What Will Bush Say Part II

Well, for about 50% of us he will be saying this.

State of the Union - What Will Bush Say?

1) The economy is doing great or our economy is struggling?

2) We have too much health insurance or many Americans have no health insurance?

3) Will mention Osama bin Laden or will not mention Osama bin Laden?

4) The President is not above the law or the President can ignore any law he wants?

5) Democratic elections in the Middle East are great or damn not who we really wanted elected?

6) I know Jack Abramhoff or I never met the guy?

7) Says "if the President does it, it's not illegal or says "I am not a crook"?

Ok This is Really Funny

The 50 most loathsome people in America 2005

I really like #13, #12 and really really like #4!!!

Democratic Elections Don't Always Give You the Government You Want

Looks like G.W. Bush is getting some conservative governments elected.

Canada's government just went conservative. But oops, looks like one of the first things Harper wants are some armed ice breakers to enforce Canada's sovereignty over arctic waters. The USA has challenged Canada's claims to sovereignty over Arctic waterways. Harper has also vowed to clean up Canada's corrupt government. I wonder if that gives Bush pause?

Iraq is forming a conservative government of sorts. At least it's one that believes religion plays a strong role in government. Iran and Palestine couldn't be happier.

Speaking of Palestine.... they just had democratic elections. Seems like the people have spoken. The terrorist group Hamas is now firmly in charge. I heard a Hamas spokesperson on the radio this morning say that Hamas won because of what G.W. Bush is doing in Iraq.

Let's not even talk about Venezuela.

So the USA better learn to work with the foreign governments we have and not the ones we wish we had.

Let Me Get This Straight Karl

-Bush ignores Clinton's advice about dealing with al Qaeda
-didn't take the "bin Laden determined to strike inside U.S." memo seriously
-invaded Afghanistan but failed to follow through on our commitments
-can't catch bin Laden
-launched a devastating war in Iraq that has increased the terrorist threat
-weakens our army
-watched the nuclear threat posed by North Korea and Iran get considerably worse
-his minions leaked classified information for partisan gain
-appoints unqualified cronies to important gov't positions
-launched an illegal surveillance program that produced a flood of useless tips

Yet Democrats are the ones that are weak on defense?

For You Technical Types - How Soon Will Iran Have the Bomb?

The war drums are beating to prepare us for a possible attack on Iran, at least their nuclear (nucular) facilities. From reading the newspapers it sounds like Iran will have nuclear weapons within a few months, a year at the most.

Do you want to educate yourself about what Iran's real capacity is? Go here and enjoy. Be sure and read "part 1" also.

Jack And George - Photos

Scott McClellan said earlier this month, "The president does not know him (Abramoff), nor does the president recall ever meeting him."

Well now the photos are beginning to show up. Now photos of Jack and George may or may not mean anything. But one photo it seems "shows Abramoff and Bush with Raul Garza, chairman of the Kickapoo Indians in Texas, who has been indicted on charges of stealing $300,000 from his tribe."

It's photos like that one that are likely to make one ask questions about the Bush Administration relationship with Jack Abramoff. And, who in their right mind would believe George never met "pioneer" Jack Abramoff. If someone raised $100,000 for your campaign, wouldn't you want to thank them in person?

What's Worse, Adultry or Warrantless Searches?

Good article by Andrew Bard Schmookler at CommonDreams.org

He asks why was Monica Lewinsky more deserving of attention by the media than possible direct violation of the law by GW Bush? Bush has publically admitted to ordering warrantless searches of Americans. He claims he has the legal right to do so. Many many legal scholars disagree. It appears maybe even John Ashcroft disagreed. And, we won't know if he violated the law because if he tells us about the secret spying program, he would have to kill us.

Bush has claimed that he ordered the warrantless searches to protect Americans. The one example provided by the administration is preventing a guy from toppling the Brooklyn bridge with a blowtorch. And this, “The law enforcement and counterterrorism officials said the program had uncovered no active Qaeda networks inside the United States planning attacks. ‘There were no imminent plots - not inside the United States,’ the former F.B.I. official said.” [New York Times, 1/17/06].

I really like this though "Is the reason for the media’s casualness in treating this administration’s possible running roughshod over the Constitution that the media don’t think this story will grab an audience the way, say, stains on a blue dress did?"

There is a question that needs answering.

Remember When Serving During War Meant Something?

Remember when the right wing was all about the importance of having served in the military, 'in country' during the Vietnam War? That was when Bill Clinton was running for President. Clinton managed to avoid the draft and the right wing made sure everyone knew about it. He was a draft dodger.

Move forward a decade or so and all of a sudden service in Vietnam doesn't mean too much to the right wing anymore. This is because George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and many of their neocon friends either didn't experience service in Vietnam or didn't serve in the military at all.

Now people like Max Cleland, John Kerry and John Murtha, who actually did see combat in Vietnam, have to put up with absurd attacks on their military service. Even a Republican, John McCain had his Vietnam War record attacked by the right wing.

Please explain to me how the right wing gets away with these attacks on Vietnam War veterans when the leaders of their party either didn't serve at all or got a safe assignment in the Air National Guard.

Is anyone besides me upset about these right wing attacks on veterans? Question President Bush and you are either a traitor, a coward, anti-American or a terrorist lover. When will people wake up?

What Else Can President Bush Do?

Al Gore gave a speech today and this caught my eye:

Can it be true that any president really has such powers under our Constitution? If the answer is "yes" then under the theory by which these acts are committed, are there any acts that can on their face be prohibited? If the President has the inherent authority to eavesdrop, imprison citizens on his own declaration, kidnap and torture, then what can't he do?

Bush has outright claimed that he can listen in on American citizens without a warrant, he has already imprisoned Americans indefinitely simply on his say so, and we all know about the torturing. Bush claims we don't torture and he supports a new law that states we will not torture, but at the same time he says he doesn't need to follow that law. It really amazes me that people in this country are so afraid of 'terrorists' that they are willing to give the President such power in the name of 'protecting' them.

Bush says Al Qaeda hates our freedom and wants to take our freedom away from us. Then why is Bush taking away our freedoms? Isn't he doing exactly what he claims the terrorists want?

How long does the President claim he has these extraordinary powers? Why as long as the 'War on Terror' lasts. How long will that war last? Bush has stated 'probably for the rest of our lives'. Well what to hell do we need a congress and a judiciary for then? Maybe Bush should just be President for Life.

There really isn't a hell of lot we can do about this either. The Republican controlled congress has given up its role as an independent and co-equal branch of the government. Democrats haven't done a lot to prevent that. Also, if you disagree with the President on the Iraq War you are a traitor. If you disagree on other issues you will be smeared by the far right wing (see John Murtha).

Mr. Gore ends by saying "I mentioned that along with cause for concern, there is reason for hope. As I stand here today, I am filled with optimism that America is on the eve of a golden age in which the vitality of our democracy will be re-established and will flourish more vibrantly than ever".

I wish I could be as optimistic as he seems to be.

Type D Personality

How to RECOGNIZE a D personality type...
They tend to be active, extroverted, and always in a rush.
They speak loudly, interrupt others, and come right to the point in conversation.
They like to take charge of meetings and to set the agenda and make the rules.
They can be aggressive, blunt, and impatient.

How to WORK with a D personality type...
Be clear, specific, and to the point.
Be prepared. Present your requirements, objectives, and support material without wasting their time.
Involve them in developing a solution. Let them decide how to accomplish it and give them the freedom to do it by themselves.
Clarify the limits of their authority and available resources.
Don't back down when they attack. Take issue with the facts without confronting the person directly.

What NOT to do around a D personality type...
Chitchat. Try to develop a relationship. Approach them casually.
Waste their time.
Tell them what to do and expect them to do it.
Expect them to pick up on your feelings or unspoken agenda.

Are you a Type D?

Science Blogs

When I'm not bashing Bush or conservatives or making progressive rants, I like to read science blogs. I've added a link to website that hosts a huge series of individual science blogs. Enjoy my science friends.

Vote NO! - John Sweeney for Congress

John Sweeney is up for re-election to congress next November. This is a man who has followed Tom Delay's lead in lockstep since Delay became majority leader. Yes, the North Country normally heavily supports Republicans, but is this the kind of person you want representing you?

Rep. John Sweeney has taken $4,915 from Tom Delay's ARMPAC and has voted 92% of the time with Tom Delay.

Rep. John Sweeney voted in favor of a rule that would have allowed Tom Delay to remain in a congressional leadership position even though he was indicted for a crime. Sweeney later changed his vote when he realized the new rule was not going to pass.

Rep. John Sweeney has been opposed to having a congressional ethics committee that actually investigates ethical wrong doings.

Rep. John Sweeney took $2000 from indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Does anyone know what John Sweeney stands on the social security issue? Is he in favor of privatization of social security or not? Is John Sweeney afraid to stand up to George Bush on an issue that most of his constituency opposes?

Rep. John Sweeney led the infamous
"Brooks Brothers" riot that shut down the recounting of the 2000 Presidential vote recount in Miami.

On Nov. 22, 2000, after learning that the Miami canvassing board was starting an examination of 10,750 disputed ballots that had previously not been counted, Rep. John Sweeney, a New York Republican, called on Republican troops to “shut it down.”

What does Rep. Sweeney have against recounting votes in a disputed presidential election? Is this why President Bush refers to Mr. Sweeney as "Congressman Kick-Ass"?

Is this the kind of person we want representing us in Congress? I don't care if you are Republican or Democrat, we in the North Country should expect more from our representative in congress.

Pretty Good Summary of Bush Record

You may be able to argue about some of these things, but for the most part I think they are pretty much right on. What is really sad is about 30% of Americans really seem to support these 'policies'.

1. Tax cuts leading to massive, unprecedented deficits
2. Preemptive wars against non-aggressive nations
3. Sanctioning of torture
4. De-regulation of environment protections
5. Weakening of the separation of church and state
6. Exempting the gun industry from lawsuits
7. Weakening of individual privacy protections
8. Rejection of international organizations - U.N., World Court, etc.
9. Increased hatred of the U.S.A. in Islamic countries
10. Increase in terrorist attacks since 9/11
11. Neglect of poverty in the U.S.A. and abroad
12. Shifting the tax burden from wealthy corporations and individuals to wage earners
13. Reducing (hoping to abolish) estate taxes thus creating "a permanent aristocracy" in America
14. Furthering anti-intellectualism - a president who admittedly does not read and is embarrassingly inarticulate
15. Increased military spending; hostility to spending for social services
16. Increased number of Americans without health care
17. Rejection of minimum wage increases - five consecutive years
18. Applying the principle of awarding lucrative contracts to crony companies without competitive bidding
19. Attempts to privatize Social Security
20. Four consecutive years of increases in the percentage of Americans living in poverty

I really think GW Bush will go down as one of the worst world leaders ever.

Shovel Snow Much? Then Get a Wovel

(picture from wovel website, I'll add one of me soon)
I got my new wovel two days ago and have used it twice so far. This is one of the best investments in tools that I have ever made and using it is actually fun. It is built such that I can't imagine it not lasting at least the rest of my life. Sort of like that 'computer learning guy' on tv says, "if you are interested in easier shoveling.....buy a wovel".

Upstate NY Blogs

I've added links below to a bunch of them including Adirondack Almanack, Musings of a (fairly) Young Contrarian, NYCO's Blog, York Staters, The 10,000 Things and 20TrueBlue (an anti-Sweeney site, good for you folks). Also, a link to Kirsten Gillibrand For Congress site.

Now, will someone please tell me how to get all that info back on top of my blog! PLEASE!

Kirsten Gillibrand For Congress

Thank god someone is running against Sweeney to represent the 20th Congressional District of NY. I don't know much about Ms. Gillibrand but I'd vote for almost anyone, even another republican over Sweeney. Sweeney votes with Tom Delay 92% of the time. That is definitely not representative of my congressional district. That means Sweeney doesn't give a damn about alot of us. He can't even give back have Abramhoff money to a local charity. I'm planning on learning more about Gillibrand and eventually will probably have to put some money where my mouth is.

More on Sago Mine

JACK SPADARO, FORMER DIRECTOR, NATIONAL MINE ACADEMY: We know from the record that the mine, in particular in the past year, has been cited over 180 times for violations of federal mine health and safety law and regulations. And about 90 of those violations were called serious and substantial violations of the law. So we know that it was a very unsafe mine and that there were serious problems with mine ventilation and roof control.

COLMES: Are you saying that these men should not have been allowed to go down there?

SPADARO: Yes, sir.

COLMES: You're saying this mine should not have been open?

SPADARO: This mine should have been closed. And there were too many serious violations. And the record is very clear.

COLMES: Why was it open then? If you, as a safety expert, feels it should not have been, why was it open?

SPADARO: I think it's because of the current Bush administration's policies toward mine operators and their reluctance to take the strong enforcement action that's sometimes necessary. And that often involves closing a mine.

SEAN HANNITY, CO-HOST: Jack, let's not politicize this! I mean, already, what do you want, to blame George Bush with this? Is that where you're headed with this political question? I don't think this is the time to go into that.

There certainly are issues. This mine was cited for over 200 violations, 46 during an 11-week period late in the year. They've been fined thousands of dollars. But I can't see an instance where it was recommended that they close it.

SPADARO: Well, actually, there were three orders to close portions of the mine that were issued in the October to the December period. And there has been a significant change since the Bush administration took over, the enforcement of mine safety and health.

And I can speak to that, because I worked in the agency, and I talk with people every day who tell me that, in recent years, and particularly in recent months, there's been a reluctance on the part of the top management at the Mine Safety and Health Administration...

HANNITY: All right, you've got a political...

SPADARO: ... to enforce the law.

HANNITY: We don't have time tonight to get into this, nor do I think it's appropriate. But you clearly have a political agenda that, if I had enough time, I'm sure I...

SPADARO: No. You called me and asked me to make a comment.

HANNITY: I know, but I'm sure...

SPADARO: And I'm telling you what's...

HANNITY: You want to turn this into a political thing...

SPADARO: No, I'm telling you what the truth is.

HANNITY: ... and we have families that are suffering tonight, sir.

SPADARO: And that's the truth is that there were 180 violations...

HANNITY: You want to blame George Bush...

SPADARO: ... that were serious.

HANNITY: ... like a lot of extreme left-wingers. All right. Go ahead. You got your point out.

As Scott Shields says: "I believe that, as President, Bush should be held accountable for every tragedy that is related to his policies." I so agree.

Sago Mine Deaths and Bush Cronyism

12 people dead in a West Virginia mining accident because mining safety regulations are not being enforced. So who is in charge at the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. If your first guess is a Bush crony, you would be correct.

Holding the top job at the MSHA is an executive that previously worked for Utah's Energy West Mining Company. David Lauriski and his top two deputies were recruited from mining companies. Their boss, Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, is the wife of Kentucky's Republican senator Mitch McConnell, a long time political ally of coal companies. It appears that the federal mine safety inspectors on the ground are doing their job, but there is no enforcement of safety regulations.

In 2004, the Sago mine had an accident and injury rate of 15.9 per 200,000 man hours worked. That rate has since increased to 17.04. The national average rate is 5.66. A mine of similar size, in WV, (Kingston Mining #1) had an accident rate of 1.21. The MSHA has been issuing citations but little enforcement seems to be taking place. Federal inspectors fined the Sago mine more than $24,000 for roughly 202 violations in 2005, according to federal records. Wow, $120 per violation! That would make me sit up and take notice of safety violations.

The Sago mine also happens to employ non-unionized labor, so there isn't much the mine workers can do to influence enforcement of mine safety regulations.

Bush Has Made Us Safer - Let's Count the Ways

1. Osama is still free and Bush never even mentions him anymore

2. Our military is bogged down in a war that had nothing to do with Osama or Al Qaeda

3. Iraq is now the biggest terrorist training camp in the world

4. 9/11 Commission recommendations to make us safer have not been completely implemented

5. The Homeland Security budget is being spent as if it's frivolous pork

6. The 9/11 Commission gives Bush a grade of "D" under the category: "Maximum effort to prevent terrorists from acquiring WMD"

7. Most of the World now either hates or is scared of the USA

8. GWB is constantly chipping away at the Bill of Rights