Blasts Hit Baghdad, Including Green Zone, Saturday Morning

BAGHDAD - A series of explosions thundered in the Iraqi capital Saturday morning, police said, including one from a mortar round that hit the U.S.-controlled Green Zone.

One of the explosions was a roadside bomb that targeted a U.S. patrol in eastern Baghdad. A police officer said the blast site was sealed by American forces and there was no immediate way to detail damage or casualties. There was no immediate report of the incident from the U.S. military.

Those final throes, if you will, just seem to be hanging in there.

Keith Olberman Neuters Bill O'Lielly

Why Someone Changed from Hillary to Obama

Honesty is the best policy, Hillary. It might help to learn that.

The Dwindling Repignofascist Business Base - by John Dean

As the stock market gyrated wildly this week, given the precarious state of the American economy, the New York Times published a table relating to anti-recession efforts in times past. In scanning it, I could not help but notice that among the last eight recessions, all but the first, in 1948, occurred during Republican presidencies. (The first occurred when Republicans controlled Congress.)

Here is the latest in a long list of eye-opening pieces on the reality of current non-reality by John Dean.

Interesting that 7 of the last 8 receissions were all under the "management" of a Repignofascist in the White House. And to here them talk they are all business friendly.

The other interesting (not to mention pleasant) thing about this piece is the mention of reasons why the Repignofascist business base is fleeing the Repignofascist Party. At least they have the god squad still on their side.

I'm the Decider

Crank up your speakers and listen again to this succinct synopsis of the Chimp and his 7 very long years in the White House.

Rudy's Desperation Advertisement in Florida

Isn't it interesting how this New Yawk candidate has a voice over on his ad that is decidedly Suthen? "INsurence"??? Come on Rudy. Why dont you do like Michael Dukakis and ride around in a damned tank acting like a soldier. Or hasn't your desperation gotten to that point yet?

Truth or Terrorism? The Real Story Behind Five Years of High Alerts

"Sometimes we disagreed with the intelligence assessment. There were times when some people in the administration were really aggressive about raising the threat level, and we said, 'For that?!'" — Former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, May 2005

The Bush administration has never shied from playing the fear card to distract the American public from scandal or goad them into supporting a deeply flawed foreign policy. Here a history of the administration's most-dubious terror alerts — including three consecutive Memorial Day scare-a-thons — all of which proved far less terrifying than the screamer headlines they inspired.

What can you say other than "wake up sheeple"? But by now its too late even for that.

Whats truly freightening is how many gullible sheeple in this country have bought Bush's terrorism bullshit hook, line, and sinker, almost from the first day.

America - With and Without the Chimp

I know that facts are a tad difficult for the Repignofascist fringe to deal with, but if the opportunity presents itself to try to educate the uneducable, try some of these data on them. I'm sure they will blame reality on the "liberal" media or some other ridiculous excuse. Still it should be fun to watch their eyes as they attempt to absorb what they are not provided on Faux "News."

California Argues That Bush Sonar Order Unconstitutional

A California court case filed by the state's Coastal Commission that began yesterday is arguing that President Bush violated the Constitution's separation-of-powers doctrine last week when he signed an exemption for the Navy allowing it to violate provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act and the National Environmental Policy Act to test sonar in anti-submarine training off the California coast.

"The notion that the president can act like some medieval autocrat and impose the law as he sees it violates the fundamental basis of the American Constitution," California Attorney General Jerry Brown (D) said. "There are three branches of government. Each of the branches has to be respected."

This is just one more in an incredibly long line of incidents involving the Chimp overstepping his role and his authorities because he thinks he answers to "god". California might as well just get in line with their lawsuit against the loyal Bushies.

And remember, of course, that Nancy Pelosi, whose home state brought this justified lawsuit, has determined (against the same Constitution that Bush blows off) that impeachment is "off the table."

Only 363 days of this abomination left.

Only 935 Lies Leading to Invasion of Iraqnam

WASHINGTON — A study by two nonprofit journalism organizations found that President Bush and top administration officials issued hundreds of false statements about the national security threat from Iraq in the two years following the 2001 terrorist attacks.

The study concluded that the statements "were part of an orchestrated campaign that effectively galvanized public opinion and, in the process, led the nation to war under decidedly false pretenses."

The study was posted Tuesday on the Web site of the Center for Public Integrity, which worked with the Fund for Independence in Journalism.

To anyone with an IQ greater than a gnat, or who gets their news from a source other than Fox, this really isn't news. Still, its refreshing to see it in print.

I wonder if Rush and John Gibson will lead with this story today?

One Less Loser Repignofascist Running for President

Fox News reports that former Tennesee senator Fred Thompson is dropping out of the Republican race for President. Via Fox reporter Carl Cameron:

Fox News has learned that Fred Thompson is returning to his home in McLean VA and plans to withdraw from the race. He has begun calling friends, family and supporters and telling them his campaign is over.

Ah, one question, Fred. you are telling your friends and supporters that your campaign is over. When did it ever start?

A couple months ago in south Alabama I saw a bumper sticker on a car that read "Fred Thompson - Southern Fried Reagan". I had to pull to the side of the road until I could stop laughing.

So long, Fred. Enjoy your southern friend whatever. However if your wife divorces you now that there's no longer a chance for her to be First Hottie, would you mind introducing me to her? Just a suggestion.

More From the War For the White House

As Obese Population Rises, More Candidates Courting The Fat Vote

Cheney Emails Missing on Specific, Requested Dates

Among the sixteen days for which email are missing from Vice President Cheney's office is Sept. 30, 2003, the same day the day the Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced they were investigating who outed former CIA officer Valerie Plame Wilson.

That morning, then-White House counsel Alberto Gonzales ordered the president and the vice president's staff to "preserve all materials that might be relevant" to an inchoate Justice Department probe.

Now isn't this an interesting coincidence?

And coming from an administration that was going to "restore honor and dignity" to the White House no less. I simply cannot explain how potentially-incriminating emails from specific dates could just vanish into thin air. You don't think Rosemary Woods came back from the Nixon days (and her grave) and accidently deleted them for Uncle Dick, do you?

Nancy Pelosi will not impeach these bastards, but Clinton could get impeached for lying about a sloppy blow job. Go figure.

War Crimes R Us

Weather Forecast for Football Sunday in Green Bay

(From the National Weather Service)
BROWN- INCLUDING GREEN BAY 950 AM CST SUN JAN 20 2008

...COLD CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TODAY AND TONIGHT...

AN ARCTIC AIRMASS WILL CONTINUE TO AFFECT GREEN BAY AND NORTHEAST WISCONSIN TODAY. MID-MORNING TEMPERATURES WERE NEAR 10 BELOW ZERO IN GREEN BAY...WITH WIND CHILLS OF 30 BELOW TO 35 BELOW. SUNNY SKIES DURING THE DAY WILL ONLY HELP A LITTLE. THE WIND WILL COMBINE WITH THE COLD TEMPERATURES TO PRODUCE WIND CHILLS AROUND 25 BELOW THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING.

IF YOU HAVE PLANS TO BE OUTSIDE TODAY OR TONIGHT...MAKE SURE YOU ARE DRESSED FOR THE WEATHER. SEVERAL LAYERS OF LIGHT CLOTHING PROVIDE MORE WARMTH THAN A SINGLE HEAVY LAYER. BE SURE TO WEAR A HAT AND GLOVES OR MITTENS. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES...THEY CAUSE THE BODY TO LOSE HEAT MORE RAPIDLY.

Ah, what refreshing Wisconsin weather. It will be almost June-like today when the Pack takes the field to kick the Cheney out of the New York Giants.

The Pack has a long history of beating lesser teams in brisk June-like weather such as eastern Wisconsin is experiencing today.

Remember back to late January 1967 during the Second Stupid Bowl when there were just 9 seconds left and the Pack was trailing the same malingering New York team. The air temperature was about the same (-11 or so) when Bart Starr did a quarterback sneak and made it over the goal line. The Packers, of course, were dressed in shorts and Hawaiian shirts (under their green and gold snow suits) and relished playing in the brisk summer weather.

Today should be a repeat.

The one thing that surprises me in this weather statement is the suggestion to not drink alcoholic beverages. WHAT? This is Wisconsin you're talking about you nimrods. We go from mother's milk to beer in that state. That thing about no alcohol must have been written by some pussy Giants fan.

Words of Chimp Wisdom

"I think it's very important for world leaders to understand that when a new administration comes in, the new administration will be running the foreign policy."...Chimpy McFlightsuit, in an interview with USA Today, January 12, 2001

ONE YEAR FROM TODAY!!!!!!!!!!

Our national nightmare and our international embarassment are both almost over!!!!

A Very Good Idea

Religion and Politics in Redneck South Carolina

Why Dennis Kucinich Will Never Win.....

He does something that is politically incorrect each time he opens his mouth - he tells the truth. Thats the surest way to not get elected I can imagine.

John McCain's Family Values

McCain was still married and living with his wife in 1979 while, according to The New York Times’ Nicholas Kristof, “aggressively courting a 25-year-old woman who was as beautiful as she was rich.” McCain divorced his wife, who had raised their three children while he was imprisoned in Vietnam, then launched his political career with his new wife’s family money. In 2000, McCain managed to deflect media questioning about his first marriage with a deft admission of responsibility for its failure.

This is becoming so predictable.

First Newt Gingrich, while chastising Bill Clinton for lying about a blowjob was screwing soon-to-be wife number three while still married to wife number two who happened to be lying in bed dying of cancer.

Then Rudy Giulliani is screwing another woman (whom he later married) while living in Gracie Mansion while still married to his wife. And to top it off Rudy charged the city of New York for security details to protect his concubine.

Now we have this information about John McCain, Family man.

Those family values Repignofascists certainly take the cake for irony and sanctimony, don't they?

Fox "News" Attacks Homeless Veterans

Bush: "I'm Sure People View Me As A War Monger"

In Riyadh today, the president danced a traditional sword dance with one of the princes of the royal familyIt was a public -- and a little awkward -- display of affection, all part of Bush's first visit to Saudi Arabia aimed at repairing strained relations between the world's biggest oil producer and the world' s biggest oil consumer. The president sat down with "Nightline" co-anchor Terry Moran at one of the vast royal palaces, and it became clear who holds the cards right now in the oil markets, with the price up near $100 a barrel.. ..."I have talked to these leaders face to face," he said"I have asked them point blank, 'Do you understand how difficult these issues are?'

Ah, excuse me, Dubya, but people view you as a war monger because you ARE a war monger. You're also a pathetic waste of protoplasm but not too many people know that big word (you don't either, I'm sure). However as you prepare for the last very long 365 days of your occupancy of the White House remember that you are the fool who started an illegal war in Iraq. You are the fool who boasted about "bring em on." You are the fool who has been too bullheaded and beligerent to withdraw troops from your failure in the Middle East. You are the fool who has demonized anyone and everyone who has cast a shadow on the wisdom of your illegal occupation of Iraqnam.

Yes Dubya. Everyone with a scintilla of intelligence views you as a war monger because that is exactly what you are.

Secret Service Involved in Cheney Coverup

DENVER — The arrest of a man named Steven Howards in June 2006 after he approached Vice President Dick Cheney at a Colorado ski resort and denounced the war in Iraq might have seemed, at the time, no more than a blip on the vice president’s schedule.

But now the blip has become a blowup, with Secret Service agents — under oath in court depositions — accusing one another of unethical and perhaps even illegal conduct in the handling of Mr. Howards’s arrest and the official accounting of it.

Its easy to understand why government employees do what is needed to cover the ass of the next highest ass in the pecking order. Its all about being a "team player" and about being promoted and moved up that same pecking order so others can kiss your ass later. At least thats how most government employees view things. I know. I'm a government employee, but unlike these people I refuse (and always have refused) to kiss someone's ass just to get ahead. That's why I never did. And I smile thinking about that.

In the case of the Secret Service agents involved in this cover up you'd think or at least hope they would put professionalism ahead of promotion. But that doesn't seem to be the case. No doubt, given the way the Bushies operate, this cover up had its genesis at the highest points in the Secret Service. However, just like all of the atrocities in Iraqnam, none of the SES or Schedule C employees will be fired or fined or demoted. Nope. Instead there will be a "thorough" investigation after which a GS-5 janitor at Secret Service headquarters will be fingered as the culprit. He or she will lose their job in a much-ballyhooed pronouncement on Fox News and aferward all will go on as if nothing ever happened.

Just think. Exactly 52 weeks from TODAY and the Bushies will be gone from office. Hopefully Dick and Dumbya will be flying to the Hague in a year to begin their war crimes trials.

Does Anyone Else See Some Cognative Degeneration Here?

"I think - tide turning - see, as I remember - I was raised in the desert, but tides kind of - it's easy to see a tide turn - did I say those words?"

George W. Bush, June 14, 2006, Washington DC

Canada Puts United States on Torture List With Syria and Iran

Heckuva job, Dubya.

Bush Makes Surprise Visit To Work

WASHINGTON, DC— Dressed in a special suit-and-tie uniform, Bush entered the East Room at about 3:30 p.m. and greeted an enthusiastic crowd of staff members.

Terrorist State of Israel Pushes for "Peace" by Killing 8 in Gaza

Eight Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops in the latest army operation in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, medics and witnesses said.

Once again the Terrorist State of Israel pushes its road map for peace by attacking Gaza and killing more Palestinians. And the United States will immediately back the Terrorist State of Israel because that's what we do for the billions of dollars in foreign aid we pay the terrorists in Israel each year. Had the Palestinians attacked Israel, Condi Rice would have flared her beaver-like incisors and threatened Palestine. But Israel did it so its ok.

One thing is for certain. There will be no peace in the Middle East until the United States, Britain, and other European countries get over their guilt about the holocaust and stop propping up the thugs who run the government of Israel.

Mitt Can't Tolerate Tolerence

Mitt Romney Defends Himself Against Allegations Of Tolerance

Bush Even Left These Students Behind

Report: American Schools Trail Behind World In Aptitude Of Child Soldiers

I Wonder How This Happened?

The United States's 3.5 million Arab-Americans represent a tiny sliver of the US electorate, but they could still affect the outcome of the upcoming presidential election.

The diverse Arab-Americans community is concentrated in some of the country's most evenly divided states, including Michigan, Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania.

And it is the Democrats who have the most to gain as traditionally Republican Arab-American voters, disillusioned by the Bush administration's policies, have begun leaning towards their party.

Now how do you suppose this happened?

If you have ever traveled to Arab nations (I've been to Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates and Oman - tired and failed to get into Saudi Arabia) or if you have had the opportunity to spend time with Arabs, you know from experience that they are fiercely conservative in their outlook and belief. However, unlike the pseudo-conservatives we have in the Repignofascist Party, Arabs are actually conservative.

To have the sort of outpouring mentioned in this story bodes well for this November. The loyal Repignofascists have done everything possible to disenfranchise Hispanics by building that hideous and ineffective wall. The Repignofascists continue to use blacks as a prop at photo-ops and the rest of the time don't pay any attention at all (ever head of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina?). Now the Repignofascists have not only illegally invaded and illegally occupied a sovereign nation that never did a thing to the United States but we continue to occupy that nation solely to get the oil. That, and their continued ass-kissing of the Terrorist State of Israel has given the Arabs more than enough reason to want to shed their conservative skin and hang out with the Democrats.

Whats really ironic is that the Repignofascists, in their fervor to fire up the redneck christian base (who would vote for Repignofascists no matter what) have alienated a huge group of people (Arabs and Hispanics) who they need to swing elections their way.

Heckuva job, Repignofascists. Keep it up.

Joint Chiefs Chair Seeks Gitmo Prison Closure

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba - The chief of the U.S. military said Sunday he favors closing the prison here as soon as possible because he believes negative publicity worldwide about treatment of terrorist suspects has been "pretty damaging" to the image of the United States.

"I'd like to see it shut down," Adm. Mike Mullen said in an interview with three reporters who toured the detention center with him on his first visit since becoming chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff last October.

How much are you willing to bet that within 2 months we will hear news reports that Admiral Mullen has decided to retire "to spend more time with family." Any takers?

This guy, while speaking the absolute truth, is obviously not a loyal Bushie or he'd be pushing for more waterboarding at Gitmo. Using common sense won't keep him in the stead of the Chimp for long. He'll be vacationing permanently by Easter.

New Bush Coins

Check out this video from Blip TV.

Bush Kisses Another Arab

I wonder when a picture will surface of him kissing an Arab's ass? Probably at some oil meeting.

Bush Disowns U.S. Intel, Tells Israelis Iran NIE ‘Doesn’t Reflect My Own Views’

This is about as breathtaking as it gets. And the Chimp has surely taken our breath away repeatedly over the last 7 agonizing years.

I am endlessy reminded of Joe Conason's wonderful observation about wingnut repigs, that they "...blithely deflect any unwelcome intrusions of reality."

I'm not sure about you, but this story tells me that Bush simply must go. He has no grasp of reality any more. His belief that "god" is directing him has put the United States in a very perilous situation.

If you remember recent American history you'll remember that this is the same bonehead who altered American intelligence to fit his view of what a "threat" Iraqnam was. And look at the fucking mess that has created.

A week from today will be the 7th anniversary of the day this moronic bastard was first erroneously inaugurated as "president". Try reflecting this week on just how much damage this bastard has caused to the world, to our economy, to the place of the United States in the family of nations. And remember that we got to this disgusting point in our history because Chimpy thinks he is god's personal messenger.

We have 372 days left of this mistake in the White House. Let's hope that in his moronic rush to solidify his place in history, he doesn't invade Iran just to stroke the Israel's. Can you say World War III??

On Being From Wisconsin

These are all highly accurate and seem to separate we of Wisconsin genetics from the rest of those who wish their genetics had originated in the great Packer/Badger state. Read on...



If your lips curl back and you let out an intimidating growl at the mention of the word "Minnesota" you might be from Wisconsin.

If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 38 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, you might live in Wisconsin .

If you're proud that your region makes the national news 96 nights each year because Park Falls is the coldest spot in the nation, you might live in Wisconsin .

If you have ever refused to buy something because it's 'too pricey,' you might live inWisconsin .

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March, you might live in Wisconsin .

If you instinctively walk like a penguin for five months out of the year, you might live in Wisconsin

If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there, you might live in Wisconsin .

If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead, you might live in Wisconsin .

If you may not have actually eaten it, but you have heard of Head Cheese, you might live in Wisconsin

If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you might live in Wisconsin .

If you have either a pet or a child named 'Brett,' you might live in Wisconsin .

If your town has an equal number of bars and churches, you might live inWisconsin .

If you have had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you might live in Wisconsin .

If you know how to say Oconomowoc, Waukesha , Menomonie & Manitowoc, you might live in Wisconsin .

If you think that ketchup is a little too spicy, you might live in Wisconsin.

If every time you see moonlight on a lake, you think of a dancing bear, and you sing gently, 'From the land of sky-blue waters,'....you might live in Wisconsin .

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A TRUE WISCONSINITE WHEN:

1. Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor on the highway.

2 'Vacation' means going up north past Hwy 8 for the weekend.

3. You measure distance in hours.

4. You know several people who have hit deer more than once.

5. You often switch from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and back again.

6. Your whole family wears Packer Green to church on Sunday.

7. You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without flinching.

8. You see people wearing camouflage at social events including weddings and funerals.

9. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.

10. You think of the major food groups as beer, fish, and cheese.

11. You carry jumper cables in your car and your wife or girlfriend knows how to use them.

12. There are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at Mill's Fleet Farm at any given time

13. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.

14. Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.

15. You refer to the Packers as 'we.'

16. You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction.

17. You can identify a southern or eastern accent.

18. You have no problem pronouncing Lac Du Flambeau.

19. You consider Minneapolis exotic.

20. You know how to polka.

21. Your idea of creative landscaping is a statue of a deer next to your blue spruce.

22. You were unaware that there is a legal drinking age.

23. Down South to you means Illinois .

24. A brat is something you eat.

25. Your neighbor throws a party to celebrate his new pole shed.

26. You go out to fish fry every Friday

27. Your 4th of July picnic was moved indoors due to frost.

28. You have more miles on your snow blower than your car.

29. You find minus twenty degrees 'a little chilly.'

30. You actually understand these jokes, and you forward them to all yourWisconsin friends

Gaffe Overshadows Bush Visit

"You'll be happy to know, my whole motorcade of a mere 45 cars was able to make it through without being stopped," Bush said after being asked about the 30-minute journey from Jerusalem and Ramallah.

"I'm not so exactly sure that's what happens to the average person."

He's not exactly sure because he is typically too out of touch with "the average person" to know what they experience. What a waste of protoplasm.

New Jersey Makes Some Progress in Controlling Guns

Trenton: Yesterday’s close of New Jersey’s biennial legislative ‘lame duck’ session was notable for passage in both houses of four major gun bills – requiring owners to report lost or stolen guns, stiffening penalties for illegal handgun possession, creating criminal penalties for trafficking firearms into New Jersey from another state and requiring proof of passage of a state firearms background check to purchase handgun ammunition.

This is great news and a step in the right direction.

As a former hunter and gun owner I remain amazed that you are required to pass a test and possess a license to drive a car but almost anyone for any reason can obtain, possess, and own a gun.

Several years ago former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore (Repignofascist) supported legislation that would have allowed junior high school and high school aged kids to carry and possess a firearm on school property! I guess the idea was to shoot old books or something? Luckily the bill died.

At the same time there was a huge debate over another bill (that passed) allowing Virginians to carry a concealed weapon. I distinctly remember a news reporter for Channel 4 interviewing a farmer in the Shenandoah River Valley who said he wanted to carry a concealed weapon so he could "shoot downed cows." WTF?? You need to sneak up on an injured cow and not let it know you have a gun? Pure unadultered bullshit.

At least the legislature of New Jersey is forward thinking enough to make some baby steps toward controlling a bit of the traffic of guns in their state (and why other than to shoot someone would you need a gun in Jersey?). I'm guessing the National Rifle Association is already collecting thousands of dollars to put into the campaigns of whomever the Repignofascist will be who runs against John Corzine in the next election.

Good on ya, New Jersey.

The First Anniversary of Bush's Surge

Today has been the anniversary of Bush’s surge in Iraq. Clearly there is no political reconciliation in Iraq so the surge is and always will be a failure no matter how many times Joe Lieberman and John McCain proclaim it so. This has been an immoral war started by neocon warmongers and the end result at this point is that the Iraqi people have suffered dearly for our sins.

It seems like it was only yesterday that the loyal Bushies started to spew their lies about the surge this and the surge that. And as more and more American kids died, and our monthly bill to fund this mistake rose to $15 billion, we started hearing about how the surge was working. Professional blowhard William Kristol recently claimed that the reason John McCain won the New Hampshire primary was because the surge is working.

This analysis from Crooks and Liars shows the opposite. Just how many of the goals of the surge have actually been met? How many have been partially met? We continue to pour billions of dollars and hundreds of lives down an bottomless hole and we do so to assauge the ego of the man-child who broke the place in the first place.

The only way you can explain Bush's continued 30 percent approval rating in the face of all the mistakes he has made is to realize that 30 percent of the American public gets their form of "news" from the Fox Opinion Network. You can be certain that Fox will not present the information in the Crooks and Liars post in any of their news casts. Instead we'll get more of the rosy scenario that the Bushies spew.

And more dollars will be wasted and more American kids killed, and the Islamic world will continue to hate the United States.

Wake up sheeple.

The Psychology of an Addled Brain

He feels this form of magical thinking absolves him of the fear that his incompetence or confusion might lead to a wrong or "stupid" choice. In his glaring reluctance to admit mistakes, he's like a child confronted by his parents.

This is a long but excellent piece describing what goes on inside the freightening brain of the Failure-in-Chief.

Wake up sheeple.

Sir Edmund Hillary Has Died

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Sir Edmund Hillary, the unassuming beekeeper who conquered Mount Everest to win renown as one of the 20th century's greatest adventurers, has died, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark announced Friday. He was 88.

What a truly sad day for the world.

Although New Zealand does not have a Democratic Party my guess is that Sir Ed was a liberal. Despite all his fame his concern was always for those less fortunate than he. Thats the best definition of a liberal there is.

Rest in peace.

Army Officer Is Cleared in Abu Ghraib Scandal

The only Army officer charged with a crime as a result of the abuses at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq has been cleared of all criminal responsibility in the case after a general this week dismissed the one conviction against him and wiped away the sentence.

Isn't this just sweet though!

The people responsible are never called to task. If nothing else, Donald Rumsfeld should be charged with aiding and abetting the crimes at Abu Ghraib, and certainly there are a few Colonels and Generals along the way who did nothing about what happened there. Only the grunts who followed the orders of officers like this guy paid any price for those atrocities.

Seasons Greetings From Senator Larry Craig

Traveler Sues Spirit Airlines in Small Claims Court - And Wins

Jane Waun sued Spirit Airlines in the small claims division of 54B District Court in East Lansing, Mich., as a last resort this spring after trying unsuccessfully to resolve her beef with the airline directly.

She won her case last Monday mainly because Spirit never showed up for the original hearing and didn't have a good excuse. But the judgment reimburses her hotel and meal costs, a lost night at her destination and the four tickets she had to purchase on a different airline.

This is great news!! Maybe others fed up with the total lack of customer service at airlines should resort to the same remedy. If they did, United Airlines would spend their each day every day in court, but maybe it would teach them a lesson. Then again, maybe not.

As The Level of Violence Continues to Decline in Iraqnam...

... nine more American kids are killed for no earthly reason whatsoever.

Heckuva job, Dubya. Heckuva job.

Bush Says Iran Is Threat to World Peace

JERUSALEM - President Bush, in the Mideast to push along a peace deal by the end of his presidency, gave orders to both sides on Wednesday. He told Israelis that "illegal" settlement outposts in disputed land must go and told Palestinians that no part of their territories can be "a safe haven for terrorists."

This would be hilarious if it wasn't so...well...hilarious.

Bush being the history major that he allegedly was should have remembered a little history before making an outrageous statement like "Iran" is a threat to world peace. Of course he was in Israel when he said it and we must assauge everything the Terrorist State of Israel says, but still. Let's look at a few salient facts here.

What country is the only country on earth that has used a nuclear weapon against another country? Stumped? Times up - the United States.

What country has more nuclear weapons in its arsenal than any other country on earth? Stumped? Times up - the United States.

What country recently illegally invaded and occupied another nation based on a non-threat that has been shown to be a pack of lies? Stumped? Times up - the United States.

What country runs around constantly and continuously talking tough about axis' of evil, and evil doers, and other excellent sound bites that do nothing but inflame? Stumped? Times up - the United States.

What country gives more foreign aid to the Terrorist State of Israel and by so doing continues to fan the flames of hatred toward the west by many in the Middle East thereby destabilizing the entire region? Stumped? Times up - the United States.

Yet despite these obvious facts the Chimp says that Iran is a threat to world peace? I'm laughing myself silly here. Let's just hope that Bush finds a nice drug cartel to work with in the Middle East on this trip and decides to stay there where he can do less harm. Maybe he could work for the law firm of Dewey, Cheatham, and Howe? Anything to keep him away.

Sam Seder Reports from Rudy Event in New Hampshire Tonight

He's almost breathless

America - The 9th Fattest Country on Earth

There are currently 1.6 billion overweight adults in the world, according to the World Health Organization. That number is projected to grow by 40% over the next 10 years. The following list reflects the percentage of overweight adults aged 15 and over. These are individuals who have individual body mass indexes, which measures weight relative to height, greater than or equal to 25. Obese is defined as having a BMI greater than or equal to 30.

Check out the table that goes with this story.

Its quite an honor for the United States to be not only the 9th fattest country on earth but also to be the second fattest "first world" nation after Kuwait. Then its not until Greece at 16th that another first world country shows up.

Quite the accomplishment on our part. I wonder how many people say "I'll have a steak and a couple clogged arteries, please" when they order dinner?

The Consequences of Making Abortion Illegal

An estimated 20 million unsafe abortions are carried out every year around the world.

They are a major cause of avoidable deaths among pregnant women, not least in Nicaragua where abortion is illegal.

We will have this to look forward to if the god squad is ever successful in getting abortion banned.

Remember, we are just one vote in the Supreme Court away from having that happen. Even more reason to vote for Democrats in 2008.

Jack Cafferty - Time to Impeach Bush and Cheney

New Hampshire Voter Turn Out "Huge"

ABC News' Karen Travers Reports: New Hampshire Deputy Secretary of State Dave Scanlan told ABC News that turnout among primary voters today is "absolutely huge" -- and there are concerns about running out of ballots in towns like Portsmouth, Keene, Hudson and Pelham.

"Turnout is absolutely huge and towns are starting to get concerned that they may not have enough ballots," Scanlan said. "We are working on those issues. Everything else seems to be going smoothly."

The story goes on to say:

According to Scanlan, the ballot strain seems to be on Democratic ballots, which suggests that the undeclared voters are breaking for the Democratic primary. New Hampshire Secretary of State William Gardner predicted that 90,000 undeclared voters would vote in the Democratic primary compared to 60,000 voting in the Republican primary

This is so sweet. Even classically conservative New Hampshire has had its fill of Chimponomics and the party of god shoving their beliefs down the throats of everyone else.

How many days until the election?

Hey Hey Ho Ho Status Quo Has Got to Go

Sayonara Hillary. As Michael Moore said so eloquently regarding Iraqnam, you voted with your calculator not your conscience. Now its come back to bite you in the Cheney.

France Ranks First, US Last in Preventing Deaths

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - France, Japan and Australia rated best and the United States worst in new rankings focusing on preventable deaths due to treatable conditions in 19 leading industrialized nations, researchers said on Tuesday.

If the U.S. health care system performed as well as those of those top three countries, there would be 101,000 fewer deaths in the United States per year, according to researchers writing in the journal Health Affairs.

Michael Moore must be smiling a humongous smile this evening.

Whats the funniest however is that it is the dastardly French who have a system far superior to ours. I wonder if the fact that France ranks first and the US last will be reason enough for the US Congress to change the name of french fries back to Freedom Fries in the Capitol dining room now?

Wake up sheeple.

The Granite State is Turning Blue

Exeter, N.H. - The Republican Party in New England's only "red state" may be going the way of the Old Man of the Mountain, the craggy icon of independence that crumbled a few years back in a rock slide.

In the last election, Democrats took both seats in Congress for the first time in nearly a century and both houses of the legislature for the first time since 1874. Democratic Gov. John Lynch won a second term with a record 74 percent of the vote, and lawmakers recently authorized same-sex civil unions and a smoking ban in bars and restaurants.

This is super encouraging news. And as more and more people come to the realization that the Repignofascist Party is massively disconnected from the reality of the rest of the county, other "red" states are going to follow in New Hampshire's footsteps. We will know its a complete switch when Alabama, Oklahoma and Nebraska are voting Blue. That may never happen but its always nice to dream.

One thing I think is helping move the Repignofascist Party to the obscure column is the issue of religion. For 30 or more years, since Nixon implemented the "Southern Strategy" the Repignofascists have catered to and cajoled the religious fanatics of the county. The mainstream Repignofascists could care less about the 'god' squad but they'd use them to get votes.

Now with the surge of interest in Mike Huckleberry the mainstream Repignofascists are worried sick. I'll bet one of the most commonly asked questions at a Repignofascist National Committee meeting is "omg, what are we going to do if the god squad wins?" The evangelicals aren't on the side of big business. They are on the side of their 'god' and could care less about Wall Street and CEO compensation. Still the mainstream Repignofascists have to deal with this mini-monster they created. Good for them. You sleep in the bed you make. And it's my sincere hope that when they crawl out of bed the day after election day 2008, the Repignofascist Party is on the way to a permanent minority status. They brought it on themselves.

Chimpy and His Middle East Legacy

Almost exactly a year before George W Bush hands over the reins of power in Washington DC to whomever his successor turns out to be, he is embarking on his first trip as president to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The question though has to be, why only now?

The answer to "why only now" is a simple one. Just like everything else in Bush's charmed life he's had people swoop in and fix his mistakes for him. However in his "presidency" he has so thoroughly screwed up everything that only the most fervently loyal Bushies want to help.

Bush has been a complete disaster when it comes to the Middle East. Most recently his administration brokered a deal with Palestine and Israel only to have it fall apart a couple days after the Annapolis summit when Israel objected to what it had once agreed, and the United States dutifully bent over and gave Israel what it wanted.

Historians will write volumes in the future about what an abysmal mistake Bush made in illegally invading and occupying Iraq. It will no doubt go down in history as his single greatest mistake (followed closely by Katrina and a few other doozies). Yet through much of his residency in the White House the Chimp has talked about all the good things that he was going to do in the Middle East.

I'm sure the leaders of the Middle East are sitting there drinking coffee right now in advance of Bush's arrival and thinking to themselves "the best this moron could do for the Middle East is go somewhere else."

Yes. Preferably on a one-way ticket.

Bush Meets Three Kids He Left Behind

President Bush arrives in town today, primed to spread the gospel on one of his key policy initiatives, the No Child Left Behind Law.

The sweeping law expects all children, regardless of race, income or disability, to perform at grade level by 2014.

If the media had done their job in 2000 and again in 2004, and doggedly reported/commented like this on Bush's huge inconsistency when it comes to reality, we may not have had to be subjected to his foolishness for so long.

Crowd of Irate Ron Paul Fans Chase Sham Hannity from Restaurant

Beautiful!

If Huckleberry Loses NH, Is That Gods Will Also?

A few weeks ago, Mike Huckabee claimed that a divine "power" was directing his surge in popularity. Now he's running a distant third in polls in New Hampshire. If he loses the primary, is that not God's will also? Read more about it here.

Why Aren't Romney's Sons in Iraqnam?

Mitt is a staunch supporter of the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraqnam. That being the case why are none of his sons in the military serving as targets for this noble cause?

Email to the US Embassy - Managua, Nicaragua

Dear US Embassy, Managua

I am a 30 year plus employee of the US Fish and Widllife Service and now eligible to retire and move on to something more challenging and enjoyable than the Bush Administrations concept of governance. Because of my disgust with the direction this country is taking with Bush in office I am giving serious thought to leaving the US and moving to a country that understands about not illegally invading and occupying countries that never did a thing to threaten the United States. Because of my love of Central America I am giving considerable thought to retiring Nicaragua.

I went to your website and clicked on the "living in nicarague" link but it led me to a vacant page so I am writing to you with a couple questions.

Given your experience in Nicaragua, what would you estimate is the mean/average amount of money per month that an expatriated American could live on comfortably in the country - things like rent, food, utilities, transportation? I'm thinking strongly about San Juan Del Sur as a place to park because it most closely falls into my lifestyle desires.How much would it cost (on avearage) to be there? I'm not a Republican so I dont have outlandish BMW-like lifestyle requirements. Just a safe secure apartment with A/c, local food, beer, utilities and internet access.

Secondly would you please give me an assessment of the quality of health care in Nicaragua? I have a heart issue that requires that I be on a certain medication 3x per day for the rest of my life so I need to know if that medicine is available. But aside from that, has Nicaragua moved beyond the United States and does it provide universal health care so we aren't stuck with hugely inflated costs to fund big pharma and Kaiser Permanente there as well?

Thanks much for any and all assistance you can provide. I look forward to hearing from you. And before I move down I will of course make an exploratory trip. I've not been back in Nicaragua since the days when Ollie North was making deals and acting like a hero, so it will be interesting to see how much the countryside has changed.

Thanks again.

Craig Faanes
Falls Church, Virginia

I wonder if they will write back?? My experience says that they will not.

Human Events Names Rush Limbaugh "Man Of The Year"

Today in an e-mail to its subscribers, the conservative site Human Events announced that it had named Rush Limbaugh its “2007 Man of the Year,” for his “relentless pursuit of truth”:

J.H.Christ. Rush Limbaugh wouldn't know the truth if it slapped him in his porcine face. This should tell anyone and everyone just how far removed from reality "Human Events" is. Actually, my sides hurt from laughing so hard.

US Military Not Welcome in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD (AFP) - Pakistan reacted angrily Sunday to reports that US President George W. Bush is considering covert military operations in the country's volatile tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.

I wonder why Pakistan was so upset? After all the great satan wanted to play war games in their country and not even all of the billions of dollars that the United States pays Pakistan in bribes (disguised as foreign aid) is enough for them to allow an occupying force to smother them.

I wonder if Bush has started to realize that his "Great Occupier" strategy isn't such a good one? My guess is no.

Rudy Tries Scaring People Into Voting For Him

McCain Lies About Never Asking for an Earmark

As Think Progress points out below, Senator Straight-Talk is lying.

In tonight’s Fox News GOP presidential forum, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) attempted to argue that if elected president, he will eliminate “wasteful spending.” As evidence, he claimed that he has never asked for an earmark for his state of Arizona:

And I’m proud to tell you, Chris, in 24 years as a member of Congress, I have never asked for nor received a single earmark or pork barrel project for my state and I guarantee you I’ll veto those bills. I’ll ask for the line item veto and I’ll veto them and I’ll make the authors of them famous.

McCain’s claim is false. In 2006, the senator teamed up with fellow Arizona senator Jon Kyl (R) to funnel $10 million toward the University of Arizona for an academic center named after the late Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist. Even Arizona lawmaker, Rep. Jeff Flake (R), said he was planning to “lean against the measure.” The National Taxpayers Union, another traditional McCain ally, questioned why the senator was making federal taxpayers foot the bill for the center.

In 2003, McCain also slipped $14.3 million into a defense appropriations bill to
create a buffer zone around Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. As Roll Call reported in 2003, this project violated McCain’s own anti-pork rhetoric:

The only problem is the project to acquire more land near the base was not requested by President Bush or fully authorized by the Senate Armed Services Committee - two of McCain’s criteria for identifying so-called ‘pork.

NASCAR Coach Reveals Winning Strategy - "Drive Fast"

NASCAR Coach Reveals Winning Strategy: 'Drive Fast'

A Constitutional Amendment I Could Support

Enough Said