Message on a Bottle?

The Muslim lie lingers PoliticoAccording to new poll results, older, white, working-class members of his party still believe this rumor. .... errrgh!!!
Look folks, what is it going to take to get you to accept the truth?
Beer can stickers? Pill bottle ads? Sponsor Sprint cars at the dirt track?
WHAT????

Are Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama killing each other politically? The ScotsmanIn this item Chris Stephen defines "The Tonya Harding Option"

Foreign Wealth Funds Defend U.S. Investments Washington Post by Ariana Eunjung Cha Washington Post Foreign Service

Politicians and Their Preacher Problems CQ Politicsby Madison Powers

Military tells Bush of troop strains Yahoo News by Robert Burns, AP Military Writer

FEDS: Saddam financed lawmakers' trip Yahoo News by Matt Apuzzo, Associated Press Writer

Jimmy Carter

Speaking to the BBC's Matt Frei former President and 2002 Nobel Peace Prize winner was critical of Bush, Cheney, Obama, and Hillary Clinton.

The U.S. tortures prisoners in violation of international law, former President Jimmy Carter said Wednesday, adding that President Bush makes up his own definition of torture.....
YAHOO! News

Bush Sending more troops?

12,000 more Guard troops may be going to Iraq
MSNBC
Deployment order planned to lessen ‘surge’s’ strain on stretched-thin Army

You know what I think?
I think it is too bad a PrayerFlight circling the White House can not be organized. We would need to focus our prayers on Bush's hearing parts and sensitivity place.

Veterans Treatment

According to the TERRIFIC U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website there are 1264 VA Facilities in the USA. My state, Ohio, has 2 National Cemetaries, 1 Regional office, 6 Vet Centers, 29 community Based Outpatient Clinics, 2 Outpatient Clinics, 5 VA Medical Centers and 1 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) which serves veterans in Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeastern Indiana. From the DVA website a Veteran can access information about the facilities available, types of services and special programs available, hours of operation, phone numbers, shuttle service schedule, driving directions, a Veteran can even apply online for VA Services, and so much more I couldn't possibly give you a complete list.

If it is true, that half of our homeless people are Veterans that is a huge shame on us. I wonder if these homeless Veterans could even access the DVA website? You have to be registered to use the computers at my local Library, and when you register, you have to prove residency. How could a homeless Veteran learn where to go for help if he was not welcome at the Library?

In a report dated March 6, 2007, NPR's Melissa Block talks with Bobby Muller, the President of Veterans for America, who tells about the bureaucracy a wounded veteran faces trying to navigate the two systems.

Personally, I don't believe bureaucracy is the only thing too blame for the failures at Walter Reed Hospital (A Dept. of Defense facility). Is Walter Reed another example of Katrina thinking? conservatives just don't like spending tax dollars on the little guy. Also, some of the maintenance problems at Walter Reed could be a result of a readiness relaxation that set in after it was announced the hospital would be closed. Like when you look down at your tennis shoes and see how old and run down they have become and decide to buy a new pair next payday. Maybe you won't keep up the old pair so much after that.

NPR has a web page devoted to the issue. You can listen to reports dating back to Feb. 23, 2007


From the Washington Post, I agree with Sen. Patty Murray D-WA, who "said that she is worried that the Dole-Shalala commission's findings will be ignored by a president that has pushed aside the recommendations of previous bipartisan panels, such as the Iraq Study Group." reported by Josh White.

So We Wait Till '09?

Looks like Democrats will be shooting paper wads at the Bush administration instead of taking significant action toward bringing our troops out of Iraq.

C-Span provides links to S. Con. Res. 4 the resolution authored by Sen. John Warner R-VA and the Biden-Levin-Hagel Proposal S. Con. Res. 2

Tuesday, Feb. 6 2007
Vote On Iraq Is Blocked by GOP USA TODAY by Kathy Kiely (includes a link to the Senate roll call - how they voted) "...Democrats said Republicans are trying to muzzle growing public opposition to the war in Iraq.......Republicans accused Democrats of trying to unfairly limit the debate on Iraq by refusing to agree on certain ground rules.
Monday, Feb. 5, 2007
Iraq Vote Could Resonate in 2008Washington Post by Shailagh Murray and Jonathan Weisman "....Senate Democratic Whip Richard J. Durbin (Ill.) said he was reminding his colleagues that "you're not putting a stamp of approval" on the resolution by allowing the debate to proceed. "We should all remember the engine that's pulling this train -- disapproval of the escalation. All the problems we have, have nothing to do with that issue," Durbin said.
Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007

Senators Unite On Challenge to Bush's Troop Plan Washington Post by Shailagh Murray and Jonathan Weisman
"....After reviewing the Warner revisions, Reid decided the new text would take the place of the original resolution, by Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-Del.), Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl M. Levin (D-Mich.) and Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.). He said the Senate will begin debating the resolution next week, provided Democrats and Republicans can agree on a way to overcome some procedural hurdles."

Had Enough?

Already tired of the same old - same old Democrats?

I am.

I’m already tired of the Democrats not understanding why they are in charge of the Congress and Senate. If I hear the word ethics again I think I’ll puke all over my house slippers. Ethics - smethics! That is not why I voted a straight Democrat ticket for the first time ever. I want this President disarmed. I want us out of Iraq. The death and destruction wrought in my name have become a too heavy burden. I want us OUT of Iraq. I want John Murtha to be part of the leadership because I believe he WILL work tirelessly to get us out of IRAQ.

I wanted a serious change in the faces of the leadership of our Congress, but I didn't get it. I wanted younger faces, new ideas, a different approach. A determined resolve to find a way out of the mess the conservative Republican Congress made. I didn't get it.

Instead, I got Rangel pushing for a draft because he thinks it would be good for younger generations to sacrifice something in service to our country. ....baloney!!!
What about the triple generation deep deficit? Their future economic security looks to be in serious jeopardy. Isn’t that a big enough sacrifice Mr. Rangel?

I had forgot how the DLC talks down to us voters. They just started again and I’m already tired of it.

I’m already tired of seeing Rahm Emanuel’s grinning image standing behind Nancy Pelosi at every news conference.

And the word bipartisan, I’m tired of that word too. Where were all these ‘bipartisan’ folks when the conservative Republicans were running our Congress like a members only private club?

I’m tired of all the manufactured issues. I’m tired of the Rush-monkies talking points about the manufactured issues. I wish I could click my heels and make all the Rush-monkies shut up for awhile.

I’m tired of the swift-boater people, and the exaggerated response to their exaggerated declarations.

I was tired of Margaret Carlson before she left. I like reading Margaret better than hearing Margaret. So I’m not looking forward to seeing her as a Democratic spokes person on the cable news.

Same goes for James Carville.

I’m tired of the 'HRC - will run - won’t run for President in 08' media insider debate. She knows she is going to run, why doesn’t she spit it out and stop the annoyingly unwilling to make a commitment behavior?

I’m tired of ALL the so called legacy candidates on both sides. Jeb, McCain, Gore, any Kennedy, HRC..... and can Democrats not include the name of Obama in every third sentence?

If you voted for a Democrat instead of a Republican because you wanted a leadership change, too bad for you. Now I know how Pamela Ewing felt when Bobby stepped into her shower and told her it was just a bad dream. No, thats the wrong analogy, I should have said 'Back To The Future II'...... getting back was only the beginning. Just like Marty and Doc found out when they got back from the past, Bush’s actions have harshly altered the future the Democrats now control.

WHAT!!!?????

What did New York Congressman Charles Rangel tell Bob Schieffer on Face the Nation about bringing back the draft? Did he actually say he supported the idea? Months ago, Rangel introduced a bill in Congress to bring back the draft which I thought was some kind of ironic jab at the Republican congress. Sounds like he meant it though.

I'll post a link to the "Face The Nation" transcript on Boomer Advocate when it is available on CBS website.

Meanwhile, forget the bird flu, the next pandemic will be voter remorse if the the new Democratic Congress brings back the draft.

Is this the way out?

The difference between my way or the highway and my way’s the only way?

Exit strategy.

Do you know the dictionary definition of the word war?
“a state of open, armed, often prolonged conflict carried on between
nations, states, or parties.”

The Bush White House war on terror lacked a key component, a participating nation. Enter Iraq. The need to put a face on the war against terrorism brought the Bush White House to the attack on Iraq. And thus a reason - several reasons - as it turned out, were given to the American public for that decision. Iraq was made to be a facade for a war with a nationless foe.

So in a certain way, the Iraq war / war on terrorism - is brought to us by, the dead and the maimed combatants, the innocent dead, the orphaned and a deeply disillusioned Iraq nation. Oh, and don’t forget corporate America’s gluttonous desire to trade world wide, our addiction to oil, and a Bush advisory committee who believed my way’s the only way.

President Bush should have been asking, ‘how can we protect our citizens and stay within our laws?’ instead, he aimed his guns at our Constitution and the established treaties our nation has heretofore honored.

Now, he is doing the same thing with his request to prosecute terrorism behind closed doors. He is asking our Congress to find a way around the Supreme Court notice his methods were unconstitutional. President Bush seeks to further shield and mystify the terrorists.

I ask you, sir, with all respect, do you not see the opportunity there at your feet? If you prosecute those men your soldiers have captured and believe to be part of the terrorist network in open court you will give a “face” to your war. And sir, would that not open an exit door in Iraq for our nation and our allies?

I respectfully suggest to you President Bush, that you seek to bring all those you believe to be terrorists to trial in the shining light of our country’s freedom and democratic ideals. I believe that is the pathway to defeating terrorist activity.

In Remembrance on 9/11

Don't let Leiberman off the hook that easy CT voters

The Washington Post's Dan Balz and Shailagh Murray tell how Sen. Lieberman has decided to confront those CT voters who have criticized his support for the Iraq War. What I do not understand about the Connecticut voters is why they think Ned Lamont will make a difference if he goes to the Senate in Lieberman's place. Sure, Lamont might be willing to work tirelessly to end the war, BUT, there is only so much a junior Senator can do..

Don't you think a person who supported the Iraq war and now sorrows for the dead and wounded his vote enabled, feels more responsibility to bring the war to a halt? I do..

Lieberman Confronts Criticism of His War Stance

RE: Censure Bush

Senator Feingold I support your resolution. Too bad your friends in the Senate don't have your back.

Wisconsin Sen. Russ Feingold's resolution to censure President Bush for what he called "illegal wiretapping" drew sharp denunciations from the White House and Senate Republicans on Monday. It also left Feingold's fellow Democrats somewhat wary and divided about the wisdom of pursuing such a rebuke of Bush's conduct. More from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


pusillanimous |ˌpyoōsəˈlanəməs| adjective showing a lack of courage or determination; timid.

Also:
See Democrats with their finger in the wind fail to offer Senator Feingold even faint-hearted support ON his proposal to censure President Bush.

Meanwhile, the winds of disapproval gather strength.

Democrats, y’all are missing the point. This is a simple matter. Our President has placed himself above the law. He used his position to cause an illegal act to be carried out on the citizens of our country.

Congress coming along AFTER the illegal activity has occurred and passing a law making the illegal activity legal - - - - STINKS.

I’ve read reports that imply y’all are waiting till the '06 election is over hoping to gain enough seats to pursue an impeachment. Well, let me tell you this, this gal won’t be voting for your crew if you don’t show me some guts NOW.

I don’t know what is worse. A President who seems to have misplaced his copy of the Constitution or a bunch of elected officials who won’t move on an issue without taking a poll first.

RE: Abramhoff Contacts

ABC News Lawmakers Push Bush on Abramoff Contacts

The Abramhoff scandal throws a spotlight on the reason some folks want religion taught in our schools.

Five questions not to ask a Legislator or President:

1. Do you know Jack?

2. Did you promise him anything?

3. Did you keep your promise?

4. Where's the money, have you spent it yet?

5. What are you planning after 2006?

RE: Iraq withdrawal

Over on spinflurry I posted a link to a Washington Post item written by Ben Connable, a Marine Corp Major who is preparing to go back to Iraq for a third tour of duty. Major Connable says that the war in Iraq is winnable... that the war in Iraq is not a quagmire and that the presence of U.S. military buffers the violence.

If Major Connable believes those things then I should take a wait and watch approach. He sounded credible. Until I got to the 7th paragraph. In the lead sentence of the 7th paragraph Major Connable uses the word "precipitous" in the withdrawal timeline discussion.

Nobody is asking for that.

Why do Republicans keep insisting that we are?

Why don't Republicans argue the true points of Murtha's plan? Why do they take a word like "withdraw" and apply a false and misleading meaning by coupling it to the word precipitous?

I guess what I'm really asking is, why do they keep on lying? Men and women and children have died. More will die before this is over, whether it ends in six months or six years.

Don't the dead deserve an honest debate?

Bush wants military to respond to natural disasters

Apparently, Bush's thinker was on vacation or otherwise preoccupied when he suggested the military could take the lead in responding to catastrophic natural disasters.

A poll published October 3 by USATODAY asked 38 governors what they thought about that.

Two governors like the idea.

Among those opposed? Jeb Bush and Haley Barbour.

Gov. Blanco may wish these two gents had spoke up sooner about this matter. Like maybe right after the FEMA spin machine went after her for not handing Bush control.

Early on it seemed like the FEMA spin machine had dual controls. One set to make Democrats look like twits. And the second FEMA spin machine control was set to GOP looking good cycle.

No wonder Michael Brown got a "good job, Brownie" out of President Bush.

Where Should America Spend Our Tax Dollars?

In a column published Sept. 18 Frank Rich talks about the administration's response to Katrina. Mr. Rich gave me some cause to hope a change could be in the wind, when he mentioned the "Fiscally disastrous conservatism that prizes pork over compassion."

I read that as meaning we are being governed by the most selfish bunch of Americans our history has ever witnessed.

Tom Friedman mentioned the problem of selfishness at the top levels of our government. That is two mentions about our selfish "no-tax policy" since Katrina hit.

How these no-tax folks expect our government to be strong when they refuse to fund it properly I will never understand. There is not a single one of those legislators who would agree to offset their expenses rather than receive pay raises. Why do they ask the government to do that?

And why is it that everything they want to cut is in the social program department? Why is it OK with these selfish louts to spend our money on nation building in IRAQ while our nation falls apart? Why aren't they staunching the flow of money overseas?

Our tax money should be used right here in America first.