Shakespeare's Sister notices what at least 6 Iraq war vets are doing next year, running for congress, as democrats.
Tom DeLay's view of Criminal Justice is the topic at Campus Project.
The Washington Post points out that in Iraq, for some Iraqis, the charter is among the least of their worries.
Daily Kos would like to know what Rev. Dobson knows, and why the American public can't be told.
The key traits of Republicans; modern fabulousity notes the ineptitude, and the corruption is the focus of Brilliant at Breakfast.
Outside the Tent looks back, and some truly sad moments in the defense of racism, and how it may relate to today.
Friday, October 07, 2005
New Poll Numbers For Bush
and they show an interesting split.
CBS came out last night, down 4 percent to 37% approval. In addition;
But, last week Gallop was showing a big tick upward, to 45% approval.
CBS came out last night, down 4 percent to 37% approval. In addition;
The public's concerns affect their view of the state of the country. 69 percent of Americans say things in the U.S. are pretty seriously off on the wrong track the highest number since CBS News started asking the question in 1983. Today, just 26 percent say things are going in the right direction.
But, last week Gallop was showing a big tick upward, to 45% approval.
The Peace Prize Goes To IAEA
and Mohamed ElBaradei.
This group served a higher purpose since it's inception. Trying to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, while overseeing the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
That having been said, I am not sure doing your job, even a noble job, is what this award is about. I suspect that standing up to the US, and it's claims about weapons on mass destruction in Iraq, and the US later efforts to isolate Iran, help to place these two into the top spot for this award. In that regard it is a little saddening that a person and a group was award a peace prize for standing up against the US.
It is not sad that ElBaradei and the IAEA were resisting a drive to war, but that the US was leading that drive.
This group served a higher purpose since it's inception. Trying to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, while overseeing the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
That having been said, I am not sure doing your job, even a noble job, is what this award is about. I suspect that standing up to the US, and it's claims about weapons on mass destruction in Iraq, and the US later efforts to isolate Iran, help to place these two into the top spot for this award. In that regard it is a little saddening that a person and a group was award a peace prize for standing up against the US.
It is not sad that ElBaradei and the IAEA were resisting a drive to war, but that the US was leading that drive.
The Armed Forces in Iraq, Today's News
The death toll has risen, with six marines killed in action.
The Debt toll has also risen, as the Senate approved another $50,000,000,000.00 for the war, pushing the total over 350 Billion.
And the army, while still professing that they are not under undue stress, has announced that they want to restructure itself to put 40,000 more men into combat rolls.
This doesn't mean that want to add 40,000 troops. They want to eliminate 40,000 support positions and convert those slots to combat slots. Of course we will still need many of these support positions filled.
This is where the plans of the Bush administration appear. These will now be contracted out to the likes of Kellogg Brown and Root, and the various mercenary groups like Blackwater. Creating a much larger and now always deployed corporate armed force.
Does the US really need private armies?
The Debt toll has also risen, as the Senate approved another $50,000,000,000.00 for the war, pushing the total over 350 Billion.
And the army, while still professing that they are not under undue stress, has announced that they want to restructure itself to put 40,000 more men into combat rolls.
This doesn't mean that want to add 40,000 troops. They want to eliminate 40,000 support positions and convert those slots to combat slots. Of course we will still need many of these support positions filled.
This is where the plans of the Bush administration appear. These will now be contracted out to the likes of Kellogg Brown and Root, and the various mercenary groups like Blackwater. Creating a much larger and now always deployed corporate armed force.
Does the US really need private armies?
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Bush's Speech, Typically Disingenuous
A few of points stick out as simply amazing.
1. We must recognize Iraq as the central front in our war on terror
Just one little point here. This only became a reality when we invaded the country. Prior to that is was a nation headed by a nasty little eunuch, disgusting but powerless. At the time of our invasion Iraq was in no way a central point for terrorism.
2. We will not relent until the organized international terror networks are exposed and broken and their leaders held to account for their acts of murder
Is this why you let Bin Laden escape at Tora Bora? This sure conflicts with your October 2004 statement "I'll repeat what I said. I truly am not that concerned about him."
3. You claim that Terrorists use war as excuse.
I will also point out that you have been using Terrorism as an excuse. It is well known that you wanted to invade Iraq long prior to the World Trade Center attack, and it is clear that you want to tie Saddam to those attacks. You use Terrorism to excuse almost each and every one of your failures or as a reason for repressive policies.
This pep talk also ignored some very hard realities.
While we love to blame foreign fighters for out trouble in Iraq. There are very good estimates that they number only 5-10% of those we are fighting in Iraq. That means that 90-95% of those we are fighting are Iraqi. (PS, about 5% of the US armed forces are non Americans, and thus foreign fighters)
Yes Iraq is a disaster area, but it is one of your making. Your desire to hold the course is just a recipe for further failure. We are already in the middle of a civil war, and our presence is a major factor helping to fuel this war.
A new path is called for, but Bush is clearly not going to be the man to find that path.
1. We must recognize Iraq as the central front in our war on terror
Just one little point here. This only became a reality when we invaded the country. Prior to that is was a nation headed by a nasty little eunuch, disgusting but powerless. At the time of our invasion Iraq was in no way a central point for terrorism.
2. We will not relent until the organized international terror networks are exposed and broken and their leaders held to account for their acts of murder
Is this why you let Bin Laden escape at Tora Bora? This sure conflicts with your October 2004 statement "I'll repeat what I said. I truly am not that concerned about him."
3. You claim that Terrorists use war as excuse.
I will also point out that you have been using Terrorism as an excuse. It is well known that you wanted to invade Iraq long prior to the World Trade Center attack, and it is clear that you want to tie Saddam to those attacks. You use Terrorism to excuse almost each and every one of your failures or as a reason for repressive policies.
This pep talk also ignored some very hard realities.
While we love to blame foreign fighters for out trouble in Iraq. There are very good estimates that they number only 5-10% of those we are fighting in Iraq. That means that 90-95% of those we are fighting are Iraqi. (PS, about 5% of the US armed forces are non Americans, and thus foreign fighters)
Yes Iraq is a disaster area, but it is one of your making. Your desire to hold the course is just a recipe for further failure. We are already in the middle of a civil war, and our presence is a major factor helping to fuel this war.
A new path is called for, but Bush is clearly not going to be the man to find that path.
Oregon Suicide Law, A Good Law Under Review
This is truly a matter of personal choice. The law is well crafted, and would be very difficult to abuse. As pointed out on American Street, there are some solid protections built into this law.
Since the law seems to be solid on those grounds the Government is using a unique approach to try to have it tossed out. This law is being challenged in the Supreme Court over the federal Governments right to control the prescribed usage of controlled substances. It raise the question, if this case is won, will the federal government look at other off label uses of prescription drugs as criminal.
It does seem the government is trying to set a new standard.
The patient must be diagnosed with a terminal illness that will lead to death within six months
The patient then must make two oral and one written requests (the latter signed by two witnesses) for medication
The diagnosis and prognosis must be verified by a second physician
The patient must be evaluated for psychological health
Since the law seems to be solid on those grounds the Government is using a unique approach to try to have it tossed out. This law is being challenged in the Supreme Court over the federal Governments right to control the prescribed usage of controlled substances. It raise the question, if this case is won, will the federal government look at other off label uses of prescription drugs as criminal.
It does seem the government is trying to set a new standard.
Republican Culture of Corruption - Missouri
More of Tom DeLay's friends may be in trouble. Today's exposed thieves are Republican representative Roy Blunt & His Son the Republican Governor or Missouri,Matt Blunt.
This is an amazing a web of crooks the Republican party has created.
It makes one think that my Congressman, Joe Wilson, might now reconsider his close ties to DeLay, and regret his recent Hilton Head golf fundraiser with Tom DeLay. Wilson has close ties to DeLay, he has taken thousands of dollars from him, and votes with him.
This is a habit that he need to break.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Tom DeLay deliberately raised more money than he needed to throw parties at the 2000 presidential convention, then diverted some of the excess to longtime ally Roy Blunt through a series of donations that benefited both men's causes.
When the financial carousel stopped, DeLay's private charity, the consulting firm that employed DeLay's wife and the Missouri campaign of Blunt's son all ended up with money, according to campaign documents reviewed by The Associated Press.
Jack Abramoff, a Washington lobbyist recently charged in an ongoing federal corruption and fraud investigation, and Jim Ellis, the DeLay fundraiser indicted with his boss last week in Texas, also came into the picture.
This is an amazing a web of crooks the Republican party has created.
It makes one think that my Congressman, Joe Wilson, might now reconsider his close ties to DeLay, and regret his recent Hilton Head golf fundraiser with Tom DeLay. Wilson has close ties to DeLay, he has taken thousands of dollars from him, and votes with him.
This is a habit that he need to break.
The Senate Develops a Spine
or maybe a soul.
They have defied the Bush Administration and voted to limit the various forms of Interrogation techniques the US may use.
In other words the Senate has decided that the Bush Administration's flirtation with torture has to stop. What is also important to note is who among the Republicans led the revolt against Bush.
These men hold the military close to their hearts, and clearly know the confusion Bush has created in his efforts to muddy the definition of what it torture and what is just aggressive questioning.
They have defied the Bush Administration and voted to limit the various forms of Interrogation techniques the US may use.
Forty-six Republicans joined 43 Democrats and one independent in voting to define and limit interrogation techniques that U.S. troops may use against terrorism suspects, the latest sign that alarm over treatment of prisoners in the Middle East and at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, is widespread in both parties. The White House had fought to prevent the restrictions, with Vice President Cheney visiting key Republicans in July and a spokesman yesterday repeating President Bush's threat to veto the larger bill that the language is now attached to -- a $440 billion military spending measure.
In other words the Senate has decided that the Bush Administration's flirtation with torture has to stop. What is also important to note is who among the Republicans led the revolt against Bush.
McCain's allies included Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.), a former military lawyer, and Armed Services Committee Chairman John W. Warner (R-Va.). They said new detainee standards are needed to clear up confusion among U.S. troops that may have led to the mistreatment alleged at the Navy's Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba and to the abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.
These men hold the military close to their hearts, and clearly know the confusion Bush has created in his efforts to muddy the definition of what it torture and what is just aggressive questioning.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
More Bad News on the Bird Flu Front
It appears the 1918 Spanish flu (that killed 50 million) was also of avian origin.
This should further reinforce the need to take urgent measures to develop ways to quickly produce mass amounts of meds to address this coming disaster. In addition we need to make sure that our operational plans of how to handle a national bio emergency. Maybe someone should look at the FEMA records and make sure that actually have viable concept on how to respond.
It has been almost a hundred years, and it appears that we can expect a return of an avian pandemic.
US scientists have found the 1918 virus shares genetic mutations with the bird flu virus now circulating in Asia.
Writing in Nature, they say their work underlines the threat the current strain poses to humans worldwide. A second paper in Science reveals another US team has successfully recreated the 1918 virus in mice.
This should further reinforce the need to take urgent measures to develop ways to quickly produce mass amounts of meds to address this coming disaster. In addition we need to make sure that our operational plans of how to handle a national bio emergency. Maybe someone should look at the FEMA records and make sure that actually have viable concept on how to respond.
Working on virus samples from the remains of victims of the 1918 pandemic, the researchers were able to piece together the entire genetic sequence of the virus.
They found the virus contained elements that were new to humans of the time - making it highly virulent. And analysis of the final three pieces of the virus' genetic code has revealed mutations that have striking similarities to those found in flu viruses found only in birds, such as the H5N1 strain currently found in south east Asia.
It has been almost a hundred years, and it appears that we can expect a return of an avian pandemic.
My Inner European
Your Inner European is Irish! |
 Sprited and boisterous! You drink everyone under the table. |
A tip of the hat to Brilliant at Breakfast
A Few Short Notes on Income
In 2004, 25% of the total growth in income in the US occurred in the top 10% of the richest 1% of the population.
In 2004, after income was adjusted for inflation, only the richest 1% of the population had a real growth in income.
In Bush's America the rich get richer, and the middle class gets poorer. The poor are just flat out screwed.
In addition, of all the worlds major economies, only two have a greater imbalance of wealth and poverty, Mexico and Russia. Every other major economy does better than the US.
In response to the effective decline in income of all but the very richest of the people of this nation, the republicans propose this change.
If this does continue it will destroy this democracy. We will either become some form of totalitarian state (security over freedom), or dissolve in a economic civil war.
In 2004, after income was adjusted for inflation, only the richest 1% of the population had a real growth in income.
In Bush's America the rich get richer, and the middle class gets poorer. The poor are just flat out screwed.
In addition, of all the worlds major economies, only two have a greater imbalance of wealth and poverty, Mexico and Russia. Every other major economy does better than the US.
In response to the effective decline in income of all but the very richest of the people of this nation, the republicans propose this change.
The $574 million cut in food stamps would come from restricting access to this benefit for certain families that receive other government assistance. The restriction would shut an estimated 300,000 people out of the program.
If this does continue it will destroy this democracy. We will either become some form of totalitarian state (security over freedom), or dissolve in a economic civil war.
Bowing to the Obvious, Evacuee Housing
Program continued.
The end date for this program should be October 15th. With almost half a million people still in hotels, and that number still climbing as the last of the shelters are being closed down, it is clear that the old standards could not apply here.
Alternate longer term housing has to be found, but the scale of this disaster and the lessons that we should have learned from the housing efforts in Florida.
There is no one right solution, and many will not be happy with the options they have, but at least this is a step in the right direction.
The end date for this program should be October 15th. With almost half a million people still in hotels, and that number still climbing as the last of the shelters are being closed down, it is clear that the old standards could not apply here.
Alternate longer term housing has to be found, but the scale of this disaster and the lessons that we should have learned from the housing efforts in Florida.
There is no one right solution, and many will not be happy with the options they have, but at least this is a step in the right direction.
A Movie Worth Seeing
"Good Night, and Good Luck," is getting a lot of positive buzz.
The fact that it was co-written and directed by George Clooney has helped build it, but the nature of the subject and quality of the product appear to be the real fuel to the fire.
This is one that I will have to see, and I don't say that often any more.
The fact that it was co-written and directed by George Clooney has helped build it, but the nature of the subject and quality of the product appear to be the real fuel to the fire.
This is one that I will have to see, and I don't say that often any more.
Another Result of Bush's War in Iraq
US Army in S. Korea is in a state of disrepair.
And remember another US governmental report makes it clear that Bush's war in Iraq also negatively effected the response to hurricane Katrina.
This mistake, based on lies and fear, is costing us hundreds of billions, and clearly weakening the armed forces ability to stay ready and respond. Nice work George.
Critical U.S. military war stocks in South Korea -- including M1A1 tanks, howitzers and Bradley Fighting Vehicles -- fell into such significant disrepair in the past year that it could have slowed a U.S. ground response to North Korean hostilities or another Pacific conflict, unreleased classified and unclassified U.S. government reports show.(emphasis added)
Problems included faulty engines and transmissions and cracked gun tubes, with some tanks requiring more than 1,000 hours of maintenance to fix fully -- a condition that would have delayed for days their use in a conflict, reports by the Government Accountability Office and Army officials say.
But even after government inspectors found, starting in October 2004, that at least half and as much as 80 percent of the heavy weapons and other fighting gear were not "fully mission capable," inaccurate military reports led the Pentagon and Congress to believe that readiness was high.
And remember another US governmental report makes it clear that Bush's war in Iraq also negatively effected the response to hurricane Katrina.
This mistake, based on lies and fear, is costing us hundreds of billions, and clearly weakening the armed forces ability to stay ready and respond. Nice work George.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Fox News, A Nest of Liars
David Shuster, a current NBC/MSNBC reporter, who started at Fox news, has some insight about his past employer.
For those who still defend Fox as unbiased, this is just more evidence to the contrary. Encouraging aggressive attacking of one President, then shielding the next can not be a clearer indication of Bias, but it goes deeper.
Fox is not journalism, it is propaganda from the far right. It's goal is not to educate and inform, but to sway opinion and inflame. They lie, twist, distort and spin to support their party and their positions, even when the truth doesn't.
Hat tip to Cellar Door
"At the time I started at Fox, I thought, this is a great news organization to let me be very aggressive with a sitting president of the United States (Bill Clinton)," Shuster said. "I started having issues when others in the organization would take my carefully scripted and nuanced reporting and pull out bits and pieces to support their agenda on their shows.
"With the change of administration in Washington, I wanted to do the same kind of reporting, holding the (Bush) administration accountable, and that was not something that Fox was interested in doing," he said.
For those who still defend Fox as unbiased, this is just more evidence to the contrary. Encouraging aggressive attacking of one President, then shielding the next can not be a clearer indication of Bias, but it goes deeper.
"But the bigger issue was that there wasn't a tradition or track record of honoring journalistic integrity. I found some reporters at Fox would cut corners or steal information from other sources or in some cases, just make things up. Management would either look the other way or just wouldn't care to take a closer look. I had serious issues with that."
Fox is not journalism, it is propaganda from the far right. It's goal is not to educate and inform, but to sway opinion and inflame. They lie, twist, distort and spin to support their party and their positions, even when the truth doesn't.
Hat tip to Cellar Door
Mehlman Caught Fibbing Again
This time in an E-mail to the faithful masses. He claimed;
Only one little detail was wrong.
Not one single democratic group had announced they would oppose Miers. When challenged the RNC could not identify a single case where this had occurred.
Of course, when trying to rally the rabid masses, the truth isn't real important.
"Before Ms. Miers was even announced many Democrat groups said they would oppose her."
Only one little detail was wrong.
Not one single democratic group had announced they would oppose Miers. When challenged the RNC could not identify a single case where this had occurred.
Of course, when trying to rally the rabid masses, the truth isn't real important.
More US Deaths In Iraq
4 Army, 1 Marine.
We have started more operations in the west, including Haqlaniya.
This is the same Haqlaniya we hit during Operation River Blitz in February. We were again involved in combat Haqlaniya in June and again in August.
In a couple of days we will clear out, and we can go back in December for a little more combat, and a few more deaths for the Christmas holiday. Interesting way to run a war, isn't' it.
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Four U.S. soldiers and a Marine have been killed in attacks in Iraq, military officials said Tuesday.
The deaths were announced on the same day as U.S.-led forces launched an offensive in the western province of Anbar, where four of the troops died, military statements said.
We have started more operations in the west, including Haqlaniya.
This is the same Haqlaniya we hit during Operation River Blitz in February. We were again involved in combat Haqlaniya in June and again in August.
In a couple of days we will clear out, and we can go back in December for a little more combat, and a few more deaths for the Christmas holiday. Interesting way to run a war, isn't' it.
Number 2 For DeLay
The first Grand Jury sent out a bill of indictment on it's last day of business. The second Grand Jury didn't wait so long.
His lawyers are busy looking for loopholes to try to get the charges dropped, but with 2 grand juries willing to indict, it is clear there is a lot of evidence against him.
One interesting bit; While DeLay has officially resigned his leadership position, it may be in name only. He is keeping the office, he is still calling the shots, and isn't yet willing to cede any of the power.
So, in effect, the republicans are allowing themselves to be led by a twice indicted congressman, despite the rules of congress.
A Texas grand jury indicted Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) yesterday for alleged involvement in money laundering related to the 2002 Texas election, raising new and more serious allegations than the conspiracy charge lodged against the former House majority leader last week.
snip
Later on Monday, a different grand jury -- which had no prior involvement in the case -- brought the new charges, which roughly match allegations made against two of DeLay's political associates one year ago.
His lawyers are busy looking for loopholes to try to get the charges dropped, but with 2 grand juries willing to indict, it is clear there is a lot of evidence against him.
One interesting bit; While DeLay has officially resigned his leadership position, it may be in name only. He is keeping the office, he is still calling the shots, and isn't yet willing to cede any of the power.
So, in effect, the republicans are allowing themselves to be led by a twice indicted congressman, despite the rules of congress.
Great News, Calvin and Hobbs are Back
At least in a new book form.
What a wonderful 10 year run it was, and this full collection, even at $150.00 may be a must have.
"Calvin and Hobbes" was such an exuberant, strange and metaphysical realm you wonder how it ever got shoveled into a comic strip.
You remember this when you look at "The Complete Calvin and Hobbes," a 1,456-page art-book epic of every panel ever published: It was original by sheer force of personality. Calvin sounded like a 6-year-old psychotic on Ritalin one day and a Yale lit grad the next. He was id off the leash.
What a wonderful 10 year run it was, and this full collection, even at $150.00 may be a must have.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Xena and Gabrielle Spark Debate
No, not that Xena and Gabrielle
Guess again.
This Xena and Gabrielle.
And these two will be helping us gain a greater understanding of our universe.
Astronomers at the WM Keck Observatory have identified a moon orbiting Xena, a body they argue is the 10th planet in our solar system. They have called the moon Gabrielle, after Xena's sidekick in the TV series Xena: Warrior Princess.
snip
The astronomical community has also yet to settle the question of whether Xena is a planet, and indeed, whether or not Pluto should be given that status. Many astronomers feel that Pluto ought more properly to be classed as a minor planet, or even just as a large Kuiper belt object.
Xena's discovery has prompted the International Astronomical Union to reconsider its definition of a planet. Currently it considers both Pluto and Xena to be trans-Neptunian objects, and says that until it has drawn up its new definition, that is what they will remain.
So, we now have 10 planets in the solar system, or nine, or eight. That is going to make grading test in astronomy classes interesting.
Democracy Stagers Forward
Well it appears our grand experiment in Afghanistan may have hit a few bumps.
Kinda scary that we would allow this kind of tin-pot third rate election theft to occur in a land that we should hope to show as a centerpiece of our plan of nation rebuilding.
Of course, maybe the locals were just inspired by some of the stunts in Florida 2000 and Ohio 2004.
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 2 - Election officials and observers said Sunday that with 80 percent of the ballots counted in Afghanistan's national and provincial elections, they had found significant incidents of fraud.
Whole districts have come under suspicion for ballot box stuffing and proxy voting, said Peter Erben, the chief of the United Nations-assisted Joint Election Management Board
Kinda scary that we would allow this kind of tin-pot third rate election theft to occur in a land that we should hope to show as a centerpiece of our plan of nation rebuilding.
Of course, maybe the locals were just inspired by some of the stunts in Florida 2000 and Ohio 2004.
Harriet Miers is Nominated for the High Court
The Stealthiest of stealth nominees.
No service on the bench at all. While the Bush administration will point out that this is not that unheard of, citing past examples, but most of those had served as elected officials or in other public service positions. She is a true blank slate, haveing served the president and not the people for the last few years.
she appears to have the same credentials as Michael Brown and David Safavian, loyalty to George Bush above all else.
UPDATE, a quote from Think Progress
Bush is Brilliant?
No service on the bench at all. While the Bush administration will point out that this is not that unheard of, citing past examples, but most of those had served as elected officials or in other public service positions. She is a true blank slate, haveing served the president and not the people for the last few years.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush nominated White House counsel Harriet Miers on Monday to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
Bush announced his choice in a televised Oval Office event saying, "For the past five years Harriet Miers has served in critical roles in our nation's government."
she appears to have the same credentials as Michael Brown and David Safavian, loyalty to George Bush above all else.
UPDATE, a quote from Think Progress
In the White House that hero worshipped the president, Miers was distinguished by the intensity of her zeal: She once told me that the president was the most brilliant man she had ever met.
Bush is Brilliant?
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Iraq war delayed Katrina relief
From the UK's Independent.
Interesting that this story broke in an international paper, and not a US outlet.
Much of this is already known.
As example, New Mexico's Bill Richardson offered troops before the storm hit. It took till Thursday till the proper paperwork was processed by the pentagon.
Some of the news is new to me.
Disgusting behavior from a supposed leader.
This bit is not news nor is it a surprise, but is criminal and those who made the choices should be held to account.
Relief efforts to combat Hurricane Katrina suffered near catastrophic failures due to endemic corruption, divisions within the military and troop shortages caused by the Iraq war, an official American inquiry into the disaster has revealed.
Interesting that this story broke in an international paper, and not a US outlet.
Much of this is already known.
"Another major factor in the delayed response to the hurricane aftermath was that the bulk of the Louisiana and Mississippi National Guard was deployed in Iraq.
"Even though all the states have 'compacts' with each other, pledging to come to the aid of other states, it takes time, money and effort to activate and deploy National Guard troops from other states to fill in".
As example, New Mexico's Bill Richardson offered troops before the storm hit. It took till Thursday till the proper paperwork was processed by the pentagon.
Some of the news is new to me.
The report states that Brigadier General Michael D Barbero, commander of the Joint Readiness Training Centre at Fort Polk, Louisiana, refused permission for special forces units who volunteered to join relief efforts, to do so. General Barbero also refused to release other troops.
"The same general did take in some families from Hurricane Katrina, but only military families living off the base," the report says. "He has done a similar thing for military families displaced by Hurricane Rita. However, he declined to share water with the citizens of Leesville, who are out of water, and his civil affairs staff have to sneak off post in civilian clothes to help coordinate relief efforts."
"The same general did take in some families from Hurricane Katrina, but only military families living off the base," the report says. "He has done a similar thing for military families displaced by Hurricane Rita. However, he declined to share water with the citizens of Leesville, who are out of water, and his civil affairs staff have to sneak off post in civilian clothes to help coordinate relief efforts."
Disgusting behavior from a supposed leader.
This bit is not news nor is it a surprise, but is criminal and those who made the choices should be held to account.
"corruption and mismanagement within the New Orleans city government" had "diverted money earmarked for improving flood protection to other, more vote-getting, projects. Past mayors and governors gambled that the long-expected Big Killer hurricane would never happen. That bet was lost with Hurricane Katrina."
Operation Iron Fist, Day 2
Day two of operations in Sadah, and we get our update;
Going according to script. We should be able to withdraw by Wednesday, and the insurgents should be back in place for Friday's prayers.
Effective strategy, isn't it.
An Iraqi army captain said security forces had taken control of most of the city after searching house to house for fighters and weapons. The captain, who declined to give his name, estimated that 80 percent of Sadah had been searched by Sunday evening, turning up weapons but not large numbers of foreign fighters who are part of the insurgent network led by Jordanian Abu Musab Zarqawi.
"We think Zarqawi's group escaped before the assault because the U.S. forces were not engaged in heavy clashes," the captain said, describing exchanges between Iraqi and American troops with insurgents as "rather normal like the ones in Baghdad."
Going according to script. We should be able to withdraw by Wednesday, and the insurgents should be back in place for Friday's prayers.
Effective strategy, isn't it.
Katrina's Aftermath - Help Still Not Getting Through
This time, housing.
FEMA is tasked with directing the relief and recovery, and the appear to have no clue about what to do. They spent millions on the hurricane Pam drill, but did not learn a thing. How they can run the drills and still have had not idea of the scope of recovery is one answer we need.
Katrina was a huge disaster, but not an unexpected one. How the government agency who's only job is to plan for and direct recovery of disasters could be caught so unprepared is alarming.
It is very doubtful that the current investigation will even ask these basic questions. This whole response is a mess, and is indicative that there was more to do with this disgrace than just having an unqualified director.
Two weeks before President Bush's mid-October goal for moving Hurricane Katrina victims out of shelters, more than 100,000 people still reside in such makeshift housing, and 400,000 more are in hotel rooms costing up to $100 a night.
Housing options promised by the federal government a month ago have largely failed to materialize. Cruise ships and trailer parks have so far proved in large part to be unworkable, while an American Red Cross program -- paid for by the federal government -- that allows storm victims to stay in motels or hotels is scheduled to expire Oct. 15. It is projected to cost the Federal Emergency Management Agency as much as $168 million.
snip
Meanwhile, more than 100,000 people remain in about 1,000 shelters operated by the Red Cross, smaller charities and churches, scattered across two dozen states as far-flung as New York and Washington.
FEMA is tasked with directing the relief and recovery, and the appear to have no clue about what to do. They spent millions on the hurricane Pam drill, but did not learn a thing. How they can run the drills and still have had not idea of the scope of recovery is one answer we need.
Katrina was a huge disaster, but not an unexpected one. How the government agency who's only job is to plan for and direct recovery of disasters could be caught so unprepared is alarming.
It is very doubtful that the current investigation will even ask these basic questions. This whole response is a mess, and is indicative that there was more to do with this disgrace than just having an unqualified director.
A 3rd State Approves Gay Unions
Connecticut became the third state to offer same-sex couples a legal way to unite, issuing its first licenses for "civil unions" Saturday in what seemed too low-key to be a milestone in a cultural fight that has divided the nation.
That makes 2 states with civil unions, and 1 with full marriage. Within a couple of years as many as 10 states may have some form of legal status for gay couples.
unfortunately, we do appear to be going with the separate but equal approach. This is a mistake, and assures that it will take much longer to get this issue fully resolved.
The simple answer to this would be for the government to get out of the marriage business all together. The governments roll has always be civil, but the perception is that it is much greater. Any deeper meaning has come from the religious endorsement of the union, an act our government is excluded from involvement in.
Vermont and Connecticut should do away with marriages, and make all their joining documents for civil unions. Persons looking for a marriage should then go to a church, synagogue or what ever for the religious aspect of the joining.
At that point we achieve two positives. We get rid of the separate but equal ploy that is arising, and we get the state out of the religious business. A true win - win.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Playing a Verbal Shell Game
One of the tricks the Bush administration like to play is one of information confusion.
A classic example of the is how they are trying to spin the recent revelations of the current level of Iraqi army readiness.
There is some positive news, but this is where the verbal confusion really comes into play.
The verbal shell game is important here, because in the testimony to congress the defense officials were talking about a total of 83 Iraqi battalions. They are now adding 33 more battalions into the conversation. How many of the 36 level 2 units are in this new group 33 battalions. Are these police battalions that they are including into the mix, and do police battalions who are considered level 2 have the same combat capacity as a level 2 army unit.
Questions that are never asked, and never made clear. Clarity appears to be the enemy of the Bush administration. Thus going from 3 to 1 level one Iraq Army unit is "irrelevant", and the total number of units is changed when it may help make a better impression.
Just like a good shell game, you can guess, but when you look under the shell odd are you will find nothing but hot air.
A classic example of the is how they are trying to spin the recent revelations of the current level of Iraqi army readiness.
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said yesterday that Iraqi security forces are steadily improving, and he dismissed news of a drop in the number of highest-rated units as having minimal relevance.
snip
Military commanders revealed the drop during congressional testimony Thursday, saying the number of "Level 1" Iraqi units had declined from three to one over the summer.
There is some positive news, but this is where the verbal confusion really comes into play.
the number of Level 2 units -- that is, those considered able to lead operations with U.S. support -- had doubled since May (up to 36 battalions out of a total 116 army and special police battalions, according to other officials).
The verbal shell game is important here, because in the testimony to congress the defense officials were talking about a total of 83 Iraqi battalions. They are now adding 33 more battalions into the conversation. How many of the 36 level 2 units are in this new group 33 battalions. Are these police battalions that they are including into the mix, and do police battalions who are considered level 2 have the same combat capacity as a level 2 army unit.
Questions that are never asked, and never made clear. Clarity appears to be the enemy of the Bush administration. Thus going from 3 to 1 level one Iraq Army unit is "irrelevant", and the total number of units is changed when it may help make a better impression.
Just like a good shell game, you can guess, but when you look under the shell odd are you will find nothing but hot air.
More Terrorism in Indonesia
another attack in Bali.
This is still developing, but sure sounds like more terrorism.
UPDATE
Maybe our act of ignoring Al Qaeda to attack Saddam was a bit flawed after all.
At least 12 people have been killed in a series of explosions on the Indonesian resort island of Bali. Many others were reported to have been injured in the blasts at Kuta beach - the area most popular with Western tourists - and at Jimbaran beach.
This is still developing, but sure sounds like more terrorism.
UPDATE
Three bomb blasts ripped through restaurants on the resort island of Bali during the dinner rush Saturday night, killing at least 25 people and wounding more than 100 others, officials said.
Two of the nearly simultaneous attacks, which some investigators blamed on a group linked to al Qaeda, targeted a long row of popular seafood eateries along the white sand beach of Jimbaran.
Maybe our act of ignoring Al Qaeda to attack Saddam was a bit flawed after all.
Another Major Offensive in Western Iraq
Against 'forces loyal to Al Qaeda'.
This sounds like countless other military press releases. The same broad statements, the same inflammatory phrases, and no doubt, the same end result.
We are always storming into some western Iraqi town. We are always fighting foreign fighters or Al Qaeda, and we always declare victory a couple of days later.
What never seems to be mentioned is the vast majority of fighters we face are not foreign, but Iraqi, that Al Qaeda was not in Iraq till 18 months after we invaded, that for every fighter we kill, we seem to kill two or three women and children, and that as soon as we leave the city, the insurgents come back.
The US needs to admit that we are fighting against Iraqis, that the only reason Al Qaeda is in Iraq is because we are there, and that as soon as this operation is over, this city will again be in insurgent hands.
Just another day at war in Iraq.
About 1,000 U.S. troops stormed through the western Iraqi town of Sadah near the Syrian border early Saturday morning, battling foreign fighters loyal to al Qaeda, the military said in a statement.
A joint force of Marines, soldiers and sailors took part in the assault, which the military dubbed "Operation Kabda Bil Hadid, " or Iron Fist. The operation aimed to "root out al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists operating in the area and to disrupt terrorist support systems in and around the city," according to the military.
This sounds like countless other military press releases. The same broad statements, the same inflammatory phrases, and no doubt, the same end result.
We are always storming into some western Iraqi town. We are always fighting foreign fighters or Al Qaeda, and we always declare victory a couple of days later.
What never seems to be mentioned is the vast majority of fighters we face are not foreign, but Iraqi, that Al Qaeda was not in Iraq till 18 months after we invaded, that for every fighter we kill, we seem to kill two or three women and children, and that as soon as we leave the city, the insurgents come back.
The US needs to admit that we are fighting against Iraqis, that the only reason Al Qaeda is in Iraq is because we are there, and that as soon as this operation is over, this city will again be in insurgent hands.
Just another day at war in Iraq.
Funny? or maybe Scary? a joke
Donald Rumsfeld is giving the president his daily briefing. He
concludes by saying: "Yesterday, 3 Brazilian soldiers were killed."
"OH NO!" the President exclaims. "That's terrible!"
His staff sits stunned at this display of emotion, nervously watching
as the President sits, head in hands.
Finally, the President looks up and asks, "How many is a brazillion?"
Stolen from the middle earth journal where it is pointed out that since it's believable it's scary not funny.
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