Winning Hearts and Minds

This is what we're paying for. To the tune of $1 billion a week.

The defense also presented testimony from Sgt. Kenneth Davis, who spoke of Specialist Graner as a "faithful" soldier who helped hand out Bibles to Iraqis.

There you go -- grab a Muslim and shove the Bible up his ass, then torture him. That'll work. HUAH!

- Michael 1:29 AM - [PermaLink] -

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Sorry for the light posting this week. Maybe next week will be better.

Nothing from me until Tuesday, though I'm sure we'll hear from Michael.

In the meantime, in honor of the weekend, here's some needed words.

Excerpts from: I Have A Dream by Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal." I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today.
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This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring." And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania! Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado! Let freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California! But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia! Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee! Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

Also, please read the excellent LA Times editorial: Shame on Us

- rob 6:08 PM - [PermaLink] -

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Great post on Daily Kos :: FBI Still Stuck in the Tron Age

Three years after the attacks of September 11th, I was pretty disturbed to read this story in today's NYT:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is on the verge of scrapping a $170 million computer overhaul that is considered critical to the campaign against terrorism but has been riddled with technical and planning problems, F.B.I. officials said on Thursday.
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The development is a major setback for the F.B.I. in a decade-long struggle to escape a paper-driven culture and replace antiquated computer systems that have hobbled counterterrorism and criminal investigations. Robert S. Mueller III, the bureau's director, along with members of the Sept. 11 commission and other national security experts, have said the success of that effort is critical to domestic security. (Emphasis added.)

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More recent problems include refusing to hire chubby security expert geeks because they can't pass the Bureau's fitness requirements (as if these guys are going to be out in the field); ancient desktop computers and networks so slow that faxes were preferred to e-mails; and, generally, a culture that was hostile to IT:

Former FBI director Louis Freeh "was not interested in technology" during his eight years at the helm, said Ronald Kessler, author of two books on the bureau. "The first thing he did when he became director was order his computer on his desk be taken out. He did not use e-mail."

- rob 6:04 PM - [PermaLink] -

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US deserters flee to Canada to avoid service in Iraq

An estimated 5,500 men and women have deserted since the invasion of Iraq, reflecting Washington's growing problems with troop morale.

Being in a war for bogus reasons, and having a commander in chief who seems to be channeling a weird Christian version of Caligula a bit (without the sex) is probably also bad for morale.

Best wishes to all of these young men and women... whether in Canada or sticking it out and fighting for our country in Iraq. It is sad our country didn't meet its obligation of making sure they were fighting for a real reason.

- rob 5:59 PM - [PermaLink] -

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Imperial George

Anti-abortion protesters have been warned to leave their crosses at home. Parade performers will have security escorts to the bathroom, and they've been ordered not to look directly at President Bush or make any sudden movements while passing the reviewing stand.

From: The News-Herald - Y o u ' r e i n v i t e d ?

So leave you crosses at home, and don't look directly at Bush or your soul will burn.

It is okay to genuflect while bowing before him of course.

- rob 5:22 PM - [PermaLink] -

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Now that it is really really official that there were no WMDs, here's an excellent post that takes a little trip down memory lane.

For The Record, Here's What They Said.

It is a really long list, but here are some nice excerpts:

Simply stated, there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction.
Dick Cheney, Vice President
Speech to VFW National Convention
8/26/2002

There is already a mountain of evidence that Saddam Hussein is gathering weapons for the purpose of using them. And adding additional information is like adding a foot to Mount Everest.
Ari Fleischer, Press Secretary
Response to Question From Press
9/6/2002


Iraq has stockpiled biological and chemical weapons, and is rebuilding the facilities used to make more of those weapons. We have sources that tell us that Saddam Hussein recently authorized Iraqi field commanders to use chemical weapons -- the very weapons the dictator tells us he does not have
George W. Bush, President
Radio Address
10/5/2002


If he declares he has none, then we will know that Saddam Hussein is once again misleading the world.
Ari Fleischer, Press Secretary
Press Briefing
12/2/2002


I think the burden is on those people who think he didn't have weapons of mass destruction to tell the world where they are.
Ari Fleischer, Press Secretary
Press Briefing
7/9/2003

- rob 3:16 PM - [PermaLink] -

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President Bush - Fixing Social Security Will Make African Americans Live Longer

President Participates in Conversation on Social Security Reform

THE PRESIDENT: ...Secondly, the interesting -- there's a -- African American males die sooner than other males do, which means the system is inherently unfair to a certain group of people. And that needs to be fixed.

While Bush is pointing out a real problem, the life spans of African American males, he doesn't seem to get that their is significance to the problem beyond social security benefits. The problem needs to be fixed and can be fixed. There are reasons. Access to health care, crime rates in poor urban areas, etc. Bush doesn't real care to help people live longer. He cares about getting bigger fees paid out to wall street traders. But if he wants to continue with life span discrepancies....







(yes, I had a lot more of these. I certainly think Bush could "fix" social security because tall people have shorter life spans... etc. etc. etc.)

Here's a good post on Eschaton (Atrios) that points out some blatant lies in Bush's "Social Security is in Ruins" PR tour.

- rob 2:39 PM - [PermaLink] -

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President outlines role of his faith

President Bush said yesterday that he doesn't "see how you can be president without a relationship with the Lord," but that he is always mindful to protect the right of others to worship or not worship.

- rob 2:23 PM - [PermaLink] -

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Oh you know I'm there: Cruise with Dr. Jerry Falwell July 28-Aug. 9, 2004

Maybe he can put some suntan lotion on my back!

Thanks to a Phunkster for the link.

- rob 1:56 PM - [PermaLink] -

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Bush Accused of Influencing Canada on Drug Exports
Mail-Order Industry Says U.S. Is Behind Health Ministry's Plans to Curb Inexpensive Shipments to Americans

TORONTO, Jan. 6 -- The Canadian health minister plans to restrict the supply of inexpensive prescription drugs shipped to about 2 million patients in the United States each year, and industry officials here are saying President Bush is behind the move.

Bush "is getting Canada to do the dirty work" of shutting down a cheap supply of foreign-made drugs that are popular with American consumers but unpopular with U.S. drug companies, charged David MacKay, executive director of an association of Canadian mail-order pharmacies.

A White House spokesman, Trent Duffy, said Bush "did not make any suggestions on what Canada should do" about the mail-order drug industry. But Duffy said by telephone from Washington that the issue was discussed at a Nov. 30 meeting in Ottawa between Bush and Prime Minister Paul Martin. Canadian officials confirmed this account.

- rob 1:37 PM - [PermaLink] -

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Typical Bush... Jeb this time.

Ironic Hire: Accused Of Plagiarism, Sex Harrassment

TALLAHASSEE (AP) Days after Gov. Jeb Bush fired a top official over sexual harassment allegations, his office confirmed it hired a former newspaper editorial writer who resigned following allegations of plagiarism and sexual harassment.

- rob 1:28 PM - [PermaLink] -

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Good to know! Pass me some Rocket Fuel... with a bit of lime

Some Levels of Rocket Fuel Pollution Safe -Report

WASHINGTON - Some levels of rocket fuel pollution are safe, but not as much as industry had argued, a National Academy of Sciences committee said on Monday.
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The pollutant from rocket fuel, a chemical called perchlorate, can affect thyroid function. There are no federal limits on how much is safe but independent groups have said the chemical could, in theory, affect developing babies.
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Its report says people could drink up to up to 0.0007 milligrams per kilogram of body weight without harm -- about 20 times more than the 'reference dose' proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

- rob 1:11 PM - [PermaLink] -

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An American Style Democracy?

Allawi group slips cash to reporters

After a meeting held by Mr Allawi's campaign alliance in west Baghdad, reporters, most of whom were from the Arabic-language press, were invited upstairs where each was offered a "gift" of a $100 bill contained in an envelope.

- rob 1:07 PM - [PermaLink] -

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It was Monday earlier this week: The Top Ten Conservative Idiots, No. 181

3. John Cosgrove
If Virginia Delegate John Cosgrove has his way, failing to report a miscarriage to the police within 12 hours could land you a fine of $2,500 or up to twelve months in jail. Don't believe me? Think it couldn't happen here? Think again. Cosgrove's bill says, "When a fetal death occurs without medical attendance, it shall be the woman's responsibility to report the death to the law-enforcement agency in the jurisdiction of which the delivery occurs within 12 hours after the delivery. A violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor." That's right, folks - after four years of George W. Bush, it's okay for the US attorney general to approve of torture, the government can secretly pay journalists to spread propaganda with your tax dollars, and it's a crime to not report a miscarriage to the local police department. But, uh, at least we're safe from terrorists or something.

As it is estimated that up to 50% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, most of which aren't even recognized as miscarriages, this could be a great way to fill up the jails (because the "drug war" hasn't been doing that well when it comes to locking up women?). Seriously, that period that seemed to be a little late and a little heavy... does that get reported to the police? Should John Cosgrove report to the police every single sperm that does not lead to pregnancy?

4. Congressional Republicans
Many of our elected Democrats did last week what they should have done four years ago - stood up and challenged the results of the presidential election. Thanks to Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones and Sen. Barbara Boxer, House and Senate Democrats got a chance to shed public light on the multitude of voting irregularities which occurred during the 2004 election. Let it be noted that the purpose of last week's exercise was not to overturn the results of the election, which would have been impossible, but to highlight the Democratic party's commitment to fair and accurate elections - something the Republican party couldn't care less about. And while the Democrats talked about voting problems, the Republicans spewed partisan rancor, tried to score political points, and ended up looking like a bunch of lunatics who were operating in an alternate reality. "This objection does not have at its root the hope or even the hint of overturning or challenging the victory of the president," said Stephanie Tubbs Jones, "But it is a necessary, timely and appropriate opportunity to review and remedy the most precious process in our democracy." House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's response? "Rather than substantive debate, Democrat leaders are still adhering to a failed strategy of spite, obstruction, and conspiracy theories. They accuse the President, who we are told is apparently a closet computer nerd, of personally overseeing the development of vote-stealing software." Uh, what? When the hell did anybody say that? Oh well - sorry America, no fair and accurate elections for you any time soon. Want to make sure everyone's vote are counted? You spiteful obstructive bastards!

- rob 10:56 AM - [PermaLink] -

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Note to Shitheads

Anyone who writes "HAHAHAHAHAHA" about killing tens of thousands of people for whatever fucking reason ought to be taken off the street and confined by medical personnel. Were you hatched from the egg of a reptile? What the fuck? Read the Comments section. You people are out of your fucking mind.

- Michael 1:22 AM - [PermaLink] -

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Because Keeping America Shouldn't Require Working Past 5:00

The CIA as Bush envisioned it.

C.I.A. Chief Names Deputy and Ends Meetings

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 - In the latest changes at the Central Intelligence Agency, Porter J. Goss, the new chief, has named a new deputy director for intelligence and has abolished a daily 5 p.m. meeting that had been used since the Sept. 11 attacks to coordinate counterterrorism operations around the world, intelligence officials said on Tuesday.
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The move appears to reflect what Mr. Goss has publicly said was his concern that the C.I.A. under Mr. Tenet may have devoted too much time and resources to terrorism at the expense of other issues. A report issued last spring by the House Intelligence Committee, at a time when Mr. Goss was the panel's chairman, cautioned that "the Central Intelligence Agency must continue to be much more than just the 'Central Counterterrorism Agency' if America is to be truly secure, prosperous and free."

This damn war on terror was really interfering with the CIA's drug sales.

The war on terror was just a campaign strategy... and now they feel free to admit it. Is anyone angry at this?

- rob 10:22 PM - [PermaLink] -

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The Strength of Their Ideas

If no one is going to say nice's things... write a check

White House paid commentator to promote law

Seeking to build support among black families for its education reform law, the Bush administration paid a prominent black pundit $240,000 to promote the law on his nationally syndicated television show and to urge other black journalists to do the same.

The campaign, part of an effort to promote No Child Left Behind (NCLB), required commentator Armstrong Williams "to regularly comment on NCLB during the course of his broadcasts," and to interview Education Secretary Rod Paige for TV and radio spots that aired during the show in 2004.

Williams said Thursday he understands that critics could find the arrangement unethical, but "I wanted to do it because it's something I believe in."

"And I always need to be paid to support something I believe in... just ask my wife," he continued.

The contract, detailed in documents obtained by USA TODAY through a Freedom of Information Act request, also shows that the Education Department, through the Ketchum public relations firm, arranged with Williams to use contacts with America's Black Forum, a group of black broadcast journalists, "to encourage the producers to periodically address" NCLB.
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The contract may be illegal "because Congress has prohibited propaganda," or any sort of lobbying for programs funded by the government, said Melanie Sloan of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. "And it's propaganda."

- rob 10:18 PM - [PermaLink] -

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Krugman: Worse Than Fiction

In my bad novel, a famous moralist who demanded national outrage over an affair and writes best-selling books about virtue will turn out to be hiding an expensive gambling habit. A talk radio host who advocates harsh penalties for drug violators will turn out to be hiding his own drug addiction.

In my bad novel, crusaders for moral values will be driven by strange obsessions. One senator's diatribe against gay marriage will link it to "man on dog" sex. Another will rant about the dangers of lesbians in high school bathrooms.
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In my bad novel, apologists for the administration will charge foreign policy critics with anti-Semitism. But they will be silent when a prominent conservative declares that "Hollywood is controlled by secular Jews who hate Christianity in general and Catholicism in particular."

In my bad novel the administration will use the slogan "support the troops" to suppress criticism of its war policy. But it will ignore repeated complaints that the troops lack armor.

The secretary of defense - another "good man," according to the president - won't even bother signing letters to the families of soldiers killed in action.

Last but not least, in my bad novel the president, who portrays himself as the defender of good against evil, will preside over the widespread use of torture.

Read.

- rob 10:12 PM - [PermaLink] -

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