Saturday, January 01, 2011

"Good Night Moon"

Waning Crescent Moon
5% of Full Moon
Saturday, January 1, 2011
11:20 PM EST

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act needs to be 'reinstated' with its full authority before the Bush Administration destroyed it.

I doubt any of our treaty partners are happy with the diminished importance of this vital agreement.  It is an international agreement and how Bush managed to virtually 'deauthorize' it is beyond any reasonable understanding of appropriate use of power.

The Federal Duck Stamp Office (click here) administers the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act, commonly known as the Federal Duck Stamp Act. The Act requires use of a migratory bird stamp (Duck Stamp) for waterfowl hunting, and raises funds for the conservation of migratory waterfowl by the 1916 migratory bird treaty between the U.S. and Canada...
It is impossible to protect birds without forests.  (click here)

The court's decision in "Sierra Club vs Martin" (click here) in regard to the MBTA is "W"rongly decided.  The MBTA is a 'protection' statute more than it could ever be called a criminal statute.  Currently, the law only requires any action against the MBTA to be a misdemeanor and not a felony.  It is arguable that should change, especially considering the diminished size of the flyways and protected areas due to the exploitation of the statute of the Bush years.

But, at any rate, the MBTA as it was decided in regard to the Sierra Complaint refers to use by the US Forest Service in regard to harvest.  It was thought the importance of harvesting the forest when in 'national interests' is permissible.  That is somewhat true, but, not to the extent it is practiced.

However, the forests of the states have used the Sierra decision repeatedly to exploit their forests to fall less 'quality and quantity' then even the US Forest Service.  The Sierra vs Martin decision means nothing in regard to state, local or private forests.  The decision of the judiciary at the time was in regard to freeing up the US Forest Service from obligation of the treaty especially at a time of national need for security purposes.  Bush used this argument when there wasn't enough plywood for Iraq during the Iraq War.  That also is not proper use of the decision so much as more abuse of power.

The Sierra decision was to benefit the USA and not international countries that aren't even participants in the treaty.

So.

The MBTA has to be returned to its former integrity and the "Sierra vs Martin" decision scrutinized for the broad purposes it is used today.  Those purposes are exploitive and actually threaten the USA's national security interests in regard to its forests and their harvests.

The "Gore" climate legislation has to be passed as well.  The obstruction of effective enforcement by the EPA of 'Air Quality Standards' is an outrage in the face of eminent and ACTUAL dangers to Americans and their property.  The obstruction of effective Climate Crisis Legislation is nothing more than a power play the Plutocracy to benefit profits to companies and CEOs.

The BEST resolve for CO2 is strict compliance through enforcement by the EPA with the removal of the designation of 'unobtainable' across the board for all air pollutants.

While 'Carbon Exchanges' assist in the protections of forests in other countries, in the USA it sincerely has a deleterious effect both on the elections and the public in general.  The 'Cap and Trade' rules when applied to USA markets will do nothing but pass the cost to the consumer while companies continue to pollute.  It is far better to regulate USA polluters by the EPA while allowing USA farmers participate in Carbon Exchanges to protect rainforests (which act to protect the sovereignty and national security of the USA as stated by the USA military and agencies such as NOAA and NASA) and other valuable biotic content of Earth. 

Additional costs to consumers as a back handed reality by businesses that pass on the cost will pay very poorly in elections.  Why penalize the people rather than the polluters?  Makes no sense to do that.  It makes for bad policy that hurts the electorate and therefore bad politics as well.

E.P.A. Limit on Gases to Pose Risk to Obama and Congress  (click here)
...He said that the agency was wedged between a hostile Congress and the mandates of the law, with little room to maneuver. But he also said that anti-E.P.A. zealots in Congress should realize that the agency was acting on laws that Congress itself passed, many of them by overwhelming bipartisan margins....

Under Reagan, Immigration was allowed to be exploited by 'the States.'

Political Battle on Illegal Immigration Shifts to States  (click here)
Legislative leaders in at least half a dozen states say they will propose bills similar to a controversial law to fight illegal immigration that was adopted by Arizona last spring, even though a federal court has suspended central provisions of that statute.
The efforts, led by Republicans, are part of a wave of state measures coming this year aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration.
Legislators have also announced measures to limit access to public colleges and other benefits for illegal immigrants and to punish employers who hire them.
Next week, at least five states plan to begin an unusual coordinated effort to cancel automatic United States citizenship for children born in this country to illegal immigrant parents....

Reagan was the last President to oversee Immigration Reform.  He allowed amnesty for the illegals already here with the understanding any further illegal immigration would be stemmed with prosecution and border patrols.  It was a farce.  Why?  Because the border states with Mexico exploited illegals for cheap labor.  Border protections were never enforced and now, AGAIN, today the USA has another mess on its hands.

The Reagan provisions allowed the states to determine the policy for the nation.  That was reliquishing power the federal government should have maintained.  The states did a lousy job of it and they will continue to do a lousy job until the federal government takes control of the circumstances.

Today, there is a very clear and present danger by the Mexican war with the drug cartels.  The federal government has a clear interest in border security and illegal immigration.  It is up to the federal legislation to set the polices for the USA, not the states.  The states are ineffective and proven to be so over decades of abuse.  It is proven and the Dream Act is the beginning of effective federal legislation to change the outcomes of weak border enforcement that also carries discrimination and hate to a level of legitimacy
.

The House needs to check its' list for a Public Option.

Granted 'The Exchanges" are suppose to take care of the availability of health insurance, but, that doesn't protect consumers from exploitation.

The cost of USA health care is ridiculously high compared to the rest of the world.  Even though the cost to USA consumers is suppose to be 'contained' by the insurance company spending 80% of the premiums on the actually application of 'health care;' that still doesn't contain the COST and therefore does not contain the premiums.

The 'idea' that the USA should have the highest costing health care PER CAPITA is exploitive to say the least.  When looking at the cost of health care in other first world countries, their populous is far smaller then the USA.  It stands to reason their 'cost per capita' should be higher and not the other way around.

The USA has a far larger 'customer pool' than any country of Europe and Canada.  Canada has a large geographical area no different than the USA, however, Canada has only 10% of the USA population.

Canadian population is estimated to be 34,308,000 in 2011.  While the USA population is estimated on January 2, 2010 to be 310,565,820 people.  So, the 'health care pool' of the USA is the largest in the world and with every citizen contributing the COSTS per capita should be far less than any other country of the globe.

There is something very, very "W"rong with the current cost of health care in the USA.  I sincerely believe there is an artificial factor at work to exploit the people of the USA when it comes to health care, because, nothing else makes sense.

...Like so many of the law's early reforms, (click title to entry - thank you) the impact of a strict "medical loss ratio" will be invisible to most consumers. But don't mistake that for insignificance. The bill's most strident critics cite this one provision as the basis for the claim that the government is "taking over" the health care system. That's a false claim, no matter how you slice it -- this is about insurance companies, not, say, hospitals or pharmaceuticals, and those insurers are all still private. They'll just have to play by stricter rules....

Chart (click here)

Chief justice urges progress naming judges. (click title to entry - thank you)

Justice Roberts has offered an olive branch to President Obama prior to the State of the Union Address.  I believe that was rather magnanimous of him.  Seriously.  He has to reflect on the fact he has not made the best impression to President Obama beginning with his 2009 inauguration and oath of office.

So.

With Congress returning and there being one 'hold out' or another by the Republicans of the appointees to the court, it was decent of him to bring this to the legislature's attention.

The reform needed to 'tone down' the Plutocratic influence on the elections, especially those noted in 2010, should be taken up by the Senate soon after Janaury 5th so everyone knows the 'political ground rules' for the 2012 elections.

..."Each political party has found it easy to turn on a dime from decrying to defending the blocking of judicial nominations, depending on their changing political fortunes," Roberts said Friday in his year-end report. "This has created acute difficulties for some judicial districts. Sitting judges in those districts have been burdened with extraordinary caseloads."
There are more than 90 judicial vacancies in U.S. district and appellate courts. But only 60 nominees have been confirmed by the Senate for U.S. appellate and district courts in the past two years, with another 19 receiving no up-or-down vote.
Thirteen of the unconfirmed nominees received unanimous support from the Senate Judiciary Committee....

I heard it stated, the Right Wing Media will be protecting the nation from 'Liberal Bias.'

The cartoon illustrates 'pre-programmed mind speak' to any issue.  It demonstrates the inability of sincere bias to examine the facts so much as stereotype the response by the electorate instilled by extremist media.

When I heard the statement of "...protecting the nation from liberal bias.' 

Well. 

I didn't want to be biased so I gave it some thought.  I pride myself on being open minded and not ideological.  One that examines the facts rather than makes them up.

So, I thought, what indeed is "Liberal Bias."

Well it is guaranteeing Civil Rights for all Americans.  It is separation of Church and State as guaranteed under the USA Constitution.  It is believing in sound science when it comes to understanding the deadly dynamics of the Climate Crisis.  It is believing in the 'individual citizen' as one capable of conducting their lives so they have the best manageable financial outcomes while abiding by their OWN 'moral compass' and not that of the 'sexual preferences moral compass' of the politically biased.

The more I reflected on what exacty "Liberal Bias" is; the more I realized how a favorite saying actually rounds out the IMPOSSIBILITY of liberal bias actually existing.

"Trying to talk to Liberals, is like herding cats."

Hm.

So, when it comes to 'liberal bias' damaging the nation?  If it doesn't exist except in the minds of propagandists, then I guess it is benignly impacting the nation.

I looked it up to find out exactly how conservatives define it.  They talk in circles about it.

According to "Conservapedia" (click title to entry - thank you) the definition 'victimizes' those that educate the nation:

Liberal bias is partisan selection or distortion of information to support liberal policies. This bias can be expressed by professors and public school teachers, College Board exams, reporters and other journalists in mainstream media, and any other information source. Typically purveyors of liberal bias falsely present themselves as being objective. Liberal bias includes techniques such as distorted selection of information, placement bias, photo bias and liberal style. There is a difference between being liberal, having a liberal perspective, and having a liberal bias....

Right.  I believe the conservatives actually have a problem understanding people that 'think' rather than 'react.'

The Pope is calling for a "Peace Summit" to settle the hatred resulting from bigotry.

The Summit by Pope Benedict XVI is stated to be similar to a summit sponsored by the Late Pope John Paul.

...'Discrimination' (click title to entry - thank you)
Speaking in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Pope Benedict said the aim of the summit would be to "to solemnly renew the effort of those with faith of all religions to live their faith as a service for the cause of peace".
"Facing the threatening tensions of the moment, especially discrimination, injustices and religious intolerance, which today strike Christians in a particular way, once again, I make a pressing appeal not to give in to discouragement and resignation," he said.
He said the summit would also "honour the memory of the historical event promoted by my predecessor".
Pope John Paul hosted a similar event in 1986, which was attended by leading Jews and Muslims, as well as the Dalai Lama and the Archbishop of Canterbury....

The Pope finds the current global 'tone' of the hatred between religions 'palpable.'  The USA needs to act in prohibiting displays and demonstrations of such hatred from its public forums.  The 'tone' of the Right Wing media is chronically that of 'hatred' and 'war mongering.' 

When someone like the Pope finds it necessary to bring leaders together at a Summit, the major powers of the world need to support the 'purpose' of the Summit and incorporate its 'will and spirit' into its laws.  In the USA, there are laws that designate stronger laws for crimes of hate, however, those laws need to be at least 'symbolically' reviewed in support of the Peace Summit of Pope Benedict XVI.  There needs to be an examination of the 'media's role' in promoting hatred and/or preventing it.

The USA economy is too delicate for amateurs to be toying with it.

...I wouldn't (click here) be at all surprised to see the US homeownership rate fall a lot in coming years, back down below even its long-term mean around 64%. And if that happens, prices—both to rent and to buy--are almost certain to fall from current levels....

Home Ownership is the American Dream.  It has been the security of the majority of Americans into their retired years.  That reality is still not returned to the nation.  The harm done by the Republicans screaming about the budget to date has yet to be measured.  There has to be legislation in place for the President and Senate to draw on should the economy become any more soft than it already has become.

Additionally, the budget cuts need to begin with a repeal of the Bush Tax Cuts for the wealthy.  All that needs to be held in reserve should the nation need it.  The incoming Republian Majority is divided with the inability to settle their own arguments, yet alone address the needs of the nation.

"You Cut" is UNCONSTITUTIONAL (click title to entry - thank you)

"You Cut" is a political maneuver to have the public believe they have a real say in the legislation on the floor of the House.

"You Cut" gives 'individual' voters TWO votes rather than one.

At the election ballot, voters elect Congress persons to represent them.  All voters cast their choice.  But, the Republicans are extending the ballot box to their 'floor legislation' and give 'individuals' that 'care to' and 'can' a second chance to 'steer' the country 'on to the rocks.'

The 'clout' the 'individuals' carry is not REPRESENTATIVE of the district of which the Congress person was elected.  What can occur is that on election day, citizens elect whom they believe is best qualified for the position of House Representative according to the election process.  What "You Cut" does is 'undercut' that election ballot to replace it with 'favoritism' based in those participating.  "You Cut" is not an officially sanctioned process whereby all registered voters are provided with information to make an informed vote on every issue before the legislature.

"You Cut" can and more than likely does undercut the citizen whom is not participating, but, cast their ballot in the General Election.

"You Cut" is an abuse of power and nothing more than political rhetoric.

President Obama paid a commission to look into the budget and deficit.  That is a process sanctioned by the USA Constitution.  There should be no other process needed as any budget cut should be well researched as to the outcome of the budget cut.

The Democrats need to move for formal ethic charges to "You Cut" and challenge its validity to impact the federal budget through the courts.

The Afghan War is a worry. I belive Bill Richardson should take the place of Richard Holbrooke, at least for the interim.

President Obama needs to be provided with a workable budget for the next two years.  The troops will begin to deploy out of Afghanistan in July of this year, however, we need to be sure there are monies in the Treasury to bring them home and not abandon them to being unwilling participants in an unfunded war.  In the remaining days of Speaker Pelosi's leadership, there needs to be 'Emergency Budget Legislation" that can be called up by the Senate should the 'unstable' and 'abusive' new Republican Majority become 'unable to act.'

Gen. David Petraeus replaced Gen. Stanley McChrystal as head of US forces in the Afghanistan war this year. One change he's made represents something of a gamble to some in the Pentagon

...Specifically, Petraeus has chosen to emphasize the violence that the Taliban and other insurgent groups have inflicted on the general Afghan population. This may seem like an obvious approach. Why not highlight the harm that your enemy is doing to the civilians you’re trying to win over?
But it’s not so simple, says a senior military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he has not been authorized to speak to the press on this issue. “If you draw attention to the enemies’ impact on Afghan civilians, does that make them feel less secure” – and consequently, less willing to support NATO forces?...

But can they do it with a slide rule?

Slide Rule c. 1965
On loan from Ian Frazer

Generation Gap: Five ways car culture has changed  (click title to entry - thank you)
December 31, 2010
By Beth J. Harper
New York – Not long ago, I gave a ride to a kid in an old care with no air conditioning.  It was a warm day, so I told him to roll down the window.
He had no idea what that meant.  Having grown up with power windows, he’d never seen a crank handle and didn’t know how to use one.  (He’d probably never been in a car without air conditioning either.)
It got me thinking about all the things today’s take for granted when it comes to cars that either didn’t exist or were far less common when their parents were growing up.  Here are five ways in which kids experience cars differently stating with those windows….
 
The President's education plans need to be protected from abuse.  The First Lady has a 'health option' for the nation's children.  All that and Higher Education needs to be protected from those that see 'Education as an Option."

The 51 Vote Majority is long overdue.

The Senate has held the USA populous hostage for two long years.  There should have been many provisions to benefit the people that were sidelined because the Republicans were using the 'filibuster' as an abuse of power and a political gaming tool.

It is time the USA Senate 'serves' the nation rather than 'controls' it.

The House needs to 'pre-load' the Senate agenda for the next two years to stop all the intimidation planned by the next Republican minority.

The only real majority I can discern actually belongs to the Democrats in the house, so therefore, there is no legitimate 'Tea Party,' except in the history books.

Guns and other weapons within the Capital Dome are prohited for the public.

I could not find the rules for consealed weapon 'carry' in regard to the House Rules to prohibit them when in session.  I strongly believe weapons of any kind have no place under the Capital Dome.  It is also a matter of protecting the public from irreverent members of Congress with Grandiose Delusions.

I could not be more serious.  I sincerely hope weapons of any kind are banned from consealed carry or otherwise under the Capital Dome.  If the Ethics Rules or Capital Police Rules do not ban weapons from the chamber or the member's offices then there needs to be rules put in place before this House closes its session.



On the eve of the Civil War, (click here) Washington was a lively social and political place. Everywhere construction was going on. Like the entire nation itself, Washington was expanding. Most of the public buildings were covered with scaffolding for construction or renovation. Even the capitol dome was being replaced. It seemed that the nation was of two minds: building up and tearing down, construction and destruction....

...Congressman Daniel Sickles had already turned to his friend and handed over the gun saying "My duty is done, my honor restored."
Amidst nationwide attention Daniel Sickles went to trial for the killing of Philip Barton Key. Everyone across the country referred to it as "The Washington Tragedy."

Happy New Year



Alaska doesn't respect "The Freedom of Information Act?"  (click title to entry - thank you)
Posted by Picasa

"Coup d'État" by Circle Jerks

coup d'éat
coup d'éat
coup d'éat
coup d'éat
the government gets overthrown
a sudden force, a major blow
over out, the new comes in
coup d’état
give me a bomb
a molotov
it's a coup d’état!
the generalissimo sets up shop
step out of line
your neck's on the block
armies marching through the streets
dressed so sharp, dressed so neat
coup d’état
coup d'éat
a push from the left and a shove from the right
it's all planed up, we’ll do it tonight
first the president then his wife
we'll take them for ransom
or take their lives
attack their embassy
they are our enemies
el presidente smokes cigars
whoever he does not like
he shoots or put behind bars
coup d’état
coup d’état

New Year's Eve Tornadoes Kill 6 in Ark., Mo.



Cincinnati Tornado Rated as EF-3, Officials Still Assessing Damage (click title to entry - thank you)Full power to be restored by Saturday
Alicia Agent Web Producer
December 31, 2010, 5:50 p.m.

The National Weather Service has confirmed that a deadly tornado that ripped through Cincinnati in Washington County was an EF-3....


"Enhanced Fujita Scale" (click here)

F3 (Severe)

136–165 miles per hour winds (219–266 kilometers per hour)

Entire stories of well-constructed houses destroyed; severe damage to large buildings such as shopping malls; trains overturned; trees debarked; heavy cars lifted off the ground and thrown; structures with weak foundations are badly damaged.

Arkansas has been the location of some severe storms in the past few years.




The EF3 Tornado Crossing Lake Guntersville (click here)

The email tonight (2000+ in my in box, since last Friday), brought this stunning image, of the Marshall/Dekalb County (Arkansas) tornado, on Friday. The tornado was snapped, as it crossed Lake Guntersville. Thanks to Martha Tellefsen, for taking such an incredible picture.
The tornado was on the ground for 28 miles, from 3:07pm, until around 3:40PM. It reached 900 meters wide at times.





Guntersville tornado classified as an EF-2 with 130 mph winds  (click title to entry - thank you)

Published: Saturday, April 11, 2009, 3:08 PM    
Updated: Saturday, April 11, 2009, 6:06 PM
By Shelly Haskins, The Huntsville Times

HUNTSVILLE, AL -- The National Weather Service has classified the tornado that hit on Lake Guntersville Friday as an EF-2 with a peak wind of 130 mph....
Initially, it was thought there was only one tornado and estimated to be an EF-2.  But, later investigation provided the tornado path widened and according to the picture above it was actually two tornadoes and the velocity was that of an EF-3.

Marshall/Jackson/DeKalb County EF-3
Preliminary Storm Survey Information
Storm surveys have been completed examining storm damage that occurred in the early evening hours on Friday, April 10th. 


...The tornado crossed (click here) Lake Guntersville into the South Sauty community. At this point, the damage path width increased to at least a half mile. Several well built homes were damaged by falling trees along Menominee Road. At least 20 boat houses were destroyed in the community. Along Chilcotin Road, a well constructed two story brick house lost its roof, and two large stone walls on the top level were blown over. Falling trees damaged several camper trailers, and some trailers were blown into Lake Guntersville. Thousands of trees were uprooted or snapped along the path of the tornado in Marshall county. The tornado then crossed the CR 67 causeway into Jackson County. On the causeway, tornado winds damaged the shoulder of the roadway as it crossed....

War Is Over





Russia and the United States (click title to entry - thakn you) will begin exchanging data on their strategic arsenals within 45 days of a new nuclear arms control treaty coming into force, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Rose Gottemoeller has said.
The U.S. Senate passed the New START treaty by a vote of 71 to 26 on Wednesday, while the Russian parliament may give its approval to the pact as early as Friday afternoon.
"Within that period, 45 days after entry into force, we will also then be exchanging our first data for the database under the treaty," Gottemoeller, assistant secretary for the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, told a special briefing on Thursday.
"That's data on the current status and deployment of our strategic nuclear forces - intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and bombers," she said.
She also said that the first inspections will take place within 60 days after entry into force.
The treaty, signed in April by the presidents of Russia and the United States, Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama, trims both nations' nuclear arsenals to a maximum of 1,550 nuclear warheads, down from the current ceiling of 2,200....


It is a good beginning !