Behind Military Analysts, the Pentagon’s Hidden Hand - New York Times: "Published: April 20, 2008"
My own tax dollars going to propagandize me. What a good deal!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Bush Administration Violates Federal Law
President Is Rebuffed on Program for Children - New York Times: "WASHINGTON — The Bush administration violated federal law last year when it restricted states’ ability to provide health insurance to children of middle-income families, and its new policy is therefore unenforceable, lawyers from the Government Accountability Office said Friday."
Wait, I'm confused, I thought Republicans were for states' rights, not centralized control.
Wait, I'm confused, I thought Republicans were for states' rights, not centralized control.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Top Bush aides pushed for Guantánamo torture
Top Bush aides pushed for Guantánamo torture | World news | The Guardian: "America's most senior general was 'hoodwinked' by top Bush administration officials determined to push through aggressive interrogation techniques of terror suspects held at Guantánamo Bay, leading to the US military abandoning its age-old ban on the cruel and inhumane treatment of prisoners, the Guardian reveals today."
Friday, April 18, 2008
South Korean Cadets Think U.S. is #1 Enemy
Stars and Stripes: S. Korean cadets’ views shaped by a skewed education: "SEOUL — When the Korea Military Academy asked its incoming cadets in 2004 to name South Korea’s main enemy, they were shocked at the answer: 34 percent said the United States while only 33 percent said North Korea."
Yes, let's continue to keep our troops there for another 50 years. It's working out great for us!
Yes, let's continue to keep our troops there for another 50 years. It's working out great for us!
British sailors captured by Iran were in disputed waters
British sailors captured by Iran were in disputed waters: report - Yahoo! News: "Citing documents released by the defence ministry under Freedom of Information laws, the newspaper said the contingent of Britons was captured because the US-led coalition in Iraq had unilaterally designated a maritime boundary for Iraq and Iran without informing the latter."
Remember how the news and the Bush administration cited this as Iranian aggression, calling it a "kidnapping?" Well, the Iranians returned them quickly, without being tortured, even though they were the ones in the right, and the ones being threatened. We've held people in Guantanamo for YEARS from whom we felt threatened and are only now slowly releasing them without filing any charges. It's a sad day when Iran, the country our government is telling us is our enemy, is treating their prisoners better than we are.
Remember how the news and the Bush administration cited this as Iranian aggression, calling it a "kidnapping?" Well, the Iranians returned them quickly, without being tortured, even though they were the ones in the right, and the ones being threatened. We've held people in Guantanamo for YEARS from whom we felt threatened and are only now slowly releasing them without filing any charges. It's a sad day when Iran, the country our government is telling us is our enemy, is treating their prisoners better than we are.
George Washington's Farewell Address 1796
The Avalon Project : Washington's Farewell Address 1796: "1796"
"So likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter without adequate inducement or justification. It leads also to concessions to the favorite nation of privileges denied to others which is apt doubly to injure the nation making the concessions; by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained, and by exciting jealousy, ill-will, and a disposition to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal privileges are withheld. And it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the favorite nation), facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity; gilding, with the appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation. ?"
Hmmm, does this sound applicable to anything going on today in the U.S.? Boy, let me think...for which "favorite nation" are "deluded citizens" willing "to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country" for?
"So likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter without adequate inducement or justification. It leads also to concessions to the favorite nation of privileges denied to others which is apt doubly to injure the nation making the concessions; by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained, and by exciting jealousy, ill-will, and a disposition to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal privileges are withheld. And it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the favorite nation), facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity; gilding, with the appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation. ?"
Hmmm, does this sound applicable to anything going on today in the U.S.? Boy, let me think...for which "favorite nation" are "deluded citizens" willing "to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country" for?
Attitudes Toward US Worsen in Arab World
Attitudes Toward US Worsen in Arab World - by Jim Lobe: "Nearly two-thirds, or 64 percent, of more than 4,000 respondents in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said they held a 'very unfavorable' attitude of the United States, up from 57 percent in late 2006, while 19 percent more said their views were 'somewhat unfavorable' – roughly comparable to the results of 17 months ago. At the same time, support for Iran and its nuclear program appears to have risen over the same period..."
Ronald Reagan said the U.S. should be the "shining beacon on the hill." He was suggesting that pre-emptive strikes aren't the answer. Results come from being a pristine example to the world, one that will give oppressed people of the world hope and one that they can hold up to their totalitarian leaders as proof that another system can work. Instead, we are giving those very leaders the political ammunition to continue to torture, spy, undermine civil liberties, make war, jail without trial, pre-emptively strike imagined enemies, manipulate the economy, etc...
Ronald Reagan said the U.S. should be the "shining beacon on the hill." He was suggesting that pre-emptive strikes aren't the answer. Results come from being a pristine example to the world, one that will give oppressed people of the world hope and one that they can hold up to their totalitarian leaders as proof that another system can work. Instead, we are giving those very leaders the political ammunition to continue to torture, spy, undermine civil liberties, make war, jail without trial, pre-emptively strike imagined enemies, manipulate the economy, etc...
Man found in Lady Bird Lake was teacher, FBI target
Man found in Lady Bird Lake was teacher, FBI target: "Austin police said Thursday that they are leaning toward a ruling of suicide in the death of a middle school teacher and activist whose body was found Wednesday in Lady Bird Lake with his hands and legs bound and tape over his eyes. Police identified Riad Hamad, 55, at a news conference Thursday and said the binding of his limbs and the placement of the tape was consistent with Hamad having done it himself."
1 in 5 veterans found with mental disorder
1 in 5 veterans found with mental disorder - The Boston Globe: "WASHINGTON - The latest and most comprehensive study of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars has concluded that nearly 1 in every 5 veterans is suffering from depression or stress disorders and that many are not getting adequate care."
The costs of this fake war don't just add up in dollars and cents.
The costs of this fake war don't just add up in dollars and cents.
Pentagon institute: Iraq war a 'debacle'
Politics - Pentagon institute: Iraq war a 'debacle' - sacbee.com: "WASHINGTON – The war in Iraq has become 'a major debacle' and the outcome 'is in doubt' despite improvements in security from the buildup in U.S. forces, according to a highly critical study published Thursday by the Pentagon's premier military educational institute."
Did you get that? "The Pentagon's PREMIER military educational institute."
Did you get that? "The Pentagon's PREMIER military educational institute."
McCain's $3.3 Trillion Tax Cut at Odds With Balanced Budget Pledge
Bloomberg.com: News: "By Ryan J. Donmoyer and Matthew Benjamin"
"John McCain's plan to cut taxes and balance the budget wins praise from fellow Republicans. Economists and nonpartisan analysts say his numbers don't add up."
Typical neocon Republican. Run up deficits, let the next generation pay for the results. They love the economic arguments that support tax cuts, but ignore the parts that talk about the parallel spending reductions. They, like most Americans, don't realize/admit that the debt they create is a tax. It creates inflation, and inflation is a tax. Their characterization of liberals/Democrats as tax/spenders is a complete lie.
"John McCain's plan to cut taxes and balance the budget wins praise from fellow Republicans. Economists and nonpartisan analysts say his numbers don't add up."
Typical neocon Republican. Run up deficits, let the next generation pay for the results. They love the economic arguments that support tax cuts, but ignore the parts that talk about the parallel spending reductions. They, like most Americans, don't realize/admit that the debt they create is a tax. It creates inflation, and inflation is a tax. Their characterization of liberals/Democrats as tax/spenders is a complete lie.
Tent city highlights US homes crisis
BBC NEWS | Americas | Tent city highlights US homes crisis: "Forty miles east of Los Angeles, on a patch of waste ground, is the place they call Tent City."
Remember Hoovervilles? Here are "Bushvilles."
Remember Hoovervilles? Here are "Bushvilles."
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Report: Connecticut poor pay more of income on taxes, than rich
WTNH.com, Connecticut News and Weather - Report: Connecticut poor pay more of income on taxes, than rich
"A new report shows Connecticut's middle class and poor families pay a higher percentage of their income in state sales and local taxes than the wealthiest families.
The report by Connecticut Voices for Children is based on an analysis of state and local tax data, the New Haven Register reported.
The report says the wealthiest Connecticut families pay 4.7 percent of their income in state and local taxes.
Middle-class families pay 9.6 percent of their income in state and local taxes. The report shows the poorest 20 percent pay 10.9 percent."
Republicans love to argue that the progressive tax structure is unfair.
Democrats try to tax the rich more.
Each of them make the tax code more and more complicated, making
it easier for the rich to hire lawyers and accountants who can take
advantage of the loopholes. This is my ongoing argument that the
rich are not taxed unfairly.
"A new report shows Connecticut's middle class and poor families pay a higher percentage of their income in state sales and local taxes than the wealthiest families.
The report by Connecticut Voices for Children is based on an analysis of state and local tax data, the New Haven Register reported.
The report says the wealthiest Connecticut families pay 4.7 percent of their income in state and local taxes.
Middle-class families pay 9.6 percent of their income in state and local taxes. The report shows the poorest 20 percent pay 10.9 percent."
Republicans love to argue that the progressive tax structure is unfair.
Democrats try to tax the rich more.
Each of them make the tax code more and more complicated, making
it easier for the rich to hire lawyers and accountants who can take
advantage of the loopholes. This is my ongoing argument that the
rich are not taxed unfairly.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Forever Making "Significant Progress"
Crooks and Liars » Why ’significant progress’ sounds kind of familiar
Yesterday, speaking from the White House, the president boasted, “American and Iraqi forces have made significant progress” in Iraq. It got me thinking, haven’t we heard that phrase before in relation to Iraq?
Yesterday, speaking from the White House, the president boasted, “American and Iraqi forces have made significant progress” in Iraq. It got me thinking, haven’t we heard that phrase before in relation to Iraq?
* White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan on October 27, 2003: “In the north and south [of Iraq], we have made significant progress.”
* President Bush on November 13, 2004: “Fighting together, our forces have made significant progress in the last several days.”
* President Bush on June 28, 2005: “In the past year, we have made significant progress.”
* Vice President Cheney on October 19, 2006: “[W]e’ve made significant progress.”
* President Bush on February 23, 2007: ” I think we have made significant progress in Iraq.”
Indeed, it’s a phrase the White House has used to describe events in Iraq several hundred times over the last five years. I can’t imagine why anyone would be skeptical about the claim now.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
Loan delinquencies at highest rate since 1992
Loan delinquencies at highest rate since 1992 - Stocks & economy- msnbc.com: "NEW YORK - More Americans have fallen behind on consumer loans than at any time in nearly 16 years, as credit problems once concentrated in mortgages spread into other forms of debt."
Pakistan says no to US military
Pakistan says no to US military | The Australian: "New Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in a major setback for Washington's insistent demands that it be allowed the right of hot pursuit to attack targets within Pakistan, said this would be rejected."
We supported a military dictator. He was overthrown. Now we've lost credibility with a democratically-elected Muslim country. What a great foreign policy! Can't you just feel Bush's plan to spread democracy in the region taking root? It's just so well thought out and based on integrity...it's great!
We supported a military dictator. He was overthrown. Now we've lost credibility with a democratically-elected Muslim country. What a great foreign policy! Can't you just feel Bush's plan to spread democracy in the region taking root? It's just so well thought out and based on integrity...it's great!
Admiral: Iraq has troops, Afghanistan waits
Admiral: Iraq has troops, Afghanistan waits - CNN.com: "'There are force requirements there [in Afghanistan] that we can't currently meet,' Adm. Mike Mullen said. 'Having forces in Iraq at the level they're at doesn't allow us to fill the need that we have in Afghanistan.'"
The death of a financial system - Money Week
The death of a financial system - Money Week: "Regulate in New York and finance goes to Toronto. Regulate in London, it goes to Frankfurt or Paris – and since Toronto, Frankfurt and Paris are run by the same nervous bureaucrat-types, we can reckon soon enough that the entire financial markets will be hosted out of Singapore and Shanghai."
"You simply cannot enjoy being the financial center of the world but start bleating for government bailout whenever asset prices dip a few percent. As Paulson is demonstrating, the regulatory price for being bailed out is far too high. We must all grow up and take a full measure of punishment. The banks must take theirs."
"You simply cannot enjoy being the financial center of the world but start bleating for government bailout whenever asset prices dip a few percent. As Paulson is demonstrating, the regulatory price for being bailed out is far too high. We must all grow up and take a full measure of punishment. The banks must take theirs."
ENN: New Record: Wind Powers 40% Of Spain
ENN: New Record: Wind Powers 40% Of Spain: "Wind power is breaking new records in Spain, accounting for just over
40 percent of all electricity consumed during a brief period last
weekend. As heavy winds lashed Spain on Saturday evening wind parks
generated 9,862 megawatts of power which translated to 40.8 percent of
total consumption. Between Friday and Sunday wind power accounted for
an average of 28 percent of all electricity demand in Spain. Spain’s
wind power generation equaled that of hydropower for the first time in
2007."
40 percent of all electricity consumed during a brief period last
weekend. As heavy winds lashed Spain on Saturday evening wind parks
generated 9,862 megawatts of power which translated to 40.8 percent of
total consumption. Between Friday and Sunday wind power accounted for
an average of 28 percent of all electricity demand in Spain. Spain’s
wind power generation equaled that of hydropower for the first time in
2007."
Consumer bankruptcies jump 27%
Consumer bankruptcies jump 27% - CNN Money: "April 2, 2008: 12:15 PM EDT"
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Administration Asserts No Fourth Amendment for Domestic Military Operations
Administration Asserts No Fourth Amendment for Domestic Military Operations | Electronic Frontier Foundation: "Re: Military Interrogation of Alien Unlawful Combatants Held Outside the United States"
So, with the abandonment of the Bill of Rights and the admission that the spying on Americans is a "Domestic Military Operation" it appears that we are indeed the military dictatorship Bush joked about.
So, with the abandonment of the Bill of Rights and the admission that the spying on Americans is a "Domestic Military Operation" it appears that we are indeed the military dictatorship Bush joked about.
If the President can suspend the Bill of Rights at will, then they are not rights of free citizens, but merely indulgences by a master to favored slaves.
Memo Linked to Warrantless Surveillance
Memo Linked to Warrantless Surveillance - New York Times: "WASHINGTON (AP) -- For at least 16 months after the Sept. 11 terror attacks in 2001, the Bush administration believed that the Constitution's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures on U.S. soil didn't apply to its efforts to protect against terrorism."
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Bush: Rebate Checks Will Make Economy ‘Stronger Than Ever Before’
Think Progress » Blog Archive » Bush: Rebate Checks Will Make Economy ‘Stronger Than Ever Before’: "I’m confident in the long term we’ll come out stronger than ever before. One of the most decisive actions a government can take is to give people their money back so they can spend it, and that’s exactly what we’ve done."
No, he didn't. He borrowed money from China, gave it to the American people, who will go out and buy Chinese-made products.
No, he didn't. He borrowed money from China, gave it to the American people, who will go out and buy Chinese-made products.
Police arrest anti-war protester, 80, at mall
Police arrest anti-war protester, 80, at mall -- Crimes, Iraq War, Long Island -- Newsday.com
An 80-year-old church deacon was removed from the Smith Haven Mall yesterday in a wheelchair and arrested by police for refusing to remove a T-shirt protesting the Iraq War.
Military Report: Secretly 'Recruit or Hire Bloggers'
Military Report: Secretly 'Recruit or Hire Bloggers' | Danger Room from Wired.com
Your own tax dollars being spent to propagandize you!
Your own tax dollars being spent to propagandize you!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Vatican: Islam surpasses Roman Catholicism as world's largest religion - Yahoo! Canada News
Vatican: Islam surpasses Roman Catholicism as world's largest religion - Yahoo! Canada News: "'For the first time in history, we are no longer at the top: Muslims have overtaken us,' Monsignor Vittorio Formenti said in an interview with the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano."
The Rise of the Politics of Fear
The film consists of three 1-hour parts, which were first broadcast in the UK in late 2004. The final hour highlights the American government wanting to prosecute bin Laden in absentia for the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings, and needing to prove him to be the head of a criminal organization to do so. They find a former associate of bin Laden, Jamal al-Fadl, and pay him to testify that bin Laden was the head of a massive terrorist organization called "al-Qaeda." (click on the youtube.com link under 'menu' to see the other segments.)
NATO terrorists (1-15) Operation Gladio: 1948-1990
Dead in the water (1-7) The sinking of USS Liberty
McClatchy Washington Bureau | 03/31/2008 | Iranian who brokered Iraqi peace is on U.S. terrorist watch list
McClatchy Washington Bureau | 03/31/2008 | Iranian who brokered Iraqi peace is on U.S. terrorist watch list: "WASHINGTON — The Iranian general who helped broker an end to nearly a week of fighting between Iraqi government forces and Shiite Muslim militiamen in southern Iraq is an unlikely peacemaker."
Iraq war shows limits of US power
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Iraq war shows limits of US power: "Of the other aims, one was unobtainable because Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction to be destroyed, and the other - bringing democracy to the Middle East - has been indefinitely postponed."
Yuan in, dollar out at Cosco Corp
Yuan in, dollar out at Cosco Corp
Singapore-listed shipyard Cosco Corp has begun quoting new sales contracts in Chinese yuan to reduce the impact of any further decline in the U.S. dollar, the company's president said Monday.
Singapore-listed shipyard Cosco Corp has begun quoting new sales contracts in Chinese yuan to reduce the impact of any further decline in the U.S. dollar, the company's president said Monday.
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