This Is What Bush Did Yesterday 8/30

Why wasn't he meeting with FEMA? Why wasn't he meeting with the governors of the states involved in this devastation? Because...he cut millions of dollars in hurrican projects in New Orleans, the most in history, cut funding to redevelop Louisianna wetlands, and now wants to forget about all of that. He could at least be in Washington, acting like he cares.

Bush At California Resort While The South Drowns

"Hurricane party" takes on new meaning

Though we are experiencing one of the worst hurricanes in the nation's history, this waterfront scene looks peaceful, elegant, and intact. That is because the Hotel del Coronado is in San Diego, far away from Katrina's devastating winds. It is also where George W. Bush spent last night, while thousands of people in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama fled in snail-like traffic, searched for loved ones, swam through the streets, or hung out of attic windows, yelling for help.
While levees burst, a major New Orleans bridge came apart, buildings were swallowed by floodwaters, and looters took over the city, the National Guard was nowhere to be seen. To patch one of the levees, 3,000 sandbags were to have been dropped by Blackhawk helicopters, but they never arrived.

Though reading The Pet Goat while the country was under attack may have made Bush look inept, partying at an oceanside resort while Americans are losing their homes, their sources of income, and their lives is, at the very least, an example of shockingly poor taste, not to mention an abandonment of leadership. New Orleans is in a state of absolute chaos, despite the presence of a competent mayor and a competent governor. Hurricane Katrina has created a national disaster. Bush has done everything in his power to prevent the restoration of Louisiana's coast, and he has severely cut funding for hurricane protection. It is no surprise that he doesn't want to look Governor Blanco in the eye. But whooping it up at a resort while Gulf Coast states endure a living hell is a new low.

Posted by Diane E. Dees on 08/30/05 at 08:26 PM Comments (0) E-mail Print

Conservative Christian Group Says Katrina Result Of Abortion

What a bunch of stupid wacko's

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/#24840

New Orleans Prisoners Rioting

And have taken hostages, including children...can the situation there get any worse?

http://abcnews.go.com/US/HurricaneKatrina/story?id=1081633&page=1

Poverty Rate Increases Fourth Year In Row

Hasn't Bush been in office for four years?

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB8HA1U0DE.html

Pictures Of Gulf Coast

http://www.wwltv.com/sharedcontent/breakingnews/slideshow/083005_dmnkatrina/1.html

http://ap.wwltv.com/dynamic/galleries/305-2.html?SITE=WWL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=USHEADS.html

Looting in New Orleans and Biloxi

It breaks my heart to see human beings turning into animals in such a catastrophe. One looter shot a New Orleans police officer in the head as he was trying to stop him. People were stealing microwaves, etc. What good is a microwave going to do you when it gets wet? How stupid. What good is anything going to do if you don't have your life? The situation in New Orleans is worsening with the breaking of two levees today. These people should be leaving the city to save their lives, not worrying about wearing the most stylish jeans while they are trying to do it. Unbelieveable.

Katrina's Devestation

They say that New Orleans has been spared a worse scenerio. I don't know how much worse it can get than this. And even though the hurricane has passed, flood waters are starting to rise again. I don't know how officials can tell people they will be able to go to their homes to get some items in a few days. Where is all of this water going to go in a few days? Just rambling, how horrible. I am truley saddened.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9063708/

Judy Garland's Ruby Slippers Stolen!

http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=200197

Buchannon Suggests Bush Impeachment

http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Buchanan_suggests_Bush_imp_0829.html

Man Arrested For Burning Dog To Death In Ovan

This is one of the sickest things I've heard of.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBLOU93ZCE.html

Thousands Protest Iraq Constitution

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9084376/

Hurricane Tracker

Shows live progress of Hurricane Katrina. Let's pray that New Orleans gets out of this without alot of casualties and that they have a semblance of their city when it is over. I just got back from New Orleans a few days ago. It is a wonderful city with great, friendly, kind people. I hope they get through this well.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7845030

French Quarter Cam

Updates every 20 seconds. May not hold up when the storm hits.

http://www.nola.com/fqcam/

Vatican May Bar Gay Men From Priesthood

I don't think this is the answer. Your sexual orientation has nothing to do with being a pedophile. Straight men abuse children also. It is about being a pedophile. Both gay and straight men and women can be pedophiles. Unfortuneatley, there is no real way, other than previous acts, to tell who will act out toward children. It seems the Vatican doesn't understand this.

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,1558063,00.html?gusrc=rss

Hurricane Katrina Is Now Catoegory 5 And Headed For New Orleans

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB0EVNBXCE.html

Blair Gives Bush Churchill Bust In 2001

http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/news/story/0,11711,1558137,00.html?gusrc=rss

The Mind Of George Bush

Chavez Says Bush Will Be Responsible If Anything Happens To Him

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBS2QD7VCE.html

Map Of US Casualties

College Student Beats Roommate With Hot Iron

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB3CFOIUCE.html

9 Out Of Ten Support War Critics Right To Speak Out

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB3911FUCE.html

CIA Watchdog Group Recommends Disciplinary Action Against 9/11 Actors

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBXMN2NTCE.html

Bush and Company Say Nothing About Robertson's Remarks

It's interesting, that Bush spoke out several times this week against Sheehan but hasn't said a word condemning what Pat Robertson said. Sheehan is advocating peace, at least in her mind, wether you disagree with her or not. Robertson called for the assassination of a world leader. Bush calls the protesters platform dangerous for America. Robertson saying that Chavez ought to be killed is not dangerous? Latin America is fuming over this. It gives terrorists the ammunition to say-see-a major christian leader wants to kill. Christianity is evil. Robertson put us in danger, not some woman in a floppy hat who wants to ask the president questions.

Rumsfeld, I think, maybe it was Cheyney, commented that Robertson is a private citizen and he can say what he wants. While that may be true, they can denounce it and take a real stand to distance themselves from him, rather than just stay mum. They spend hours thinking of ways to smear Sheehan, but say nothing about Robertson. That is their true character.

Sheehan To Take War Protest Across Country

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050825/ap_on_re_us/peace_mom_46

Pope Benedict Meets With Iraqi Prime Minister

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBEYKIVSCE.html

Pentagon Orders 1500 More Troops In Iraq

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&u=/ap/20050824/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_iraq_5

Sheehan Response To Bush's Recent Statements

My Response to George
By Cindy Sheehan, AlterNet. Posted August 24, 2005.

I would give everything I own to have one more glimpse of my son. How dare Bush live a normal life when he has ruined mine by his lies?

Editor's Note:The italicized portions below are quotes from AP stories.

President Bush charged Tuesday that anti-war protesters like Cindy Sheehan who want troops brought home immediately do not represent the views of most U.S. military families and are "advocating a policy that would weaken the United States."

Bringing our troops home from the quagmire that he has gotten us into will be weakening the United States? George: Even if you pretend you didn't know that Saddam did not have weapons of mass destruction and Iraq was not a threat to the USA before you invaded -- Americans know differently. We have read the reports and the Downing Street Memos. We know you had to "fit the intelligence around the policy" of invading Iraq. I want to know what your real reasons were.

In brief remarks outside the resort where he is vacationing, Bush gave no indication that he would change his mind and meet with Sheehan after he returns to his Texas ranch Wednesday evening. Sheehan lost a son in Iraq and has emerged as a harsh critic of the war.

I will be back in Crawford, George: Even closer to you now, in Camp Casey II. Why don't you channel some courage from my son and come down and face me? Face the truth. Your house of cards built on smoke and mirrors is crumbling and you know it.

Sheehan has been maintaining a vigil outside Bush's ranch, a demonstration that has been joined by more and more other anti-war protesters.

Because I am not the only one in America who wants the answers; America wants the answers.
Bush said that two high-ranking members of his staff already met with her earlier this month and that he met with her last year.

I didn't go to Crawford to meet with Steven "Yellow cake uranium liar" Hadley or the other "high ranking" official they sent out. I went to meet with George. Does he get that yet? I did meet with him 10 weeks after his insane and arrogant Iraq war policies killed Casey and nine weeks after I buried my oldest child. George: Things are different between you and I now.

"I've met with a lot of families," Bush said. "She doesn't represent the view of a lot of families I have met with."

I never said I did. I want one answer: What is the "noble cause" MY son died for? There are also dozens, if not hundreds of families from all over the country who want to know the same thing.
On Iraq, Bush said that a democratic constitution "is going to be an important change in the broader Middle East." Reaching an accord on a constitution after years of dictatorship is not easy, Bush said.

A Democratic constitution? Is anyone else insulted that he thinks we are stupid and think that the constitution they will form in Iraq will be democratic and insure equal rights to all citizens? Does anyone else know what "democratic" means? It simply means majority rule. Not some high-minded, free-floating, pie in the sky ideal. It means 50% plus one. Up to 62% of Americans think our troops should be coming home soon. That is a majority, so why don't we force our employee, the president, to do what we want him to do?

He spoke after the head of the committee drafting Iraq's constitution said Tuesday that three days are not enough to win over the minority Sunni Arabs, and the document they rejected may ultimately have to be approved by parliament as is and submitted to the people in a referendum.

Another sham election where the country is shut down for the day and no one knows what the heck they are voting for?

"The Iraqi people are working hard to reach a consensus on their constitution," Bush said, speaking outside the Tamarack Resort, in the mountains 100 miles north of Boise. "It's an amazing process to work. First of all, the fact that they're even writing a constitution is vastly different from living under the iron hand of a dictator."

As hard as George is working riding bikes and taking naps? If he cares so much about an Iraqi Constitution, why doesn't he take some time from his busy vacation activities and read the U.S. Constitution? He may find out that he started an un-constitutional war in Iraq. He may lose some sleep over it. (What am I saying?)

"The Sunnis have got to make a choice," Bush said. "Do they want to live in a society that's free? Or do they want to live in violence?"

Too bad George didn't give them that option before he invaded and occupied their country, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent people. I bet they would choose to live in a peaceful country free of foreign occupiers.

He said he thought that most mothers, regardless of their religion, would prefer to live in peace rather than violence.

Amen to that, George. You got one thing right. Thanks to you and your lies, the people of Iraq are suffering from a tragic and unnecessary war, and my son was violently killed and ripped out of the heart of our family.

He said Rice had assured him that the rights of women were being protected. "Democracy is unfolding," the president said. "We just cannot tolerate the status quo."

Then bring our troops home. The status quo in Iraq is awful. Besides the Iraqi people suffering from lack of adequate infrastructure, clean water and medical attention, our troops still don't have armored Humvees or proper body armor. I got a letter from a soldier over in Iraq who says that he feels like an innocent man in prison. All of the soldiers and Marines who contact me say that they were lied to about the "mission." They were told that they would be rebuilding the country and all they are doing is trying to survive so their moms won't go through what I am going through.

I think the Camp Casey movement is taking hold and growing because America is sick of the status quo. We are sick of needless death and suffering on both sides. We are sick of paying for a war with our taxes and with our lifeblood that is not making our country more secure. George: Your employers cannot tolerate the status quo.

On Sheehan, the grieving mother who has camped near his ranch since Aug. 6, the president said he strongly supports her right to protest. She expressed her opinion. I disagree with it," Bush said. "I think immediate withdrawal from Iraq would be a mistake," he said. "I think those who advocate immediate withdrawal from not only Iraq but the Middle East are advocating a policy that would weaken the United States."

This is the biggest smokescreen from him yet. I didn't ask him to withdraw the troops; I asked him, what "noble cause" Casey died for. I am still waiting for one of the press corps to ask him that. I am still waiting for that answer.

First, we were told WMDs -- false. Then we were told Saddam=Osama -- false. Then we were told Saddam was a bad man to his own people and we had to get rid of him -- he's gone. Then we were told the Iraqi people had to have elections -- they did. Now we are spreading "freedom and democracy" but we are building 14 permanent bases, some the size of Sacramento, California. To me that indicates that we are spreading the cancer of imperialism and usurping THEIR natural resources.

Bush has scheduled more than two hours to meet with family members of slain soldiers Wednesday at the Mountain Home Air Force Base near Boise.

I am just asking for an hour from his vacation, and he just has to come down the road --not travel to Idaho. I wonder if any of the hand-picked family members will ask what noble cause their child died for. I hope so.

Bush said he planned to go on a hike and have dinner later Tuesday with Kempthorne and the Idaho congressional delegation. Bush said he also planned to spend "quality time" with first lady Laura Bush, who is traveling with him.

I would give everything I own, will own, or have owned to have one more glimpse of my son. Dare I even say ... one last hug or phone call? How dare Bush go on vacation and live a normal life when he has ruined mine by his lies? How dare he take five weeks off when he is waging a devastating and needless war?

Bush, who is seeking to quell growing criticism at home over the Iraq war, told the Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention in Salt Lake City on Monday that "a policy of retreat and isolation will not bring us safety."

His policies of preemptive wars of aggression for power and greed don't bring America safety, either.

Bush made a rare reference of the U.S. military death toll -- more than 2,000 killed in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. "We owe them something. We will finish the task that they gave their lives for ... by staying on the offensive against the terrorists, and building strong allies in Afghanistan and Iraq that will help us win and fight -- fight and win the war on terror," he told the VFW convention."

How does he honor the soldiers by killing more of their buddies? People say Casey is ashamed of me and that I dishonor his memory! I knew my son better than anyone on earth and I know he is appalled by the continued carnage in his name.

George: You can't win the war on terror by killing more of our soldiers and innocent Iraqi people. You are breeding more terror. And judging from the fact that you are now tied with the worst president in U.S. history (Nixon) in your abysmal poll numbers, the people of our country realize this too, and want you stopped.

Cindy Sheehan is co-founder of Gold Star Families for Peace.

Pat Robertson Suggests Assassination Of Chavez

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBUN9XZPCE.html

Terrorists May Pose As Vagrants In Order To Survey

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB3EE7GPCE.html

Connecticut Files Lawsuit Challanging No Child Left Behind

Is there anything that this president has done that has been fully thought through and has benefitted us?

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-no-child-lawsuit,0,2963421,print.story?coll=sns-ap-nation-headlines

Veterans and GOP's Hagel Denounce War At Bush's Salt Lake City Appearance

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB83K54PCE.html

An Interview With Albert Ellis

This man is awesome. He did create cognitive-behavioral therapy, on the premise that it is not what happens to you that makes you depressed or disturbed, but it is how you think about what happened to you that makes you crazy. Cognitive-Behavioral therapy was later built upon and perfected by David Burns, MD of the University of Pennsylvania. Research has shown that this therapy is more effective than any other treatment, including medication.

http://www.villagevoice.com/people/0534,interview,67068,24.html

Bush Approval Ratings Fall Again

Is he the worst president ever or what?

http://americanresearchgroup.com/economy/

Man Who Entered Airport With Bomb Bailed Out By Republican Politico

So, a potential terrorist can't be a Republican? I guess just us liberals wanna blow stuff up.

Who's soft on terrorism now? The GOP...Posted by Matthew Wheeland on August 19, 2005 at 3:18 PM.

Last week, one Charles Alfred Dreyling, a 24-year-old Oklahoma University student, tried to board an airplane with a pipe bomb in his carryon bag. Fortunately, OKC airport security caught him, and now he faces up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
Shades of Richard Reid, shades of Tim McVeigh, shades even of the 9/11 hijackers, right? Well, the big difference is that none of those bombers, or would-be bombers, had connections to the Republican Party.

Dreyling was released on $10,000 bail the day after his arrest, thanks in large part to family friend, former OKC mayor Kirk Humphreys, a Republican of course.

In attesting to Dreyling's fine character, Humphreys said: I know Charlie Dreyling quite well. I've known him since he was in the first grade. I appreciate what the authorities are doing making our airlines safe. ... I have every confidence that they'll find out Charlie Dreyling is a fine young man and no terrorist. ... He had a little explosive device, and boys like to see things go bang. He took it down to an outing at the lake, left it in his bag, forgot it and went to the airport.
The whole potential destruction of an airliner is really no big deal, though, because Dreyling only forgot that the bomb was in his bag as he boarded a jet to Atlanta. He actually only makes the bombs "for recreation" and sets them off "with friends in rural Oklahoma."

As Buzzflash puts it in its weekly roundup of the GOP's biggest hypocrite, "for Republicans, if you're non-white and named Mohammed and you try to board an airplane with a bomb, you get rendered to Egypt or Syria where you summarily get tortured, right? But, apparently, if you come from red state Republican land, you are, according to Humphreys, absolved of any wrongdoing."

Even if you're a white boy who likes to make and detonate bombs in the same area that another white boy killed 168 people, including 19 children, 11 years ago.

Soldier Says Superiors Ordered Him To Abuse Detainees

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200508/s1442489.htm

Impasse On Iraq Constitution Continues

With one more day to go before the deadline. If they don't reach an agreement, the elections will have to be held again. Let's pray that they come to a conclusion, or we will be there far beyond the 4 years the Bush administration is predicting.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050821/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

Breakthrough In Embryonic Stem Cell Research

I wonder if the Neocons will whine about this too.

Harvard Researchers Report Potential Breakthrough in Developing Embryonic Stem CellsThe Associated Press Published: Aug 22, 2005

WASHINGTON (AP) - Harvard scientists announced they've discovered a way to fuse adult skin cells with embryonic stem cells, a promising and dramatic breakthrough that could lead to the creation of useful stem cells without first having to create and destroy human embryos.
Members of the research team were to discuss their findings Monday. Preliminary results of the potentially groundbreaking research were disclosed Sunday on the Science magazine web site.
The scientists said they were able to show in their early research that the fused cell "was reprogrammed to its embryonic state."

"If future experiments indicate that this reprogrammed state is retained after removing the embryonic stem cell DNA - currently a formidable technical hurdle - the hybrid cells could theoretically be used to produce embryonic stem cells lines that are tailored to individual patients without the need to create and destroy human embryos," said a summary of the research reported on the Science site.

That could lead to creation of stem cells without having to use human eggs or make new human embryos in the process, thereby sidestepping much of the controversy over stem cell research.
The Harvard researchers used laboratory grown human embryonic stem cells - such as the ones that President Bush has already approved for use by federally funded researchers - to essentially convert a skin cell into an embryonic stem cell itself.

If a number of hurdles can be overcome in subsequent research, the new technique "may circumvent some of the logistical and societal concerns" that have hampered much of the research in this country, Chad A. Cowan, Kevin Eggan and colleagues from the Harvard Stem Cell Institute report in the Science article.

Those social concerns are reflected in the Senate's looming debate over a House-passed bill to force taxpayers to fund stem cell research that would destroy human embryos, legislation President Bush has promised to veto. Bush and many fellow conservatives believe it is immoral to create embryos only to destroy them, even in the name of scientific progress that could cure or treat diseases afflicting millions of people.

Debate and a vote on the bill will proceed next month as planned, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's spokeswoman, Amy Call, said Monday. Frist earlier this month said he will vote for the bill, widely expected to pass even in the face of Bush's veto threat.

The hybrid cells created by the Harvard team "had the appearance, growth rate, and several key genetic characteristics of human embryonic cells," the summary of their work said.

"They also behaved like embryonic cells, differentiating into cells from each of the three main tissue types that form in a developing embryo. The authors conclude that human embryonic cells have the ability to reprogram adult cell chromosomes following cell fusion. "
AP-ES-08-22-05 0906EDT

Millions In Security Force Monies Embezzeled

Just who is minding the store? Are Americans to open their wallets for a free flowing river of money that ends up in the wrong hands anyway? Typical of the Bush administration's handling of this war.

http://politics.guardian.co.uk/iraq/story/0,12956,1553777,00.html

Rolling Stones Kick Off Tour In Boston

Hope they never stop

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB9OQI1OCE.html

Scientists Develop Battery Run By Urine

OK, maybe it is time to drill for more oil in Alaska

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/08/0818_050818_urinebattery.html

100,000 Troops In Iraq For Next 4 Years

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB2ILFCMCE.html

Conservative Salt Lake City Mayor Urges Protests Against Bush

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_2958368

Pope Urges Muslims To Denounce Terrorism

Looks like Bush is leaving diplomacy up to the Pope.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBVMXD4MCE.html

Gaza Withdrawal In Pictures

http://www.ctv.ca/generic/WebSpecials/gaza_withdrawal/gallery/main_frameset.html

Republican Quotes Against War

Made when Clinton was president, relative to Bosnia.

From Kos (with an unsurprising surprise at the end):

"'You can support the troops but not the president.' --Rep Tom Delay (R-TX)

'Well, I just think it's a bad idea. What's going to happen is they're going to be over there for 10, 15, maybe 20 years.' --Joe Scarborough (R-FL)

'Explain to the mothers and fathers of American servicemen that may come home in body bags why their son or daughter have to give up their life?' --Sean Hannity, Fox News, 4/6/99

'[The] President . . . is once again releasing American military might on a foreign country with an ill-defined objective and no exit strategy. He has yet to tell the Congress how much this operation will cost. And he has not informed our nation's armed forces about how long they will be away from home. These strikes do not make for a sound foreign policy.' --Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA)

'American foreign policy is now one huge big mystery. Simply put, the administration is trying to lead the world with a feel-good foreign policy.' --Rep Tom Delay (R-TX)

'If we are going to commit American troops, we must be certain they have a clear mission, an achievable goal and an exit strategy.' --Karen Hughes, speaking on behalf of George W Bush
'I had doubts about the bombing campaign from the beginning . . I didn't think we had done enough in the diplomatic area.' --Senator Trent Lott (R-MS)

'Victory means exit strategy, and it's important for the President to explain to us what the exit strategy is.' --Governor George W. Bush (R-TX)"

Too bad these are all quotes from when Bill Clinton was the president and Bosnia the location where, as Kos points out, not a single American soldier was killed.

Putin Urges US Troop Withdrawal

Leaving Iraq now would be a disaster. We can't go into a country, creamate it, leave it without water, electric, or a government, and tiptoe out of there. It is a bogus war started by a lie, but we are there and we wold be in a worse situation internationally if we simply up and leave it the way it is. We are doomed to be there for the long haul. From Pravda.

http://english.pravda.ru/world/20/91/366/16019_Iraq.html

Alabama Rises As A Model For Child Welfare

The hild welfare system is very anti-family. I guess a large part of that is recent and not so recent incidents in which children in danger have been killed by their parents due to the system not properly monitoring, so now the system says, "Let's just get them out". But them what? Noone really wants these kids, who have grown up in such dysfunctional environments, producing emotional and behavioral problems. Who really wants to handle that? I don't believe parents abuse their kids because they want to abuse their kids. It is a symptom of their own problems, such as mental illness or drug abuse, or their own abuse as children. If we really want to protect children, we have to help their parents. Otherwise, the already out of control foster care system will disintegrate under the huge burden it has. Of course, those parents who don't want help are a different story. But given the opportunity for some real success, most people would take that. The problem is, you have to overhaul most systems in social services. If a single mother with three kids gets a 10.00/hour job, she can't keep that job if she can't afford day care. You can't get a decent job without a high school diploma. You can't keep a job with a drug problem. It is a huge undertaking, to truly take the problem of disenfranchised children seriously.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/20/national/20alabama.html?hp&ex=1124596800&en=36cc04aa4416f325&ei=5094&partner=homepage

Jury Awards Widow 254 Million in Vioxx Trial

I am not generally for such huge awards, but the drug companies are out of control and maybe this will be a wake up call.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/19/AR2005081900256.html

Bush To Ride With Armstrong

Why does he want to make a fool of himself? He can barely stay upright on his bike.

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/4350974

Victory In Iraq-Flash Cartoon

http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0534,fiore,67048,9.html

How Many Bush Administration Officials Does It Take To Change A Light Bulb?

Q: How many members of the Bush Administration does it take to change a light bulb?A: Ten.

1. One to deny that a light bulb needs to be changed.

2. One to attack the patriotism of anyone who says the light bulb needs to be changed.

3. One to blame Clinton for burning out the light bulb.

4. One to tell the nations of the world that they are either responsible for changing the light bulb or for darkness.

5. One to give a billion dollar no-bid contract to Haliburton for the new light bulb.

6. One to arrange a photograph of Bush, dressed as a janitor, standing on a stepladder under the banner: Light bulb Change Accomplished.

7. One administration insider to resign and write a book documenting in detail how Bush was literally in the dark.

8. One to viciously smear #7.

9. One surrogate to campaign on TV and at rallies on how George Bush has had a strong light bulb changing policy all along.

10. And finally one to confuse Americans about the difference between screwing a light bulb and screwing the country.

Going To New Orleans

Well, I will leave you to discuss amongst yourselves. I am going to New Orleans for a week. I hope you all read my blog when I'm gone and leave comments-good, bad, and ugly. In honor of the Big Easy, there are some links that showcase New Orleans. Hope you all have a great week!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans

http://neworleansonline.com/

http://www.nojazzfest.com/

http://www.bettyliste.com/soundbites.htm

Italy Withdrawing Troops In September

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB4B2PGCCE.html

Judge Says Bush's Proposed Labor Rules Does Not Allow Collective Bargaining

And he blocked it. Thank God that someone is looking out for the little guy, cause Bush sure isn't.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBCEHMYBCE.html

The Media Is Not Doing It's Job

As this article states, the media went hog wild over Bill and Monica, frenzied over Nixon's lies relative to Watergate, and constantly foam at the mouth over inconsequential issues. Why aren't the hard nosed truth seekers out there trying to make Bush accountable? They have their pundits who wrangle back and forth over every sound bite, but where are the investigative reporters in all of this?

http://www.skyhen.org/Viewpoints/armageddon_gets_no_press.php

Iranian Nightmare

Iran has resumed their nuclear program. They don't appear to be one iota intimidated by Bush's fighting words. He has no choice except to defer to diplomacy. Threats don't work with them. He has to act in a diplomatic manner NOW. Do you think he has it in him?

http://www.motherjones.com/commentary/columns/2005/08/iranian_ironies.html

Valproic Acid AKA Depakote May Kill HIV Virus

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=29029

Homeland Security Lowers Trasit Alert

Does Homeland Security need to announce what level of security they are recommending? Isn't that giving information to potential terrorists? It doesn't make sense. They can monitor that on their own and increase or decrease security as needed. If there is a specific threat, then alert people, but it goes up and down and the whole workd knows it.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBHRTS3BCE.html

Bush Passes Up Sheehan On Way To Fundraiser

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB0ZA4UACE.html

9 Months In Jail For Having Sex With 13 Year Old Student

Somehow, it seems that sex offenses against young boys is not as abhorrant as those committed against young girls. The judicial system is just as suseptible to the confines of societal values as we all are. It is horrible that this woman only gets 9 months in jail. Not only does such a light sentence minimize what she did, but it gives boys the message that indescriminate sexual behavior is not really that big a deal. It gives the message that society says it's not that bad for boys to cross boundaries.

I am NOT saying it is the boys' fault. It is the teacher that crossed the boundary. But boys won't feel the need to protect themselves from female predators, because, they are not really viewed as predators in this society. When unevolved, young minds hear about the consequences this teacher received, they won't be thinking, "wow, she did a really horrible thing". And for the mother to plead with the court that she be spared a trial because the teacher was a "family friend"? That should make her even more appalled that this woman would do this to her son, not make her feel sympathy for her. We are all mixed up in this country.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB44CZDACE.html

Siberia Is Melting

Global warming is at a crisis stage. When is the world REALLY going to do something about it?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/climatechange/story/0,12374,1546824,00.html

FBI Warns That Fuel Trucks May Be Used In Terrorist Attacks

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBG2Q4R9CE.html

American With Ties To Bin Laden Working For Iraqi Government

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBFPHZK9CE.html

Mortgaged To Saudi Arabia

We kiss their feet even thugh they are vital to deal with in the war on terrism. What a predicament we are in.

http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/23974/#comments

College Students Sell Themselves On EBay

And are won for only 246.00...lol...maybe they should consider getting jobs.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/weird_news/12348636.htm

Terrell Owens Asked To Leave Training Camp

I am a HUGE Eagles fan...but I would rather have an average team without this prima donna, then a Superbowl contender with him acting like a fool the whole season. Let someone else have him.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3879562

Bush, Cheney, Rove Battle For Power-Comic Strip

http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0532,tomorrow,66790,9.html

Dumb Terrorist?

Why would this dufus try to carry a bomb in his bag?

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBN0GJD8CE.html

Military Considers Third Tour Of Duty For Iraq Troops

No draft huh? It looks inevitable.

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=30855

600 Truckers Plug Up Florida Highway To Protest Gas Prices

http://www.nbc6.net/news/4832833/detail.html

Another Boy Scout Incident

Wow...two incidents of electrocution in a month's time and now this.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBCNJ158CE.html

Imus Calls Rumsfeld "Son Of A Bitch"

http://bluntnews.com/drupal/?q=node/107

Click on Rumsfeld to open

Rumsfeld Says Insurgency Could Get Worse

Didn't the administration say just a few weeks ago that the insurgency was under control? If it was under control, it would not be able to rise again to the ranks of the Nazi SS or Kamikazee suicide pilots, as Rumsfeld likened the probable increase to. It would not rise again due to the elections.

Rumsfeld and his cronies said the insurgency was under control to tell yet another lie to the American people in an effort to appease us, because more and more of us are outraged at the direction this war is taking. Now he says this.

http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,16211928%5E1702,00.html

Air Force Lieutenant Vandalizes Cars With Pro Bush Bumper Stickers

I do not condone such actions, but it goes to show that even people in the military are seeing the light of day.

http://www.9news.com/acm_news.aspx?OSGNAME=KUSA&IKOBJECTID=9df2862a-0abe-421a-01c3-e6d725b784e0&TEMPLATEID=0c76dce6-ac1f-02d8-0047-c589c01ca7bf

Two Jackson Jurors Regret Acquittal

That sentiment would have helped before they let a pedophile go free

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB2NVJK5CE.html

Poll: The Iraq War Has Made Us Less Safe

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-08-08-pollvulnerable_x.htm

Bush's Visit To New Saudi King Shows How Desparate We Are For Their Oil

http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/23944/

Pentagon Plans To Increase Troops

Let's see..."we are winning the war"..."we have a good handle on the insurgency"... and a statement to the effect that the insurgency was all but done. So, is the administration just confused or are they straight out misleading us?

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050808/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/iraq_us_military

Bush and Blair Are Two Peas In A Pod

http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1749382005

Chicago Sex Slave Trade

It's hard to believe this happens in the USA

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-traffic07.html

Bush Signs Energy Bill

Yes, it will take years to see if any of this is effective, but, there is nothing in this bill that requires auto makers to increase fuel efficiency, which is necessary to curb consumption. Yet, energy companies get tax subsidies right off the bat. If he wants this to work in the long run, some real things have to be done today.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBMXV815CE.html

Netanyahu Resigns Over Gaza Pullout

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8859413/

Peter Jennings Dies

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050808/ap_on_en_tv/obit_jennings

CIA Let Bin Laden Slip Away

Once again, many of the assertions that John Kerry made during his campaign are being shown to be true. Bush poo poosed Kerry's assertion that Bin Laden was in Tora Bora, and that intelligence was not doing enough to get him.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8853000/site/newsweek/

Bush Fired Abramoff Prosecutor in 2002

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-guam7aug07,1,5281180.story?coll=la-headlines-nation

Bush Refuses To Turn Over 9/11 Documents

What else is new? He refuses nearly every request for information any body asks of him.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/07/politics/07panel.html?ei=5088&en=32ceaec35776d482&ex=1281067200&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&pagewanted=print

A Profile Of Al Qaeda's New Generation

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBXH9RK3CE.html

A Young Man Dies In Iraq

A Conservative's views on the war and raising children in a violent society

http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/23890/

First Of London Bombing Suspects Charged

The British don't waste any time! People crack jokes about how they don't carry guns, but man, they have been very aggressive about this incident and are doing an outstanding job handling this case. Don't mess with the Brits!

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBYE0FF2CE.html

NY Post Calls For President To Attend Funerals

Do you think he has the nerve to do it? I don't. He would not want a photo of him and dead soldiers getting out there. He is too self serving.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/08052005/postopinion/editorial/50776.htm

Teacher Gets Probation For Licking Blood From Wounded Atheletes

Why suspension? He ought to just be fired. Does anyone want someone so depraved to be coaching and teaching our children? It was probably a sexual thing for him. Absolutely disgusting.

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?art_id=qw1123313581838B241&set_id=1&click_id=29

Mother Of Slain Soldier Protests At Bush's Crawford Ranch

He keeps saying that the soldiers are dying for a noble cause. She wants him to address her-and tell her exactly what that cause is.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050806/ap_on_re_us/bush_peace_mom

Interview With Iraq Soldier

http://www.alternet.org/wiretap/23882/

Major Breakthrough In Cancer Treatment

http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/lasertreatmentkillscancercellsinlab

Roberts Puzzles

He supported legislation backing gay rights, then said he forgot he was in the Federalist Society and that he lobbied for the cosmetics industry. How do you forget those things?

http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/nation/ny-uscort044370232aug04,0,337134,print.story?coll=ny-nationalnews-print

Pressure Getting To Novak-He Storms Off Set Of "Inside Politics"

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/television/breaking_novak_storms_off_cnn_set_24299.asp

Rumsfeld Says London Attack Not In Retalliation For Iraq War

And what makes him so sure of this? Why is he so quick to dimiss this theory? He is quick to dismiss it because he does not want to deal woth this kind of pressure. Terrorists have held captives in exchange for troop withdrawal. It is possible. It is also possible that Rumsfeld will ignore a possible reason for the attacks to save the administration. Politics as usual.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB5VRQFZBE.html

Antartic Ice Shelf Collapses

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200508/s1429905.htm

Bush Believes Palmeiro

Juiced
From DNC Research:
Today, it was announced that Baltimore Orioles first baseman Rafael Palmeiro was being suspended for ten days due to violations of Major League Baseball's new anti-doping regulations. Bush was owner of the Texas Rangers when Palmeiro and Jose Canseco played there, and both have been accused of or admitted to taking steroids during that time.

Bush's reaction — as it is whenever one of his buddies gets in trouble, (whether its Rove DeLay or now Palmeiro) — was to completely deny the allegations. Today, the AP reported that Bush sent McClellan out to defend his buddy Palmeiro.

White House spokesman Scott McClellan said President Bush considers Palmeiro "a friend and he believes him" when he says he never intentionally took steroids.

This is the second time Bush has defended players accused of taking steroids. Before throwing out the opening pitch for the Washington Nationals first home game, Bush was interviewed by USA Today , and when asked about his knowledge of steroid use while he was owner of the Texas Rangers he was quoted as saying:

Of course not," said Bush, who added he spent much of his time away from the Rangers in 1994 while running for governor of Texas. "I don't remember any discussion with owners, general managers or managers saying so and so was using steroids. The Canseco allegation about Palmeiro, Rodriguez and Gonzalez was immediately rejected by those guys."

Bush added: "I do know hurling accusations is not good for the game. It's really important for baseball to deal with the subject and it has. During the last two years there has been an honest appraisal. And a public outcry and a lot of exposure. The sport is now beginning to address the issue seriously."

Now Palmeiro joins the ranks of Karl Rove and Tom DeLay, two people who Bush is running interference for — and not exactly a club Palmeiro wants to be in.

FBI Targeting Peaceful Protestors As Potential Terrorists

http://www.aclu.org/SafeandFree/SafeandFree.cfm?ID=18862&c=206

Representative Says Guantanamo Inmates Happy To Be There

A US politician visits Guantanano and all is well. Surprise, surprise. His statements are ludicris, considering the vast evidence of abuse and torture.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Aug-03-Wed-2005/news/26987844.html

I Am Accused Of Being A Bush Basher

This is not true. A basher is someone who finds fault where there is no fault to be found. I am not a basher. I point out the terrible policies, lack of insight, and dishonesty of this administration, headed by Bush.

You radical conservatives need to get a new mantra. You all cared so much about Clinton getting a blow job, which did not hurt anyone but himself, and then you have the nerve to complain that I and others like me are appalled over a bogus war and a deficit that will not be recovered for a generation because of this false war.

You all are so livid that we can see the forrest for the trees, that Bush is dishonest and has placed this nation at the bottom of the barrel in terms of respect. If that is not important to you, so be it.

If you want to continue with your support of a President who has placed this country in much higher jeopardy of terrorism than ever before, and created a terrorist state in Iraq, than you go.

If you think it makes sense that practically every country in the world believes that the Iraq war was unjustified and that they are all stupid morons who know nothing, than keep your blinders on.

If you all think Bush made a wise decision by placing an uncompromising, dictatorial, hothead in the United Nations, an institution that is based on cooperation and diplomacy, keep on keepin on.

If you think it is wise to have a president who wants to push his personal beliefs on people, who lacks respect for any point of view but his own, keep supporting him.

If you think that it is a good idea to spend billions and billions of dollars on policies such as e-records in a time of war, when other initiatives are not fully funded such as No Child Left Behind, then open your pocket and keep giving him the money to fund.

If you believe it's ok for the President of the United States to publically say that anyone who is involved in compromising national security by outing a CIA agent will be gone from his administration, then to turn around and say that only applies if a crime is committed (forget about the integrity of such a person doing this, regardless if it is a crime), then keep on voting for neocons who will resort to such tactics.

I can go on and on. I want a president that I can be proud of. End of rant.

Lightning Attack Kills Boy Scout

The Boy Scouts sure are having a string of terrible incidents. Maybe they ought to postpone trips when the heat is like it has been, as severe heat causes storms and lightning.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBWIAGQXBE.html

Editorial: It's Not Weak To Ask Why

A response to conservatives relative to understanding terrorism

http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/23764/

Bush's E-Records Proposal Will Minimally Cost 200 Billion

Why is this man haphazardly spending our money? Is this the most important place to spend so much money? We are in the middle of a war. It will cost us billions and billions over the next 5 years at least. So many people don't have health coverage. People are homeless. The No Child Left Behind Act has never been properly funded. Army bases are closing and thousands of people are loosing their jobs. Many jobs are being exported to other countries. We have a tremendous deficit. Hasn't Bush ever heard of the phrase "tightening the purse strings"? Now is not the time to spend a gross amount of money on this. It is totally irresponsible. Yes, it is a plan that will streamline health care, but we survived all these years without E-Records, we can continue for a while until our fiscal situation is better, before we start spending money on luxuries.

http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-health-network,0,4843262.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

Brain Dead Woman Gives Birth

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050802/ap_on_he_me/brain_dead_pregnancy

US Ranks Last In Cultural Heritage

Which is a measure of wisdom, intelligence, and integrity. I beg to differ. We are all of the above. Unfortunatley, the world is judging us by our President, which would lend one to believe we are not wise, intelligent, or possesive of integrity. What a disservice we have done to ourselves by re-electing him.

http://news.ft.com/cms/s/77868922-0228-11da-9481-00000e2511c8.html

Bush Bypasses Senate Again

What a little dictator he is.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB6620PWBE.html

Flash Cartoon-Homeland Stupidity

http://www.motherjones.com/commentary/fiore/2005/07/homeland.html

Karl Rove Comic Strip

http://villagevoice.com/news/0531,sutton,66396,9.html

Iran Is A Decade Away From Nuclear Capability

Bush is at it again. He and his cronies have been touting that Iran may be an immediate threat due to capabilities in nuclear armament. But it appears that may not be so.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/01/AR2005080101453_pf.html

Homeland Security Arrests 582 Gang Members

Ok, now I am glad gang members are behind bars...BUT...I'm sorry, this has nothing to do with the type of terrorism that Homeland Security is responsible for. Gangs have been around since the 50's and before that. They are a nuisance, a threat, and dangerous...but are we spending money earmarked for securing our borders, providing security for our ports, etc., on arresting thugs? Doesn't Homeland Security have other things to worry about? I don't get it. Are they looking for some type of accomplishment?

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--gangarrests0801aug01,0,5345461,print.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork

Hendrix Pretended To Be Gay To Stay Out Of Viet Nam

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/hendrix_biography

California Country Clubs Must Admit Gay Couples

Can't you just see the tea and crumpet set squirming in their pants?

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB4YN88VBE.html

Novak Talks About Plame Case

http://www.suntimes.com/output/novak/cst-edt-novak01.html

Bush Appoints Bolten During Congressional Recess

What a weenie! Instead of answering the hard questions everyone, including conservatives have about Bolton, he appoints him during recess. This option should be reserved when an emergency appointment is necessary, not to avoid an inquiry into a nominee's fitness to do the job. Bush talks tough, but he sure did weasle out of this one.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/un_ambassador

Kenyan Man Offers Goats and Cows For Chelsea Clinton

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/weird_news/12238710.htm