The Cheneys have no moral authority to talk about National Security. Besides being out of office.

The Bush White House CHRONICALLY stated the USA Passport Service was tightened up to prevent fraud that would allow criminals that would commit mass murder as on September 11, 2001 to enter the country.

Within a month after President Obama took office, the FBI reported to the public they had an agent investigating the ability to fraudulently obtain a US Passport. He did it successfully eight time, one time even as a child.

I don't know how much the American taxpayer has been defrauded by the Bush/Cheney administration in regard to faux National Security, but, it probably would be in an amount that could have bailed out Goldman Sachs so it would not be necessary to save AIG.

The point is, the 'Soccer Mom Politicians' of Palin and Liz Cheney come forward to attempt to 'rebuild' the Culture of Fear by crying about the closing of Gitmo. Right. They state that allowing suspects from Gitmo into the country would be directly placing such criminals on USA soil. And. Of course, it is weakening the security of the nation.

We all know the cognitive arguments that by closing Gitmo it removes the 'PR' for recruitment of al Qaeda and other such organizations. It's true. But, to the 'weak minded' Republicans they ONLY understand the 'visceral.' So, to Lizzy and Sarah, it doesn't get more simple than this. It doesn't get more visceral than this.

The Republicans spent money like water and achieved NOTHING in the form of National Security and while you whine about bringing criminals from Gitmo to SECURE facilities in the USA as a breach of National Security. Answer this question. Only one question.

Under the Bush/Cheney Administration, how many criminals achieved fraudulent passports to organize and plot their next attack right here on USA soil? Simple question. Answer?



May 20, 2005
Maintaining the integrity of the U.S. passport is essential to the State Department's efforts to protect U.S. citizens from terrorists, criminals, and others. State issued about 8.8 million passports in fiscal year 2004. During the same year, State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security arrested about 500 individuals for passport fraud, and about 300 persons were convicted. Passport fraud is often intended to facilitate other crimes, including illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and alien smuggling. GAO examined (1) how passport fraud is committed, (2) what key fraud detection challenges State faces, and (3) what effect new passport examiner performance standards could have on fraud detection....

"I represent the majority of Americans." Not that I know of.

The bigots seem to 'hang out' together. They want a theocracy, not a democracy. The USA is not about a religous preference over another. It is about religious freedom. The Right Wing just doesn't 'get it,' regardless of how much 'clout' they carry in a culture of fear.

The issue of Gay Marriage is not about right or wrong. There is nothing wrong with loving another person. It is not about 'majority rule.' The majority of Americans are heterosexual last time I heard.

The issue of Gay Marriage is a Minority Issue. So, the statement, "I represent the majority of the American people," is irrelevant. The Gay Marriage RIGHT to equal civil rights is about the 'strength' of the USA Constitution to grant all its citizens the same rights as any other. It has nothing to do with State's Rights either.

The Religious Right bigoted the issue into a political issue. Extending Civil Rights to every citizen of the USA reveals the strength of the USA Constitution. A Constitution that upholds the integrity of every citizen. A Constitution that honors the civil rights of citizens in the Minority.

Prejean's bigotry is bigger than life. Her hatred of the USA Constitution is more evident than ever and she wanted to be Miss USA? I don't think so.

I need to finish this. The Gay Marriage issue is a non-issue. The legislated 'jargon' that exists today, REGARDLESS, of a majority vote anywhere, is wrong. It is completely wrong. It impinges on the rights of American citizens in the minority that do not have a chance to achieve majority 'consent' to exist.

It was 'spun' into a political wedge issue as a means to harness the 'fear' of Americans supplied with misinformation. THAT misinformation is supplied by the people that 'minister' to them. It is a religous bias. In the greater society of the USA, it is a bigotry. Bias is allowed in religion. I hope I don't have to explain THAT reality.

The point is the Homosexual Community of the USA were scapegoated by a Culture of Fear propagated by the Religious Right looking to create a theocracy in the USA. The Religious Right 'attaches' themselves to politicians that pander to them. It carries at least 23% of the electorate. Not bad for 'marginal' politicians such as Bush. If one was to remove 23% of the electorate from any election the Republicans won't have a chance.

Rove masterminded the Religous Right and the political agenda that would 'secure' at least 23% of any vote at the polls. To elect Walker Bush to office and then to the Presidency, they didn't care who they scapegoated. They didnt' and don't care if they 'fry a planet' to win an election, why would they care about the qualityof life of a minority of homosexuals. Why offer homosexuals the right to marry, even though they are entited to it, if they can't deliver the same number of votes the Religious Right can?

Politics is the ONLY reason this issue exists. There is no other reason. None. The Gay Community works to bring 'information' rather than 'misinformation' to people to acheive equality through 'consent' in a political venue. They were forced into it. The community is incredible. They were magnificent when HIV/AIDS became an obvious issue they would face. So, to achieve better quality of life they have decided to walk the path they are now assigned because of their assignment as a wedge issue. There is nothing American about denying the Gay Community their rights. There is nothing American about continuing their victimization either.

Iran has a very Viable Second Party. They turned one third of the nation in their direction in a matter of weeks. That is impressive.

Had all the opposing parties formed an alliance, as in Pakistan, they might have won. Good luck, I believe the future needs to be nurtured.

I cannot believe I haven't heard the most obvious argument yet. This is a no brainer.

James von Brunn, a white supremacist, was under investigation for a shooting inside the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington Photo: AP

One other source 'gets it.' The guy is not only an extremist, he has a prior violent record INCLUDING prison. What is he doing with weapons? The laws regarding hate crimes need to be bolstered. When a 'hate mongerer' has a prior record of violence, prison or no prison, when they are 'suspected' of having ACCESS to weapons, through legal, illegal means or sympathizers, they should immediately be charged with additional AND new weapons charges.

What good is the hate crimes charges if they ONLY go into force when someone is killed? Tell me that makes sense.

When 'Ex-Convicts' are released from prison, because of parole or having served their time, they are 'Constitutionally' given back their rights. Or so it is supposed to be. Even getting back their right to vote is nearly impossible in some states. That is besides the point, sorta. The point is that when a former convict has a weapons charge of any kind that resulted in violence or the threat of it, that individual has no right to ever own a weapon again.

If the NRA thinks they can 'get away' with being silent anymore regarding the offensive nature of its presence in the American Landscape they are sadly mistaken. If any entity in this country should be advocating for proper criminal statues that involve guns, it is the NRA. The 'conspiracy of silence' by the NRA against the people of this nation and the underlying advocacy to allow 'guns at any cost' within a society is more than reprehensible. It is bargaining with lives in this country for a profitable bottomline.

NO MORE ! If the NRA cannot and will not be a healthy conversation regarding guns and people in this country, then they don't belong as part of the Landscape of a democracy ! The American people need to voice their disgust at the continued lack of adequate laws regarding the 'availability' of guns that results in crimes like this. I don't want to hear how this is a 2nd Amendment Right issue. It doesn't even come close! The USA Constitution is aobut the RIGHTS of the citizens of this country, not the allowance of violence to remove those rights to life and the pursuit of happiness.

...In December 1981, angered by what he called the "treacherous and unconstitutional" acts of the Federal Reserve, von Brunn entered the central bank's Washington headquarters armed with a pistol, a shotgun, a knife and a mock bomb, according to court records. He claimed to be a photographer who wanted to shoot pictures of the boardroom, and bolted up the stairs when security guards told him to wait.
While being subdued, he claimed to have planted a bomb, which forced the building's evacuation, court records state. He told officers he was upset over high interest rates -- then well into double digits -- and the state of the economy, which was in a recession.
Von Brunn, then 62, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on attempted kidnapping, second-degree burglary, assault and weapons charges....

Oppose the hideous spending on Alaska Pipeline II. It isn't needed. Canada has their own project to guarantee plenty of natural gas IF needed.

It is all politics in Alaska. I promise you that. The politics in Alaska defy sound science. The deception Palin is pulling simply 're-starts' the corruption of her predecessor. She should have kept the plane.

Keep in mind, all the corruption of the Interior Department under Bush. Most of the lands where these gas and oil supplies exist in the USA already have leases, whether they should or not.

At any rate, the map below is generated by the USGS (click here). It clearly states there are more than ample natural resources of gas and oil in the continental USA. The amount of oil and gas in Alaska is minuscule compared to those of the mainland USA. The cost of the Alaskan Pipeline II is a waste of money, needless to say, an unnecessary danger to the Arctic environment. There really isn't any rocket science here to understand the brevity of the lies of Palin. It is Alaskan corruption all over again.

Have a better day and more balanced USA budget.



The Alaskan Pipeline II is a PORK barrel project, masked as an Energy Project. Last I heard Canada was an ally of the USA. Ever get the feeling that the Alaskan Republicans speak out of both sides of their mouths. Sell a government plane, but, ask for billions for a project that is not needed. Sound right?

Stimulus monies are bad, but, spending NEW monies of Pork is good. Sounds like Bush is still in the Oval Office.


The Mackenzie Gas Project (click title to entry - thank you) is a proposed 1220-kilometre natural gas pipeline system along the Mackenzie Valley of Canada's Northwest Territories to connect northern onshore gas fields with North American markets.


N.W.T. fears pipeline guarantee for Alaska (click here)
By Jeffrey Jones, Reuters
May 25, 2009
CALGARY - The Northwest Territories is worried a little-noticed plan to boost U.S. federal loan guarantees for an Alaska gas pipeline to $30 billion US could raise yet another impediment to the construction of the Mackenzie Valley pipeline.
Bob McLeod, the territory’s minister of industry, tourism and investment, said he will ask the senior Canadian politician in charge of the Mackenzie project to talk to U.S. officials about the proposal to boost the backstop by two-thirds, as spelled out in a comprehensive energy bill.
Backers of the $16.2-billion Mackenzie line through the territory have said the project could face years of delay if the larger Alaska pipeline moves forward first.
Neither has begun construction, despite decades of planning.

I believe if the USA wants to spend monies on these type of natural resources, it should be a joint effort by both countries. That sounds like RESPONSIBLE infrastructure spending to me.

“We’re following up on whether the playing field is still level or not, or whether it’s changing with regard to the loan guarantees that have been proposed in the United States,” McLeod said in an interview.
He plans to meet with Environment Minister Jim Prentice in the coming weeks to discuss the issue, and travel to Washington in June to learn more about the one sentence concerning the Alaska pipeline in the National Energy Security Act.
The provision would boost the loan guarantee for an Alaska pipeline from the current $18 billion US. The bill was introduced by Senator Byron Dorgan, a North Dakota Democrat, in April.

If we don't have to spend $18 billion than why spend it? If half the burden can be shared by Canada and a single project gleened from such cooperation, then why is it that Alaska is competing with an ally?

TransCanada Corp. has Alaska’s blessing for its plan to build a $26-billion US pipeline to Alberta from the state’s North Slope. Its chief executive, Hal Kvisle, told Reuters in December he wanted Washington to increase the loan guarantee because inflation had cut the value of the current amount.

The pipeline should never be built. It is an environmental disaster waiting to happen. Additionally there are Native American territories involved when the pipeline turns south to become a Trans-USA pipeline as well. None of it is necessary. We need alternatives and if there needs to be a gas supply, then share the cost with Canada for a pipeline to the coast for export by ship.

The Mackenzie project, led by Imperial Oil Ltd., is already beset with regulatory delays, high costs and now the threat of cheaper shale gas supplies located much closer to markets in both Canada and the United States.
Late last year the regulatory panel weighing the social and environmental impacts of the project said it aimed to deliver its report by December 2009, months past the previous target.
Meanwhile, Imperial and its partners are negotiating with Ottawa over a fiscal package, which Prentice offered early this year, under which the government would pick up the bill for roads, airstrips and other infrastructure as well as other aspects of the project.
Mackenzie would run 1,220 kilometres through the Northwest Territories to the Alberta border from the Mackenzie Delta on the Beaufort Sea coast.
It is seen as a development that would open up a new gas supply region for North America and make an important contribution to economic development in Canada’s sparsely populated far North.
McLeod said his biggest fear is that more delays will leave the project vulnerable to being “overtaken by events.”
Some analysts have said it may be cheaper and quicker to develop trillions of cubic feet of gas trapped in shale formations in such locales as Texas, Louisiana and British Columbia.

The infrastructure already exists in these locations and does not interfere with Polar Bears or Native American lands.

In addition, the continent’s capacity to import liquefied natural gas from the Middle East and elsewhere is growing.
“Despite all that, there’s still a need for Arctic natural gas from both Mackenzie and Alaska, in our view, as long as the Mackenzie pipeline goes first,” McLeod said.
TransCanada itself faces competition in its plan for an Alaska pipeline, in the form of the Denali project proposed by North Slope Gas producers BP PLC and ConocoPhillips.
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald

The INFRASTRUCTURE is already available at the Beauford Sea. The pipeline is a rip off, besides it being an environmental disaster for many.

Apex Says Drilling to Begin in Beaufort Sea/Mackenzie Delta (click here)

Monday, December 13, 2004 (All this took place under Bush and Cheney)

Apex Resources Group Inc. announced that, after a twenty-year quiet period, drilling is beginning in the Beaufort Sea/Mackenzie Delta area where in June 1997, Apex Resources Group Inc. purchased a 3.745% working interest in the Beaufort Sea Area Well known as Itiyok 1-27 consisting of 640 acres containing reserves of 108 billion cubic feet of gas and recoverable oil reserves of 8.976 MM barrels. The best current estimate of the total discovered resource in the basin is 1.01 billion barrels of oil and 9.00 trillion cubic feet of gas according to the National Energy Board of Canada.
With oil ranging at $50.00 per barrel and gas close to $7.00 per 1,000 cubic feet, Apex interest in proven reserves would be 45 Million Dollars and with an additional potential to be drilled out would represent 323 Million Dollars. Once the pipeline is completed and on-line, it will be a tremendous cash flow to Apex Resources Group Inc....


ARCTIC
VOL. 55, SUPP. 1 (2002) P. iii–v
The Beaufort Sea Conference 2000 on the Renewable Marine Resources of the Canadian Beaufort Sea (click here)
G. BURTON AYLES,1 ROBERT BELL1 and HELEN FAST2
...This special issue of the journal Arctic presents the formal scientific papers on each resource species or group and the presentation by Inuvialuit elder Billy Day. The paragraphs below summarize the conference discussions under the four themes, as well as the discussions of the youth delegation.
The Canadian Beaufort Sea region pioneered and put into practice the theory of co-management in the Canadian Arctic, beginning with the signing of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement in 1984 and the Gwich’in Final Agreement eight years later. Workshop discussions considering the role of co-management of renewable resources in this region focused on the following challenges for the future:...

The Alaskan Pipeline II will interfer with the well being of Polar Bears.

U.S. Protects Polar Bears Under Endangered Species Act (click here)
The Interior Department lists the polar bear as a "threatened" species--one at risk of becoming endangered--due to dangerous declines in their sea ice habitat
By Larry Greenemeier
The U.S. Department of the Interior Wednesday listed the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 based on evidence that the animal's sea ice habitat is shrinking and is likely to continue to do so over the next several decades. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, however, made clear several times during a press conference announcing the department's decision that, despite his acknowledgement that the polar bear's sea ice habitat is melting due to global warming, the ESA will not be used as a tool for trying to regulate the greenhouse gas emissions blamed for creating climate change....

Please be sure the legislation being passed under this administration is iron clad.

Entirely too often while Bush was in the Presidency, the legislation from years gone by was weakened at every turn. The legislation being passed under this administration is vital to our democracy. I hope the legislators are being sure the laws are 'iron clad' and 'fool proof.' IF, and that is a very big IF, the Republicans ever achieve the kind of power they had in the last eight years again, they will carry out the travesty they did before.

State Tobacco Control a Mixed Bag (click here)
FRIDAY, June 12 (HealthDay News) -- Efforts to help people quit smoking vary from state to state, and despite progress over the years, there is still a long way to go, a new report concludes.
The news appears particularly timely given Thursday's historic Senate vote to put tobacco products under federal control.
The report, Cigarette Smoking Prevalence and Policies in the 50 States: An Era of Change -- the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ImpacTeen Tobacco Chart Book, is a systematic review of national trends and tobacco-control policy and smoking behaviors in all 50 states.
"There are some areas of progress, and some areas where we are not doing so good," said study author Gary G. Giovino, chair of the Department of Health Behavior at the University of Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions. Giovino presented the report Wednesday at the National Conference on Tobacco or Health meeting in Phoenix.
Progress includes more people living in smoke-free homes and more states passing smoke-free air laws, Giovino said. "The country is becoming a smoke-free society," he said....

When was the last time we heard 'word' about Osama bin Laden? Elusive, right? "W"rong.

A video grab from an undated footage from the Internet shows Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden making statements from an unknown location. [Agencies]

Tell me this is a surprise. I want to hear from the Republicans that this is a surprise. Come on, say it. Say that no one in their right mind would ever conceive of the al Qaeda boss being in Pakistan, harbored by Musharraf. Go ahead. Say it.


CIA chief says bin Laden in Pakistan (click title to entry - thank you)

Thu Jun 11, 2009 1:56pm EDT
* Sources in Pakistan providing info on al Qaeda targets
* Says al Qaeda still most serious security threat to U.S.
(Updates with more quotes, details)
WASHINGTON, June 11 (Reuters) - CIA Director Leon Panetta said on Thursday the U.S. intelligence agency believes al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is hiding in Pakistan and hopes joint operations with Pakistani forces will find him.
Asked whether he was sure that bin Laden was in Pakistan, Panetta told reporters: "The last information we had, that's still the case."
Bin Laden, who has eluded a U.S. manhunt since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, has issued audio and videotapes over the years demonstrating that he is still alive.
Finding bin Laden is "one of our major priorities," Panetta said. "One of our hopes is that the Pakistanis move in militarily, combined with our operations, we may be able to have a better chance" to find the al Qaeda leader, he said.
Panetta said al Qaeda "remains the most serious security threat" to the United States and its leaders, particularly in Pakistan, continue to plot against America.
There are "a number of people" on the ground in Pakistan providing intelligence on al Qaeda targets to the United States, he said....


The people of Pakistan back their government. They feel safer today than ever before. They WANT to be out from under the Taliban. I wonder why, huh? I wonder.

Pakistan public opinion turning against Taliban (click here)
By PAUL ALEXANDER
The Associated Press
Thursday, June 11, 2009; 7:24 PM
ISLAMABAD -- The footage was chilling - a woman crying out in pain, held face-down on the ground, as a man with a long beard flogged her in front of a crowd.
It could be the video that changed Pakistan.
That two-minute clip, purportedly shot in the Swat Valley where the Taliban held sway until a recent military offensive, has come to represent the militants and their extreme form of Islam. The footage is increasingly seen here as a turning point - perhaps even more persuasive than all the bombings, beheadings and other violence, most recently Tuesday's suicide attack on a luxury hotel....

The Taliban are human rights offenders. Civilians are never supposed to be a 'target' in any conflict. The brave Pakistani refugees needs our loyalty and endorsement. They must continue to feel safer and better cared for as they have provided 'in roads' to a government and ally to reclaim their country. Kindly, write your Congress persons and demand the Pakistani people continue to be supported in their refugee status. Thank you.

Bombing Challenges Aid to Pakistan Refugees (click here)
By SABRINA TAVERNISE and SALMAN MASOOD
Published: June 10, 2009
PESHAWAR, Pakistan — One casualty of the bombing that killed as many as 18 people at a luxury hotel here Tuesday night may be the effort to aid Pakistan’s surging population of refugees, who have been displaced by the military campaign against the Taliban.
Around 30 United Nations staff members were at the Pearl Continental Hotel on Tuesday when the bomber hit it, a United Nations spokesman said, and two were among the dead. More than 50 people were wounded in the attack....

Obama declares time to fix health care is now (click title to entry - thank you)

Remember when Bush's White House had bad economic news, like job losses or low job growth, it was always touted as 'less bad,' therefore it is good news? Remember the 'nerve' of it all? Like we couldn't understand that 'less bad' really meant '....poor economic performance?' Nothing like insulting the intelligence of the American people, right?

Well, it would seem the 'integrity' of the American people is intact with the Obama Administration. Joe Biden says it the way it needs to be said.

...The Labor Department (click here) reported that while employers cut 345,000 jobs in May -- the lowest monthly total since September -- the national unemployment rate still rose to 9.4 percent, the highest in more than a quarter century.
Biden called the numbers "tough" but said there are also "some signs of hope today," according to the press pool report before his meeting with his chief economist, Jared Bernstein, and Christina Romer, chairwoman of the White House Council of Economic Advisors.
Still, he told reporters, "It doesn't satisfy me, it doesn't satisfy the president. Less bad is not how we're going to measure success. We will not be satisfied until we are adding jobs on a monthly basis."
He did not offer more specifics about the Monday announcement.
Biden, who was put in charge of overseeing the recovery package by Obama, said that 3,600 projects are underway from the stimulus package, and that today's jobs report shows "some signs" of this.
"We still have a very long way to go," Biden said, adding "We're working to build that foundation every day we're here." (His full remarks are below.)...

Biden touts stimulus as tour begins at Pa. bridge (click here)
By PETER JACKSONASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

CARLISLE, Pa. -- Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday the $787 billion economic stimulus program is creating jobs with infrastructure projects like the replacement of a dilapidated bridge in central Pennsylvania, the first stop of a cross-country "Road to Recovery" tour.
Biden led a delegation from the Obama administration to the groundbreaking for the bridge in Carlisle....

...Rendell said the roughly 80-year-old bridge, rated structurally deficient and functionally obsolete by the state, was in "terrible condition" when Biden visited the site in February, before Congress approved the stimulus package.
"We actually looked through holes in the bridge and (saw) the creek below," the governor said.

Cindy hasn't won her federal seat yet. Her message stays alive. "Never forget Casey." Go get 'em, Cindy.

Peace activist Cindy Sheehan holds a sign as she leads a march over the Dallas Tollway heading to former President George Bush's house in Dallas, Monday, June 8, 2009. Sheehan lead a march to the former presidents home in the Preston Hollow section of Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (Lm Otero - AP)

Three years after Crawford protests, Cindy Sheehan returns to speak in Waco (click here)

By Tim Woods Tribune-Herald staff writer
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Peace activist Cindy Sheehan’s return to Central Texas drew about 55 people Tuesday night to hear her speak at Poppa Rollo’s Pizza.
The event was a stop on Sheehan’s book tour to promote Myth America, the latest of her four books.
Sheehan, whose son, Casey, was killed in Iraq in 2004, garnered the attention of the nation in 2005 when she and other anti-war protesters gathered in Crawford outside the ranch of former President George W. Bush. The protesters demanded the president’s justification for the Iraq war and asked for the immediate withdrawal of all troops.
Tuesday night, Sheehan railed not only against Bush and his policies but also against President Barack Obama and other politicians who Sheehan says are perpetuating Bush’s war policies.
“It’s about challenging the policies and not the person,” Sheehan said after her talk, referring to her willingness to now protest Obama’s actions. “I’ve been in several protests of Obama, and there’s no coverage, but then I go protest George Bush in Dallas, and there’s an overwhelming amount of media coverage.”
The protester, who was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize following her Crawford vigil, repeatedly referred to the two classes she sees in America, the “robbers” and the “robbed.”
A poignant moment at the event came during the question-and-answer session after Sheehan’s talk. A man asked Sheehan if she would be who she is and do what she does “if it weren’t for April 4,” the date her son was killed in Sadr City, Iraq.
After Sheehan said she could not answer that hypothetical question, the man, Timothy Priddy, told her that his platoon was there the day Casey was killed.
Following the event, Priddy said he agrees with some of Sheehan’s beliefs but wonders if she is tarnishing her son’s legacy.
“I agree, but at the same time I think she degrades what he stood for,” Priddy said. “I understand where she’s coming from, but my point is, if it wouldn’t have happened, would she be here today, or would she be living the life that she’s arguing against?”
twoods@wacotrib.com
757-5721

Mike is looking for a name for his new movie. He is looking outside Goldman Sachs. Give Mike a hand before he is lost in NYC forever.

"I want them to walk out at the end saying 'Wow, that was something!' And in this case, maybe they also walk out asking the ushers, 'Um, excuse me. Where are the pitch forks and torches?'"– Michael Moore (click here, thank you)

NAME "MIKE'S MOVIE" (click here)

Here is my entry, Mike. "Bush's Pity Party for Paulson"

Palin looking for public sympathy. Letterman saids 'Fine by me.'

Letterman strikes back against O'Brien-led "Tonight Show" (click title to entry - thank you)
NAB SmartBrief 06/11/2009
CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman" on Tuesday scored its first ratings win over its new rival, "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien," which has seen its ratings drop each night since its June 1 debut. But NBC said it expects O'Brien to easily beat Letterman among younger-adult viewers -- a key demographic for late-night programming. New York Times, The (06/10) Variety (06/10)

We need a single payer health care system. Why? Because the bigotry in the current system is completely unacceptable !

For far too long, the Black Woman in the USA has worked harder, longer and made less money than any other group in the USA. They are oppressed. They don't have EXCELLANT health priorities and they die. They get sick more often and at an earlier age and they die and no one in decades has given a damn !

I want to hear from Liz Cheney how the USA needs a single payer health care system that takes EXCELLANT care of Black Women!!! I want to hear it !

Don't give me any bullshit about lifestyle either. THAT is bigotry. Oppression and poverty force people in value systems that are available rather than life styles of choice.

I don't want to hear it anymore !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Minority Women Lag In Health Care Access (click title to entry - thank you)
Tell Me More,
June 10, 2009
Women of color receive far less access to formal health care services than their white counterparts, according to a new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The report signals "sizeable health disparities" across all 50 states in women of different racial and ethnic groups. Cara James, co-author of the study, is joined by former Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Louis Sullivan, to discuss reasons behind the disparities and how they can be resolved.

Liz Cheney's Big Moment - "I think we have to be careful here. Every society has their psychotics." Boy. I really thought the NRA was in trouble...

...didn't you?

Liz Cheney just justified the White Supremist Movement and analyzed the murderer today as a psychotic. I am sure there is a prison psychiatrist that can attest to that, right, Lizzy?

If that is the case? How did she get her hands on the information.

Why did she justify the HATE of a White Supremist as a psychotic as if the rest of them aren't? Because the NRA is on the line.

I am tired of it. I want to hear her say how absolutely correct Janet in Homeland Security is. I want to hear it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is Anti-American. A typical, completely typical Republican.

I will not be oppressed by violence. I don't want to hear it about the Obama Administration. Janet ROCKS !!!

Go ahead. Don't take her seriously. This is what happens when politics is put before citizen security. We had it for eight years. We don't want it anymore. If Janet says 'jump' simply ask how high! For Republicans? Bigots have more rights than decent citizens.

Holocaust Museum to close in slain guard's honor (click title to entry - thank you)

The Associated Press Wednesday, June 10, 2009; 6:50 PM
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum will be closed Thursday in tribute to the museum guard who was shot and killed by a gunman.
Holocaust Museum director Sara Bloomfield says that flags at the museum have been lowered to half-staff in honor of slain guard Stephen T. Johns.
Johns was shot when a man carrying a .22-caliber rifle entered the museum and opened fire.
The gunman, identified by authorities as 88-year-old James von Brunn (vahn BRUHN'), was critically wounded by another guard. Authorities say von Brunn is a white supremacist and anti-Semite.
Officials at the Holocaust Museum say they will review their security procedures but believe their guards are well-trained and acted heroically to the shooting.

There are too many guns on the street. Bush believed and enforced anarchy. Feed the fear.

Steep Rise in Gun Sales Reflects Post-Attack Fears (click here)
By AL BAKER
Published: Sunday, December 16, 2001

Gun and ammunition sales across the country have risen sharply since Sept. 11 as more Americans take what many consider to be the most personal step toward feeling safer: arming themselves.
According to statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, surveys by firearms associations and anecdotal evidence from storefront gun shops and distributors from Arizona to Florida to Lower Manhattan, the jump in weapons sales followed quickly on the first jarring images of the terrorist attacks.
The rise was anywhere from 9 percent to nearly 22 percent during September, October and November, according to F.B.I. statistics on background checks for purchases. The total peaked in October, at 1,029,691.
Those in the gun industry say a range of firearms have been purchased, from high-priced handguns small enough to fit inside a purse to shotguns and assault rifles that can be leaned against a wall inside a clothes closet. And, they say, there has been a steady stream of serious- minded first-time buyers....

I don't know about anyone else, but, I have been completely disgusted with Rove manipulations.

People liked this? They thought it was special? What is so special about manipulating public opinion through Rovian image making? What did it get the country? Besides a "W"rongful war, an unfinished war, an Ally that was a Warlord and a destroyed global economy. Iraq, Musharraf and Paulson's Bailout were all contemplated, planned and executed.

Knock it off !!!!

God? False Prophet? Obama? What is everyone thinking? Where does that come from?

What a joke !

His speeches to date have been 'spot on' whether in the USA or abroad. Honestly.

I find this approach of news reporting important and refreshing.

All too often the reporting regarding countries such as North Korea and Iran are from a 'narcisstic' point of view in regard to the damage that can be done to the USA/Allies/World by them.

I have in the past attempted to focus on the relationship of the government within these countries to their populous. We cannot pass judgement on the happiness of the people, but, we can be concerned about their well being and human rights.

By focusing on the people of these countries, their relationship with their government and how that interprets to a relationships with the global populous brings a 'humanized' approach to the 'image' of such countries.



All too often, we 'stigmatize' them in order to consider them an enemy. When, in fact, it is the people of these nations that are striving to change their relationship with the world. The most profound example of that is the reporting coming out of Iran regarding the anticipated elections. I have never heard such good news in all my life regarding the possibility of the return to sanity by the leadership of Iran.

I also believe if the media focus is removed from the two American journalists held in North Korea they will be safer. I am confident, human rights organizations are involved in North Korea regarding the prisons and if not perhaps that should be a focus for the USA State Department. The point is, if we are to conduct public discussions regarding the nuclear capacity of North Korea it cannot include 'dangling' American Journalists for public display as if a 'carrot and stick' to the Six Party Talks (If they ever return to Six Party Talks.).

The two issues are not intertwined and the more North Korea realizes any grandstanding over the American Journalists are mute, there might be more movement to free them to their own government as they are not guilty in acting as any type of government agent.

What is adding to the unemployment picture? Joe Biden is correct. The States that refused the stimulus.

....Three Southern GOP governors (click title to entry - thank you) (the unemployment rate is rising in all three states) with potential White House ambitions in 2012 — Perry from Texas, Bobby Jindal from Louisiana and Mark Sanford from South Carolina — have turned aside portions of the federal stimulus package. The South Carolina Supreme Court has ordered Sanford to request the funds....

Louisiana, Texas and South Carolina are poster children for the Biden Reality. California is well above the national average and dysfunctionally handling its budget problems. Nevada's rate is climbing every month. (There is an interactive at this link if one clicks here, which allows the national average to be compared state by state and county by county. Some areas are recovering.)

But, the obvious lack of 'commitment' to the Stimulus in states such as Louisiana can't be understated. There was a spike in Louisiana in 2005 due to Katrina.


Louisiana Mulling $0.15 Internet Fee (click here)
Monday, June 08, 2009 - by Shawn Oliver
We've always heard that the best things in life are free. We've also heard that nothing great lasts forever. Mix those two mantras together, and you get this. Down in Louisiana, a $0.15 surcharge is being tossed around as an idea to stop online criminal activity (and raise state income, no doubt), which would be levied on Internet access across the state. Sadly, the House has already voted in favor with an 81-9 vote, though Governor Bobby Jindal strongly opposes....


The news regarding the economic collapse of the Bush White House bearly hit the news in November of 2008 and the unemployment rate in Louisiana was 5.3. President Obama's inauguration occurred on January 20, 2009 and the unemployment rate in Louisiana went from 5.5 in December 2008 to 5.1.


The Stimulus Package passed Congress about February 15, 2009 while the Louisiana unemployment rate became 5.7. The Louisiana Governor along with other hard line Republican Governors declined the Stimulus monies based on 'philosophical' reasons and today Louisiana's unemployment rate is 6.2 and rising.

Besides a rising unemployment rate, the Louisiana Governor is playing with education. Education is a focus of the Stimulus Plan.

Associated Press
Louisiana governor says he'll veto tax cut delay (click here)
By MELINDA DESLATTE
05.26.09, 03:05 PM EDT
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal threatened to veto any attempts to delay a planned tax break for middle- and upper-income taxpayers, but he said he was working with senators on other ways to stave off some proposed college budget cuts.
Among the ideas offered by senators, Jindal said Tuesday, is a budget maneuver that would use money from the state's "rainy day" fund for higher education and replenish the fund with dollars from a planned tax amnesty program....

California basically needs a 'Ring Master.' The longer the 'push me - pull you' authority goes on, the longer it will take to stabilize the circumstances and seek real progress toward stabilizing a global economy all by itself.

California cities, counties vow to fight state over budget tactics (click here)
By Loretta Kalb and Robert Lewis
lkalb@sacbee.com
Published: Thursday, May. 28, 2009 - 12:00 am Page 1A
Arguing that the state is nickel and diming them to oblivion, leaders of California's financially beleaguered counties and cities say they plan to fight back.
They suggested Wednesday that talks should begin on how to more equitably restructure government financing.
"The governor and Legislature can't solve this problem by themselves," said Yolo County Supervisor Mike McGowan. "The top-down approach has not worked."...

What is really interesting is that The Governator was the first to jump at the chance for an economic stimulus with shovel ready jobs, yet 'in application' he is holding out for a court date with the federal government to reappropriate the Stimulus monies to simply 'pay the bills.' Come on, Ahnold, that is dirty politics.


U.S. threatens to rescind stimulus money over wage cuts (click here)
The Obama administration threatens to rescind billions in stimulus money if Gov. Schwarzenegger and lawmakers do not restore wage cuts to unionized home healthcare workers.
By Evan Halper May 8, 2009
Reporting from Sacramento -- The Obama administration is threatening to rescind billions of dollars in federal stimulus money if Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state lawmakers do not restore wage cuts to unionized home healthcare workers approved in February as part of the budget.Schwarzenegger's office was advised this week by federal health officials that the wage reduction, which will save California $74 million, violates provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Failure to revoke the scheduled wage cut before it takes effect July 1 could cost California $6.8 billion in stimulus money, according to state officials.
The news comes as state lawmakers are already facing a severe cash crisis, with the state at risk of running out of money in July....


Okay, here's the deal. The longer it takes to 'spend the money' the longer it takes to come back to the states in the way of income tax, sales tax, etc. and the Stimulus basically becomes a negative feedback loop all by itself as the 'struggle' to control the MONEY is more of an issue than the unemployement.

I don't trust the Republican message, it is the same old song and dance. Cut taxes, stimulate the economy.

Gov. Jon Corzine argues Chris Christie is out of step with N.J. voters' values (click here)
by Claire Heininger/The Star-Ledger
Wednesday June 03, 2009, 8:20 AM
Gov. Jon Corzine hit the airwaves this morning to make the case for four more years, arguing he would work better with the Obama administration and Republican opponent Chris Christie is not "in alignment" with New Jersey voters' values.
"There were a lot of statements in the Republican primary that I know are contrary to where New Jerseyans feel on a woman's right to choose, on gun control, on a whole host of issues, in addition to whose taxes get cut, how many people get laid off," Corzine said during a live interview on News 12 New Jersey....

First the Republicans crash the economy, corrupt the entire banking system and nearly rid the American landscape of the car industry. The Republicans have never been a friend to the American people or the car industry. They never regulated tailpipe emissions and allowed the 'belief' that the industry could survive on gas guzzlers. That MYTH was trashed when fuel went to over $4.00 per gallon and it promises to return to those levels by October of this year.

At any rate, the Republicans are back to stating 'cut taxes' and stimulate the economy. Right.

New Jersey Beach

New Jersey is a good example of an 'off year' election neglect by the DNC. While Governor Corzine has worked to reduce the tax burden of the state by trimming monies to municipalities, the answer by his opposition is a dreamscape and nothing more.

According to those that oppose Governor Corzine, whom carry all the social oppressions they are known for, cutting taxes and encouraging mergers between towns and cities will return a better economic climate to the state.

That makes sense? Yet, the desperation of the American consumer in an Off Year election are willing to entertain anything that is a 'novel' idea regardless of its lack of proof.

When towns and cities merge they consolidate administrations, cut middle management, increase the class sizes in the schools while grades are joined and teachers are laid off. That sounds like economic stimulation? No. That is a "White Flag" to hopelessness and helplessness.

Mergers cause adoption of hideous concessions between towns that compromise quality of life with MINIMAL return. Below is an example.

Joint Study Committee
Final Report to the Cities of Clayton and Richmond Heights, Missouri (click here)
September 26, 2007
AS ADOPTED

OVERALL SUMMARY
...At the completion of the study, the JSC has concluded the merger of the two cities is
not recommended at this time. As noted below, most of the JSC’s subcommittees
concluded that potential benefits of merger were relatively nominal and seem to be
outweighed by the burdens, possible negatives, and ultimate risks associated with
pursuing and effectuating such a merger. However, the JSC has found that there are
numerous opportunities for advantageous partnerships....

The Corzine opposition is barking up an empty tree, yet the DNC has yet to assist the campaign to bring about the reality of a poor and possibly disasterous decision by the electorate.

Changing administrations in dire times is not the answer. Acting in desperation by an elecorate in 'hopes' the old Republican song and dance 'feels more than good' but actually works is like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. These 'strategies' are empty, poorly researched and unable to point to repeated success stories that act as examples to what an electorate can expect. The economy is disappointing to say the least and New Jersey needs new concepts that will encourage growth, like dedicating the Old American Cyanamid Agricultural Research Site as a new, expanded location for Rutgers' University Research. The property is dirt cheap compared to the 'gem' it is, however, the buildings alone are worth the price and the greenhouses that once hosted the needs of the Third World in its lab research are worth billions while intact and next to nothing in demolition.

The town of West Windsor is seeking desperating for use of this land in an already congested traffic dynamic. Locating a new Rutger's University Research site will bring new venues of educational opportunity to the cities in the area that have only Rider University as a venue for opportunity. A public university is needed there.

It is that 'view of the future' that Governor Corzine needs to impart as hope for expanding opportunity through education.

The 'businesses' in New Jersey are long lived. Why 'risk' any instability to what remains of a viably stable New Jersey economy?

If Grassley can't handle the job, then he needs to leave the office.

President Obama inherited a Republican Mess unlike any economic and war disaster in American history. He has a very ambitious agenda for his adminnistration and EXCEPT for a occassional evening out with his WIFE and now a trip to a destination that was within the realm of reasonable in Paris on a trip already embarked on, there is not a darn thing "W"rong with his family traveling to meet him.

The trip to the Middle East was magnificient and nothing short of it. There were light hearted moments that gave the brevity of his diplomacy some comic relief.

Compared to the agenda President Obama holds for himself, Senator Grassley's 'pouting' regarding a demand for health care reform is shameful.

Grassley's first tweet: "Pres Obama you got nerve while u sightseeing in Paris to tell us 'time to deliver' on health care. We still on skedul/even workinWKEND."

A short time later: "Pres Obama while u sightseeing in Paris u said 'time to delivr on healthcare' When you are a 'hammer' u think evrything is NAIL I'm no NAIL."

A Grassley spokeswoman verified that the senator was the author of the messages.

What if anything was decided in regard to David Kellerman?