Bush the boy who's daddy got him into the National Guard so he wouldn't have to go fight in Vietnam is now calling us cut and runners who don't have the "stomach" for war. Bush, who went AWOL from the National Guard and has NEVER fought in combat is calling the likes of John Murtha, John Kerry, and other Democrats who are veterans of war, cowards.

Bush is lucky that when he served in the National Guard back in the day we didn't ship off our National Guard to war like we do today.

5 deferments Dick Cheney has never seen combat.

The first part of Bush's propaganda is that he asserts we are fighting a war. This is not true. We are occupying a country and engaging in nation building that is failing miserably. There is no "global war on terror" (GWOT). If we were truly engaging in a GWOT then we would not have 80% of our military in Iraq. Instead we would be hunting down those that attacked us, namely Al Qaeda as well as smoking out other terror organizations.

Hell, there is a terror organization in Scottland fighting for Scottish Independence that is threatening to poison England's water supply. But no one cares because they aren't Muslim.

We are in Iraq spending $2 billion a week and seeing very little progress if any for our money. $12 billion went missing in Iraq and Congress refuses to investigate. Bush and Cheney's crony buddies at Halliburton are sucking up the bulk of the contracts and they do shit like serve our troops contaminated drinking water.

Private Military Contractors (PMI's) work side by side with our troops doing the exact same job (security and partol) but get paid 5 times as much. This is destroying troop morale.

Our Army has all served one tour in Iraq. Half have served two tours.

Right now in Iraq, an attack on our troops occurs every 15 minutes.

So what does Bush want to do? Is he listening to his commanders on the ground? No. They are asking for more money, more troops, and more supplies but Bush and the Congress won't give it to them. Is Bush trying to learn the custom and tradition of Iraq so he can suggest political ideas for solving the Iraq Crisis? No. Is Bush cracking down on the rampant war profiteering and ensuring that our tax dollars are being spent effectively? Is he making sure the infrastructure is being rebuilt and that Iraqis are being employed? No. Is Bush reaching out to the Iraqis trying to open a dialogue between the Muslim world and America? No. Has Bush acknowledged that the insurgency in Iraq is 93% comprised of Iraqis? No. All Bush does is call them terrorists and Al Qaedas when what they are are Iraqis fighting for their Independence.

So what does Bush want to do? Stay the fucking course. More money wasted, more Soldiers killed, more Soldiers injured, more mutilated Iraqis. Stay the fucking course for ever in Iraq with no change in plan, strategy, tactics, and approach.

And ANYONE who disagrees with Bush gets called a coward, a cut and runner, an "appeaser".

Fuck you Mr. Bush.

ABC news: Bush Criticizes Democrats on Terror War

President Bush Says 'Cut-And-Run' Democrats Don't Have the Stomach to Fight War on Terror

By JENNIFER LOVEN

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. Sep 28, 2006 (AP)— President Bush suggested Thursday that Democrats don't have the stomach to fight the war on terror, battling back in the election-season clamor over administration intelligence showing terrorism spreading.

"Five years after 9/11, the worst attack on the American homeland in our history, Democrats offer nothing but criticism and obstruction and endless second-guessing," Bush said at a Republican fundraiser.

"The party of FDR and the party of Harry Truman has become the party of cut and run," Bush told a convention-center audience of over 2,000 people. The event put $2.5 million in the campaign accounts of Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and the state GOP.

Democrats immediately disputed the charge that they would hold back in the anti-terror battle.

"On his watch, five years after 9/11, he not only has failed to capture Osama bin Laden, but as the (National Intelligence Estimate) indicates, his failed policies have made America less safe and spawned terrorism, not decreased it," said Karen Finney, spokeswoman for the Democratic National Committee. "Democrats will be tough and smart, and will actually fight the terrorists, not leave them to plan future attacks."

Posted by PoliShifter at 09:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Republican Representative Mark Foley Resigns Over E-mails to Boy

By Amie Parnes

Scripps Howard News Service

Washington (SHNS) -- Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., resigned Friday a day after coming under fire for sending friendly e-mails to a 16-year-old boy who once worked as a Capitol Hill page.

"I am deeply sorry and I apologize for letting down my family and the people of Florida I have had the privilege to represent," Foley said in a statement issued by his office.

Foley, 52, a six-term congressman, said his resignation was effective immediately.

ABC News first reported Thursday that Foley sent a string of e-mails from his personal AOL account to the unidentified boy _ including questions about his age and what he wanted for his birthday. Foley had said there was nothing inappropriate in the messages, which included a request for a photo.

Foley's resignation shook up November's national elections, when Democrats are trying to win 15 seats to regain a majority in the House of Representatives. Foley had been expected to coast to re-election.

Before Foley's resigned, the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) sent a letter to the House ethics committee also asking for an investigation into Foley's correspondence with the boy.

Melanie Sloan, executive director of CREW said, "The House of Representatives has the responsibility to protect teenagers who come to Congress to learn about the legislative process. The ethics committee has a moral obligation to investigate any allegation that a page has been subjected to sexual advances by a member of Congress and, should the allegations prove true, take swift action to punish the offender."

"The ethics committee should determine whether Rep. Foley's e-mails to the former page were improper," Sloan said.

CREW said it was basing its call for an investigation on past House actions against congressmen. In 1983, the House censured two members of Congress _ Reps. Dan Crane, R-Ill., and Gerry Studds, D-Mass. _ for having sexual relationships with pages. In 1990, the ethics committee publicly disapproved of the conduct of Rep. Gus Savage, D-Ill., who had made sexual advances to a Peace Corps volunteer. In all three cases, the ethics committee relied on the House rule prohibiting conduct that does not reflect creditably on the House, CREW said.

Continue Reading

Ofcourse he's claiming innocence. But if he is truly innocent and this is truly a "smear campaign" as he alledges, then why resign? Why not fight it?

Just another case of a homophobic homosexual Republican and a pedophile to boot.

"Family Values"...

Posted by PoliShifter at 03:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Poll: Iraqis Back Attacks on U.S. Troops

By BARRY SCHWEID

WASHINGTON (AP) - About six in 10 Iraqis say they approve of attacks on U.S.-led forces, and slightly more than that want their government to ask U.S. troops to leave within a year, according to a poll in that country.

The Iraqis also have negative views of Osama bin Laden, according to the early September poll of 1,150.

The poll, done for University of Maryland's Program on International Policy Attitudes, found:

_Almost four in five Iraqis say the U.S. military force in Iraq provokes more violence than it prevents.

::

meanwwhile, Bush's logic goes like this:

If we leave Iraq, we lose. If we stay in Iraq we win. Therefore staying in Iraq means victory.

I'm not kidding. This is not a joke!

Bob Woodward: Bush Misleads On Iraq

#

President Bush is absolutely certain that he has the U.S. and Iraq on the right course, says Woodward. So certain is the president on this matter, Woodward says, that when Mr. Bush had key Republicans to the White House to discuss Iraq, he told them, "I will not withdraw, even if Laura and Barney are the only ones supporting me."

#

As Atrios put it:

There is no plan for victory because to Bush the mere act of staying is victory.

Meanwhile in Iraq:

40 Men Found Tortured, Shot Dead in Iraq

Saudis plan long fence for Iraq border

Posted by PoliShifter at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Part of the great struggle of humanity against tyrnannical rulers has included the adoption of certain inalieble rights for all human beings. One of those inalienable rights is the right to a writ of Habeas Corpus upon arrest by the State.

Those in power have historically resorted to crude and oppresive means inorder to maintain power. One such tool in the tyrant's tool box was the notion of declaring someone guilty of a crime, rounding up that person, throwing them in jail, issuing a public decree that this person was guilty of such and such charges, then disappearing such persons with no concern as to whether or not the person was actually innocent or guilty.

More often than not, those that opposed the ruler's power just simply disappeared or endured years of detention and torture until they were deemed no longer a threat to The Tyrant. These poor unfortunate souls were rendered, broken, and served as living reminders to others of what would happen to them if they opposed The Tyrant.

And then in 1679 the Habeas Corpus Act was passed in England though it had been in existence in some form since the days of the Magna Carta.

People were recognized as having the RIGHT to go before a court and have a judge rule on whether or not a person could be lawfully detained.

Habeas Corpus - A writ of habeas corpus is a court order addressed to a prison official (or other custodian) ordering that a detainee be brought to the court so it can be determined whether or not that person is imprisoned lawfully and whether or not he or she should be released from custody.

America is on the precipice of suspending Habeas Corpus once and for all. Wingnuts like to say that it's only for terrorists but a reading of the vague language contained in the Detainee Bill (likely to pass today) declares that anyone deemed an unlawful enemy combatant by the President can he held indeffinately with not right to Habeas Corpus or Due Process.

Wake Up America. We are steps away from becoming a dictatorship. If this "Detainee Bill" passes I predict ordinary American Citizens will begin disappearing. When loved ones inquire about them they will simply be told they have been designated an "unlawful enemy combatant by the President" and therefore have NO RIGHT to Habeas Corpus or Right to Due Process.

Think about it America: Do you really trust Bush and your govenment to only detain those people without the right of Habeas Corpus who are actually a threat to the United States? This current administration which has lied to you time and time again? This current administration which has already broken the law hundreds of times and has no respect for The Constitution?

The ground work has been laid by BushCo for the establishment of the Unitary Executive and One Party Rule with dictatorial power. It's only a matter of time before the Bush Administration starts using its power on political dissidents and those that oppose Bush's Tyranny. If this "Detainee Bill" passes, Bush will be able to declare anyone he wants as an enemy combatant and disappear them to secret prisons around the world indeffinately.

Some of you may find it hard to believe Bush would do this. To those of you who think this I ask you to consider the fact that the Bush Administration has already outed a CIA agent who was working on Iran's WMD program for nothing more than political payback. The Bush Administration has already demoted, fired, and smeared people ranging from former Presidents to weapons inspectors to Executive Secretaries to Congressmen to career beauraucrats with no loyalty to any political party.

Is it really that much of a stretch to see Bush using this "Detainee Bill" to disappear large quantities of his political opponents?

Links:

U.S.: Congress Should Reject Detainee Bill

(Washington, D.C., September 26, 2006)

The U.S. Congress should vote down the draft military commissions and detainee treatment bill, Human Rights Watch said today. In denying the fundamental right of habeas corpus to detainees held abroad, defining "unlawful enemy combatants" in a dangerously broad manner, and limiting protections against detainee mistreatment, the bill would undermine the rule of law and America's ability to protect its own citizens from unjust treatment at the hands of other governments.

In its immediate practical impact, the most damaging of the bill's provisions is clearly its "court-stripping" provision, which would bar detainees in U.S. custody anywhere around the world from challenging the legality of their detention or their treatment via habeas corpus actions, even if they have been subjected to torture. Innocent people could be locked up forever, without ever having the facts of their case reviewed by an independent court.

A Fatal Flaw?

By Dale McFeatters

The compromise between President Bush and Senate Republicans on detainee treatment has one gaping flaw. It carves out an open-ended exception to the great legal principle of habeas corpus.

Habeas corpus has its roots deep _ it is said to predate the 1215 Magna Carta _ in English common law, from which we derive our own legal system, and, on issuance of a writ, it requires a prisoner to be brought before a court to determine whether he is being lawfully held and, if not, released.

It is a principal safeguard of civil liberty, essential toward making the government obey the law.

Habeas corpus is specifically mentioned in Article One of the Constitution, which mentions only two exceptions for its suspension, "Rebellion or Invasion," mercifully, neither of which prevails today.

But language in the pending detainee-treatment bill would deny habeas corpus to foreigners and, arguably, American citizens deemed "unlawful combatants", an ambiguous classification that the Bush administration reserves the right to define.

The bill defines a combatant as one who "has engaged in hostilities" against the United States, which is fine, but then goes on to broaden greatly the definition to include one "who has purposefully and materially supported hostilities against the United States."

Posted by PoliShifter at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

There was a slot of suff I just couldn't get to yesterday so I will sum it up here.

The Bush administration has blocked release of a report that suggests global warming is contributing to the frequency and strength of hurricanes, the journal Nature reported Tuesday.

|::|I love the way BushCo picks and chooses the type of Science they will believe. When it comes to making better bombs, UAV's, soldier robots, guided missiles, and strategic defense, BushCo LOVES Science. But when it comes to evolution, stem cell research, global climate change, a wide swath of environmental issues, druge abuse, and teen sex BushCo prefers Religion.

|::|The direct result of the Bush Paradigm is a lack of funding for Scientific Research (save for military purposes) and increased funding for "faith based initiaitves". This in part is leading to this:

U.S. drops to 6th in world competitiveness ranking

GENEVA (Reuters) - The United States fell to sixth place in the World Economic Forum's 2006 global competitiveness rankings, ceding the top place to Switzerland, as macroeconomic concerns eroded prospects for the world's largest economy.

In a report released on Tuesday, the World Economic Forum said Washington's huge defense and homeland security spending commitments, plans to lower taxes further, and long-term potential costs from health care and pensions were creating worrisome fiscal strains.

"With a low savings rate, record-high current account deficits and a worsening of the U.S. net debtor position, there is a non-negligible risk to both the country's overall competitiveness and, given the relative size of the U.S. economy, the future of the global economy," it said.

Switzerland was deemed the most competitive economy in 2006, followed by Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Singapore. After the United States, which had topped the 2005 index, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands and Britain rounded out the top 10.

The Geneva-based World Economic Forum said Switzerland's well developed infrastructure, plentiful scientific research, intellectual property protection and sophisticated business culture helped launch the country to the index's leading position.

|::|That's what happens when our government favors a global economy and a global government rather than an American economy and American government. Our government has no value for its citizens anymore. No need to educate them, provide stimulus for high paying jobs, and encourage research. Why bother when we can outsource it all and get it cheaper? Why by the cow when you can get the milk for free is BushCo's philosophy.

|::| The problem with BushCo's view is it is very short sighted. It doesn't care about and provides nothing for America's future generations. For the first time in our history we are going to leave our country worse off for the next generation. Without an educated body public our country will erode. Without robust fuding for and a belief in Science, we will lag behind the rest of the world. And by not provding decent jobs for our citizens, the poor will increase in number and their resentment toward the wealthy elite will only grow.

|::|If the problem is not corrected we will reach a point in our future where the poor are forced to revolt against their elite rulers and over throw them. History has taught us this however few in our country believe in history any more.

Ok, now for some must see videos

Keith Olbermann on Bill Clinton and the Fox News Interview

The Daily Show Jon Stewart on Bill Clinton and the Fox News Interview

Stephen Colbert - The Word - Opposition Party

Posted by PoliShifter at 07:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

By Dave

Every time I see or hear Bill Clinton speak I remember when I was proud of the American government.

I remember when we had the most powerful army in the world, but did not abuse that power.

I remember a strong respected Army that was occupied with nation building and humanitarian missions.

I remember when we had real allies, and not just allies via threats that "We'll bomb you into the dark ages".

I remember when American Society was the envy and the moral and ethical model for the world and we could point accusing fingers at China and N. Korea for their abuses of individual liberties of their citizens.

I remember a time when citizens would have been outrage at the thought of secret prisons and systematic torture of prisoners.

I remember when the news reporters would be talking about the MORAL implications of torture rather than the political ramifications.

I remember when we took "due process" for granted under the constitution.

I remember a balanced budget.

I remember a Social Security Trust Fund.

I remember when most people trusted the federal Government.

I remember when there were three branches of US Government.

I remember when there was a separation of church and state.

I remember the way the whole world supported us on 9/12/01.

Now I see a morally bankrupt President who is so impotent that minor dictators can get away with calling him satin in front of the UN General Assembly.

We have a greedy plotting power grabbing elitist Vice President who has collaborated with corporate special interest to the destruction of America.

We have an incompetent Secretary of Defense who has blood on his hands up to his elbows.

We have a rubber stamp congress that sold their individual souls when they voted for the War Powers Act.

I can't tell the difference between the main stream media and FOX news any longer. Our only honest and direct reporting is on fake-news shows and the internet.

Now I ask myself, “Will we ever recover from this and become the great nation we used to be? “.

PoliShifter: Just to add to Dave's "I Remember", I remember the Fairness Doctrine and the Equal Time Rule.

If you want to trace exactly when our country took a right turn at wingnutville and started heading off a cliff, just follow the history and repeal of the the Fairness Doctrine and the Equal Time Rule.

Posted by PoliShifter at 07:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

US Army chief defies budget cut

By Tom Baldwin

Top soldier challenges Donald Rumsfeld over cutbacks that will leave forces billions of dollars short

DONALD RUMSFELD, the US Defence Secretary, is facing a new challenge to his authority after the US Army’s Chief of Staff refused to submit a budget plan for 2008 in protest at the demands the Pentagon is placing on America’s overstretched military.

General Peter Shoomaker’s behind-closed-doors challenge was disclosed yesterday as another wave of criticism was launched — this time at a forum conducted by Senate Democrats — from a group of ex-Generals who have already called for Mr Rumsfeld to quit after six years as Defence Secretary.

General Schoomaker took the highly unusual step last month of delaying submission of the Army’s budget plan, arguing that the service requires either a much bigger budget than the Administration has proposed or relief from some of its worldwide commitments.

The Los Angeles Times reported yesterday that General Schoomaker was seeking $138.8 billion (£72.5 billion) for 2008, or nearly $25 billion more than the limit originally set by Mr Rumsfeld. The Army’s budget this year is $98 billion.

The overstretch is hitting troops serving in Iraq the hardest.

The 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, is being extended in Iraq because the unit that is scheduled to replace them — the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, needs more time to prepare. If it had deployed as scheduled, it would not have had the minimum 12 months at home between combat tours.

The 3rd Infantry has already served two tours in Iraq, including the initial invasion of the country in March 2003.

The Army has an active-duty force of about half a million soldiers. About 400,000 have done at least one tour of combat duty in Iraq or Afghanistan and more than one third of those have been deployed twice.

Read the full article

Posted by PoliShifter at 07:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It sickens me to no end to know that America tortures detainees and holds them indeffinately with no due process. It makes my head spin when I hear Bush act so blase about torture. It makes me ill watching a sycophantic do-nothing rubber stamp Congress totally roll over for Bush and re-define torture for him...so he can continue to torure legally.

Welcome to it. This is your country. This isn't land of the free and home of the brave any more. It's a land ruled by chicken hawks who value torture and extraordinary rendition over human rights. It's a land where the goal is to pack government with as many cronies as you can and bankrupt the treasury. It's a land where global domination is more important than doing the work of The People.

Truth Dig - Tracking the ‘Torture Taxi’

By Onnesha Roychoudhuri

The authors of the new book “Torture Taxi: On the Trail of the CIA’s Rendition Flights” tell Truthdig guest interviewer Onnesha Roychoudhuri how they pieced together the first comprehensive look at the largest covert CIA operation since the Cold War—a program run not only by shadowy government contractors in the darkest corners of Afghanistan, but also by unassuming America family lawyers in places like Dedham, Mass.

When U.S. civilian airplanes were spotted in late 2002 taking trips to and from Andrews Air Force Base, and making stops in Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, journalists and plane-spotters wondered what was going on. It soon became clear that these planes were part of the largest covert operation since the Cold War era. Called extraordinary rendition, the practice involves CIA officials or contractors kidnapping people and sending them to secret prisons around the world where they are held and often tortured, either at the hands of the host-country’s government or by CIA personnel themselves.

On Sept. 6, after a long period of official no-comments, President Bush acknowledged the program’s existence. But the extent of its operations has yet to be publicly disclosed.

How extensive is it? Trevor Paglen, an expert in clandestine military installations, and A.C. Thompson, an award-winning journalist for S.F. Weekly, spent months tracking the CIA flights and the businesses behind them. What they found was a startlingly broad network of planes (including the Gulfstream jet belonging to Boston Red Sox co-owner Phillip Morse), shell companies, and secret prisons around the world.

Perhaps the most disturbing revelation of their new book “Torture Taxi: On the Trail of the CIA’s Rendition Flights” is the collusion of everyday Americans in this massive CIA program. From family lawyers who bolster the shell companies, to an entire town in Smithfield, N.C., that hosts CIA planes and pilots, “Torture Taxi” is the story of the broad reach of extraordinary rendition, and, as Hannah Arendt coined the phrase, the banality of evil.

Read the interview here

Posted by PoliShifter at 07:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"The President" is disagreeing with the recent assesment by America's Intelligence Agencies that the Occupation of Iraq is actually fueling terrorism rather than curbing it. This runs contrary to previous claims by "The President" that Iraq is the "central front" on the "global war on terror".

Contrary to what "The President" says, we are not "taking the fight to the terrorists" by occupying Iraq and our Intelligence Officials know this. In fact, our highly qualified experts KNOW that the occupation of Iraq is actually INCREASING terrorism and they said as much in their recent report.

Ofcourse The White House and "The President" are going to disagree. They disagree with anyone and anything that does not cow tow to their opinion. There is no reason and no logic in the Bush Admninistration. Just loyalty and blind faith to a NeoCon Ideology hell bent on corporatism, global domination, and robbing the U.S. Treasury. Add torture to that as well...

White House Takes Issue With Intelligence Assessment

By Richard A. Serrano, Times Staff Writer
6:30 PM PDT, September 24, 2006

WASHINGTON --The White House on Sunday sharply disagreed with a new U.S. intelligence assessment that the war in Iraq is encouraging global terrorism, as Bush administration officials stressed that anti-American fervor in the Muslim world began long before the Sept. 11 attacks.

Peter Watkins, a White House spokesman, declined to talk specifically about the National Intelligence Estimate, a classified analysis that represents a consensus perspective of all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies.

The highly classified report, delivered to policymakers in April, is the first of its kind since the start of the Iraq war in March 2003. In it, the agencies concluded that the war has only worsened the U.S. effort to defeat global terrorism. They said that the war is spreading radicalism from Iraq throughout the Middle East and that the longer it continues, the more likely it is that it will provide fresh training grounds for future terrorist plots.

But the White House view, according to Watkins, is that much of the radical fundamentalists' deep anger at the U.S. and Israel goes back generations and cannot be linked to the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq.

"Their hatred for freedom and liberty did not develop overnight," Watkins said. "Those seeds were planted decades ago."

Contninue Reading

The seeds may have been planted years ago but those seeds have since sprouted and due the fertilizer being spread around as a consequence of the Occupation of Iraq, those seeds have grown into trees that are bearing bumper crops of terror fruit.

Posted by PoliShifter at 07:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Click here for videos and transcripts of the Wallace Clinton Fox News Interview

Media Matters - Wallace falsehood: said in Clinton interview that he asked Bush admin officials "plenty of questions" about failure to catch bin Laden

Summary: During his interview with former President Bill Clinton on Fox News Sunday, Chris Wallace asked Clinton why he failed to "do more" during his presidency to put Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden "out of business," a question, Clinton said, Fox News "do[esn't] ask the other side." Wallace denied the charge, responding, "That is not true."

#
in dozens of interviews over the past five years with senior Bush aides, Wallace and former host Tony Snow have repeatedly failed to ask pressing questions regarding the Bush administration's efforts to pursue Al Qaeda in the eight months prior to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks -- and in the years since.

Here is a list of senior Bush administration officials interviewed on Fox News Sunday since September 11, 2001. (White House press secretary Tony Snow previously hosted the program. Wallace succeeded him in December 2003.):

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; 9/10/06
National Security adviser Stephen Hadley; 8/6/06
Rice; 7/16/06
Rice; 6/4/06
Rice; 5/21/06
Rice; 3/26/06
Rice; 12/18/05
Hadley; 12/4/05
Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld; 11/20/05
Rice; 10/16/05
Rumsfeld; 6/26/05
Rice; 6/19/05
Hadley; 5/15/05
Then-White House chief of staff Andrew Card; 5/1/05
Rumsfeld; 3/20/05
Hadley; 3/13/05
Vice President Dick Cheney; 2/6/05
Rice; 1/30/05
Rice (then-National Security adviser); 10/10/04
Rice; 6/27/04
Rice; 6/6/04
Rice; 4/18/04
Rumsfeld; 3/28/04
Card; 12/7/03
Rumsfeld; 11/2/03
Rice; 9/28/03
Rice; 9/7/03
Rice; 7/13/03
Rumsfeld; 5/4/03
Rumsfeld; 3/30/03
Rice; 2/16/03
Card; 1/26/03
Rumsfeld; 1/19/03
Rice; 11/10/02
Rice; 9/15/02
Card; 6/9/02
Rice; 5/26/02
Cheney; 5/19/02
Rice; 5/5/02
Card; 4/14/02
Rice; 2/3/02
Cheney; 1/27/02
Rumsfeld; 11/11/01

Why did the White House not respond more forcefully to the August 6 CIA memo warning of an impending bin Laden strike against the United States?
#
Why did Bush not heed the CIA's call for more troops to help catch bin Laden at Tora Bora?
#
Why didn't the Bush administration do anything in response to the bombing of the USS Cole?
#
Why did the Bush administration demote Richard Clarke?

Read Full Article at Media Matters

Posted by PoliShifter at 03:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

But somehow Clinton getting "angry" on Fox News is worse than Bush's attitude toward death and killing.

CNN Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer

BLITZER: Let’s move on and talk a little bit about Iraq. Because this is a huge, huge issue, as you know, for the American public, a lot of concern that perhaps they are on the verge of a civil war, if not already a civil war…. We see these horrible bodies showing up, tortured, mutilation. The Shia and the Sunni, the Iranians apparently having a negative role. Of course, al Qaeda in Iraq is still operating.

BUSH: Yes, you see — you see it on TV, and that’s the power of an enemy that is willing to kill innocent people. But there’s also an unbelievable will and resiliency by the Iraqi people…. Admittedly, it seems like a decade ago. I like to tell people when the final history is written on Iraq, it will look like just a comma because there is — my point is, there’s a strong will for democracy. (emphasis added)

#

It's the power of Bush to also kill innocent people. And boo on Blitzer for throwing in the "Al Qaeda in Iraq" reference. Everyone knows that the insurgency is 93% Iraqi NOT foreign Islamic Jihadists. Blitzer threw Bush a bone; it's a wonder Bush didn't chow down on it and instead went for the comma...

TT The Carpet Bagger Report Eschaton Crooks and Liars

Posted by PoliShifter at 02:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (2)

Torture and Treason - The New American Values

Needlenose - Isikoff and Corn’s “Hubris” misses the plane on the 1×2×6 leaks

#

Swoopa : If Isikoff and Corn's reconstruction is correct, there's no reason for this "particular interest" -- aside from the tooth fairy (apparently) talking to Walter Pincus, the orgy of leaking by Rove, Libby, and Armitage was already complete by July 12, so there was nothing left for the miscreants to do but lie back and smoke a cigarette.

But Fitzgerald appears to suspect otherwise. And if Pincus was leaked to without asking, it would be reasonable to believe the same official told other reporters the same thing that day ("It was unsolicited," the anonymous "1" SAO had told the Post about the 1x2x6 leaks on October 12).

On July 12, 2003, then-White House press secretary Ari Fleischer was flying back from Africa on Air Force One with Dubya, Colin Powell, Condi Rice, and other officials. I've long had a theory that the 1x2x6 calls were made from Air Force One (apparently on orders from Libby or Dick Cheney), with some loose ends and speculation about reporters who received the calls addressed here. This seems to be the scenario that Fitzgerald has been looking into; perhaps Isikoff and Corn should have checked it out as well.

(Cross-posted at Firedoglake.)

Posted by PoliShifter at 01:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's already being spun as a victory for wingnuts across America.

Ofcouse the wingers are not watching the full video or they are just pulling out bits and pieces to support their point of view. But you watch it and you be the judge.

Thankfully, Think Progress has posted a long clip of the interview

Here is a Transcript of the Interview

Now watch Fox News spin it:

Raw Story posted this video of a promo for the "Clinton gets crazed" internview that will air on Fox News

Crooks and Liars - Fox Clinton Interview - Part 1 - Osama bin Laden

John Amato: It makes you wonder why Wallace has never asked any Republican in Bush’s administration why they didn’t catch Osama, doesn’t it? When Wallace tells us that he got emails about it so… he just had to bring it up?. Has he ever mentioned emailers before on his show? Wallace brought the FOX News right-wing agenda to play on this interview. We should email Chris every time he has on anyone from the Bush administration and see if our questions get through.

Truth Dig - Clinton Creams Fox News:

Fox News tried to swiftboat Clinton on his Bin Laden record a la “Path to 9/11” on Sunday, and the former President responded with a brutal fact-soaked tongue-lashing. After defending his record, Clinton turned the tables and went after the network’s conservative agenda.

Sooner Thought - Clinton Kicks Fox News in the Teeth

The Washington Note - Bill Clinton Spanks Fox News Hard for Political Bias and Trying to Mug Him

After the Clinton Global Initiative had ended and in the hours that followed, I was doing some writing and organizing of notes in the CGI press room where Fox News' Chris Wallace was also hanging around -- looking pensive, waiting for what I didn't know then was an attempted mugging of President Bill Clinton.

Fox News had secured the exclusive interview with Clinton to talk with him about how the $7.3 billion that the CGI had helped raise was going to be directed at various global problems.

Instead, Fox News was there to hit Clinton for his failure to deal effectively with bin Laden and pre-9/11 terrorism.

America Blog - Clinton Slaps Fox News
[END]

PoliShifter: It seems the big wingnut talking point is that Clinton got "mad". For some reason wingnuts are viewing Clinton's assertive answers to Wallace that rightfully had some anger behind them as some sort of Fox News Victory. "They got to him" "Clinton came unglued!" "Clinton's Angry!"

If angering a President is considered a victory then Bush is a very sore loser. No one gets angrier at reporters and interviewers more than Bush. Why is Bush given a pass on his temper and Clinton nailed for it? It's as if everyone knows Bush is incompetent, emotionally unstable, and immature so we cut him slack. Yet Clinton, a sophisticated deep thinker, a Rhodes Scholar, and a great President is not allowed to get angry.

And why is it that Hugo Chavez can't call Bush The Devil without hearing servere rebukes from both sides yet Chris Wallace is allowed an attempt to smear Clinton on National TV? As if Clinton is fair game and Bush is what? A saint?

Bush the war criminal, the blood thirsty killer of hundreds of thousands, Bush the murderer, Bush the torturer, Bush is The Devil. Say what you want about Clinton, he's no where near a devil. But Bush is the closest thing to The Devil we have on this planet next to some serial killers, Bin Laden, and other blood thirsty dictators. Bush ranks right up there with them.

Posted by PoliShifter at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (1)

This isn't coming from left wing moonbats who hate Bush & Company. This is coming from the America's top intelligence agencies:

Spy Agencies Say Iraq War Worsens Terror Threat

By MARK MAZZETTI

Published: September 24, 2006

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 — A stark assessment of terrorism trends by American intelligence agencies has found that the American invasion and occupation of Iraq has helped spawn a new generation of Islamic radicalism and that the overall terrorist threat has grown since the Sept. 11 attacks.

The classified National Intelligence Estimate attributes a more direct role to the Iraq war in fueling radicalism than that presented either in recent White House documents or in a report released Wednesday by the House Intelligence Committee, according to several officials in Washington involved in preparing the assessment or who have read the final document.

The intelligence estimate, completed in April, is the first formal appraisal of global terrorism by United States intelligence agencies since the Iraq war began, and represents a consensus view of the 16 disparate spy services inside government. Titled “Trends in Global Terrorism: Implications for the United States,’’ it asserts that Islamic radicalism, rather than being in retreat, has metastasized and spread across the globe.

Read the Full Article

Again, we are NOT fighting terrorists in Iraq. We are managing a Civil War between Shi'a and Sunni militias.

The Al Qaeda and Taliban terrorists are regrouping in Pakistan and Afghanistan while Bush Co. continues to bog down our military assests and our treasury in Iraq.

So why does Bush and The Republicans continue to insist that Iraq is "central" to the "global war on terror"?

You would think that Al Qaeda, Bin Laden, and The Taliban would be "central" to the "global war on terror".

Posted by PoliShifter at 03:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Stephen Colbert plans ahead...for the invasion of Iran

Posted by PoliShifter at 02:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

FULL TRANSCRIPT: Clinton Takes On Fox News

This is still a hoot...O'Reilly claimed to be on Al Qaeda "death list," but that's news to FBI, others at Fox News

Posted by PoliShifter at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

TT: Crooks and Liars

Posted by PoliShifter at 07:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

TT Eschaton

by digby

The "compromise" will, as I predicted, allow the "tough interrogations" by amending the war crimes act. And they will reportedly create a new JAG office to review classified information and determine if terrorist suspects can see it if it's being used against them in a trial. We already know they have devised some habeas corpus loophole to keep innocent people imprisoned without any due process.

From Yahoo News: Bush, GOP rebels agree on detainee bill
#
CIA Director Michael Hayden said..."If this language becomes law, the Congress will have given us the clarity and the support that we need to move forward with a detention and interrogation program that allows us to continue to defend the homeland, attack al-Qaida and protect American and allied lives," he said in a written message to agency personnel.
#
Digby Continues:

The Republicans are now standing shoulder to shoulder having worked this whole thing out --- they are strong, they are tough, they are moral, and they are willing to work together to form a compromise that they can all live with. Aren't they great? This is why we should vote Republican.

Now watch this drive.

Ed Rogers on Hardball said Bush got to look both tough on terror and effective in bringing the senate along. Kweisi Mfume says McCain looks good to Democrats and independents and Bush looks good to Americans in general.

Can anyone in the know explain to me how letting McCain run with this torture debate benefitted the Democrats in any way?

Here's how the optics look to me:

McCain, the Republican rebel maverick, showed that Republicans are moral and look out for their troops.

Bush, the Republican statesman and leader, showed that he is committed to protecting Americans but that he is willing to listen and compromise when people of good faith express reservations about tactics.

The Democrats showed they are ciphers who don't have the stones to even say a word when the most important moral issue confronting the government is being debated.

Continue Reading at Digby's Blog Hullabaloo

I'm just too pissed off now and too sick to my stomach to comment on this.

Wanna feel sicker? (TT Digby) Read This:

Detainee deal sets stage for Nov. 7

WASHINGTON - The accord between President Bush and Republican Senate leaders announced Thursday afternoon on tribunals for al Qaida detainees at Guantanamo Navy Base sets up litmus-test votes both in the House and Senate next week.

These votes fit into the Republican strategy of scheduling showdowns that will highlight differences between the two parties in the run-up to the Nov. 7 elections.

The effect may be to put Democrats in close races on the spot — Democrats such as Sen. Bob Menendez in New Jersey and Rep. Sherrod Brown, who’s running for the Senate seat now held by Sen. Mike DeWine of Ohio.
#

Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck

Posted by PoliShifter at 04:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BBC News US 'threatened to bomb' Pakistan

General Musharraf said the warning was delivered by former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage to Pakistan's intelligence director.

"I think it was a very rude remark," Mr Musharraf told CBS television.

Pakistan agreed to side with the US, but Gen Musharraf said it did so based on his country's national interest.

"One has to think and take actions in the interest of the nation, and that's what I did," he said.

'Ludicrous' requests

The extracts from the CBS show 60 Minutes, which will run on Sunday, were released on the same day that the White House praised Pakistan for its co-operation in America's "war on terror".

Gen Musharraf is due to meet US President George W Bush at the White House on Friday.

The Pakistani president said that, following the attacks of 11 September 2001, the US made some "ludicrous" demands of Pakistan.

"The intelligence director told me that Mr Armitage said, 'Be prepared to be bombed. Be prepared to go back to the Stone Age'," he said.

The US envoy also insisted that Pakistan suppress domestic expression of support for attacks on the United States, he said.

"If somebody's expressing views, we cannot curb the expression of views," Gen Musharraf said.

Mr Armitage also allegedly demanded that Pakistan allow the US to use its border posts as staging points for the war on Afghanistan.

Pakistan's support was considered crucial in the defeat of Afghanistan's Taleban government, which Pakistan had helped to bring to power.

President Musharraf has proved a loyal ally though many now will question the means used to extract the co-operation, says the BBC's US state department correspondent Jonathan Beale.

Link to BBC News article
[END]

For those of you that read news online, you are likely aware that recently Pakistan signed a peace treaty of sorts with The Taliban, Al Qaeda, and Osama Bin Laden. Then a couple of weeks later, Pakistan emptied their jails of Taliban and Al Qaeda prisoners.

Al Qaeda and The Taliban roam freely in the borders between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Al Qaeda along with Bin Laden are likely planning their next terror attacks. Are Bush and the Republicans doing anything about this? Are we taking the fight to the terrorists in this supposed "Global War on Terror"? Absolutely not.

Fortunately this information is staying out of the main stream allowing Republicans to continue to puff out their chests and claim they are tough on terror. The reality is Bush and the Republicans are putting us more at risk by tying up our military assets and tax dollars in Iraq rather than going after Al Qaeda and The Taliban.

Posted by PoliShifter at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Raw Story:

According to two conservative websites, White House political strategist Karl Rove has been promising GOP insiders that there will be an "October surprise" before the midterm elections.

"In the past week, Karl Rove has been promising Republican insiders an 'October surprise' to help win the November congressional elections," reports Ronald Kessler for Newsmax.

"President Bush's political strategist is also saying that the final two weeks before the elections will see a blitz of advertising, and the Republican National Committee is deploying an army of volunteers to key locations to help the grass-roots effort and monitor the election," the article continues. "The RNC is offering to fly in volunteers and cover their expenses."

A few weeks ago, another conservative publication, The American Spectator, reported that White House staffers had "been talking up the possibilities of an 'October Surprise' or two leading into the mid-term elections."

"They say the President feels confident he can still play a role in the election, that he intends to campaign hard for Republicans, and that on the policy front, there are a couple of issues that can be used as wedges along the way," according to a column written by "The Prowler."

Excerpts from Newsmax article:

#

Rove is not saying what the October surprise will be. Asked if he would elaborate and give his thinking about the coming elections, Rove told NewsMax that his take largely parallels what RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman said in a Sept. 5 NewsMax story.

As for the October Surprise, Rove said, "I'd rather let the balance [of plans for the elections] unroll on its own."

#

FULL NEWSMAX ARTICLE CAN BE READ AT THIS LINK

Link To Raw Story

I think Rove's October suprise will involve attacking Iran and having Bush parade around the country saying "we can 't change horses in mid-stream!".

What do you think Rove's "surprise" will be? Or is this all just a bunch of hot air?

Posted by PoliShifter at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Update: 11:15 pm

Short Version:

Longer Version:

A great speech worth listening to. A protest against American Imperialism.

Update: 12:15 pm

"The devil came here yesterday," he said, referring to Mr Bush's speech on Tuesday. "It still smells of sulphur today," he added.

BBC News - Read Artricle

I was just watching CNN and they showed a clip of Hugo Chavez calling Bush "the Devil".

He said something like "The devil was here yesterday...right here. I can still smell the sulfur."

CNN has some video but it's part of their pay per view pipeline though they do have a free trial.

I will update later when there's a YouTube.

Posted by PoliShifter at 08:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Think Progress:

On September 8, the Senate Intelligence Committee — chaired by Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) — released a report examining Iraq’s pre-war links to al-Qaeda. Here’s what they concluded:

…Saddam Hussein was distrustful of al-Qa’ida and viewed Islamic extremists as a threat to his regime, refusing all requests from al Qa’ida to provide material or operational support…Saddam issued a general order that Iraq should not deal with al Qa’ida. No postwar information suggests that the Iraqi regime attempted to facilitate a relationship with bin Ladin.
[END]

Ok, we all know that not only did Iraq NOT attack us on 9/11, but Saddam/Iraq also had no link to Al Qaeda, no ties to the 9/11 planning, and no relationship with BIn Laden.

Well, check out the White House spin titled The Rest of the Story: Iraq's Links to Al Qaeda

Here's the White Housee (TWH) bullet points. Go to the link above for the full spin.

- The Washington Post Quotes The President Without Including The Full Context Of His Remarks Distinguishing Al Qaeda From Saddam.

- The Full Context Of The President's Quote Shows That He Was NOT Drawing An Operational Link Between Al Qaeda And Saddam But Was Making The Point That Both Posed Threats To The World.

- The Washington Post Says That A CIA Report From Late September 2002 Claimed That Saddam Did Not Have Links To Al Qaeda.

However

- In February 2003, CIA Director George Tenet Testified That Iraq Had Links To Al Qaeda.

- Tenet Testified That Iraq Was Providing Safe Haven To Al Qaeda.

- In March 2002, Tenet Testified On Iraq's Links To Al Qaeda.
[END]

This is just an attempt to once again blurr the truth and keep those that still think Iraq attacked us on 9/11 in the dark.

The Bush Administration knows that its core support (~35% of the country) believes in the occupation of Iraq, they think Saddam attacked us, they think Iraq had WMD, they believe all the lies propagated by the Bush Administration in the run up to the war, and they think we absolutely must stay the course in Iraq no matter what.

This little "fact sheet" being propagated by BushCo is meant to solidify that base and keep them believing the lies just a little longer. Bush just has to get past the mid-term elections with a Republican Majority in Congress. If that happens, then he can start letting the bombs fall again.

Posted by PoliShifter at 08:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Glenn Greenwald has a new documentary out titled Iraq For Sale: The War Profiteers.

Keith Olbermann interviewed Glenn Greenwald and discussed his new documentary.

TT: Crooks and Liars

This is shameful. Why it is allowed to continue on is mind boggling. Thank your Republican Congress for that.

Halliburton is being protected at the highest levels of government (Dick Cheney)....

Posted by PoliShifter at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Update: 8:31 pm PST

Well, it was a long day at work and I had stuff to do when I got home but I am finally getting around to updating this post. I wanted to highlight some of the things Bush said to the U.N.

Bush: "Last week, America and the world marked the fifth anniversary of the attacks that filled another September morning with death and suffering. On that terrible day, extremists killed nearly 3,000 innocent people, including citizens of dozens of nations represented right here in this chamber."

PoliShifter: Ok, and since then Bush has invaded 2 countries the result of which is hundreds of thousands dead, 2687 dead U.S. troops, 16,000+ wounded, $9 Billion "missing" in Iraq, busted budget deficits, and trillions more added to the National Debt.

Bush: "At the start of the 21st century, it is clear that the world is engaged in a great ideological struggle, between extremists who use terror as a weapon to create fear, and moderate people who work for peace. "

PoliShifter: Bush has almost got this right. Except the extremists use terror and the Bush Administration uses fear of that terror to subjugate the American People.

Bush: "This morning, I want to speak about the more hopeful world that is within our reach, a world beyond terror, where ordinary men and women are free to determine their own destiny, where the voices of moderation are empowered, and where the extremists are marginalized by the peaceful majority. This world can be ours if we seek it and if we work together."

PoliShifter: Is this world going to be free from torture and include a guarantee of due process?

Bush: "The principles of this world beyond terror can be found in the very first sentence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document declares that the "equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom and justice and peace in the world." One of the authors of this document was a Lebanese diplomat named Charles Malik, who would go on to become President of this Assembly. Mr. Malik insisted that these principles apply equally to all people, of all regions, of all religions, including the men and women of the Arab world that was his home. "

PoliShifter: Again, how does torture and indefinite detention without due process fit into your endorsement of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Mr. Bush?

Bush: "Some of the changes in the Middle East have been dramatic, and we see the results in this chamber. Five years ago, Afghanistan was ruled by the brutal Taliban regime, and its seat in this body was contested. Now this seat is held by the freely elected government of Afghanistan, which is represented today by President Karzai."

PoliShifter: Someone really needs to tell Bush that The Taliban is making a come back in Afghanistan and that poppy productioin is at an all time high. Someone should also tell Bush that Pakistan just emptied their jails of Taliban who are now living freely in the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan side by side with Bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Shouldn't Bush know this?

Bush: "Five years ago, Iraq's seat in this body was held by a dictator who killed his citizens, invaded his neighbors, and showed his contempt for the world by defying more than a dozen U.N. Security Council resolutions. Now Iraq's seat is held by a democratic government that embodies the aspirations of the Iraq people, who's represented today by President Talabani."

PoliShifter: Bush knows 100,000+ Iraqis have died. He has acknowledged it pubically. We've invaded 2 countries. He knows we torture people at Abu Ghraib. Does Bush really think he's fooling the Iraqis with this speech? He might be fooling some wingnuts but that's about it.

Bush: "Imagine what it's like to be a young person living in a country that is not moving toward reform. You're 21 years old, and while your peers in other parts of the world are casting their ballots for the first time, you are powerless to change the course of your government."

PoilShifter: That's not hard to imagine. That's right here in the U.S. where many people are being disenfranchised from the voting process by red tape introduced by Republicans, paperless e-voting via Diebold, phone jamming, swift boating, one party rule, right wing media, and propaganda tactics that have the cumulative effect of making 21 year olds feel powerless in America.

Bush: "While your peers in other parts of the world have received educations that prepare them for the opportunities of a global economy, you have been fed propaganda and conspiracy theories that blame others for your country's shortcomings."

PoliShifter: Again Bush nails it. Americans are getting less and less educated while other countries are surpassing us in the number of college grads and have better test scores in K through 12. All we get is propaganda and "blame the immigrants", "blame the terrorists", and conspiracy theories about how Radical Islam will take over the world if we don't keep fighting this "global war on terror".

Bush: "And everywhere you turn, you hear extremists who tell you that you can escape your misery and regain your dignity through violence..."

PoliShifter: Not a day goes by when at least one wingnut if not hundreds of right wing bloggers call for the killing of Muslims and nuking of the entire Middle East.

Bush: "We know that when leaders are accountable to their people, they are more likely to seek national greatness in the achievements of their citizens, rather than in terror and conquest."

PoliShifter: So THAT'S the problem. Bush has not been held accountable to the American People thus he hasn't been seeking national greatness in achievements and has rather engaged in terror and conquest (see Iraq "shock and awe", 100,000+ dead Iraqis, and Afghanistan).

Well, you get the idea. Pure hypocrisy.

Here's the entire speech if you care to read it.

CNN is reporting that Bush will speak at what CNN is calling the "Divided Nations". The topic of Bush's speech is supposed to be spreading Democracy.

This is absolutely ludicrous. We haven't spread democracy anywhere! Not Afghanistan, not Iraq.

If Bush wants to discuss democracy he would be better served discussing how the United States needs to work hard at preserving its own democracy lest it plunge into fascism.

I will update later after the speech. I am sure there will be some YouTube momments and Bushisms...That's our Bush...

Posted by PoliShifter at 08:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

TT to Crooks and Liars which also has the video.

"...the debate over the Geneva Conventions, might not be about further interrogations of detainees, but about those already conducted, and the possible liability of the administration, for them. That, certainly, could explain Mr. Bush’s fury.

That, at this point, is speculative. But at least it provides an alternative possibility as to why the President’s words were at such variance from the entire history of this country. For, there needs to be some other explanation, Mr. Bush, than that you truly believe we should live in a United States of America in which a thought is unacceptable.

There needs to be a delegation of responsible leaders — Republicans or otherwise — who can sit you down as Barry Goldwater and Hugh Scott once sat Richard Nixon down - and explain the **reality** of the situation you have created.

There needs to be… an apology from the President of the United States.

And more than one..." - Keith Olbermann

Posted by PoliShifter at 07:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bush has been making the rounds lately as he puts on the ol' tortured facial expressions as he tries to plea his case to the American People that Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions is "Vague". This Vaguation of the Geneva Convention by this Presidentation is meant to cause people to pause and ponder for minute and consider that perhaps the Geneva Conventions really are "quaint" and "vague" as Torquemada Gonzales con El Busho suggest.

In order for this little twist of propaganda to work for Bush, he will require that NO ONE actually READ Article 3 of the Geneva Convention. Bush and Gonzales are in fact banking on that the majority of Americans will NOT read Article 3 of the Geneva Convention.

First, consider these definitions:

vague - not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed

quaint - having an old-fashioned attractiveness or charm

Ok with those definitions in mind here is Article 3 of the Geneva Convention for your consideration:

Article 3

In the case of armed conflict not of an international character occurring in the territory of one of the High Contracting Parties, each party to the conflict shall be bound to apply, as a minimum, the following provisions:

1. Persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including members of armed forces who have laid down their arms and those placed hors de combat by sickness, wounds, detention, or any other cause, shall in all circumstances be treated humanely, without any adverse distinction founded on race, colour, religion or faith, sex, birth or wealth, or any other similar criteria.

To this end the following acts are and shall remain prohibited at any time and in any place whatsoever with respect to the above-mentioned persons:

(a) Violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture;

(c) Outrages upon personal dignity, in particular, humiliating and degrading treatment;

(d) The passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions without previous judgment pronounced by a regularly constituted court affording all the judicial guarantees which are recognized as indispensable by civilized peoples.

2. The wounded and sick shall be collected and cared for.

An impartial humanitarian body, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, may offer its services to the Parties to the conflict.

The Parties to the conflict should further endeavour to bring into force, by means of special agreements, all or part of the other provisions of the present Convention.

The application of the preceding provisions shall not affect the legal status of the Parties to the conflict.
[END]

The part Bush likes to quote is:

Outrages upon personal dignity, in particular, humiliating and degrading treatment

After he says this then he puts on this ponderous strained and tortured facial expression "gee is that vague...what does that mean?"

What he fails to tell the American People is what section 2 a) says:

Article 3 section 2

(a) Violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture;

So I ask you, is there really anything quaint and vague about Article 3 of the Geneva Convention? I submit to you with the above as proof that there is NOTHING vague or quaint about it.

Posted by PoliShifter at 03:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Bush has ruffled many feathers thoughout the world and turned many countries against us. The side effect however now is more than just a few more countries that have anti-American sentiment. These countries are actually uniting forming a coalitioin of sorts.

The summit of the Non-Aligned Movement

The movement consists of 118 countries, mostly from the developing world.

Several of the more than 50 heads of state and government attending the meeting are known for their strong criticism of the United States.

The host, Cuban President Fidel Castro, understood to be recuperating from a gastric illness, did not make a public appearance during the event.

The delegates representing almost two-thirds of all the countries in the world gave their approval to a document which spells out the points they agree on.

There is strong condemnation of Israel's recent intervention in Lebanon, a call for the United Nations to be more representative of smaller nations, support for Iran's nuclear energy plans and implicit criticism of much of US foreign policy.

[SNIP]

Many of the world leaders attending the summit used their seven allocated minutes at the podium to vent their anger at the Bush administration.

The senior North Korean delegate said that American threats had forced his country to arm itself with nuclear weapons.

The most significant agreement occurred at the summit sidelines - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India and President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan announced that they would re-start stalled peace talks and co-operate in the fight against terrorism.

Posted by PoliShifter at 09:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Jules Crittenden of the Boston Herald writes "YouTube: the Internet’s Tokyo Rose":

Internet video is the new rage. Everyone’s gotta have it. In a world where everyone gets to be a star, everyone’s the media, everyone’s an artist and everyone’s a comedian, YouTube rules. Now it turns out, YouTube is the place where everyone gets to be a traitor.

Guess what’s hot on YouTube.

G.I. snuff films. Insurgent footage of Americans being killed in Iraq. Sometimes listed under "entertainment" and "comedy," with gleeful commentary, some of it apparently added by Americans. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin has the details, including a deafening silence from San Mateo-based YouTube on the subject. Dan at http://www.riehlworldview.com/ has a roundup.
#
The Internet is notoriously responsibility free. It’s a brave new world of expression, and almost entirely lawless. But not quite.

YouTube disclaims any responsibility for its content, but that’s too precious a dodge.What YouTube, an American-based medium, has chosen to do is allow itself to be used to amplify and facilitate enemy propaganda. Not in the context of reporting on that propaganda, not to foster a serious discussion of that propaganda. But for entertainment. For comedy. For money.

That is aiding and abetting the enemy, and that, in wartime, is a hanging offense.
[END]

I certainly defend Crittenden's right to free speech; he is free to say what he wants no matter how much I disagree. But I think Jules is missing the larger point here. There's not just propaganda films being loaded onto YouTube by insurgent groups and terrorists. There are also films being loaded up by US Soldiers and private military contractors killing Iraqis and insurgents. It's deffinately a two-way street.

There are also videos of improvised explosive devices vaporizing vehicles. The term improvished explosive device in itself is propaganda. These IED's are deadly. Many are Russian made anti-tank mines. After you see one detonate you will understand how violent they are. However the term improvised explosive device conjures up images of Iraqis emptying the gun powder out of rifel shells into a secondary container and wrapping it with a ton of duct tape. Nothing could be further from the truth but you won't see this type of video on your nightly news cast.

But IED is antiseptic; so is collateral damage.

And Jules fails to mention that while there may not be discussion and debate on YouTube, many of the video clips make their way on to blogs where serious discussion does take place.

Jules doesn't come out and say YouTube should be shut down but he does hint that YouTube should be hung for treason. Jules only sees one side apparently. He only sees the propaganda coming out of the insurgent groups in Iraq and Afghanistan. He doesn't see the propaganda on YouTube by the U.S. Military, private military contractors, conservatives, liberals, and politicians.

YouTube is just a medium like any other medium. It can be used for good, for evil, for comedy, for drama, and for plain old crap. The viewer can choose what they wish to watch. It appears Jules would rather live in an world that has been sterilized for his protection; where only one side of an argument is presented.

On a side note it really bothers me that Jules compares YouTube to Tokyo Rose for many, many reasons. For one, the propaganda broadcasts out of Japan never as far as I know allowed the other side of the debate (really the war) a forum in which to speak.

Number two, while Tokyo Rose in one sense is a generic term referring to any female propaganda broadcaster out of Japa, it is most often associated with Iva Toguri D'Aquino. To this day, most people do not realize that:

Iva Toguri D'Aquino (born Ikuko Toguri, July 4, 1916, Los Angeles, California), a United States citizen visiting relatives in Japan at the start of the war. In 1949, perjured testimony led to D'Aquino being convicted of treason by the United States government. She was released after six years, and on January 19, 1977, pardoned by U.S. President Gerald Ford, who also restored her citizenship.
Unable to leave Japan after the start of hostilities, she took work at the Japanese radio show The Zero Hour, using some of her earnings to feed P.O.W.s. She married Felipe D'Aquino, a Portuguese citizen of Japanese-Portuguese descent, in 1945. Later that year, Following Japan's surrender, two reporters offered $250 for the identity of Tokyo Rose. A monetarily tainted identification led to her arrest.

Though she was released when the FBI and the U.S. Army's Counterintelligence Corps found no evidence against her, influential gossip columnist Walter Winchell lobbied against her. Forcibly separated from her husband, she was brought to the U.S., and charged and convicted of treason. Released after six years, she moved to Chicago, Illinois, where Chicago Tribune reporter Ron Yates found her accusers, who admitted they had lied under oath, claiming pressure from prosecutors. A subsequent Morley Safer report on the television news program 60 Minutes prompted her exoneration by Ford.

Reference.com on Tokyo Rose

Posted by PoliShifter at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Iraq For Sale - The War Profiteers A Documentary by Glenn Greenwald

TT: Atrios

Posted by PoliShifter at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (1)

Today's Rose Garden press conference exchange between David Gergory of NBC and Decider Dickhead Bush.

Not only is Bush a dick but he doesn't even understand the arguments. This is a man who is easily manipulated by those behind the scenes such as Gonzales, Negroponte, and the torture memo authors in to believe anything. Bush is not capable of critical thought. He can however be sold just about anything if it's framed right for his taste.

Posted by PoliShifter at 06:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Fascism - Fascism is a radical political ideology that combines elements of corporatism, authoritarianism, nationalism, militarism, anti-anarchism, anti-communism and anti-liberalism.

Over the past 6 years the United States Government has shifted radically toward a state of Fascism. We now nearly have the perfect marriage between Corporations and Government. There are several factors that are holding America back from becoming a pure Fascist State. One of those factors is that not all corporations in America have a say in our governance. Only those corporations that are large enough, cash rich, and generally have global interests are able to craft legislation that will be passed by Congress.

While business has always played an active role in our government, it is only in the last 6 years that this process has been streamlined to go from the corporate boardroom to the floor of Congress in a blink of an eye. Probably the last time we had such close relationship between business and Congress was during the mid-1800’s during the era of Rail Roads and Robber Barons.

There have been isolated occurrences in the 20th century where a Corporation bought and paid for a Senator or Congressman then influenced that government official to uphold their will. But by in far, our Congress busied itself doing the work of The People.

This 21st Century however is marked by the rise of K-Street and Corporate influence over Legislators. This phenomenon began in the 1990’s under the tutelage of Newt Gingrich who helped create the revolving door mechanism that allows Republican Lawmakers to jump from legislator to lobbyist. This also facilitated the raising of large amounts of cash necessary these days to win elections.

The process is simple, streamlined, and almost accepted practice now by the American Public. A corporation flush with cash hires a lobbyist on K-Street. That lobbyist (typically a former member of Congress) then builds networks with the appropriate Senators and Representatives that sit on the appropriate committees.

Some how money changes hands often in borderline illegal ways and other times in blatantly illegal ways (see Jack Abramoff, Bob Ney, and Duke Cunnigham). The desired legislation is brought from the corporation to the lobbyist, from the lobbyist to the the right committees, and from the right committee to the floor of the House or Senate.

If enough of the right wheels have been greased, the legislation will get a vote. If the legislation looks like it may fail, deals are struck across the aisles to add in special appropriations for a particular Senator or Congressman who was initially opposed to the legislation. Once everyone necessary for the Bill to pass has their cut, the Bill is passed and made in to law.

No where in this process do The People have a say. And yet our Congress is supposed to serve The People NOT the Corporation. We voted them in to power to serve us, not their corporate overlords.

But this is no longer the case. Bills passed in Congress favor Corporations and are often given names to make them sound as if they are benefiting The People when they really are not. Recent examples of this are the Bankruptcy Bill and the Prescription Drug Bill.

What this system is, is a prescription for Fascism. And it’s not just Republicans who participate in this boondoggle. Democrats also feed from the corporate trough often waxing philosophically that it’s just a “necessary evil” one must commit in order to really be able to do the work of The People. Such Democrats, typically members of the DLC, are Senator Biden, Senator Kerry, and Senator Clinton to name a few.

Since both parties are entrenched in corporatism now it seems there is no way to break the corporate giveaway election cycle. The consequence is that there is really no opportunity for the work of the people to get done. America is in dire need of many things including infrastructure, mass transit, alternative energy, higher education, and high paying jobs. Things of this nature will never be discussed or take place so long as the corporate strangle hold remains on our government.

Couple this corporatocracy with the reduction of our civil liberties, the creation of national databases of information on U.S. citizens, the ability for government to (without a warrant) listen to the phone calls of Americans, track their banking records, and hold suspects indefinitely without due process – all this has put us just steps away from becoming a full blown in-your-face Fascist State. And this is happening at the urging of ultra right wingnuts who now advocate drastically revising The Constitution to make it better fit their Fascist ideology.

By the way, the Internment Camps are being built by Halliburton.

Fascism may be here to stay in America but it won’t be called Fascism, it will be called Democracy. And it will be accompanied by fervorent flag waiving with the rousing sounds of Patriotic Music on parade in the streets, on the TV, and the movie theatre.

Posted by PoliShifter at 08:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Just watch the video...

TT: PAgent's Progress

Posted by PoliShifter at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Modern Republicans have morphed into a new breed of politico without bothering to tell most registered middle class Republicans of this change. Many people walk around calling themselves Republicans while still espousing small government, fiscal responsibility, free markets, and State’s Rights. I hate to break to these people but they are not Republican even though they may still be conservatives.

You see, today’s Republican Party has become one of bloated deficit spending, a party that adds to the National Debt every day, a party that believes in the supreme power of the Unitary Executive, a party that values Federalism over State’s Rights, and a party that believes in huge, bloated, pork riddled government beaurocracies.

I am not suggesting that Democrats are none of these things. On the contrary BOTH parties spend our hard earned tax dollars recklessly. But there is a major difference in how they spend our money.

Democrats tend to spend our money on healthcare, social programs, higher education, veteran’s benefits, small business loans, farm subsidies, and the building/repairing of our infrastructure.

Republicans tend to spend our money on corporate crony no-bid contracts, military hardware, grants and kickbacks for oil companies, and all things related to the military industrial complex.

Dollar for dollar however the Republicans outspend Democrats 10 to 1. Republicans would have you believe that Democrats are the tax and spenders but no one, I mean NO ONE can borrow and spend as much money as a Republican. It borders on the absurd. We have $9 Trillion in debt, a $400 billion dollar budget deficit, and a Republican’s idea of trimming the budget is cutting back on college student loans.

When it comes to small government, Republicans are a no-show. In fact, Republicans have grown our government to its largest level ever with their flagship the defunk pork laden Department of Homeland Security which doesn’t even consider New York City a target for terrorists.

Republicans have turned our Government into a Federal Behemoth capable of reaching out and spying on any American Citizen at any given point in time WITHOUT a warrant. Republicans used to be about freedom. They wanted their freedom to bare arms, to be free of the Federal Government’s long tentacles, and wanted little or no government interference into their militias…I mean personal lives. Now they just can’t get enough government. Today, Republicans are trying to shove government into every little nook and cranny of your life and body.

You can’t go a day without hearing a “Republican” talk show host talk about “freemarkets” however today’s Republicans are for anything BUT a freemarket. Today’s Republicans support no-bid contracts relating to anything from the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan to the rebuilding of New Orleans. There’s nothing free about those markets. Those markets are pay to play. You give money to the RNC, you’ll get a no-bid contract (if you’re a PMI, or OilCo). It’s that simple.

Bush Republicans went so far as to suspend the Davis-Bacon Act during the aftermath of Katrina so that the contractors could import cheap migrant labor rather than pay the prevailing wage in New Orleans.

There’s no freemarket in Republicanism. It’s a pay to play system geared toward the wealthy. And talk about government intervention! Republicans are the first to want to intervene in markets on the behalf of their corporate sponsors in order to help them improve their bottom line. After all, more corporate profits means more political contributions for Republicans.

These are just a few examples demonstrating how Republicans are not Conservatives. We could really spend all day on this topic. Heavy tomes could be written about the shift Republicans have made away from Conservatism and toward a Federalist Empire.

The important thing is for the everyday middle class “Republican” who really has conservative values to realize that today’s Republican Party does not represent their views. Today’s Republican Party is more interested in Empire, Nation Building, and creating a supreme Federal Government with absolute authority.

I realize that today’s Democratic Party does not fit all the values most Conservatives espouse but I submit to you that today’s Democrats have more in common with Conservatives than Republicans do.

Note to Conservatives (aka “Republicans): If you would like a smaller government, some fiscal discipline, a respect for State’s Rights, and less government intervention, then please consider voting for the Democratic Party this November.

Posted by PoliShifter at 08:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

I think Jon Oliver of The Daily Show pretty much nails exactly how the Bush Administration and the Republicans want us to feel: Safe enough to think they are doing a good job but NOT safe enough to vote for Democrats.

The first part of the video goes over Bush's stages of grief and then Jon Stewart hears from Senior Correspondent Jon Oliver on the difference between safe and safe.

TT: Crooks and Liars

Posted by PoliShifter at 07:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

This is just stunning video. The hostility Bush exhibits is mind blowing. There's a point in the begining where it almost seems Bush is about to assault Matt Lauer. Shouldn't there be a little more personal space between them?

Bush must be a horribly violent drunk.

Couple of questions for Bush in regard to him "protecting" us. 1) Where's Osama Bin Laden? 2) Why are Bin Laden, Al Qaeda, and the Taliban running free in the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan and how does this fit in to his plan for "protecting" The American People?

Special thanks to:

MCCS1977 - Matt Lauer: I don’t want to let this “within the law issue” slip though.

The Heretik - George Bush actually did say “We eliminated the laws”

Posted by PoliShifter at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Pissed off Patricia in a comment on my blog had mentioned that Bush was addicted to lying. This immediately got me thinking about the old Robert Palmer song Addicted to Love. For those of you too old or too young to remember, I included the video toward the bottom of the post.

Lying has become an art form for BushCo. They have taken it to brave new heights that Hitler, Goering, and Goebbels could only dream of. I think that the American People to a certain degree enable BushCo's lying. Every time a new poll comes out saying that 30% or 40% of the American People STILL believe Saddam attacked us on 9/11 or that Iraq had ties to Al Qaeda, out comes ol' Cheney to repeat the lies. He's quickly followed by Bush and Condi who echo Cheney and make sure they all allude to connections between Iraq and 9/11 in nearly every speech they give.

30% to 40% is all BushCo needs. With that much support they can continue to operate. They are terrified of that support for their lies dropping below 20%. If that occurs, it is likely there will be an uprising against the Bush Administration.

Addicted To Lying
(with appologies to Robert Palmer )

My lights are on, but I'm not home
My mind is not my own
My heart sweats, My body shakes
Another lie is what it takes
I can't sleep, I can't eat
There's no doubt, I'm in deep
My throat is tight, I can't breathe
Another lie is all Condi needs

Whoa, Cheney likes to think that he's immune to the stuff, oh yeah
It's closer to the truth to say we can't get enough
You know we're gonna have to face it, we're addicted to lying

We see the signs, but we can't read
we're runnin' at a different speed
Our heart beats in double time
Another lie and Condi's mine, a one track mind
We can't be saved
Oblivion is all we crave
If there's some left for you
You don't mind if you do

Whoa, Cheney likes to think that we're immune to the stuff, oh yeah
It's closer to the truth to say we can't get enough
You know we're gonna have to face it, we're addicted to lying

Might as well face it, we're addicted to lying
Might as well face it, we're addicted to lying
Might as well face it, we're addicted to lying
Might as well face it, we're addicted to lying
Might as well face it, we're addicted to lying

[break]

Our lights are on, but we're not home
Our will is not Our own
Our heart sweats, Our teeth grind
Another kiss and Condi's mine

Whoa, Cheney likes to think that we're immune to the stuff, oh yeah
It's closer to the truth to say we can't get enough
You know we're gonna have to face it, we're addicted to lying

Might as well face it, we're addicted to lying
Might as well face it, we're addicted to lying
Might as well face it, we're addicted to lying
Might as well face it, we're addicted to lying
Might as well face it, we're addicted to lying
Might as well face it, we're addicted to lying
Might as well face it, we're addicted to lying
Might as well face it, we're addicted to lying
Might as well face it, we're addicted to lying
Might as well face it, we're addicted to lying

Posted by PoliShifter at 08:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Video at Crooks and Liars:

Keith Olbermann:

And lastly tonight a Special Comment on why we are here. Half a lifetime ago, I worked in this now-empty space.

And for 40 days after the attacks, I worked here again, trying to make sense of what happened, and was yet to happen, as a reporter.

And all the time, I knew that the very air I breathed contained the remains of thousands of people, including four of my friends, two in the planes and — as I discovered from those "missing posters" seared still into my soul — two more in the Towers.

And I knew too, that this was the pyre for hundreds of New York policemen and firemen, of whom my family can claim half a dozen or more, as our ancestors.

I belabor this to emphasize that, for me… this was, and is, and always shall be, personal.

And anyone who claims that I and others like me are "soft", or have "forgotten" the lessons of what happened here — is at best a grasping, opportunistic, dilettante — and at worst, an idiot — whether he is a commentator, or a Vice President, or a President.

However. Of all the things those of us who were here five years ago could have forecast — of all the nightmares that unfolded before our eyes, and the others that unfolded only in our minds… none of us could have predicted… this.

Five years later this space… is still empty.
Five years later there is no Memorial to the dead.
Five years later there is no building rising to show with proud defiance that we would not have our America
wrung from us, by cowards and criminals.

Five years later this country’s wound is still open.
Five years… later this country’s mass grave is still unmarked.
Five years later… this is still… just a background for a photo-op.
It is beyond shameful.

Full Transcript at Crooks and Liars

Posted by PoliShifter at 09:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

By Dave

You said about American Airlines role in The Path to 9/11 (referring to this post American Airlines Blamed for 9/11):

“Only Problem? It didn’t happen.”

You mean they’re lying?

Like Iraq buying Yellow Cake Uranium from Africa?
Like aluminum tubes in Iraq being used for processing bomb grade uranium?
Like Iraq being involved in 9/11?
Like they knew exactly where the WMD were located?
Like there were mobile chemical weapons labs all over Iraq?
Like “We will only go to war as a last resort”?
Like the rationale for war was based on our “best intelligence”?
Like “We are fighting them there so we won’t have to fight them on our shores”?
Like we need to get out of “Nation Building”?
Like we ARE nation building in Iraq?
Like Iraq had something to do with 9/11?
Like the coalition was really “of the willing”?
Like how much the war would cost?
Like it would be a “cake walk”?
Like “Mission Accomplished”?
Like he didn’t approve the torture/murder of prisoners of war?
Like he would prosecute anyone in his administration involved in
the Valerie Plame leak?
Like he knew nothing about secret torture prisons in Eastern
Europe?
Like “There is no illegal monitoring of American citizen’s
telephones”?
Like “Democracy will spread across the Middle East”?
Like the Iraqi people want us in Iraq?
Like “We need to stay the course to honor the soldiers who have
given their lives”?
Like “We are safer now than we were five years ago”?
And that’s just a short list of the lies about Iraq.

There were countless lies about:

John Kerry (and any other political opponent)
The Environment
The Economy
Medicare Costs
Social Security
Broken Levies
Tax Cuts
Energy Policy
Budget/Deficit

But, Bush’s biggest lie is when he say’s he’s a Christian.

Posted by PoliShifter at 08:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

"I swear there's ties between Iraq, 9/11, and Al Qaeda...I swear it on the precious....ferragamo shoes."

Despite all the evidence to the contrary the Bush Administration (Rummy, Condi, and Cheney) are all sticking to their guns. Iraq and 9/11 are somehow STILL conncected even though a U.S. Senate Report Says Saddam and Al Qaeda had NO LINK.

But it doesn't matter...Condi still says the war is worth it....Yeah, worth about 2667 US soldiers dead and 20,000+ wounded. Worth $300 Billion and counting...worth it. It's still worth a few pairs of ferragamo shoes to Condi....

Deception Is A Hard Habit To Break

Just ask Dick Cheney...He'll explain the un-explainable and think the impossible for you.

Posted by PoliShifter at 05:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

By VVWKB

I was awakened by a friend who was shouting, “A plane crashed into the World Trade Center.” She had grown up in New York so it was familiar territory to her. We watched as the second plane hit the second tower. We were under attack.

Within minutes Ari Fleischer was on the news saying, “We have intelligence information that the President is a target.”

It was at that moment, that moment of real time, that all my training and experience told me that the White House knew the attack was coming. Granted, they didn’t know how bad it would be but they were already scripted and prepared to make it all about the President. Unfortunately it was much worse then their pea brains could imagine. Once they began to realize how bad it was they were all about damage control because the script didn’t fit the deed.

Please take the time to think about this one because Ari Fleischer repeated this statement several times not just once. He was reading from his script. Everyone was taking their places. The President was miles away and considered safe. NORAD was on stand down. Cheney was secure in a shelter and we were open targets.

They desperately needed something to justify the beginning of a war. The White House would have started a war if Bin Laden had struck a match in a crowded theater. They just needed an excuse. Their excuse came. America rallied and wanted war, revenge and decision. We were united but we had our sights on the wrong target. We wanted Bin Laden and his cohorts. We wanted American might deployed and exacted at our true enemies. We wanted a message sent to the rest of the world that we will not be defeated by terrorism.

Republicans cannot claim any high ground on their response to 911 because their response has been a dismal failure. If we had been allowed to respond as a nation and not down party lines then we would not be living under this umbrella of fear placed over us by Bush and the Republicans. I do not know if the Democrats would have been just as desperate to retain power, maybe so since our electorate is all about power and ego.

So where are we now? I have never experienced the divisions we are experiencing now since the Viet Nam War. There is a quiet discontent teetering on the brink of all out revolution. We are target seeking. Bush is testing our armor by attempting martial law and deploying mercenaries against us.

Know your enemy. George Bush is your enemy. He is destroying our Constitution, killing our young men and women, failing to provide for our States and Cities, creating an elite royal class of Americans and all with the power of fear granted him by 911.

No, George Bush did not plan 911 but he did know about it and he let it happen in order to satisfy his need. What a sad tribute to the men and women who died that day and that their memory is being used to destroy this nation.

I do remember the silence of the skies on 911 once all aircraft were grounded. It was a deafening silence. It was almost as if planned so we could hear the spirits of those leave us from the smoldering ruins of the Twin Towers.

Not in their memory George Bush will we allow you to destroy this nation, this country, this way of life. George Bush you are not worthy of stepping on the hallowed grounds of the World Trade Center. You are a true traitor without heart or conscious George Bush. Yes George Bush you have conspired to destroy America as we know it, love it, and live it. We are willing to defend it and defend it we shall. We will defend it with thoughts words and actions if necessary but please realize we will defend America against you.

Posted by PoliShifter at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It seems that Clinton is not getting all the blame for 9/11 in ABC's upcoming fuckyoudrama. American Airlines is also getting some blame. I wonder how they feel about that?

Via Eschaton by way of America Blog

American Airlines to blame for 9/11, Disney/ABC movie falsely claims
#
As I first noted yesterday, I have the entire "Path to 9/11" video. And one of the very first scenes makes it explicitly clear that American Airlines had Mohammad Atta in its grasp, warning lights flashing on the computer screen, yet the airline simply blew off the threat and helped Atta kill 3,000 Americans.

Unfortunately, it's a total lie.

Here's what the "Path to 9/11" claims American Airlines did on the morning of September 11. According to Disney/ABC, American Airlines had Mohammad Atta at its ticket counter and a warning came up on the screen when he tried to check in. The AA employee called a supervisor who kind of shrugged and said, blithely, just let him through. The first employee, shocked, turned to her supervisor and said, shouldn't we search him? The American Airlines supervisor responds, nah, just hold his luggage until he boards the plane. The scene is clearly intended to make American Airlines look negligent.

Only problem? It never happened.
#
Read full article at America Blog

Posted by PoliShifter at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (1)

Stewart and Colbert have been damned to hell by this Evangelical Wingnut to suffer for a term not less than eternity in the lake of fire, hell and brimstone, and all other types of hell's delights where they will eat their fruit.

I first heard this on Sam Seder's radio show who had on Robert Lanham, author of The Sinner's Guide to the Evangelical Right.

Colbert, it looks like you have been put on notice.

I had no idea that John Stewart was in the Bible...and yes I have read the Bible several times.

Score one for the American Taliban I guess.

Anyone out there actually believe this shit? I'd love hear from you and discuss it.

Posted by PoliShifter at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Katie Couric's Interview With President

Katie Couric: "You have said we can't cut and run on more than one occasion. We have to stay until we win. Otherwise, we'll be fighting the terrorists here at home on our own streets. So what do you mean exactly by that, Mr. President?"

President Bush: "I mean that a defeat in Iraq will embolden the enemy and will provide the enemy more opportunity to train, plan, to attack us. That's what I mean.

I believe it. As I told you, Osama bin Laden believes it. But the American people have got to understand that a defeat in Iraq; in other words, if this government there fails, the terrorists will be emboldened, the radicals will topple moderate governments."

Posted by PoliShifter at 07:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

This excellent graphic that expalins ABC's fuckudrama on 9/11 was done by The Dark Wraith. I just wanted to share it with those who may not have seen it.

If you're going to file this, put it under an ABC rightwing ultraconservative NeoCon fantasy about 9/11

Posted by PoliShifter at 08:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The news that Pakistan is serving up peace to Bin Laden finally shook some conservatives and wingnuts out of their glazed eyed stupor they have been in for nearly 5 years. We may have finally reached the end of the flawed logic train for some of the Bush Administration's one time cheerleaders. This latest news makes it really hard to for sane people to support the continued occupation of Iraq, a military strike on Iran, while Bin Laden runs free with Pakistan's blessing.

The main focus of this so called "war on terror" was supposed to be getting Bin Laden, rolling up Al Qaeda cells, and not allowing terrorist organizations a safe harbor where they can train, organize, and plan attacks.

Now it seems we are pretty much back at square one. The Taliban is back in power in Afghanistan while Al Qaeda along with the Taliban now have a free zone in which they can organize located in the mountanous region between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Further, they have the assurnaces from Pakistan that the Pakistani Government will NOT allow U.S. or NATO forces into the region to hunt down terrorists. In addition they pretty much agreed to leave Al Qaeda and Bin Laden alone so long as they agree to live a "peaceful life".

Some Conservatives, some, not all, have finally had enough of this bull shit. We have spent hundreds of billions of dollars and exploited the bulk of our military assets just to occupy Iraq. Meanwhile for 5 years now Bin Laden has been running free, reogranizing, and likely planning his next attack.

Still there are some wingnuts such as Glenn Beck who think that the focus right now should be Iran, not "Iraq" let alone Afghanistan and Pakistan where Bin Laden is.

Shouldn't the focus be on getting Bin Laden and shutting down Al Qaeda? Shouldn't we have 130,000 troops patroling the mountainous region between Afghanistan and Pakistan "smoking out" Bin Laden?

Bush just 6 months ago told Americans that Pakistan was an important ally on the war on terror. So what happened?

There was a time that we were focused on defeating the Taliban in Afghanistan, rounding up Al Qaeda members, and helping to bring peace and stability to the region. Now we have pretty much handed that country back to the Taliban which has frustrated Hamid Karzai so much that he likley won't seek a second term.

So how much longer will some of these ultra conservative NeoCon wingnuts believe that Iraq is central to the "war on terror" while Bin Laden, Al Qaeda, and the Taliban roam free? How much longer will the NeoCons keep saying that we need to attack Iran all the while Bin Laden ogranizes Al Qaeda's next attack in a posh villa somewhere between Pakistan and Afghanistan?

Bush and the Republicans have absolutely dropped the ball when it comes to this supposed war on terror. Americans need to realize that if we don't have a leadership change then we will NEVER catch Bin Laden or stop Al Qaeda. The currrent leadership which is top heavy with NeoCons has a focus which is primarily empire building coupled with global domination. They have no interest in catching terrorists. Their only interest in terrorism is using it as an election propaganda tool.

Posted by PoliShifter at 07:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Via Think Progress

SCARBOROUGH: Roger, let me begin with you. There are points of this docudrama that are more drama than fact. But talk about Bill Clinton and the central premise by ABC that he should have done more to get Bin Laden.

CRESSY: Joe, it’s amazing, based on what I’ve seen so far is how much they’ve gotten wrong. They got the small stuff wrong such as Khalid Sheikh Mohammed instructing Ahmed Rassam to carry out the millenium attacks. Then they got the big stuff wrong, this fantasy about how we had a CIA officer and the Northern Alliance leader Ahmed Massoud looking at Bin Laden and they breathlessly call the White House to say we need to take him out and the White House said no. I mean it’s sheer fantasy.

Watch the Video and Read the Full Transcript at Think Progress

Posted by PoliShifter at 08:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The White House funneled millions of dollars through major Republican Party contributors to Sen. Joseph Lieberman’s primary campaign in a failed effort to ensure the support of the former Democrat for the Bush administration.

A senior GOP source said the money was part of Deputy White House Chief of Staff Karl Rove's strategy to maintain a Republican majority in the Senate in November. The source said Mr. Rove, together with Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman, directed leading pro-Bush contributors to donate millions of dollars to Mr. Lieberman's campaign for re-election in Connecticut in an attempt that he would be a "Republican-leaning" senator.

"Joe [Lieberman] took the money but said he would not play ball," the source said. "That doesn't mean that this was a wasted investment."

Continue Reading this Article

Posted by PoliShifter at 08:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Poor Neil really had to lean hard on some tire old propaganda to get out of this one. I only wish that General Clark would have pointed out to Cavuto that the United States had not been attacked by terrorists from 1993 (after the first WTC attack) to 2000. That's seven years that Clinton kept us safe. If we apply Cavutoian wingnut logic then Clinton was a better President than Bush cause Bush has only prevented domestic terror attacks for about 5 years.

Thanks Atrios

Posted by PoliShifter at 07:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Mike Malloy was fired from Air America!

"Mike Malloy, one of the most popular radio hosts in the U.S., was fired yesterday from Air America Radio. Thus far, even Malloy doesn't know why he was fired, other than that AAR told him it was for "financial reasons.""

Financial reasons? HE WAS ONE OF THE LOWEST PAID HOSTS!!

Randi Rhodes is asking that we all politely show support for Mike Malloy and request that he stays on the air. The email address in on Randi's webpage linked above or you can copy and paste it here:

Include Mike Malloy in the subject line. You can call: 212-871-8290

Just what the hell is going on at Air America? First they were going to can Sam Sedar and now Mike Malloy?

On MIke Malloy Sheldon Drobny writes:

"I suspect Malloy's termination was more about personality than performance. It certainly was not about money. My suggestion to those who love Mike Malloy is to do what the audience of 60 Minutes did when they terminated Andy Rooney several years ago. Email or write them about your feelings and we may still have a chance to get him back. I have already vigorously registered my complaint directly to the board and I understand that Sam Sedar also did on the air yesterday. Go to the AAR web site at http://www.airamericaradio.com and let them know how you feel. Register on line free and click "About Us" on the right side of the top and "Contact us" will appear. I talked to Mike Malloy and he would be open to coming back if too much time does not pass."

Sign the online Petition

Posted by PoliShifter at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

The techniques used by fox news to propagandize the American People into supporting the NeoCon/Republican/Bush platform is being used by CNN and MSNBC.

I tuned into MSNBC briefly this morning; a mistake I hope not to make again.

They were billing this month as "Security September" and proceeded to talk about Bush's plan for keeping us safe. Apparently Bush thinks Al Qaeda has been severely hampered but that they are still dangerous. It's kind of funny and sad at the same time watching the media dance between trying to tell us we're safer BUT not too safe...NOT safe enough yet to vote for Democrats. It's fucking pathetic is what it is.

The kicker for me happened when the news anchor brought on some pundit who immediately launched into the same old tired routine we heard in 2004: "Democrats may be upset about the Iraq War but they themselves have offered no plan or alternative for Bush to consider".

This is total BULLSHIT. It pisses me off to no end. I would expect that crap from Fox News, but from MSNBC too? CNN as well has gone to the NeoCon Dogs of War with Wolf Blitzer leading the Presidential ass kissing.

Democrats DO have a plan. In fact they have several plans. Sen. Kerry (DEMOCRAT) wrote a lengthy article in the New York Times several months back outlining a strategy for success in Iraq. Sen. Biden (DEMOCRAT) has suggested Iraq form a federated Republic with a Kurdish State in the North and a Shi'a State in the South. And Rep Murtha (DEMOCRAT) has been calling for a phased strategic redployment of our troops to Kuwait for years now. For this, Rep. Murtha (DEMOCRAT) has been called a traitor, a coward, and Ann Coulter called for Murtha to be fragged.

So why do the American People still think "Democrats have no plan"?

1) You'll hardly ever see a Democrat on the Sunday morning news talk shows

2) The main media outlets Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN all repeat the same tired NeoCon talking points.

3) If the media on TV does have a Democrat on to argue a counter point, it's usally a Republican Lite like Joe Lieberman or some spineless nit like Alan Colmes.

It's really a sad state of affairs we are in. We pretty much have Bush State Controlled propaganda being fed to the American People on a daily basis. This is really going to be a challenge to overcome this November.

For those of us who get our news by reading this may seem hard to believe. We cannot fathom the Republican Death Machine being able to do again what they did in 2002 and 2004. Will the American People once again be scared into voting Republican?

The State Controlled Media are deffinately doing their best to make it so.

My suggestion is that Democrats need their own TV News station. The Republicans have Fox, CNN, and MSNBC. Democrats need something even if it's just YouTube for starters.

The only way to combat the propaganda is to counter it actively and aggressively. People think Democrats have "no plan" and are "weak" not because it is true but because it has been said over and over and over by hundreds of pundits and politicians - all with a vested interest in seeing Bush/NeoCon/Republicans maintain power.

Part of that message has to be how we dropped the ball in Afghanistan and let Bin Laden get away while the Taliban is back in power and the cultiviation of Poppies is back to record levels. The Occupation of Iraq is actually putting us more at risk by over extending our military, and radicalizing Muslims who at one time were pro-American.

We are not fighting terrorists in Iraq; we are fighting Iraqis while Iraqis kill each other.

Our ports are less secure now than before 9/11.

The Dept of Homeland Security has turned into a pork barrell boondoggle. Rather than keeping you safer, politicians use it to reward their constituents with extra "security money". And since Republicans are in power that means New York City (where 9/11 occurred) actually has their anti-terror funding CUT while states like North Carolina enjoy an increase in the DHS pork.

What we need to do from here on out is just keep repeating ourselves over and over and over the way NeoCon/Bush/Republicans do.

If we stay silent then we will lose in November.

Posted by PoliShifter at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

ABC plans to air a "docudrama" Saturday and Sunday "commemorating" 9/11. It was produced by an ultraconservative and aims to place all the blame for 9/11 on Clinton's shoulders while giving Bush a pass.

Much of wingnutville has been in over-hype mode as they plan for a week of fear mongering "rememer 9/11" kill-the-terrorists orgy spinkled in with a little "Iran is a threat" for good measure.

Well, due to the untimely and tragic death of The Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, the wingnuts may not get as much attention as they hoped. This was going to be the week to help swing back votes to the Republicans by getting Americans to relive the tragedy of 9/11 - an event that wingnuts think they own exclusively for their proprietary use in political propaganda.

Will the Discovery Channel upset ABC's rousing ultraconservative 9/11 propaganda puff piece? We'll find out soon enough.

Discovery Channel plans Irwin tributes

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SILVER SPRING, Md. -- Discovery Communications, the television network where Steve Irwin became a star as the "Crocodile Hunter," plans several tributes to Irwin.

Irwin died Monday after being stabbed in the chest by a stingray's serrated, poisonous spine while shooting a show on the Great Barrier Reef. He was 44.

Irwin's show helped popularize Discovery's Animal Planet channel after it began in 1996, and he made more than 200 appearances on Discovery networks' shows.

"Steve was a larger-than-life force," John Hendricks, Discovery Communications' founder and chairman, said in a news release. "He brought joy and learning about the natural world to millions and millions of people across the globe. He was a true friend to all of us."

Animal Planet will air a tribute to Irwin at 6 p.m. EDT Tuesday and plans to continue airing his programming, including his current show and other projects in post-production, said Maureen Smith, Animal Planet's executive vice president and general manager.

Link to full article

Posted by PoliShifter at 09:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

By VVWKB

I'm not sure what VVWB is getting at here, but God seemed very clear to me. "Thou shalt not kill". (KENNY)

Exactly my point Kenny, “We shalt not kill.” The problem is that we are killing people everyday but we separate ourselves from this action by adopting a conscious mode that says we are not part of Bush’s killing. No matter how we cut, slice or dice it we are part of the great American killing machine and therefore God will judge us for what we are. Bush has now killed hundreds of thousands of people and allowed thousands of others to die needlessly by simply doing nothing.

What I am saying is that if I were to kill this killer I would be prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law and I could expect to be judged by God as unfit for heaven. At the same time, as an enabler of Bush’s killing I will not be prosecuted and therefore in the back of my mind I am fit for heaven.

We let these killers do as they please because we will not kill them. Yet they charge that we are weak and immoral because we will not outwardly support their killing. We are lefties, liberals, cowards and unpatriotic because we do not support their killing. Act to stop this killing and you will be labeled a terrorist. Act to express opinions and decry the actions of Bush and you will be labeled an activist and traitor. Raise a hand to help the unfortunate and you will be labeled a bleeding heart liberal. Do any of these and you will not be considered a Christian.

Thou shalt not kill are words spoken by God and echoed by his son. Why then do so many Christians line up behind and support such an immoral and murderous man like George Bush. Are they really Christians? Even in societies lacking in Judeo-Christian teachings adopt standards recognizing murder as a crime of the utmost consequence.

Not once has Bush attempted to sit down with his supposed enemies and discuss differences and offer solutions. Not once has he extended a hand of peace and friendship to those who were not our enemies but are now so called.

Realize this because it is going to happen. We have a critical shortage of troops. That is to say that we do not have an army available to invade Iran. Solution: use nuclear devices. Justification: it will save so many American lives. It will save money and present an immediate and decisive solution to the Iranian problem.

The Iranian problem is being forced upon us so that this killer George Bush can satisfy his need to kill. Remember he is your extension and it will be you unleashing those nuclear devices and killing millions of people in a matter of seconds. They will be termed “Collateral Damage” since we will only be targeting strategic targets anyway. What comforting words, “Collateral Damage”. Do you think God will understand?

On a previous post titled Sunday Blog Roundup the following comment exchange occured:

VVWKB: It is those willing to do wrong who take advantage of those wanting to do right who refuse to commit a necessary wrong to make things right. Just kill the bastards, God will understand.

Kenny: I 'm not sure what VVWB is getting at here, but God seemed very clear to me.

"Thou shalt not kill".

Posted by PoliShifter at 10:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I am very saddened by this news. My heart and prayers go out to Mr. Irwin's Wife and his Family. I enjoyed watching The Crocodile Hunter with his unique approach to handling, filming, and interacting with deadly animals. Often I had wondered how he managed to survive as long as he did.

Many times he suffered tremendous injury to bring us film of exotic and dangerous creatures. His enthusiasm was completely contagious. I could not help but be swept away by the excitement and joy he felt from his intimate contact with nature.

Stingray kills Crocodile Hunter

Crocodile Hunter," has died after being stung in a marine accident off Australia's north coast.

Australian media reports say Irwin was diving in waters off Port Douglas, north of Cairns, when the incident happened on Monday morning.

Irwin was killed by a stingray barb that went through his chest, according to Cairns police sources. Irwin was filming an underwater documentary at the time.

Continue Reading

Crocodile man, Steve Irwin, dies

September 4, 2006 - 3:25PM

Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, has died after being struck by a stingray barb in Queensland.

Mr Irwin, 44 died after receiving a sting ray barb to the chest, which possibly caused a heart attack.

He was shooting a documentary off Port Douglas when he was struck.

Continue Reading

Posted by PoliShifter at 10:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Think Progress has some video up that all should watch.

1) Kristol: ‘Bush Should Pardon Libby. He Should Do it Now’

Today on Fox News Sunday, Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol said, “Bush should pardon [former Cheney Chief of Staff Scooter] Libby. He should do it now. It would be fantastic.”

Watch The Video

2) Santorum: ‘I Think The Focus Should Not Be Iraq, It Should Be Iran’

It’s clear why Santorum wants to take public attention off the deeply unpopular war in Iraq. The problem is that President Bush’s failing policy there is one of the main factors empowering Iran in the region.

Watch the Video

Posted by PoliShifter at 04:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Pissed Off Patricia at Morning Martini writes:

Impeachment is Not Enough

Dan Bartlett, was on Hardball last night and said that he wants to know how the Democrats plan to get out of Iraq. I would turn that question back on him and ask what is the Republican plan for getting out of Iraq. How many more have to die before their plan kicks in? This stuff about our standing down when they stand up is pure bullshit. So many of them are getting killed every day that it seems like more of them are laying down in graves than standing up. Sadly our own losses keep increasing too. Will America be there until no one is trying to kill anyone else?

Shakespeare's Sister posted this:

Quote of the Day

“I’d like the country I grew up in. It was a good country. I lived in Washington, D.C., 400,000 black folks, 400,000 white folks, in a country 89 or 90 percent white. I like that country. We didn’t vote to change it.” — Pat Buchanan

Tom Harper at Who Hijacked Our Country writes:

Enlistment Age: Going Up and Up

Don’t pay any attention to all that leftwing naysaying. Military recruitment is going just fine, thank you very much. The Marine Corps is bringing thousands of inactive Marines back to Iraq — well, ahem, sputter, uh, it’s, it’s not what you think. The Army has raised its enlistment age to 42 — uhh, mmm, squirm, now let’s not read anything into this.

Look on the bright side. Families are going through Boot Camp together. Family memories are being created. Imagine: you’re 42 years old, and your 19-year-old son is in the same company with you. Your drill sergeant runs up to you, face twisted in fury, and yells “Listen up, Worm! How many times to I have to show you this?!?!”

And there’s your son, watching Daddy get screamed at and dissed by a younger stronger tougher male. Ahh, a Kodak moment.

America is sure changing — and for the better of course. Low-income workers don’t need any help from the government because if they aren’t making enough money they’re just stupid and lazy. We don’t need to worry about Environmental Armageddon — if it happens, it was God's will. And military service is no longer just for the young and fit: if you can breathe and talk, We Need You!!!

BlondeSense Liz writes:

Just in time for the elections

Coincidentally, al-Qaeda has released yet another video tape, this time with an American member of the terror network exhorting Americans to convert to Islam and for US troops to switch sides. He may be a Young Republican in disguise.

The Rude One writes:

The Moral Equivalence Game: Lewinsky vs. Libby:

So let's get this straight: The motherfucking Washington Post is calling bullshit on the whole Valerie Plame affair now that Richard "Oh, I Love the Feel of Scrotum on My Bald, Bald Head" Armitage has been outed as the gossipy bitch who told Bob "Behold My Permanently Sneering Lips" Novak that Plame was a CIA agent. Not only that, but the Post blames the victim and her husband, saying that Joseph Wilson was wrong when he said Iraq was not chompin' for tasty yellowcake from Niger, and he was faux-outraged about his wife's compromised identity as a way to divert "responsibility from himself and his false charges by claiming that President Bush's closest aides had engaged in an illegal conspiracy."

Goddamn, Michelle Malkin has already rolled up yesterday's Post and is masturbating furiously with it. Jonah Goldberg has already fucked holes in three copies. One guesses that all over DC and Right Blogsylvania and talk radio there's such a gushing of solo-coital fluids that all the copies of the Post in the country couldn't soak it all up.

The Dark Wraith writes:

Money can help people make the right choices. More to the point, lack of money can make people look like they're stupid, crazy, incompetent, or just plain lazy.
#
Bounded rationality is still rationality; and in economics, one of the most rational of human instincts is greed. More is better than less, and more is preferable to less. If it comes down to you or me, I'll choose for me unless I think I can gain something really important by taking care of you first. Even if someone's going to die to save someone else, there'd better be a darned good reward in the afterlife.

If the Lord Jesus Christ came to a Christian and said, "Your life is pre-ordained that you should die and burn in the tormenting fires of Hell for all eternity," most Christians would dispense with the much-touted "purpose-driven life" right on the spot. If the Prophet Mohammed were to step in front of an Islamic suicide bomber and say, "I'm sorry, but that mullah who told you that blowing yourself up to kill some infidels would earn you brown-eyed virgins in Heaven was full of camel crap: you do this, and I'll personally see to it that Allah brings you back as a sand flea stuck in the dried turd on a goat's butt hair," the young bomber would very likely say something like, "Oh. Well, screw that then," and give up his plan to decorate the shopping mall with his shrapnel-infused viscera.

That's how economists see it, anyway. Greed is the motive force of life. Contrary, however, to what the character Gordon Gecko said in the movie Wall Street, greed is not "good." It isn't bad, either. It just is; and it is the fundamental reason people do just about everything they do.

Kenny Writes:

Why the Iraq war has made us less safe and less able to deal with Iran

This is the issue as I see it:

There is only one port city in Iraq, Basra. Basra is a Shiite city. The highway runs north from Basra through Shiite territory up into Baghdad and the rest of Iraq.

I believe, and I'm sure many military strategists believe, any attack on Iran will result in a Shiite uprising. Iran has been infiltrating Iraq and it's Shiite political parties for years, this is well known.

If the Shiites squeeze or close that highway we are in real trouble.

We have 130.000 troops spread out all over Iraq. Think how much they eat everyday, how many bullets, spare parts, uniforms, medical supplies etc... they need everyday. Re-supply from air will not work for long.

Oilfieldguy at Fire Dog Lake writes:

Double Down Presidency

In an awkward pivot from Bush’s failed Katrina response anniversary, the President tries to drum up support for additional wars with Iran and Syria, heading toward the 9/11 anniversary, while stuck in the Iraqi debacle. Some choice excerpts of his speech on August 31, 2006:

"The enemies of liberty come from different parts of the world, and they take inspiration from different sources. Some are radicalized followers of the Sunni tradition, who swear allegiance to terrorist organizations like al Qaeda. Others are radicalized followers of the Shia tradition, who join groups like Hezbollah and take guidance from state sponsors like Syria and Iran. Still others are "homegrown" terrorists — fanatics who live quietly in free societies they dream to destroy. Despite their differences, these groups from — form the outlines of a single movement, a worldwide network of radicals that use terror to kill those who stand in the way of their totalitarian ideology."

Posted by PoliShifter at 07:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Pretty much the front page of every news aggregator I looked at this week has featured articles on Iran. More and more rhetoric is spewing out of the White House every day about how we cannot let Iran obtain nuclear weapons. And if you listen to wingnut TV or radio you will hear the pundits puff their chests and beat their fists demanding that we "contain" Iran.

It's eeire and sometimes terrifying how the nexus between the media, the Government, and NeoCon Think Tanks converge to pound the American People with a particular agenda that the White Hous wants to promote. News is no longer reported because it is an event that occured that has some public interest. Rather the news is contrived, coerced, teased, and prodded out into the public domain where the media then flogs it like a dead horse. The news is manufactured, it's no longer just an event.

Beyond that now events are manipulated into place and facts are fixed around the event to make them appear news worthy. This skill is something that has been developed by the AEI and PNAC. These thinktanks contain many of the Bush Administration usual suspects and draw up propaganda game plans which are then passed on to the President. It's very much a two-way street in most cases. The Bush Administration wants to attack Iran. It will defer to the NeoCon Think Tanks to come up with a game plan to accomplish that goal.

Another goal of the Bush Administration is to figure out ways to limit our freedoms. Fortunately for Bush these goals are shared by NeoCons such as the AEI.

Glenn Greenwald writes:

There are no more elections left for the Bush administration after the one which will be held in 68 days. Over the past five years, one would have been able very reliably to predict the actions and positions to be taken by the Bush administration by monitoring the publications and positions promoted by the AEI.

The AEI's current wish list features, at the very top, a military attack on Iran, followed by such subsidiary enabling measures as prosecuting journalists, strengthening domestic surveillance programs still further, and a reflexive defense of Israel as the highest imperative. To know what the last two, election-free years of a Bush administration would bring to this country in the absence of any Congressional checks, one should listen to the truly extremist desires of the AEI.

Read the Full Article here:

God Save America...before Bush and the NeoCons destroy it.

Posted by PoliShifter at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

There seems to be no end in sight for Republican Wingnut Talking Points. Fear and loathing Republican-Style with terror-a-go-go is pretty much a 24/7 phenomenon now. You can’t listen to Bush, Rumsfeld, or any Wingnut pundit for that matter without hearing a string of Iraq-9/11 innuendos, terrorists gonna get you threats, we must fight’em over there so we don’t fight’em over here or else they’ll blow our grocery stores up coupled with the obligatory “Democrats are weak on security”. Sprinkle in a little good old fashioned racism mixed with white supremacy and you got yourself a Republican strategy for winning in November.

"Democrats are weak on security"

Republicans will gladly sacrifice freedom, liberty, and democracy for security because they are fucking scared chickenshit pussies. This notion that we have to have warrantless wiretaps, Gitmo, The Patriot Act, Occupy Iraq, hold and torture prisoners without due process, and not bring bottled water on an airplane in order to be safe is total bullshit.

The real danger we face comes from the lack of security at our ports, some of which are owned and operated by the U.A.E., a country that laundered money for Bin Laden. Also, freight being shipped on passenger airlines is STILL not being checked.

All this airport security is done for YOUR benefit so that YOU feel safer. In reality, you are not safer. In fact you are in more danger now. The only differnece is you have no chapstick to soothe your chapped lips.

“We gotta fight’em over there or else we’ll be fighten’em over here”

First off, we are fighting Iraqis in Iraq NOT terrorists. If we STOP fighting Iraqis they are NOT going to come to America and kill us.

91.7% of Iraq wants the U.S. to leave. The Al Qaeda element in Iraq is lest than 8%. If we wanted to “fight’em over there” then we should have never abandoned Afghanistan and allowed it to be over run with the Al Qaeda sympathetic Taliban. Not to mention we should have caught Bin Laden and used the majority of our resources to eliminate Al Qaeda terror cells throughout the world rather than bogging down in Iraq fighting to establish a unified Islamic Republic.

Republicans and the “Democracy in the Middle East” turd polishing

There are a lot of misconceptions about Democracy and especially about the type of Democracies that might be established in the Middle East. The reality is that pure Democracy does not exist. The United States is NOT a democracy and never has been. Those in power have ALWAYS questioned allowing the poor and underprivileged a voice in government. Hence we have the Senate which up until 1913 was NOT elected by voters. And to this day the Electoral College decides who the President is, not The People.

Another point is that while we may have Representatives in Washington, they do not represent The People. They serve and protect corporations who give large amounts of money to their re-election campaigns and promise them lucrative jobs on K-Street as lobbyists once their political career is over.

I guess Republicans are envisioning a “Democracy” in Iraq that will allow its leaders to be bribed by Corporations and bend over backwards to make Iraq a Corporation-Friendly country. In other words, like America but even better. There would be no unions, no environmental restrictions, no minimum wage, a few wealthy elite on top, and the rest of the poor people would be landscaping the rich people’s yards.

Perhaps this is why Bush&Republicans are so adamant about creating a Democarcy in Iraq. Democracy to Bush&Republicans means $$$$$$$ and lots of it, but only for a select few Oligarchs.

Democracy however by definition is majority rule. In Iraq, the majority are Shi’a who prefer an Islamic Republic governed by Sharia Law. The Shi’a also are more aligned with Iran. This is the type of government the Iraqis have elected; a Democracy.

Certainly this is not the type of Democracy Bush was thinking of and continues to insist our soldiers fight and die for. Nevertheless, Bush tells us we MUST continue to fight for Democracy in Iraq with not one person asking him exactly what that means.

The bottom line is that Bush and this do-nothing Republican Congress have created more terrorists than have ever existed before in history and put us more at risk for a terror attack than before 9/11. The DHS is a joke. It's the largest, bloated, money grubbing beaurocratic agency ever created. More people in the world hate America than ever before.

And if they hate us for our freedom, then they should be hating us less because Bush and Republicans have done as much as they can to get rid of our freedoms. But the contrary seems to be true. The less freedom we have, the more the world hates us.

Mission Accomplished?

Posted by PoliShifter at 07:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)