McCain doesn't believe children in Chicago should have state of the art science investigation.

"The Maverick's of the Republican Party" are picking on kids.

Amazing.

Children.

Children are the victims to the desperate rants of the McCann/Palin ticket.

Outstanding 'Maverick' work.

Outstanding.

Give them both a pack of clean underwear or a few packs of Ramen noodles, preferably 'chicken' flavor.




Planetarium on defense after McCain criticism
(click title to entry. thank you.)
October 8, 2008 at 2:59 PM
....At an afternoon news conference, Adler President Paul Knappenberger defended the 2007 funding request as an attempt to update the 78-year-old Adler's original Sky Theater Planetarium Auditorium. The request was part of a $10 million project to overhaul the theater and projection system, he said.
Ironically, the $3 million request was eventually rejected and the planetarium never received the funds, Knappenberger said.
At the time, Adler representatives met with Obama, U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin and six Chicago-area congressman, three of whom are Republicans. All agreed to sponsor the $3 million earmark....

Advancing the Cause of Genetics. The New Frontier for Medical Treatment in the USA. With a 'cure' what will the nation's health care costs be?

We have a RIGHT to be well !

Study: Genetic variant plays role in cleft lip
2008-10-07 11:15:44
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- An international team of researchers have found a genetic variation that is likely to contribute to one in five cases of isolated cleft lip, according to the latest issue of Nature Genetics.
It is the first time a genetic variant has been associated with cleft lip alone, rather than both cleft lip and palate. The findings were published in the journal Nature Genetics on Oct. 5.
In 2004, an international team identified the gene IRF6 as a contributor to about 12 percent of cases of the common form of cleft lip and palate. "Now we found that a common variant in the IRF6 gene severely disrupts the ability of AP2 (protein) to bind to it. This in turn disrupts proper expression of the IRF6 gene," said Fedik Rahimov, the lead author from University of Iowa, in the Midwest of the United States.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-10/07/content_10158977.htm


Published: Monday, October 6, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, October 6, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.
Florida to study role of environment, genetics in children
National and state organizations will follow 100,000 children across the country from birth to age 21 in an effort to study the role of environment and genetics in the health of children.
The study is made possible by a $54 million grant from the National Institute of Health. The study, which will be conducted by various institutions including the University of Central Florida in Orlando, will examine certain diseases in children, such as asthma, diabetes, obesity and autism. The ultimate goal is that findings will help develop better treatments, find prevention and, eventually, a cure for prevalent childhood diseases.

http://www.ocala.com/article/20081006/UNKNOWN/810060354/1357/OBIZ?Title=_No_heading_


deCODE genetics files IND application for cognition drug
Mon. October 06, 2008; Posted: 11:51 AM
Oct 06, 2008 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- DCGN Quote Chart News PowerRating -- deCODE genetics has submitted an investigational new drug application to the FDA for DG071, the company's novel small-molecule modulator of phosphodiesterase 4.
The compound is being developed as a new and potentially safer means of targeting phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) to combat memory loss and cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease and other disorders in which neural signaling is reduced or impaired, the company said.

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1923746/


deCODE files new Alzheimer's drug
Monday 6th October 2008
Gene research firm deCODE genetics has filed a new Alzheimer's disease drug application with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).The company's investigational new drug application for DG071, a novel small-molecule modulator of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), is being developed as a new and potentially safer means of targeting PDE4 to combat memory loss and cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer's.

http://www.pharmacyeurope.net/default.asp?title=deCODEfilesnewAlzheimer

Inflammatory bowel gene uncovered
Genetic variations which predispose people to a common inflammatory bowel condition have been uncovered by a team of German and UK researchers.
It was known that ulcerative colitis, which affects around 100,000 people in the UK, runs in families.
Now researchers have linked the condition with the gene that encodes for interleukin 10 (IL10) - a compound which regulates inflammation.
IL10 therapy has been tested in early studies, Nature Genetics reported.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7650530.stm

Breast cancer family history topic of monthly genetic series
HOUSTON -- (October 3, 2008) -- The effect of family history on breast cancer risk will be the topic of discussion in a public forum on Oct. 14 at The Health Museum of Houston.
The forum will feature Dr. Sharon Plon, director of the Baylor Adult Cancer Genetics Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine and Dr. Powel Brown, director of cancer prevention at the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at BCM.
Sponsored by BCM and Texas Children's Hospital, the event is part of a monthly "Evening with Genetics" lecture series organized by BCM's Department of Molecular and Human Genetics. The series offers current information regarding care, education and research about genetic disorders.
http://www.bcm.edu/news/item.cfm?newsID=1233



The genetics of smell
your nose vs. mine; No wonder one person will detect peppercorns and another won't
BILL ZACHARKIW, Freelance
Published: Saturday, October 04
I have been laid up for the better part of the week with a pretty decent cold. While this has put a damper on my capacity to taste wine, it has been a welcome break considering I have tasted close to 700 wines over the last two weeks. It has also allowed me to catch up on some reading.

http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=5e48824b-ee93-4897-95a9-49e2f6c47510



Genetics: The New Nursing Frontier
Clemson Offers First National Conference in Health Care Genetics
Clemson University School of Nursing and the Greenwood Genetic Center will hold the first national conference in health care genetics on October 23 and 24, 2008. Speakers include Jean F. Jenkins, PhD, RN, senior clinical advisor to the director of the National Human Genome Research Institute.
For more information visit: Clemson University School of Nursing Web site
By Debra Wood, RN, contributor
Scientists are continuing to find genetic connections to common illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and asthma. Some treatments already vary depending on a patient’s genetic makeup and research is now underway to further tailor care according to genetic profiles.
“Genetics and genomics, eventually, will streamline care and the options we offer patients, and hopefully, offer more benefit,” said Jean F. Jenkins PhD, RN, FAAN, senior clinical advisor to the director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

http://www.nursezone.com/Nursing-News-Events/more-news.aspx?ID=18401

Healthy Living: New study suggests asthma may be linked to genetics
Oct 2, 2008 02:00 AM EDT
Wednesday, October 1, 2008Reported by: Shari Small
About 20 million Americans have asthma, of which nine million are children. New evidence finds it can be a family affair.
"It feels like something is squeezing your lungs," said Breanna Coleman, describing her asthma.
13-year-old Breanna and 9-year-old Janee have battled asthma since they were babies. Their mother believes it came from her side of the family.
"I had it from my father, and mine being so bad, I figured the gene was strong and that, you know, they probably have it too," said mother Shavon Coleman.

http://www.ksby.com/Global/story.asp?S=9110309


Scientists study potato genetics
Scottish scientists are aiming to unlock the genetic secrets of the potato.
The Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI), near Dundee, hopes to map chromosome four of the root vegetable.
The scientists would then know where genes responsible for colour, shape, and disease resistance are positioned.
The new research is part of a number of projects looking at how to produce improved varieties of potato, barley and wheat.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/tayside_and_central/7646997.stm

Dollar Falls As US Manufacturing Report Hits Worst Level Since 2001 Terrorist Attacks

Wednesday, 01 October 2008 14:00:30 GMT


Thomson Financial NewsDollar o/n rates fall in Asia after US bailout approved (click here)
10.02.08, 12:11 AM ET
...The rate on overnight dollar funds fell to 3.0-4.5 percent, traders said. That compared to around 6 percent on Wednesday and 10 percent earlier this month when Lehman Brothers collapse sparked a resurgence in the year-old global credit crisis....

All I heard for days after the 'bailout bill' was signed was that the Dollar is strong. Well, it's not strong and the further into this mess we get the less strong it is thanks to people just like McCain.

The only activity that will return value to the USA dollar is a strong domestic economy based in manufacturing and low unemployment as proposed by the Democrats that are attempting to strengthen the Middle Class to return a demand economy back to this country accompanied by good paying jobs that provides that demand.

Yen Gains on Speculation Stocks Rout to Spur Carry Trade Unwind (click here)
By Stanley White
Oct. 8 (Bloomberg) -- The yen rose against the dollar and the euro on speculation a global stocks rout will prompt investors to pare carry trades, bets on higher-yielding overseas assets funded in Japan.
The yen traded at 101.35 per dollar at 9:07 a.m. in Tokyo from 101.47 late yesterday. It reached 100.24 on Oct. 6, the strongest since April 10. Japan's currency was at 137.51 against the euro from 137.89 yesterday. It touched 135.05 on Oct. 6, the highest since September 2005. The dollar traded at $1.3566 per euro from $1.3588 yesterday.
Last Updated: October 7, 2008 20:13 EDT

The Cheney Observer

Harry? Harry? Are you alright? Your face is looking a little strange, Harry.





What is Jeb Bush's role in the Lehman Brothers meltdown?
Leartis Julia – Opinion
Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:16:00 +0000
LEHMAN BROTHERS was founded in 1850. The firm managed to get through the Civil War, WWI, and WWII, the Great Depression, and the attacks of September 11, 2001. Yet after hiring Jeb Bush in late August of 2007, the firm suddenly goes belly up in a year. It also should be noted that in 2006, George H. Walker IV was also hired by Lehman Brothers.Now, let's take a walk down memory lane, shall we?Neil Bush: The brother of the current president, son of the elder Bush, was part of yet another huge financial meltdown. This was known as the Savings and Loan scandal (S&L). From Salon: Long before that, in the late 1980s, Neil Bush made bigger news for his controversial role as a director of Silverado Savings and Loan, which collapsed and cost taxpayers roughly $1 billion. (Federal regulators accused Bush of various conflicts of interests, but he was never charged. A civil suit against Bush and other Silverado officers was later settled for $26.5 million.)

http://www.talkzimbabwe.com/news/130/ARTICLE/3376/2008-09-17.html




Lehman hires Jeb Bush as private equity advisor
Thu Aug 30, 2007 5:36pm EDT
NEW YORK, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Lehman Brothers has hired Jeb Bush, brother of the President of the United States, as an advisor to its private equity business, a source familiar with the situation said.
Lehman hired another relative of U.S. President George W. Bush last year--George Walker, a second cousin, who heads up the bank's asset management business.
Jeb Bush is the former governor of Florida.
Lehman Brothers declined to comment.
(Reporting by Dan Wilchins)

http://www.reuters.com/article/fundsFundsNews/idUSN3046902620070830





Facts say GOP caused market crisis
10/7/2008 8:05:38 AM

Last week's letter to the editor blaming the current financial crisis on the Democrats disregards Republican Party ties that have weakened our economy.
According to the FDIC, deregulation of the financial industry was supported by the Reagan administration Garn-St.Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982. The S&L crisis of the1980s included Sen. McCain, who was part of the "Keating Five," and Neil Bush, director of the collapsed Silverado S&L.
The FDIC estimates that U.S. taxpayer losses due to the S&L government bailout amounted to $123.8 billion, or 81 percent of the total costs. Enron was the top contributor to George W. Bush's 2000 presidential campaign as well as to Sen. Phil Gramm, former co-chair of the McCain campaign.
In 2000, Sen. Gramm co-sponsored the Commodity Futures Modernization Act whose risky investment instruments were labeled by Warren Buffet as "financial weapons of mass destruction."
When President Clinton left office, there was a budget surplus of $128 billion. George W. Bush will leave a deficit of at least $401 billion. If Republicans want to continue to blame the current economic problems on Democrats, they need to have correct facts to support that claim.
Cecilia Dingledy
Rochester


http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=23&a=365048




After a Breakup, Ring Disputes Sometimes Land in Court
Posted Oct 7, 2008, 10:08 am CDT
By Debra Cassens Weiss
...In a more recent case, billionaire investor Gerald Tsai, who has since died, was arguing over the return of a $243,000 engagement ring he gave to Sharon Bush, the former wife of the president’s brother Neil Bush.
Sharon Bush was represented by matrimonial lawyer Raoul Felder. “I can’t understand how a man is not embarrassed to ask for his ring back,” he told the Times. “It always amazes me what happened to chivalry.”
The case was resolved earlier this year. Raoul said he can’t disclose the terms, but his client has since been seen wearing the ring.

http://www.abajournal.com/news/after_a_breakup_ring_disputes_sometimes_land_in_court/




Woman sues oil exec over daughter's drug death
© 2008 The Associated Press
Oct. 6, 2008, 8:49PM
…Geneva Cloud sued Robert Pace Andrews for $2 million in a lawsuit filed Monday. Andrews is owner, president and CEO of Houston-based Andrews Technologies Inc., a provider and contractor to the oil industry. His ex-wife is married to Neil Bush, a brother of President Bush.
Andrews is serving two years' probation after pleading guilty in April to possession of less than a gram of cocaine. He was granted deferred adjudication, which means he will not have a conviction on his record if he successfully complies with the terms of his probation.
Geneva Cloud alleged that Andrews supplied cocaine to her daughter, 19-year-old Jessica Lynn Cloud.
On Nov. 2, Andrews called 911 to report that a guest at his town house became unconscious after ingesting cocaine. Jessica Lynn Cloud, a part-time dancer at Centerfold's nightclub, died the next day at a hospital. An autopsy found she died from complications of acute cocaine intoxication and her death was ruled an accident….

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6043550.html





Schumer asks feds to include student loans in bailout
BY KARLA SCHUSTER
karla.schuster@newsday.com
October 7, 2008
Sen. Charles Schumer is calling on the federal government to protect college students and their families from the credit crunch by expanding the economic bailout to include student loans."We have to build a wall around the student loan market to protect our kids from the credit crisis," Schumer said at a news conference yesterday in Massapequa outside Plainedge High School, where students from a senior government class peppered him with questions about college costs and loan availability."My parents tell me I have to be realistic about where I want to go, and money is nearly as important as how good my grades are," said Marianne Kennedy, 17, of Seaford, who is applying to both public and private schools. "They don't want me having huge debt when I graduate."

http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/tuesday/business/ny-bzloan075873054oct07,0,5924441.story





5 killings in 2 days in New Orleans
10/7/2008, 4:15 p.m. CDT
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans has been rocked by multiple killings — five in two days — pushing the number of people slain in the city this year to 151.
The killings began Sunday afternoon when Kendrick Sherman, 18, and Durrell Pooler, 23, were gunned down on a city street.
Two cars sped away from the scene. Sherman died on the sidewalk and Pooler died across the street.


http://www.nola.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-43/1223408347147570.xml&storylist=louisiana





No more freebie club memberships for Supremes, federal judges
By Carol Eisenberg
October 7, 2008 at 2:21pm
The perks of being a federal judge just got fewer.
With most of the media’s attention fixed on the financial rescue package these last 10 days, few noticed that Congress had passed a bill barring Supreme Court justices on down from accepting honorary club memberships worth more than $50.

http://news.muckety.com/2008/10/07/federal-judges-will-have-to-pay-for-golf-like-everyone-else/5571




Kosmas is honorable alternative to Feeney
Republican Congressman Tom Feeney is the local manifestation of the politics of division.Under FBI investigation for alleged ethics violations surrounding his association with jailed lobbyist Jack Abramoff, Feeney has shared in the Karl Rove/George Bush ascendency and ought now to share in its long-overdue demise.If we are to fully embrace the possibility of a new and better day, we must repudiate the extremist partisan spirit embodied by Feeney and others and choose a new direction. Reason dictates that change is needed now.There is a clear, honorable and common sense alternative in Democrat Suzanne Kosmas.I would urge readers to consider their choice carefully in the light of present circumstances and vote on the evidence for the lady who is, in my humble opinion, the better candidate.

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081007/OPINION/81006039/1006/news01






McCain on Keating
10/6/08, 1:17 pm EST
I address John McCain’s dealings with the felonious financier Charlie Keating in this section of Rolling Stone’s cover story.
But there’s quite a bit more about their relationship that comes from McCain himself, in his memoir Worth the Fighting For.
His account is replete with details of unrepentant entanglements and top-dollar favors that would make Jack Abramoff blush.
They were much more than “social friends” as McCain’s lawyer said on a conference call today.
Charlie Keating, his family and associates raised over $100,000 for my first campaign, and for each of the two that followed. That was a hell of a lot of money in those days…. Supporters like Charlie were not easy to come by for a first-time candidate, and I made damn sure that he knew how much I appreciated his support.
More important, I became friends with Charlie, his family, and many of the top executives and employees of his company. [pp. 59]
And…
He was as close to the archetype of the high-flying eighties chief executive as anyone I had encountered, and he was a hell of a lot of fun to be around.
On several occasions, he invited Cindy and me to his beautiful vacation retreat at Cat Cay in the Bahamas, flying us there, with our infant daughter, Meghan, and her nanny, on his private jet….
He entertained us lavishly, as was his style. We would all crowd on his yacht, off for a day of swimming and snorkeling, and then return for another extravagant party with the best wine, food, and entertainment available…
I would be lying if I were to deny… just how eagerly I awaited invitations to Charlie Keating’s Shangri-la. [pp. 60]

http://www.rollingstone.com/nationalaffairs/index.php/2008/10/06/mccain-on-keating/




Busansky Would Restore Faith In Elections Office
The Tampa Tribune
Published: October 5, 2008

Since becoming Hillsborough's Supervisor of Elections five years ago, Buddy Johnson has been steeped in controversy, secrecy, wasteful spending and outright bungling.
Johnson was appointed by former Gov. Jeb Bush after then-supervisor Pam Iorio resigned to run for mayor in 2003, though he has subsequently been elected. But never has Johnson seemed comfortable in his role, committed to the daily job or in command of the details.
Johnson's personal problems and inept management style have made too many headlines. He's failed to pay his taxes and is in a conflict over his debt on a condo. And though he spends taxpayer money with abandon, he cut his own property taxes by $11,000 by arranging to have 17 cows graze on his land.
Voters deserve better and can demand it this Election Day when Johnson, a Republican, faces former Hillsborough County Commissioner Phyllis Busansky, a Democrat.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/oct/05/busansky-would-restore-faith-in-elections-office/



Now I Understand Why Palin Was Sequestered! (Anti-Intelligence Movement Backfires
…I don't think more than five minutes passed before I was sitting in front of the television with my mouth open. I just could not believe what I was seeing and hearing! Putting partisanship aside for a moment, if you are a rational, objective and intelligent human being, you cannot in good conscience say that you believe this woman is ready to be Vice President - and definitely not President (considering John McCain's age and medical history).
Yes, when a person must attend five schools (one a repeat) just to obtain one undergraduate degree, their intelligence comes into question! (Source) Sadly, Gov. Palin's interview proves that her lack of intelligence and lack of intellectual sophistication on a range of issues is no longer questionable, but rather an obvious fact! I thought we could expect more from the war hero, the experienced politician, the Maverick who chose her. Maybe I expected too much from the US Naval Academy graduate who graduated at the bottom of his class (Rank 894 of 899). (Source)
Naturally, some will call me elitist for pointing out such facts (the latest Republican talking point and manufactured insult). Like many Americans, I'm simply tired of the dumb-down politics and anti-intelligence movement of recent years. It is what gave us George W. Bush yesterday and it is threatening to give us McCain/Palin today.
Sometimes, I wonder if those on the Right (or those who support the Right) ever ask themselves, particularly the NON-white collar voter, why the following demographics support Senator Obama in extremely high numbers:

Young (under 40)
Educated (college degree or higher)
Middle & Higher Incomes
Blue Collar (especially minorities)
Metropolitan Residents
ALL Races & Ethnicities (which also fall into one or more of the categories listed above)

Arguably, Senator Obama's coalition looks more like America. And when people say Obama is "inexperienced," "only a good speaker," "lacks substance," or has "no good ideas," then why are the educated and higher income earners (typically highly educated) flocking to him in high numbers? What are the smart people missing that the others are not? I'd like to know. Of course, intelligence is not measured by education alone, although it IS a strong indicator. It is also built from life experience, particularly in a diverse environment. But wait! Senator Obama has a lock on this demographic too. They're the youth (growing up in diverse communities) and metropolitan residents (living and working in diverse environments).

In contrast, the Republican Party consists of only higher income/educated whites and non-educated/blue collar whites. Of course, there are a few minority members and supporters, but they're numbers are not statistically significant. In other words, it's as if they don't exist in the party at all. In essence, the Republican Party is a "Whites Only" club consisting of the haves and have nots. I understand why the "haves" belong to the Republican Party - it serves their interests. Sadly, the "have nots" haven't learned that the party doesn't serve theirs, despite how comforting the party's color may be. Perhaps this is why they are willing to blindly embrace Gov. Palin - to their detriment…

http://www.thesaudavoice.com/the_sauda_voice/2008/09/now-i-understan.html





Why Do Republicans Hate America?
North Star Writers Group
We are a syndicate based in Michigan that distributes our 19 columnists' material to thousands of publications daily.
North Star Writers Group
October 06, 2008
By David B. LivingstoneIt wasn´t really a surprise when George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and their neocon accomplices exploited the tragedy of September 11 to lead the nation into a disastrous, unprovoked and morally indefensible war of aggression in the oh-so-coincidentally oil-rich nation of Iraq. Nor was it especially shocking when this same administration exploited the same tragedy to ramrod through a succession of Constitution-gutting pieces of legislation – the FISA bill, the Patriot Act, Patriot II – designed to subvert a baker´s dozen of the previously inalienable rights Americans had held dear. And who can claim astonishment that this same administration would, over the course of eight disastrous years, preside over the savaging of the environment, the corruption of the U.S. attorney system and the federal judiciary, the doubling of the national debt and the irreversible diminishment of America´s standing in the eyes of virtually all of its global neighbors?This is, after all, Republicans doing what Republicans have always done – unflinchingly serving their twin masters of power and profit, pursuing both at all costs regardless of the consequences to the nation or the people that they pretend to love. Since the Nixon era, Republicans have known that they could get the American public to accept even the most egregious, exploitative and downright insane polices and practices, provided they were sufficiently cloaked in obfuscating layers of patriotism and paranoia.


http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/76626





Hanford Workers Concerned Financial Crisis Could Affect 2009 Budget
Oct 7, 2008 03:26 AM EDT
RICHLAND, Wash-- With the recent financial crisis many Hanford workers are wondering if this will affect the 2009 budget. KNDU met with Bechtel leaders Monday, they say there should be no effect on next years budget. Bechtel holds the Vitrification Plant contract.The plant is about 45 percent complete and once finished it will turn nuclear waste into glass logs. Its one of the biggest federally funded construction projects in the country. The only concern for leaders at Bechtel is the Tri-Party Agreement, which they hope happens before the election. If it does not happen before, the head of the Department of Energy could change and the budget could be altered.


http://www.kndo.com/Global/story.asp?S=9134554&nav=menu484_2_7




Bechtel wins Saudi smelter deal
MEED reported that US based Bechtel has clinched a key aluminum smelter project in Saudi Arabia.Meed without saying how it got the information reported that Betchel has been appointed as the engineering, procurement and construction management contractor for Al-Zabirah smelter project at Ras al Zour.The smelter is being developed by Alumco a joint venture of Saudi Arabian Mining Company and the British Canadian company Rio Tinto Alcan.

http://steelguru.com/news/index/2008/10/07/NjU1OTQ%3D/Bechtel_wins_Saudi_smelter_deal.html





Franken, Coleman ads cross line between fact, fiction
A Franken ad criticizing Coleman for holding no hearings into Iraq contract abuse isn't entirely accurate, but neither is a rebuttal ad Coleman is airing about his successes.
By
PAT DOYLE, Star Tribune
Last update: October 6, 2008 - 9:46 PM
In Oct of 2006 (immediately preceeding the change of congressional leadership, coincidentally?), tucked away in a HUGE military … read more authorization bill was an obscure provision that set a specific termination date for this federal oversight agency, the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, as Oct. 1, 2007. The clause was inserted by the Republican side of the House Armed Services Committee over the objections of Democratic counterparts during a closed-door conference, and it has generated surprise and some outrage among lawmakers who say they had no idea it was in the final legislation.... Now after hearing Coleman's claims of being a "watchdog" and not a lapdog, he was STRANGELY SILENT about the need to continue SIGIR, a program he supposedly championed, beyond 2007. It was actually Rep. Ike Skelton, a Missouri Democrat due to become chairman of the House
U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman's role in addressing alleged contract abuse in the Iraq war is the focus of an ad by his challenger, Al Franken, and a counterattack ad by Coleman.
Franken's ad is blunt: "As chairman of the most powerful investigative committee in the Senate, Norm Coleman had the perfect perch to look into no-bid contracts in Iraq. But Coleman did nothing."

http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/30548389.html?elr=KArks:DCiUMEaPc:UiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU





Coleman and corruption
by Ed Felienpublished
October 6, 08
…But, by 1998, Dresser Industries ceased to exist. George Bush Sr. and George Bush Jr. took Dick Cheney, then CEO of Halliburton, on a hunting trip and sold him on the idea of Halliburton buying Dresser. Cheney called it a “win-win.” The stock market thought otherwise and the stock plummeted. It was a stock transfer. Halliburton bought Dresser for $7.7 billion when Halliburton was worth only $8 billion at the time. What that means is that the Bush family ended up owning controlling interest in Halliburton.When Cheney quit Halliburton to become Bush’s vice president he continued to receive a deferred salary of around $200,000 a year from Halliburton and his stock options grew from about $250,000 to $8 million in 2005. Senator Frank Lautenberg served on Coleman’s subcommittee: “I was eager to get to the bottom of the serious allegations against Halliburton and other contractors—potentially the biggest wartime rip-off in our country’s history. But Norm Coleman and the Republican leadership of the committee simply refused to investigate. Even after multiple requests from me and my colleagues to get the committee to do its job and get to the bottom of it—they refused. As an Army veteran, the committee’s failures were infuriating, especially because it was undermining the well-being of our troops in Iraq. By turning a blind eye to Halliburton’s transgressions in Iraq, Norm Coleman refused to protect billions in taxpayer dollars. And the reason he refused is tragic: merely to protect Vice President Cheney from embarrassment….


http://www.southsidepride.com/2008/10/articles/coleman.html





High court refuses to hear racial profiling case
Jose Cerqueira had sued American Airlines for discrimination after being removed from a flight in 2003.
By
Warren Richey
October 7, 2008 edition
WASHINGTON - The US Supreme Court has declined to hear the case of a man who was kicked off an American Airlines jetliner in Boston because a flight attendant thought he looked like a Middle Eastern terrorist.
John Cerqueira is an American citizen of Portuguese heritage who was trying to fly home to Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 28, 2003. Instead, he was escorted off the jetliner and questioned by police for two hours because American Airlines personnel thought his dark hair and olive complexion made him look Middle Eastern.
When police realized the mistake, they reported back that Mr. Cerqueira was cleared to travel. But American refused to issue him a ticket on any of its flights.
Cerqueira sued American Airlines for discrimination and won. An appeals court in Boston reversed that decision.
On Monday, the Supreme Court announced it would not examine the case. The justices offered no explanation for their decision. The action means the appeals court ruling throwing out Cerqueira's case remains undisturbed.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1007/p25s15-usju.html




Justices criticize FTC in cigarette case
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- Two U.S. Supreme Court justices said the federal government may be partially to blame for a claim that cigarette companies deceptively call some smokes light.
During oral arguments Monday in Altria Group (
NYSE:MO) et al vs Good et al, Justices Samuel Alito and Antonin Scalia suggested the Federal Trade Commission knew for years the ads were founded on flawed claims and did little or nothing, ScotusBlog.com reported.
Talking to an FTC lawyer, Alito said, "You created this whole problem. You have misled everyone who has bought these cigarettes for a long time."
Assistant to the Solicitor General Douglas Hallward-Dreimeier of the Justice Department said the tobacco industry knew as early as 1967 that its claim of low tar and nicotine in "light" cigarettes was invalid.
Scalia countered, however, that knowledge of the claim being invalid was known for some time and "the FTC has done nothing."
The case asks whether federal law bars individual smokers from suing under state law, alleging ads deceptively promoting "light" cigarettes as being low in tar and nicotine. The tobacco industry claimed federal law on cigarette labeling and marketing expressly pre-empts state law claims and the FTC allowing the ads during the years implicitly pre-empts such claims.

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/10/06/Justices_criticize_FTC_in_cigarette_case/UPI-35721223332255/




Rice leaves US-India nuclear deal unsigned
By James Lamont in New Delhi
Published: October 5 2008 18:27
Last updated: October 5 2008 18:27
Last-minute administrative hitches forced Condoleezza Rice, US secretary of state, to leave New Delhi at the weekend without signing the US-India nuclear deal to end more than three decades of isolation for India’s nuclear programme.
Ms Rice’s visit, on the heels of US Senate approval of the civil nuclear deal last week, had been widely billed as concluding the agreement after three years of tough negotiations. Opposition parties in India had even intended to make Saturday a day of mourning for what they perceive to be India’s capitulation to the US.


http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8aa7beb0-9300-11dd-98b5-0000779fd18c.html?nclick_check=1




Obama gains as economy weakens
By DAMIEN CAVE
The New York Times
Published: Monday, October 6, 2008 at 6:30 a.m. Last Modified: Sunday, October 5, 2008 at 9:40 p.m.
NEW PORT RICHEY - Jim Piccillo lost his job as a bank vice president in August, applied for food stamps to support his two young daughters and swore off a life of loyalty to the Republican Party. He now volunteers here in Pasco County for Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.
Madeline Aquanno's change of heart came more recently. Two weeks ago, she said, she had planned to vote for Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the Republican, who impressed her with his knowledge of the world. But as the economy began to scare her more than terrorism, she reconsidered.
"Obama is more for the people," she said, near the pool at her middle-class retirement community in Broward County. "I'm worried about the jobs that are being lost, for my son, my daughter, my granddaughter. You have to look down the line."

http://www.ocala.com/article/20081006/NEWS/810050345/1402/NEWS?Title=Obama_gains_as_economy_weakens




President Bush no doubt knows that his commutation of the prison sentence of I. Lewis
Published:Saturday, October 4, 2008
President Bush no doubt knows that his commutation of the prison sentence of I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, the top aide of Vice President Dick Cheney, in the C.I.A. leak case will forever be a part of his legacy. Libby had been ordered to serve 30 months in prison for his convictions on perjury and obstruction charges in the case related to the leaking of Valerie Plame Wilson’s identity.
Bush’s commutation was roundly criticized because it was viewed as executive branch interference in the work of the judicial branch. Libby had just lost a bid before an appellate court to remain free pending further review of his convictions when Bush stepped in.
It would certainly be an abuse of power if the Oval Office got involved in another case involving the executive. We would hope the president uses the remaining months in his tenure to mend his reputation, not further damage it.


http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/oct/04/president-bush-no-doubt-knows-that-his-commutation/

Sonthi Boonyaratglin staged a successful coup in 2006 in Thailand. He may be the first Muslim in leadership in Thailand.

Thailand struggled with its 'stability' after the 2004 tsunami. That sustained destabilizing event left a window of opportunity for the long lived insurgency.

From the looks of the protest and violence, it is difficult to determine the continued longevity of the current government.

It would be tragic if the government turned against its people.



There is a population of 65,493,298 in Thailand with approximately three main ethnic groups. The country is primarily Buddist. The leader is not. It's a worry.

Thailand's neighbor Indonesia is predominantly Muslim.

It's just that while al Qaeda flourished in Afghanistan before September 11th, they destroyed major Buddhist temples. Its a worry.

Indonesia has its issues with militants.

The actual ethnicities and religions don't concern me, except, for the instability it brings. Instability in this part of the world breeds terrorists.

Bali Bombers Defiant as They Await Execution (click here)
By VOA News 01 October 2008
Three Islamic militants on death row in Indonesia for their involvement in the deadly 2002 Bali bombings say they have no regrets about carrying out the attacks.The twin nightclub bombings killed 202 mostly foreign tourists.Speaking with a group of reporters Wednesday at a maximum security prison on an island in eastern Indonesia, the bombers warned that retribution would come to those who carry out their executions....


Thailand Holds Senate Elections (click here)
By Ron Corben Bangkok02 March 2008
Voters in Thailand went to the polls Sunday for elections for half the upper house, the Senate, marking the final step in the return to parliamentary democracy after the nation's September 2006 coup d' etat. As Ron Corben reports from Bangkok, the elections come amid underlying tensions following the return to Thailand this week of former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra....

Thai Police Battle With Protesters; More Than 100 Are Injured (click here)
By Daniel Ten Kate and Rattaphol Onsanit
Oct. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Thai police battled anti-government protesters as a five-month standoff with the government turned violent and more than 160 were injured after police fired tear gas at demonstrators who responded with guns and other weapons....
...The ruling People Power Party won December elections, a year after the military ousted Thaksin Shinawatra, who fled to the U.K. in August to escape corruption charges....

Judge in Stevens trial reprimands witness's attorney

Get out of town and take your friends with you !

...Anchorage attorney Robert Bundy, who has been sitting in the spectator section of the courtroom in Washington while his client has been testifying, was accused Monday by the judge of trying to signal to Allen on the stand.
"I couldn't believe what I was seeing," U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan said Tuesday morning, before the trial began for the day. "That's borderline obstruction of justice."
Bundy's colleague, Creighton Magid, said Tuesday morning that the Anchorage lawyer and former U.S. attorney is "absolutely torn up by this" and "vehemently" denied signaling to his client....

Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, left, listens to witness Bill Allen, right, being questioned by his Attorney Brendan Sullivan, second from left top, Oct. 6, 2008. Others depicted are Prosecution Attorneys Joseph Bottini, and Brenda Morris, seated second and third from left, and Judge Emmet G. Sullivan, second from right. (AP Photo/Dana Verkouteren)

Stevens jurors hear tape of plot to hide free work (click here)
By JESSE J. HOLLAND and TOM HAYS – 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two close friends of Sen. Ted Stevens schemed to conceal the fact that one was paying for extensive work done at the senator's cabin in Alaska, according to FBI audiotapes played Tuesday at Stevens' corruption trial.
The pair, Bill Allen and Bob Persons, are heard on tape fretting in February 2006 over a plumbing bill that says, "Labor paid for by Bill," after Stevens contacted them about the job.
"We need to make that disappear from (the plumber's) records," Persons says in one conversation captured by an FBI wiretap of Allen's phones. "Tell him Ted's paying for everything. I mean, that's the safest thing, Bill."...

Crash - A sudden dramatic decline of stock prices across a significant cross-section of a stock market

When do you think Bush and his incompetents will finally call it a day and resign?

After?

Or?

Before the markets hit 7500?

I love the 'mind speak' of this administration. Bush and his cohorts want to call all countries together to coordinate the crash of the markets. That was admirable, wouldn't you say?

So. About those disarmament talks.

Russian opposition, trade unions see economy on brink of crisis (click here)
20:46
07/ 10/ 2008

MOSCOW, October 7 (RIA Novosti) - Russian opposition parties and trade union leaders said Tuesday the country's economy was on the brink of a crisis, slamming the government and calling for urgent action.
Russia's financial system has been badly affected by the global economic crisis, with record losses on its financial markets, rising interest rates and a liquidity shortage.
Communist Party MP Vadim Solovyov said the Russian economy had started to take "heavy blows."
"We think the Finance Ministry and the minister himself are directly to blame," he said, accusing the ministry of using the proceeds of Russian oil and gas exports to buy foreign assets instead of supporting domestic businesses.
"Small enterprises and entrepreneurs have also taken loans, so it [crisis] can lead to a series of failures among small and medium businesses, millions of people will find themselves jobless, and that will lead to enormous social tensions," he said.
"We are half a step away from a default," Solovyov added. "Our entire economy could collapse overnight."...

If only Carlyle was on better terms with Vladimir. Darn shame.

Panic as Russian stock market falls by almost 20% (click here)
21:51
06/ 10/ 2008

MOSCOW, October 6 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian stock market gave in to panic on Monday with the MICEX dropping 18.6% to 752 points and the RTS falling by 19.1% to 866.39 points - the worst losses since the 1998 crash.
Russia's financial system has been affected by a global credit crunch which started in the U.S. and quickly spread to Asia and Europe leading to record losses on Russia's financial markets, rising interest rates and a liquidity shortage....

So, no one in the Ukraine should be cold this winter.

Gazprom subsidiary to sell 5 bln cu m of gas in Ukraine in 2008 (click here)
20:52
07/ 10/ 2008

KIEV, October 7 (RIA Novosti) - Gazprom Sbyt Ukraine, a subsidiary of the Russian energy giant, will deliver about 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas to industrial consumers in Ukraine this year, the company's general director said Tuesday.
"We plan to reach 5 billion cubic meters by the end of the year," Anatoliy Podmyshalskiy said.
He added that the company would supply about 550 million cubic meters of gas in October.
Gazprom holds a 100% interest in Gazprom Sbyt Ukraine, established under a Ukrainian-Russian agreement of March 12, 2008, to operate on the Ukrainian market.
The company holds a five-year license to sell 7.5 billion cubic meters of gas a year to Ukrainian consumers at unregulated tariffs....

Good job, Georgie.

Ukraine dismisses use of force reports over Russia's naval fleet (click here)
20:10
06/ 10/ 2008

KIEV, October 6 (RIA Novosti) - Ukraine's defense ministry dismissed on Monday reports that the country is ready to use force to seize the Black Sea Fleet's navigation and hydrographic support facilities in the Crimea.
A lawmaker from the pro-Russian opposition Party of Regions, Taras Chornovil, said earlier Monday that Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and his inner circle are planning military action to seize the disputed facilities, which would lead to further tension in Russian-Ukrainian relations.
"This [information] is untrue," a defense ministry source said....

FCC Seeks Info from Military TV Analysts

Shut 'em down ! (click here)

The Honorable Kevin J. Martin (kindly click title to entry. thank you)

Chairman

Federal Communications Commission

445 12th Street , SW

Washington , DC 20554
Dear Chairman Martin: We write to express our deep concern with regard to a troubling story recently reported in the New York Times detailing an extensive program within the Department of Defense (DoD) to recruit ex-military officers to support the administration’s position on the war in Iraq, conditions at Guantánamo Bay and other activities associated with efforts to combat terrorism under the guise of objective analysis on major television news programs and 24-hour cable news networks. Many of these military analysts were simultaneously representing more than 150 companies competing for billions of dollars in Pentagon contracts. While we deem the DoD’s policy unethical and perhaps illegal, we also question whether the analysts and the networks are potentially equally culpable pursuant to the sponsorship identification requirements in the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act) and the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)....

FCC Probes Pentagon Analysts (click here)
October 06, 2008 04:16 PM ET

The Federal Communications Commission has begun notifying several TV military analysts that it is probing congressional complaints that the pundits did not properly disclose their ties to the Pentagon when reviewing the war in Iraq on air....

...At issue is that some of them were also linked to Pentagon contracts, raising the issue of conflict of interest. In its letter signed by the chief of the investigations and hearings division enforcement bureau, the FCC suggests that TV stations and networks may have violated two sections of the Communications Act of 1934 by not identifying the ties to the Pentagon that their military analysts had....

A CBS News Investigation Uncovers A Suicide Rate For Veterans Twice That Of Other Americans

Pa. widow sues US over Iraq vet-husband's suicide (click here)
1 hour ago
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The widow of a 23-year-old Iraq war veteran from Pennsylvania is suing the U.S. government over her husband's suicide.
Tiera Woodward blames the Veterans Administration for failing to provide her husband, Donald, with adequate mental-health care, despite earlier two suicide attempts. He killed himself in March 2006 after seeking help for depression at the VA Medical Center in Lebanon, a town about 25 miles east of Harrisburg.
The federal lawsuit, filed Monday, says that Woodward served in combat in Iraq from March to August of 2003.
A VA spokeswoman in Washington did not return a message Tuesday.

Drug Abuse to the point of dealing? Really?

Iraq war veteran's appeal denied (click here)
Posted by Brendean Kirby, Staff Reporter
October 07, 2008 6:35 AM
The U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday to hear the appeal of an Iraq war veteran's prison sentence, a five-year term handed down in Mobile by a federal judge who later said he made a mistake.
The case now will return to Mobile, where U.S. District Judge William Steele is expected to carry out the sentencing order given by an Atlanta appeals court.
Patrick Lett, a former Army sergeant who now lives in Pascagoula, admitted to selling crack cocaine in Monroe County for a short while after his service in Iraq. His story gained national attention....

The Weather at Glacier Bay National Park (Crystal Wind Chime) is melting. Sadly.

Distribution of Maternal Polar Bear Den Habitat in Northern Alaska (click here)


Local Time :: 9:39 AM AKDT

Lat/Lon :: 58.8° N 137.0° W

Temperature :: 36 °F / 2 °C

Conditions :: Clear

Windchill :: 36 °F / 2 °C

Humidity :: 93%

Dew Point :: 34 °F / 1 °C

Wind: Calm

Pressure: 29.72 in / 1006 hPa (Steady)

Visibility: 10.0 miles / 16.1 kilometers

UV: 1 out of 16

Clouds: Clear (Above Ground Level)

Elevation: 33 ft / 10 m

Polar habitats may affect drilling (click title to entry, thank you)
New 5:15AM Wednesday Oct 08, 2008
The United States Government will designate "critical habitat" for polar bears off Alaska's coast, a decision that could add restrictions to future offshore petroleum exploration or drilling.
Federal law prohibits agencies from taking actions that may adversely modify critical habitat and interfere with polar bear recovery. That was likely to affect oil and gas activity, said Kassie Siegel of the Centre for Biological Diversity, one of three groups that sued to force the critical habitat designation.
"Other than global warming, the worst thing that's going on in polar bear habitat right now is oil development and the potential for oil spills," Siegel said.
Bruce Woods, a spokesman for the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Anchorage, said it was not known what area in the Chukchi Sea off Alaska's northwest coast might be designated for polar bears, given that areas now covered by ice might in the future be open water.
The agreement to designate critical habitat was filed yesterday as part of a partial settlement of a lawsuit brought by Greenpeace, the Natural Resources Defence Council and Siegel's group....

No more spending. Jeeze, these idiots are as dense as they come.

Corruption Personified
Before coming to the USA Treasury under Paulson, he worked for guess who?

Go ahead.

Guess.

Goldman Sachs

In this undated photo provided by the U.S. Treasury Department, of Treasury Department Assistant Secretary Neel Kashkari. Kashkari has been selected to head the Treasury's new Office of Financial Stability. (AP Photo/U.S. Treasury Dept., Chris Taylor)

...The Federal Reserve announced Tuesday a radical plan to buy massive amounts of short-term debt in a dramatic effort to break through a credit clog that is imperiling the economy...(click here)



These Bozos just don't know when to stop. IF this 'radical spending' was so important to drive the USA even further into debt why wasn't it made a part of the $700 billion.

NO ! No more of the USA Treasury to 'bailout' Goldman Sachs.

End of Discussion.

These people are complete idiots, I swear ! They must spend their 'downtime' thinking up more and more ways to scalp generations of Americans and put them into servitude forever. When are these jokers going to be gone ! NOW, is a good idea.

Goldman Sachs is running scared.

We ain't their piggy bank !

The pressure is on for a BIG interest cut (click here from the New Zealand Herald)

..."There's a case for trying things that might restore confidence. It might work. And there's little chance that it will start another inflationary credit binge."
Goldman Sachs JBWere economist Shamubeel Eaqub backed a full percentage point cut.
"The current global situation where there is a crisis of confidence needs co-ordinated action from central banks around the world," he said. "The RBNZ cannot conduct policy in isolation."...



'It's very complicated' (click here)
THE FIXER: Meet Neel Kashkari, the U.S. official asked to oversee the $700-billion rescue plan
PAUL WALDIE
With files from Associated Press
October 7, 2008
...The job would be daunting for someone twice Mr. Kashkari's age or with many times more experience. But the 35-year-old - who came to the Treasury from Goldman Sachs and has been there for just over two years - mainly as an adviser to Mr. Paulson, may have to learn as he goes....


Goldman Sachs Leads $12 Million Investment in Nimsoft (click here)
Fastest Growing Systems Management Company Announces Second Round of Funding
Last update: 6:00 a.m. EDT Oct. 7, 2008
REDWOOD CITY, CA, Oct 07, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Nimsoft, the fastest growing systems management company, today announced that the company has completed a funding round of $12 million led by new investor Goldman Sachs with follow on investments from Series A investors JMI Equity and Northzone Ventures. The company will use the funds to continue its growth and help achieve its vision of becoming the world's leading enterprise systems management software company....

The Republicans don't believe Alternatives Matter.

October 07, 2008
Goldman Sachs Cuts Solar Stock Benchmarks (FSLR, SPWRA, CSIQ, LDK)) (click here)
Two key solar stocks are being hit hard in early indications. First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) and SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWRA) have both been downgraded to "Sell" from the prior "Buy" ratings over at Goldman Sachs. The fallout from these calls may create new issues for the sector which has already seen its key components chopped down in the current market....


Tuesday September 30, 2008
Goldman Sachs seeks to buy US$50b assets (click here)
NEW YORK: Goldman Sachs Group Inc is looking to buy up to US$50bil of assets from troubled US banks, the Financial Times reported on Sunday, citing executives at the bank.
The newspaper said it was looking to buy the assets as part of its transition into commercial banking.
Last Sunday, Goldman and rival Morgan Stanley said they would become bank holding companies, enabling them to accept deposits and killing the investment bank model that had dominated Wall Street for decades.
Goldman said then it intended to expand its deposit base by buying deposits from other banks, including those in distress.
The FT said Goldman planned to talk to US regulators to find US$50bil of assets it could buy from the struggling banks. Those assets would be in addition to the US$150bil of its own assets it is moving to its Utah Industrial Loan Corp, a bank regulated in that state, the report said. - Reuters

Why Republican Tax Cuts are irrelevant and should never be made ? permanent ?

There is nothing magic about Republican Tax Cuts. They are draconian to our country and our economy. The need for tax cuts should be obvious, not granted for the sake of politics.



The idea behind cutting corporate taxes is to allow liquid assets to make improvements in infrastructure that would prompt higher employment and product production. When businesses find they have markets to satisfy but don't have enough product to provide to that market it inhibits GROWTH.

When government provides funds for business to expand in the way of tax cuts, it isn't giving up any income. Or I should say, it isn't supposed to be giving up any income, i.e. The Bush Tax Cuts provided deficit government spending without purchasing anything.

The way it is supposed to work, is that government grants tax cuts to businesses, in turn business builds more infrastructure and produces more product. Within that dynamic is increased employment for the citizens of the country as well as additional income to the country through personal income tax, and for states and local governments through sales taxes when more product is sold.

The reason the McCain tax cuts and why Bush's Tax Cuts mean nothing to the economy is because there was no market share demanding more product. If a business has a maximum 'market share' it doesn't matter if they get tax cuts because there is no need to expand. The Bush/McCain Tax Cuts will go to the profit side of the business and will go into stockholders pockets.

The Bush/McCain Tax Cuts lose money for the federal government and place greater indebtedness to the federal and state governments.

The infrastructure for any country is actually fixed and growth within that infrastructure is mostly measurable. The federal government is supposed to realize the needs of the populous of the USA and provide for short falls in state needs through federal subsidies to all fifty sates. The income to the federal government is derived from citizens throughout the states and territories of the USA. Those funds become a general fund to pay for costs of the people across the same demographics that the taxes were received with special attention to states with lower income.

Example: The poorest state in the country is Alabama. In order to insure better quality of life for people in Alabama there needs to be federal subsidies to that state derived from income obtained from all the states, including those that are wealthier states. No state will ever be self-supporting to the point of never needing funding from the federal government, by the sheer fact each state could never afford their own military nor support it through enlistment of only their state populous.

The federal government is necessary and taxes to that level of government is necessary. The Executive Branch is the administrator of the country's needs and is supposed to be adequately addressed through the cabinet. It is legitimate use of the federal government to provide stability to the needs of people in this country through taxation and appropriate expenditures.

What Bush and McCain have done in randomly stating they will remove tax burdens from businesses to supposedly increase employment is to actually and continually remove services to the people of the USA and downsize the federal system. Their approach to tax cuts is completely invalid and has added to the deficit of the USA.

Tax cuts to the Middle Class is a benefit to the 'return' of American economic infrastructure because it adds to the demand for products. When the American people don't have good quality of life, poor paying jobs or no jobs at all, face ill health without hope and have their children's education compromised through poorly funded local and state expenditures that screams of federal government NEGLECT. That neglect exists in our federal government today, because of poor supply side economics. Bush/McCain puts money in the pockets of people and businesses that have no need for it and do nothing to contribute to the growth of the USA.

With existing tax cuts, there is no reason to provide more of the same to the same people. The Middle Class of this country need to have their standard of living returned to them and can be assisted by providing tax cuts. It also needs a new infrastructure in the way of employment opportunities to high school educated folks.

The quality of education has been compromised in the USA. There was a radical change in educational infrastructure that was poorly funded while providing impetus for families to move their children to private or charter schools. Those charter schools on rare occassion have proven to provide underachieving students rather than exceptional achievers as was expected. Due to the decrease in the achievement of our young learners there is a drop off in the need for college infrastruture as it is anticipated college admissions will level off as soon as next year.

With that in mind, we have had an increase in our population to the tune of currently 300 million, with primarily more and more of that demographic ending their initial years of education at the high school or less level. There are dearly few jobs for these folks. To believe we can educate all of them to high school level, send them to two or more additional years of education and then assist them into better paying jobs is only to realize demise for a 'start up' economy at the onset of the new administration.

The USA is in a very poor state today. We have enough of the 'Old World' USA from the Baby Boomer generation to allow for expertise and leadership, but, the new generation of American is struggling to find focus and impetus to a future that is secure and predictable. For a new administration to succeed they have to abandon any idea of providing further tax cuts to business and the 'upper crust' of this country and focus on bolstering the Middle Class including focusing on the budget shortfalls of states currently holding their own but struggling to stay afloat.

We need to refocus on our Brain Trust in the USA and provide the infrastructure to once again compete on that international stage. To facilitate all that, will require a 'quick fix' to the 'start up' economy awaiting an ambitious, young President.

Barak Obama will have to first focus on the actual needs for our military, see its futility in places where deaths and poverty provide for 'quite' and shift 'occupation' from Iraq to the needs of victory for Afghanistan without alienating the methodologies of the current President Karzai. Karzai has a clear understanding of his people and their desire to achieve a peace in Afghanistan they have longed for but to date have evaded them because of hostile regimes.

Stabilizing the 'costs' of our military will provide for vital elbow-room at home. We can then turn toward the most direly needed infrastructure for the USA and that is energy and transportation. The last Congress sessions beginning in 2006 have moved mountains in providing funding for 'discovery' of better battery technology for staunchly American companies like GM. They have begun the restructuring but need a President that is on their side to complete that vision. A President that can also deliver a Middle Class capable of purchasing products with advanced technology.

The new 'start-up' economy will be a 'working presons' economy whereby physical infrastructure will be addressed and changes to our energy needs coming quickly. It doesn't take decades to build wind farms or high speed magnetic rail across this country. With a return to 'jobs' that are predictable will return a 'tax base' we can count on while those paying that tax continue to enjoy expenditures on a personal level and raising 'demand' for the products we love to enjoy.

Huge infrastructure changes do not occur through private industry expenditures. It comes with government spending and taxing those with the most income is the right thing to do. The highest earners in the USA are approximately 1 to 2 percent of the population, how much 'demand' can they realistically create? The focus to the next Executive Branch and Congress in DC has to be one of focus and valuing the return of quality of life for all Americans.

The dynamics are really quite simple. There is no 'mystical' understanding of what makes the USA economy tick. Its good paying jobs that address the infrastructure changes required in this country to be an international leader on all fronts. Once the tax base is feed and the 'demand' side of the economy is stimulated we can accomplish anything. The answer to the return of the USA economy's vigor, is not to downsize the federal government to achieve balanced budgets and surpluses, but, to provide a widened tax base with healthy, happy Americans from all walks of life proud of their accomplishments with goals set on keeping our promises to our children as so many generations of Americans have done before.

Read My Lips.

No New Tax Cuts for The Rich !!!

Thoughts are with the Biden family.

Joe Biden family picture during a 1987 campaign with Jill Biden and sons Beau and Hunter and daughter Ashley.

Another great economic moment for the USA and its allies. Can 'The Crash' be far away?

But, in reaction, what did Georgie say?

Bush says U.S. economy will be fine in long run (click at title. thank you.)

That's right. After Bush, Cheney, Rice and Paulson are out of office and there is finally competent leadership returned to the Executive Branch, the country WILL be okay in the long run.

Anyone like 'cleaning up' after Republicans? I don't !

Republican 'double talk' on Climate Change. They disregard science and hence disregard climate science. So, they're deceptive to avert responsibility

The statements by Palin in her debate were this...


...Alaska feels and sees impacts of climate change more so than any other state.


"...how are we going to get there to positively affect the impacts?


...to come along with us with the impacts of climate change.


I was the first governor to form a climate change sub-cabinet to start dealing with the impacts...


...an "all of the above" approach to deal with climate change impacts.




This is a satellite image of Katrina as it approached the Gulf Coast with its IMPACTS. It was a huge Cat 5 storm that resulted from a very hot planet, in a hurricane season when there was still plenty of surface humidity, when a record number of hurricanes occurred.

Below is how the Republican lead USA addressed this disasterous storm while looking the other way to the issue of Climate Change and Human Induced Global Warming.

This is how the people of New Orleans ended up under the Republican majority of Congress, where at last count 1,836 people perished.

That doesn't even begin to address the damage to the economic infrastructure of the entire Gulf Coast, the displacement of people into the interior of the country or the equally disasterous effect of Countrywide Credit in New Orleans (click here) for people that subsequently lost their homes.

Katrina dead interred at new memorial (click here)
by Laura Maggi, The Times-Picayune
Friday August 29, 2008, 10:17 AM
Seven people who died during Hurricane Katrina were interred Friday morning in one of six mausoleums created to hold the remains of those who were not identified after the storm or whose families did not claim them....

PALIN: Yes. Well, as the nation's only Arctic state and being the governor of that state, Alaska feels and sees impacts of climate change more so than any other state. And we know that it's real.

Those IMPACTS in Alaska include the loss of valuable and irreplaceable Permafrost.
Those IMPACTS in Alasks include the loss of ice supported land mass that villages were built on, resulting in loss of complete hamlets and towns to Climate Change.
Those IMPACTS in Alaska include the listing of the Polar Bear due to loss of habitat.
Those IMPACTS in Alaska include the loss of tourism areas of profound value to the state and its economy.

I'm not one to attribute every man -- activity of man to the changes in the climate. There is something to be said also for man's activities, but also for the cyclical temperature changes on our planet.

Not attributing every man in one breath while changing in mid-sentence to state there is something to be said ALSO for man's activities...so which is it?

But there are real changes going on in our climate. And I don't want to argue about the causes. What I want to argue about is, how are we going to get there to positively affect the impacts?

Treating the impacts AFTER they have occurred IS the problem with the Republicans. Either they are ready and willing and able to PROTECT this nation to prevent disaster or they aren't. In Sarah Palin's case, she is NOT willing to serve the people of this nation to protect them from Climate Change. She didn't protect those in Alaska or in Wasilla and has never spoken in advocacy for protections for people, fauna or flora in the state of Alaska. All that can be expected of Republicans is more of the same and the continued denial of reality and discrediting of 90% of scientists globally.

We have got to clean up this planet. We have got to encourage other nations also to come along with us with the impacts of climate change, what we can do about that.

The Republicans live with double standards. The USA pollutes Earth with 25% of the carbon dioxide responsible for Climate Change. The USA sets NO example to leadership in regard to curbing and stopping carbon dioxide emissions. Add to that the Republican opposition of a progressive Senate bill that will reduce substantially the carbon dioxide emissions of this country to the troposphere and you'll realize the future in regard to Earth's viability to support life. China and India aren't even close to being able to control their emissions and while it is a good idea to encourage same and provide guidance and support in technology to them, why should they comply with such measures if the USA WON'T even handle its own pollution first !

As governor, I was the first governor to form a climate change sub-cabinet to start dealing with the impacts. We've got to reduce emissions. John McCain is right there with an "all of the above" approach to deal with climate change impacts.

Sarah Palin commissioned this sub-cabinet as the Polar Bear was listed as threatened or shortly thereafter. This sub-cabinet is simply an attempt to build evidence to dispute the listing of the Polar Bear. Alaska has annual reviews called "State of the Arctic" click here. If Palin wanted to intercede effectively with Human Induced Global Warming at any time in her political career she would have had plenty of information to conduct such advocacy.

We've got to become energy independent for that reason. Also as we rely more and more on other countries that don't care as much about the climate as we do, we're allowing them to produce and to emit and even pollute more than America would ever stand for. So even in dealing with climate change, it's all the more reason that we have an "all of the above" approach, tapping into alternative sources of energy and conserving fuel, conserving our petroleum products and our hydrocarbons so that we can clean up this planet and deal with climate change.

In Palin's message is the hidden truth that drilling offshore is more than prudent in providing oil for America. I am not going to debate the FACT that any offshore drilling won't provide more fossil fuels to the American consumer for eight years.

But, there is a reality on the east coast of the USA that would result in a nightmare should any drilling be conducted in the fact that NASA discovered and NOAA confirmed in 2000, a huge fissure immediately offshore of the North American Plate beginning at Florida and extending to the north Virginia border. If there were to be offshore drilling anywhere and I do mean anywhere along that fissure, the USA would be risking deaths with the potential of coastal tsunmais with any undersea water displacement.

FACT, not fiction.

Additionally, anyone knows that in order to be completely energy independant takes reverting to alternative sources of energy at every available possibility. It is why transportation needs High Speed Elevated Magnetic Rail and electric cars and wind turbines in cooperation with our Ag Sector in places that will produce significant electricity. It is why home owners need to be given tax breaks when they use solar panels for their energy source and more tax credits when their systems produce enough to sell back to the 'grid' excess electricity.

For the Republicans to continually insist that fossil fuels are REASONABLE to use as domestic American energy sources is complete incompetency. And to allow them to bring that incompetency into government is nothing but "W"rong !