads should roll.
Blog Find - Redux
So I got a couple of comments on my post about "Boots and Sabers." One from one of the bloggers - Jed.
Now, despite what I said about their blog - and I'm still not a fan of the uniforms - it seems that Jed and Owen, based strictly on their comment and on their post about my post, are pretty decent guys. No swearing or vowing vengeance or anything like that. Just some thoughtful commentary and a little humor.
Now, I'll never agree with most of their politics, nor with Owen's distaste for vegetables, but I take back what I said about them being "brown shirt fascists."
Can you feel the love?
Now, despite what I said about their blog - and I'm still not a fan of the uniforms - it seems that Jed and Owen, based strictly on their comment and on their post about my post, are pretty decent guys. No swearing or vowing vengeance or anything like that. Just some thoughtful commentary and a little humor.
Now, I'll never agree with most of their politics, nor with Owen's distaste for vegetables, but I take back what I said about them being "brown shirt fascists."
Can you feel the love?
Monday, September 29, 2003
Blog Find - Not for the Faint of Heart
You just really have to check out this blog; "Boots and Sabers."
Written by a couple of ex-Texas Aggies band-geeks (do I really need to say more?), this site leans to the right. How far right? Well, let me quote one of them, Jed: "I tend to be...somewhere to the right of "bomb them back to the stone age" on foreign policy issues."
If you've never seen the Aggie Corps' uniforms - well, let me say they were just made for us liberal bloggers. I'm sure somewhere you've seen reference to "brown shirt fascists"... well, go check out the site.
Take a barf bag.
Written by a couple of ex-Texas Aggies band-geeks (do I really need to say more?), this site leans to the right. How far right? Well, let me quote one of them, Jed: "I tend to be...somewhere to the right of "bomb them back to the stone age" on foreign policy issues."
If you've never seen the Aggie Corps' uniforms - well, let me say they were just made for us liberal bloggers. I'm sure somewhere you've seen reference to "brown shirt fascists"... well, go check out the site.
Take a barf bag.
Justice at a Glacial Pace
Interesting news from the Washington Post: The SEC has sued former Enron thief executive Kenneth Lay. The suit seeks to force Lay to hand over lots of documents that cover his actions while bilking his customers and investors of billions. Lay's lawyers are claiming the Fifth, but it may not fly.
Now there's a perp walk I know we'd all love to see!
Now there's a perp walk I know we'd all love to see!
Interest or Just News Junkies?
A CNN Quickpoll shows that 80% those reading the site today think that there should be an independent investigation into the leaking of Valerie Plame's name as a CIA operative. See my last post.
When I checked there were a total of 68,692 votes.
Does that mean that this story will have some traction in the mind of the public or just that there were a lot of political news junkies on CNN today? I'm not sure... There was quite a bit of coverage on the networks, cable and Public Radio. But if recent history is any indicator, the public mind is just too busy with other things right now. I'm not sure what that could be as Madonna has not kissed Brittany again and there's no hurricane headed towards Washington.
When I checked there were a total of 68,692 votes.
Does that mean that this story will have some traction in the mind of the public or just that there were a lot of political news junkies on CNN today? I'm not sure... There was quite a bit of coverage on the networks, cable and Public Radio. But if recent history is any indicator, the public mind is just too busy with other things right now. I'm not sure what that could be as Madonna has not kissed Brittany again and there's no hurricane headed towards Washington.
More Sh*t Hits the Fan
Wilsongate, the Plame Game, call it what you will. A major shit storm that will make Hurricane Isabel look like a summer zephyr seems to be on the way. The White House is in full bunker mode with everyone misdirecting attention.
I've not followed it closely enough to write up the whole story with links and all; although my outrage grows with every article I get to.
Check out the blogs in my blogroll... those tireless folks have covered it well. Now if only the SCLM would do the same.
"Where is the outrage?"
I've not followed it closely enough to write up the whole story with links and all; although my outrage grows with every article I get to.
Check out the blogs in my blogroll... those tireless folks have covered it well. Now if only the SCLM would do the same.
"Where is the outrage?"
"I'm a uniter, not a divider."
News Inspired Rant:
The Episcopalian House of Bishops appointed the first openly gay bishop this past summer; the Reverend Gene Robinson.
Anglican and Episcopalian churches around the country - and around the world - have denounced the House of Bishops for the appointment.
The Canadian Government has all but approved same-sex civil unions.
This past weekend, a same-sex couple from Canada were denied entry into the U.S. because they wanted to fill out a joint customs declaration (and, ironies of ironies, they were travelling to attend a Human Rights conference).
Remember Bush's quote - above - during the 2000 election circus? "I'm a uniter, not a divider." And yet, no president or administration in recent history has tried so hard to divide us; by race (Trent Lott, anyone?), by religion (Jerry Fallwell) and by sexual orientation ( Shrub, himself!).
Ah, those wonderful Fundamentalist Christians. Is there a more intolerant group on the face of the earth? Well, actually, yes. But they're a sub-set: Fundamentalists of all stripes.
They are so certain that they are right - on every subject - that it is literally impossible to have an intelligent conversation with one on any subject. Some conversations seem normal until you stray into some subject covered by their "holy book." Their book, whatever it happens to be called, contains all the answers to every problem ever conceived. No matter that these texts were typically written centuries ago when civilization consisted of small groups of herders or farmers in small villages and towns. No matter that it was before any technology more advanced than bronze and iron. No matter that it was before the ability to read DNA made us aware that we are all basically the same - to 99.9999% of our genetic material.
Their scriptures and their invisible friends (god, allah, jehova and thousands of others) assure them that they are the chosen ones and that all others are "infidels" or "sinners" or - well, pick your derogatory religious slur. You know all the words. And these "others" are to be conquered, converted, or if all else fails, killed. Over the centuries "other" has included people of other religions (of course), of other colors, of other countries, of other races, other villages...
But all this has been said, usually better than I have. What to do if you're a progressive and can't bear the thought of sanctioned intolerance? There are plenty of places to go to make yourself known and heard. See some of my links to the right. Write to your local, state and federal representatives. Write to your local paper. Spread the meme that we are all humans. Science, in the form of DNA sequences, has already proved that we are all the same. Now it's up to us to spread the word, to show by our actions.
I just wanted to add my voice.
Now add yours.
The Episcopalian House of Bishops appointed the first openly gay bishop this past summer; the Reverend Gene Robinson.
Anglican and Episcopalian churches around the country - and around the world - have denounced the House of Bishops for the appointment.
The Canadian Government has all but approved same-sex civil unions.
This past weekend, a same-sex couple from Canada were denied entry into the U.S. because they wanted to fill out a joint customs declaration (and, ironies of ironies, they were travelling to attend a Human Rights conference).
Remember Bush's quote - above - during the 2000 election circus? "I'm a uniter, not a divider." And yet, no president or administration in recent history has tried so hard to divide us; by race (Trent Lott, anyone?), by religion (Jerry Fallwell) and by sexual orientation ( Shrub, himself!).
Ah, those wonderful Fundamentalist Christians. Is there a more intolerant group on the face of the earth? Well, actually, yes. But they're a sub-set: Fundamentalists of all stripes.
They are so certain that they are right - on every subject - that it is literally impossible to have an intelligent conversation with one on any subject. Some conversations seem normal until you stray into some subject covered by their "holy book." Their book, whatever it happens to be called, contains all the answers to every problem ever conceived. No matter that these texts were typically written centuries ago when civilization consisted of small groups of herders or farmers in small villages and towns. No matter that it was before any technology more advanced than bronze and iron. No matter that it was before the ability to read DNA made us aware that we are all basically the same - to 99.9999% of our genetic material.
Their scriptures and their invisible friends (god, allah, jehova and thousands of others) assure them that they are the chosen ones and that all others are "infidels" or "sinners" or - well, pick your derogatory religious slur. You know all the words. And these "others" are to be conquered, converted, or if all else fails, killed. Over the centuries "other" has included people of other religions (of course), of other colors, of other countries, of other races, other villages...
But all this has been said, usually better than I have. What to do if you're a progressive and can't bear the thought of sanctioned intolerance? There are plenty of places to go to make yourself known and heard. See some of my links to the right. Write to your local, state and federal representatives. Write to your local paper. Spread the meme that we are all humans. Science, in the form of DNA sequences, has already proved that we are all the same. Now it's up to us to spread the word, to show by our actions.
I just wanted to add my voice.
Now add yours.
They Have Seen the Light?
"There were "too many uncertainties" in the outdated and inadequate information underlying a National Intelligence Estimate that the administration used to justify the war, the senior Republican and the senior Democrat on the panel said in a newly disclosed letter to George J. Tenet, director of central intelligence."
That "panel" is the House Intelligence Committee. And the fact that a Republican would put their name with such a statement could bode poorly for BushCo. and well for Democrats. The question remains whether or not this will pick up any steam in both Congress and the press.
That this story comes in the same NYT article in which they report that George Tenet, head of the CIA, is referring to the Justice Department for investigation the case of the revelation that someone in the White House revealed Joseph Wilson's wife as a CIA operative. This is, of course, a federal felony - and could be charged as treason if it could be traced to a particular person. That is, of course, if John Ashcroft deigns to act on the referral rather than find a way to continue covering his boss' ass...
So as bricks of their invincible facade fall around their ears we can only hope that the general public and the press begin to really force the issues; to talk about them; to write about them. The neocons are finally being revealed for the fascists they are - and the poll numbers are finally beginning to reflect that.
Stay tuned for more!
That "panel" is the House Intelligence Committee. And the fact that a Republican would put their name with such a statement could bode poorly for BushCo. and well for Democrats. The question remains whether or not this will pick up any steam in both Congress and the press.
That this story comes in the same NYT article in which they report that George Tenet, head of the CIA, is referring to the Justice Department for investigation the case of the revelation that someone in the White House revealed Joseph Wilson's wife as a CIA operative. This is, of course, a federal felony - and could be charged as treason if it could be traced to a particular person. That is, of course, if John Ashcroft deigns to act on the referral rather than find a way to continue covering his boss' ass...
So as bricks of their invincible facade fall around their ears we can only hope that the general public and the press begin to really force the issues; to talk about them; to write about them. The neocons are finally being revealed for the fascists they are - and the poll numbers are finally beginning to reflect that.
Stay tuned for more!
Friday, September 26, 2003
SHUT UP!
//I forgot it was "talk like Bill O'Reilly day!" But as I rarely watch him, well, I'll just borrow his most famous tag line for today.//
Shut up!
Fair and Balanced Charles2
Shut up!
Fair and Balanced Charles2
80's Icon Robert Palmer - Dead at 54
So it's not the biggest story around, but I was still taken aback seeing that yet another relatively young rocker had died. I still consider his big MTV hits "Addicted to Love" and "Simply Irresistible" to be some of the best videos ever made. Okay, so really I loved the "Palmer Girls" and their semi-see-through tight black shirts and short-short skirts, but the videos were satisfyingly ironic and the songs definitely got stuck in your head.
Palmer never got caught up in the self-destructive aspects of rock and roll stardom and was, perhaps, the best dressed man in rock. He died of a heart attack at age 54. Sad.
Palmer never got caught up in the self-destructive aspects of rock and roll stardom and was, perhaps, the best dressed man in rock. He died of a heart attack at age 54. Sad.
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
One Man; No Vote
I continue to be - amazed isn't quite the right word, but will have to do - at how blithely Rethuglicans are willing to allow the disenfranchisement of registered voters.
Now I agree that the California recall has turned into a circus. I also think that some of the arguments, both pro and con for postponing the election were a little tortured. Although on balance, I think those for postponement were most compelling. What strikes me about the conservative blather about the matter is how easily they can ridicule "stopping an election (they refuse to use "postpone") in order to save democracy," while being completely oblivious to the fact that a delay would actually improve the democratic process by ensuring more votes are cast and counted.
Of course the obvious problem is that the votes that would be lost are in the poorer districts of California where they can't afford to upgrade to newer, more reliable voting machines. Those districts are most likely predominately Democratic, so... Well you can see where that line of thinking goes.
But the Repugs dismiss the whole process, the whole idea, as some minor impediment as opposed to true disenfranchisement. As the title of this post suggests, Republicans, it seems, would love to go back to the days when only monied, male "landed" gentry could vote.
Now I agree that the California recall has turned into a circus. I also think that some of the arguments, both pro and con for postponing the election were a little tortured. Although on balance, I think those for postponement were most compelling. What strikes me about the conservative blather about the matter is how easily they can ridicule "stopping an election (they refuse to use "postpone") in order to save democracy," while being completely oblivious to the fact that a delay would actually improve the democratic process by ensuring more votes are cast and counted.
Of course the obvious problem is that the votes that would be lost are in the poorer districts of California where they can't afford to upgrade to newer, more reliable voting machines. Those districts are most likely predominately Democratic, so... Well you can see where that line of thinking goes.
But the Repugs dismiss the whole process, the whole idea, as some minor impediment as opposed to true disenfranchisement. As the title of this post suggests, Republicans, it seems, would love to go back to the days when only monied, male "landed" gentry could vote.
Monday, September 22, 2003
The Most Dangerous Man in America?
Patriot Act II. This litany of legislative legerdemain just keeps providing ammunition with which BushCo repeatedly shoots themselves in the foot.
Ashcroft's latest defense of P.A.II revolves around alternately insulting, cajoling and threatening one of the least harmful, most beloved and most defenseless of groups; librarians. You can read about it in lots of places, not least of all here.
They've never used it - says Ashcroft (then why do they need it) - and if they did, they'd never tell us. And should any librarian want to complain about it, P.A.II makes it a crime to tell anyone that library records had been requested.
My suggestion is that everyone go to their public library as soon as possible - if you don't have a card, get one - then check out as many "subversive" titles as you can find there.
I guess the DoJ has never met a group they didn't want to bully. I wonder how many times John Ashcroft was sent to the principals office as a child for stealing milk money from a classmate?
Ashcroft's latest defense of P.A.II revolves around alternately insulting, cajoling and threatening one of the least harmful, most beloved and most defenseless of groups; librarians. You can read about it in lots of places, not least of all here.
They've never used it - says Ashcroft (then why do they need it) - and if they did, they'd never tell us. And should any librarian want to complain about it, P.A.II makes it a crime to tell anyone that library records had been requested.
My suggestion is that everyone go to their public library as soon as possible - if you don't have a card, get one - then check out as many "subversive" titles as you can find there.
I guess the DoJ has never met a group they didn't want to bully. I wonder how many times John Ashcroft was sent to the principals office as a child for stealing milk money from a classmate?
Sunday, September 21, 2003
The Next Phase
Not content with - or perhaps not satisfied with the results of - attacks on American soldiers or the occasional Iraqi policeman or bystander, the Iraqi resistance has targeted a member of the Iraqi Governing Council. Although Al-Hashimi is in good condition after being shot in the abdomen, this attack seems to foreshadow a new level of activity for whoever is organizing the continuing attacks.
There seems to be no end to how ugly this can get. You'd think that killing fellow Iraqis would be a great way to alienate those responsible. But like everything else there that doesn't make sense, this only seems to inflame passions further. Of course being a part of that society and that history, these gunmen surely know that.
Can we finally just say that there was no plan for how to deal with the aftermath of our war? Not just that the planning was poor, or that we had no exit plan, but really, there was no plan. And nature hates a vacuum of planning as much as any other.
There seems to be no end to how ugly this can get. You'd think that killing fellow Iraqis would be a great way to alienate those responsible. But like everything else there that doesn't make sense, this only seems to inflame passions further. Of course being a part of that society and that history, these gunmen surely know that.
Can we finally just say that there was no plan for how to deal with the aftermath of our war? Not just that the planning was poor, or that we had no exit plan, but really, there was no plan. And nature hates a vacuum of planning as much as any other.
Friday, September 19, 2003
George W. - Just Mad
Via Eric at Altercation, this New Republic piece (registration required) by Jonathon Chait, hits the perfect tone and asks all the right questions about aWol and why he is so hated by just about everyone barely left of center. I can't recommend it enough.
Then go over to The Nation and read Eric's outstanding article on the same subject.
The questions are starting to be asked about Bush, his henchmen and his apologists. Are we near the point where the media and the general citizenry can be made to pay attention? I can only hope.
If you read this blog, if you read those two pieces above, don't just sit there. Print them out. Talk about them. Put them up on a bulletin board somewhere. Write your local newspaper. That's democracy at its finest.
Then go over to The Nation and read Eric's outstanding article on the same subject.
The questions are starting to be asked about Bush, his henchmen and his apologists. Are we near the point where the media and the general citizenry can be made to pay attention? I can only hope.
If you read this blog, if you read those two pieces above, don't just sit there. Print them out. Talk about them. Put them up on a bulletin board somewhere. Write your local newspaper. That's democracy at its finest.
The Storm After the Storm
While Isabel wreaked destruction along the mid-Atlantic coast, it was pretty much a washout here in Western NY. The center of rotation - no longer an eye - moved just west of here, but nearly the entire eastern side of the storm was dry. We had some pretty stiff breezes, but no rain. Earlier in the week the weather forecasters were predicting 5" - 15" of rain here. Then it went to 1" - 4". Last night they predicted maybe 1/4".
I was really hoping to have my weekend extended, but given the damage and loss of life so far, I'm glad it fizzled out.
However. It's time for my now habitual - although newly public - after-the-storm rant.
1) Hurricanes, tropical storms, nor'easters perennially affect certain areas. Most of these areas are beautiful, coastal locations where people love to have everything from multi-million dollar mansions to weekend cottages and fishing shacks. A big storm comes along, washes away the houses (of all sizes and values), the government declares a disaster area, insurance companies pay out huge amounts of money, people re-build and the cycle starts over again. Ad nauseum. You'd think that either a) people would learn not to rebuild in storm damage prone areas or b) insurance companies would stop insuring properties in these areas or c) the government would close these areas to development to prevent loss of life, property and tax monies. Never happens.
2) Mandatory evacuations. The majority of people are smart enough to get out of the danger area when the local government - probably already being overly conservative about making it mandatory - issues the evacuation order. But there are always those few morons who will stay. And then call for help when the storm starts to get rough. It was a good start that some local authorities this time told people who ignore the evacuation order to make sure police had their next-of-kin information and to write their names and SSN on their arms in indelible ink. That was to make sure they could be identified when their bodies washed up after the storm. Unfortunately, as there always is, there was footage on ABC news this morning about police and fire rescue crews out in the worst of the storm trying to get to a couple who stayed despite the "mandatory evacuation" and needed help. These people should be left to be swept out to sea and have their bodies eaten by sharks.
3) Power outages happen with every storm - rain, snow, ice. And the utility companies keep stringing up powerlines on poles, near trees, tall signs and other things that could be blown or iced down into the lines or where the lines themselves can be damaged. I've lived in areas where all utilities must be buried. Yes, it's initially more expensive to bury lines. Unless it is well planned it can be more difficult and more expensive to maintain buries lines. But in those areas I've lived with buried lines, I've never had a power outage. Not once. The eventual cost in maintenance and restringing wires, year after year ends up being much more than the cost of installing buried cables. It's amazing. You'll see on TV, after Isabel has passed, utility crews from all over the nation coming in to help re-string the eastern seaboard and other areas hard-hit. Imagine the money that costs...
Okay, enough ranting. Back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Move along, there's nothing to see here...
I was really hoping to have my weekend extended, but given the damage and loss of life so far, I'm glad it fizzled out.
However. It's time for my now habitual - although newly public - after-the-storm rant.
1) Hurricanes, tropical storms, nor'easters perennially affect certain areas. Most of these areas are beautiful, coastal locations where people love to have everything from multi-million dollar mansions to weekend cottages and fishing shacks. A big storm comes along, washes away the houses (of all sizes and values), the government declares a disaster area, insurance companies pay out huge amounts of money, people re-build and the cycle starts over again. Ad nauseum. You'd think that either a) people would learn not to rebuild in storm damage prone areas or b) insurance companies would stop insuring properties in these areas or c) the government would close these areas to development to prevent loss of life, property and tax monies. Never happens.
2) Mandatory evacuations. The majority of people are smart enough to get out of the danger area when the local government - probably already being overly conservative about making it mandatory - issues the evacuation order. But there are always those few morons who will stay. And then call for help when the storm starts to get rough. It was a good start that some local authorities this time told people who ignore the evacuation order to make sure police had their next-of-kin information and to write their names and SSN on their arms in indelible ink. That was to make sure they could be identified when their bodies washed up after the storm. Unfortunately, as there always is, there was footage on ABC news this morning about police and fire rescue crews out in the worst of the storm trying to get to a couple who stayed despite the "mandatory evacuation" and needed help. These people should be left to be swept out to sea and have their bodies eaten by sharks.
3) Power outages happen with every storm - rain, snow, ice. And the utility companies keep stringing up powerlines on poles, near trees, tall signs and other things that could be blown or iced down into the lines or where the lines themselves can be damaged. I've lived in areas where all utilities must be buried. Yes, it's initially more expensive to bury lines. Unless it is well planned it can be more difficult and more expensive to maintain buries lines. But in those areas I've lived with buried lines, I've never had a power outage. Not once. The eventual cost in maintenance and restringing wires, year after year ends up being much more than the cost of installing buried cables. It's amazing. You'll see on TV, after Isabel has passed, utility crews from all over the nation coming in to help re-string the eastern seaboard and other areas hard-hit. Imagine the money that costs...
Okay, enough ranting. Back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Move along, there's nothing to see here...
Thursday, September 18, 2003
Those Who Do Not Learn From History...
Now That's a Powderkeg!
So, the Middle East is pretty screwed up. No arguments there. And people much smarter than me have tried to come up with a solution.
But never, not in the most fevered mind, did a Saudi nuclear arsenal ever make the list.
Despite what the PR flacks hired by the House of Saud have to say about their country and their leaders, or that the latest issue of National Geographic says they are "lurching towards democracy informed by their nomadic past;" this has got to be one of the scariest, most horrific ideas ever.
But never, not in the most fevered mind, did a Saudi nuclear arsenal ever make the list.
Despite what the PR flacks hired by the House of Saud have to say about their country and their leaders, or that the latest issue of National Geographic says they are "lurching towards democracy informed by their nomadic past;" this has got to be one of the scariest, most horrific ideas ever.
Choices, Choices... Follow Up
I said below that I thought Wes Clark was still a bit of a cypher to me. Since he made it official that he's running I've been to several of the web sites that were instrumental in drafting Clark into the race and I've been carefully through his offical site.
I've read the articles, the histories and the biographies. I'm tentatively sold. I knew from his background that he'd have the credibility in military and foreign affairs. What I didn't know were his positions on domestic matters.
Despite my concerns about the political environment of the military and especially the general officer corps, his stated positions are mostly just what a democratic candidate needs to take the nomination - and, I believe - the election.
Now the questions:
1) Can he raise the money he'll need to make a come-from-behind run at the nomination?
2) Can he keep up the fund raising to take him all the way to November?
3) Can he stand the public scrutiny and mud slinging he's sure to attract from both sides?
This is going to get really good.
And really ugly.
I've read the articles, the histories and the biographies. I'm tentatively sold. I knew from his background that he'd have the credibility in military and foreign affairs. What I didn't know were his positions on domestic matters.
Despite my concerns about the political environment of the military and especially the general officer corps, his stated positions are mostly just what a democratic candidate needs to take the nomination - and, I believe - the election.
Now the questions:
1) Can he raise the money he'll need to make a come-from-behind run at the nomination?
2) Can he keep up the fund raising to take him all the way to November?
3) Can he stand the public scrutiny and mud slinging he's sure to attract from both sides?
This is going to get really good.
And really ugly.
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Kicking Ass II
On the DNC web site there are plenty of opportunities to help the cause.
One I've taken is to become an ePatriot; establishing a small page on the Democrats.org page where you can send interested friends, family or blog readers (hint). The page is simple, with a place to make donations to the DNC and to send me an e-mail saying that you've done so.
See the button above my blogroll? Click on it, and give to the cause!
Boot Bush!
One I've taken is to become an ePatriot; establishing a small page on the Democrats.org page where you can send interested friends, family or blog readers (hint). The page is simple, with a place to make donations to the DNC and to send me an e-mail saying that you've done so.
See the button above my blogroll? Click on it, and give to the cause!
Kicking Ass!
The DNC has a blog up.
I've added it to my blogroll.
Go see. Go sign up. Go support them!
Thanks to Atrios for pointing this out.
I've added it to my blogroll.
Go see. Go sign up. Go support them!
Thanks to Atrios for pointing this out.
Bush was Absent Without Leave (A.W.O.L.)
Maybe this will only be read by me; since, at least by the number of comments, I haven't had too many visitors here yet. But it has to be said. Maybe that also means I have to violate the dictum about things not to discuss in polite conversation: Sex, Religion and Politics.
FACT: George W. Bush was AWOL - and depending on how you read the law, perhaps even a deserter - during his time with the Air National Guard in Texas.
The reason I include the term "deserter" is that this occured during the VietNam War. And although his father's political connections got him a nice, cushy job in an AirNG wing flying aircraft soon to be retired (i.e. not eligible to be deployed to S.E. Asia), he decided to not show up for approximately a year. That year beginning with his refusal to take his annual flight physical (which always includes a blood test for drugs and alcohol.
I won't go into all the details, they are laid out at lots of other web sites and blogs. Just Google Bush AND AWOL and see what you get...
Why is this important? For lots of reasons - one that it should have resulted in him being court martialed and therefore, likely ineligible to hold federal office. Bust most importantly, in the upcoming election aWol, his cronies and their loudmouthed supporters on talk radio will be trying to trump the Resident's foreign policy prowess and military triumphs (not to mention splashing pictures of him swaggering on that aircraft carrier's deck in his borrowed flightsuit) while slinging the worst kind of mud on his opponents' records and military service. This cannot be allowed to stand unopposed.
Somehow, this is a story that has been buried by the SCLM since the 2000 elections. It's time it saw a little daylight.
FACT: George W. Bush was AWOL - and depending on how you read the law, perhaps even a deserter - during his time with the Air National Guard in Texas.
The reason I include the term "deserter" is that this occured during the VietNam War. And although his father's political connections got him a nice, cushy job in an AirNG wing flying aircraft soon to be retired (i.e. not eligible to be deployed to S.E. Asia), he decided to not show up for approximately a year. That year beginning with his refusal to take his annual flight physical (which always includes a blood test for drugs and alcohol.
I won't go into all the details, they are laid out at lots of other web sites and blogs. Just Google Bush AND AWOL and see what you get...
Why is this important? For lots of reasons - one that it should have resulted in him being court martialed and therefore, likely ineligible to hold federal office. Bust most importantly, in the upcoming election aWol, his cronies and their loudmouthed supporters on talk radio will be trying to trump the Resident's foreign policy prowess and military triumphs (not to mention splashing pictures of him swaggering on that aircraft carrier's deck in his borrowed flightsuit) while slinging the worst kind of mud on his opponents' records and military service. This cannot be allowed to stand unopposed.
Somehow, this is a story that has been buried by the SCLM since the 2000 elections. It's time it saw a little daylight.
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Numinous
What a great word!
Numinous
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin numin-, numen numen
Date: 1647
1 : Supernatural, mysterious
2 : filled with a sense of the presence of divinity
3 : appealing to the higher emotions or to the aesthetic sense
It's that expansive feeling you get when you look up at a night sky on a clear, autumn night and the stars seem to pull you out into the universe. It's the sense of marvel you get when watching a seemingly perfectly engineered spider lying in ambush on her perfectly spun web strung with beads of dew. For me it's the feeling I get flying on a warm summer day.
It's a feeling that believers say that secularists, humanists, atheists, Brights can't have. It's the feeling they tell you can only come from "marvelling at the works of god." The quote I always use to counter that argument is one I remember reading years ago. I think it was Richard Dawkins who said, in reply to someone questioning how he could find beauty in science: "Just because I know how a rainbow is made, doesn't mean I don't find it beautiful."
It's probably mangled in my paraphrasing, but it seems to at least blunt their line of attack.
Anyway, what got me started on that was that tonight is one of those perfectly clear, cool, early fall nights. And out where I live there are few houses or outdoor lights around to block out the sky. The stars are... well I was going to use some tired old cliche about diamonds or something, but it just wouldn't do justice.
Numinous. Go find some!
Numinous
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin numin-, numen numen
Date: 1647
1 : Supernatural, mysterious
2 : filled with a sense of the presence of divinity
3 : appealing to the higher emotions or to the aesthetic sense
It's that expansive feeling you get when you look up at a night sky on a clear, autumn night and the stars seem to pull you out into the universe. It's the sense of marvel you get when watching a seemingly perfectly engineered spider lying in ambush on her perfectly spun web strung with beads of dew. For me it's the feeling I get flying on a warm summer day.
It's a feeling that believers say that secularists, humanists, atheists, Brights can't have. It's the feeling they tell you can only come from "marvelling at the works of god." The quote I always use to counter that argument is one I remember reading years ago. I think it was Richard Dawkins who said, in reply to someone questioning how he could find beauty in science: "Just because I know how a rainbow is made, doesn't mean I don't find it beautiful."
It's probably mangled in my paraphrasing, but it seems to at least blunt their line of attack.
Anyway, what got me started on that was that tonight is one of those perfectly clear, cool, early fall nights. And out where I live there are few houses or outdoor lights around to block out the sky. The stars are... well I was going to use some tired old cliche about diamonds or something, but it just wouldn't do justice.
Numinous. Go find some!
Choices, Choices...
Unlike lots of other democrats, I just hadn't been able to really get fired up about any of the candidates. None of them really sparked any passion in me, despite desperately wanting someone who could beat Bush. Word came today that Wes Clark is going to enter the democratic field and that gives me some hope.
But despite the hype - and the hope - the guy's a cypher. What are his positions on the key questions? There are fragments out there, hints. He looks promising. And as an ex-military officer, I'm excited to see one of "my own" who's not a conservative. But I also know from experience, it's hard to be a liberal in the military, much less to survive the extremely, brutally political climb to general officer and then on to NATO commander. I have to admit I'm a little skeptical.
We'll see what tomorrow brings.
But despite the hype - and the hope - the guy's a cypher. What are his positions on the key questions? There are fragments out there, hints. He looks promising. And as an ex-military officer, I'm excited to see one of "my own" who's not a conservative. But I also know from experience, it's hard to be a liberal in the military, much less to survive the extremely, brutally political climb to general officer and then on to NATO commander. I have to admit I'm a little skeptical.
We'll see what tomorrow brings.
Reason 1, No 2, or Was it 3? We Invaded Iraq
Wasn't promoting human rights one of the reasons Bush gave for invading Iraq? It was right after WMDs, right?
Anyway, in today's New York Times we get this quote from an Iraqi woman - afraid to give her name:
"Under Saddam we could drive, we could walk down the street until two in the morning," a young designer told me as she bounced her 4-year-old daughter on her lap. "Who would have thought the Americans could have made it worse for women? This is liberation?"
The rest of the article is a complete indictment against BushCo's handling of the occupation of Iraq.
We could do so much better.
Anyway, in today's New York Times we get this quote from an Iraqi woman - afraid to give her name:
"Under Saddam we could drive, we could walk down the street until two in the morning," a young designer told me as she bounced her 4-year-old daughter on her lap. "Who would have thought the Americans could have made it worse for women? This is liberation?"
The rest of the article is a complete indictment against BushCo's handling of the occupation of Iraq.
We could do so much better.
Monday, September 15, 2003
I Thought it Was Just Me
Ever since the U.S. economy started it's so-called "jobless recovery I've been wondering "how the hell can it do that?" I mean, I'm no economist, and ever since my one semester of college economics I still think those curves were all done with mirrors and wires.
I kept asking myself, if workers are getting more productive - and they, I mean, we are - but companies keep laying off workers, who's going to be able to afford to buy all that stuff we've so efficiently made? Here in the Rochester, NY area, XEROX, Kodak, Bausch & Lomb, Delco and lots of smaller companies have layed off over 3,000 people over the past year or two.
Anyway, it was bugging me. I must have missed something in that econ course; some magical point on all those damn curves where jobs could disappear, the remaining workers would make more product per hour, and everyone could afford to refinance their house or buy a new one. As usual lately, I had to go to a news source outside the U.S. to get the answer.
This article in the Globe & Mail (Canada's newspaper of record) explains it all. To answer my own question, above: You can't. Not for long.
I kept asking myself, if workers are getting more productive - and they, I mean, we are - but companies keep laying off workers, who's going to be able to afford to buy all that stuff we've so efficiently made? Here in the Rochester, NY area, XEROX, Kodak, Bausch & Lomb, Delco and lots of smaller companies have layed off over 3,000 people over the past year or two.
Anyway, it was bugging me. I must have missed something in that econ course; some magical point on all those damn curves where jobs could disappear, the remaining workers would make more product per hour, and everyone could afford to refinance their house or buy a new one. As usual lately, I had to go to a news source outside the U.S. to get the answer.
This article in the Globe & Mail (Canada's newspaper of record) explains it all. To answer my own question, above: You can't. Not for long.
Why Am I Here?
This is, I hope, one of several posts I'll write to explain who I am and why I'm writing what I write here.
Who is Charles2? The tag line on my blog says some things about me, all of which are true. But that's not all there is. If any of you have followed a link here from my comments on other blogs you at least know some of my thoughts and positions. But how did an ex-Army officer (a West Point graduate, no less) wind up with such liberal views? Damned if I know, really. I've been a closet liberal since high school.
And not just a liberal; I'm also an atheist, a humanist, a skeptic... All brought on by lots of reading and thinking; things that have always been viewed as subversive throughout the centuries.
Not surprisingly, in the military I couldn't really talk a whole lot about my political or personal beliefs; they just didn't fit in with the gung-ho, ultra-conservative military people around me. (Think aWol, Cheney, Wolfowitz, but on steroids.) They were all (mostly) great people, and I lived, laughed and fought beside them gladly. But my ideas just wouldn't have been well received.
And so it is today, working for a very large transnational corporation. The viewpoints are the same, the clothes are just a little more colorful. I needed an outlet.
Then I discovered blogs. The first liberal blog I read was Altercation (see link to the right). Then I noticed Eric's blogroll and started exploring. My small blogroll is just a start and doesn't do justice to the number of blogs I read - although those are my most read. And I thought "hey, I could do that!" But I also know that writing is not as easy as good writers make it seem. So I started reading carefully and began commenting on my favorite blogs. I think the unwritten protocol in blog comments is to ignore the newbie until they are sort of established and have said a few semi-intelligent things. Eventually the regulars started commenting on my comments and I was hooked.
So... here I am. As of today there have only been a couple of comments on my very few posts. But like applause to an actor, it's got me hooked.
I'm not so naive as to think that I've got any regular readers yet. But I'm hoping. I'll keep posting; it's not only good practice for writing, but it's an outlet for my thoughts and rants. Keeps me from yelling at my coworkers. And since I can't really expect to make money doing this, well... I need my job.
I hope that those who discover my blog will take at least a little something away for the effort. And even more, I hope that those who visit will leave a little something as well. I am always willing to listen to reasoned discussion; always willing to learn something new. Oh, and I hope you'll come back!
To Be Continued...
Who is Charles2? The tag line on my blog says some things about me, all of which are true. But that's not all there is. If any of you have followed a link here from my comments on other blogs you at least know some of my thoughts and positions. But how did an ex-Army officer (a West Point graduate, no less) wind up with such liberal views? Damned if I know, really. I've been a closet liberal since high school.
And not just a liberal; I'm also an atheist, a humanist, a skeptic... All brought on by lots of reading and thinking; things that have always been viewed as subversive throughout the centuries.
Not surprisingly, in the military I couldn't really talk a whole lot about my political or personal beliefs; they just didn't fit in with the gung-ho, ultra-conservative military people around me. (Think aWol, Cheney, Wolfowitz, but on steroids.) They were all (mostly) great people, and I lived, laughed and fought beside them gladly. But my ideas just wouldn't have been well received.
And so it is today, working for a very large transnational corporation. The viewpoints are the same, the clothes are just a little more colorful. I needed an outlet.
Then I discovered blogs. The first liberal blog I read was Altercation (see link to the right). Then I noticed Eric's blogroll and started exploring. My small blogroll is just a start and doesn't do justice to the number of blogs I read - although those are my most read. And I thought "hey, I could do that!" But I also know that writing is not as easy as good writers make it seem. So I started reading carefully and began commenting on my favorite blogs. I think the unwritten protocol in blog comments is to ignore the newbie until they are sort of established and have said a few semi-intelligent things. Eventually the regulars started commenting on my comments and I was hooked.
So... here I am. As of today there have only been a couple of comments on my very few posts. But like applause to an actor, it's got me hooked.
I'm not so naive as to think that I've got any regular readers yet. But I'm hoping. I'll keep posting; it's not only good practice for writing, but it's an outlet for my thoughts and rants. Keeps me from yelling at my coworkers. And since I can't really expect to make money doing this, well... I need my job.
I hope that those who discover my blog will take at least a little something away for the effort. And even more, I hope that those who visit will leave a little something as well. I am always willing to listen to reasoned discussion; always willing to learn something new. Oh, and I hope you'll come back!
To Be Continued...
Bush Lies
There's just no other way to say it.
David Corn, via Calpundit:
"the budget for next year boosts funding for elementary and secondary education to $53.1 billion. That's a 26-percent increase since I took office. In other words, we understand that resources need to flow to help solve the problems." [GWB quote to a Nashville elementary school]
A few things were untrue in these remarks. Bush's proposed elementary and secondary education budget for next year is $34.9 billion, not $53.1 billion, according to his own Department of Education.
Now, this is just the latest sheer confabulation from W & Co. But as Kevin at Calpundit notes, this was not an off the cuff remark. It was a prepared speech that must have been vetted "highest levels."
Go forth and spread the word.
David Corn, via Calpundit:
"the budget for next year boosts funding for elementary and secondary education to $53.1 billion. That's a 26-percent increase since I took office. In other words, we understand that resources need to flow to help solve the problems." [GWB quote to a Nashville elementary school]
A few things were untrue in these remarks. Bush's proposed elementary and secondary education budget for next year is $34.9 billion, not $53.1 billion, according to his own Department of Education.
Now, this is just the latest sheer confabulation from W & Co. But as Kevin at Calpundit notes, this was not an off the cuff remark. It was a prepared speech that must have been vetted "highest levels."
Go forth and spread the word.
What's This?
Okay, it was in the weekend Arts section, but check out Frank Rich in the New York Times: Top Gun vs Total Recall.
The first two paragraphs set the perfect tone: "Only in America could a guy who struts in an action-hero's Hollywood costume and barks macho lines from a script pass for a plausible political leader. But if George W. Bush can get away with it, why should Arnold Schwarzenegger be pilloried for the same antics?
At least Mr. Schwarzenegger is a show-biz pro. He never would have signed on for a remake of "Top Gun" without first ensuring that it would have the same happy ending as the original. He never would have allowed himself to look as scared as the abandoned kid in "Home Alone" while begging the nation for cash and patience last Sunday night. He would have dismissed B-movie dialogue like "dead or alive" and "bring 'em on" with a curt "hasta la vista, baby!"
Is the SCLM finally waking up? Who knows. But every article like this just hammers away at their credibility. "Bring 'em on!"
The first two paragraphs set the perfect tone: "Only in America could a guy who struts in an action-hero's Hollywood costume and barks macho lines from a script pass for a plausible political leader. But if George W. Bush can get away with it, why should Arnold Schwarzenegger be pilloried for the same antics?
At least Mr. Schwarzenegger is a show-biz pro. He never would have signed on for a remake of "Top Gun" without first ensuring that it would have the same happy ending as the original. He never would have allowed himself to look as scared as the abandoned kid in "Home Alone" while begging the nation for cash and patience last Sunday night. He would have dismissed B-movie dialogue like "dead or alive" and "bring 'em on" with a curt "hasta la vista, baby!"
Is the SCLM finally waking up? Who knows. But every article like this just hammers away at their credibility. "Bring 'em on!"
Sunday, September 14, 2003
Man in Black Moment
Okay, as I said before, while I remember listening to Johnny Cash as a kid and even have a few mp3s ripped to my iMac, it's not like I'm a huge fan. Anyway, while driving this afternoon, I was listening to the local college alternative station here.
I heard two amazing songs in a row (amazing in and of itself on radio today): the first was "Ring of Fire," a classic Cash song, covered by Social Distortion; followed immediately by the man himself covering... get this... "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails.
It was absolutely outrageous! And both of them were excellent. Somehow it was a fitting tribute. So if you can find either of them somewhere, give them a listen.
I heard two amazing songs in a row (amazing in and of itself on radio today): the first was "Ring of Fire," a classic Cash song, covered by Social Distortion; followed immediately by the man himself covering... get this... "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails.
It was absolutely outrageous! And both of them were excellent. Somehow it was a fitting tribute. So if you can find either of them somewhere, give them a listen.
Lost in the Wilderness
//Update://
So - as you can see in my side-bar - I've added my blog to several directories. Hopefully that will help. But if anyone's reading this, I'd still appreciate any advice you might have on getting word out about my blog. And, if you like my stuff, a link on your site wouldn't hurt either. End grovel. Thanks.
//End Update//
I know I've only been doing this for four or five days, but I don't know if anyone is reading this. I think - in the blogosphere - I need to practice my patience. It's not usually my strong suit.
If anyone comes across this and has some concrete ideas on how to get the word out on my blog, let me know.
Okay, enough self pity...
So - as you can see in my side-bar - I've added my blog to several directories. Hopefully that will help. But if anyone's reading this, I'd still appreciate any advice you might have on getting word out about my blog. And, if you like my stuff, a link on your site wouldn't hurt either. End grovel. Thanks.
//End Update//
I know I've only been doing this for four or five days, but I don't know if anyone is reading this. I think - in the blogosphere - I need to practice my patience. It's not usually my strong suit.
If anyone comes across this and has some concrete ideas on how to get the word out on my blog, let me know.
Okay, enough self pity...
Yes, This Man STILL Has No Shame
//See my post from September 10, below.//
Well, I thought that Patriot Act II was going to be bad. And most anyone else who values their rights probably did too. But I didn't quite realize just how bad W and his cronies would want to make it. From Sunday's New York Times comes more details. The key graph being the following:
"But in a plan announced this week to expand counterterrorism powers, President Bush adopted a very different tack. In a three-point presidential plan that critics are already dubbing Patriot Act II, Mr. Bush is seeking broad new authority to allow federal agents — without the approval of a judge or even a federal prosecutor — to demand private records and compel testimony. "
So, any Bush or Ashcroft fans out there scared yet?
Unfortunately, the real question is "is anybody scared out there yet?" It sure doesn't seem like it.
This has got to be the worst assault on individual rights and freedoms since the suspension of habeus corpus during the civil war. Why arent there more outcries? Where is the SCLM on this?
Is there anyone awake out there?
Well, I thought that Patriot Act II was going to be bad. And most anyone else who values their rights probably did too. But I didn't quite realize just how bad W and his cronies would want to make it. From Sunday's New York Times comes more details. The key graph being the following:
"But in a plan announced this week to expand counterterrorism powers, President Bush adopted a very different tack. In a three-point presidential plan that critics are already dubbing Patriot Act II, Mr. Bush is seeking broad new authority to allow federal agents — without the approval of a judge or even a federal prosecutor — to demand private records and compel testimony. "
So, any Bush or Ashcroft fans out there scared yet?
Unfortunately, the real question is "is anybody scared out there yet?" It sure doesn't seem like it.
This has got to be the worst assault on individual rights and freedoms since the suspension of habeus corpus during the civil war. Why arent there more outcries? Where is the SCLM on this?
Is there anyone awake out there?
