Skewering the Chimp

Diebold Releases Results of 2008 Election Early

2008-02-26T16:58:00.002-05:00

Free Don Siegelman - Karl Rove Style

2008-02-26T15:10:00.001-05:00

What a pious jerk.

Senator McBush Receives a Thorough Beating from an Iraqnam Veteran

2008-02-25T17:36:00.002-05:00

Wow. I want to find out how to contribute to making sure this ad gets on TV.

More Wingnut Stupidity

2008-02-25T16:03:00.002-05:00

In the Wall Street Journal today, AEI hawks Danielle Pletka and Michael Rubin launch a full-frontal assault on IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei, claiming that his approach to non-proliferation “demeans the purpose of his agency and undercuts its non-proliferation mission.” They also claim that ElBaradei “makes military action all the more likely” against Iran. ElBaradei is a Nobel Peace Prize recipient who was right about Iraq’s WMDs, while the Bush administration and AEI were wrong.

This is yet another breathtaking example of incredibly loony and dangerous wingnut RepignoWorld delusion and rectal reasoning: blame ElBaradei IN ADVANCE for any outrageous war crimes likely to be committed by criminal in chief The Chimp and his puppeteer Uncle Dickie.

Bush's Budget and Repigno World

2008-02-25T15:55:00.003-05:00

The following quote from the story below illustrates nicely how things work in "RepignoWorld", a world unencumbered by inconvenient facts and time wasting objective thought.

The biggest cuts to the endangered species accounts would be for recovery and candidate conservation. The administration proposed cutting $2.6 million from the recovery account. Democrats blasted similar proposals in previous years.

First, Repigs cut funding for recovery of endangered species, funding that is already woefully and vastly inadequate. Next, some brilliant Repigs will scream and whine that the ESA needs to be eliminated because it doesn't work! They note brilliantly that no species ever get recovered, so time to get rid of the Act! See? Yep, the Repigs are brilliant, as long as they remain firmly within RepignoWorld, where facts and reasoning, except for rectal reasoning, are not needed!!!

E&E Daily Headlines -- Monday, February 25, 2008
9. WILDLIFE: Two House panels take aim at FWS budget (02/25/2008)

Allison Winter, E&E Daily reporter
House lawmakers will get two opportunities to grill top officials at the Fish and Wildlife Service this week over proposed budget cuts and the pending decision over whether to list the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act.

Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dale Hall will appear before a House Appropriations subcommittee Thursday, and his deputy, Kenneth Stansell, will testify tomorrow in front a House Natural Resources subcommittee.

Both hearings are intended to provide oversight of the Bush administration's fiscal 2009 budget request, but the controversial polar bear decision is also expected to play prominently in lawmakers' questioning.

Last month, the Fish and Wildlife Service announced it would delay its decision on the polar bear, giving itself a 30-day extension from its court-ordered Jan. 9 deadline. That deadline lapsed two weeks ago, also yielding no decision. The Interior Department has come under fire from Democrats and environmentalists for the delay, especially because it allowed a Feb. 6 auction of oil and gas leases in Alaska's Chukchi Sea, part of the bear's habitat, to go forward.

Hall said in an interview last week that the final decision on the bear would be "soon" but declined to commit to a date.

If listed, the polar bear would be the first mammal protected under the act because of climate change. FWS proposed listing the bear last year because rising temperatures are shrinking its polar ice habitat.

Endangered species budget cuts
House Democrats are also expected to criticize proposed cuts to the endangered species budget and other popular programs with the Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Bush administration proposed $65 million in cuts to the overall FWS budget, for a total budget of $1.3 billion. Endangered species services would bear part of those cuts. The administration proposed $147 million for endangered species accounts, a $3.6 million reduction.

The biggest cuts to the endangered species accounts would be for recovery and candidate conservation. The administration proposed cutting $2.6 million from the recovery account. Democrats blasted similar proposals in previous years.

Within the endangered species account, the listing budget would see a slight boost over last year's request. But the proposed $210,000 increase, for a total budget just over $18 million, does not begin to address the needed amount to address the species backlog. Officials have said it would take $153 million to list the more than 250 species on FWS's "candidate" list, which are all awaiting listing decisions.

The budget request would also eliminate funding for two programs, popular among lawmakers, that give voluntary grants to help landowners restore habitat and species on their land. The administration proposed to zero out the Landowner Incentive Program and Private Stewardship Grants Program. A similar proposal last year did not gain traction in Congress.

A major controversy in last year's FWS budget -- the National Wildlife Refuge system -- may not make as big of a stir this year. Last year the White House proposed to flat line the budget at $394 million and consolidate staff and resources to live within the smaller number. Operations costs have been outpacing the modest increases in the refuge budget, as energy prices rise and 60 percent of the refuge staff reach a senior level with a higher pay grade.

Congress gave refuges a boost in their 2008 appropriations bills in an effort to triage against the proposed staff cuts. The administration proposed repeating that budget amount, $434 million, in its fiscal 2009 request.

The Fish and Wildlife Service is not the sole focus of the hearings: Del. Madeleine Bordallo's (D-Guam) Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans subcommittee hearing will also review the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration budget at its hearing (see related story). And Rep. Norm Dicks's (D-Wash.) appropriations panel will also review the U.S. Geological Survey at its hearing.

Overall, the Bush administration budget proposal calls for $10.7 billion for the Interior Department, a slight decrease from last year.

Schedule: The Natural Resources Committee hearing is tomorrow at 2 p.m. in 1334 Longworth.

Witnesses: Kenneth Stansell, deputy director of the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Schedule: The Appropriations Committee hearing is Thursday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m. in B-308 Rayburn.

Witnesses: FWS Director Dale Hall and USGS Director Mark Myers.

McBush's Other Scandal is Criminal

2008-02-24T20:57:00.003-05:00

When John McCain's campaign was strapped for cash John McCain opted into the campaign financing system by requesting certification that he was eligible to collect federal money. As the New Hampshire primary approached and John McCain was broke he took material advantage of the system by using the promise of matching funds to borrow money to keep his campaign afloat. And he took advantage of a rule that gives candidates who take public financing automatic ballot access on ballots in several states. (Governor Dean estimated that he spent 3 million dollars in 2004 getting on ballots in states because he had opted out of the public financing system.

At least we know that if McBush wins or steals the election this fall he'll be able to continue many of the illegal actions and outlooks of our current Failure in Chief. I'm resting easier now knowing that nothing will change.

Why Someone Needs to Slap Some Sense Into Billary

2008-02-24T19:40:00.001-05:00

Retirement Planning Advice

2008-02-24T18:02:00.002-05:00

If you had purchased $1000.00 of Nortel stock one year ago, it would now be worth $49.00.

With Enron, you would have had $16.50 left of the original $1000.00.

With WorldCom, you would have had less than $5.00 left.

If you had purchased $1000 of Delta Air Lines stock you would have $49.00 left.

But, if you had purchased $1,000.00 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling REFUND, you would have $214.00.

Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle. It's called the 401-Keg plan.

Turkish Helicopter Down in Northern Iraqnam

2008-02-24T12:15:00.003-05:00

CUKURCA, Turkey - A Turkish helicopter went down in Iraq and eight soldiers were killed during a cross-border ground operation that has drawn criticism from the Iraqi government, Turkey's military said Sunday.

Kurdish rebels said they shot down a Turkish military helicopter near the Turkish-Iraqi border.

I could have sworn on a stack of Koran's that George Bush said his illegal and poorly-executed invasion and occupation of Iraqnam was going to be a stabilizing influence in the Middle East.

You don't think George lied to us do you?

Senator Wide Stance Craig (R-ID) Receives Standing Ovation

2008-02-24T11:05:00.003-05:00

A standing ovation for Sen. Larry Craig’s service to Idaho was the highlight of the Mini-Cassia Lincoln Day Luncheon presented by the Republican Party committees of Cassia and Minidoka counties Friday afternoon at Morey’s Steakhouse in North Burley

The only reason Senator Wide Stance received a standing ovation was because all of the men in the audience preferred that position to being in a squat on their chairs while Larry was around.

Shiite Pilgrims Targeted in Attacks

2008-02-24T11:00:00.003-05:00

BAGHDAD - A suicide bomber struck Shiite pilgrims as they were resting Sunday during a days-long walk to a Shiite shrine, killing at least 40 people and wounding 60.

These 100 or so dead and injured people and their families are certainly celebrating today knowing that Dick Cheney determined 2 years ago that the insurgency was in its last throes, if you will.

Governors Say Coal Must Be Part of Green Energy Debate

2008-02-24T10:48:00.003-05:00

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Governors pushing alternative energy development are not shying from coal, a major culprit in global warming but also a homegrown energy source and an economic lifeline for many states.

Leaders of coal-rich states say clean-coal technology is a must. Governors from states without coal want more evidence the technology works.

What on earth are these fools smoking? Oh, yeah, I forgot - campaign contributions.

My uncle Buck, the famous northern Wisconsin philosopher once described a disease new to medical science. He named it "rectal optilitis." The principal characteristic of this debilitating disease is that your optic nerve gets crossed with your rectal nerve and you get a shitty outlook on life. It seems that the governors have collectively caught this disease and its going to influence all of us.

Nader Announces Third Party Bid - Again

2008-02-24T10:36:00.003-05:00

WASHINGTON - Ralph Nader said Sunday he will run for president as a third-party candidate, criticizing the top White House contenders as too close to big business and pledging to repeat a bid that will "shift the power from the few to the many."

Nader, 73, said most people are disenchanted with the Democratic and Republican parties due to a prolonged Iraq war and a shaky economy. The consumer advocate also blamed tax and other corporate-friendly policies under the Bush administration that he said have left many lower- and middle-class people in debt.

This is a classic example of what happens when ego clashes with reality and ego wins.

Nader says that people of both parties are disenchanted with the candidates. That may be the case with the Repignofascists who don't think John McBush is conservative enough for them but its certainly not the case with Democrats and Barack Obama.

It is because of Nader and the 70,000 votes he garnered in Florida in 2000 that we have had 8 years of Dubya Bush in the White House. That should be enough reality to wake up most people.

Nader portrays himself as an "independent" working for middle class Americans. I wonder if he will reveal during this years road to defeat that in the 2000 campaign the Bushies covered something on the order of 70 percent of his campaign costs. In 2004 they covered more than 50 percent of Nader's campaign cost. So much for being an "independent."

It will be enjoyable to watch Nader become even less relevant in 2008 than he has in recent runs for the White House. If memory serves me well the last time Nader accomplished anything was when he brought attention to how dangerous it was to operate a Chevrolet Corvair. And that was in 1962. Hang it up Ralph. Move to the Caribbean and drink boat drinks for the rest of your wretched life.

Anti-Faux "News" Rant on Live Faux "News" Broadcast

2008-02-24T06:59:00.004-05:00

Priceless!!

Billary's Unhinged Attacks on Obama Debunked

2008-02-24T06:57:00.001-05:00

Obama Tells Billary to STFU - But Does It Politely

2008-02-24T06:54:00.000-05:00

See What a Real Leader Looks Like

2008-02-23T19:22:00.002-05:00

Watch Billary Lose What Remains of Her Mind

2008-02-23T19:18:00.001-05:00

Karl Rove's Plans to Blackmail Former Alabama Governor

2008-02-23T19:17:00.002-05:00

I guess this is just another Repignofascist Family Value?

Springsteen, Neil Young Do Anti-War Soundtrack

2008-02-23T19:04:00.003-05:00

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and Peal Jam have contributed tunes to the anti-war soundtrack for a documentary about a U.S. soldier paralyzed in Iraq.

The 30-song, two-disc album "Body of War: Songs That Inspired an Iraq War Veteran" will be released March 18 via Warner Music's Sire Records label. All proceeds from the sale of the album will benefit Iraq Veterans Against the War.

Good on ya, Bruce!

If you remember recent Repignofascist history you'll remember that in 2005 Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey introduced a measure in the Senate to recognize all the great work that The Boss has done for humanity. Predictably, the then-majority Repignofascists in the Senate killed the resolution, apparently because the Boss wasn't enough like them to deserve recognition from the US government for all that he has done for humankind.

I hope when Bruce comes to DC to play at Obama's inaugural party he is able to step on the foot of everyone of those petty Repignofascist bastards.

Cut Off Cancer Patient Awarded $9 Million

2008-02-23T18:47:00.004-05:00

LOS ANGELES - A woman who had her medical coverage canceled as she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer has been awarded more than $9 million in a case against one of California's largest health insurers.

Patsy Bates, 52, a hairdresser from Lakewood, had been left with more than $129,000 in unpaid medical bills when Health Net Inc. canceled her policy in 2004.

The greedy fascist bastards who left this lady dangling just so they could save a few bucks now get a supremely deserved reaming. I hope they learned a lesson.

I must be a liberal...I get joy out of watching corporate greed get it's well-deserved due. And I'll bet the management of this insurance company all voted for Bush - probably twice.

Life's Been Good to Bush

2008-02-23T17:50:00.000-05:00

With apologies to Joe Walsh.

Why American Automakers Are Becoming Irrelevent

2008-02-23T13:23:00.002-05:00

DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp Vice Chairman Bob Lutz has defended remarks he made dismissing global warming as a "total crock of s---," saying his views had no bearing on GM's commitment to build environmentally friendly vehicles.

Can you imagine this stupid bastard Lutz? His company is going down the tubes, and his view of global warming is exactly why. And on top of that, he tries to deflect attention away from his stupidity by saying we should examine his "actions" at GM, which he apparently thinks reflect something other than his idiotic view of global warming. Well, DUH, Bob, unfortunately, your actions at GM are way too inept, and that's why GM is swirling around the drain, along with all the hapless American GM workers you have butt fucked with your stupidity.

We the people will be more than happy to buy even more Toyota's and Honda's and other cars that get great gas mileage. Does it say ANYTHING to you that the average miles per gallon on American made cars is today essentially what it was in 1970? Does that tell you anything, Mr Klutz?

I hope you go merrily along your way paying off Congressman John Dingell and others who suck at the campaign contribution tit of GM and Ford and that other company. As you buy them so they won't impose realistic gas mileage requirements on you, companies that are making earth-friendly cars will shine.

Maybe its time that Mr Klutz retired and put someone with intelligence and foresight into his position. Michael Moore would be my first choice.

South Florida Gas Prices at All-Time High

2008-02-23T09:01:00.004-05:00

Gas prices in the Fort Myers/Cape Coral survey area spiked nearly 8 cents a gallon in two days, tying a local record high.

The increase was in response to OPEC speculation about decreasing crude-oil production and a massive refinery fire in Texas on Tuesday, according to Greg Laskoski, Tampa-based AAA spokesman.

Here's another reason that a hybrid bicycle is going to be the first thing I buy a week from today when I get to south Florida on a permanent basis!

This quote is so quintessentially American:

Sheila Scott of Fort Myers said she and her husband plan on just taking their lumps as prices continue to drive higher.“You have to buy gas — there’s just no way around it,” she said. “For us, though, we budget for it, so we’re handling it fine.”

Ah, Sheila, there is a way around it. 1) Public transportation if it exists. 2) Selling your unnecessary SUV (come on Sheila - how much snow is there in south Florida in a given year?) and buying a Honda or Toyota that gets 40 some miles per gallon, 3) Walking or riding a bike more than using a car or 4) and heaven forbid, not making 18 trips a day to the mall.

Northern Mockingbird - the Ultimate Mimic

2008-02-23T08:47:00.001-05:00

I'm sitting here watching a male Northern Mockingbird "singing" in the pine tree under which my car is parked. The hilarious thing is and this is why I put "singing" in quotes....one of the "songs" he is doing is a surprisingly clear and accurate imitation of the cell phone ringer on my neighbors cell phone! I didn't pay attention to him at first until it dawned on me that the frequency of the cell phone ring was way too slow for a normal phone.

I remember once in July 1983, in a friend's backyard in Laurel Maryland, we listened to a Northern Mockingbird as it sang the songs of 34 different species including a Western Kingbird. However this is a first listening to one mimic a cell phone.

Meet Senator John McBush and His Lobbyist "Friends"

2008-02-22T20:05:00.000-05:00

Super Delegates Shifting to Obama

2008-02-22T16:23:00.003-05:00

WASHINGTON - The Democratic super delegates are starting to follow the voters — straight to Barack Obama.

This is such sweet news. In the Repignofascist Party we have people bolting from the Bush cabal like rats off a sinking ship. On our side of the aisle we have super delegates listening to the will of the people and shifting their support from Billary to Barack.

Whats really ironic about this stage of the race is that if Obama had lost 11 straight primaries just like Hillary has, the party would be putting pressure on Barack to hang it up for the good of the party. Instead we are now faced with Hillary's pugnacious "me, me, me" mentality as the bitch refuses to accept reality and quit - for the good of party unity if nothing else.

Perhaps after she is trounced in Texas and Ohio on March 4 and Pennsylvania after that she'll get the hint that it was over long ago. Maybe not. Regardless, just like the paradigm shift the super delegates have experienced its time for all of us to get behind Obama and help him defeat John McBush and the rest of the party of family values....and to do it convincingly.

Another Lying Repignofascist Scumbag is Indicted

2008-02-22T16:19:00.002-05:00

What a fantabulous story!! Yet another member of the "party of God" or the "family values party" is indicted. And with the exception of that scum bag Jefferson from Louisiana its ALWAYS Repignofascists who are indicted. To top it all off this asshole is one of John McBush's advisers! The blind leading the blind? Or the crooked leading the crooked? I'll report, you decide.

Rick Renzi (R-AZ) “has been indicted for extortion, wire fraud, money laundering and other charges related to a land deal in Arizona,” according to the Associated Press. Renzi and two former business partners are accused “of conspiring to promote the sale of land that buyers could swap for property owned by the federal government.”
Renzi, who is one of CREW’s 22 Most Corrupt Members of Congress, has been under investigation by the FBI since 2006. At the heart of the investigation was a land deal worth more than $4 million that Renzi brokered for his former business partner, James Sandlin:
In 2005, mining company Resolution Copper sought to mine for copper in Superior, Arizona. Before mining could commence however, Resolution needed Congress to approve a land swap.
Rep. Renzi agreed to support the land exchange bill if, as part of the swap, Resolution bought a 480 acre alfalfa field in his hometown owned by Mr. Sandlin. When Resolution Copper refused the deal, Rep. Renzi solicited the Petrified Forest Group to purchase the land for $4 million. Rep. Renzi assured the group that he would make sure that the swap got through the Natural Resources Committee.
Around the same time, Sandlin made a $200,000 payment to a wine company owned by Renzi. The payment was never noted on Renzi’s 2005 financial disclosure forms for the House.
In April 2007, the FBI raided an insurance business tied to Renzi, which led Renzi to resign from his committee seats and eventually announce that he would not seek another term in office.
Questions have previously been raised as to whether Paul Charlton, one of the nine U.S. attorneys fired last year, lost his job because of his active investigation of Renzi. Read the full indictment here.
UPDATE: Renzi is member of Sen. John McCain’s (R-AZ) National Leadership Team as well as a co-chair of his Arizona Leadership Team.
UPDATE II: TPMmuckraker has more on the charges in the indictment that are unrelated to the land deal.
UPDATE III: Emptywheel has more background here.

Important Moments in National Security HIstory

2008-02-21T19:30:00.002-05:00

Truthful Comments on Al Jazeera from Qatar

2008-02-21T16:12:00.002-05:00

If you've ever heard the statement that someone "doesn't mince words" check this powerful statement on Al Jazeera television in Doha, Qatar. This is what someone means when they use the "doesn't mince words" statement!

The woman is Wafa Sultan, an Arab psychologist from Los Angeles. I would suggest watching it ASAP because we don't know how long the link will be active.

By the way, if you have never watched the news on Al Jazeera's English language broadcast you are missing a real and rare treat. They actually give news and analysis. There is none of the " we distort so you can't decide" of Faux News. And there is not a hint of making news entertaining. And you will never hear about the latest escapades of Britney or some other nitwit has been or wannabe start in Hollywood. Its all news. Just like Walter Cronkite used to give us.

Senator John McBush - Ethically Challenged Like His Leader

2008-02-21T05:00:00.003-05:00

WASHINGTON — Early in Senator John McCain’s first run for the White House eight years ago, waves of anxiety swept through his small circle of advisers.

A female lobbyist had been turning up with him at fund-raisers, visiting his offices and accompanying him on a client’s corporate jet. Convinced the relationship had become romantic, some of his top advisers intervened to protect the candidate from himself — instructing staff members to block the woman’s access, privately warning her away and repeatedly confronting him, several people involved in the campaign said on the condition of anonymity

My guess, given that McBush is a Repignofascist, is that he has dipped his wick a few times in this lobbyist. If he hasn't been, then he's not your typical Repignofascist and has no business representing that party as their candidate.

I am hoping this is the start of a long and arduous final stretch to November for McBush and the party of family values.

A Suggestion For Barack's Running Mate

2008-02-20T18:13:00.005-05:00

I just sent the following message to Barack Obama through his campaign website. You can do the same.

Dear President Obama,

I cast my first vote in 1972. It was a straight Democratic ticket. I have never missed a vote since 1972 (even a primary) and I have never voted outside of the Democratic column - even if it was a race for dog catcher. The democrats always get my vote.

With that as background and introduction I want you to know that I plan to do whatever is legally necessary to help you beat John McBush in November. You were not my first choice for a candidate - Al Gore was. But Al didn't get in the fray so we have the next best thing and I'm glad that it is you.

Once all of the dust is settled it will be time for you to select a running mate. Despite you having a ton of great political strategists on your staff, I want to contribute my 3 cents worth toward whom you select.

Given your background and your lack of military experience, Senator McBush is going to come at you like gangbusters and the Repignofascist noise machine will claim time and again that you don't have the experience to be the President (as if George Bush ever did?). To counter that inevitability I want to suggest that you consider two potential running mates.

First I would like you to consider Wes Clark. He was a general in the army, head of NATO. has more medals than Bush has distance around his chest and is a great man. He has tons of military experience and, given his role as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO he has a bunch of foreign policy experience. Add to that his ability to go on the Faux "News" network regularly to spar with those idiots without losing his lunch, and we have a real winner for a VP choice.

My other suggestion, and in fact my preferred alternative, is Senator Jim Webb of Virginia. Although Senator Webb has only been in office a little over a year he has a ton of credentials that would make him a perfect balance for you. First he was Secretary of the Navy. I'm sure the Swift Boaters will come out and attack him on that but screw them. A sub cabinet level position in the military is a huge feather in his cap. Related to his military experience (a Nam vet like McCain and Wes Clark) Jim Webb has considerable experience in things related to foreign policy. Lastly and most importantly, when it gets down to issues, Jim Webb is like a pit bull backed into a corner. During the 2000 campaign, Bush said, related to the economy that he was "a pit bull on the pant leg of opportunity." If the Repignofascist party wants to deal with an eloquent pit bull, give them Jim Webb to deal with.

Although Jim is from Virginia, his movement up the ranks to Vice President with you would not harm the party's standing in the Senate. Governor Kaine is a Democrat so he will be able to choose who replaces Jim when he moves with you to the White House. Mark Warner is going to replace John Warner this November so Virginia will still have two Democrats as Senator even with Jim as VP (ever thought you would live long enough to see Virginia turn blue? I didn't).

Anyway, I wanted to pass on these thoughts to you. I am sure you are getting lots of advice and doubt that my thoughts will matter but I had to tell you what I thought on the off chance someone there hasn't already thought of this.

I plan on busting my ass this fall campaigning for you. I'll be moving from suburban Virginia to Florida on March 1 so you have one more vote there. I'll be living in a heavily Repignofascist District (Connie Mack will be my Congressman) but I promise that I will do whatever is legal to help you take Florida this November. I plan on pissing off as many Collier County Repignofascists as humanly possible while I campaign for you. I think putting Jim Webb on the ticket with you will help make that happen, times 50 states.

Whatever you do, don't lose your passion. We need you and your passion. We are tired of old ideas.

Fed Forecasts Inflation, Unemployment

2008-02-20T17:34:00.002-05:00

WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve on Wednesday lowered its projection for economic growth this year, citing damage from the double blows of a housing slump and credit crunch. It said it also expects higher unemployment and inflation.

Heckuva job, Dubya.

On The Importance of Wilderness

2008-02-20T17:29:00.002-05:00

For me and thousands of others with similar inclinations, the most important passion in life is the overpowering desire to escape periodically from the strangling clutch of mechanistic civilization. To us the enjoyment of solitude, complete independence, and the beauty of undefiled panoramas is absolutely essential to happiness.

... Bob Marshall 1901-1939 , an early forester, conservationist, and co-founder of The Wilderness Society.

Bush Approval Rating Lower Than Syphilis

2008-02-20T17:20:00.004-05:00

The 2008 presidential race must be an incredibly welcome development for President Bush and his White House. That's because the American body politic can only really focus on one thing at a time, and so there's little time for anything else aside from the madcap antics of of Gilligan, the Skipper, the Millionaire and his wife, the Movie Star, the Professor and Mary Ann...and the rest. Some liberal blogs and right-wing talk radio are lined up in circular firing squads, and the op-ed columnists have trained their fire on Hillary's lonely teardrops or Barack's Church of the Poison Mind.

While no one was looking, the economy nosedived, gas prices have soared, the war in Iraq is as unpopular as ever and Osama bin Laden is still on the loose. And so while none of us were paying attention, our 43rd president just hit a major milestone.

George W. Bush is now the most unpopular president in recorded American history. (h/t Atrios)

It's official. George Bush now has an approval rating lower than syphilis AND herpes!! Mission accomplished.

From Our Friends at Democracy for America

2008-02-20T17:16:00.003-05:00

One week ago, DFA launched a campaign to make sure that the voters decide the Democratic nominee. The response has been incredible.

Tens of thousands of signatures, an ad in USA Today with our friends at MoveOn, and petition deliveries scheduled for next week have grabbed the attention of national media and increased the pressure on super-delegates to do the right thing.

Help us reach 100,000 signatures by Monday. Please sign now:

Our campaign is working. According to a report in the Christian Science Monitor yesterday, this is what Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri said about her role as a super-delegate:

"I'm not comfortable with the idea that we know better. I will vote as a super-delegate for Hillary Clinton, if she ends up with the most pledged delegates."

Sen. McCaskill has endorsed Sen. Obama and he won the primary in her state of Missouri, yet she understands what's at stake in this campaign.

This isn't about changing the rules or even about Senators Clinton or Obama. This is about the will of the voters and who chooses the Democratic nominee.

Super-delegates must exercise their best judgment in the interests of the nation and the Democratic Party. I am confident that super-delegates will make the right decision and ratify the will of tens of millions of Democratic primary voters. I am confident that after hearing our voices, super-delegates will not override the vote and crown a different winner.

Join me in our call to action and make sure super-delegates hear it from you.

Please sign the petition right now, then pass it on to five friends and ask them to join you. Working together, we'll make sure that super-delegates do the right thing.

Thank you for everything you do,

-Jim

Jim Dean
Chair

Desperation Samba - Hillary Style

2008-02-20T17:10:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine just forwarded to me this email from Billary.

This is what desperation looks and smells like. Its akin to Michael Dukakis running around in a campaign ad in 1988 driving a battlefield tank.

So long, Hillary. Its time to go back and be a good senator for the people of New York.

Dear

Here's what you need to know this morning. We were outspent in Wisconsin by a 4 to 1 margin on ads -- and we can't let that happen on March 4.

If we want to win in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont, we've got to even the odds. We can't let the Obama campaign overwhelm us financially. Today, I am calling on you and other online supporters to act together, making sure we have the resources to create a fair, level playing field on March 4.

In the last few weeks, thousands upon thousands of people have contributed to my campaign. With so many people acting together, any donation you make today -- even as little as $5 -- makes a difference.

Contribute $5 now to help us level the playing field.

Let this remarkable two-person contest for the Democratic nomination be determined by the strength of our ideas, the quality of our leadership, or the depth of our experience. But whatever you do, don't let the outcome of these crucial March 4 contests be decided by a lopsided spending advantage for the Obama campaign.

Only you -- our incredible online community -- can act quickly and decisively enough to create a level playing field. And with everything on the line, that's exactly what I'm asking you to do.

We're putting everything on the line. Contribute $5 now.

There are just two weeks left before voters go to the polls in one of the most crucial days of voting yet. We must make sure we can hold our own against an avalanche of Obama TV ads, direct mail, phone calls, and online advertising.

I have total confidence that, as long as we have the resources to compete, March 4 will be a day of dramatic victories for our campaign. Let's make it happen.

Thanks,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

P.S. I am counting on your leadership and financial support. Please do all you can -- and act as quickly as possible.

How Barack Took Wisconsin

2008-02-20T17:06:00.003-05:00

Feb. 20, 2008 | It was only a few minutes after 8 p.m. when the Great Dane, a brew pub within sight of the state capitol's illuminated eggshell dome, learned that Barack Obama was leading in Wisconsin. Soon after that, the networks called the state for Obama, and Gov. Jim Doyle mounted the stage to address his Wisconsin victory party. Obama was still speaking in Houston, but the bartenders turned the sound off, and Doyle stepped to the microphone.

"We in Wisconsin have changed the course of history," he said. "We are the state that decided who the Democratic nominee will be and who the next president of the United States will be."

I love the idea of the "Badgers for Obama" t shirt and need to get a couple very soon.

By the way, the Great Dane is a damned good brew pub. One of those "walk in, stagger out" places that dot State Street. And their bratwurst is damned good also.

Obama Needs a Lutefisk Strategy to Take Wisconsin in November

2008-02-20T16:38:00.004-05:00

Barron County is my home county. I'm surprised that President Obama only took Barron County - that it wasn't overwhelmingly for him. I think the mistake in his Barron County strategy was that he didn't promise to lift import duties on lutefisk. That would have clinched it for him.

In fact when I write to his campaign this evening I'm going to suggest that in addition to selecting Jim Webb as his running mate, President Obama make sure that when he campaigns anywhere in Wisconsin he makes cheap lutefisk a top priority. John McBush wont have a chance if he does that, you betcha.

If you don't know about this secret to Obama taking Wisconsin, you can read more about it here.

The Chimps "Protect America" Bill Explained

2008-02-19T19:53:00.002-05:00

A Nation Of Dunces

2008-02-19T19:20:00.004-05:00

The mind of this country, taught to aim at low objects, eats upon itself." Ralph Waldo Emerson offered that observation in 1837, but his words echo with painful prescience in today's very different United States. Americans are in serious intellectual trouble -- in danger of losing our hard-won cultural capital to a virulent mixture of anti-intellectualism, anti-rationalism and low expectations.

This is the last subject that any candidate would dare raise on the long and winding road to the White House. It is almost impossible to talk about the manner in which public ignorance contributes to grave national problems without being labeled an "elitist," one of the most powerful pejoratives that can be applied to anyone aspiring to high office. Instead, our politicians repeatedly assure Americans that they are just "folks," a patronizing term that you will search for in vain in important presidential speeches before 1980. (Just imagine: "We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain . . . and that government of the folks, by the folks, for the folks, shall not perish from the earth.") Such exaltations of ordinariness are among the distinguishing traits of anti-intellectualism in any era.

Rarely does it get more precise than this.

Of course we are a nation that feeds on the latest Britney droppings and could give a Cheney about what happened in Iraqnam today. So, in the long run we deserve what we get. Luckily I wont be around many more years to watch the total disintegration of the country wrought by the Bush cabal and its minions. But you likely will.

Wake up sheeple.

An Email to Toby Keith

2008-02-19T19:16:00.002-05:00

Dear Toby Keith's "I Love this Bar and Grill" in Oklahoma City

I used to like Toby until he solicitously attacked Natalie Maines and the Dixie Chicks when they spoke the truth about the Failure-in-Chief and his illegal invasion of Iraqnam in March 2003. Since that time I've destroyed all of my Toby Keith CDs and in fact pissed on most of them before destroying them.

Still, I have to be in Oklahoma City in the next couple weeks and thought it might be fun to walk in your bar wearing my FUTK t shirt (thats what Natalie wore at a concert - it stands for Fuck You Toby Keith). while I'm there.

Its ironic that after "Taking the Long Way" by the Chicks came out and debuted at number 1, and Toby's latest attempt at music made only half what the Chicks album made, TK came out saying that he was a "life long Democrat" who was always opposed to the war in Iraqnam. Members of the Repignofascist Party (like Bush and Cheney and Toby) can't change their spots over night. TK is and always has been a pro war Bush loving rednecked asshole.

I just want to know if I'd be welcome in your bar. Or do you (like most Repugnicans) discriminate against people based on beliefs that you don't share? Thanks. And, once again, FUTK.

Bush Is Tough on Immigration...

2008-02-19T16:32:00.003-05:00

....until it pisses off one of his wealthiest contributors. Then things change.

At least you're consistent you miserable son of a bitch, Bush. You consistently side with the filthy rich while the rest of us are told to go Cheney ourselves.

Sieg heil, you nitwit.

Bush: Iraq War Has Nothing To Do With Economy

2008-02-19T05:12:00.003-05:00

This morning on NBC’s Today Show, President Bush denied that the there’s any link between the faltering U.S. economy and $10 billion a month being spent on the Iraq war. In fact, according to Bush, the war is actually helping the economy:

The fact that this moron can stand there with a straight face and say that his $12 billion a month war for oil has nothing to do with the downturn in the economy is one more piece of evidence of how dillusional he really is.

Wake up, sheeple.

US State Department Finds Andorra Isn't in Africa

2008-02-18T21:23:00.000-05:00

2008-02-18T21:22:00.000-05:00

Nation Of Andorra Not In Africa, Shocked U.S. State Dept. Reports

Be Afraid - Be Very Afraid

2008-02-18T17:12:00.000-05:00

After what junior did to McBush with his push polls in South Carolina in 2000, if this son of a bitch can come out and say he would be honored to go anywhere with Dubya, it only proves that he has the morals of a K Street hooker and has no business being in the White House.

McBush like Hillary, will say anything to get elected.

Advice for Tropical Travelers

2008-02-18T09:32:00.001-05:00

Toby Keith is a disgusting pro-war Repignofascist, but he sure as hell comes up with good songs. Still, FUTK.

The Repignofascist and the Haircut

2008-02-18T09:03:00.001-05:00

One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asked about his bill and the barber replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was pleased and left the shop.

When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The cop is happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The professor is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful.

Then, a Congressman. the ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Congressman is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen Republican Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the Republican members of Congress.

Vote carefully this year - vote early, vote often and vote Democrat.

The Jamaican Dog Sled Team

2008-02-17T17:20:00.003-05:00

By now you'd probably have to have been born on a rock in a Republican re-education camp to not know about the great John Candy movie "Cool Runnings" a semi-true story about the first Jamaican Bobsled team.

But did you know there is also a Jamaican Dog Sled team? Here's some information about this important addition to the culture of Jamaica.

From the sun-kissed beaches and tropical paradise of Jamaica comes a story of second chances. Rescued from the mean streets and animal shelters of Kingston, 12 stray dogs are trained to be the stars of Jamaica’s first dog sled racing team. The crew, spearheaded by pop superstar Jimmy Buffett, brings the unlikely meeting of a traditionally snow-bound sport to the sand and surf.

You can watch a video about the team here.

And remember to "mush, mon!"

John McBush - A Lying Psychopath

2008-02-17T16:00:00.001-05:00

Cenk Uygur on Hillary's Super Delegate Strategy

2008-02-17T12:00:00.001-05:00

Senator John McBush - He Was Opposed to Tax Cuts for the Rich Before He Favored Them

2008-02-17T11:55:00.003-05:00

This was just posted on Thinkprogress.org

On ABC’s This Week today, host George Stephanopoulos asked Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) about Democratic proposals to protect “middle-income Americans” and “only raise” taxes “on the wealthy.” In response, McCain bristled at Stephanopoulos’s distinction, mockingly warning against rhetoric that talks about “who the, quote, ‘wealthy’ are in America”:

MCCAIN: But more importantly, we’ll argue about whether we should increase your taxes or decrease them. Obviously, I’m for decreases in taxes. Maybe Americans want their taxes increased. We’ll argue about…

STEPHANOPOULOS: … for middle-income Americans, only raise them on the wealthy?

MCCAIN: Oh, yes, sure, the wealthy, the wealthy. Always be interested in when people talk about who the, quote, “wealthy” are in America. I find it interesting.

The Conservative's Plan for America

2008-02-17T11:48:00.003-05:00

To all who say that conservatives don’t want another 9/11, this is from The Project for a New American Century.

…”Further, the process of transformation, even if it brings revolutionary change, is likely to be a long one, absent some catastrophic and catalyzing event – like a new Pearl Harbor.”

Their mission statement (basically American global domination):

” The Project for the New American Century is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to a few fundamental propositions: that American leadership is good both for America and for the world; and that such leadership requires military strength, diplomatic energy and commitment to moral principle.

The Project for the New American Century intends, through issue briefs, research papers, advocacy journalism, conferences, and seminars, to explain what American world leadership entails. It will also strive to rally support for a vigorous and principled policy of American international involvement and to stimulate useful public debate on foreign and defense policy and America’s role in the world. William Kristol, Chairman”

Those associated with PNAC (many of whom will look familiar to you):

• Elliott Abrams
• Gary Bauer
• William J. Bennett
• John Ellis “Jeb” Bush
• Richard B. Cheney
• Eliot A. Cohen
• Midge Decter
• Paula Dobriansky
• Steve Forbes
• Aaron Friedberg
• Francis Fukuyama
• Frank Gaffney
• Fred C. Ikle
• Donald Kagan
• Zalmay Khalilzad
• I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby
• Norman Podhoretz
• J. Danforth Quayle
• Peter W. Rodman
• Stephen P. Rosen
• Henry S. Rowen
• Donald Rumsfeld
• Vin Weber
• George Weigel
• Paul Wolfowitz
• Elliott Abrams
• Kenneth Adelman
• Richard V. Allen
• Richard L. Armitage
• Gary Bauer
• Jeffrey Bell
• William J. Bennett
• Jeffrey Bergner
• John R. Bolton
• Ellen Bork
• Rudy Boschwitz
• Linda Chavez
• Eliot Cohen
• Seth Cropsey
• Midge Decter
• Paula Dobriansky
• Thomas Donnelly
• Nicholas Eberstadt,
• Hillel Fradkin
• Aaron Friedberg
• Francis Fukuyama
• Frank Gaffney
• Jeffrey Gedmin
• Reuel Marc Gerecht
• Charles Hill
• Bruce P. Jackson
• Eli S. Jacobs
• Michael Joyce
• Donald Kagan
• Robert Kagan
• Zalmay Khalilzad
• Jeane Kirkpatrick
• Charles Krauthammer
• William Kristol
• John Lehman
• I. Lewis Libby
• Tod Lindberg
• Rich Lowry
• Clifford May
• Joshua Muravchik
• Michael O’Hanlon
• Martin Peretz
• Richard Perle
• Daniel Pipes
• Norman Podhoretz
• Peter W. Rodman
• Stephen P. Rosen
• Donald Rumsfeld
• Randy Scheunemann
• Gary Schmitt
• William Schneider, Jr.
• Richard H. Shultz
• Stephen Kantany
• Henry Sokolski
• Stephen J. Solarz
• Vin Weber
• Leon Wieseltier
• Marshall Wittmann
• Paul Wolfowitz
• R. James Woolsey
• Dov Zakheim
• Robert B. Zoellick

Mother Earth's Tiny Soothsayers

2008-02-17T11:27:00.005-05:00

Frogs used to be slimy green things boys carted around in their pockets. Now they're environmental fortune-tellers, slightly mysterious creatures that tell us when we're headed for trouble.

And it's their year.

The Year of the Frog is an international campaign to remind people that frogs and other amphibians are in serious trouble. As many as half of amphibian species are in danger of disappearing.

What a great story. And its in the Houston Chronicle no less. If you remember back in history 25 years or so ago, this same Houston Chronicle was frothing at the mouth against a petition to list the famous Houston Toad as an endangered species. Now, a quarter century and a ton of public education later, this same newspaper is extolling the value to human society that we gain by having frogs and toads out there warning us about the dangers that humankind is bringing onto the landscape.

In 1979, the Omaha World-Herald ran an editorial in which they bemoaned the fact that water having flowed down the Platte River that hadn't irrigated corn at least one time was "wasted water." That same newspaper in 1992, after a ton of public awareness about the value of places like the Platte River, ran an editorial in which they talked about the impact to the human psyche that would occur if the prairie white-fringed orchid went extinct. The editorial then went on to endorse an effort to list the orchid as a threatened species.

Same newspaper. Same editorial board. All that changed was the attitude of the people reading the newspaper. The same must be happening with the Houston Chronicle - and not a second too soon.

Good on ya, Houston Chronicle.

George Carlin on Politicians

2008-02-17T09:20:00.000-05:00

His final recommendation is a wise one.

Great Poll News for the Next President

2008-02-17T09:07:00.002-05:00

For several days, nationwide Democratic voters' preferences have been shifting toward Barack Obama in Gallup Poll Daily election tracking. Now, the Illinois senator enjoys his first statistically significant lead, 49% to 42%, over Hillary Clinton, according to the Feb. 13-15 results. Additionally, the 49% support for Obama represents the high point for him in the daily tracking program.

A Tragic Victim of George Bush's America

2008-02-17T08:45:00.002-05:00

The following was lifted, verbatim, from Democratic Underground. Its worth it to post it here even if its a copyright violation. The author, being a democrat, probably doesn't care as long as the message gets out. Wake up, sheeple.

I was on duty in ER tonight and a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head came into trauma. He's brain dead but on life support as he was an organ donor, so while one life has ended today there will be several people getting phone calls tonight and tomorrow whose lives will daramatically change for the better when they are told there is transplant match for them.

My blood went cold when I heard the patient's sister relating to one of the social workers what likely prompted this otherwise healthy, middle-aged man to take a gun to his own head. From what I could gather, this is what this man had been through in the last 2.5 years:

He lost his job at a manufacturing plant and still had not been able to find a decent, permanent job.

He and his wife had racked up somewhere around $50,000 in medical bills they couldn't pay due to the fact that they couldn't afford health insurance since his job loss.

It sounds like the bank was ready to forclose on their home, and one car had been repossesed already.

Their son suffered a debilitating closed-head injury in Iraq sometime last year and is confined to a long care term facility.

Now, you can say this guy had horrible luck or that it was fate. But I look at what this man was facing and it doesn't take a whole lot of time to connect the dots: this man was a victim of George Bush's Republican America. This is the America that the Republicans have created. One has to wonder how many more people are out there who have taken their own lives or who will take their own lives because they can't keep afloat physically, emotionally, mentally or financially in the America that George Bush's Republican party has created.

The Republican agenda is sucking the life right out of this country. If anyone dares ask me why I'm voting Democrat, why I've always voted Democrat, and why I'll always vote Democrat, I'm going to tell them about this man.

May his tortured soul rest in peace.

Heckuva job, Dubya.

What Happened to 'Merika When the "Protect America Act" Lapsed This Weekend?

2008-02-17T07:33:00.003-05:00

Acting as if he actually cared about something, Chimpy McFlightsuit made his predictable scare speech about how 'Merica would be at risk of attack if the Democrats allowed the Protect America Act to expire this weekend. Wisely the Democrats had the backbone to not fall for Bush's lies and the intrusive act died.

Its passing brings up an interesting point, however. If we don’t spy domestically, only criminals will spy on us.

As they’re doing so now.

The Repignofascist Mantra for 2008

2008-02-17T07:27:00.001-05:00

We Are Thoroughly Doomed

2008-02-16T14:41:00.003-05:00

A popular video on YouTube shows Kellie Pickler, the adorable platinum blonde from “American Idol,” appearing on the Fox game show “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” during celebrity week. Selected from a third-grade geography curriculum, the $25,000 question asked: “Budapest is the capital of what European country?”

Why do you think Americans are perceived as being hostile to global knowledge?
Read All Comments (978) »Ms. Pickler threw up both hands and looked at the large blackboard perplexed. “I thought Europe was a country,” she said. Playing it safe, she chose to copy the answer offered by one of the genuine fifth graders: Hungary. “Hungry?” she said, eyes widening in disbelief. “That’s a country? I’ve heard of Turkey. But Hungry? I’ve never heard of it.”

Such, uh, lack of global awareness is the kind of thing that drives Susan Jacoby, author of “The Age of American Unreason,” up a wall. Ms. Jacoby is one of a number of writers with new books that bemoan the state of American culture.

There is one advantage of growing older - the inevitability of dying. Thankfully I will be gone in less than 20 years and will not have to endure the hapless and continuous disintegration of America as evidenced by this dipshit "celebrity" and her ilk.

Have You Ever Wondered Why America is So Thoroughly Fucked?

2008-02-16T13:42:00.002-05:00

Watch this video to get your first clue

Have You Ever Wondered Why People are Liberals?

2008-02-16T12:30:00.003-05:00

Watch this video and you might understand.

Michael J Fox Advertisement

2008-02-16T12:10:00.003-05:00

Watch this advertisement that Michael J Fox made for our new Senator from Missouri.

And as you watch it remember that the "christian" mouthpiece of the Repignofascist Party - one Rush Limbaugh - made fun of him claiming that he faked his body movements while filming this.

Anyone who believes in "god" better damned well stop listening to Rush Limbaugh after watching this video.

Paddle Florida - Inaugural Trip

2008-02-16T10:01:00.001-05:00

If you are in Florida and have a desire to do some serious paddling, this might be the place and event for you.

Hillary : "Lobbyists Represent Real Americans"

2008-02-16T05:48:00.001-05:00

In case you did not have enough reasons already to hope that Hillary isn't the nominee, the statement in this video clip should convince you to vote for Obama.

This Just In From Jolly Old England

2008-02-15T17:55:00.002-05:00

(Note that the bloody Brits are still overstimulated by too many "u's" in their words...but other than that....heed what they are saying here.)

Subject: NO MORE ELECTION NEWS -- tea and biscuits will be served at 4
pm Britain is Repossessing the U.S.A.: A Message from John Cleese To: The
citizens of the United States of America:In light of your failure to
nominate competent candidates for President of the USA and thus to govern
yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your independence,
effective immediately.

Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will resume monarchical duties over
all states, commonwealths, and territories (except Kansas, which she does
not fancy).

Your new prime minister, Gordon Brown, will appoint a governor for America
without the need for further elections.

Congress and the Senate will be disbanded.

A questionnaire may be circulated next year to determine whether any of you
noticed.

To aid in the transition to a British Crown Dependency, the following rules
are introduced with immediate effect:

You should look up 'revocation' in the Oxford English Dictionary.

1. Then look up aluminium, and check the pronunciation guide. You will be
amazed at just how wrongly you have been pronouncing it.

2. The letter 'U' will be reinstated in words such as 'favour' and
'neighbour.' Likewise, you will learn to spell 'doughnut' without skipping
half the letters, and the suffix -ize will be replaced by the suffix -ise.

Generally, you will be expected to raise your vocabulary to acceptable
levels. (look up 'vocabulary').

3. Using the same twenty-seven words interspersed with filler noises such
as 'like' and 'you know' is an unacceptable and inefficient form of
communication.

There is no such thing as US English. We will let Microsoft know on your
behalf. The Microsoft spell- checker will be adjusted to take account of
the reinstated letter 'u' and the elimination of -ize.

You will relearn your original national anthem, God Save The Queen.

4. July 4th will no longer be celebrated as a holiday.

5. You will learn to resolve personal issues without using guns, lawyers,
or therapists. The fact that you need so many lawyers and therapists shows
that you're not adult enough to be independent. Guns should only be handled
by adults. If you're not adult enough to sort things out without suing
someone or speaking to a therapist then you're not grown up enough to handle
a gun.

6. Therefore, you will no longer be allowed to own or carry anything more
dangerous than a vegetable peeler. A permit will be required if you wish to
carry a vegetable peeler in public.

7. All American cars are hereby banned. They are crap and this is for your
own good. When we show you German cars, you will understand what we mean.

Holden Monaro's are also approved.

8. All intersections will be replaced with roundabouts, and you will start
driving on the left with immediate effect. At the same time, you will go
metric with immediate effect and without the benefit of conversion tables.

Both roundabouts and metrication will help you understand the British sense
of humour.

9. The Former USA will adopt UK prices on petrol (which you have been
calling gasoline)-roughly $6/US gallon. Get used to it.

10. You will learn to make real chips. Those things you call French fries
are not real chips, and those things you insist on calling potato chips are
properly called crisps. Real chips are thick cut, fried in animal fat, and
dressed not with catsup but with vinegar.

11. The cold tasteless stuff you insist on calling beer is not actually
beer at all. Henceforth, only proper British Bitter will be referred to as
beer, and European brews of known and accepted provenance will be referred
to as Lager.

South African beer is also acceptable as they are pound for pound the
greatest sporting Nation on earth and it can only be due to the beer. They
are also part of British Commonwealth - see what it did for them.

American brands will be referred to as Near-Frozen Gnat's Urine, so that all
can be sold without risk of further confusion.

12. Hollywood will be required occasionally to cast English actors as good
guys. Hollywood will also be required to cast English actors to play
English characters.

Watching Andie Macdowell attempt English dialogue in Four Weddings and a
Funeral was an experience akin to having one's ears removed with a cheese
grater.

13. You will cease playing American football. There is only one kind of
proper football; you call it soccer. Those of you brave enough will, in
time, be allowed to play rugby (which has some similarities to American
football, but does not involve stopping for a rest every twenty seconds or
wearing full kevlar body armour like a bunch of nancies). Don't try Rugby -
the South Africans and Kiwis will thrash you, like they regularly thrash us.

14. Further, you will stop playing baseball. It is not reasonable to host
an event called the World Series for a game which is not played outside of
America. Since only 2.1% of you are aware that there is a world beyond your
borders, your error is understandable. You will learn cricket, and we will
let you face the South Africans first to take the sting out of their
deliveries.

15. You must tell us who killed JFK. It's been driving us mad.

16. An internal revenue agent (i.e. tax collector) from Her Majesty's
Government will be with you shortly to ensure the acquisition of all monies
due (backdated to 1776).

17. Daily Tea Time begins promptly at 4 pm with proper cups, never mugs,
with high quality biscuits (cookies) and cakes; strawberries in season.

God save the Queen. Only He can.

John Cleese

Breaking Medical News from The Onion

2008-02-15T15:36:00.000-05:00

Study: Use Of Phrase 'Don't Skimp On The' Linked To Heart Disease

DALLAS—According to a study published Monday by the American Heart Association, people who frequently start sentences with the phrase "don't...

Olberman Calls the Chimp a "Fascist"...and Rightly So

2008-02-15T05:22:00.001-05:00

How a Repignofascist in Tennessee Views the "New" Rape

2008-02-15T04:36:00.002-05:00

Yup. Family values. They certainly aren't what they used to be either.

Another Proud Day for the National Rifle Association

2008-02-14T18:16:00.002-05:00

DEKALB, Ill. - A gunman opened fire in a lecture hall at Northern Illinois University on Thursday, injuring as many as 15 people before he was killed, authorities said. DeKalb Police Lt. Gary Spangler told the student newspaper the Northern Star that the gunman was dead. It was not immediately clear how he died.

Yup. Its days like today that make National Rifle Association members want to cream their jeans knowing that nobody is going to pry their gun from their cold dead hands. Charlton Heston is likely at home jerking off with excitement right now.

And aren't all of these students at Northern Illinois University happy that they have a stalwart group like the NRA defending the rights of a crackpot to carry a gun into a class room and starting shooting at will. Or Ed. Or John. Or Brianna. Or whomever else steps in the line of fire.

Yup, its a glorious day for the well armed milita.

In Case You Wondered

2008-02-14T16:15:00.000-05:00

Aussie Humor, Mate

2008-02-14T13:15:00.002-05:00

These were posted on an Australian Tourism Website and the answers are the actual responses by the website officials, who obviously have a sense of humour
__________________________________________________

Q: Does it ever get windy in Australia ? I have never seen it rain on TV, how do the plants grow? ( UK ).

A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them die.

__________________________________________________

Q: Will I be able to see kangaroos in the street? ( USA )

A: Depends how much you've been drinking.

__________________________________________________

Q: I want to walk from Perth to Sydney - can I follow the railroad tracks? ( Sweden )

A: Sure, it's only three thousand miles, take lots of water.

__________________________________________________

Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in Australia ? Can you send me a list of them in Brisbane , Cairns ,Townsville and Hervey Bay ? ( UK )

A: What did your last slave die of?

__________________________________________________

Q: Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Australia ? ( USA )

A: A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe .
Aus-tra-lia is that big island in the middle of the Pacific which does not
... oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Kings Cross. Come naked.

__________________________________________________

Q: Which direction is North in Australia ? ( USA )

A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees. Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.

_________________________________________________

Q: Can I bring cutlery into Australia ? ( UK )

A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.

__________________________________________________

Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? ( USA )

A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is ...
oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Kings Cross, straight after the hippo races. Come naked.

__________________________________________________

Q: Can I wear high heels in Australia ? ( UK )

A: You are a British politician, right?

____________________________ ______________________

Q: Are there supermarkets in Sydney and is milk available all year round? ( Germany )

A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of vegan hunter/gatherers.
Milk is illegal .

__________________________________________________

Q: Please send a list of all doctors in Australia who can Dispense rattlesnake serum. ( USA )

A: Rattlesnakes live in A-meri-ca which is where YOU come from.
All Australian snakes are perfectly harmless, can be safely handled and make good pets.

__________________________________________________

Q: I have a question about a famous animal in Australia , but I forget its name. It's a kind of bear and lives in trees. ( USA )

A: It's called a Drop Bear. They are so called because they drop out of Gum trees and eat the brains of anyone walking underneath them.
You can scare them off by spraying yourself with human urine before you go out walking.

__________________________________________________

Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Can you tell me where I can sell it in Australia ? ( USA )

A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.

__________________________________________________

Q: Can you tell me the regions in Tasmania where the female population is smaller than the male popula tion? ( Italy )

A: Yes, gay night clubs.

__________________________________________________

Q: Do you celebrate Christmas in Australia ? ( France )

A: Only at Christmas.

__________________________________________________

Q: I was in Australia in 1969 on R+R, and I want to contact the Girl I dated while I was staying in Kings Cross*. Can you help? ( USA )

A: Yes, and you will still have to pay her by the hour..

__________________________________________________

Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? ( USA )

A: Yes, but you'll have to learn it first

Ever Wonder About Anteaters?

2008-02-14T05:10:00.002-05:00

Expert On Anteaters Wasted Entire Life Studying Anteaters

Ethics Panel Says Senator Wide Stance Acted "Improperly"

2008-02-14T04:35:00.003-05:00

WASHINGTON - The Senate Ethics Committee said Wednesday that Idaho Sen. Larry Craig acted improperly in connection with a men's room sex sting last year and had brought discredit on the Senate.

In a letter to the Republican senator, the ethics panel said Craig's attempt to withdraw his guilty plea after his arrest at a Minneapolis airport was an effort to evade legal consequences of his own actions.

In other words, Larry, your Senate colleagues, including three fellow Repignofascists, concur with the court and the arresting officer that you were trying to get your knob polished that day in the MSP airport. They also concur that your actions afterward were designed solely to cover your well-used ass from public scrutiny (that doesn't mean you did not want you ass scrutinized in private, however).

In typical righteous Repignofascist fashion, you blew off the ethics panel findings and act like nothing happened. Of course had a Democratic Senator been caught trying to get his knob polished in the MSP airport you'd be leading the chorus of righteousness demanding his resignation.

The good news, however, is that because of this incident you've read the handwriting on the wall and will not be back for another term. What are your plans for retirement Larry? Maybe move to Florida and open a consulting firm with Mark Foley designed to protect children from online sex predators? Maybe you'll have your offices in a men's room?

Today's Forehead Slapper from John McBush

2008-02-13T21:45:00.002-05:00

Check this out. The Senate voted 51 - 45 today to ban waterboarding.

The forehead slapper? Remember all the huffing and puffing "straight talk" McBsuh has done over torture, and specifically his principled stand against waterboarding? Well, the big Hero, Senator Consistency, Senator Straight Talk Himself, voted NO, voted to ALLOW waterboarding!

Yep. But, hey, that's not pandering, is it? That's not being a hypocrite, is it? And, it's certainly not being a dirty lying repignofascist, is it? Why, NO, of course not!!! I didn't think so!

And, by the way, where were our fine Democratic presidential candidates? Well, this vote, as with yesterday's FISA vote, won by the Fascists, was just not important enough for them, Clinton and Obama, to make it back to the Senate for a vote. At least, Senator Straight Talk managed to make it back. Gotta give him that much. He's a lying sack of shit, but he made it back to vote.

Important Information from the Parrothead Nation

2008-02-13T16:41:00.003-05:00

Some earth-shatteringly important information from the nerve center of the Parrothead nation in Key West can be found here.

Fins to the left.

US Welcomes Death of Hezbollah Militant

2008-02-13T16:12:00.002-05:00

WASHINGTON - The State Department said on Wednesday it welcomes the reported death of the suspected mastermind of attacks on the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Marine barracks in Lebanon in the 1980s.

Hmmm. Doesn't that headline seem a tad strange to you??

The State Department is the Bush Administration. Bush has talked extensively about the sanctity of life and waxed poetic about how all life is precious. The Bush Administration is also the standard bearer for the Repignofascist Party - itself the political party that has called itself the "Party of Life."

Ithought the Repignofascist Party was Pro-Life and would go all out to keep a woman alive who was in an irreversible vegetative state because life is "sacred." I thought the Repignofascist Party was the party that opposed stem cell research because they claim that a single cell is human "life." I thought life was "sacred" and "precious" and whatever other word they can dream up to pull at the heart strings of sheep-like voters. If what they have been saying is true, then how can this same political party and the same Administration "welcome" the death of someone?

I guess this means they are pro-life only if its a life they approve of?

Credit One Bank - A Rip-Off Credit Card Company

2008-02-10T09:59:00.000-05:00

Several months ago I accepted an offer from Credit One Bank for yet another unnecessary credit card.

This was in following with Dwight Lee's warped philosophy of having as many credit cards as possible, running the totals up to the maximum, and then paying only the minimum payment each month, and not worrying about it because if you die tomorrow you wont have to pay. Dwight died with 16 credit cards maxed out - and with a huge smirk on his face I'm sure.

When I received my first bill I set things up to make online payments through my bank account. The first month's bill was $100 and I paid that. When I went to check online to see if the payment had been posted I noted that it had been but that my outstanding balance was $5.95. WTF? I called Credit One and learned that when you pay online they assess you a $5.95 "convenience fee" so it stood to reason (from their point of view) that I should have a $5.95 charge. This is in addition to the 21 percent interest the thieving bastards charge on purchases. It didn't seem to matter to Credit One that there are zero administrative costs involved in me or anyone else sending payments electronically. Nope. Never let reality get in the way of corporate thievery.

So, after that initial surprise I started adding $5.95 to the bill and it still doesn't go away. For instance. lets say my next bill was $195.95. I would authorize a payment of 105.95 thinking this would take care of the sure-to-be-assessed $5.95 "convenience fee." I"ll be damned. When I get my next bill the 105.95 has been credited to my account but I owe them 95.95 because of the freaking convenience fee added to online payments.

I think the only way to get away from this feeling of being in the movie Groundhog Day with Credit One is to pay the last and final payment with a check and cancel the card so they can't keep charging me for my "convenience."

This is Bound to Help

2008-02-09T06:05:00.001-05:00

In The Know: New Iraqi Law Requires Waiting Period For Suicide Vest Purchases

Welcome to Our Sieg Heil Nation

2008-02-08T05:01:00.000-05:00

Nabila Mango, a therapist and a U.S. citizen who has lived in the country since 1965, had just flown in from Jordan last December when, she said, she was detained at customs and her cellphone was taken from her purse. Her daughter, waiting outside San Francisco International Airport, tried repeatedly to call her during the hour and a half she was questioned. But after her phone was returned, Mango saw that records of her daughter's calls had been erased.

A few months earlier in the same airport, a tech engineer returning from a business trip to London objected when a federal agent asked him to type his password into his laptop computer. "This laptop doesn't belong to me," he remembers protesting. "It belongs to my company." Eventually, he agreed to log on and stood by as the officer copied the Web sites he had visited, said the engineer, a U.S. citizen who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of calling attention to himself.

This is simply astounding. We have truly crossed the line to fascism. The Chimp has recreated the Gestapo and Waffen SS. Imagine all the dead U.S. soldiers in WWII cemeteries across Europe spinning in their graves.

An Accurate Portrayal of the Bush Administration

2008-02-08T04:58:00.000-05:00

Paying Additional Federal Taxes in 2007

2008-02-07T18:39:00.000-05:00

I just ran through Turbo Tax and discovered that in addition to the $19,833 in Federal tax with held from my salary in 2007 I had to pay an additional $87 this year. Being liberal I dont care about paying taxes - tax the hell out of me as long as it goes to an important cause or function like protection of the earth or helping those who need help or to restoring the name of the United States within the world community.

After finishing my state and federal taxes but before licking the stamp to send the additional dollars to Treasury I wrote the following letter and sent it with my payment to the IRS. I'm sure they will heed the words I have written but even if they dont, well fuck them. If you are unfortunate enough to have to pay additional taxes for 2007, you might consider sending a similar letter with your check.

February 7, 2008

United States Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Atlanta, Georgia 39901-0114

Dear Internal Revenue Service

Attached to my Form 1040EZ is a check for $87.00 to cover the additional taxes I owe above and beyond the $19,833.02 in Federal taxes that were taken out of my check through payroll deductions throughout the year.

That means my total Federal tax paid in 2007 was $19920.02. I thought Bush’s tax cuts were supposed to help the middle class. Oh, wait. I’m wrong. His tax cuts help only the top 1 percent of Americans. How silly of me to forget.

With this letter and my additional payment of $87.00 for a total of $19920.02 paid to the Treasury this year I have a simple request.

NONE of these funds are to be used by the Failure in Chief in the White House or any of his clones to facilitate the killing of one more American kid in Iraq. NONE of these funds are to be used by the Failure in Chief in the White House or any of his clones to kill more innocent Iraqis by American forces. NONE of these funds are to be used to transport another American kid from any military base to any post in the world where Bush claims we are fighting his war on “turism.” Furthermore, NONE of these funds are to be used by the Department of Homeland Surveillance to harass travlers at airports. NONE of these funds are to be used by the Department of Homeland Surveillance or the National Security Agency to listen in on private phone calls between law abiding citizens just because the Failure in Chief thinks they might be a turist. NONE of these funds are to be used by the CIA or any other agency to torture innocent Arabic people sequestered without habeas corpus at Guantanamo Bay Cuba. NONE of these funds are to be used by any cretin in the Justice Department who wants to jerk around sitting United States Attorney’s who are deemed to not be loyal Bushies.

In fact, NONE of these $19920.02 are to be used for any purpose other than to help the less fortunate in this country. That’s the purpose of government – to help people – not to turn the nation into a god damned police state.

Thanks for passing this message on to the Failure in Chief. Luckily for America one year from today that bastard will be out of office and hopefully in the Hague Netherlands where he will be sitting in his war crimes trial with Cheney, Rumsfeld, Feith, Rice, Wolfowitz and the rest of those deceitful creeps.

Come to think of it IRS, I want all of my taxes paid in 2007 to be applied to prosecuting Bush and the rest of the criminals in his administration. OK?

Climate Set for Major Shifts

2008-02-07T16:48:00.000-05:00

This would be scary were it not for the reassurring words of known climate change authorities Rush Limbaugh, Jim Inhofe, and author Michael Crichton who have each proclaimed numerous times that global warming is a hoax.

I can't remember if it was WTOP radio in Washington DC or National Public Radio, but one of them had a story about Lent and how the Bishop of North America (?) or someone like that has suggested instead of fasting from your favorite chocolate or chardonnay, try fasting from carbon... He's trying to promote folks to stop using in excess the items that contribute to global climate change.

How's that for progress...

Something tells me the Bishop doesn't vote in the R column.

The Aftermath of Yesterday's Tornado Outbreak in the Bible Belt

2008-02-07T16:43:00.000-05:00

More than 50 people died yesterday in an outbreak of more than 70 tornadoes in the belly of the bible belt.

All of these Repignofascist-voting, Budweiser-drinking, NASCAR-watching, church-going "Christian" goobers better get used to this because non-existent global warming is going to cause even more horrific storm outbursts like this in the near future.

I wonder why Rush Limbaugh, Senator Jim Inhofe, and novelist Michael Crichton (the big three of global warming knowledge) aren't reassuring these folks that the tornado outbreak didn't happen?

This Could Only Happen Under Bush's "Management"

2008-02-07T16:38:00.000-05:00

NEW YORK (Reuters) - In the latest example that the U.S. dollar just ain't what it used to be, some shops in New York City have begun accepting euros and other foreign currency as payment for merchandise.

"We had decided that money is money and we'll take it and just do the exchange whenever we can with our bank," Robert Chu, owner of East Village Wines, told Reuters television.

Its bad enough that China owns more than 30 percent of the United States' debt (that only happened under Bush). Now we have shops in New York City, supposedly a part of the United States, accepting Euros for purchases.

This all happened under Bush's watch. Can we expect, now, that the Repignofascists in the House and Senate will call people who accept money that actually has some value (the Euro, the British Pound) "unamerican" because they have chosen to do business in a currency that isn't worthless as the American dollar has become under Bush?

And to think that Bill Clinton was impeached because he lied about a blow job. Wake up, sheeple.

I Decided For Faux News

2008-02-06T15:22:00.000-05:00

Not long ago this afternoon I was walking down a major street in Arlington, Virginia, when I came upon some news event being filmed by three news crews. One was for Univision, the other for Telemundo, and the last was Faux News. As I walked by the Faux News crew interviewing someone, I accidently said "Fuck Bill O'Lielly" which I'm sure they will edit out but it still felt good to say.

After paying my respects to Billo, I crossed a street and noticed the Faux News truck sitting on a side street rather unprotected. Painted prominently on the side of the Faux News truck were the words "You Decide." So I did.

I walked up to the side of the truck and squatted down as if to pick up something I that had fallen out of my pocket. As I squatted down my pen magically leaped out of my pocket and into my hand and just like a divining rod, it pointed itself at the stem in the valve that lets air into our out of a tire.

Without paying it another thought I followed the advice on the side of the Faux News truck and decided to cause my pen to let the air out of the right front tire of the vile "news" organization's truck.

Hissssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss was all I heard as the air darted out of the tire.

After completing my decision, with the truck sitting immobile at least until AAA arrived, I decided to put a smile on my face and walk to the subway and come home. Of course, being the former Boy Scout that I am I would have never even thought of such a dastardly payback had the words "You Decide" not been written on the side of the truck.

I feel so much better now having at least slowed down Faux News from distorting another story somewhere in the DC area.

An Offer Barack Shouldn't Refuse

2008-02-05T20:44:00.001-05:00

No Wonder Democrats Are Energized

2008-02-05T05:21:00.000-05:00

A recent Washington Post poll revealed these delicious facts regarding which party the American public trusts on important issues:

* The economy: Dems led Republicans, 52% to 33%

* Immigration: Dems led Republicans, 40% to 37%

* Iraq: Dems led Republicans, 48% to 34%

* The budget deficit: Dems led Republicans, 52% to 31%

* Taxes: Dems led Republicans, 48% to 40%

* The U.S. campaign against terrorism: Dems led Republicans, 44% to 37%

* Health care: Dems led Republicans, 56% to 29%

First, these aren’t cherry-picked to make Dems look good; these were all of the issues polled. Republicans trailed in every category.

Second, in almost every instance, matters are getting worse for the GOP, not better. Especially on the question regarding terrorism, this was the worst Republicans have done on the issue since the WaPo began polling on the question after 9/11. Given that this is supposed to be the party’s signature issue, it’s not at all a good sign.

Check out this link for Glen Greenwald's take on it.

The Gulag Comes to America

2008-02-05T05:07:00.001-05:00

Most thinking people are by now aware of how shamelessly lawless the Bush administration acts. What is truly scary, is knowing how secretive they are, and realizing how much we have yet to learn. Here is a stunning story that has received literally no exposure that I am aware of. It is incredible that something like this can be going on, with no apparent public outcry. It appears that CBS 60 minutes is working on a story about this.

Earth 1, Bush 0

2008-02-04T21:38:00.000-05:00

LOS ANGELES - The Navy must follow environmental laws placing strict limits on sonar training that opponents argue harms whales, despite President Bush's decision to exempt it, a federal judge ruled Monday.

The Navy is not "exempted from compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act" and a court injunction creating a 12 nautical-mile no-sonar zone off Southern California, U.S. District Judge Florence-Marie Cooper wrote in a 36-page decision

Take that, Dubya, you miserable environmental pig.

The Chimp and his administration have done some pretty horrific things to mother earth in the 7 excruciatingly long years that they have been in office. Almost all of the really reprehensible stuff has been done by Executive Order or, more frequently, by just blowing off the law and ordering agencies to do the same. That has worked in the past, but not today.

In one of the greatest environmental setbacks for the floundering Chimp, a Federal court judge today determined that the Navy is not exempt from the National Environmental Policy Act. Duh! What a concept for the Chimp - having to obey a law.

Its unfortunate that NEPA is not a criminal statute. It would be nice to add violating it to the charges to be brought at the Chimp's war crimes trial that should begin about a year from today.

But until then, its best to remember those immortal words of Edward Abbey who was probably the first person to say "Earth FIRST!"

The Lower The Latitude - The Better The Attitude

2008-02-04T21:13:00.001-05:00

Heard At A Recent Bush Press Conference

2008-02-04T18:50:00.000-05:00

Click on this link to hear what Bush had to say when asked about the horrific budget deficit his administration has caused over the last 7 years.

The Chimp - Evil, Greed and Stupidity Personified

2008-02-04T18:32:00.000-05:00

Read these stories and after you have bloodied your forehead with the palm of your hand remember one thing:

As It Guts Medicare And Medicaid, White House Claims U.S. Has ‘The Best Health Care In The World’

Bush’s Budget: $688 Billion For War

WOW! I'm FLABBERGASTED, and almost, but not quite, SPEECHLESS with disbelief!

In other words...Let's spend billions more on murder and mayhem, and let's spend less on our own healthcare!!! This is what you get from Repignofascists like G. W. Bush, Our Presidunce, and Compassionately Conservative CHIMP!!!

Historical Fact

2008-02-04T18:00:00.001-05:00

For several years, users of Google could type "miserable failure" into the search engine and be taken directly to the official White House biography of George W. Bush. However on January 31, 2007, Yahoo News announced that Google had fixed this glitch. (Taken from the George W Bush Out of Office Countdown calendar for January 31, 2008 - there were 355 days of him left then).

Do You Believe in Magic??

2008-02-04T05:44:00.000-05:00

Keep it alive in November!

Germany Hoists a Middle Finger at Bush - And Deservedly So

2008-02-02T21:24:00.001-05:00

A bitter diplomatic row between Germany and the United States deepened yesterday after Berlin flatly rejected demands from Washington that it deploy troops in war-torn southern Afghanistan and angrily dismissed the request as "impertinent" and a "fantastic cheek".

Good on ya, Germany!

Watch what happens next. The idiotic Repignofascist minority in the House and Senate will now try to end Lufthansa Airlines' rights to fly to the United States and then they'll go to the Capitol Dining Room and demand that sauerkraut be renamed "Freedom Kraut." Just watch.

I think I'm going to drink German beer for a few days to thank them for putting the Chimp in its place.

I'll Ask the Question Again

2008-02-02T17:20:00.001-05:00

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's prime minister vowed on Saturday that attacks by two female bombers which killed 99 people in Baghdad would not derail improved security, but angry residents demanded the government do more to protect them.

The surge is certainly working. Just ask Fox News.

Losing the Last Of Its Kind

2008-02-02T12:07:00.000-05:00

Sometime in mid-January, the last old-growth longleaf pine forest in lower Alabama (just east of Flomaton) was beheaded. The 60-acre area was well known, well researched, and well used. What made this forest biologically unique is that it was well over 3 centuries old and was among the last parcel of land of its kind in the world (only a few other virgin longleaf pine stands remain across 9 southern states; and now no more of its kind in Alabama). To put it another way, this one forest was over 100 years old before Alabama became a state in 1819.

The original owner of the tract in the early 1900's was Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company and the owner set it aside on purpose (having cut everything else around it). Local folklore indicates this owner called it the "hell freezes over area"; which were the conditions under which he would have cut it. Since then, the property has changed hands several times; all to large timber companies. Because of its rarity, these forestry companies continued to preserve the location as natural area significant to Alabama and the Southeast. In 1963, the National Society of American Foresters (SAF) designated it as E. A. Hauss Old Growth Longleaf Natural Area. The SAF definition of a natural area is "a tract of land set aside to preserve permanently in unmodified condition a representative unit of virgin growth of a major forest type, with the preservation primarily for scientific and educational purposes". The area was used extensively by local 4-H clubs, civic groups, etc. In 1998 when the adjacent state highway was widened, Champion International offered the trees removed from the right-of-way to Colonial Williamsburg to restore historic buildings due to the scarcity of old growth longleaf pine timbers. Also, Auburn University School of Forestry used the area for over a decade to study the conditions of longleaf pine forests in their most primal state. It was later renamed the Flomaton Natural Area

It seems that the tract was recently divested by Resource Management Services out of Birmingham to an adjacent landowner who then clear-cut the area and sold the old logs. RMS purports to have contacted various conservation organizations to see if they had an interest in buying the property.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

In his supremely excellent book "A Sand County Almanac" ecologist Aldo Leopold, the father of wildlife biology lamented the destruction and extinction of the Great Auk by saying "and the sailor who clubbed the last auk thought of nothing at all." I wonder if the people who destroyed this 60 acre patch of what once was thought of anything at all as they carried out their unncessary deed?

More True Today Than in 2001

2008-02-02T11:50:00.001-05:00

Bush: 'Our Long National Nightmare Of Peace And Prosperity Is Finally Over'

WASHINGTON, DC-Mere days from his inauguration, president-elect Bush vowed to undo the damage not done by the Clinton Administration.