Just Because We Can Use a Reminder

If you believe in this message - post a comment with one simple word: Peace.

No End in Sight Trailer

Candidate Response (kind of)

Forgive the lower frequency of posts for the past few days. I have been away.

While away, I received one message back from the candidates regarding my question about fear to live in the US. Well, actually from one of the "volunteers" from the Ron Paul campaign. Not much. But for what it's worth here's the message:

Thanks for your note. I can't speak for Dr. Paul, but I myself don't feel
safer with my civil liberties eroded they way they have been under the Bush
Administration.

Yours in liberty,
Matt G. -- Volunteer
Ron Paul 2008

I have somewhat enjoyed Paul's campaign for his desire to hold the Bush administration accoutable for their criminal actions, as this statement suggests. I imagine Paul would not let a volunteer from his campaign stray too far from his point of view as well. In all other aspects, however, Ron Paul is crazy. The amount of change he proposes is absurd and frankly bogus. But he will not receive a nomination any time soon so we won't have to worry. Unless he ends up on the Libertarian ticket or something. But then we still won't have to worry I suppose.

Thanks "Matt G" for the response.

Interesting Interview with Ron Paul

Ron Paul's Libertarian Message Attracts Supporters

All Things Considered, July 25, 2007 · Republican congressman and presidential hopeful Ron Paul has distinguished himself from the pack with his libertarian message, and his campaign's momentum has been accelerating with impressive speed.

Paul is a doctor — an obstetrician and gynecologist who was an Air Force flight surgeon in the 1960s.

In Congress, he is a steadfast opponent of big government, voting against many tax increases, against the USA Patriot Act, and against two wars with Iraq.

The former Libertarian presidential candidate has created a stir on the Internet. He also has raised a significant amount of money while spending very little, which gives him about the same amount of cash in the bank as one-time Republican front-runner John McCain.

Paul, the only Republican to vote against the current war in Iraq, talks to Robert Siegel about the Middle East, U.S. foreign policy, congressional pensions and other issues he is highlighting on the campaign trail.

If you were president, how fast and how far would you withdraw from Iraq?

As quickly as possible and as far away as possible. I think the military people have to tell you how fast you can do it safely, but it wouldn't be one of these things [where I would] wait six months to start. I would do it immediately; I would certainly move the Navy away from the shores of Iran — and from intimidating Iran and trying to provoke them and [to] spread the war…. Of course, in the overall foreign policy, I'd like to bring the troops home from most other places around the world, too.

Get the troops back on American soil? That's what you propose?

That is correct.

Withdraw the Navy from the Persian Gulf?

Yes, definitely, because that [having U.S. ships there] is very provoking and that sends a signal that we're there for the oil, and a lot of people do admit that. We don't care about some of the problems in Africa like we care about the problems in the Middle East, and oil is one of the big factors.

You would also, if you had your druthers, withdraw from NATO?

Yes, certainly. That is sort of an old right, conservative Republican position, and certainly after the Cold War ended, there was a lot less need for NATO. I think NATO is embarking in the wrong direction right now by moving right up to the borders of Russia and almost trying to renew the Cold War unnecessarily.

Out of the United Nations?

Yes, I certainly think so, because it's part of the draining of our resources. It's not like you have to close it down in one day…. If you could immediately limit it to the participation in war, it wouldn't bother me quite so much. But I don't think our interests are well served by giving some of our sovereignty up.

What you've described as an old, conservative Republican view of foreign affairs is called, in many quarters, isolationism.

Some people who would like to diminish its value call it that. I don't call it that, because to me, it's the opposite. It conforms with what the founders advised, and that is, yes, we don't get involved in the entangling alliances and the internal affairs of other nations, but they strongly advocated trade and talking and travel. And now that we follow that policy with Vietnam … [the country] has Westernized; we trade with them; their president comes here, we invest in Vietnam. So we achieved in peace what we couldn't achieve with war. But it's a far cry from isolationism.

Do I have it right that in your years in Congress, you have not taken advantage of the congressional pension system?

That is correct. Of course, you only take advantage [of the pension] when you leave. No, I don't participate. My wife sometimes asks me about it — the wisdom of all this.

Why don't you take part in it?

On principle… [i]t's probably not quite as biased an advantage as it used to be. But when I first went into Congress, it was such a biased system, and so I saw this as an abuse of power, and a privilege that members of Congress should not have.

You have not taken congressional trips overseas.

No…. I don't because too many times they're junkets. Sometimes they're done with great sincerity, but since I'm a noninterventionist, I already know what our dealings should be with other countries. I don't need to go and check on how our money's being spent. I don't want to spend the money.

Have you traveled on your own nickel overseas as a congressman?

Not very often. I did… a lot of traveling as a flight surgeon. But since that time, I've only made one major trip, and it was a major economic event: a translation of a major economic textbook… into Czech, and so I went to Prague to help celebrate this translation, and that was done with personal finances, as well as help from the University of Prague.

I want to ask you a couple of quick things. I want to ask you first about your exchange with [New York] Mayor [Rudy] Giuliani in the recent debate when you said, look at why al-Qaida struck at New York — the U.S. had been bombing Iraq, the U.S. presence in the Middle East was what they were objecting to — and Mayor Giuliani turned on you as if to say, you've just said it was as if the U.S. deserved the attacks of Sept. 11.

It was a political deal for him to try to jump on that, but it was absurd. It's sort of like, we find a murderer and we look for the motive — then you're blaming the victim. No, I'm not blaming the victim, I'm not blaming the American people, but I am blaming American policy for contributing to the problem. I defended that with quotes from the 9/11 Report, quotes from [Paul] Wolfowitz... and then the most preposterous thing he said was that he had never heard of such a thing. Well, where has he been? That's why I presented him a list of books — if you just read this, you would know where these ideas come from, because it's a condition that has been described clearly by the CIA, that there is blowback. These things come back to hit us..... If you look at the Iranian problems today, that started in 1953 when we first threw over a democratically elected leader, and we've been suffering ever since.

Realistically, what chance do you give yourself of winning the Republican nomination?

A lot more than it was six months ago, I tell you that. We're in the top tier now; we're third and fourth in money and money in the bank, and our numbers are growing. But I know what the odds are. But I also know how many young people and others are very receptive to this, and said, you know, it's about time we talked about freedom rather than how the government is going to take care of us from cradle to grave, invade our privacy, fight these war[s], and run the economy.

This transcript has been edited for clarity.

GoLeft TV - July 24 News

Email to the Candidates

I was able to track down some email contacts for some of the candidates. None of them really have a snowballs chance in a world affected by Global Climate Change (clever, I know) but I thought I'd ask them a quick question. I asked them:

Are you more afraid to live in this country now than you were seven years ago? Do you think that, in general, Americans now live their lives with more fear than seven years ago? If so, can this fear be mended with you as president?

The question was asked to Bill Richardson, Joe Biden, Mike Gravel, Mike Huckabee, Ron Paul, and Mitt Romney.

I will certainly post the candidates answers on this blog if any should come in.

Candidates: Bill Richardson

I thought I would take a quick look at my new favorite candidate - Bill Richardson. Not because I think he will get the nomination but because I think he might get the VP nom. So here's just a few things I found.

He wants OUT of Iraq NOW! Even by the end of this year while Dubya's still in charge. Wow. Good luck. But I'm completely behind you on that. Richardson thinks the money being wasted over there would be better spent on domestic issues. Sense? What?

Climate Change prevention? Check. He did it already in New Mexico by making it a "Clean Energy State." Don't know what that means entirely but it sounds pretty good to me.

Pro-Choice? Yep.

Equal Rights? He's got that too folks.

I am a little confused by Richardson's Health Care Plan. You can read it for yourself here http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/issues/healthcare. Key words here is "affordable" health care. I believe the States could achieve what every other industrialized nation has and have universal, free health care for all. So we differ a bit here. However, there is no question that this plan is better than we have now. But then, better than what we have now on anything is not hard to achieve.

And, lastly, from his website:

This administration’s lack of realism has led us to a dangerous place. We need to take a different path. A path based on reality, not unilateralist illusions. A path that understands that the gravest dangers that threaten us today do not threaten only us – and that therefore to pursue our national interest and meet these challenges we must work with our friends, our enemies, and everyone in between. This is a path not of hard words, but of hard work. A path of moral strength, not pious judgments. A path of strong diplomacy, backed up by a strong military and strong alliances. This is the path of American leadership.

Nice.

Chance of Nomination: 10%

YouTube Debate Review

I don't really have that much to say about the YouTube Debate other than I thought it was one of the greatest presidential debates I can recall seeing. The questions were pointed and somewhat different. And they were coming from what seemed to be passionate, concerned voters looking for answers.

That's not to say that we got answers however. Almost all the candidates seemed to avoid straight answers just as politicians always do. Especially the front runners who actually have a chance at the nomination. The crazies like Gravel had no problem with straight talk and you see what effect that's been having on his poll numbers.

My favorite candidate of the evening was Bill Richardson. I really haven't paid much attention to him, nor do I think I should since he won't get the nomination, but he intrigued me nonetheless. I think he has the best exit strategy for Iraq withdrawal, the best stance on gay marriage, immigration, and education reform. And a nice speaking style that makes me believe him with the right balance of compassion, anger, and, for lack of a better word, chutzbah. But I'm thinking he would be a very good choice for VP for Hillary. Oops. I spoke to soon. But you know its true folks. Lets all just start getting used to it now shall we? And he would be a great face for the rising Latino poplulation in the States. Best of all, what would scare the Taliban and Republicans more than a woman and a Latino running this country? It's perfect.

And a few more awards for the evening:

Best Performance from a Candidate Who May Actually Win: Hillary Clinton

Most Dodged Questions: Hillary Clinton

Most Awkward Moment: John Edwards talking about women's rights

Best YouTube Question: The montage on how to fix healthcare

The Missing Question: Abortion

Most Brady Bunch Moment: All the candidates loving the candidate to the left of them. Irony anyone?

Greatest Moment: Dennis Kucinich: "Notice they didn't put anyone to the left of me." Anderson Cooper: "I don't think it's possible."

YouTube Debate Winners

I'll have a more in depth review of the debate tomorrow but for now - something quick:

Winner: Bill Richardson
Runner Up: Joe Biden
Best Performance from Someone Who Will Not Get the Nomination: Bill Richardson
Worst Performance: The cameramen who decided to go with so many tight face shots
Most Ornary: Mike Gravel
Best Performance from a Female: Hillary Clinton

YouTube Debate Tonight

I hope everyone will get a chance to watch the first YouTube debates tonight on CNN. I think it should be pretty interesting and certainly historic. The Democrats, I imagine, will pretend to take it in stride and play it real cool as they "connect with the people." You know they're scared as hell as to what they're going to be asked. The Republicans will be even more awkward however. That should be the most interesting. But anyway, I'll be putting in a review tomorrow.

Questions about Giuliani

I keep hearing a lot about Rudy Giuliani. He's a fraud. A flip flopper. Whatever. What do people think of him? Is he pro choice? What does he think of Global Climate Change? How about gay rights? I can't figure this guy out. Your knowledge is welcome and any sources you have for it would be great. Thanks.

RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!

Cheney to be in charge during Bush colonoscopy
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/20/bush.colonoscopy/index.html

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Vice President Dick Cheney will serve as acting president briefly Saturday while President Bush is anesthetized for a routine colonoscopy, White House spokesman Tony Snow said Friday.

Bush is scheduled to have the medical procedure, expected to take about 2 1/2 hours, at the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland, Snow said.

Bush's last colonoscopy was in June 2002, and no abnormalities were found, Snow said.

The president's doctor had recommended a repeat procedure in about five years.

The procedure will be supervised by Dr. Richard Tubb and conducted by a multidisciplinary team from the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Snow said.

A colonoscopy is the most sensitive test for colon cancer, rectal cancer and polyps, small clumps of cells that can become cancerous, according to the Mayo Clinic. Small polyps may be removed during the procedure.

Snow said that was the case when Bush had colonoscopies before becoming president.
Snow himself is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer that began in his colon and spread to his liver.

Snow told reporters he had a chemo session scheduled later Friday. Watch Snow talk about Bush's procedure and his own colon cancer »

"The president wants to encourage everybody to use surveillance," Snow said.

The American Cancer Society recommends that people without high-risk factors or symptoms begin getting screened for signs of colorectal cancer at age 50.

Candidates: Rudy Giuliani

I really thought I liked Giuliani when he was the mayor of New York. I really knew nothing about his politics nor did I care. I thought he handled 9/11 really well and vividly remember his speech to America on SNL saying it was okay to laugh again. But that’s in the past and I would rather consider the now when looking into his nomination.

Giuliani reminds me in a strange way of Barack Obama. Both have used this kind of “real guy” charisma as the basis of their campaign. Giuliani has seemingly no dirty laundry that has not already been hung out to dry. But he doesn’t shove it in our face in the same way that Obama does. While Obama seems to say, “Look at how normal and great I am! Vote for me!” Giuliani says, “Yeah, what’re you gonna do about it?” And I kind of like that. But let’s talk about his politics a wee bit shall we?

For what its worth, Giuliani lists “12 Commitments to the American People” on his website www.joinrudy2008.com:

I will keep America on offense in the Terrorists' War on us.
I will end illegal immigration, secure our borders, and identify every non-citizen in our nation.
I will restore fiscal discipline and cut wasteful Washington spending.
I will cut taxes and reform the tax code.
I will impose accountability on Washington.
I will lead America towards energy independence.
I will give Americans more control over and access to health care with affordable and portable free-market solutions.
I will increase adoptions, decrease abortions, and protect the quality of life for our children.
I will reform the legal system and appoint strict constructionist judges.
I will ensure that every community in America is prepared for terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
I will provide access to a quality education to every child in America by giving real school choice to parents.
I will expand America's involvement in the global economy and strengthen our reputation around the world.

Ok. Whatever that means. Seems like a list of empty promises that look good on paper anyways. But there is nothing very new here. For a Republican anyway. And I thought this guy used to be pro choice? I need to look further than these “commitments.”

I think he really is kind of pro choice. He says he “supports reasonable restrictions on abortion.” Yeah so do I. Nine months is a little late. So this issue is a little shrouded in creative jargon that is appealing both to liberals and conservatives.

Iraq. Giuliani really seems to think the war is a mistake and a bad thing but that it must be won. While I believe it has already been lost, he is still going to truck on it seems. And wants no “artificial timetable” for withdrawl. Damn. This things going to go on forever.

I don’t quite know how one can make tax cuts and restore fiscal discipline in times of mass deficit. But that’s one of those magical Republican mysteries.

And there’s some other stuff on his website. But noticeably absent is the issue of global climate change. In my research I can’t find Giuliani’s specific beliefs on GCC. One of his “commitments” is to create energy independence. But I see no real plan for dealing with this.

Giuliani seems very mysterious to me. I don’t really get him on a lot of things because he doesn’t make things very clear. The mark of someone who will get the nomination. And it is for that reason that I am almost certain Giuliani will be getting the Republican nomination. I’ll have to investigate further when he gets the coveted seat.

Chance of nomination: 85%

Fear

It has recently occured to me just how much the United States is dominated by fear. A fear which has been replaced by a security in superiority over the rest of the world. Let's use a historical example to illustrate my point.

Rome. Rome is quite possibly the greatest superpower in history. (The Egyptians, Third Reich, Napoleon's France, and Colonial England also can top the list.) They pretty much did whatever they wanted, killed who ever the wanted, raped, pillaged, and just generally told other people what to do. And who was going to argue with a sword? But eventually people got sick of it. And major corruption, politically and economically split the empire in two and eventually destroyed itself with its own arrogance.

See where I'm going with this? I see the States in a very similar way. And instead of the Colliseum, we have a never ending string of reality shows and game shows hosted by the nobodys of yesteryear - Wayne Brady, Joey Fatone, Drew Carey, and Howie Mandel. But I digress.

What is happening now is our period of downfall. We think we're still all that and a bag of chips but we're just... well... a bag of chips. And "Better Made" brand chips at that. It is easy to see political corruption with a government that has absolutely NO FUCKING CLUE what they are doing and a population that is continually being lied to and brainwashed. And our division as a country is not a physical one but it is very real. Red America and Blue America are two seperate worlds. And uniting now seems a very unlikely possibility. (Though "I'm a Uniter Not a Divider" might disagree. Asshole.) Economic disparity does not take an expert to notice in the United States. I have a father out of work and I notice it everyday.

So we return to fear. I think Bush is afraid out of his fucking mind. That is the reason he went into war in the first place. He can't stand a sense of a culture and people different than his own in the world that America somehow owns. I don't support a lot of fundamentalist Islams doctrines either but the really great thing is I don't have have to. I don't support most Christians ideas either. So what? They don't bother me. (Unless they tell me who to marry and what I can do with MY body. Then, yeah, we have issues.) I don't bother them. I go on with the rest of my life. But Bush is afraid of the "different" people with brown skin and funny clothes. "Not in MY world" the racist, close-minded bastard says, "Who's got a weapon?"

Absurd. Fucking absurd.

America needs to stop being so afraid. Because fear only produces vulnerability. And when you are vulnerable, you will do whatever the man in charge tells you to do. Why? Because the man in the white doctor coat knows more than you. So what if he's a pedophile and rapist.

There are other people in this world! We are no longer a superpower like we used to be and like so many before us were. So stop being so arrogant, stubborn, and just plain rude. I am NOT proud to be an American in THIS America. Take a lesson from England, Germany, France, and other former superpowers and just live your lives knowing that you are NOT the greatest person or country in the world and you DO NOT know the right and just way to do something. Because you aren't and you don't. Stop being afraid that the "others," that "they," are going to come into our cozy little home and change you. Whats so bad about change anyway if it does happen?

And for those that say we cannot face another chance of an attack like 9/11, you are just foolish. YOU CANNOT LIVE YOUR LIFE IN CONSTANT FEAR OF TOMORROW! The chances of you dying in a car crash are far greater than you being killed by a terrorist. And I see no reduction in driving. (Except maybe from high gas prices. Thanks again Dubya.) So wake up and live your life people.

I'm awake!

For Those Who Can't Wait

http://www.canadahomes4sale.com/

I'm Tired

Senate Republicans Block Iraq Troop Pullout
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12055943

NPR.org, July 18, 2007 · Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked an effort by Democrats to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq by April.

After an all-night session, the 52-47 vote fell short of the 60 votes needed to cut off debate under Senate rules. It was a sound defeat for Democrats who say the U.S. military campaign, in its fifth year and requiring 158,000 troops, cannot quell the sectarian violence in Iraq.

"We have to get us out of a middle of a civil war," said Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE), chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. A political solution must be found "so when we leave Iraq, we don't just send our children home, we don't have to send our grandchildren back."

As members cast their votes, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice hurried between private meetings with lawmakers in their Capitol Hill offices to make the administration's case for the war.

The Democratic proposal, by Sens. Carl Levin (D-MI) and Jack Reed (D-RI), would have required the president to start bringing home troops within 120 days and complete the pullout by April 30, 2008.

Under the bill, an unspecified number of troops could remain behind to conduct a narrow set of missions: counterterrorism, protection of U.S. assets and the training of Iraqi security forces.

Republicans were mostly unified in their opposition to setting a deadline for troop withdrawals, with a few exceptions. Three Republicans — Sens. Gordon Smith of Oregon, Olympia Snowe of Maine and Chuck Hagel of Nebraska — had announced previously that they would support the measure.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who is up for re-election next year, also voted to advance the bill.

Other GOP members, while uneasy about the war, said they could not support legislation that would force President Bush to adhere to a firm pullout date.

"The amendment tells our enemies when they can take over in Iraq," said Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), who is also up for re-election next year.

The bill "is the wrong approach at the wrong time," he added.

Among lawmakers scheduled to meet with Rice were Biden, Smith, Sen. John Warner (R-VA) and House Republican leader John Boehne of Ohio.

From Associated Press reports

I'm Awake!

A week or so ago, Melissa Etheridge did a great set at the Live Earth concert. She gave a scathing oration about the Bush administration and all the shit that can be attributed to them. (I have posted the YouTube videos on this blog.) I loved every second of it. Etheridge provoked everyone to tell people, "I'm awake!" in an effort to "scare the hell" out of the Bush administration.

And this week, perhaps more than I have in quite some time, I am unbelievably pissed off at Bush and his cronies. Does he not think anyone is listening anymore? Why are people just sitting back and letting Bush get away with criminal behavior? Are we all asleep or something? This is ridiculous.

I'M AWAKE!

We are hearing new reports about Al Qaeda being stronger than ever. Am I concerned? No. Do I know anyone that is? No. Why? Because no one cares what this administration has to say anymore. We are so sick of the lies and constant stubborness of Bush, we aren't paying attention anymore. No one cares. And I'm no expert and have done absolutely no research on the subject but I see no reason why another terrorist attack - here or abroad is not imminent. London just had one. There will be another one. Should I be afraid? Hell no. Bush has tried to scare us all into submissive robots willing to submit to whatever he wishes so he can violate the constitution and international human rights in order to spread "democracy," "freedom," and "Christianity" to a country that not only doesn't want it but doesn't need it.

I'M AWAKE!

And I'm pissed off. Bush also put the breaks on some bill that he says promotes "socialized medicine." Yeah do you know how horrible this place would be if we were able to have guarenteed free medical care. A hell hole thats what. An organized, healthy, comfortable hell hole. Now who would want that?

I'M AWAKE!

I can't do this anymore. We need something to happen here. And the really great thing is our congress is taking a month long vacation and the war will have to be put on hold until September. September! Are you fucking kidding me? You're just going to let this thing keep going, and keep innocent people dying, and keep Al Qaeda growing stronger for another month! I hope you enjoy sipping your pina colada on a beach in the Carribean while millions suffer from this pointless war. You people make me sick.

I'M AWAKE! Are you?

Our Baby Enters the Argumentative Tween Years

Maliki: Iraq Able to Keep Security After U.S. Exit
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11980818

Weekend Edition Saturday, July 14, 2007 · Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Saturday that the Iraqi army and police are capable of keeping security in the country when American troops leave "any time they want," though he acknowledged the forces need further weapons and training.

The embattled prime minister sought to show confidence at a time when congressional pressure is growing for a withdrawal and the Bush administration reported little progress had been made on the most vital of a series of political benchmarks it wants al-Maliki to carry out.

Al-Maliki said difficulty in enacting the measures was "natural" given Iraq's turmoil.

But one of his top aides, Hassan al-Suneid, rankled at the assessment, saying the U.S. was treating Iraq like "an experiment in an American laboratory." He sharply criticised the U.S. military, saying it was committing human rights violations, embarassing the Iraqi government with its tactics and cooperating with "gangs of killers" in its campaign against al-Qaida in Iraq.

Al-Suneid's comments were a rare show of frustration toward the Americans from within al-Maliki's inner circle as the prime minister struggles to overcome deep divisions between Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish members of his coalition and enact the American-drawn list of benchmarks.

In new violence in Baghdad on Saturday, a car bomb leveled a two-story apartment building, and a suicide bomber plowed his explosives-packed vehicle into a line of cars at a gas station. The two attacks killed at least eight people, police officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorize to release details of the attacks.

Thursday's White House assessment of progress on the benchmarks fueled calls among congressional critics of the Iraqi policy for a change in strategy, including a withdrawal of American forces.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari warned earlier this week of civil war and the government's collapse if the Americans leave. But al-Maliki told reporters Saturday, "We say in full confidence that we are able, God willing, to take the responsibility completely in running the security file if the international forces withdraw at any time they want."

But he added that Iraqi forces are "still in need of more weapons and rehabilitation" to be ready in the case of a withdrawal.

On Friday, the Pentagon conceded that the Iraqi army has become more reliant on the U.S. military. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Peter Pace, said the number of Iraqi batallions able to operate on their own without U.S. support has dropped in recent months from 10 to six, though he said the fall was in part due to attrition from stepped-up offensives.

Al-Maliki told a Baghdad press conference that his government needs "time and effort" to enact the political reforms that Washington seeks - "particularly since the political process is facing security, economic and services pressures, as well as regional and international interference."

"These difficulties can be read as a big success, not negative points, when they are viewed under the shadow of the big challenges," he said.

In the White House strategy, beefed-up American forces have been waging intensified security crackdowns in Baghdad and areas to the north and south for nearly a month. The goal is to bring quiet to the capital while al-Maliki gives Sunni Arabs a greater role in the goverment and political process, lessening support for the insurgency.

But the benchmarks have been blocked by divisions among Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish leaders. In August, the parliament is taking a one month vacation - a shorter break than the usual two months, but still enough to anger some in Congress who say lawmakers should push through the measures.

Al-Suneid, a Shiite lawmaker close to al-Maliki, bristled at the pressure. He called Thursday's report "objective," but added, "this bothers us a lot that the situation looks as if it is an experiment in an American laboratory (judging) whether we succeed or fail."

He also told The Associated Press that al-Maliki has problems with the top U.S. commander Gen. David Petraeus, who works along a "purely American vision."

He criticized U.S. overtures to Sunni groups in Anbar and Diyala, encouraging former insurgents to join the fight against al-Qaida in Iraq. "These are gangs of killers," he said.

"There are disagreements that the strategy that Petraeus is following might succeed in confronting al-Qaida in the early period but it will leave Iraq an armed nation, an armed society and militias," said al-Suneid.

He said that the U.S. authorities have embarrassed al-Maliki' government through acts such as constructing a wall around Baghdad's Sunni neighborhood of Azamiyah and repeated raids on suspected Shiite militiamen in the capital's eastern slum of Sadr City. He said the U.S. use of airstrikes to hit suspected insurgent positions also kills civilians.

"This embarrasses the government in front of its people," he said, calling the civilian deaths a "human rights violation."

From The Associated Press

Give It a Rest People!

Gates, Rice Try to Firm Support for War on Terror
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11957597

NPR.org, July 13, 2007 · The Bush administration on Friday launched a campaign to shore up support for the war on terror, a day after Congress handed the president a stinging rebuke by voting in favor of a U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said al-Qaida has become a "franchise organization" and that it was gaining a foothold in North Africa. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, meanwhile, echoed the administration's call for more time to see results from the troop surge in Iraq.

But soon after those comments were made, two of President Bush's fellow Republicans in the Senate urged him to draft plans to begin a possible troop withdrawal by the end of the year.

The proposal from Sens. John Warner (R-VA) and Richard Lugar (R-IN) would leave it up to the president to order any pullout of troops. But it underscores the growing bipartisan opposition in Congress to the increasingly unpopular war.

Friday, the administration sought to deflect attention away from the Iraqi government's struggles and toward the United States' need to fight terrorism — in Iraq and elsewhere.

At a news conference with Gen. William Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary Gates also told journalists that following the ouster of the Taliban in 2002, Osama bin Laden and his lieutenants had been forced to operate in "primitive conditions," which had precluded "the kind of centralized control they had before 9/11."

As a result, al-Qaida units around the world had been forced to work semiautonomously, while continuing to receive strategic guidance from Osama bin Laden and his lieutenants.

The attempt to clarify Washington's thinking on the terrorist network came a day after President Bush disputed media characterizations that a U.S. intelligence report indicated that al-Qaida was "stronger than ever" and the House voted for a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq beginning in April.

After the 223-201 vote for a Democratic proposal to force a U.S. troop withdrawal by next spring, Rice acknowledged in a round of television interviews that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government has not achieved "as much progress as we would like."

The White House took the position that the House vote shows, "we have at least a cohesive position on our side for now," said the deputy press secretary.

"We are under no illusion, and we're very clear-eyed about the fact that we have a lot of work to do to talk to members of Congress, hear what they have to say," White House spokesperson Dana Perino said Friday.

Rice on Friday exhorted congressional critics of Iraq war policy Friday to give the Bush administration and the fledgling government in Baghdad until September to "make a coherent judgment of where we are."

"We shouldn't just dismiss as inconsequential the progress that they have made," she argued.

Rice echoed a more conciliatory tone adopted by the president in recent weeks, acknowledging what Bush on Thursday called "war fatigue" among the public.

"I understand people's concern. I understand people's impatience," she said. But Rice, who appeared on Fox News, ABC, CBS and CNN, said "we ought to stick" to the troop build up strategy that President Bush announced in January.

Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, a top U.S. commander in Iraq, told Pentagon reporters via a video linkup from Iraq that "there will be consequences" if U.S. troops are withdrawn too soon.

"With the support of the American people, I'm convinced that we can continue to make progress," he said.

"What troubles me about this debate - and it is important and it needs to be debated, for sure - is it seems to me that we should first decide what we want the end state to be in Iraq … and determine how we can reach that end state and how much time it will take," added Mixon, who commands troops in northern Iraq, including the violent Diyala province.

He enumerated several military successes - the number of militants captured, weapons caches seized, terrain retaken and so on. But he also acknowledged that much work remains.

Congressional Democrats, saying the war was draining U.S. assets from the fight against al-Qaida, moved Friday to highlight what they see as a major failure in Bush's war on terror: the inability to bring bin Laden to justice.

The Senate voted 87-1 in favor of doubling the reward to $50 million for information leading to his capture. The bill also would require regular classified reports from the administration explaining what steps it's taking to find bin Laden.

Melissa Etheridge Live Earth Part 2 of 2

Melissa Etheridge Live Earth Part 1 of 2

Amazing

I Need To Wake Up

7.7.07

This is an exciting day. Global Climate Change has been real and talked about on and off again for years. Today is the first day I can remember that the whole globe seems to be talking all at once. And a global dialogue is the absolutely essential tool needed to solve this problem. Do some research today. Change something today. I'm not asking you to buy a hybrid. I know most of us can't afford it. But at least carpool or walk today. Eat meatless. Unplug unused electronics. Change a light bulb. And have a little fun listening to the Live Earth concerts on the radio, MSN, or, as I am currently doing, on Bravo. Just so long as your other electronics or TV's are unplugged. Changes will not be inconvenient. They just require a little thought.

ANSWER THE CALL!

Neutralize Your Pollution

http://www.fightglobalwarming.com/page.cfm?tagID=270
How does it work?
Even if you have already reduced your driving and electricity use, there's more you can do. You can neutralize the rest of your pollution—through offsets. When you buy offsets, you essentially pay someone to reduce or remove global warming pollution in your name.

For example, when you buy 10 tons of carbon offsets, the seller guarantees that 10 fewer tons of global warming pollution go into the atmosphere. While the pollution you produce yourself is the same, you get the credit for that 10-ton reduction.

Where can you buy offsets?
Shopping for offsets can be confusing. If you're not an expert, it can be hard to tell how much pollution is really being reduced or removed.

We've done the work for you. All these offsets were evaluated by a team of experts and meet our standards for credible, high-quality offsets. The prices range from $4 to $8 per metric ton. Find out more about offsets and how these were selected.

Carbonfund.org
Carbonfund.org works with dairy farms in California. Manure from 14 farms is collected daily and processed in a closed environment that captures greenhouse gases. In addition, the recovered gases are used to power a nearby groundwater clean-up system.

e-BlueHorizons SM
e-BlueHorizons’ projects capture heat-trapping gases from landfills in New England. One project in Massachusetts uses the recovered gases to generate electricity. Another, in New Hampshire, uses the captured gases to treat wastewater from the landfill. A portion of the proceeds is also used to plant trees along the Lower Mississippi River Valley.

AtmosClear Climate Club
AtmosClear works with a landfill in Illinois. Greenhouse gases from the landfill are collected so they do not escape to the atmosphere and used to generate electricity. In addition, the project reduces odor and the potential for groundwater contamination.

DrivingGreen
DrivingGreen’s projects work with livestock farmers in Mexico. Greenhouse gases from animal waste are captured and used to generate energy. The projects can also improve local air quality and help reduce the risk of groundwater contamination.

Natsource LLC - DuPont - Blue Source
Natsource LLC represents select DuPont and Blue Source GHG emission reduction projects. The projects are located in Kentucky, Maine, Texas, and Wyoming. They reduce emissions by preventing pollution, switching to cleaner fuels, and capturing and storing carbon.

Drive Smart

http://www.fightglobalwarming.com/page.cfm?tagID=268
Drive efficiently
Watching how you drive can improve your car's mileage per gallon, cutting global warming pollution and saving you anywhere from $200 to $500 each year.

Travel light and pack smart. Extra weight decreases fuel economy. Hauling an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle reduces fuel economy by up to 2 percent. Place luggage inside rather than on the roof or trunk to minimize drag and increase mileage.

Drive less aggressively. Aggressive driving—rapid acceleration and braking—can lower gas mileage by as much as 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in town. Aggressive drivers are using an extra 125 gallons of gas and spending over $250 more than average drivers each year.

Slow down. In highway travel, exceeding the speed limit by a mere 5 mph results in an average fuel economy loss of 6 percent.

Know when to use the air. Air conditioning can decrease your fuel efficiency by as much as 12 percent in stop-and-go traffic, so consider cracking the windows. But at high speeds, driving with the windows open can decrease the overall efficiency of the vehicle.

Don't idle. If you are stopping for more than ten seconds—except in traffic—turn off your engine. Idling for more than ten seconds uses more gas and creates more global warming pollution than simply restarting your engine.

Maintain your car
Keep your vehicle operating in peak performance by following these recommendations.

Keep your engine tuned properly. Checking spark plugs, oxygen sensors, air filters, hoses and belts are a few examples of maintenance that can save a vehicle owner up to 165 gallons of gas per year, resulting in potential savings of $380.

Check the tires. Have your wheels aligned and keep your tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure wastes over two million gallons of gasoline in the United States—every day. For every pound of pressure below recommended levels, fuel economy drops 1 percent. Keeping your tires properly inflated means saving about a tank of gas a year.

Drive less
No matter how smart you drive, leaving the car parked always saves more gas and pollution.

Combine trips. Consider running all your errands in the same area at once, rather than making separate trips. Cutting a 20 mile trip out of your schedule each week can reduce your global warming pollution by more than 1,200 pounds a year and save you over $100 in gas expenses.

Telecommute once a week. Americans traveled 614.5 billion miles to and from work in 2001. If all commuters worked from home just one day a week, we could save 5.85 billion gallons of oil and cut over 65 million metric tons (roughly 143 billion pounds) of carbon dioxide each year.

Carpool and use public transportation when possible. An average 2005 passenger car costs about 31 cents per mile in fuel, maintainance and depreciation to drive. If you share rides and use other means to get to work, you'll save yourself money, reduce congestion on the roads and cut your global warming pollution.

Save Energy and Money at Home

http://www.fightglobalwarming.com/page.cfm?tagID=267
The energy we use at home accounts for about a fifth of U.S. global warming pollution. That means making smart choices at home matters.

Heating and cooling
This is a top home energy user, with the average household producing about four tons of heat-trapping pollution a year. It is heavily influenced by weather. For example, a relatively cold 1996 led to an increase in heat-trapping emissions compared to the previous year. But the next year, a warmer winter helped emissions dip bit. Warmer summers increase greenhouse gas pollution, too, from heavy air conditioning use. Despite the relative warm or coolness of the season, the U.S. emits a harmful amount of global warming pollution.

Even as the weather varies, your choices can help spew less global warming pollution.

- In summer, keep shades drawn to keep the cool in.
- In winter, open shades to let the sunlight to help warm rooms.
- In winter, keep your thermostat cooler at night or when the house is empty.
- Install a programmable thermostat to heat and cool rooms only when necessary.
- Plant trees around your house to cut cooling costs in summer.
- Insulate your walls and ceilings.
- Install a light-colored or reflective roof.

Appliances
After heating, refrigerators and freezers are generally the home's next two big energy eaters. Other appliances follow closely. Together, these items account for nearly eight tons of heat-trapping emissions per household per year.

Upgrade to Energy Star products. Not all appliances are equal. Whether you're in the market for a new fridge, toaster or air conditioner, look for Energy Star choices, which offer the best energy savings.

Size counts. When in the market for an appliance, make sure you buy what suits your needs. Items too large or too small waste electricity and your money.

Unplug. Your electric meter is often adding up kilowatt hours when you don’t think you’re using an appliance. Unplug toasters and cell phone and other chargers when they’re not in use. Don't use air fresheners that have to be plugged in.

Use power strips. Cable boxes and video game boxes, and to a lesser extent TVs and VCRs, use almost as much energy when they're off as when they're on. Make it easy to turn them all the way off—plug them into a power strip and turn off the whole strip.

Lighting
Lighting accounts for about 21 percent of commercial energy consumption and about 12 percent of home energy consumption. In terms of heat-trapping pollution, that means the lights in the average household produce just over a ton of carbon dioxide each year. Here are a few steps to lower those numbers.

Use energy-efficient lights. Changing just one 75-watt bulb to a compact fluorescent light cuts roughly 1,300 pounds of global warming pollution. They also last up to 15 times as long and save you money.

Turn off lights. A good chunk of lighting expenses is from rooms that stay unnecessarily lit.

Use natural light. Open shades and use sunlight to help light rooms.

Install motion-sensors so that lights automatically turn on when someone is in the room and turn off when empty.

Green Energy
Does your electric company sell energy from renewable sources, like wind and solar? More than forty states in the U.S. now offer cleaner energy. Find out more about home energy choices.

- Other energy efficient choices for your home
- Use the energy saver cycle on your dishwasher and only run it when full.
- Wash clothes in warm or cold water, not hot.
- Turn down your water heater to 120°Fahrenheit.
- Clean or replace the air filter on your air conditioner.
- Install low-flow shower heads to use less hot water.
- Caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows.
- Ask your utility company for a free home energy audit.

Live Earth

Domenici for President!

GOP Sen. Pete Domenici Backs Iraq Troop Pullout
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11778275

NPR.org, July 6, 2007 · Sen. Pete Domenici has withdrawn support for President Bush's Iraq war policy and embraced a proposal to bring home most troops by March.

The longtime New Mexico senator is the latest of several Republican stalwarts who have abandoned Bush on Iraq in the past 10 days. They have urged a change sooner rather than later and further isolated the GOP president in his attempt to defend the unpopular war.

Last week, Sens. Richard Lugar (R-IN), and George Voinovich (R-OH), said the U.S. should significantly reduce its military presence in Iraq while bolstering diplomatic efforts. Sen. John Warner, (R-VA), this month is expected to propose a new approach.

With Congress on its July Fourth break, Domenici made his views known Thursday, though he said he has not talked to the administration about wanting a strategy shift.

"I have carefully studied the Iraq situation and believe we cannot continue asking our troops to sacrifice indefinitely while the Iraqi government is not making measurable progress to move its country forward," he said.
"I do not support an immediate withdrawal from Iraq or a reduction in funding for our troops," Domenici said. "But I do support a new strategy that will move our troops out of combat operations and on the path to coming home."

Domenici was elected in 1972 and is a senior member of a panel that oversees defense spending. He said at a news conference that parents of those killed in Iraq previously told him the United States should stay in Iraq as long as it takes. Now, he said, some parents have asked him to do more to bring the troops home sooner.

The senator said the situation in Iraq is getting worse. He said he now supports a bipartisan bill that embraces the findings of the independent Iraq Study Group.

In December, the group said the primary mission of U.S. troops should evolve to supporting Iraqi security forces. The report also said the U.S. should reduce political, military or economic support for Iraq if the Baghdad government cannot make substantial progress.

The group said combat troops could be out by March 2008 if specific steps were taken.

The bill would make most of the group's findings official U.S. policy. The measure is also backed by Sens. Robert Bennett (R-UT), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Ken Salazar (D-CO).

From NPR reports and The Associated Press

How Could 500 Americans Be Wrong?

I love the results of this survey and think it offers us some hope in the next election. But take a look at the final paragraph stating that only 500 Americans were surveyed. How is that possibly enough people to validate this thing?

Poll: Majorities Say Income Gap Too Wide
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11770901

from The Associated Press

WASHINGTON July 5, 2007, 8:03 p.m. ET · Income differences in the U.S. are too stark, and the government should provide jobs and training for those having a tough time, according to majorities in a national poll released Thursday.

About seven in 10 said discrepancies between income levels are too large, a sentiment voiced by nearly two-thirds of those from households earning at least $80,000 a year, the survey said. Three-fourths of people earning less than $80,000 agreed.

Eight in 10 said the gap between the rich and the middle class has worsened over the last 25 years, said the survey by the University of Connecticut's Center for Survey Research and Analysis.

The poll comes in the early stages of a 2008 presidential campaign in which several Democratic candidates have discussed a widening distance between the country's rich and poor.

Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards has made "two Americas" one of his favorite themes. Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois have also touched on the topic.

In the survey, 58 percent said large pay differences help get people to work harder. Yet 61 percent said such discrepancies are not needed for the country to prosper.

Two-thirds said the government should make sure there is a job for everyone who wants one. Small majorities said it should provide jobs for people who can't find private employment, increase federal training programs and redistribute money with high taxes on the wealthy.

Even so, nearly two-thirds said it is not the government's responsibility to ease income differences.

The survey was conducted from June 18 to July 2 and involved telephone interviews with 500 adults nationally. It has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.

Barack Obama With Jay

Candidates: Barack Obama

So here’s the deal on Obama. I don’t like him. From his first introduction into the world of politics I haven’t liked him. And I didn’t know anything about his politics. The reasoning goes like this: He thinks he’s Jesus. Just watch him. He’s worshipped by people who are worshipped – Oprah for example. (There’s another rant I could make.) Do you remember that video of Obama “returning to his homeland?” Pathetic. And what continues to irritate me about Obama is that he is continually referred to as “black” and even uses this adjective himself. But Obama is NOT black. He is of mixed ethnicities. Clearly, there’s nothing wrong with either of these things but being 50% black and 50% white is not black. And I don’t see him making any tearful homecomings to Europe. It is no reason to not vote for Obama but his constant desire to prove how good he is and what odds he has overcome are beyond annoying.

Not surprisingly, Obama’s major issue seems to be fighting domestic poverty. Wait? A domestic issue being a priority? How strange that we would deal with our own problems before attacking another country to tell them how to run the country. I love this priority of his. He has a desire to create a better life for the less fortunate with a series of initiatives including universal health care. (I highly recommend Michael Moore’s Sicko to illuminate this problem.)

Obama has plans for fixing Dubya’s mess in the Middle East. Not because he wants to but because he has to. Obama’s website says:

At the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations in November 2005, Senator Obama called for: (1) a reduction in the number of U.S. troops; (2) a time frame for a phased withdrawal; (3) the Iraqi government to make progress on forming a political solution; (4) improved reconstruction efforts to restore basic services in Iraq; and (5) engaging the international community, particularly key neighboring states and Arab nations, to become more involved in Iraq.

Okay. I agree with that too. Why do I hate this guy? Oh yeah, the Jesus thing.

Obama also defines what he would like to do about Global Climate Change. In response to this Obama says:

We need to take steps to stop catastrophic, manmade climate change. If we do not act, the consequences will be devastating for future generations, especially for the poorest global populations. Barack Obama believes the U.S. must act decisively and creatively to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

Obama is an original cosponsor of legislation to establish limits on greenhouse gas emissions. To remain below these limits, the bill encourages the market to determine how best to reduce greenhouse gases, rewarding cost-effective approaches through a system of tradeable allowances. Revenues generated from this program will be directed to helping industries and individuals most affected by the limits, and also to fund research and development of new, more efficient, energy technologies.

Obama’s stance on illegal immigration is not in line with mine. I see no problems with undocumented workers doing our dirty work to make a buck for their families. But nonetheless I understand some possible problems with that. Obama’s plan seems downright conservative. But at least he doesn’t really want to kick them out, just have them “pay a fine, learn English, not commit crimes, go to the back of the line for citizenship, and then after all those conditions are met, they would be granted the opportunity to stay in the United States.” I’ll live with it but I don’t agree. 3 for 1.

Another thing I like about Obama is his desire to hold the Bush administration accountable for their criminality. He also has a strong desire to get rid of the political divide in America and have a more open, reasonable government. I really doubt Obama will get on the Democratic ticket. At least as president. He may end up a VP. Because, as I have expressed, I believe Americans are desperate for change. But just a little bit. Not the whole pie at once. Just a slice. Obama is probably about 3 slices. And it is probably for the better. The issues are all there. I support many of them. I just don’t think I can handle the ego of Obama. But we shall see.

50% chance of getting the nomination

Iraq in Photos

Happy Independence Day

What the Fuck is "Commuting"?

Bush Commutes Libby Prison Sentence
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11658207

NPR.org, July 2, 2007 · President Bush commuted the sentence of former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby Monday, sparing him from a 2 1/2-year prison term in the CIA leak case.

Mr. Bush left intact a $250,000 fine and two years' probation for Libby, according to a senior White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision had not been announced.

The president's move came hours after the federal appeals panel ruled that Libby could not delay his prison term in the CIA leak case. That decision put pressure on the president, who had been sidestepping calls by Libby's allies to pardon the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney.

Libby was convicted in March of lying to authorities and obstructing the investigation into the 2003 leak of CIA operative's identity. He was the highest-ranking White House official ordered to prison since the Iran-Contra affair.

Libby had hoped that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit would put his sentence on hold because he believed he had a good chance of overturning the conviction on appeal. The court unanimously rejected the request.

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons had not yet assigned Libby to a prison or given him a date to surrender, but last week it designated him as federal inmate No. 28301-016.

After the court's ruling, Libby's attorneys did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Libby's supporters, who raised millions of dollars for his defense fund, had immediately renewed the call for a pardon.

"I hope it puts pressure on the president. He's a man of pronounced loyalties and he should have loyalty to Scooter Libby," former Ambassador Richard Carlson, a member of Libby's defense fund, said after the ruling. "It would be a travesty for him to go off to prison. The president will take some heat for it. So what? He takes heat for everything."

No one was charged with leaking Valerie Plame's identity, but Libby was convicted of lying about his conversations with reporters regarding the operative.

From NPR reports and The Associated Press

Issues: Global Climate Change

To clear something up right away, Global Warming is a very misleading term that gives the wrong impression. I don't know anybody who wouldn't mind a few extra degrees in the winter or whats a few more once you reach 90? But a temperature increase is not the only or perhaps most devastating of the effects of Global Climate Change. Some areas may actually decrease in temperature while others will recieve drastic changes in precipitation or wind strength or other natural disasters. This will cause untold disasters to people and animals all over the world.

My biggest question for the folks who chose to believe that Global Climate Change is not real is this: Even if it isn't, what harm can come from being environmentally friendly? Don't give me economy - our economy will just change. And hell who couldn't use a little less foreign oil (and wars fought in it's name)? I have chosen to make some personal changes to my life that allow me to contribute to this adjustment and NEWSFLASH - it is not hard and is maybe even a little enjoyable to know that you are doing a little bit to help our planet. And I hope, with more money, to do more - buy a hybrid, become vegan (I'm currently a vegetarian), buy new, environmentally friendly appliances. And if you are currently able to afford these things - what are you waiting for?

None of these other issues are of any importance if we have no world to live in. So get started.