I Want to Ask

Tags

advertising, celebrities, courts, creationists, evolution, Gitmo, journalism, Madison Avenue, Media, Muslims, pets, rapture, terrorism, Young earthers

It seems an opportune time to rid my brain case of a few puzzling thoughts. Ain’t you glad you stopped by?

I want to ask all those who oppose trying the Gitmo detainees in American civilian courts if they have ever read the Declaration of Independence? I mean, given the fine patriots you all claim to be, I would think it would be something you read regularly at your patriotic meetings. Am I wrong?

There are lots of reasons why the right wingers don’t want the prisoners tried in open American courts. Mostly to keep the dirty laundry in the hamper I believe. Don’t want to let those Muslims use courtrooms as soap boxes to spout their rhetoric and at the same time, report all the sordid things done to them do we?

The one that is utterly ironic to me is the argument, that “they aren’t American and thus not entitled to our rights.” This is where the Declaration comes it. I believe somewhere in that document is says or words to the effect,

All men are created equal and are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, . . . .

Does this mean what I think it means? All as in A L L? Didn’t one Georgie Dubya Bush talk about how it was our Christian duty to export democracy around the world and so that everyone had the wonderful rights we have? Hows come, the flip folks? No what goes around comes around? Enlighten me please.

I want to ask creationists what research they have done that proves their thesis that the earth was created by God around 6,500 (+/-) years ago? I mean scientists do science and offer their results to the world for examination and retesting. For reformulation, rehypothesizing, and new testing. What creationist has done any research at all?

It seems, as has been said by others, that they simply mine the data field, picking and choosing here and there, and then making up arguments without proofs of any kind. You’re beliefs are not testable propositions. Show us the research that proves your claims. Dare ya.

And don’t give me that bull that you aren’t required to be both a creationist and a young earth proponent. Course you are. If you believe in Genesis, creation story one, they you believe the earth is flat. That’s what the text alludes to. Are ya not smart enough to see that?

But of course, you probably aren’t smart enough, cuz if you were, you wouldn’t be a creationist in the first place. It’s why you believe that Stephen Colbert is a conservative too. You don’t have much grasp on the concept of irony do ya? Enlighten me.

I want to ask those ad men and women, just where in the H2O you came from? Why do you continue to run ads that are offensive and counter productive to your presumed cause?

Case in point. There is a ad for a toilet. Yeah, I know, who needs a commercial for THAT in the first place. But watch. The married dude sees a sexy “plumber” and then tries to sabotage his toilet by throwing all manner of crap down it, just so as how he can call the plumber and ogle her I guess. In walks the wifey as he is pouring dog food down the john. This is supposed to entice me to purchase your product?

Or this one: Levi Johnson talking about being protected or something. And then a wise guy banging another’s head onto a table to crack a nut. This to sell pistachios. This is neither humorous nor tells me anything I want to know about nuts. Except that you are one. And the idiot who decided to pay you for this is even more of one. Enlighten me.

I want to ask the media just how long ago it was that they started offering a course in “how to phone it in” at all our major schools of journalism? What you claim as journalism is sophomoric to say the least. Bloggers are making you look silly dudes.

We don’t mean Foxy of course. They are not lazy, they lie on purpose. They have an agenda, and lucky them, a following composed of atrophied brains so useless that said watchers cannot tell the difference between fact and fiction in the first, second and third place.

No, I’m talking about the insipid drivel that passes for journalism virtually everywhere. Every news cycle is dominated by more non-news that news. Tiger had an accident. It may be all innocent, or it may have a lot to do with a marriage gone sour. I don’t know, I don’t care, I don’t have any business knowing. Some celeb wannabe’s crashed the White House gig. Who they are? I don’t care, I don’t CARE!

Same for Letterman, and Oprah, and that Mackenzie had sex with daddy, and that Mike Tyson has grown up, and that Whitney has seen the light. I don’t care. I don’t care. When will you people get that I don’t care? Sigh.

I do care that 1 in 6 people today is applying for food stamps. I do care that our health care system is an immoral morass that caters to those with sufficient income. I do care that the climate is going to hell in a hand basket and nobody is doing much about it. I care you see about what real people are suffering through. I don’t give a rat’s bottom what rich people are “suffering” through mostly through their own stupidity and arrogance.

Can you all get that? I want to ask somebody, anybody. And while your at it, when you have nothing better to do, then at least promote things that are worthy of real consideration. Like this fine piece:

A site called Eternal Earth-Bound Pets, makes the following claims:

You’ve committed your life to Jesus. You know you’re saved.  But when the Rapture comes what’s to become of your loving pets who are left behind?   Eternal Earth-Bound Pets takes that burden off your mind. 

We are a group of dedicated animal lovers, and atheists. Each
Eternal Earth-Bound Pet representative is a confirmed atheist, and as such will still be here on Earth after you’ve received your reward.  Our network of animal activists are committed to step in when you step up to Jesus.

It seems right up the alley of those aforementioned brain leakers. They have so far had 100 takers and operate in 22 states. I guess, I should have something I want to ask them too, but I’ll have to think a while on this one.

Qualifying for Civil Rights

Tags

Christianity, civil rights, crime, evangelical right, freedom, Gitmo, GOP, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Muslims, Neo-cons, trials

One thing you can surely count on these days, is that the great slavering beast that is the ultra right, will turn on a dime to attack the latest media subject favorite of the day. The dripping canines are all too happy to release their hold on health care reform rhetoric in favor of biting into the new kid on the block–Gitmo trials and Muslims in general!

We spoke about the ugly backlash against Muslim Americans and Muslims in general just a few days ago, and we’re sobered to report that the rhetoric of hate is alive and well. One Willie Kristol of Foxy Noise and the Weekly Standard, is  wont to argue that the Muslim psychiatrist charged in the murders at Fort Hood, hardly needs a trial.

” They should just go ahead and convict him and put him to death.” Yes, we all know the outcome Kristol reasons, why waste the time and money over rights and trials and all that stuff? It’s oh so understandable why such people favor torture and other suspension of rights for those they deem unworthy, opines blogger Andrew Sullivan.

Get into the Gitmo uproar and as they say, let the games begin. The wingnuttery right is aghast and shocked at the idea that we are going to try some of those long incarcerated at Guantanamo Bay in courts in the USA. Yep, treat them like the criminals we believe them to be. Try them. What’s to be upset about?

Well, the wacko right is plenty upset. It even got on Sarah’s radar as she posted on Facebook. Course, she has little if any idea what it is all about, but some of her handlers told it was the side to be on. So she is suitably “appalled.”

Now, me, I’m the proverbial average person who wonders, “how can this be?” What is all the hoopla here? Why are we not wanting people charged with crimes tried in our civilian court system? Is there something wrong with it? If so, why aren’t these same patriots calling for the system to be shut down against all persons charged with criminal offenses?

No, you don’t hear that. You do hear that such trials pose a clear and present danger to the public. Can’t have shackled men shuffling from cell to courtroom and back again. The danger is palpable. So many wreak havoc under similar circumstances.

And prison! If they are convicted and end up in state or federal prison! Why how can we let that happen. I mean, everyone knows they are a sieve. How many times now has Charles Manson escaped his custody?

No the real issue here is stated quite freely by the brainless right. If they are tried in civil courts, why they will have “RIGHTS.” CIVIL RIGHTS. And whoa, that is wrong. Civil rights are those reserved for red blooded Americans, not unChristian foreigners. I think it actually says that in the Constitution doesn’t it? Reserved for citizens?

Everyone knows that all kinds of illegal crap was done at Gitmo. And in civilian court, Lord have mercy, such evidence will be suppressed. They won’t be able to use all those “confessions” obtained by waterboarding. To think of such a turn of events! UNFAIR! Cheating! Consequences to actions? How can you have that?

You see, we are always talking about exporting our wonderful system of democracy. We cherish our “freedoms” as “God given” and as “human” rights. But hey, terrorists, that’s another story entirely. They ain’t human apparently. We don’t share our freedoms even when a foreigner is tried in this country. Or at least we don’t want to.

Again, what do we claim when one of ours is caught in some country doing wrong? Do we validate their system of justice or not? Does it depend on whether their system upholds our “freedoms” and protections? Most certainly. Yet, when we flip the coin?

Oh, yeah, you Muslims are not entitled to them. Nope, not even if you have that piece of paper that proves that you too carry American citizenship. Doesn’t matter. Rights are reserved for. . . could it be CHRISTIANS? After all, they are God given, and as these a-wipes would have it, are reserved for the tried and true.

I mean this is not hard to discern. Plenty of the conservative GOP is more than willing to state that this is exactly the reason for not trying them on American soil. They will have rights and we can’t allow that.

If you are having trouble wrapping your perfectly normal brain around that, well, welcome to the club. While most of the noise about this comes from the conservative right, no doubt the evangelical right supports the argument.  None other than Sarah has already stated it is wrong. And nobody is more holier than thou than Sarah with her faith-healing, demon extracting Wasilla pastors by her side. Just another example of the perversion to which Christianity can be put by those who use it to serve their own agenda of protecting moi.

Pretty disgusting if you ask me. ( And the Contrarian says that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed could be best punished by subjecting him to a full body wax once a month. Now that would be torture indeed!)

Friday the 13th Thoughts

Tags

Catholicism, Election 2008, evangelicals, gay rights, Gitmo, GOP, habeas corpus, Iraq, John McCain, Limericks, Palestine, racism, religion, science, SCOTUS, sociology, terrorism, Veterans Affairs, voting

This is a photo by Annie Liebowitz, of a Pasadena ball player. No date. She doesn’t throw like any girl does she?

To everyone who has expressed concern and interest in our plight in Iowa. The river has yet to crest in Cedar Rapids, but no more rain is predicted at least until probably Sunday, and then it looks like clear skies for nearly a week at least. I’ve not heard regarding Troy yet. Those in the flood plain will undoubtedly be hit, but they have had nearly a week’s warning to get ready. Of course that is small consolation but most things can be saved at least.

We suffered probably an additional 4-5 inches of rain yesterday with storm after storm going through. The pump was running probably a good 30 minutes out of every hour to keep up. It’s much improved today, we can run it perhaps 5-10 minutes per hour at best to keep it down. It’s hard to say about the garden of course. If needs be, we will plow it under and replant and hope that there is still enough time for most crops. I suspect there will be.

Emotionally it certainly takes it toll. The unrelenting storm after storm was tough. Today, its the unrelenting coverage by every channel, repeating the same stuff again and again, running the same footage. There is a certain type of person who gets a thrill from this kind of thing, broadcasters and volunteers are no exception, they just love to be center stage and feel that they are important. Very little new is added, very little new needs to be disseminated. Those in peril are most aware. Mostly I want to think about just about anything else but this flood. Thanks so much for all your concern! I am still shocked that local news doesn’t even mention the tornado and loss of life by 4 young boys in western Iowa. It’s rather crass in my opinion.

So lets finish up the weeks with some political news and see what else is going on in the world.

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Many have no doubt heard that the SCOTUS has scored a big one against the Bushites. Much to their chagrin no doubt, SCOTUS concluded that Gitmo detainees have the right of habeas corpusin the federal courts of the US. I laughed mightily as the usual pundits of FOXNEWSLESS, floundered in horror at the effrontery of the Court to reject the work of two other branches of government as if this was unheard of. Guess they have forgotten their own rhetoric regarding abortion and a slew of other issues. What the non-lawyers fail to realize is that personal self interest creeps into these decisions whether understood or not. Justices do actually look at issues in terms of “could this be applied to me under certain circumstances?” If the answer is yes, they are likely to strike it down. Endless detention without recourse can of course be applied to anyone in a distant scenario that can easily be concocted by the mind. So, the Court is a bit more likely to not give government that kind of extreme power.

If you can believe this one, Veterans Affairs lawyers try to tell the Federal Appeals Court that helping foster voter registration among veterans in their facilities is “partisan.” I mean sure its partisan, it’s partisan to try to prevent it, since prevention of registration plays into Republican hands. What a joke. I’ve had the dubious honor of attempting to making an argument before judge and jury while trying to keep a straight face. Believe me, it ain’t easy.

Once again, as we have reported,Bush is using the rhetoric of war vis a vis Iran.As Jon Stewart pointed out last night and as Bill Moyers pointed out last week, he’s even using the same exact wording in his threats to Iran that he used to Iraq and Hussein. The media, now given a chance to redeem themselves and push the hard questions, is doing the same as usual, holding its breath and nodding in agreement.

Two websites you might way to keep bookmarked to use as a resource tool. One is Obama generated to fight the usual GOP swiftboating tactics and is called Fight the Smears. Another is run by the DNC and is to debunk McBushite misleads and is calledMcCainpedia. Whenever you hear something that sounds questionable, run by and test it through these sites. Do you realize that still fully 10% of folks claim that Obama is Muslim? The links can be found at the third entry in Blue Girl, Red State‘s nightowl wrapup.

To say that Obama’s speech to AIPAC was not well received by the Arab worldgoes without saying. Many were thoroughly distressed and saddened by his severe pro-Israeli stand, especially as it relates to Jerusalem, the one city Arabs are not likely to compromise on. I have, myself, commented on a blog which decried the Senator’s position. Of course McShame takes the same if not stronger position, but Arabs and others  in the Middle East expect that. Obama was and is their hope of better relations and fairer hearing for their side of things. I understand intellectually why the Senator may have allowed it to appear that he is more pro-Israeli than he really is. That is not to say that he is not in support of Israel, but simply means he has spoken in a politically expedient way, more forcefully than he might actually think. I’m only defending it to a point of course, I wish all politicians felt they could speak honestly, however, that is simply not the political climate we live in at the moment. Read Ezra Klein‘s report.

Here’s a cute little story about the evangelical vote. Seems that McBush isn’t going to get it all, barely most at this point and it may get worse. Here’s what happens when you don’t tow the line in the rightwing wingy world. Obama is certainly not taking the evangelical vote or the Catholic vote as a given loss for him. He is talking to them and is serious. I’m glad to see that many are listening. Thanks to If I Ran the Zoo for the story.

Inside Iraq, offers us one of those perfect little windows into their world. The simple task of making one’s way to work in the morning, and how that is done in Baghdad. It makes you think, it makes you sad, it makes you angry, and in the end, hopefully it makes you determined to elect a better quality person who won’t do this kind of thing because his EGO demands it.

This is a bit out of the ordinary, but it caught my eye. Yes, Virginia, there was a time that it was illegal for two people of different races to marry, and yes, Virginia, one of those places where it was illegal was Virginia. Inside-Out the Beltway has the story about the aptly named case of Loving v. Virginia, decided in 1967. Just a little post to get you thinking, readers.

Poor Mad Kane  has broken her wrist and so her limericksare a bit more few and far betweener than usual. We still adore her, wish her well and link you to her latest belabored creation.

It’s that Alzheimer’s moment again for McCain. He is not for, is for privatization of social security? It seems to dependson whether he thinks it helps or hurts his campaign. Gosh but there are now dozens of these changes of heart? for McMac, as he struggles to weave his way through the demographics in some wild fashion that will give him votes. More on this from Think Progress which you can find here.

Well this one has me scratching my head. Well, that’s not unusual, since NRO does that to a normal person anyway. Okay, the story is about science, and how conservatives are “unfairly” labeled as anti-science. No s**t Sherlock? Okay. So he says, most scientists are liberals, and todays work is so internally complex that it’s hard to do experiments to test some things out. Okay. So his answer for conservatives? They should learn more about science so they can do a better job of refuting it! Hurrah! learn more science. Oh, but be careful wingnutties, learn too much and you might, just might start believing it! And of course we can’t have that.

Timothy Eganbreathes a breath of fresh air into the crazy world that has become religiopolitics. He argues that it’s high time that the two go their separate ways again, especially during the election. So far, religious has an embarassing track record in infusing itself into the political arena. Hagee, Parsley, Falwell, and Wright all have contributed negatively. It seems that among some evangelicals, things are changing. Rick Warren and Joel Olsteen are opting out this season. Read this excellent post.

Electronic Intifada gives us a good look at life in the Gaza strip from a Palestinian point of view. It is as always hard for us in the US to understand what it must be like to live like this. We obsess for a few days about our own troubles with flooding. What would it be like to live day in and day out under the conditions described by Nora Barrows-Friedman? Read her report and find out.

Tony Rezko was convicted last week. I don’t know a great deal about the story of his downfall or his now proven illegal behavior. What I do commend him for is for standing for something in the end. He refused to play ball with Federal prosecutors in their unrelenting attempt to get him to implicate either Barack Obama or the state’s governor in any wrongdoing. He flat out says, neither did a darn thing wrong as far as he knows. Of course we are well aware that the Bushbabies have used Justice to their own political devices, this is nothing new. Politico gives up the story.

That deal for permanent bases in Iraq seems stalled. So reports al-Maliki. It seems that what the US, wants, make that Bush wants , is simply untenable from an Iraqi point of view and unfairly impinges upon their sovereignty. Not just impinge by the way, but “hugely” impinges according to the Prime Minister.

Scott Greenwald  has a most interesting and important post that is tangential to the one on the Habeas Corpus decision of SCOTUS. He looks at the British and their exercise in attempting to fashion a detention law. It seems that Conservatives there are highly against such a practice. It’s a fascinating look at what might be deemed true conservativism over what Mr. Greenwald calls here, mere authoritarianism. I think it’s worthwhile reading an intelligent explanation of why such tactics are simply beneath civilized countries that claim to be democratic in nature.

Again, this is a bit off the usual topics, but Sheldon Yellen has a really excellent post on marriage and gays. He pushes a lot of buttons, asks a lot of interesting and provocative questions. Just what is being defended here? The question I unceasingly ask. What is it being defended against? How does allowing gays to have the same rights and me, hurt me? But more than that, he just talks about marriage, and slips in a little gem that our soon to be gone boy George has had mostly a negative impact on the institution.

Former campaign treasurer for the GOP, Christopher Ward, has got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He took the GOP for a record $800,000 devoted to paying his mortgage and other home improvements. And yes, the GOP still wishes you to believe that they are more than capable of protecting your tax money. Uhuh, yeah, sure. Thanks to the Washington Independent for this one.

Okay, I plain could not resist the temptation to introduce a bit of levity in the election coverage today. And, well, you know I wouldn’t do so at Obama’s expense, so that leaves old tired Mac. I really couldn’t resist because well, this was just darn funny. Hope you enjoy it. “McCain Announces Run for Presidency.”

Another thoughtful piece from Washington Independent focuses on the use of the word elitism  and how it’s being bandied around by McCain and others against Obama. Citing to some interesting remarks from noted historian David McCullough, Sridharr Pappu makes a convincing argument that the story of Obama is the story of the American dream, the stuff our founding fathers and others fought so hard to give us. Nice, nice post.

In case you missed it in all the hoopla about the Habea Corpus decision, Scalia weighed in for the dissenters with a scathing and war/fear-mongering display wherein he actually said that Americans will die for this decision. Vox Nova calls both the so-called Catholics Roberts and Scalia, to task for their uncharitable, unChristian and most unCatholic dissents.

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“We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.” John W. Gardner

“Talk sense to a fool and he calls you foolish.” Euripides

“Ethics are so annoying. I avoid them on principle.” Darby Conley

“I like persons better than principles, and I like persons with no principles better than anything else in the world.” Oscar Wilde

“A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone.” Henry David Thoreau

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And the country of Abu Dhabi announced they’re buying the Chrysler Building in New York. They’re buying the Chrysler Building. Hey, why not? The Saudis already own the White House, why not buy the Chrysler Building too? Jay Leno

You can’t eat tomatoes because they’re tainted with deadly salmonella. Yeah, now listen to this. First, of course, we went through tainted lettuce. Now, tainted tomatoes. Who would have thought that the healthiest part of a B.L.T. would be the bacon? Honestly, what is happening? David Letterman

Scientists at KeioUniversity in Japan claim that pigeons are able to discriminate video images of themselves, and can do this better than 3-year-old toddlers. Big deal. Wake me up when they find a pigeon who can be potty-trained better than a 3-year-old. – Paul Seaburn, Spring, Texas

The evolution of medical treatment:

2000 B.C. – Here, eat this root.

1000 A.D. – That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer.

1850 A.D. – That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion.

1940 A.D. – That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill.

1985 A.D. – That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic.

2000 A.D. – That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root.

Well, John McCain just announced he wants to do a series of town hall meetings where he’ll meet with the public. That’s a good idea, yeah. It’s all part of McCain’s “Speak Up, I Can’t Hear You” tour.

NASA has announced plans to send a probe to orbit the sun, where it will have to withstand temperatures of 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Yeah. When he heard about it, President Bush said, “Why don’t they just go at night?” Conan O’Brien

President Bush is in Europe right now, on a tour of Germany, Italy, France, England, and several other countries that hate him.

While he’s gone, don’t worry, America is safe and sound in the more competent hands of Barney, the White House terrier.

I guess it’s like a farewell tour for the President before he returns home to kick off his six-month good riddance tour here.  Jimmy Kimmel

Brown out from Sumps, Sumping

Tags

Barack Obama, Bush, Democrats, economy, Election 2008, Gitmo, GOP, Hillary Clinton, immigration, Iowa, Iran, Iraq, John McCain, lobbyists, Middle East, oil companies, Palestine, race, voting

Called “Narcissus” this was done by Paul Politis in 1989, one of his first works.

Well, normally my art offerings have nothing to do with what follows, but today is different. After another torrential downpour that went on most of yesterday with major lightening, thunder and near 6:30 pm, actual sirens going off, I went to the basement to retrieve some ground beef. Of course i didn’t get far down the steps before I realized that things were floating. The sump pump had given up the ghost as it were, and a good foot of water was in the basement. Thankfully, another sump which won’t stop, but runs perfectly fine, could be hooked up, and a good 6 inches has so far departed.

The Contrarian hopes that a day of no rain may improve the lane so he doesn’t have to really tax the Bronco. Another sump is required of course, and that may not be as easy as one might assume. Given the terrible conditions everywhere, sumps may be hard to find. The Contrarian can rig this one to the light switch at the top of the stairs which allow us to periodically turn it on and then off manually. It’s thus not as bad as others find themselves. I take some comfort in that.

Other than that, the weekend was okay. We of course planted a huge amount on Saturday. I have no idea how much will be wiped out by the latest deluge. You can only do what you can do, the rest is simply beyond our control. We are all in the same boat so to speak, and our situation is very much better than some. According to a friend, the Wapsi is expected to cause flooding in Troy near the levels of 1999, and that means that he is scrambling to remove his tractors and other valuables to high ground. The Contrarian is unable to offer any help today. If he picks up a sump early tomorrow, he will surely offer his help to Steve who lives on a flood plain area a few miles from us.

Best we turn to the news of the day, and take our minds off our own worries.

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We open with Afternet and a post about the differences between Obama and McCain. Now I assume that that is obvious to most, and surely I’ve been pointing out very regularly the failings, in my not so humble opinion, of Mr. McShame. Once McCain might have been a maverick. Once, I actually admired the man. No longer is that true as I have watched him regress and lose all claim to any honorable high ground by his clear desire to place his personal desire for the Presidency before any desire to actually serve the citizens of this country. Frank Rich from the NYTimes weighs in.

There are stories about this issue from time to time. As more and more states go to forms of electronic voting, more and more concerns come to the fore about the possibilities of a computer glitch or worse yet, out right sabotage that gives the election to the candidate not voted for by the majority.Alternet posts a story about their involvement in attempting to help insure fair elections  and how you can help.  

Bill Moyers Journal  offers us a discussion by Kathleen Hall Jamieson and Ron Walters on race and the upcoming election. What part will it play and how will the media react? You can both read their complete comments and also read the comments left by readers. Always fascinating and informative.

Blue Girl Red State  sends us a nice report out of beleaguered Mason City, which sadly is a good deal under water due to flooding. I hadn’t heard that report frankly from the local Cedar Rapids News 9. They may still be scrambling because they got pushed off the air for several hours from lightening or something yesterday early evening.

And in another post, she gives us the opening strategy of Obama as he begins the national campaign. A 50-state strategy is apparently envisioned. There is no “giving” in on any state it seems, and frankly we certainly are in favor of everyone having a part of the fun. Believe me, this has been the most thrilling of cycles, even though at the end, it got quite tiresome. Everyone should know first hand of Iowa’s misery every four years, even if not for as long.

Everyone is scrambling to be the one that picks the VEEP for our two candidates. Who will get it right, who wrong? But in the end, does it matter a lot? Mostly know, unless you are Dubya, way in over your head and with no desire to even read the paper. Then it matters a lot, since you apparently just turn it over to a mad man named Cheney and bask in the glory of your Presidencyship. Brittanica Blog  has some of the lesser known VEEP’s of history and their take on the marvelous job.

Essential Estrogen  gives us a nice post on Rep. Bruce Braley, who will be up for re-election in the first district and Rep. Tom Latham, up in the 4th.The issue is immigration, and it lays out their respective positions clearly I think. We hope Becky Greenwald beats Latham of course, and we hope Braley retains his seat. Lathamis clearly I think out of step with the state and country on this issue. You decide of course what you think.

If I Ran the Zoo  has a nice analysis of McCain and his so-far, love affair with his press adherents. They have given him a nice pass on a number of issues. Is it likely to continue through the general election? Nope, at least that is Aimai’s conclusion. I thought the analysis was good and I thought the post was well researched.

Inside Iraq gives us the lowdown on the various militias operating inside the country, and their stated purpose. It’s getting to look more and more like Afghanistan to me at least. Another post reports on the drought conditions there and increasing price of food. Problems there seem to come in buckets. It’s just so sad.

Strap on your interstellar traveling helmet. We are entering the crazy wacky world of the NRO. Doug Heye actually thinks Republicoots can garner the black vote!Yep, just actively go after it, start with inviting one home to dinner!  Oh and speak about black issues but remember “speak directly TO black voters, even if they are only serving the meal! (Oh I a

dded that in.) Also visit them in their native habitat. And three, criticize Obama! Yep, that’s it folks, I can see the voter registration changing over as we speak. Oh the pity this sludge of a online mag rag doesn’t allow comments. The writer of this dopey article is none other than a campaign worker for Jesse Helms. Enough said.

The man who brought you this gem: “The internet is not like a dump truck, it’s like a series of tubes,” Ted Stevens from Alaska, seems in trouble. Polls show that he is now behind his Democratic opponent. The dude who wanted a bridge to no where and is implicated in other money scandals may be losing his seat. Oh the fun of this is making me dance the happy dance. Thanks to MyDD for the story.

Fareed Zakaria  gets to talking about  the economy and how we can begin to fix this mess.Echoing the McSame meister, I don’t know a lot about economics so I don’t know how valid Mr. Zakaria’s remarks are,  but I find his analysis on other issues, especially the Middle East excellent, so I’m listening to what he is saying. See what you think.

More news about the debacle that was John McCain the other night in his “green” speech, the backdrop not the subject. It was simply horrid by   everyone’s account, even the most serious conservatives were simply appalled at it. What is going on with the McBush campaign? You’ll never guess who’s doing the whining. Old Billy Boy Kristol himself, never ever a McCain backer, but forced to beg and plead for him now. He offers his words of “wingnut wisdom”.

Paul Krugman  has a fine post on the deracialization of America  as we move ever closer to an Obama presidency. It’s not Obama who is transforming the landscape, but the landscape that has changed that has enabled Obama to emerge. It’s a great and wonderful thing this America. I love her one minute for her shining example and want to kick her in the butt the next.  Krugman claims Bill Clinton had something to do with changing that landscape. See what you think.

Meanwhile, Palestinians worry that Obama’s appearance at AIPAC bodes more business as usual for Palestine.The fact that this conference happened mere days after Obama secured the nomination, and that he appeared speaking on behalf of Israel troubles them quite obviously. I don’t think this changes anything at all frankly. I believe that Obama is firmly committed to changing Middle East policy to one that reflects a more fair and equitable concern for all the players, not simply a “we got your back” whatever you do stance of the past. Read this post and a large number of comments at Raising Yousuf and Noor.

Kevin Drum sees it as a no-win situation for McShame. Damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t as they say. A meeting to try to heal the wounds and get some help from social conservatives went badly, and though McMac needs the evangelicals, if he moves to them, he loses the independents. If he doesn’t, he loses too. Tough position, but one I am loving. I expect McBushwill devolve into a criticism machine with lots and lots of negativity. That won’t work either, but it will show off his bitterness to a T. Political Animal is the source.

I’m sorry, but the blogosphere has not a lot else by McCain stuff today. This one looks at this famous temper and wonders how will he keep it in check. I doubt he can do that, and urge the usual knee jerk words be used  a lot. Calling him dishonorable seems to be the best one. I think he becomes near homicidal at that reference. This one is from the Politico. The problem is McCain is the one missing no opportunity to take below the belt shots at Obama, so he brings this on himself. I for one hope he continues and shows himself off to be exactly what he has become, embittered, crotchety, and simply mean. He’s nursing an eight year hate  against Bush, that for his own political fortunes, he’s refused to uncork. Nobody will accept his doing so now on Obama.

Obama declares that he will impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies in an effort to ease the pain at the pump we are all experiencing. I saw today that prices are now topping $4 bucks a gallon. which is about half and then some from what folks in western Europe are paying. Japan pays in the middle at $6+ a gallon. We are and always have done a good deal better. Still, the damage it is doing to all Americans is incalculable, or should I say just the opposite as we all have to start making serious changes in our lifestyles. We started shopping monthly a year ago to lessen our 20+ mile trip to CR.

Not another one? It seems McCain’s campaign may have another lobbyist problem! I mean what is going on here? McCain, who believes that we need a new get tough with Russia policy (remember he might favor kicking them out of the Big 8 thinking that isolation is helpful :O), has on his election staff one Randy Scheunamenn who operates as his National security advisor. But, Mr. S. is apparently in the employ of certain Eastern Europeans who pay him to take just that kind of position. Apparently he is no longer in the employ of various Eastern nations, two of which he has already gotten into NATO, and others he was working for. This happened earlier this year. But suspicious since McCain is also for adding more Eastern Europeans to NATO. It smells as most things now do in the McBush campaign. Much thanks to the Salon for the heads up. And at least one group has now filed suit against McCain with the  FEC for questions about his mixing of lobbyists and campaign personnel.

The Bushites continue to push forward the despicable show that are the Guantanamo trials. The fact that we don’t arise as a people to reject this type of worst of the dictators mode of doing business is simply appalling in and of itself. Ray Hanania reports for the Huffington Post. Our complicity is obvious since we don’t speak up and reject this vile behavior done in our names. There is simply no moral high ground from which to preach what you no longer practice.

I don’t know anyone who has given anything but praise for Hillary Clinton’s withdrawl speech. It was utterly brilliant according to some, and a  real boost to the Obama campaign. I don’t expect that there will be many who will vote the opposition as  some sort of protest. It would be so illogical and so counter productive. Tom Hayden (that Tom Hayden?) for The Nation gives a nice run down of what she said and why it matters.

Isn’t science just grand? A team ofCalTec scientists has discovered the boredon, a minute particle. I’d put on my glasses and walk don’t run to learn more if I were you.

I believe I posted last week a link to an article suggesting thatBushites were busily working out details for a possible air strike against Iran.Rumors were abounding. More evidence of that comes from Israel papers who report that Omert is privately claiming that such a strike is immanent, and what he urged upon Dubya when they met recently. This is scary stuff indeed. Think Progress has the story.

Our about to be departed Prez is taking one of those bye bye tours soon. It seems the Germans at least are going to take the opportunity to tell Dubya what they really think of him and his cowboy diplomacy. It ain’t pretty folks but it is largely true, at least to this citizen. Read what German papers say will be said.

 Michael Hart at Urantian Sojourn  has another of his most witty entries today. Entitled, “Bad Friday?”  it is sure to put a smile on your face. You might want to scroll down one more and see the Southwestern response to McCain’s candidacy as well. Bad Friday is about 3 posts down, give or take, but on the main page.

If you wonder how Europe views our election and want to see how they would vote, Vox Nova  has the answer. I’m not sure McCain would like this much, he loses by a landslide everywhere.

Oh by the way, John McCain has a new blog, located at http://johnmccain.comcase you are interested. I signed up in order to leave a pithy comment, but of course like all else in John McCain’s world, it doesn’t work. They actually said, when I attempted to complete their 6 different web page sign up process, we don’t have time to deal with you right now. Come back. That was just an attempt to leave a silly comment. LOL.

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“I’ve done the calculation and your chances of winning the lottery are identical whether you play or not.” Fran Lebowitz

“Just because your voice reaches halfway around the world doesn’t mean you are wiser than when it reached only to the end of the bar.” Edward R. Murrow

“Illegitimacy is something we should talk about in terms of not having it.” Dan Quayle

“If I could drop dead right now, I’d be the happiest man alive.” Samual Goldwyn

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Many readers of Philadelphia newspapers were fooled by a fake ad for a new airline called Derrie-Air, which purportedly charges passengers by the pound. No one was more disappointed than a group of supermodels who thought they’d be flying to Paris for under 10 bucks.

The leader of Germany’s Social Democrats party broke with Germany’s custom of staying out of foreign politics and endorsed Barack Obama for U.S. president. This came as a big disappointment to John McCain, who thought marrying a blonde in the beer business would get him the German endorsement. – Paul Seaburn, Spring, Texas

Ed McMahon faces foreclosure on his Hollywood home. His lender wouldn’t accept his latest payment offer in the mail. “You may have won $10,000,000 from Publishers Clearinghouse.” – Alan Ray, Stockton, Calif.

Music legend Bob Dylan, who’s maybe the most respected person in all of music, told the Times of London today that he supports Barack Obama. Or at least they think that’s what he said. He may have been trying to book a flight to Omaha. So we may never know for sure.  Jimmy Kimmel

A high school in Ohio passed out over 300 diplomas last week. And on the diploma, the word education was spelled wrong. Yeah. Officials say the misprint should not harm the reputation of George W. Bush High School. Conan O’Brien

While in Denmark on a concert tour of Scandinavia, Bob Dylan announced he’s endorsing Barack Obama for president. Well, we think that’s what he said. He also could have been endorsing a local restaurant serving baked okra and pheasant. Paul Seaburn

Water Wanders Wellsprings Wither

Tags

abstinence, Barack Obama, Bush, corporations, economy, Election 2008, fundamentalism, Gitmo, GOP, Hagee, Iowa, Iran, Iraq, journalism, McCain, Media, Middle East, Palestine, Putin, Russia, sex education, terrorism, Traveling

Francis William Edmonds did this piece called “The New Bonnet.” It was completed in 1858 and can be seen at the MMA.

I didn’t buy a bonnet yesterday, but we sure got a lot of stuff done in town. In fact, we left a bit before 9 am and didn’t get home until nearly 4 pm. Of course the rain had resumed long before that, so it was a sloppy unload of groceries and various other sundry items of purchase. We got some more plants, which still remain in the Bronco, and the garden looks rather bad today with standing water at the southwestern section of it. I have grave concerns for our initial corn planting at least,  and some of our tomatoes may fail as well.

I hope you all enjoyed the Contrarian’s little story about the boar and the sow yesterday. He’s one funny guy as you can see. A nice relief for me as well, as posting daily in the amounts I do is formidable to say the least.

I made the root beer marble cake that I linked to some time back. So far it looks pretty good, but the proof is the tasting of course. Dinner is basic today, pork chops, potatoes and probably broccoli. I’ve not much ambition in that area today. Tomorrow I think perhaps a stir fry.

It seems to have stopped raining for a bit at least, the dogs are getting restless. Yesterday was a wash for them, having to stay cooped up indoors all day, which is highly unusual for them. Today they are moping and sleeping. I’ll rile them to get out at least for a bit, hoping the rain will stay away now.

Anyway, it’s time to see what’s happening in the news. Oh the freaking Redwings lost in triple overtime. I’m fearing they may lose the whole thing now, that was a heart breaker. I gave up after the end of the second overtime. It was after 11 pm by then. Blech, I’m sure it was my watching that jinxed them! LOL.

And we are changing things up a bit here. This blog is just becoming too time consuming and unwieldy as is. Today we are focusing on politics around the world. Tomorrow we will hit the the food, gardening, etc. History and religion will fit in here and there as there is material to justify. I’m hoping this frees me up a bit, and makes for a more intelligible read for you as well.

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The Bushites, apparently aware that both proposed presidential candidates are intent upon closing downGitmo, are going full bore ahead in trying to get those prosecutions going. Amid all the stories about lack of individual rights, and downright illegalities by prosecutors, Bush seems determined to stuff these prosecutions up our collective behinds before he is ushered out of office. Read more at Alternet.

You may not have heard it here first, but you have heard it here before. Corporate conglomerates are insidious in wrapping their tentacles increasing around and within our political system, and if we don’t do something quickly, they will effectively run the country and the world. This rather pointed and important address was given by Chris Hedges, Pulitzer prize-winning reporter and bureau chief for the NYTimes in the Middle East.

The fall out over Scotty McClellan’s book continues today. Frank Rich of the NYTimes argues that McCain will not be able to keep  moving forward as the country seems endlessly interested in learning just how badly our president and his cronies lied to us in the run up to the war. McCain cannot keep claiming that this is old news, and he can’t keep avoiding the book as something he hasn’t had a chance to read. Another great article on the same subject, detailing McShame’s complete and utter agreement with Bush during the run up can be found at History News Network.

Catholic Anarchyreports that several groups have come up with independent estimates of total Iraqi deaths since the inception of our War of Aggression. While Bush and his henchmen continue to downplay these figures for obvious reasons, several independent groups estimate the numbers are nearly a million or more. The so-called Iraqi government doesn’t utter a word in disapproval of the Bushites lower estimates for the same obvious reasons.

History News Network has a long look at McCain and his apparent ineptitude in judging what right wing evangelicals to pick for his camp. So far, he’s gotten it entirely wrong, and has had to dismiss both Hagee and Parsley from his boosters club. This suggests or should suggest that Mr. McSameasBush has almost no clue about religion in general and evangelical religion in particular. This presumably should not be lost on evangelicals themselves. It certainly should prove telling to independents and others who look on.

I seriously wonder at the emotional health of Billy Kristol. He seems intent on professional suicide these days, and it may stem from all the things he’s been so WRONG about for so long. The dude actually is criticizing Obama for his lack of military service. I mean, come on. Kristol did not serve, yet he self proclaims himself as one of the “architects” of the Iraqi war invasion, at least from a political prospective. Did he forget that? If I Ran the Zoo brings us the link to the story, which is actually found at American Blog.  If you want to read Billy’s comments in full, then follow this link to his stupid opinion, “What Obama left out.” What Kristol left out was his brain again, and when it dries after the rain, it keeps shrinking. What is the NYTimes thinking?

From Inside Iraq, we learn the continued sad state of affairs when it comes to basic services. The in fighting between various ministers within the government means nothing gets done, and little changes and the people suffer day in and day out without adequate electricity, water and other common amenities. Read what it’s like to live in Baghdad today.

The Iowa Independent reports that issues of social concern to Republicans seems to be waning in the wake of serious economic concerns. This is typical of us all of course. We tend to vote our pocketbook over our morality. The big difference I would suggest is that Democrats seem to understand this intuitively and don’t get caught up in the holier-than-thou attitude of some GOP’ers who like to shower opposition with taunts of Immoral secularism against God’s good plan for the universe. It’s the hypocrisy that chaffs dear Republicans, not the message.

Things are so bad over at National Reviewthat they have sunk to having movie directors give commentary on this political race between Obama and Clinton. Ronald Maxwell gets just about everything in his silly post wrong, from beginning to end, making it quite clear that he should remain in the movie industry if any place at all. I haven’t seen his movie so perhaps he’s just as incompetent there as well. This is one of those funny ones folks. While I agree that many commentators are biased in their reporting, the same is utterly and more true of Republicans than the Dems just for starters. Fox NoNews virtually actively campaigned against McSame for months before reluctantly shrugging and accepting the inevitable. Have fun.

And, not to be outdone, they stoop even lower to enlist David Klinghoffer to comment and beg McCain to come up with something grand to stand for. Klinghoffer is from the Discovery Institute, (I believe they are the group that tries to disguise creationism and push it to schools in the guise of “Intelligent design.”) It’s a too too sad statement of the fact that McCain does stand for nothing but more war and little else. Klinghoffer begs and pleads that the Old Mac find some inner passion to ignite both himself and the GOP before it’s too late.

Maureen Dowd leads the ever growing cadre of pundits who are leaving the sinking ship of Bush. Read her rousing and thoroughly funny rendition of how “trusting your gut Bush style” turns out badly when there is nothing in there but bile. I don’t often agree with Ms. Dowd, but this time I sure do. I have one point of quibbling. Scott’s remarks of “I had allowed myself to be deceived,” smacks not so much of Victorian romance as a smart quip we could faintly hear from our own Scarlett O’Hara, “Oh, Rhett, say it isn’t so!”

From Palestine we get this reaction to the Dunkin Donuts/Rachael Ray debacle: A pox on the house of donuts! Dunkin says it just doing good business by pulling the ad, but those in the Middle East find the pulling quite offensive.

Another thoughtful piece from American Prospect on the issue of Conservativism. What went wrong, and why it remains wrong. Free-market economy is not the solution as the past eight years has shown us. Giving big business free rein to do pretty much as they wish has just let to extreme excess on the part of CEOs and lots of bad decisions leading to lots of bad things happening. We all know what they are of course, from the mortgage disaster to oil prices, to all the horrors of unsafe medicines.

A Beirut Spring tells us a good deal about Iran and it’s influence in the Middle East. Giving us the Five principles of Middle East Hegemony, we learn what they are doing well and what we aren’t doing well.

Sadly, things seem to be going back to square one in the Kremlin. The old politics of repression seem in full force again, and political opposition voices are continually stifled. Putin continues to rule from behind the trousers of his hand picked successor, and this is the man Bushie claimed was a good man, having seen into his soul. Oh please. Read the sad state of affairs in Russia these days at the Huffington Post.

If you look in your marble box and find a few extra, you might want to contact John Hagee. He appears to be losing a few more of his these days. Now he claims the anti-Christ is both gay and part Jewish. Ain’t it so nice to fling bigotry everywhere you go? This would all be about nothing of course except for the fact that McStupid actively courted this fool.

Wow, it seems there are wars in them there blogosphere lands of the very very important, or self-imposed importance as the case may be. Seems that the Daily Kos and MyDD are at war, and boys and girls, it ain’t pretty. It’s actually quite amusing as these giants (in their own minds at least) vie for bragging rights to who is responsible for turning the Dems around. Course, they are sounding surprisingly like, well, other media outlets now aren’t they? Read this yummy story from the New Republic. I personally dumped Daily Kos because I thought they were misogynistic in their coverage of Clinton whom they quite clearly detest. I have little familiarity with MyDD, but will take a closer look.

While Bush and Maliki have worked out the relationship they want for Iraq and the US, it seems not all of the parliament of Iraq is exactly on board. In fact some of them object to US long range plans to inhabit their country. Some of these folks are coming to Washington and are going to testify before Congress on the issue. I wonder why they don’t like our occupation of their country? Read the article at Washington Independent today.

Watch out folks, another doozy on the way. The PR firm that did the Vets Swift Boating ads against John Kerry, have a new cause. Abstinence only is their new theme and they are trying to push this agenda across the country. First, we are told they are using information that is simply not true. If you didn’t know, abstinence only sex education has a lousy track record vis a vis the regular old fashioned kind of sex education. Secondly the people in charge of NAEA  are reputedly in the anti-gay camp and have other rather questionably backgrounds. Read more at Think Progress.

Another super post from Urantian Sojourn today. Well actually it was from Saturday, and it’s well worth your perusal. Enjoy What happened: The culturing of Deception, written by Propagandee.

If you have ever wondered what the life of a seaman is, one of those who hires himself around the world, you have only to drop by kiwi-at-seato find out. He relates about his last ship from  Glasgow, getting ready to ship out on the Norna. Read of his adventures.

Angry African has an important story to tell, and I hope you will listen. We in the West with all our wealth and power, well, we have a way about us when it comes to “helping” the rest of the world who is not so fortunate. And that way is quite obvious to the recipients of our largesse. He asks some very important questions to all who are givers to those who have not so much. Even on the small scale of just you and your personal efforts to help out, his questions are one’s we need to ponder and ponder deeply.

That’s it for today, a nasty long one again, but I think it will taper off over time. I’m planning on doing politics about 3 times a week, MWF and do the other stuff on TTh. Saturday and Sunday will remain the same. I’ll throw in the humor here and there.