80's Day I Guess.

DUCK AND COVER!!!!

Yes they really taught this to children...

YES SWEET MAMA GRAB MY WHITE SPORTS COAT!!!!

What Is This Obsession With The Tar Baby?!?

In the tradition of White House Press Secretary Tony Snow (C&L has Video), Massachsettes governor, Mitt Romney has expressed his desire not to hug the tar baby.

Guardian UK
Mass. Gov. Romney Apologizes for Remark
Monday July 31, 2006 1:31 PM

BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Mitt Romney has apologized for referring to the troubled Big Dig construction project as a ``tar baby'' during a fundraiser with Iowa Republicans, saying he didn't know anyone would be offended by the term some consider a racial epithet.

In a speech Saturday, Romney, a Republican considering a run for president in 2008, acknowledged he took a big political risk in taking control of the project after a fatal tunnel ceiling collapse, but said inaction would have been even worse.

``The best thing politically would be to stay as far away from that tar baby as I can,'' he told a crowd of about 100 supporters in Ames, Iowa.

Think its not a racial slur. Check out this classic SNL clip:

ROCK ON, CINDY! ROCK ON!

TOO. DAMN. FUNNY!

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
Thursday, July 27, 2006 · Last updated 10:33 a.m. PT
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Cindy Sheehan buys property in Crawford

CRAWFORD, Texas -- War protester Cindy Sheehan has purchased a 5-acre plot in Crawford with some of the insurance money she received after her son was killed in Iraq....

"We decided to buy property in Crawford to use until George's resignation or impeachment, which we all hope is soon for the sake of the world," Sheehan said in a newsletter set to be sent to supporters Thursday. "I can't think of a better way to use Casey's insurance money than for peace, and I am sure that Casey approves."

I am sure he would Cindy. He would also be proud to know, and I am sure he did, that his mom was a real fighter and amazingly brave.

Right Wing Jerks In Review

Montana Senator Conrad Burns seems to think he is a fire fighting expert. Well that might be partially true as he has found himself in the hot seat for his involvement with Jack Abramoff and some questionable dealing involving Native American casinos.

Burns tells Hotshots they did a ‘poor job’ in Billings fire
By JENNIFER McKEE
IR State Bureau
07/27/06

HELENA — Republican Sen. Conrad Burns chastised a group of firefighters over the weekend for doing a “poor job” dousing a 92,000-acre blaze near Billings, a state report shows.

Burns and the firefighters — members of the Augusta Hot Shots from the George Washington and Jefferson national forests in Virginia — were at the Billings Logan International Airport each awaiting flights, according to Burns and Forest Service representatives.

Burns approached the firefighters and told them they had “done a poor job” and “should have listened to the ranchers,” according to a report prepared by Paula Rosenthal, a state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation employee who was sent to the airport to speak with the senator.

Rosenthal wrote in her report that she received word of an “altercation” occurring between Burns and the hot shot crew. The crew had been in Montana working on the Bundy Railroad Fire near Worden.

The 92,000-acre timber, grass and sagebrush fire was contained on July 19 and the 368 people who came to fight it began dispersing a few days later.

Burns had been in Billings to commemorate the new interpretive center at Pompeys Pillar, the sandstone bluff near the Yellowstone River where Capt. William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition scratched his signature. While there, Burns also met with local ranchers affected by the blaze.

Matt Mackowiak, a Burns spokesman, said he didn’t think Burns met with any of the fire bosses handling the fire.

You can read more about Senator Burns at beyonddelay.com. Fortunately Montana came run this guy out of the Senate this year by voting for progressive Democrat John Tester. You can contribute to the Tester Campaign here.

Early Afternoon Commandos, Get A Taste Of NYC Hospitality!

So the Minutemen entered brought their "battle plan" to New York City. Apparently this plan involves soiling Ground Zero and a city whose heritage is built on immigrant labor. Joining this group of mal-content Guns and Ammo subscribers also seems to involve a binocular fetish . Well come to New York they did and New York F*n City gave them the hospitality we are famous for.

Reuters.com
By Michelle Nichols

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Immigration activists clashed at the site of the World Trade Center on Wednesday when an anti-illegal immigration group called for secure borders to avoid a repeat of the September 11 attacks and counterprotesters yelled "racists go home."

Members of the Minuteman Project, which patrols the U.S.-Mexican border for illegal immigrants, pushed and shoved members of an immigrant rights group that showed up at the event.

Jim Gilchrist and Jerome Corsi, authors of "Minutemen: The Battle to Secure America's Borders," were whisked away when some immigrant rights supporters broke through a police barrier and scuffled with Minutemen supporters.

Let's not forget why the Minutemen came to NYC. They came to sell their trash book co-authored by the same scumbag who brought us the Swift-boaters. A group of whores that will get down on their knees and slob the knob of any right wing jack-off willing to shine their cobwebed CIB's.

America has had to deal with No-Nothings like you before. You are door closers who attack the immigrant because they are weak but meanwhile will happily accept the checks from the companies that hire them. Your leaders are hypocrites and your membership the same saps who think that some ballroom dance instructor can talk to the dead.

My real question to you Afternoon Commandos is, "Does stopping the invasion involve you assholes leaving?"

Quote Of The Day

"Our attitude toward immigration reflects our faith in the American ideal. We have always believed it possible for men and women who start at the bottom to rise as far as their talen and energy allow. Neither race nor place of birth should affect their chances."
Robert Kennedy (1925-1968)
Attorney General of The US and Senator

LINKS
Wikipedia Entry
Memorial Site (Arlington National Cemetery)

End The Violence, New Orleans

A Gaza Family

From Current TV

Soooo, Condi How's That Peace Conference Coming Along?

That good HUH?

Lady Has Got SPALLS!

VIDEO: Maliki Speech Interrupted By War Protestor

From Think Progress:
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s address to a joint session of Congress was interrupted by a protestor, Medea Benjamin of Code Pink. Watch it!

What Is And What Should Never Be!

Hayseed Dixie











Black and Blue Grass

NEED BRIAN BLEACH STAT!!!!!

The Purity Police: Take Out "Good Night Show" Host.

Note to any PBS/Sprout employees, don't do any funny videos . In an effort to keep the airwaves "pure", and avoid any potential Fundie backlash the kids channel has fired host Melanie Martinez. While I kind of understand their decision PBS Kids Sprout's statement is just plain dumb.

A Notice To Parents Regarding
The Good Night Show

Late last week, Melanie Martinez, host of The Good Night Show, alerted us to the internet posting of an independent short film that she appeared in seven years ago. PBS KIDS Sprout has determined that the dialogue in this video is inappropriate for her role as a preschool program host and may undermine her character’s credibility with our audience. As a result, PBS KIDS Sprout has decided that she will no longer appear as host of The Good Night Show. Melanie has been an important part of our network and we are disappointed that we had to make this difficult decision.

PBS KIDS Sprout’s foremost priority is to do what is best for our young viewers and their families. We remain committed to The Good Night Show, which debuted last year, as a valuable tool for parents to help children wind down after a busy day. Regularly scheduled programs within The Good Night Show (e.g. Dragon Tales™, Bob The Builder™, Thomas & Friends™) will continue to air in their designated time slots with new short-form content replacing Melanie’s segments. We are developing plans to launch a new season of The Good Night Show with a new host in late 2006.

Just a question PBS/Sprout how or why would a parent let their kids watch either of the following? Really guys and gals, the woman did this SEVEN YEARS AGO. Is this the kind of lesson we want our kids to learn? With that being said, lets help save Melanie!

Join THE POLKA DOT BLAZER CAMPAIGN!
Call, write or e-mail PBS KIDS Sprout here:

PBS KIDS Sprout
PO Box 59269
Philadelphia, PA 19102-9997
215.320.5891
info@sproutletsgrow.com

Quote Of The Day

"Nationalism is a silly cock crowing on his own dunghill."
Richard Aldington (1892-1962)
English Writer And Poet

LINKS
Wikipedia Entry
Collected Poems at Poetry Hunter

Right Wing Jerk Award

“You know, the moral rationalization is if you make a mistake there’s no consequences. I’ve seen the consequences. Condoms and teenagers work about 50% of the time, if you count all the studies up,”
–Sen. Tom Coburn, R-OK
During today’s Senate debate on S. 403


From the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School Info Book, Chp4

Perfect use effectiveness. Among people who use condoms consistently and correctly, pregnancy rates are fairly low—about 3 pregnancies per 100 women in the first year of use. By comparison, sterilization, Norplant^® implants, the TCu-380A IUD, long-acting injectables, and, when used correctly, oral contraceptives have the lowest observed rates of about one pregnancy or less per 100 women in the first year of use (538).

Typical use effectiveness. Typical use effectiveness varies greatly in various studies and among groups within studies. For example, DHS data suggest pregnancy rates per 100 first-year condom users of over 16 in Egypt, almost 6 in Indonesia, and over 8 in Thailand (20). The estimated typical pregnancy rate among condom users in the US is about 14 per 100 women. This rate is higher than for most other methods (367, 537, 538).

Whether it is 97% or 86% it is sure a hell of alot higher than 50%. Yep one half of the Batshit Crazy Twins from OK-LA-HOMA!! ... sorry... strike again. It might be time for the other bright light James Inhofe who is famous for bringing his props, I mean family, into the gay marriage debate to strike another blow for abject stupidity.

From 6/6/06:Video available at Think Progress

INHOFE: As you see here, and I think this is maybe the most important prop we’ll have during the entire debate, my wife and I have been married 47 years. We have 20 kids and grandkids. I’m really proud to say that in the recorded history of our family, we’ve never had a divorce or any kind of homosexual relationship.

A commenting reader at Think Progress sums it up best:

LOL, oh man, you can’t make this shit up! ROTFLMAO
Comment by ElectricBassPlayer — June 6, 2006 @ 7:06 pm

HOLY FSM!

SOMEONE SHOOT ME!!! MY EYES MY EYES!!!!!!

The Cost Of War: Not Work Friendly

Mosaic is shown on Link TV. You will have to register as this video has been flagged for graphic, and quite frankly disturbing content.

Jim Massey Talk. You Listen.

As The Corner Turns.

Has This Clown Been Taking Speachin' Lessons From Bush?

Iraqi PM admits failure to contain growing violence
Ewen MacAskill and Richard Norton-Taylor
Tuesday July 25, 2006
The Guardian

The Iraqi prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki, conceded yesterday that the country's security situation had worsened in the two months since he took office.

Speaking to journalists in London before meeting Tony Blair, Mr Maliki said he was planning a new security initiative for Baghdad. "The security situation has got worse since the government took control because the terrorists realise this is a government that can achieve security," Mr Maliki said. "All the groups involved in terrorism have escalated bombings, kidnappings and other actions."

WTF does that even mean?

Daniel Ellsberg Speaks.

From Current TV

Well This Should Calm Things Down. Maybe Not.

From Aljazeera.net
Saudi king warns of Middle East war
Tuesday 25 July 2006 12:33 PM GMT

King Abdullah says war may engulf the Middle East if peace option fails

The king of Saudi Arabia has warned that war could break out in the Middle East if attempts to broker peace in the region fail.

In a statement read out on state television on Tuesday, King Abdullah said, "If the option of peace fails as a result of Israeli arrogance, then the only option remaining will be war, and God alone knows what the region would witness in a conflict that would spare no one."

The king appealed to the world to stop Israeli attacks on Lebanon, and also pledged to donate over $1.5 billion to the country, according to the statement by the royal court.

Curiouser and Curiouser Said Alice.

While Israel Spying on the US is not new, then again this video isn't new either, it is disurbing to even contemplate what this report insinuates. Although the USS Liberty was a "mistake" also.

Because They Have Names.

Seven Days : July 15- July 22 2006

July 22, 2006
Four Fatalities Awaiting Confirmation


July 21, 2006
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Matthew P. Wallace, 22, of Lexington Park, Md., died on July 21, in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 16. Wallace was assigned to the 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

July 20, 2006

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Derek J. Plowman, 20, of Everton, Ark., died on July 20 in Baghdad, Iraq, from a gun shot wound. Plowman was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 142nd Fires Brigade, Rogers, Ark.
This incident is under investigation.

Cpl. Julian A. Ramon, 22, of Flushing, N.Y., died July 20 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

July 18, 2006

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Mark R. Vecchione, 25, of Tucson Ariz, died on July 18 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his M1A1 Abrams tank. Vecchione was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany.

Lance Cpl. Geofrey R. Cayer, 20, of Fitchburg, Mass., died July 18 from a non-hostile incident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The incident is under investigation.

July 17, 2006

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Scott R. Smith, 34, of Punxsutawney, Pa., died on July 17 in Al Iskandariyah, Iraq, of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated during a controlled ordnance clearing mission. Smith was assigned to the 737th Explosive Ordnance Detachment, 52nd Ordnance Group, Fort Belvoir, Va.

Cpl. Kenneth I. Pugh, 39, of Houston Texas, died on July 17 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained when his M1A2 Abrams tank encountered enemy forces small arms fire. Pugh was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
This incident is under investigation

Cpl. Nathaniel S. Baughman, 23, of Monticello, Ind., died of injuries on July 17 in Bayji, Iraq, when his HMMWV encountered enemy forces rocket-propelled grenades during patrol operations. Baughman was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Staff Sgt. Michael A. Dickinson II, 26, of Battle Creek, Mich., died on July 17 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when his dismounted patrol encountered enemy forces small arms fire. Dickinson was assigned to the 9th Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.

July 16, 2006

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Jason M. Evey, 29, of Stockton, Calif., died on July 16 of injuries sustained when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq. Evey was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 10th Calvary Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Hood, Texas.

Salerno III, Raymond A., Pending Confirmation

July 15, 2006

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom

Spc. Manuel J. Holguin, 21, of Woodlake, Calif., died on July 15 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained when his dismounted patrol encountered enemy small arms fire and an improvised explosive device. Holguin was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany.

Sgt. Andres J. Contreras, 23, of Huntington Park, Calif., died on July 15 of injuries sustained when his HMMWV encountered an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq during combat operations. Contreras was assigned to the 519th Military Police Battalion, 1st Combat Support Brigade, Fort Polk, La.

Quote Of The Day

"Our government... teaches the whole people by its example. If the government becomes the lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy."
Louis D. Brandeis (1856-1941)
Associate Justice, Supreme Court (1916-1939)

And So It Goes

While The media is in the dreamland of the current Israeli conflict. Iraq and Afghanistan are still producing bodybags.

Read Current Fatality Announcements. (Click Here)
At The Time of This Posting:
US Military Deaths in Iraq: 2557 (2260)
Since "Mission Accomplished: 2420 (2423)
Official US Military Wounded: 18988 (Est 20,000- 48,100)
US Military Deaths Afghanistan: 321
Other Coalition Troops (Afghanistan): 91
Iraqi Civilian Body Count: 39,272- 43,731

Ways You Can Help The Survivors:
Share The Sacrifice (also helps Vietnam Vets- Thanks Samurai Sam)
Operation Truth
Fisher House (Vets of All Wars)
Wounded Warrior Project
Any Soldier
The USO
United Spinal Association (aka Eastern Paralyzed Veterans)

Casualty Lists and numbers from: The US DOD via Antiwar.com, & Iraq Body Count, & ICasualities.org

Slowly Killing NOLA.

From The First Amendment Center
FEMA muzzling La. trailer-park residents
By The Associated Press, 07.20.06

MORGAN CITY, La. — Residents of trailer parks set up by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to house hurricane victims in Louisiana aren't allowed to talk to the press without an official escort, The (Baton Rouge) Advocate reported.

In one instance, a security guard ordered an Advocate reporter out of a trailer during an interview in Morgan City. Similar FEMA rules were enforced in Davant, in Plaquemines Parish.

FEMA spokeswoman Rachel Rodi wouldn't say whether the security guards' actions complied with FEMA policy, saying the matter was being reviewed. But she confirmed that FEMA does not allow the news media to speak alone to residents in their trailers.

"If a resident invites the media to the trailer, they have to be escorted by a FEMA representative who sits in on the interview," Rodi told the newspaper for its July 15 report. "That's just a policy."

Heck of a job!
Sheer. Absolute. Incompetence.

Republicans Are The Party Of National Defense!

Okay you can stop laughing now.....

Army Cuts Expenses Not Essential to War
By ROBERT BURNS
AP Military Writer
July 21, 2006, 11:59 AM EDT
(Link to full article)

WASHINGTON -- The Army, bearing most of the cost for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Thursday its money crunch has gotten so bad it is clamping down on spending for travel, civilian hiring and other expenses not essential to the war mission.

A statement outlining the cutbacks did not say how much money the Army expects to save, but senior officials have said the cost of replacing worn equipment in Iraq and Afghanistan is rising at a quickening pace.

Gen. Peter Schoomaker, the Army chief of staff, said last week that in 2004 it cost $4 billion to repair or replace war equipment, but now it has reached $12 billion to $13 billion. "And in my view, we will continue to see this escalate," he said, adding that the Army is using up equipment at four times the rate for which it was designed.

Schoomaker traced the problem's origin to entering the Iraq war in 2003 with a $56 billion shortfall in equipment. The Army managed the situation by rotating in fresh units while keeping the same equipment in Iraq. Over time, he said, the equipment has worn out without sufficient investment in replacements.

The Army chief said there is too little money available to keep up with equipment repairs. He said the Army's five major repair depots are operating at only 50 percent of capacity, resulting in a backlog of 1,000 Humvee utility vehicles awaiting attention at the Red River Army Depot in Texas and 500 tanks at a depot in Alabama.

Quote Of The Day

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."
Robert Frost (1874-1963)
American Poet, Winner of Four Pulitzer Prizes

LINKS
Robert Frost House Museum
Some Poetry of Robert Frost
Wikipedia Entry
Robert Frost at Amazon

Last Throes.

From Aljazeera
Iraq vice-president's sister shot dead
Thursday 27 April 2006 6:00 AM GMT
(click for full article)

The sister of Tareq al-Hashemi, Iraq's vice-president, has been shot dead in a southern Baghdad neighbourhood.

An interior ministry official said Mayssun al-Hashemi was travelling in her car in the al-Ilam neighbourhood when "gunmen ambushed her car and sprayed it with bullets, killing her and her driver".

The television station of al-Hashemi's Iraqi Islamic Party interrupted its programming to show picture's of her bulletriddled and blood-stained mini-bus.

The vehicle had been blocked by a car and gunmen then swarmed the mini-bus and fired 32 shots at al-Hashemi's sister and her driver, said a station announcer.

An Iraqi Islamic party official said no one in the neighbourhood came forward to provide medical care to the victims out of fear.

Earlier this month, al-Hashemi's brother, Mahmud, was shot dead in Baghdad.

Also on Thursday, four soldiers - three Italians and one Romanian - were killed when a bomb hit their convoy in the southern city of Nasiriya.

Happy 35th

It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small.
Neil Armstrong

To the promise of exploration
Happy 35th anniversary of Landing on the Moon.

Is This Appropriate? Or Is Bibi Just Looking for Some Face Time?

From The Times On-Line
British anger at terror celebration
By Ned Parker and Stephen Farrell
The commemoration of Israeli bombings that killed 92 people has caused offence

AS ISRAEL wages war against Hezbollah “terrorists” in Lebanon, Britain has protested about the celebration by right-wing Israelis of a Jewish “act of terrorism” against British rule 60 years ago this week.

The rightwingers, including Binyamin Netanyahu, the former Prime Minister, are commemorating the bombing of the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, the headquarters of British rule, that killed 92 people and helped to drive the British from Palestine.

They have erected a plaque outside the restored building, and are holding a two-day seminar with speeches and a tour of the hotel by one of the Jewish resistance fighters involved in the attack.

Simon McDonald, the British Ambassador in Tel Aviv, and John Jenkins, the Consul-General in Jerusalem, have written to the municipality, stating: “We do not think that it is right for an act of terrorism, which led to the loss of many lives, to be commemorated.”

An Interesting Theory.

NTodd over at Eschaton proposed an interesting hypothesis. Is the 70's/80's singer Devine actually Bill Bennett? I would argue no, simply because Devine had taste.

Shrub, Be Careful What You Wish For.

One wonders how PM al-Maliki's statements may jeopordize our troops in Iraq. Well Shrub you wanted a free and independent Iraq you got it, how does it taste.

From The New York Times

July 20, 2006
International Relations
Iraqi Prime Minister Denounces Israel’s Actions
By EDWARD WONG and MICHAEL SLACKMAN

BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 19 — Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki of Iraq on Wednesday forcefully denounced the Israeli attacks on Lebanon, marking a sharp break with President Bush’s position and highlighting the growing power of a Shiite Muslim identity across the Middle East.

“The Israeli attacks and airstrikes are completely destroying Lebanon’s infrastructure,” Mr. Maliki said at an afternoon news conference inside the fortified Green Zone, which houses the American Embassy and the seat of the Iraqi government. “I condemn these aggressions and call on the Arab League foreign ministers’ meeting in Cairo to take quick action to stop these aggressions. We call on the world to take quick stands to stop the Israeli aggression.”

The American Embassy did not provide an immediate response.

The comments by Mr. Maliki, a Shiite Arab whose party has close ties to Iran, were noticeably stronger than those made by Sunni Arab governments in recent days. Those governments have refused to take an unequivocal stand on Lebanon, reflecting their concern about the growing influence of Iran, which has a Shiite majority and has been accused by Israel of providing weapons to Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militant group.

Reactions To Shrub's Veto

It is truly sad that Shrub has decided to exercise his first veto, and condemn millions to early death and lives filled with suffering. He has chosen 100 unimplanted cells over your grandma with Alzheimer's or Cousin Bob with Parkinson's. The myopic choice to motivate his zombie brigade base has said that existing life is worthless and a frozen Petri dish that WILL be thrown into an orange Hazmat bag and destroyed is the first priority.

His carefully crafted and staged press conference with the "snowflakes" was a disturbing and disgusting obfuscation of the issue at hand. It was also interesting to note how snowy white the whole production was. These folks were will to pay 5K a throw to eventually produce a white baby, rather than adopting an EXISTING child who needed a family. That of course is their choice, but do not tell me that you own the moral high ground because of that choice.

The supposed moral high ground Shrub occupies apparently does not extend outside the womb. He will send your child, parent, friends to die in Iraq, he will allow cities to be washed away, he will allow children to live in inescapable poverty; but a blastocyst NOW that's important. It is morally unjustifiable and political pandering at its most ignorant.

With that being said, the issue of stem cell research is not over. Private corporations and foreign nations that see the therapeutic an financial profits of this research will press on. The sad note in this song, is that for PURELY political purposes, the US government will not help in save lives.

Here are some reactions:

"I served in elected office as a Republican for 26 years," he said. "Is somebody telling me I don't count? My brother doesn't count? What counts is that religious theory that says what takes place in a lab dish takes precedent over my brother?"

Former Sen John Danforth (R-MO), his brother died of Lou Gehrig's Disease.

"The only veto he has been willing to exercise up to this particular point is a veto against the most promising research ever devised to man. I think that's a terrible mistake."

Orrin Hatch (R-UT)

"Today George Bush chose political posturing over human life, denying hope to millions of Americans, their families and loved ones who are affected by debilitating diseases."

Howard Dean, MD DNC Chairman

"The bill we passed would solve this problem by expanding the number of human embryonic stem cell lines eligible for federally funded research. These new lines would be derived from the more than 400,000 surplus embryos stored at fertility clinics that will never be used to create and pregnancy and would otherwise be thrown away. "

Harry Reid, Senate Minority Leader(D-NV)

Quote Of The Day

"It is easier to lead men to combat, stirring up their passion, than to restrain them and direct them toward the patient labors of peace."
Andre Gide (1869-1951)
Novelist, Nobel Prize Winner in Literature (1947)

Awww... That's Sweet.

Could Someone Please Tell Me WTF Is Wrong With This Guy!

TheTennessee Guerilla Women seem to hae an idea.
Rense.com go into Shrub's "bald fetish"
Jesus's General shows the latest "endorsement" for Lieberman.

Quote Of The Day

"Nothing you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer thanks, but what we do for them is never wasted."

Garrison Keillor (1942)
Author, Humorist, Columnist, Musician,
Satirist, and Radio personality.

Coultergeist: I Take No Responsibility For Anything I Do!

From WWD.com
Jacob Bernstein

The cry of the insane.
The Harpy answers an e-mail concerning the envelope containing white powder received by the NYT.

"So glad to hear that The New York Times got my letter and that your friend at the Times thinks I'm funny," she wrote back. "Good luck in journalism and please send me your home address so we can stay in touch, too.

"P.S. If we get hit again, don't forget to ask the NYT if they consider themselves responsible since they have repeatedly exposed classified government programs designed to prevent another terrorist attack." Thankfully, the powder at the Times turned out to be cornstarch. Memo Pad declined to send Coulter its home address.

Gee how's that fraud voting and plagiarism allegations going Ann?

P.S. How is your column doing? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA!

House Rejects Gay Marriage Ban Amendment

ABC News has the details (link)

The bill failed; falling well short of the 2/3 majority needed. The final tally was 236-187 for the amendment. The cynica; side to all this is the group masterbation the House GOP has just performed on its base, we will be seeing this crop up in campaign comercials I am sure; along with flag burning, the pledge, and some other inconsequential bullshit that seems to tie funides knickers into knots.
The President seeking to be a "uniter" was most forthcoming in trying to quell the tensions; yeah right.
My favorite is the dead horse the White House pulled out of the crypt for this one:

"When activist judges insist on redefining the fundamental institution of marriage for their states or potentially for the entire country, the only alternative left to make the people's voice heard is an amendment of the Constitution."

Didn't this meme die about the same time they pulled the plug on Schiavo. Remember those willowy days of right-wing Christards making death threats agianst judges......

Pandagon helps refresh our memories:
AmericaBlog brings us this
Check out this classic from David Sirota

GET OFF MY LAND!

Damn. Just damn.

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
S.C. legislator arrested after shooting
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- A state lawmaker was arrested after his pistol fired as he confronted two utility workers checking for storm damage outside his parents' home.

Rep. Wallace Scarborough, 47, was charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill after he pointed a pistol at utility workers and then fired it Saturday night, according to a police report.

He was released from jail Sunday on a personal recognizance bond, according to jail officials.

Two South Carolina Electric and Gas employees had been checking electric equipment at the home after a series of storms passed through the area, SCE&G spokesman Eric Boomhower said.

Scarborough's lawyer, state Rep. John Graham Altman, said Scarborough asked the utility workers to leave and when they told him they had a right to be there, the Republican lawmaker returned to the house to call police. On the way, the gun accidentally fired and a bullet hit the porch, Altman said.
Full Article

RIIIIIIIIIGHT.
Read Jesus' General for commentary on this. (LINK)

The President Is The President And That Means He Is The President... Oi!

Hmmm... To Bad Its only obstruction and not a blowjob. We would be able to impeach him. Watch as Snarlin' Arlen just crawls into a hole after a brief bout of conscience. Just a side note what the hell did they put in the lady behind Gonzo's Wheaties. Sheesh.

Link To article and video at Think Progress

SPECTER: Now when you had the first line of review, Mr. Attorney General, by OPR, why wasn’t OPR given clearance as so many other lawyers in the Department of Justice were given clearance?

GONZALES: Mr. Chairman, you and I had lunch several weeks ago, and we had a discussion about this. And during this lunch, I did inform you that the terrorist surveillance program is a highly-classified program. It’s a very important program for the national security of this country –

SPECTER: Highly-classified, very important, many other lawyers in the Justice Department had clearance. Why not OPR?

GONZALES: And the President of the United States ultimately makes decisions about who ultimately is given access –

SPECTER: Did the President make the decision not to clear OPR?

GONZALES: As with all decisions that are non-operational in terms of who has access to the program, the President of the United States makes the decision because this is such an important program –

SPECTER: I want to move on to another subject. The President makes the decision and that’s that.

Yep. That's the way to take it to them Arl.... yep atrue paragon of constitutional steadfast... oh screw it.

Kidneys Or Hot Dogs, All The Same To John Stossel

Suckeld on the teat of Ayn Rand or just an amoral opportuist? John Stossel wants to buy your organs....

Media matters provides the transcript from the July 13 edition of Fox News' Your World with Neil Cavuto:

CAVUTO: So you're saying, that if we open this up, so it's a free market in you know -- organs, we'd have a lot of organs?

STOSSEL: Sure, we have a lot of -- we have no shortages of anything else that faces the open market. And right now 17 people die every day waiting for a kidney. I have two; I only need one. Shouldn't somebody be allowed to offer me 10, 20, or 100 thousand dollars? It actually happens all the time -- the dirty little secret.

Whatever this guy is snortin', shootin', or smokin'.... where can I get it? Better yet if the shit makes me want to sell one of my kidney's never mind. Does he even hear and/or conscious of what he is saying? Holy Flying Spagehtti Monster!

[...]

CAVUTO: You don't think that, let's say a couple's fighting, John, right? And there is your wife next to you lying in bed, you're thinking, you know, I hack her up, I'm going to take all the organs on the open market, and it's a field day.

STOSSEL: Well, there are laws against murder.

CAVUTO: Yes, there are.

STOSSEL: But by the logic of your fear, you can outlaw almost anything.

CAVUTO: Yeah.

STOSSEL: Alcohol leads to some terrible things, cars kill people, we shouldn't let people drive. Murder is illegal.

CAVUTO: But how would you -- yeah, OK, good, we got that covered, John doesn't believe in murder. Would there be a limit to this, though, or risk to this? In other words, would you be getting organs that might not be safe, that might, might have a whole lot of problems? Or those who are suffering from AIDS, and you're getting an AIDS contaminated --

STOSSEL: But the market takes care of these things all over the place. We don't get hot dogs --

CAVUTO: You love the markets. It's what you believe from --

STOSSEL: I do.

CAVUTO: You're a libertarian.

No shit, but hell I don't even think this was in the unabridged Fountainhead. What the hell is Stossel's obsession with hot dogs?

STOSSEL: It took me too long, but also, a consumer reporter who was hostile to markets, until I saw, wow, you know, the hot dogs don't spoil when we get to them. You know, there's all these greedy people selling them, the meat could be bad. But the market figures out ways to make these things work.

WTF is he talking about? I have read thaty hot dog comment five times and I have no idea what that EVEN MEANS! Apparently neither does Cavuto.

[...]

STOSSEL: Why is it OK to donate, OK to give --

CAVUTO: Yeah.

STOSSEL: -- all kinds of motives in giving -- but as soon as money's involved, it's evil?

CAVUTO: Yeah.

STOSSEL: I mean, the transplant surgeons are making money, the banks that ship the stuff around, the doctors are making money, but only the donor can't?

CAVUTO: All right, well, John, would you give me a kidney if I needed one?

STOSSEL: I would consider --

CAVUTO: For a high price. [laughing]

STOSSEL: I don't know, we'll have to talk later.

The really sad part with the above is, I am not sure if Stossel is kidding....

CAVUTO: John Stossel, thank you very much. You can catch him on ABC, his book is in the bookstores now. It's at airports, you see him with the shovel. It's ridiculous -- this guy's everywhere.

STOSSEL: You gonna say the title?

CAVUTO: No, I'm not, because we've been showing it five times, for God's sake.

I am not a Cavuto fan but damn that's funny!

File This Under IOKIYAR

A recent DCCC internet add showing flag draped coffins, led to a GOP fusillade of self-righteous, bullshit indignation. In a classic case of IOKIYAR (It's Ok if you are a Republican), it is apparently OK for Shrub and his minions to whore the corpses of 9/11 victims for their political ends but when the other side reminds the American public of the growing cost of the war; well that's just shrill.

The American Prospect's The Horses Mouth Column reprinted this little exchange between House Majority Leader John Boehner (R, OH-8) and reporters. It originally appeared in The Cincinnati Enquirer (7/17/06).

"To use those images to rally Democrats and to raise money is, I think, appalling," said Boehner.

But the outrage from Republicans comes after Democrats complained in 2004 about a campaign ad from President Bush that showed firefighters carrying a flag-draped coffin from the ruins of the World Trade Center.

Questioned by reporters on what the difference was, Boehner seemed tongue-tied. "These were American citizens killed by terrorists. That is a very different policy issue than American soldiers dying on the battlefield protecting the rights and freedoms of American people."

"How so?" a reporter asked.

"How so? You want me to describe the difference between men and women of the military out there defending the American people, and victims - victims - of terrorist activities?" Boehner asked.

"They were both killed by opponents, right? Terrorists or Islamic insurgents?" a reporter pressed.

An exasperated Boehner said: "The World Trade Center victims were victims of a terrorist act here on our shore and I think all Americans were appalled that this did in fact happen. But I think the differences, in terms of the images, are as clear as night and day."

Really John?

Quote Of The Day

"What then is time? If no one asks me, I know what it is. If I wish to explain it to him who asks, I do not know."
Saint Augustine of Hippo
(354 C.E.- 430 C.E.)

Fox News Team Shot At.

This is some great footage but the high comedy back at the Fox studios is priceless. Click Here for Y0u Tube Video. Below is a transcript of the waltzing machismo in the Fox studio, times are approximate.

5:09 Sputtering Young Guy: They were shooting at the press too.He's wearing a flak jacket that say press right on it

5:12 mr. Tough Guy: yeah but, if your someone a long ways away and you see someone and you don't know who it is sometimes you just start shooting.

5:18 Sputtering Young Guy: Really?

5:19 Ms. Try and Save The Situation: In the meantime lets take you to Germany....

This is a classic:

8:13 Sputtering Young Guy: I don't understand, it says press its the color that's international

8:17 Mr. Tough Guy: Bad GUYS shoot at anything

8:18 Sputtering Young Guy: But they were Israelis...

8:20 Ms. Try and Save The Situation: EHHHH! Its also if he's correct... but then again we don't know who was shooting at him... The other guys there are trying to protect themselves.

8:30 Mr. Tough Guy: Completely Shifting gears, are you a rotten speller?

Jesbus, that wasn't a segue that was a highway!

Colbert Tongues Jomentum!

You Tube has Video of Colbert's The Word. Great Stuff! (Click)

Support Ned Lamont here $$$$$$

Quote Of The Day

"War would end if the dead could return."

Stanley Baldwin (1867-1947)
1st Earl Baldwin of Bewdley, KG, PC
Prime Minister(UK)
1923-1924, 1924-1929, 1935-1937

LINKS
Wikipedia Entry
BBC Profile
British Library Online (Audio)

The Bush Boom.

Current Change % Change
DJIA 10,858.22 154.96 1.41%

Oil Prices:
Light Sweet Crude (US) $ 75.89 usd/barrel
Brent Crude (UK) $ 68.61 usd/barrel (37.22 GBP)

Both Are All-Time Highs.

The Wilson's Ring The Bell For Round 2!

Daily Kos has the details, but its time for the White House infestation to lawyer up again! Looks like they will be a little distracted for the November hootnany!

I Guess This Answers Our Questions

Of how Jenna and Not Jenna turned out so well.....

NH Judge Allows Discovery In Phone Jamming Case

From the Senate Majority Project

BREAKING: NH Judge Allows Discovery in Phone Jamming Case; Denies GOP Motion to Delay Trial
Submitted by Mike Gehrke on July 13, 2006 - 10:41am.

This morning, Hillsborough Superior Court Judge Philip Mangones granted the New Hampshire Democratic Party's motion to take sworn depositions and discovery from the White House and top DC Republican operatives in the civil suit arising from the 2002 phone jamming scandal.

Those named in the motion include former Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie, former White House political director (and current RNC Chairman) Ken Mehlman, and Terry Nelson, a top strategist in the political operation of Sen. John McCain.

Judge Phillip Mangones also denied the Republicans motion to postpone the trial for the civil suit. The trial is currently scheduled to commence on November 27, 2006. The Republicans had asked the court to continue the trial until a later date.

In the coming weeks, the NHDP will serve subpoenas on:

* White House Records Custodian
o Go here to see just why the White House made the list. This request will include phone records of the WH political office, at the time headed by Ken Mehlman.
* U.S. Chamber of Commerce Records Custodian
* Alicia Davis: former Associate Director, White House Office of Political Affairs
* Ed Gillespie: former Republican National Committee Chairman
* Terry Nelson: top strategist for Senator John McCain; former Executive Director, Political Operations for the RNC in November 2002
* Chris Lacivita: former National Political Director for the NRSC
* Darrell Henry: former lobbyist for the American Gas Association (See why Henry made the list here)
* Chris Cupit: former Vice President, GOP Marketplace

(For more on why these individuals made the list, go here, or read the NHDP motion here.)

Present in the courtroom were attorneys for the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and the New Hampshire Republican State Committee.

Andrew Levchuk, the Department of Justice trial attorney who prosecuted the criminal case against James Tobin, was also in attendance. Levchuk's attendance shows a heightened interest of the DOJ in the phone jamming civil suit.

To read the Senate Majority Project Press Release on today's developments, go here.

To read the Motion to Appoint Commissioner for Out-of-state Depositions, go here.

Check out the Senate Majority Project Phone Jamming Library for documents, links to recent coverage, and more.

L. Brent Bozell III, Bigoted Jackass.

Media Matters has transcript here, and if you can stand looking at this smarmy bastard you can read the original here.

This month, The New York Times has taken another dramatic corporate step toward taking sides in America's culture clash. The newspaper is a "global sponsor" of the seventh "Gay Games" taking place in Chicago from July 15 to 22.

Yes, you read that correctly. The Gay Games.

Who would sponsor this stupidity? The New York Times is not alone; it is joined by other "objective" news outlets. The Chicago Sun-Times and WMAQ-TV, the local NBC-owned and operated affiliate, are also "global sponsors." They share the Gay Games goals, to "foster and augment the self-respect of lesbians and gay men throughout the world and to engender respect and understanding from the nongay world."

Got that, nongayers? Whatever happened to "objective" media outlets at least pretending to avoid taking sides? This is the essence of political correctness: it is better to violate openly your commitment to journalism standards than assist the "bigots" by attempting to appear fair and neutral

FAIR AND NEUTRAL BIGOTS UNITE!

Oh please, what a bunch of self absorbed bullshit. Really Bozz you gotta find a legitimate issue to write about. Damn, are things that slow at the intersection of Self Righteous Prick Lake and Hate Hill that you have to slum it by picking on the Gay Games of all things.

Ladies and gentleman take a good look! This is one of the remnants of the once proud(?) right-wing, Goldwater kissing, Ayn Rand teat suckling, corp-religion brigade. (Stop me before I sub-reference again,BABY!) This is the best they got and what they got is less than zero.

GET IT NOW BEFORE ITS SOLD OUT!!!

That's right folks!
Watch, an otherwise civilized country, act with all the diplomatic control of a four year old speeded out on Jolt Cola with a Bawls chaser!

Watch as The IDF continues to provoke a Arab response, before their Neo-Con Allies in America are turned out on their ear in November!

Order now and you get a second video:
The Coalition Duz Fallujah!
for the same low price of $2 Trillion and your immortal soul!