Zogby has done polling about favoring impeachment proceedings if found if the President misled the nation about his reasons for going to war with Iraq.
In a sign of the continuing partisan division of the nation, more than two-in-five (42%) voters say that, if it is found that President Bush did not tell the truth about his reasons for going to war with Iraq, Congress should hold him accountable through impeachment. While half (50%) of respondents do not hold this view, supporters of impeachment outweigh opponents in some parts of the country.
…
A large majority of Democrats (59%) say they agree that the President should be impeached if he lied about Iraq, while just three-in-ten (30%) disagree. Among President Bush’s fellow Republicans, a full one-in-four (25%) indicate they would favor impeaching the President under these circumstances, while seven-in-ten (70%) do not. Independents are more closely divided, with 43% favoring impeachment and 49% opposed.
Meanwhile the speech had no effect on his performance numbers:
Just one week ago, President Bush’s job approval stood at a previous low of 44%—but it has now slipped another point to 43%, despite a speech to the nation intended to build support for the Administration and the ongoing Iraq War effort. The Zogby America survey includes calls made both before and after the President’s address, and the results show no discernible “bump” in his job approval, with voter approval of his job performance at 45% in the final day of polling.
So much for the “Promotion of a Culture of Life” as 37 Republican Senators voted for testing of pesticides on fetuses.The 100% all-star Republican lineup voted against the Amendment (Boxer Amdt. No. 1023 ) S.Amdt. 1023 to H.R. 2361 (Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 ) which would allow the EPA "to accept data from human tests on children, pregnant women, newborns, infants and fetuses...Even newborns of 'uncertain viability' could be tested."Included in the “NAY” votes was pro-lifers Rick “man on dog” Santorum and Bill “videotape diagnosis” Frist.
Operation Yellow Elephant, a project which is designed to enlist Young / College Republicans who support the war in Iraq is in trouble.As described from their website:
The objective of OPERATION YELLOW ELEPHANT is to recruit College Republicans and Young Republicans to serve as infantry. They demanded this war and now viciously support it. It's only right that they also experience it.
Like our volunteer military recruiting goals, Operation Yellow Elephant is also coming up short.Although the problem is evidently these Republicans have “injuries” which prevent them from enlisting in the military.However, that doesn’t stop asking the Young Republicans over at GonzagaCollege in Washington state.Here is the email sent to the group who titled themselves, “The Four Horsemen”:
I think I may have stumbled across a sinister plot to destroy our nation's military effectiveness. It seems that nearly every time I ask a College Republican, a Protest Warrior, or a Young Republican to step up and volunteer to serve in Iraq, I'm told that they can't because they have an injury. Take the fine young Protest Warriors from Pass the Ammo for example. Three of the four have back or shoulder injuries that prevent them from serving. Chad's case is particularly sad. Apparently, he can only run in slow motion while shooting his AR-15.
I'm beginning to think that the French are surreptitiously injuring the backs of service age patriots throughout the country. They're probably using soccer to accomplish this. It's a very seditious, euro-centric game. The communists imported it after they grew tired of waiting for fluoridated water to weaken us. I'm working very hard to have soccer added to the Glorious Conservative Christian Cultural Revolution's list of things we must destroy.
I need more data to do this. Could you tell me why you remain at home, eating Cheetos in your mother's basements while other's fight the war you so whole-heartedly demanded? Have you injured your backs playing soccer? Do you drink an inordinate amount of fluoridated water?
Please respond soon. We need to get to the bottom of this.
What about the Republicans in our society who are working in other careers - police officers, firefighters, businessmen and women, contractors, teachers, lawyers, scientists....and so fourth. The issue isn't about the capability of one person - it is about a general need of oneself and as a society it is a common understanding that we want the best people to do the best job.
Looking over the ratings from Bush's Tuesday night prime time speech from Fort BraggNC, it obviously wasn't "worth it" to watch it... even to Republicans.Only 23 million Americans watched the show or about 7.6% or the population.During the 2004 election, 28.5% of registered voters actually identified themselves as Republican.28.5% of 157.1 million registered voters equal 44.8 million Republicans.So let’s use the same percent of registered Republicans watched the speech.That’s 6.6 million Republicans or 2.2% of the US population who are also Republicans watched.In my opinion that is a high estimate too as they are less likely to be uncertain or want withdrawal from Iraq.“Just tell me what my position is and I will think it,” type people.
Even without this meaningless analysis the numbers are still way down.As 34.7 million watched his Social Security speech, and we know how that turned out.
I remember personally when watching the one predetermined applause when the first row of White House staff began to clap.Other troops also joined but I was surprised that many were sitting there still, a few scratching their heads.
So the silence during his speech was more than a little noticeable, both on television and in the hall. On Wednesday, as Mr. Bush's repeated use of the imagery of the Sept. 11 attacks drew bitter criticism from Congressional Democrats, there was a parallel debate under way about whether the troops sat on their hands because they were not impressed, or because they thought that was their orders.
…
Terry Moran, an ABC News White House correspondent, said on the air on Tuesday night that the first to clap appeared to be a woman who works for the White House, arranging events. Some other reporters had the same account, but Captain Earnhardt and others in the back of the room say the applause was started by a group of officers.
Yet the troops continue to be misled and lied to.They were told they were going into Iraq to find WMDs which were an “imminent threat” to the US.Two years after “mission accomplished” and 95% of the troops killed in the conflict, Bush changes the story why they are there yet again…
In 1999, George W. Bush criticized President Clinton for not setting a timetable for exiting Kosovo, and yet he refuses to apply the same standard to his war.
NPR has a fair and accurate account of Bush’s speech and reaction to those who it was actually targeted towards. Unlike the infamous aircraft carrier blunder, which was interrupted 22 times by applause from the troops, there was only a single interruption which was premeditated and faked anyways. Parts of intereset:
Compare that to his triumphant speech aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln on May 1, 2003, when he spoke in front of a crowd of sailors and announced that major combat operations in Iraq had ended. "The United States and our allies have prevailed," he declared.
That address was interrupted 22 times by raucous applause from the service men and women on deck with the president. And the military setting was front and center.
…
Still, the White House had allotted 40 minutes for the remarks. Without the applause that may have been anticipated, Mr. Bush wrapped up in just 28 minutes.
First I am glad Bush reminded me that we were attacked on “September 11, 2001.” Because I forgot it was in “2001,” thanks for mentioning it so many times…
References to “September 11″: 5 References to “weapons of mass destruction”: 0 References to “freedom”: 21 References to “exit strategy”: 0 References to “Saddam Hussein”: 2 References to “Osama Bin Laden”: 2 References to “a mistake”: 1 (setting a timetable for withdrawal) References to “mission”: 11 References to “mission accomplished”: 0
Also ABC News reports that the applause was fake: AMERICAblog
ABC's Terry Moran just reported that the only time Bush got applause was in the middle of his speech when a White House advance team member started clapping all on their own in order to cajole the soldiers into clapping, which they dutifully did.
OK, my speech observations:
Evidently anyone who “attacks” another person can be linked to 9/11.The lies about how “we will fight them” is the new scare tactic. Bush:
And we fight today because terrorists want to attack our country and kill our citizens – and Iraq is where they are making their stand. So we will fight them there … we will fight them across the world – and we will stay in the fight until the fight is won.
So let me get this strait, “them” the “terrorists” not only want us out of Iraq, but want to eventually attack Americans at home.Sure Bush, because how many 9/11 hijackers cam from Iraq?It’s just insulting to our intelligence that we have to hear this.Grouping everyone who fights a US soldier as a “terrorist” and then referring to them as “they” or “them.”Bush really has a grasp on what is going on over there. Bush:
Our military reports that we have killed or captured hundreds of foreign fighters in Iraq who have come from Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Libya and other nations.
Where is the old “you are either with us or against us” Bush… oh yeah…
I am sure there will be more to come.So sad to see him insulting the American people again with trying to create new links with the tired old lies.NOTHING about the original reasons of going to war with Iraq was even addressed, just new old lies and themes.It’s just discourteous to the Americans who have given the sacrifice to their country that Bush mislead and out right lied people into.
Some predictions were right, most were not.He actually did make a half ass called to serve in the military, at least I think that’s what it was, I could be wrong.Overall it was a lot of nothing.
Aftermath observations:
THANK YOU Charlie Rangel, who commented on Fox’s about how it is a fact that Bush wanted to “attack Saddam” even before 9/11. Slowly but surely the truth is coming out as it always should.
Chris Mathews: It is called an IED (Improvized Explosive Device) not IUD (Intraterine Device). Chris was talking about soldiers getting blown up by “IUD’s” in Iraq, in a church. It was funny when the good Christian Baptist women kind of corrected Chris by calling them IED’s. Chris is Catholic so I don’t know what was on his mind. Those pro war Baptits, what did they want to have in the court rooms again... Maybe some more to come…
Here are my personal Bush speech predictions… lets hope that I am wrong.
What you may see:
A lot of “the region” attacked us on 9/11, “the region” needs stabilized, “the region” breeds terrorists,“the region” want to attack us again
Iraqi’s risking their lives to vote, dying to defend their country (although they are only jobs available)
200,000 Iraqi security forces are now trained and dying for their country
Bush will give example of US soldier who was wounded (leg blown off by IED) and wants to go back
Many comparisons or parallels to WWII in terms of the time, lives, money struggle etc.
Some crazy statistics that somehow say we are winning
Bush behind the troops, possibly wearing army attire himself
Some Jesus or God quotes
Theme: This battle / fight / war is the central front in “the war on terror” which started with 9/11 (from “the region”) which we must not lose and “stay the course” to promote democracy.
What you may not see:
No mention of permanent bases
A soldier speaking up, sneering snickering, booing (though that would be so awesome)
Truth about lack of: supplies, protective gear, armor, communication equipment
Bush twins enlisting
A call for volunteering among Americans
No timeline, timetable, maybe some “goals” what we “will” meet
I had some more good ones but forgotten them now, there is just so much crap for any single person to handle.Anyone have anymore they would like to add?
A little late with this one but just goes to show how far to reality the American public has become. In a recent Rasmussen Reports survey found when asked, "Who was more responsible for starting the War in Iraq... Saddam Hussein or President Bush?"The results found that 49% of Americans polled now say Bush is "responsible" for the War in Iraq while 44% blame Hussein.There survey breakdown:
Republican Senator from Pennsylvania Rick "man on dog" Santorum blamed the geographic location of Boston, MA as the cause of the priest sex scandal within the Catholic Church. He called the culture of the area "sick" and it is to blame for "infecting" and "affecting" Catholic priests.
Priests, like all of us, are affected by culture. When the culture is sick, every element in it becomes infected. While it is no excuse for this scandal, it is no surprise that Boston, a seat of academic, political and cultural liberalism in America, lies at the center of the storm.
Somebody tell Santorum that Massachusetts has the lowest divorce rate of any state in the union. Let's only hope this "sick" "man on dog" "liberal" culture does not "infect" the rest of the our country...
It seems like Rummy and Cheney need to get on the same page here, I guess that's Bush's job this Tuesday from Fort Bragg. Let's just wish they do not use troops as props behind Bush just because they have to. If it does happen, let's only hope there is another Spc. Thomas Wilson (soldier who questioned Rumsfeld) among them to speak up about reality.
There is a great article from Knight Ridder Newspapers by Dick Polman. Here are some highlights:
...91.5 percent of all American military deaths have occurred since Bush declared on May 1, 2003, that "major combat" was over.
...
Rumsfeld told "Fox News Sunday," for example, that he had not made optimistic predictions during the prelude to war. Such a claim, he said, is "false. ... I have been balanced and measured." Yet, on Feb. 7, 2003, more than a month before the war began, he predicted that "it could last six days, six weeks, I doubt six months." On Feb. 20, 2003, he told PBS that the Americans "would be welcomed," as happened in Afghanistan, where people in the streets were "playing music, cheering, flying kites." (Seven months later, when a broadcast journalist asked Rumsfeld about his PBS remarks, he replied: "Never said that. Never did. ... You're thinking of somebody else.") Also Sunday, Rumsfeld told NBC's "Meet the Press" that any rosy prewar predictions (which he denies were made) would have been inappropriate. He said: "Anyone who tries to estimate the end, the time, the cost, or the casualties in a war is making a big mistake." Yet it was Cheney, on March 16, 2003, who said "I think it will go relatively quickly ... weeks rather than months." A month earlier, Bush budget official Mitchell E. Daniels Jr. publicly estimated that the war could cost roughly $60 billion. (The current cost is $208 billion.)
...
Rumsfeld did seek, at several points, to defend Cheney's contention that the insurgency is in its last throes. He told "Fox News Sunday" that "last throes could be a violent last throes, or a placid and calm last throes," his way of saying that the insurgency could burn out quickly or persist for years. He did say, however, that "I will anticipate that you'll see an escalation of violence between now and the (next round of Iraqi) elections" next winter.
...
Hence, the new message - upbeat, downbeat and defiant, coupled with fresh charges that liberals and Democrats are weak on defense. In the words of conservative commentator and blogger Andrew Sullivan, "If you want to know how well the administration really believes the war is going, listen to their rhetoric."
The exposed female breast of "Spirit of Justice" has been restored after over three years of banishment.Former Attorney General John D. Ashcroft deemed the female human figure as “dirty” “pornographic” and “embarrassing.”After his departure, the statue has now been restored to its original artistic intentions.The statue was covered in 2002 at a coast of $8,000.The sculptures were created by Prix de Rome winner C. Paul Jennewein, and cost U.S. taxpayers a total of $7,275 when they were commissioned in 1933. The statues have stood in the Great Hall since the Justice Department headquarters building opened in 1936.
From the “We can’t make this crap up” file. Attendees of the annual Young Republican Convention show that these wimps support the war, but don’t want to fight it themselves. Here are some simply unbelievable quotes:Vivian Lee, 17, Los Angeles:
"Frankly, I want to be a politician. I'd like to survive to see that.”However, would join if there is a “dire” troop shortage or, “if there's another Sept. 11."
Somebody tell this kid that there is a “dire” troop shortage and Sept. 11 happens once every year.
Though Lee believes,
"As long as there's a steady stream of volunteers, I don't see why I necessarily should volunteer"
…
Chris Cusman, 21, Rocky Point, N.Y., College Republican:
"If there was a need presented, I would go."Though Chris himself “hasn't really considered volunteering.”
…
Chase Carpenter, 16, Santa Monica, CA, “Moderate Republican”:
"It's always in the back of my mind - to enlist"He did say he was, torn over whether he'd join the military if he were 18.”
…
Tiffanee Hokel, 18, WebsterCity, Iowa:
"I physically probably couldn't do a whole lot… I think I could do more here... We don't have to be there physically to fight it.”
…
Paula Villascaz, 15, Carmichael, CA.:
She doesn't support the war, but she supports the troops and thinks the United States "needs to stay the course" now that it's immersed.But would give “serious thought to volunteering” if Iraq was still an “issue” when she turns 18.
… Matthew Vail, 25, Huntsville, Al, Students for Bush:
"I'm in college right now, but who knows?The bug may get me after college"
John Kerry has send out an email petition to sign an open letter to fire Karl Rove.
The email:
Dear Frankie,
Just hours after learning about an outrageous speech delivered by Karl Rove, President Bush's most senior advisor, I went to the Senate floor -- and I spoke from my heart. I want to share those words with you -- not as a Democrat or Republican, not as a liberal or conservative -- but as an American.
I've attached part of my speech to the end of this email. But, before you read what I said, look again at what Karl Rove said:
(P)erhaps the most important difference between conservatives and liberals can be found in the area of national security. Conservatives saw the savagery of 9/11 and the attacks and prepared for war; liberals saw the savagery of the 9/11 attacks and wanted to prepare indictments and offer therapy and understanding for our attackers.
I hope you will join me right now in signing an open letter to the President urging him to thoroughly reject Karl Rove's purposeful attack on the patriotism of those who dare ask the tough questions that best protect American troops. Sign our open letter to President Bush now:
This isn't the first time that Karl Rove and other White House officials have sought to divide America in ways that make it harder to keep our country safe and our democracy strong. But, it should be the last. That's why I ended my speech with a call on President Bush to fire Karl Rove. It is the only way the President can make it clear that he rejects Rove's effort to distort one of the most unified and patriotic moments in American history into a cheap, divisive, political applause line.
That, of course, is what is most outrageous about Karl Rove's claim that President Bush's political opponents offered "therapy and understanding for our attackers." It isn't true. In the days after 9/11, there were no Democrats, no Republicans. We were all Americans, standing together. President Bush acknowledged that unity in a clear and compelling way at the time.
Now, Karl Rove is purposely twisting those days of unity in order to divide us for political gain. I hope you will act right now to join a growing chorus of Americans calling on the President to fire Karl Rove.
Please act right now. Sign our open letter to the President and pass it on to others. All Americans have to speak with one powerful voice in response to this outrage. I will continue speaking out and I know I can count on you to stand with me.
Sincerely,
John Kerry
The letter:
Dear President Bush,
In the days following the 9/11 attacks, you movingly spoke of the unity of purpose emanating all across America. Now, Karl Rove, your top political aide, wants us to believe that you weren't telling the truth -- that Americans were offering "therapy and understanding to the attackers." You cannot remain silent as your most senior advisor purposely twists the truth about a great moment of American unity for political gain.
It isn't the first time Karl Rove has crossed the line. It needs to be the last. I call on you to thoroughly reject his cheap, divisive efforts to challenge the patriotism of your political opponents. It's time to fire Karl Rove.
From somebody who actually knows 9/11 and had to, and still is fighting the Bush regime for answers. THANK YOU again!
"For the record Karl, does Iraq have any connection to the 9/11 attacks? Because, you and your friends with your collective “understanding of 9/11” seem to be contradicting yourselves about the Iraq-9/11 connection, too. First, we were told that we went to war with Iraq because it was linked to the 9/11 attacks. Then, your rationale was changed to "Iraq has WMD". Then you told us that we needed to invade Iraq because Saddam was a "bad man". And now it turns out that we are in Iraq to bring them "democracy."
...
"More to the point, Karl when you say, “Conservatives saw the savagery of the 9/11 attacks and prepared for war,” what exactly did you do to prepare for your war? Did your preparations include: sound intelligence to warrant your actions; a reasonable entry and exit strategy coupled with a coherent plan to carry out that strategy; the proper training and equipment for the troops you were sending in to fight your war? Did you follow the advice of experts such as General Shinseki who correctly advised you about the troop levels needed to actually succeed in Iraq? No, you didn't."
...
"Karl, you say you “understand” 9/11. Then why did you and your friends so vehemently oppose the creation of a 9/11 Independent Commission? Once the commission was established, why did you refuse to properly fund the Commission by allotting it only a $3 million budget? Why did you refuse to allow access to documents and witnesses for the 9/11 Commissioners? Why did we have to fight so hard for an extension when the Commissioners told us that they needed more time due to your footdragging and stonewalling? Why didn't you want to cooperate so that all Americans could “understand” what happened on 9/11"
...
"It was only after your invasion of Iraq, that Bin Laden's goals were met. Because of your war in Iraq two things happened that helped Bin Laden and the terrorists: al Qaeda recruitment soared and the United States is now alienated from and hated by the rest of the world. In effect, what Bin Laden could not achieve by murdering my husband and 3,000 others on 9/11, you handed to him on a silver platter with your invasion of Iraq - a country that had nothing to do with 9/11."
...
"Which leads me to my final questions for you Karl: What are your motives when it comes to 9/11 and are you really sure that you understand 9/11?"
White House spokesman Scott McClellan says that Karl Rove just meant that Democrats and Republicans had "different philosophies" when it comes to their reactions following 9/11. We agree. Our philosophies couldn't be more different when it comes to fighting international terrorism. Let's compare:
Democrats Believe capturing the person primarily responsible for the attack should be a top priority.
Republicans It's been four years, and Osama bin Laden is still free, even though Bush's CIA chief says he knows where he is.
Democrats Investigate the intelligence failures that led to 9/11.
Republicans Do everything in their power to block the 9/11 Commission from doing its work.
Democrats Propose creating the Department of Homeland Security.
Republicans Push tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.
Democrats Believe we should have stayed the course in Afghanistan, not allowing the Taliban to resurge, the warlords to take power, and the opium trade to skyrocket.
Republicans Ignore Afghanistan as the situation worsens.
Democrats Believe that we should be honest with our troops about the reasons we go to war, give them everything they need to be safe, and make sure we go in with an exit plan.
Republicans Manipulate intelligence to trump up reasons to go to war, don't give our troops the support they need, constantly mislead the public about the direction the war is going, and fail to make an exit plan. And turn Iraq into the ultimate terrorist training ground.
After Karl Rove's appauling comments, Democrats have demanded him to appologize or resign. Rove said:
"Liberals saw the savagery of the 9/11 attacks and wanted to prepare indictments and offer therapy and understanding for our attackers. Conservatives saw the savagery of 9/11 and the attacks and prepared for war. Conservatives saw what happened to us on 9/11 and said we will defeat our enemies. Liberals saw what happened to us and said we must understand our enemies. No more needs to be said about the motives of liberals."
Fuck this guy... and the White House defends this fat pig.Press Secretary Scott McClellan says President Bush's top political adviser was just,
"telling it like it is."
Democrats respond, Reid's statement:
“I am deeply disturbed and disappointed that the Bush White House would continue to use the national tragedy of September 11th to try and divide the country. The lesson our country learned on that terrible morning is that we are strongest when we unite together, that America’s power is in its common spirit of democracy and freedom.
“Karl Rove should immediately and fully apologize for his remarks or he should resign. The lesson of September 11th is not different for conservatives, liberals or moderates. It is equally shared and was repeatedly demonstrated in the weeks and months following this tragedy as Americans of all backgrounds and their elected representatives rallied behind the victims and their families, united in our common determination to bring to justice those responsible for these terrible attacks.
“It is time to stop using September 11th as a political wedge issue. Dividing our country for political gain is an insult to all Americans and to the common memory we all carry with us from that day. When it comes to standing up to terrorists, there are no Republicans or Democrats, only Americans. The Administration should be focused on uniting Americans behind our troops and providing them a strategy for success in the war on terror and the conflict in Iraq. I hope the president will join me in repudiating these remarks and urge Mr. Rove to take appropriate action to right this terrible wrong.”
Edward Klein’s new book, The Truth About Hillary, has been criticized as “trash” from both the left and the right.Even Bill O’Reilly said that he will not cover it, though his reasoning is that it covers "personal stuff” like Kitty Kelly’s The Family.Klein has even back down from his disgusting rape claim which is not even worth repeating.
This brings up the John Kerry rally in Philadelphia on October 25, 2004 in which President Bill Clinton attended.The media hype started from the Drudge Report where Matt Drudge ran with the title:
BOOK CLAIM: HILLARY HUMILIATED AS BILL HAS NEW AFFAIRS
The book makes a claim from a single picture:
“Bill mouth-kissing a supporter. Hillary’s aides noticed that Bill seemed to grow even more reckless after his memoir, My Life, became a big bestseller. He was rolling in money—and hubris. Throwing caution to the wind, he started a torrid affair with a stunning divorcée in her early forties.”
Clendenin commented when interviews by New York Magazine:
“I was there.She kissed him on the cheek. Nothing more. Two seconds out of each other’s lives.The pictures speak for themselves.They make the point I was trying to make in the book, which is that he hasn't stopped being a philanderer. This is one of maybe a dozen people who kissed him on the cheek. It’s like being misquoted . . . I believe that the insinuation of intimacy is a misrepresentation of the photo. It misrepresents my work.”
When the publisher Sentinel, a conservative imprint of the Penguin GroupPenguin Group, was asked about the photo, a spokesperson Will Weisser replied,
“It’s not implying that the woman pictured in the photo is the one he’s having an affair with.”
Side by side comparison from the discolored pixilated Drudge Report headline and the original taken by Clendenin:
Today within a nuclear power plant in Lusby, MD, Bush tried to put the rosiest face on the US economy with a plethora of contradicting and just downright weasel liners.Bush commented that,
"People are working."
Which contradicts all major news about jobs in which: General Motors will cut 25,000 manufacturing jobs, Win-Dixie will cut 22,000 jobs and close 326 stores in and cease operation in four states, and Ford Motor will cut 2,700 white color jobs.
Sure Mr. Bush, some “people are working” but nearly 50,000 people have or soon will lose their jobs. He went on to say:
"The state of our economy is strong… Americans from all walks of life have got good reason to be confident about the future.
Then does admit:
“I understand parts of our country are still struggling.I know some workers are concerned about jobs going overseas. I know some are concerned about gaining the skills necessary to compete in the global market that we live in. I know that families are worried about health care and retirement and I know moms and dads are worried about their children finding good jobs.So even though the numbers are good, there's still worries out there in the country. And these are the challenges of a rapidly changing economy. And we've got the responsibility in government to take the side of our working families."
Funny coming from a man whose official stance on outsourcing is that it’s a “Good Thing.” Instead of admitting there is a major problem when Winn-Dixie us cutting lower paying service jobs, and we really must deal with it, he goes with the old everything is “OK.” 2 + 2 = 5.
O'REILLY: Time now for "Most Ridiculous Item of the Day." A new poll taken in France says relations between Americans and the French are not good, "pas bon." The poll says 70 percent of French citizens feel the USA is not a loyal ally, and 56 percent of Americans believe France is not a reliable friend. We are among that 56 percent and are boycotting French goods and services, which is part of the reason the French don't like us. But we'll remember, we'll lift the boycott if French officials can point to one thing they're doing to help the USA in the war on terror. So far they can't, which might be ridiculous. C'est la vie.
One thing? Here's CENTCOM (US Central Command) on France's many contributions to the war on terror:
French commitment to OEF has been strong and resolute since the beginning of the operation. The French liaison team to HQ USCENTCOM was established on 10 October 2001 to coordinate all matters/issues related to the French contribution to OEF. As soon as United Nations Security Council Resolution 1378 was issued on 18 October 2001, France forces were sent in Afghanistan. Since October 21, French reconnaissance aircraft and air tankers have contributed to the air campaign. They were reinforced between the winter of 2001 and the summer of 2002 by French naval aviation forces and French air force transport planes and fighters. Indeed, France was the first country, along with the United States, to have flown bombing missions over Afghanistan in direct support of American ground troops. French forces arrived on the ground as early as 2 December 2001, securing Mazar-e-Sharif. In total, some 5,500 French service members were sent to the region.
Unless Afghanistan isn't part of the war on terror.
But even if the military's own information proves O'Reilly's a liar, maybe we don't want his French boycott called off: French imports and exports have actually increased since O'Reilly called for a boycott in March 2003. According to the US Census Bureau:
DNC Chairman Howard Dean responds to Dick Cheney’s comments about is mother. Cheney:
"I've never been able to understand his appeal. Maybe his mother loved him, but I've never met anybody who does. He's never won anything, as best I can tell."
Obviously you cannot "tell" that well Dick, or maybe you only acknowledge illegitimate elections.
Dean was elected governor of Vermont five times between 1992 and 2000. Dean replied today in Boston with:
"But we gotta be there and fight in order to do it. And believe me, we are going to fight back. I don't care if Dick Cheney likes my mother or not. We are going to fight back. I think it's great that Dick Cheney went after me, to be honest. At least they notice there's a Democratic Party that's not going to put up with this stuff any more. So there's a lot we're gonna do."
No, it was not the terror alert level that Bush used to help raise record low approval ratings.Bush decided it tell the Southern Baptist convention at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, TN that freedom has, “serious responsibilities.”Which evidently excludes homosexuals or scientific advancements. Bush stated:
“You know that freedom is a divine gift that carries serious responsibilities.We are called by our Creator to use this gift of freedom to build a more compassionate society.A compassionate society protects and defends its most vulnerable members at every stage of life.A compassionate society rejects partial birth abortion. A compassionate society will not sanction the creation of life only to destroy it."
Two brave Republicans have broken ranks among those who have still yet refused to sign the lynching apology resolution.That makes it a very sad 20% of Senate Republicans are essentially pro-lynching.
The updated 100% Republican wall of lynching shame:
Great idea Jesus' General, some I tell all military eligible Repugs, "Enlist or the shut the hell up!" This goes out to all the "Feedom Isn't Free" people and those who like bad country music songs. Your President has called upon you to serve, you know the miltary needs you. Enlist already!
Overview of OPERATION YELLOW ELEPHANT One of the General's readers pointed out that there isn't a good, one stop place to learn everything you need to know about OPERATION YELLOW ELEPHANT. Hopefully, this post will serve that purpose. Check back often for updates.
The objective of OPERATION YELLOW ELEPHANT is to recruit College Republicans and Young Republicans to serve as infantry. They demanded this war and now viciously support it. It's only right that they also experience it.
The General encourages his readers to take the initiative to create materials and to plan and conduct special operations. Please let him know what you've done and he'll try to post it.
Regular readers know that the General is a proud heterosexual, Christian conservative. He is not trying to embarrass the College Republicans. Rather, he believes that by encouraging them to enlist, he is pushing them to be more vocal about the good work their doing to make our homeland safe--things like holding affirmative action bakesales, holding immigrant hunts, almost single-handedly funding Ann Coulter, David Horowitz, and Michelle Malkin, relieving the elderly of the burden of having money, and punching out Joan Jet.
Gov. Jeb Bush asked a prosecutor Friday to investigate why Terri Schiavo collapsed 15 years ago, calling into question how long it took her husband to call 911 after he found her.
In a letter faxed to Pinellas-Pasco County State Attorney Bernie McCabe, Bush said Michael Schiavo testified in a 1992 medical malpractice trial that he found his wife collapsed at 5 a.m., and he said in a 2003 television interview that he found her about 4:30 a.m. He called 911 at 5:40 a.m.
"Between 40 and 70 minutes elapsed before the call was made, and I am aware of no explanation for the delay," Bush wrote. "In light of this new information, I urge you to take a fresh look at this case without any preconceptions as to the outcome."
Michael Schiavo's attorney, George Felos, did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment Friday from The Associated Press. In comments in The Miami Herald, he said Terri Schiavo would not have survived if her husband had not immediately called 911.
"It's absolutely preposterous," Felos said. "If he had waited 70 minutes she would have been dead."
I hope Michael Schiavo sues. He is a man who stayed by his wife the entire time while she was in the hospice which you will never here a right winger say. These people hate families rights, let alone the law.
Let's just say for numbers sake that 43% of the US population is Republican.Given the data from the last CBS News/New York Times poll, it’s safe to say that it must be tough being a Republican these days.Bush’s approval ratings are at an all time rock bottom tail spin low of 42%, while 51% disapprove.That pretty much means only the people who are registered Republican and voted for Bush are sticking with him.(I guess if I voted for him I too would try to save embarrassment and say, “Yes I approve” when called over the phone.)Which is also interesting is his privatizing of Social Security plan (which even the administration admits does nothing to save SS) has hit an all time low of 25%.The economy, the war in Iraq, and foreign policy are all below 40% approval as well.Military action against Iraq is no better, 51% think we should have stayed out while only 45% think it was the right thing.
So what is going on here exactly?Here is a party which owns the White House, both Houses of Congress, the Judiciary, and the Media.It’s in Republicans nature to always approve of their leader, no matter what the issue, predicament or rationalization of facts.The numbers prove that Republicans are “staying the course” when it comes to approval, but they forget to ask their fellow “white Christians” about “what is my position?” on other matters such as: SS, Iraq, the economy, foreign policy as they have slipped below the critical 43% mark. Not too bad for a group of people in which 75% think we found WMD's in Iraq... The official policy of the 2000 Texas Republican Party platform is to abolish the Department of Education by the way.
And it’s not just the general public, Republican Senate and House members are failing to “stay the course” on key White House issues.Just today Republicans joined Democrats in asking Bush to begin sending American troops home from Iraq or at least set forward some sort of exit strategy. Rep. Walter Jones, (R) N.C. stated:
"After 1,700 deaths, over 12,000 wounded and $200 billion spent, we believe it is time to have this debate and this discussion on this resolution."
These Republicans have to run again in 2006.Many of them are beginning to see reality and that although the usual minority Republican vote will be there, it still takes Independents and sadly even Democrats to win elections.Given the current state of public opinion, it is not good to be a Republican.Now where is that terror alert level?
Majority Leader Bill Frist this morning on the Today Show:
LAUER: But when you stood on the floor and you said, She does respond, are you at all worried that you led some senators…
FRIST: I never said, She responded. I said I reviewed the court videotapes – the same ones the other doctors reviewed – and I questioned, Is her diagnosis correct?
HEARINGS ON DOWNING STREET MINUTES MOVED TO U.S. CAPITOL AND MOVED TO 2:30
Important Speakers Added to Line-Up at Rally
Citizens urged to lobby Congress Members and Senators, and to meet at DNC, which is serving as overflow room.
On Thursday June 16, 2005, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room HC-9 of the U.S. Capitol, Rep. John Conyers, Jr., Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and other Congress Members will hold a hearing on the Downing Street Minutes and related evidence of efforts to cook the books on pre-war intelligence.
The hearings had been planned for the Democratic National Committee offices because the Republicans controlling the House Judiciary Committee had refused to permit the ranking Democratic Member to use a large room on the Hill.
However, the Democrats did have access to a small room in the Capitol, and Congressman Conyers has decided to move the hearings there. This does not indicate any change in position from the Republicans.
Freshly-released autopsy results reveal that Terri Shiavo was blind:
Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner Jon Thogmartin concluded that…her brain was about half of normal size when she died. …
Thogmartin says her brain was “profoundly atrophied” – and that the damage was “irreversable.” He also says, “The vision centers of her brain were dead” – meaning she was blind.
Which makes Dr. Frist’s expert “diagnosis” all the more outrageous:
Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), a renowned heart surgeon before becoming Senate majority leader, went to the floor late Thursday night for the second time in 12 hours to argue that Florida doctors had erred in saying Terri Schiavo is in a “persistent vegetative state.”
“I question it based on a review of the video footage which I spent an hour or so looking at last night in my office,” he said in a lengthy speech in which he quoted medical texts and standards. “She certainly seems to respond to visual stimuli.”
After a full day of the original "voice vote" in the US Senate, some Republicans and the only Democrat have joined the majority in co-sponsoring the anti-lynching resolution. Yet still, 15 Republicans have refused to co-sponsor the resolution.What is even more outrageous is Republican Bill Frist vetoed a “roll call” vote, in which each Senator would be recorded in how they voted towards the resolution.This was against the original intentions ofMary Landrieu (D-LA) who wanted an official “roll call” vote.From AmericaBlog:
Frist then tried to blame the debacle on Senators George Allen (R-VA) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA), saying THEY didn't want a real roll vote to put Senators on the record. Not true, say Landrieu and Allen. They WANTED a real vote, but Frist would not allow it. He did NOT want Senators to have to go on the record. Nor did Frist want the issue to come up at all during daytime, because evidently he didn't want the resolution getting much media attention.
And why is that? Was the Republican leader of the Senate afraid that all 100 Senators would support a resolution opposing lynching, and that would be a BAD thing? God forbid America speak with one voice against lynching black people.
What’s even more disgusting are the comments by Republican Senator Lamar Alexander who’s staff was told to reply for the reason in not sponsoring the anti-lynching resolution because she already supported "black history month":
She was very polite and read a prepared statement. It started off with a little misdirection: assuring me that he did not oppose the legislation, and that it passed unanimously, and that he didn't co-sponsor "because" he had already co-sponsored legislation celebrating black history month, and that he intended to bring that one up again.
The All Republican Pro-Lynching Wall of Shame*:
Lamar Alexander (R-TN) Robert Bennett (R-UT) Thad Cochran (R-MS) John Cornyn (R-TX) Michael Crapo (R-ID) Michael Enzi (R-WY) Chuck Grassley (R-IA) Judd Gregg (R-NH) Orrin Hatch (R-UT) Kay Hutchison (R-TX) Jon Kyl (R-AZ) Trent Lott (R-MS) Richard Shelby (R-AL) John Sununu (R-NH) Craig Thomas (R-WY)
First let's say that if you are not racist you should not care which political party you affiliate yourself with. However, 27% of the Republicans in the Senate refused to sign the anti-lynching resolution. Sadly, Kent Conrad the sole Democrat from the great progressive state of North Dakota joined the wall of shame. Here is the list:
Lamar Alexander (R-TN) Robert Bennett (R-UT) Christopher Bond (R-MO) Jim Bunning (R-KY) Conrad Burns (R-MT) Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) Thad Cochran (R-MS) Kent Conrad (D-ND) John Cornyn (R-TX) Michael Crapo (R-ID) Michael Enzi (R-WY) Chuck Grassley (R-IA) Judd Gregg (R-NH) Orrin Hatch (R-UT) Trent Lott (R-MS) Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) Richard Shelby (R-AL) John Sununu (R-NH) Craig Thomas (R-WY) George Voinovich (R-OH)
Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., takes part in a luncheon on Capitol Hill Monday, June 13, 2005, for family members of lynching victims. Seated is James Cameron, 91, is thought to be the only living survivor of a lynching attempt. Nearly 200 descendants of lynching victims were on hand for the Senate apology for blocking anti-lynching legislation at a time when mob violence against blacks was commonplace. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
So let me get his right, Dean calls the GOP the, "...pretty much a white, Christian party" and Republicans are outraged? Are they not proud of what they are? Here are the statistics.
99 percent of all Republican legislators across the country and in Congress are white. Even when Republican states have significant minority populations, the elected Republican representatives rarely are drawn from those communities.
Of 3,643 Republicans serving in the state legislatures, only 44 are minorities, or 1.2 percent. In the Congress, with 274 of the 535 elected senators and representatives Republican, only five are minorities - three Cuban Americans from Florida, a Mexican American from Texas and a Native American senator originally elected as a Democrat. [NOTE FROM JOHN: That means the GOP has elected ZERO blacks to Congress.]
'President Bush's home state leads the way. Texas, with a minority population of 47 percent, has 106 Republicans in the state legislature, but there are 0 blacks and 0 Hispanics among them,'
Thank you for speaking the REAL truth Gov. Chairman Dean! Here is a proud "white" "christian" Republican:
Apparently Fox News has just said "aw, fuck it" when it comes to covering the deaths of American soldiers. They stopped updating their fatality list almost a month ago.
Coming to a courtesy call near you (if on a Republican conservative databases), the long distance provider "United American Technologies" based out of the great progressive state of Oklahoma is selling itself as a, "Christian-based telephone carrier."This long distance provider makes its calls by asking you to press “1” if you oppose gay marriage.One man kept getting these calls and decided to record them.
Starting in late December I began to get phone calls from what I thought was a phone company (United American Technologies) trying to get me to switch from my phone company to a Christian one that didn’t support gay marriage and pornography. It was so weird and creepy that I decided to record them. There are three calls. It turns out that they are from a non-profit that works with United American Technologies and calls people on their behalf. UAT then donates money to them. I think this non-profit stopped making these calls, but UAT still has many other organizations making the calls for them I believe. Though they claimed to donate 10% of their profits to ministries I think the money actually went into an Oklahoma Republican political campaign, but some of it may go to Churches and ministries, I’m not sure. The whole thing is confusing and spooky. But enjoy the calls. You can also read this article from the New York Sun for more information.
This goes right along with his stance that Bush did not use war as a "last resort."
In a statement e-mailed to the Phoenix on Tuesday, Kerry spokesman Setti Warren said, "Senator Kerry believes every American deserves a thorough explanation of the Downing Street memo. The Administration and the Washington Republicans who control Congress insult Americans by refusing to answer even the most basic questions raised in this memo about pre-war intelligence and planning for the aftermath of war. That’s unacceptable, especially with the lives of America’s sons and daughters on the line. John Kerry will demand answers in the Senate. Stay tuned."
A cruise featuring Fox News star Bill O'Reilly that had been shilled on the conservative pundit's popular cable show has been cancelled due to a lack of interest.
The week-long Caribbean cruise, themed "The Battle for American Values," hoped to have 800 passengers on board, but it fell "well short" of its goal, according to The Thomas More Law Center, which was to get a share of the revenue.
"Mr. O'Reilly, who has been a friend of our organization for a long time, wanted to go to bat for us, and a cruise sounded like a good idea at the time," said Dan Costanzo, director of public relations for the conservative think tank.
Al Franken commented:
"I'm very, very disappointed. My wife and I had made it our vacation, and we really had been looking forward to the cruise and hearing Bill O'Reilly talk about the American values all while sailing the high seas."
After 350 Billion, over 1600 of our troops killed, 10,000 injured, and over 100,000 innocent Iraqi civilians killed, mostly women and children, the truth (which anyone with a working brain already knew) is out.This is the smoking gun and bullet.
The Downing Street Memo reported that in a July 23, 2002 meeting between Prime Minister Blair and his war cabinet, attendees of the meeting discussed the fact that President Bush had already made up his mind to attack Iraq. According to the minutes of the meeting:
“There was a perceptible shift in attitude. Military action was now seen as inevitable. Bush wanted to remove Saddam, through military action.”
Yet, as the record below proves, President Bush claimed over and over after July 23rd until the war began that he had not made up his mind.
Bush: “Of course, I haven’t made up my mind we’re going to war with Iraq.” [10/1/02]
Bush:“Hopefully, we can do this peacefully – don’t get me wrong. And if the world were to collectively come together to do so, and to put pressure on Saddam Hussein and convince him to disarm, there’s a chance he may decide to do that. And war is not my first choice, don’t – it’s my last choice.” [11/7/02]
Bush: “This is our attempt to work with the world community to create peace. And the best way for peace is for Mr. Saddam Hussein to disarm. It’s up to him to make his decision.” [12/4/02]
Bush: “You said we’re headed to war in Iraq – I don’t know why you say that. I hope we’re not headed to war in Iraq. I’m the person who gets to decide, not you. I hope this can be done peacefully.” [12/31/02]
Bush: “First of all, you know, I’m hopeful we won’t have to go war, and let’s leave it at that.” [1/2/03]
Bush: “But Saddam Hussein is – he’s treated the demands of the world as a joke up to now, and it was his choice to make. He’s the person who gets to decide war and peace.” [2/7/03]
Bush:“I’ve not made up our mind about military action. Hopefully, this can be done peacefully.” [3/6/03]
Bush: “I want to remind you that it’s his choice to make as to whether or not we go to war. It’s Saddam’s choice. He’s the person that can make the choice of war and peace.” [3/6/03]
Bush: “We are doing everything we can to avoid war in Iraq. But if Saddam Hussein does not disarm peacefully, he will be disarmed by force.” [3/8/03]
Bush: “Should Saddam Hussein choose confrontation, the American people can know that every measure has been taken to avoid war, and every measure will be taken to win it.” [3/17/03]
Two conservative "Christian" groups have threatened to boycott Kraft Foods Inc. and Harris Bank, joining the ranks of the Ford Motor Corporation. Again, the American Family Association is behind the threat who's director of special projects Randy Sharp, states,
"When you look at all the Kraft commercials, they all revolve around family and children," Sharp said. "Now if I go buy Kraft mac and cheese, I'll know that part of my dollar is going to sponsor Olympic-type games for men that have sex together."
Sharp is referring to the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago in which the companies have sponsored in what he considers a "dangerous" and "unhealthy activity."
Embryo - In humans, the developing organism from the time of fertilization until the end of the eighth week of gestation, when it becomes known as a fetus.
Hyde is sticking with Bush, Tom Delay and the religious right although 50 Republicans voted with Democrats across party lines to support additional government stem cell funding. The bill has now moved to the senate for approval where Bush has threatened to veto. Senate Democratic minority leader Harry Reid said Bush was,
"wrong politically, morally and scientifically..."
Usually Ford automobile owners are quite happy people.I tend to think of guys hauling around loads of wood (hmmm?) in their F-250s, a soccer mom with mini van, or a gas guzzling SUV.However, that’s not what the American Family Association has to say.According to their site,
If one looks for the company which has done the most to affirm and promote the homosexual lifestyle, he would be hard-pressed to find a company which has done more than Ford Motor Company. While this is hardly known to the general population, it is well known by numerous homosexual organizations.
The conservative faction also sited the Ford Motor Company and its subsidiary brand names such as: Volvo, Mazda, Land Rover and others as giving financial contributions to organizations such as GLAAD, 2004 Motor City Pride Weekend, as well as sexually oriented ads.
I guess I haven’t “driven a Ford lately.” Could GMC be next?
Failing New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate stands in front of an enthusiastic crowed, the problem is that crowed was originally in a photo with Howard Dean in 2004. I guess there were no pictures of enthusiastic, happy, or even presentable Republicans available so they had to Photoshop one.
Sen. Kay O'Connor said yesterday that she is seeking the Republican (WOW, big suprise there) nomination for secretary of state next year. O'Connor, 63, has served in the Legislature since 1993.
In 2001, O'Connor received national attention for her remarks about the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1920, which gave women the right to vote.
"I think the 19th Amendment, while it's not an evil in and of itself, is a symptom of something I don't approve of," she said at the time. "The 19th Amendment is around because men weren't doing their jobs, and I think that's sad. I believe the man should be the head of the family. The woman should be the heart of the family."
I was listening to Mike Malloy tonight on Air America Radio, and he came up with the best idea for the Bush administration's stance on stem cell research: (paraphrasing)
Why doesn't the two Bush daughters and the two Cheney daughters donate their wombs to these embryos, you could have 80 snowflakes saved between them...
In an upcoming interview with Rolling Stone, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) re-asserts his reputation as an outspoken critic of the his political rivals.
Geez, a press conference, and then answering questions from the press in the oval office, are those approval numbers lacking... Anyways, no big surprise here to any sane person, Bush commented on whether former deputy FBI Director Mark Felt provided a valuable public service or acted improperly. Bush replied,
A group calling itself the Ohio Restoration Project has big plans for Ohio.This faction is attempting to recruit 2,000 pastors to become “Patriot Pastors” in a “OHIO for JESUS Rally.”The event is leading up to the 2006 midterm election which also includes placing voter guides in church pews. From their website:
The Stewardship of our Citizenship is crucial to this hour. The Sacred Trust of Freedom has been purchased with a purpose. From America’s beginning, the Mayflower Compact openly declares that our forefathers were birthing this nation for “the advancement of the Christian faith.” All 50 of our state constitutions acknowledge and give honor to the Lord. The declaration of Independence declares that we are "endowed by our Creator, with certain inalienable rights." With only 5% of the world's population, God has blessed the United States with nearly 40% of the world's wealth. Now more than ever, we are convinced that God has blessed this nation with resources to share the light of God's Word with a world lost in darkness. America has had a mission to share a living Savior with a dying world.
With great Republicans such as "CoinGate" and 2006 gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell, Tony Perkins, and Phil Burress, I am sure it will be a total success.This is so sick one would think it to be satire:
Teaching creation in our public schools has become a federal lawsuit. American universities have become the arteries of spiritual toxic waste. Secularists have hijacked our culture--one year at a time.
Can you say please revoke these churches 501 tax exempt status…
...it may not participate at all in campaign activity for or against political candidates.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
