Slight Reprise...

301
Robert Schwartz said:

"Not opinion Tim. Policy. Big difference. And when cherry picky involves not using information you have in your possesion, that undermines your pre-determined policy, that is lying. And it is lying to a deadly purpose."

Robert, that's how intelligence works! You weigh it. The evidence that stated Saddam had WMDs was greater than the evidence that said he didn't have WMDs.

Posted by: Tim L at August 30, 2005 03:51 PM

I wanted to examine this exchange a little more fully than I did yesterday. Yesterday, if you will recall, I just quoted Tim L. back to himself ending with, "Robert, that's how intelligence works!" and left off the part about weighing info because it was contridictory to the part about fixing the intelligence to fit the policy, as opposed to the other way around.

But I do think it useful to provide a comment on this administration's actual weighing of scientific evidence.

Can anyone say "intelligent design"?

How about "global warming"?

'Nuff said.

repost:

The Bush budget for Iraq seriously impared the plans the US Army Corps of Engineers had for shoring up the levee system well in advance of this storm.

KEEPING ITS HEAD ABOVE WATER
New Orleans faces doomsday scenario
By ERIC BERGER
Copyright 2001 Houston Chronicle Science Writer

Identifies the problem was well understood and preparations were under way to address it.

In fiscal year 2006, the New Orleans district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is bracing for a record $71.2 million reduction in federal funding.

It would be the largest single-year funding loss ever for the New Orleans district, Corps officials said.

Are from New Orleans CityBusiness, Jun 6, 2005 by Deon Roberts and they highlight the approach of the Bush Administration to identified problems facing this country at home, which are outside the perview of the War on Terror.

The fiscal 2006 reduction was just the latest in a series of reductions that had been going on since Bush took office.

Democrats Demand Probe of Demotion
A Corps of Engineers official had called Halliburton's no-bid contract 'blatant and improper' during congressional testimony.
By T. Christian Miller, Times Staff Writer

More Rethuglican response to weighing of evidence....

N.Y. Judge Hesitant on Abu Ghraib Photos
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: August 30, 2005

NEW YORK (AP) -- A judge said Tuesday he was hesitant to release pictures and videotapes of detainee abuse at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison while top government officials insisted that deaths could result.

U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein commented as he listened to Manhattan's top government lawyer and an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, which was seeking release of the pictures.

The judge questioned whether he could disregard arguments by Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who has warned that releasing the photos would aid al-Qaida recruitment, weaken the Afghan and Iraqi governments and incite riots against U.S. troops.

''How can I ignore the expert opinion of General Myers, who is concerned with the safety of his troops?'' the judge asked. ''I can't substitute my opinion for the opinion of General Myers.''[...]

[...]ACLU lawyer Amrit Singh argued that release of the pictures was necessary for the public to assess the scope of the abuse and whether it could have been carried out without the knowledge of military leaders.

The judge did not say when he would rule, but he has indicated that a speedy decision is important so the public's right to know is not compromised.

***********

Any bets on whether the U.S. public will be able to weigh this evidence for itself?

Visiting Eglin AFB several years ago, I saw over 100 very large helicopters. With 24 hour surveillance of the levees of Lake Pontchartrain, could 100 large helicopters have dropped enough rock to have stopped the leaks?

Thank you for making the same connection I did in regards to the hurricane damage and how mississippi and louisiana should have to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps.

...from June, 2004, another example of the busheviks' failures:

"It appears that the money has been moved in the president's budget to handle homeland security and the war in Iraq, and I suppose that's the price we pay. Nobody locally is happy that the levees can't be finished, and we are doing everything we can to make the case that this is a security issue for us."

-- Walter Maestri, emergency management chief for Jefferson Parish, Louisiana; New Orleans Times-Picayune, June 8, 2004.

Global warming? Could Katrina be called Global Warning? The forces in motion are too immense and too strong for us to have any measurable effect in time. We are already screwed by this, the melting of the methane hydrate in the siberian tundra is putting huge amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and there isn't going back, this is just the beginning of the worst weather you will ever see, if you survive it. Rebuilding New Orleans isn't going to happen we don't have the money, and this is what the repugs wanted by shrinking the government until you can drown it in a bathtub, or maybe in the big easy. Nope looking at the trends shrub will escape punishment because we are all going to be thinking about our own butts soon, not just climate, but geological disasters are coming and rapidly, but if you happen to get a crack at one of those neo cons take a swing while you got it. It might not do any good but self satisfaction would be tremendous. Hey, if Pat Robertson gets away with it, why not?

Tony Benn: Bush is the real threat
Wednesday August 31, 2005

Will Bunch is a senior writer at the Philadelphia Daily News.

"Did New Orleans Catastrophe Have to Happen?

Bunch wrote: "After 2003, the flow of federal dollars toward SELA [Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Control Project] dropped to a trickle. The Army Corps of Engineers never tried to hide the fact that the spending pressures of the war in Iraq, as well as homeland security -- coming at the same time as federal tax cuts -- was the reason for the strain. At least nine articles in the Times-Picayune from 2004 and 2005 specifically cite the cost of Iraq as a reason for the lack of hurricane- and flood-control dollars."

Yeah, and 9/12/01 wasn't the time to investigate the largest mass murder to occur in this country, either, but if we'd started looking for and demanding the TRUTH, then, we'd not have so many pesky questions lingering about today.

By all means, volunteer, contribute, donate and pray. But don't give the bastards responsible the time to shred the papers, ship off and melt down the steel girders or "cirlcle their wagons" before holding their feet to the fire.

It is what we and ALL patriots should do.

-T

Kudos, micki!

Now, insurance companies are starting to make noises that they may not pay for flood damage in New Orleans because they say the damage was NOT caused by a natural disaster, i.e. the hurricane, but was caused by the failure of the levees.

Where have all the soldiers gone?

* More than 210,000 of the National Guard’s 330,000 soldiers have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

* Guard mobilizations average 460 days.

* Nearly a third of active-duty troops, 341,000 men and women, have served two or more overseas tours.

More evidence of the busheviks' continuing failures...

According to current estimates, the cost of the Iraq War could exceed $700 billion. In current dollars, the Vietnam War cost U.S. citizens/taxpayers $600 billion.

Staying in Iraq and Afghanistan at current levels would nearly double the projected federal budget deficit over the next decade.

Per person in the United States, the cost of the Iraqi war so far is $727, making the Iraq War the most expensive military effort in the last 60 years.

(PS - thnx Robert S.)

Here's an unusual source for me to be quoting:

We do not know what outcome we will face in Iraq. We do know that four years after 9/11, our whole foreign policy seems destined to rise or fall on the outcome of a war only marginally related to the source of what befell us on that day. There was nothing inevitable about this. There is everything to be regretted about it.

Francis Fukuyama

Caution: Scary Times Ahead....

Teaching of Creationism Is Endorsed in New Survey
By LAURIE GOODSTEIN
Published: August 31, 2005

God help us!

A FOOTBALL FIELD of Wetlands Buffer dissapears every HALF HOUR

Since the 1930s, the state has lost more than a million acres of the wetlands that make up the lion's share of its coast, the equivalent of a football field of marsh or swamp every half hour. Recent computer analyses predict that nearly 640,000 additional acres--an area the sSome two million people also call coastal Louisiana home.

Take away the wetlands, and this unique, culturally diverse mix of Americans loses its primary means of support and its only buffer against the devastating hurricanes and other storms that routinely pummel the region. (Every four miles of wetlands can absorb enough water to knock down the height of a storm surge by one foot.) In the words of Mark Davis, executive director of the Baton Rouge-based Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, "To us, it's not just a question of whether wetlands survive. It's a question of whether we as a community and a culture survive."ize of Rhode Island--will disappear by 2050.
______________

Once again, just too conservative
By Erwin Chemerinsky, Duke Law School.

AFTER SPENDING the last month reading countless briefs and memos written by John G. Roberts Jr., it is clear that he would very likely change the law dramatically in key areas such as privacy rights, separation of church and state and racial justice. Democrats need to oppose Roberts for the same reasons they fought against Clement F. Haynsworth Jr. in 1969, Harold Carswell in 1970, Robert Bork in 1987 and Clarence Thomas in 1991. [...]

I called my local red cross and donated. If you try to get through on the website or national number it is busy. Local will let you designate.
As for Micki's comments. I agree. One thing though that is being left out is the economic devastation to these areas. There is damage to infrastructure. For many people there will be no homes to go home to and no jobs to go back to work to. How many businesses have been damaged or destroyed by this storm? How many months will go by before people will be back to some semblance of normal? For some they never will. They should ask the people of Fargo for advice. The floods there were about as damaging to a city as anything I’∂e ever seen.

Once again, just too conservative
By Erwin Chemerinsky, Duke Law School.

AFTER SPENDING the last month reading countless briefs and memos written by John G. Roberts Jr., it is clear that he would very likely change the law dramatically in key areas such as privacy rights, separation of church and state and racial justice. Democrats need to oppose Roberts for the same reasons they fought against Clement F. Haynsworth Jr. in 1969, Harold Carswell in 1970, Robert Bork in 1987 and Clarence Thomas in 1991. [...]

Oooops, got an error page and ended up posting twice, sorry.

Fortunately for us all, a boffo display of high comedy is being provided by our new ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Charm John Bolton. Many of us had high hopes for Bolton from the beginning, since what could be more rife with antic possibilities than appointing a tactless, rude, mean, angry, clumsy s.o.b. who ticks off everyone he deals with to be ambassador? Even better, make this mannerless churl ambassador to a world body that runs on endless delicatesse and ever-so-solicitous concern for the cultural sensitivities of absolutely everybody.

Molly Ivins

I get really tired of hearing the old spreading democracy line when said by right wing republicans. The right wing people I know had a different opinion before the war. You wouldn't believe how many times I heard people say "Just bomb them." Now we have a "noble cause". Now we're spreading democracy to a nation we were willing to just bomb before. It seems rather disingenuous. To me it has a flavor of…®elping protect Bush’≥ backside. I don’¥ think he’≥ the person who needs the protecting. It’≥ the people of Iraq and the military men and women. Now, is this helping to find a solution? No, but it’≥ a little hard to look for one when the clowns in power don’¥ listen.

A critical factor in the extent of insurance company liability will be how many home owners and businesses in New Orleans had separate flood protection.

If the damage to homes and businesses is assessed as coming from flooding caused by the failure of levees after Katrina passed -- as opposed to direct hurricane-related storm damage -- then many policy-holders may not be covered.

Most household insurance provides cover only against storm damage. Cover for flooding must be paid for separately.

Robert,
We have seed art at the Minnesota State Fair. One of the winners was a portrait of Bolton. It was called, if I remember correctly, Master of Distruction.

Insurance advisor,
I know you can't give me a real answer, but from your experience, how much of say the French Quarter will be damaged beyond repair by the flooding? This is just a hypothetical.

Way to go Minnesota!

Reports of gas stations begining to close in my area... Major pipeline from N.O. refinery to a distribution are is down. $2.36 gal Sunday. $2.74 this morning. $2.99+ now.

-T

I saw Bush telling the press that we would have to wait and assess the damage. Did he mean the damage done by the hurricane, or the damage done by his administration.

Bush's answer for relief from the coastal disaster from El Mirage, Arizona - we must pray.

Homeland security is all about political results in the heartland, but has little to do with coastal security.

Haley Barbour must be in 7th heaven. He is a muckracker and bottom feeder from way back. Look at the ranking of Mississippi schools and you can garner how he got elected.

The gap between the rich and poor just widened.

The gap between reality spending and feeding the corporate lobbyists just became more apparant.

20 trillion dollars misappropriated by the Bush administration and nothing to float N'Orleans. 2 trillion in defense spending increases, countered by slashes in Army Corp of Engineers.

Leave Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi to their own resources to clean-up? I don't agree, not when gas prices spike $.50 overnight for our unpreparedeness.

More fallout from the Bush energy bill. No resources allotted for the improvement and distribution or refinement of oil from the gulf, just rhetoric against Venezuela.

Since the energy bill went through congress, gas prices have risen $1.00. Don't blame Bush and CHeney alone, your Congressman and Senators voted for it too.

This may be the episode that Saladin has warned us about for so long.

And on the Iraqi Front...

The few soldiers we have lost to this mess are bad enough, but I grieve daily for the hundreds of thousands that have died in Iraq for our leader's sin. Between the Clinton and Bush adminstrations over a million have died.

Capt., I heard Bush speak yesterday and I swear I heard him say that 'If Osama Bin Laden gets hold of Iraq"... Can you find a link to that one, I've been searching for two days.

Jeez Geof01;
Are you advocating we plan ahead in case we need one? That kind of liberal thinking is what has destroyed this great country.

(hey this is kind of fun. Let's try it again.)
This is typical of liberals, complain about the loss of wetlands but when the president dramatically increases the wetland acres without spending taxpayer dollars all you can do is complain.

Robert,
I thought you had that rock at the top of the hill last night.

It's obvious that everyone can put 2 + 2 together and see how the occupation of Iraq has affected our readiness in the face of disaster. Jerry in #5 notes the number of helicopters he saw that might have been available to help stop the levees from leaking. I might add that they could have also helped with the transportation of the stranded. As always, it's going to be poor folks who suffer the most.

Robert, you noted the demotion of the Corps of Engineers whistleblower in #3. The arrogance of this administration never ceases to amaze me. This can't help but remind me of Judy "Queen of Iraq" Miller. This is the type of case where a reporter could be justified in maintaining an anonymous source (that is, if Bunnatine Greenhouse had tipped a reporter off instead of courageously standing up to these assholes). This is a story that should be hammered, but as is often the case, the timing of these scoundrels is impeccable.

The Bush administration rewards incompetence and punishes excellence. It truly has become Bizarro world.

(PS: Robert - I'm glad to see you posting and linking regularly again.)

Hajji #29,

Jim Kunstler predicted gas lines within a week on Monday.

Oh Robert, there's more. I ventured over to the fine arts building to look at the art. It is a very competitive competition and so the art is good. (Not to brag but I'm a mom. My daughter got a piece accepted. Very good for her resume.)
Anyway....there was two photo's that were accepted that were anti Bush. They were so beautiful. One was of 3 women in pink slips. The slips had Bush's name on them. He He He. It was called Code Pink.
The other photo was of a scrabble game. The words spelled things like job losses, and Iraq war - lies, and social security and stuff like that.
I asked a guy working the building about what they'd heard about the photos. He said some didn't like the code pink one. There was no comment on the scrabble photo? Hmmmm, I wonder why?

Gee, John Benson,
You are so funny. You have the bestest posts. They're so funny.
I have never heard a liberal complain about increasing wet lands. I'm sure you can come up with data but from my experience the environment is being destroyed by the right wingers while the liberals are battling to save it. The liberals understand the concept behind having wetlands in place. The right wingers believe in intelligent design.

I have heard for years from the red states, rugged individualism. We don't need the federal government. Well, it's time to say Uncle Sam we don't need any help. Right!!!

If you have masochisitic tendencies you can track daily gas prices trends in your area via AAA: for example, http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/TXmetro.asp

I have a bike with a large carrying pack suitable for small shopping trips. Gotta get the front tire fixed before we hit $4/gallon!

Cheers, folks.

Jeanne;
We're supposed to have a sense of humor too see satire.

The first one works best if you actually say it outloud, the second one should be absurd on the face of it. It's kind of like insisting you really wanted that 20,000 gallon tank of lemonade.

Masochistic, I mean, if that's a word in adjective form. - Mr. Typo.

Geof01

Bush gives new reason for Iraq war

By Jennifer Loven, Associated Press | August 31, 2005

''If Zarqawi and [Osama] bin Laden gain control of Iraq, they would create a new training ground for future terrorist attacks," Bush said. ''They'd seize oil fields to fund their ambitions. They could recruit more terrorists by claiming a historic victory over the United States and our coalition."

*****end of clip*****

And there you go!

capt

Jeanne, you seem to be from Minnesota, the same state that would have voted for its current US Senator had Paul Wellstone lived. Minnesta needs to get its act together.When you vote for a repugnant, you are voting for a Nazi.

micki, welcome back!

capt, the psycho will give endless reasons for attacking Iraq and now a nuclear attack on Iran. All the people who voted for Bush are the psycho's disciples.

I have been watching Democracy Now. Very good coverage of New Orleans disaster. It's hard to describe the tragedy.

Gerald,
I don't hear too many good things about our current senator, Norm. Paul Wellstone died days before the election. I wish everyday Paul Wellstone was still here.

Capt - Quote at #41. Sounds to me like the perfect way to neutralize any hostile party. Turn Iraq over to North Korea, for example, and let them spend all their time and resources trying to keep it from blowing up into civil war! (Pure snark folks).

More seriously, this is a crude and disgusting as Cheney's campaign fear-mongering that we will surely be attacked again if Bush is not re-elected.

NOTE THE DATE ON THIS STORY --

LA National Guard Wants Equipment to Come Back From Iraq
Yunji de Nies

August 1, 2005, 9:07 PM CDT

JACKSON BARRACKS -- When members of the Louisiana National Guard left for Iraq in October, they took a lot equipment with them. Dozens of high water vehicles, humvees, refuelers and generators are now abroad, and in the event of a major natural disaster that, could be a problem.

"The National Guard needs that equipment back home to support the homeland security mission," said Lt. Colonel Pete Schneider with the LA National Guard.

Col. Schneider says the state has enough equipment to get by, and if Louisiana were to get hit by a major hurricane, the neighboring states of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida have all agreed to help.

"As Governor Bush did for Ivan, after they were hit so many times, he just maxed all of his resources out, he reached out to Louisiana and we sent 200 national guardsmen to help support in recovery efforts," Col. Schneider said.

Members of the Houma-based 256th Infantry will be returning in October, but it could be much longer before the rest of their equipment comes home.

"You've got combatant commanders over there who need it they say they need it, they don't want to lose what they have, and we certainly understand that it's a matter it's a matter of us educating that combatant commander, we need it back here as well," Col. Schneider said.

And even if commanders in Iraq release the equipment, getting it home takes months.

"It's just the process of identifying which equipment we're bringing home, bringing it down to Kuwait, loading it on ships or aircraft however we're gonna get it back here and then either railing it in or trucking it in, so we're talking a significant amount of time before that equipment is back home," Schneider said.

Copyright © 2005, WGNO

Hi, Gerald!

Another Sad Day

BUSH IS PRO-WAR AND ANTI-TROOPS. I can see rejoicing in the West Wing of the White House. Bush says that war is a NOBLE CAUSE than why are his daughters at home and not in Iraq?

Casualties in Iraq lists that 2,112 American soldiers have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan for the Bush's evil lies and to keep the opium trade alive so the CIA and the Pentagon can have drugs flowing to pay for American terrorism in the USA and throughout the world. Police dogs, taser guns, and tear gas have been unleashed upon Americans for protesting against Bush's policies. Bush and Cheney plan to stay in power forever. America is under martial law and a complete police state. We are no longer a nation with freedoms and rights.

Bush I was interviewed in December, 1992. "If the American people had ever known the truth about what we Bushes have done to this nation, we would be chased down the streets and lynched."
Barbara Bush was interviewed on Good Morning America on March 18, 2003. "Why should we hear about body bags and deaths? Oh, I mean, it's not relevant. So why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that." MY FELLOW AMERICANS I ASK YOU ARE BODY BAGS AND DEATHS IRRELEVANT?

There should be little doubt in anyone's mind where Bush II receives his sensitivity training toward human life.

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." George W. Bush

"The people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders, tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger." Herman Goering or are these the words of Karl Rove?

America is home to rigged elections, a shattered US Constitution, and damned souls.

Paul Wellstone

Jeanne, this post is for you and the citizens of Minnesota. I love Paul Wellstone and his quote. Hopefully, Minnesota can elect another Paul Wellstone.

The late U.S. Senator said, "Politics is not about power. Politics is not about money. Politics is not about winning for the sake of winning. Politics is about the improvement of people's lives. It's about advancing the cause of peace and justice in our country and in the world. Politics is about doing well for people."

I don't think people should give to the Red Cross. The organization is embroiled in financial scandal and has a two-decade long record of malfeasance on handling blood.

Feed the Children, which Kos is recommending, is also an awful place to send money. The American Institute of Philanthropy says that there are very, very serious concerns about their handling of money.

My recommendations are Catholic Charities and Mercy Corps, about which I haven't heard anything bad. People wrongly think that if you throw enough money in the right direction, things will work out. In fact, the crooked charities divert key resources from humanitarian efforts and subtract from the sum of good.

The "Spinx" station, across the street from the ER just ran out of gas @ $2.99

The Scamming of America

Bush, the psycho, loves to spend money for his bed partners. The psycho never met a defense contract that he did not love.

As we learn that the Administration may have diverted money to reinforce the levee at 17th & Canal in New Orleans, I am beginning to suspect that George Bush's original sin was being born.

But *politically*, George Bush's original sin was the 2000 Election. He took office with serious questions about his legitimacy and-- despite getting his way on everything from the Democrats-- has faced an American public that has more and more questions. Many of us asked questions before the Iraq War, and were shouted down. The Republicans continue to try to shout down those who question.

Reality bites, often in the tenderest places. It looks like the American people are about to be bit in the gas.

John,

I guess I just felt the need to belabor the obvious.

Jeanne,

My favorite Norm Coleman moment was him facing George Galloway.

Well, between the war and Katrina this country seams to be in bad shape.

Admittedly I'm in good shape compared to people living in Louisiana and Mississippi right now, but I was just at the gas station (NC) and they were raising the price from 2.63/gallon to 2.99/gallon citing a gas shortage caused by Katrina. Unfortunately with our National Guard off getting killed they aren't around to help the rebuilding effort, so for now even people not affect directly by the storm could be left without transportation (if there is no gas, you stuck at home) or paying out the wazoo for everything from gas to groceries.

Pretty bad situation, I hope the people dealing with the direct effects get help immediately, and I hope those of us dealing with the anxillary effects get help as soon as can be.

Going to be a long hot labor day with many cancelled plans.

#50 Charles, I agree with you. The Red Cross and Feed the Children are questionable organizations.

The American Institute of Philanthropy in Chicago recommends that you give money to an organization that spends 80% or more on the people and 20% or less for administrative costs.

Check with the Institute on how a specific organization spends its money.

Chad,

Was planning on being at a Boy Scout camp near Marion, this weekend, but we're just staying home, now.

-T

looks like the bad shit is about to hit the fan. I think we will look back on these days with affection. Where is Antoine with the solution?

No coverage of a (foreign, i.e., international) story on CNN? No surprise there. The cable news credo? Always focus on the domestic side. Tragedy occurring around the world, not just in the South of the lower 48? Reminds me of the "world-news-in-a-minute" briefs on local tee vee "news" shows.

This is what Antoine would say:

"Those looters should be shot!!"

What about the looters that stole our dreams away? What about the looters that took our country from us?

This horrid event shows us all the true nature of the new "ownership society". You are on your own. I am inclined to agree with Saladin these days, more and more often.

I am so pissed off right now.

This is just beginning the ripple effect is going to throw this vaunted economy into a tail spin and shrub will think his ratings today are high when all of this gets done. If it gets done. Asshats. Politicians are strangely silent aren't they? ONly one talking head in DC the dimbulb himself. CIC Coward in Crawford, is not even close, but I will let you fill in the blanks.

The Red Cross website appears to be inaccessible. I want to send them some of my meager income. Anybody got thier address?

Would'nt it be nice if we had a real Democratic party to save us from this idiot?

What is it gonna take for America to wake up?

America is like Terri Schiavo was, braindead. Just wait, as soon as the dems take over all will be well!! Hope they have a plan to pay off the debt.

On the Today show today, yes I watched it, they have posted websites that talk about charities. If you want to give to the Red Cross, call your local chapter and tell them how you want the money spent. The other people on this site have come up with other alternatives too.

HI

http://www.americanprogressaction.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter2.asp?c=klLWJcP7H&b=917053#3

I did it wrong! Why isn't it blue? I am just a caveman.

Is neoconservatism a terminal maligant tumor? Is there any hope of cutting it out of our country?
Or will it just continue to consume everything that was good about our nation until there is nothing left untainted?

Capt 41 - thanks, that's what I heard him say. Why would Osama go to Iraq, unless the CIA sent him there?

If they took out Paul Wellstone, why won't they take out Hugo Chavez?

Corky, whether the looters get in or not, the owners will still claim the loss to their insurance and take a low interest loan to start over. Looting is the only shot 30 million Americans have of joining the ownership society that Bush brags of.

Corky,

Coping With Katrina

I'll email what it looks like before you post.

capt

corky, don't forget to use the tags!

I did it wrong! Why isn't it blue? I am just a caveman.

Corky, try this:

Go to the toolbar on top where it says "view"

click on "source" or "view source"

painstakingly look for the bit of code that will make it all clear...

If you make it clear...we won't SEE it!

ECONOMIC RECOVERY FAILED TO BENEFIT MUCH OF THE POPULATION IN 2004

August 30, 2005

Despite the fact that 2004 represented the third full year of economic recovery, the Census data released today show that poverty increased again last year and median income failed to rise. The new data are particularly troubling for workers, showing backward movement for American workers on several fronts[1]:

Real median earnings of full-time year-round male workers fell by nearly $1,000 (from $41,761 to $40,798), a decline of 2.3 percent.

Real median earnings of full-time year-round female workers fell by over $300, or 1 percent (from $31,550 to $31,223), marking the second consecutive year of decline. This is the first time since 1995 that the median earnings of full-time year-round female workers have dropped for two years in a row.

Real median income among the working-age population —†households headed by adults under 65 —†fell by $600 (from $51,559 to $50,923), a decline of 1.2 percent. (Overall median income for all households was unchanged.)

The number of people who work but live in poverty increased by 563,000. The poverty rate increased among this group from 5.8 percent to 6.1 percent.

Among people age 18 to 64 who work, the number who were uninsured climbed by 772,000, and the percentage without insurance rose from 18.6 percent to 19.0 percent.

The percentage of people with employer-based health insurance coverage fell below 60 percent —†to 59.8 percent —†for the first time since 1993.

The data show that the current recovery has been slow to help low- and middle-income families. Four million more people were poor in 2004 than in 2001, when the economy hit bottom, and 4.6 million more were uninsured. This three-year poverty trend is worse than in all previous recoveries over the last 45 years, except for downturn of the early 1990s.[2] Median income is about equal to its level in 2001, but remains significantly below pre-recession levels. Income growth between 2001 and 2004 was slower than during all previous recessions over the last 45 years, again with the exception of the downturn of the early 1990s.

In short, the Census data provide new evidence that, as in 2002 and 2003, the recovery in 2004 was neither robust nor broad-based. Developments in early 2005 point toward continued problems, with real wages failing to improve according to the data currently available.

*****end of clip*****

For the first time in history we have not seen the median income increase in five years.

Hmmmm

What happened five years ago to bring about this stagnation?

capt

Just like Nixon made perfectly clear that he was not a crook.

If only this problem would spread.

Brothers in Arms, But Sisters at Odds

What happened five years ago to bring about this stagnation?

capt

Nothin' happened, nothin' to see here, move along.

God Spoke To Me

Normally, I meditate late at night with the light turned low. There are times that God does not speak to me. As you recall, I have said that God does not speak at length. I meditated in the afternoon and God said, "The Katrina experience should remind Americans of Iraqi hardships." God is amazing. He keeps it simple but relevant. Please people from the red states remember your sisters and brothers who have had water, electrical, and sewage problems for nearly two and one half years. Bush's shock and awe bombings have created disastrous living conditions for the Iraqis. Never forget that we are all God's children.

Gerald,

You wasn't talkin' to no God I know.

The stampede was a highly unfortunate result of nerves, rumor and mob behavior, and this incident is certainly an outcome of the guerrilla strategy of spreading fear and terror in Iraq.

Pfft. Is there nothing that Juan Cole won't blame on Bush and credit the Jihadists?

I guess that all of those stampedes during the Hajj must be a result of Al Qeada's "guerilla strategy of spreading fear and terror" in Saudi Arabia.

1990: 1,426 pilgrims killed in overcrowded pedestrian tunnel leading to holy sites

etc., etc., etc.

Sheesh. It's a bridge. People panicked, and a lot of them died. That's what happens when there are too many people on a bridge and some of them panic.

=darwin

"...and this incident is certainly an outcome of the guerrilla strategy of spreading fear and terror..."

-Wasn't that Kkkarl Rove's 2004 sTragedy?

...but still, Chuck D., the incident WAS sparked by fear of terror (rumor of a bomber) and following on the heels of mortars fired in the vicinity, earlier, unquestionably exacerbated by the piss-poor security situation in Iraq, today. How can you possibly deny that?

-T

The BIG R doesn't stand for Recovery, it stands for Robbery.

Bush's economic plan is fiction. What it says its going to do is not what it does. It says we are investing in ourselves through tax cuts, but the redistribution of wealth to the top does not incite the necessary investment to produce long term results. It says we are going to spend on defense, but the spending benefits such a narrow range of Defense Contractors as to not have a benefit on defense, or a benefit on the economy. The american worker cannot see one job go to India and a Mexican cross the border to take another. Our prosperity as a whole needs to come on us having money to live on, having money to save and having money to invest. Even the Afghans have it figured out as they ship the biggest opium crop ever. We cannot invest on our energy suppliers and ignore the environment, spend money on drug companies and price drugs out of reach, turn research over to corporations and ignore basic science.

How long should the top dog have for a vacation? Another 1237 days would suit this one to a tee.

Darwin,

You have no soul.

I guarantee that some wingnuts will, shortly, say that the devastation in NO, Mississippi, and Alabama are because of their godlessness, and God's retribution. They said the same after 9/11. To preempt that, I say that 9/11 and the current devastation both happened on Bush's watch. Therefore, it logically follows that God does not like Bush. This is of course wingnut logic, in which God does bad things to us to punish us. I think that the wingnuts will surely be convinced when the US is plagued by an enormous swarm of locusts, sure to come soon.

There is so much to comment upon, plus my own musings, so I'll just launch into it. Gerald, #76, much truth. God, Spirit, Inner Knowledge, Intuition, or common sense, I believe is all the same and when listened to without egoic editorializing, is available to all. Yes, isn't it interesting that those living in the Gulf States of LA, MS, AL are having the experience of living like some of the Iraqis..no power, no fresh water, no transportation, not enough food, looting, living like animals(whatever that means) and having to depend on the government for their pure survival. No hospitals, and little prospect of ever returning to what they think of as normal. If we ever needed another reminder of our interrelatedness, this will produce that education. Gasoline prices, alone, will begin to impact all of us: everything we depend upon seems to be based on oil: transportation for food, machinery, day to day necessities, electricity, travel, heating, lighting, and on and on. Every resident of New Orleans is going to pay for this in lifestyle; my partner's son had planned a trip to NO in late Sept. for a weekend of football and partying, which I am betting will not happen.

I have read a couple of reports, I think in CNN.com, comparing this opportunity for Bush to 911, as if he performed well in response to that disaster and could pull himself back to where he was with his response to this one. Whom are they listening to? I heard his speech today and he sounded the same as he did with the war: petulant and angry and reactive, not responsive. What about Trent Lott losing his beachside home? I am a very open, loving and compassionate man, but when I consider the ignorance of the politicians and those who elect them in this region, I have to restrain my criticsm out of sadness for those who just get by, and have no energy to fight the system that ignores them and victimizes. I recognize there are not victims, only volunteers, but how does one educate people that they do have choices, no matter how meager their resources.

What difference would the National Guard personnel, equipment and dollars make to the prevention of and recovery from this catastrophe? We can only guess.

Will the NFL cancel some games since 2 of their stadiums are being used for refugees? Is that what they are? How will we regard such homeless people within our borders who are incapable of working and being self-sufficient? Shouldn't they just pull themselve up like good Americans, and not suck off the nipple of Big Government?

Will the Oil companies reduce their profits in the name of patriotism? Will we accept aid from Venezuela, France?

How much more do we have to witness the power of Nature demonstrated to us before we recongnize our true place in the scheme of things. We are One, not separate from it all.

Peace and Blessings,
St. John

John Benson, sorry not to get back to you ... but such threads as this hardly seem worth it. In form, I asked questions, most of which I have an answer to; I am usually willing to do the hard work of answering questions. Seldom do Leftists. Like these two: was it good to boot Saddam? (yes) Was it worth the cost? (so far, yes; mostly rating at less than 2500 US deaths in Iraq, Bush gets "A"; up to 5000 "B") If you've ever answered the 'worth it' question, I'd be very interested. On predictions about Iraq: Plenty of us opposed to the war in Iraq could, and I think it's revolting that we could and the folks in the administration couldn't. I'd be very interested in a prediction that says less than 2500 US killed in booting Saddam is a mess, a failure, an obvious loss. I don't believe there have been such predictions with numbers near the current reality. Bush not explaining how long nation-building takes has been a PR mistake. Taking out Iraq before they got WMDs was good. TTFN

"but such threads as this hardly seem worth it. In form, I asked questions, most of which I have an answer to; I am usually willing to do the hard work of answering questions. Never do the bushbots."

If it is not worth it why oh why would you waste your time?

"but such threads as this hardly seem worth it. In form, I asked questions, most of which I have an answer to; I am usually willing to do the hard work of answering questions. Never do the bushbots."

If it is not worth it why oh why would you waste your time?

I guess, if you value life after birth as less than life before birth, the cost is not so great. After all, many of those who died, especially on the Iraq side, are probably not going to favor America. And there are plenty on the "American" side who are just as well dead. I mean, they are black, brown, poor and probably would end up voting liberal, if given half a chance and a decent education. Of course, the education would be questionable, the way it is being funded and manipulated by this administration. I do believe in an Intelligent Design, and part of that design is the intelligence of evolution. Why do we have to choose between one or the other, or some third alternative not yet discovered? As we have seen, Nature does not play favorites, but humankind has found a way to separate the have-a-lots from the have-very-littles, and make it look like Nature is doing the damage. Nature is Nature, and she does what she does. Do you blame the bee for stinging you? That's what bees do, as well as many other things we find very beneficial. We need to start looking at the larger picture and see how everything works together for Good...maybe not right this moment, but over time.
Eternity is a long time, and a lot can happen between now and ?
So, enjoy my musings, or ignore them, as you choose. I enjoy writing and reading comments, but mostly just getting it out of my head into the light of day.
May Peace be with you,
St. John

New ABC - Post poll. Bush rating down again. Huh. Ok, let's all put our heads together and figure out a solution to his problem.

It's nice to know the leader of the country cares. Bush and Katrina, a time for action not aloofness. This is from an ultra conservative newspaper.
-----
The cool, confident, intuitive leadership Bush exhibited in his first term, particularly in the months immediately following Sept. 11, 2001, has vanished. In its place is a diffident detachment unsuitable for the leader of a nation facing war, natural disaster and economic uncertainty.

Wherever the old George W. Bush went, we sure wish we had him back.

-----
Yeah, it only took him about a week to cool confident that time too.

I just read about fires starting in the flood area. I remember the floods of Fargo ND. Fires added insult to injury in that area. You couldn't put them out and they were surrounded by water.

Along with global warming, might not all the bombing in Iraq have an effect on the violent weather trends we have experienced in the last 2 years? I can't remember whether it was on the History Channel or something I read on AOL, but it was about every time we shoot a rocket into space or an airplane takes off, it changes the earth's rotation a very, very small bit. So, does it not stand to reason that with all the bombs dropped on Iraq, along with the continuing explosions, that the earth's rotation is changing more, and that that could have a big effect on the weather?

If I were one of the bible thumpers I would proclaim that the end is near. Where the hell are we going? It's dark in here.

Okay, I guess I have this post pretty much to myself, so I'll talk and answer.
The tragedy of the Shi'ites in Iraq has its roots in fanatical religiosity, irrational belief in a god outside oneself. Now, I am one who absolutely knows there is a Higher Power, which is within, and that I can and do use. But, I won't follow any person, dogma or idol who demands my allegiance and conversion to an unnatural way of life. Anyone who demands allegiance, for any reason, is dangerous. My highest good is what I believe in, and anything that threatens that I avoid. Now, I don't always make the right choice and sometimes the cost is high, but ultimately, I make the choice and live with the outcome. Those people acted from a belief in a power outside themselves, and were followers of a dogmatic belief system that teaches them to put their god ahead of their good. That is fear based and results in tragedy. It is not the wrath of God punishing them; it is the consequence of the choices they made. Sin means missing the mark; it is not a religious concept, it is part of the principle of cause and effect, the law of attraction. What goes around comes around; what you sow, so shall you reap; live by the sword, die by the sword. Where we get in trouble is in judging others and the outcomes of others behaviors. Whether God is punishing the evil citizens of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast for some act or omission, which I have now heard declared by some radical religious group, is not ours to judge. How do we know why this happened to all those people? And, remember, it is happening to all of us. This event is not going to stop with the devestation in AL, LA, MS and FL. So, at what point is God done punishing us? No, God doesn't care in that way. He may be watching, but, as I believe, he is watching from within, not without, because there is no without.
So, if you think you know why it happened and who is to blame, you are God. So, now forgive yourself, and let the rest of us alone.
In Peace and Love,
St. John

Bush gives new reason for Iraq war
Says US must prevent oil fields from falling into hands of terrorists
By Jennifer Loven, Associated Press August 31, 2005

CORONADO, Calif. -- President Bush answered growing antiwar protests yesterday with a fresh reason for US troops to continue fighting in Iraq: protection of the country's vast oil fields, which he said would otherwise fall under the control of terrorist extremists.

The president, standing against a backdrop of the USS Ronald Reagan, the newest aircraft carrier in the Navy's fleet, said terrorists would be denied their goal of making Iraq a base from which to recruit followers, train them, and finance attacks.

''We will defeat the terrorists," Bush said. ''We will build a free Iraq that will fight terrorists instead of giving them aid and sanctuary."
-------------------
The truth, at last. Will terrorists steal our oil? Not fucking likely, we have nukes, they don't! Like I said, we are doomed.

St. John, your higher power is not recogonized by the ruling elite. They worship an evil entity that we cannot even fathom. It doesn't matter if we believe in this demonic power or not, they do, and that is all that counts. They will bring hell to earth, that is their mission. My hope is that good will overcome this sickness that seems to be consuming the earth.

Tom Gray;
Interesting answer, if I get your answer correctly you think that no more than a further 600 Americans will be killed as a result of the Iraq war. Given that rate of just killing the troops you figure we'll be out of Iraq by the end of 2006 then? Not a bad plan I suppose.

I think your calculus of war only looks at the cost of life for the U.S. ignoring our coalition partners not to mention the Iraqis who were killed. That position makes me wonder why, if their lives aren't worth saving in the first place why are we trying to bring them democracy. If you believe Iraqi lives aren't worth saving why didn't we just use our weapons of mass destruction.

Do the Iraqi lives count or not in your estimation? If they don't count fine, I'll accept your answer, I suspect we'll be finding some hidden costs for your estimate but I'm sure you'll be happy to pay then too.

I agree you have all the answers, what exactly are the questions?

From: Jerusalem News Wire

Yesterday, we in Israel watched as American officials, including President George W. Bush, ordered the mandatory evacuation of New Orleans and its surrounds. That small depression had turned into a frightening fiend. Now we are seeing on our television screens up to a million people being forced to leave their homes. People are weeping on camera, mourning that they are going to lose everything we own; everything we have worked for.
As today unfolds we are bracing to see wind and water pounding homes, whole communities, into the ground.

Is this some sort of bizarre coincidence? Not for those who believe in the God of the Bible and the immutability of His Word.

What America is about to experience is the lifting of God's hand of protection; the implementation of His judgment on the nation most responsible for endangering the land and people of Israel.

The Bible talks about Him shaking His fist over bodies of water, and striking them.

While the disengagement plan was purportedly the brainchild of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the United States of America has for more than a decade been the chief sponsor and propeller of a diplomatic process that has dangerously weakened Israel in the face of an overwhelming, growing threat to annihilate her.
---------------
Psychos on the loose. You just can't please those people, no matter how much money you give them.

Linda, what you say makes sense to me. It's the law of physics. Also think about all the smoke going into the atmosphere. Is anyone going to the Peace Rally Sept. 24 in DC?

New reason for war, check. Thank you, Saladin. Thank goodness the main stream media is keeping tabs.

1st thing...

Could anybody with a fast connection and a 'Puter that's not so old it has a pilot light find a quote from Helmut Kohl today. Jerk at work said he was sayin' something like "America's getting what it deserves from it's backing out of KYOTO and continuing pollution and adding to global warming, etc." I didn't have time to check at work. Sounds like he was listening to Rush or Hannity or something...

I'd appreciate a link, if there's anything like that.

-T

P.S. One of the Orthopods call called out to MS for the DMAT team. Jill'l probably go in a few days.

Thanks for the good thoughts for her!

Thing #2,

Due to some special anomalies in the area, regarding the way Gasoline gets here (long pipeline from a LA refinery to a regional truck terminal, trucks to individual gas stations) there's been a gas stampede today.

Of the 7 petrol stations I pass on the way home from work, 3 were completely "Sold Out", 2 had only Premium ($3.69gal are they getting that gas out of a COW?!)but were STILL crowded and the last 2 had cars 5 deep or more (at 11pm!) at each pump, ponying up $299/gal and $3.29/gal, respectively. Predictions for $5/gal prices by Saturday.

Before the storm, refineries were pretty much flat out, producing all the gasoline and other by-products they possibly could garnering Oil companies their highest quarterly profits in history.

After getting the refineries back online, will they STILL be clamoring for Drilling in ANWAR for oil and the Rocky Mountain Front for natural Gas as the answer to energy costs?

Supply doesn't seem to be the problem, does it?
Production - distribution is THE issue now.

I asked hospital security today (they're old, so we call them the SOCIAL security force...seriously, I've seen younger faces on CASH!) if I had my donkey pull me to work in a cart, if I was allowed to park my ass between the YELLOW lines, without penalty!

-T

Hajji #101,

How about some humor for hard times? Here's a sentence I got from trying to google Hurricane Katrina and the German chancellor:

The news about Hurricane Katrina on UK TV news channels is a little out of date. ... Those reporters should at least wear a helmut to protect themselves! ...

Nation of Fools

Support the troops, bring them home!!!

German Minister's Comments Spark American's Ire

Thank's el-Capitan!

-T

Hey! David got linked from ICH! Congrats! Sign up for the newsletter for some AWESOME daily quotations!

-T

Detroit gas update:

I filled up at $2.79 regular Monday evening after news reports of .20-.30 increase during the day.

Today, I filled my Dad's gas can to cut his lawn. The person who used my pump before me filled up 22 gals for a cool $75.00. $3.17 per gal regular, and two regular handles were bagged.

But I'm not floating on the roof of my house...or even worse, floating face-down in sewage, so I am counting my blessings.

This is truly horrendous on so many levels. My heart goes out to my countrymen. And, by the way, Gerald suggested checking the American Institute of Philantrhopy (thanks, Gerald!), and they currently list the Red Cross as an A minus charity, so I guess those folks are still legit. ;) My countrymen need some dollars to go with that heart!

German Minister Stands Behind Criticism of Bush

German Environmental Minister Jürgen Trittin remains stolid in his assertion that Hurricane Katrina is linked to global warming and America's refusal to reduce emissions. He may be right, but the timing of his tirade is way off.

Germany's Minister of the Environment, Jürgen Trittin of the Green Party, on Tuesday unleashed a firestorm of criticism in the United States over comments he made in a newspaper column directly linking the natural catastrophe in the American South to global warming. After Hurricane Katrina bashed America's Gulf States and left New Orleans a sunken wasteland, Trittin wrote an editorial lashing out at US President George W. Bush for "closing his eyes" to the dangers of global warming. The polemic began with the line, "Recently in the theaters, now in real life," and went on to compare the scenes of Hurricane Katrina to Roland Emmerich's Hollywood blockbuster "The Day after Tomorrow."

He also said that if something is not done soon -- in other words if Bush maintains his current stance on global warming and continues to reject the Kyoto Protocol to reduce emissions -- America and Europe can expect even more storms like Katrina in the future. American readers reacted with a vengeance and their angry words filled our in-box Wednesday here at SPIEGEL ONLINE. Essentially, they were outraged that in the middle of a crisis, a German minister would turn to America and -- instead of reaching out a helping hand -- virtually point a finger and say, "You asked for this."

*****end of clip*****

And there you go!

capt

Information Clearing House

3/4's down the page.

sorry trying to concentrate on the dancing words!

G'nite!

-T

Has anyone else heard grumblings from others along the lines of, "Now where's the money from them damn furriners we always help, huh?" I have - three times already, and from people who should know better. My response thus far has been that most of the countries that have been the "benificiaries" of US disaster aid (in my lifetime, anyway) are in the third world and obviously too poor. However, I'm certain that we must get contributions from Europe and elsewhere in a time like this. I'm going to look, but if anyone else has any info, I'd appreciate it. I'll check back later!

Democrats Must Call For Pullout
Voters Will Punish Opposition For Not Opposing War

Helen Thomas, Hearst White House columnist

August 29, 2005

It's time for the Democratic Party to take a courageous stand and call for the withdrawal of troops from the senseless war in Iraq.

Its human cost and the billion-dollar-a-week tab in Iraq should give all Americans pause.

Would the Republicans have hesitated to challenge the Democrats if the shoe was on the other foot? Did the opposition party give former President Bill Clinton any slack while he was in office?

What is the logic of Sens. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., Joseph Biden, D-Del. and other so-called moderate Democrats still backing the unprovoked war in Iraq when they know they were sold a bill of goods?

Furthermore, they are urging that more troops be sent to Iraq. And they are doing so at a time when the generals in Iraq are giving mixed signals. Some are talking about a draw down of troops in a year, others in four years.

Are the Democratic leaders afraid to admit they were wrong? Does the credibility of the administration -- and therefore the country -- mean anything to them?

Both Clinton and Biden are presumed presidential contenders in 2008. That leaves Democratic voters -- many of whom are anti-war -- with no choice if either wins the party nomination.

Can Biden and Clinton give young men and women any valid reason why they should lay down their lives in a war that we didn't have to fight in the first place?

The fallback position apparently runs like this: "We're there and we have to stay there now. We can't cut and run."

I heard the same refrain during the dying days of the Vietnam War. And so did the moderate Democrats.

Whether viewed as a "mistake" or a "noble cause," the fact is that Vietnam survived and thrived after we departed. It is a participant in the global economy and fairly friendly to us.

I always thought the debacle in Vietnam and its aftermath had taught us a lesson. Apparently not.

*****end of clip*****

You gotta love Helen. The fact that this message is coming from her is an indictment of the Democratic leadership[sic].

How sad is that?

capt

Don,

I didn't hear any of that till Dr.Crapweasel came in tonight at 10pm. I'm thinking that the Kingdom of Monaco could at least send a few million in poker chips and slot machines to replace what's been lost in Biloxi!

The nations of the world WILL rally to help in ways they can. According to FEMA, it'll be a week, at least, before we know what we'll need and where it'll be needed.

Hell, Venusuela and Cuba were offering aid, in cheap gas, heating oil and medical staff training even BEFORE the storm!

-T

Imagine, if Dummypants had the sense of an earwig there could be a few hundred billion to help ourselves.

He has failed to protect and defend us at home by an illegal and unwise invasion.

Broke his oath, lied to the planet.

Let's impeach the SOB.

capt

I never thought I would see the day. We might need some help, from outside? I hope not. We are Americans after all?

First time in the history of keeping records that the median income has not increased in five years? The economy has/is recovered? BULLS**T.

More poverty, less insured, more tax cuts for millionaires?

It is just so wrong, so un-American.

I have something I would like to "trickle down" on Bunnypants and I would not do it if he was on fire if you know what I mean.

capt

Hajji,

Damn that terrorist Chavez! He's offering CHEAP OIL to POOR PEOPLE! Quick, somebody "disappear" his ass!

By the way, how's Jill?

capt,

How about if I pissed on him? Would you set him on fire?

America...FUCK YEAH!

Gas is over $3.50 a gallon in the Houston area now (was $2.54 yesterday), and Katrina didn't touch a one of our refineries. Whutz up wif that?!! We've got the most refineries, and all are running just fine, and yet... How do those people sleep at night? Why do they hate Americans? *nod to Pande, since I used his 'line' haha

oh yeah, and ships are already hitting our port that were originally headed to New Orleans, so we're the supply hasn't changed that much. *nod to Hajji, who pegged 'delivery' and/or 'production'

TV news with a story of circulars put on doors requesting money for the Red Cross, then a couple hours later, a knock at the door requesting the donations. Even used the correct address and phone number to the local R/C on the circulars, but... you guessed it, the R/C NEVER solicits door-to-door. *more people that shouldn't be able to sleep at night

No soul, what?

I didn't say that I don't consider the death of all these people to be a tragedy. But not every tragedy is Bush's fault, strangely enough.

=darwin

Notice that the shrub is asking the people to give to help the folks down there? Not saying that the government is going to tax the oil boys for windfall profits? Hmm, maybe they need another tax break after all they just got a 15 billion boost to their bottom line. They have made more in two years than in the previous ten. WTF is going on? We are governed by criminals. Get a rope!!

The Origin of Species

This article will help you understand the origin of bestial creatures that we know as neocons.

A question of competence

A must read article!!!

What an embarrassment you losers are to this country. A bunch of worthless geeks that believe any horseshit shoveled down their throats by left wing dolts. All of you bed wetters should be taken out back and thrown away like the garbage you are.

Sacrifice and Patriotism

An informative article!!!

The Lord's Prayer

I would like to start with the Lord's Prayer.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

As Christians, when we recite the Our Father, we must remember that the prayer is more than just words. The words are a powerful prayer.

Let us look at the words beyond rote memory. When we say the Our Father, we are acknowledging God as the Father, Our Father. This acknowledgement means that God is the Father of all His children but it is more than the fact that we are His children. We are united in God as brothers and sisters. We are all brothers and sisters.

We know that God is in heaven and that His name will be revered on earth as in heaven. His kingdom is the earth and heaven. We are also asking God for nourishment. As we ask God for nourishment to sustain us, we are asking God to forgive any transgressions and we are to also forgive people who have transgressed against us.

We are also asking God to not be sinful but to keep us away from sin.

The prayer is not just words but it is a powerful statement that we are accepting God as Our Father and as Christians we are united in God as brothers and sisters.

To recite the Our Father and to hate, kill, and revel in wars we really are not Christians. We are instead dishonoring God and we are separated from Him through our sinful ways. To separate ourselves from God, we are on the road to eternal damnation.

Steve, # 124...That was very constructive. Where did you learn that? The John Bolton School of Diplomacy?

Christian Nation?

Whenever I hear people say that the USA is a Christian nation, I find myself between smiling and puking. America is not a Christian nation because the neocons and the kkkevangelicals are in control. They are evil spirits that prowl America and the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Papers hail heroes but blast Bush

Even as US newspapers report the unfolding disaster in New Orleans and the US Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina, some are apportioning blame for the extent of the devastation.

"George W Bush gave one of the worst speeches of his life yesterday," says the New York Times in an editorial.

"He advised the public that anybody who wanted to help should send cash, grinned, and promised that everything would work out in the end.

"And nothing about the president's demeanour yesterday - which seemed casual to the point of carelessness - suggested that he understood the depth of the current crisis."

Global warming?

It demanded to know why Congress had been in the process of cutting the area's flood protection budget.

"Complacency will no longer suffice, especially if experts are right in warning that global warming may increase the intensity of future hurricanes. But since this administration won't acknowledge that global warming exists, the chances of leadership seem minimal," it said.

Even a conservative paper, New Hampshire's Manchester Union-Leader, took the president to task.

"The cool, confident, intuitive leadership Bush exhibited in his first term, particularly in the months immediately following 11 September 2001, has vanished," it says.

"In its place is a diffident detachment unsuitable for the leader of a nation facing war, natural disaster and economic uncertainty."

The economic angle is picked up in the Los Angeles Times, as disrupted supply of gas and oil from the Gulf of Mexico pushes fuel prices higher.

"One of the problems Katrina has exposed is not just the vulnerability of the Gulf's energy supplies but the need for a comprehensive energy plan that relies on more varied sources of energy," it says.

*****end of clip*****

Yeah, right, NOTHING is Bush's fault in the empty echo chambers between the ears of the trolls and right before their blind eyes. Doofus Maximus will never have a single fault as far as they are concerned. Sad.

Maybe Steve should address his hate at the newspapers and Darwin the magnificent should consider who is at fault for cutting the funds to the maintenance of levees?

Maybe their energy would be better used praying for their fellow humans. But alas, the Kkkristo-facists do not pray, they just spew hate speech.

What would Jesus say?

capt

Flan,

Good one. Like they study at the hate school of black hearted soulless shells.

It is nearly as sad as the loss of life. The little lemming warmongers LOVE death.

Glad to see your posts of late!

More, more, more!

capt

Freedom's Just Another Word for Everything to Lose

By DOUG THOMPSON
Aug 31, 2005, 04:54

Sometime in the future, when historians write the definitive analysis of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, they will talk about the day freedom died in America.

Freedom took a hit on that day, but it died on the operating table 45 days later – on October 26 – the day Congress passed, without reading, an onerous piece of legislation called the USA Patriot Act.

While many Americans saw 9/11 as a national tragedy, others saw it as a golden political opportunity to run roughshod over the constitution and strip away the protections and freedoms that defined this country for the last 225 years.

For the power-mad administration of President George W. Bush, that dark day became manna from heaven, a chance to seize power on a scale previously thought unthinkable.

From the ashes of that day rose the Patriot Act, the single-most dangerous piece of legislation ever devised by an American politician, passed by Congress or signed into law by a President. In 342 pages, the act dismantled the Constitution, wiped out due process and eliminated the traditional privacy protections of all Americans.

In a textbook case on how to hijack the legislative process, the bill passed by Congress on October 26, 2001, was not the one studied and approved by committees in both the House and Senate. Just before the bill came to a vote, then-Attorney General John Ashcroft substituted a new bill, one that nearly every member of Congress later admitted they had not read. Ashcroft’s bill went far beyond the scope of the originally-proposed legislation, giving his Department of Justice unprecedented powers to wiretap Americans, spy on their banking and travel records and hold prisoners incommunicado without counsel.

By the time most got around to reading the act, it was already the law of the land.

*****end of clip*****

The day freedom died, no doubt and it is Bushco that killed it to line his and his wealthy friends pockets.

I can understand the support from millionaires but these trolls have no good reason to support the "CIC" (Coward in Crawford) they are just mindless drone neocons that hate everything except Bunnypants, their teen idol worship makes me ill.

(Yes, Don - I'm all in and have a lighter)

capt

Reminds Me

America reminds me of the person who keeps beating his head against a brick wall. Someone asked him why does he beat his head against the brick wall? The person answered by saying it feels so good when I stop.

It is time for Americans to stop beating themselves with hatred, killing, and wars and start to feel good through love and mercy for our brothers and sisters.

How New Orleans Was Lost

September 1, 2005
by Paul Craig Roberts

Chalk up the city of New Orleans as a cost of Bush's Iraq war.

There were not enough helicopters to repair the breached levees and rescue people trapped by rising water. Nor are there enough Louisiana National Guardsmen available to help with rescue efforts and to patrol against looting.

The situation is the same in Mississippi.

The National Guard and helicopters are off on a fool's mission in Iraq.

The National Guard is in Iraq because fanatical neoconservatives in the Bush administration were determined to invade the Middle East and because incompetent Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld refused to listen to the generals, who told him there were not enough regular troops available to do the job.

After the invasion, the arrogant Rumsfeld found out that the generals were right. The National Guard was called up to fill in the gaping gaps.

Now the Guardsmen, trapped in the Iraqi quagmire, are watching on TV the families they left behind trapped by rising waters and wondering if the floating bodies are family members. None know where their dislocated families are, but, shades of Fallujah, they do see their destroyed homes.

The mayor of New Orleans was counting on helicopters to put in place massive sandbags to repair the levee. However, someone called the few helicopters away to rescue people from rooftops. The rising water overwhelmed the massive pumping stations, and New Orleans disappeared under deep water.

What a terrible casualty of the Iraqi war –†one of our oldest and most beautiful cities, a famous city, a historic city.

Distracted by its phony war on terrorism, the U.S. government had made no preparations in the event Hurricane Katrina brought catastrophe to New Orleans. No contingency plan existed. Only now after the disaster are FEMA and the Corps of Engineers trying to assemble the material and equipment to save New Orleans from the fate of Atlantis.

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The illegal and unwarranted invasion of Iraq has wreck our once great nation, with no end in sight.

The ONLY reason Bunnypants is not responsible is because he takes responsibility for NOTHING he has done.

Bush has NEVER made a single mistake, Right?

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