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.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
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?
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?
Monday, January 16, 2006
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.
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.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
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?
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.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
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.
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.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
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.
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.
Friday, January 06, 2006
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".
Thursday, January 05, 2006
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!
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
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.
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.
Monday, January 02, 2006
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
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
Saturday, December 31, 2005
New Years Eve 2005
Yesterday we went bobsledding. Maureen and Julia made a 50 MPH run.
Then a hungry deer visits the bird feeder.
Pretty fuzzy, huh?
Then a hungry deer visits the bird feeder.
Pretty fuzzy, huh?
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Civil War in Iraq
It appears that the Kurds have been busy inserting thousands of militia members into Iraqi army forces, especially in Northern Iraq. They are laying the groundwork to take back the city of Kirkuk along with its oil fields. Kirkuk was a Kudish city before Saddam drove the Kurds from the city and paid arabs to settle in the city. The Peshmerga militia are an awesome military force that has been fighting since Gulf War I. If the Kurds pull off making an independent Kurdistan, does this mean war with Turkey? Then whose side would we be on?
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
We Are Under Surveillance
Rom-fay ow-nay on his-thay log-bay ill-way e-bay osted-pay in ig-pay atin-lay.
Security vs Liberty
Bush has always thought that being a dictator was easier than being a President. Evidently, he has been using the 9/11 attacks as an excuse to act as a dictator. Habeas Corpus, out the window. Secret prisons and torture, no problem. Arrest anyone I say might be guilty, we'll sort it out in 5-10 years, let's do it. Now some kind of super secret spying program has surfaced. He has been desperate to keep this program secret because he knows it's illegal. This program was probably leaked by some of the very people that are responsible for running it because they also think it is illegal and unconstitutional.
What's weird about this whole spying thing is that Bush has legal authority to authorize wiretaps on almost anyone, but for some reason he chose not to use the legal route. It's likely he chose the illegal route because whatever it is they are doing is probably so egregious that even the rubber stamp FISA secret court probably wouldn't have approved it. Bush claims he has congressional oversight but this claim is extremely exagerated. He briefed 4-6 congressmen in classified briefings such that they could not legally disclose or discuss what they were told.
So what is going on? One idea 'out there' is that ALL communications are being collected and analyzed for content by super computers. There is no way you could get a court order to do something like that. So 'watch what you say' in your phone calls and computer communications, because 'Big Brother' is probably watching.
If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen. -- Samuel Adams
What's weird about this whole spying thing is that Bush has legal authority to authorize wiretaps on almost anyone, but for some reason he chose not to use the legal route. It's likely he chose the illegal route because whatever it is they are doing is probably so egregious that even the rubber stamp FISA secret court probably wouldn't have approved it. Bush claims he has congressional oversight but this claim is extremely exagerated. He briefed 4-6 congressmen in classified briefings such that they could not legally disclose or discuss what they were told.
So what is going on? One idea 'out there' is that ALL communications are being collected and analyzed for content by super computers. There is no way you could get a court order to do something like that. So 'watch what you say' in your phone calls and computer communications, because 'Big Brother' is probably watching.
If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen. -- Samuel Adams
Monday, December 19, 2005
Did Bush Violate the 4th Amendment?
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, an no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the person or things to be seized
President Bush, brushing aside bipartisan criticism in Congress, said Monday he approved spying on suspected terrorists without court orders because it was "a necessary part of my job to protect" Americans from attack
Let's have a poll. Yes or No?
President Bush, brushing aside bipartisan criticism in Congress, said Monday he approved spying on suspected terrorists without court orders because it was "a necessary part of my job to protect" Americans from attack
Let's have a poll. Yes or No?
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Friday, December 16, 2005
Twas The Week Before Christmas by Congressman John Dingell
I found this very amusing and also very telling.
Twas the week before Christmas and all through the House
No bills were passed ‘bout which Fox News could grouse;
Tax cuts for the wealthy were passed with great cheer,
So vacations in St. Barts soon would be near;
Katrina kids were nestled all snug in motel beds,
While visions of school and home danced in their heads;
In Iraq our soldiers needed supplies and a plan,
Plus nuclear weapons were being built in Iran;
Gas prices shot up, consumer confidence fell;
Americans feared we were on a fast track to…well…
Wait--- we need a distraction--- something divisive and wily;
A fabrication straight from the mouth of O’Reilly
We can pretend that Christmas is under attack
Hold a vote to save it--- then pat ourselves on the back;
Silent Night, First Noel, Away in the Manger
Wake up Congress, they’re in no danger!
This time of year we see Christmas every where we go,
From churches, to homes, to schools, and yes…even Costco;
What we have is an attempt to divide and destroy,
When this is the season to unite us with joy
At Christmas time we’re taught to unite,
We don’t need a made-up reason to fight
So on O’Reilly, on Hannity, on Coulter, and those right wing blogs;
You should just sit back, relax…have a few egg nogs!
‘Tis the holiday season: enjoy it a pinch
With all our real problems, do we honestly need another Grinch?
So to my friends and my colleagues I say with delight,
A merry Christmas to all,
and to Bill O’Reilly…Happy Holidays.
Twas the week before Christmas and all through the House
No bills were passed ‘bout which Fox News could grouse;
Tax cuts for the wealthy were passed with great cheer,
So vacations in St. Barts soon would be near;
Katrina kids were nestled all snug in motel beds,
While visions of school and home danced in their heads;
In Iraq our soldiers needed supplies and a plan,
Plus nuclear weapons were being built in Iran;
Gas prices shot up, consumer confidence fell;
Americans feared we were on a fast track to…well…
Wait--- we need a distraction--- something divisive and wily;
A fabrication straight from the mouth of O’Reilly
We can pretend that Christmas is under attack
Hold a vote to save it--- then pat ourselves on the back;
Silent Night, First Noel, Away in the Manger
Wake up Congress, they’re in no danger!
This time of year we see Christmas every where we go,
From churches, to homes, to schools, and yes…even Costco;
What we have is an attempt to divide and destroy,
When this is the season to unite us with joy
At Christmas time we’re taught to unite,
We don’t need a made-up reason to fight
So on O’Reilly, on Hannity, on Coulter, and those right wing blogs;
You should just sit back, relax…have a few egg nogs!
‘Tis the holiday season: enjoy it a pinch
With all our real problems, do we honestly need another Grinch?
So to my friends and my colleagues I say with delight,
A merry Christmas to all,
and to Bill O’Reilly…Happy Holidays.
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