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Den of Thieves
While House Majority Leader and perpetually ethics challenged Congressman Tom DeLay is busy using the pain of the Schiavo family to deflect attention from his shady dealings, the spotlight gets has been refocused on him from an unlikely source, New York Times conservative columnist David Brooks.
David Brooks has long associated himself with varying levels of apologia for the activities of conservative members of Congress, but today he moves off the reservation. And he didn't move next door, either. With one swift column, he has declared a truth jihad on the whole shady and unethical revolving door practices of those creatures on K Street, the lobbyists, and those who greedily stand in line for seconds and thirds and fourths at the trough of corporate campaign contributions, the members of Congress.
From David Brooks article in this morning's New York Times, entitled, Masters of Sleaze:
Down in the depths of the netherworld, where Tammany Hall grafters and Chicago ward heelers gather amid spittoons and brass railings, a reverential silence now spreads across the communion. The sleazemasters of old look back into the land of the mortals and they see greatness in the form of Jack Abramoff.
[...]
This is sleaze of a high order. And yet according to reports in The Washington Post and elsewhere, Abramoff accomplished it all.
Yet it's important to remember this: A genius like Abramoff doesn't spring fully formed on his own. Just as Michelangelo emerged in the ferment of Renaissance Italy, so did Abramoff emerge from his own circle of creativity and encouragement.
[...]
Back in 1995, when Republicans took over Congress, a new cadre of daring and original thinkers arose. These bold innovators had a key insight: that you no longer had to choose between being an activist and a lobbyist. You could be both. You could harness the power of K Street to promote the goals of Goldwater, Reagan and Gingrich. And best of all, you could get rich while doing it!
Before long, ringleader Grover Norquist and his buddies were signing lobbying deals with the Seychelles and the Northern Mariana Islands and talking up their interests at weekly conservative strategy sessions - what could be more vital to the future of freedom than the commercial interests of these two fine locales?
[...]
Soon the creative revolutionaries were blending the high-toned forms of the think tank with the low-toned scams of the buckraker. Ed Buckham, Tom DeLay's former chief of staff, helped run the U.S. Family Network, which supported the American family by accepting large donations and leasing skyboxes at the MCI Center, according to Roll Call. Michael Scanlon, DeLay's former spokesman, organized a think tank called the American International Center, located in a house in Rehoboth Beach, Del., which was occupied, according to Andrew Ferguson's devastating compendium in The Weekly Standard, by a former "lifeguard of the year" and a former yoga instructor.
[...]
Abramoff's and Scanlon's Indian-gaming scandal will go down as the movement's crowning achievement, more shameless than anything the others would do, but still the culmination of the trends building since 1995. It perfectly embodied their creed and philosophy: "I'd love us to get our mitts on that moolah!!" as Abramoff wrote to Reed.
They made at least $66 million.
This is a major accomplishment. And remember: Abramoff didn't do it on his own.
It took a village. The sleazo-cons thought they could take over K Street to advance their agenda. As it transpired, K Street took over them.
This was just a part of Brook column. I strongly suggest you read it for yourself.
Now that Brooks has changed his moral locale about K Street, let's hope he's there to stay and not just taking a walk on the riled side.
Hooray...I constantly email Brooks calling him a toad for the Repub party. I'll email him with a thank you for the clarity he shows - at least for today.
Casey,Brooks will continue to walk on the riled side. I don't trust him with a dime!
What is in a name..
It's 'Private' vs. 'Personal' in Social Security Debate
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/22/politics/22social.html?th&emc=th
[snip]
Mr. Bush complained last week that " 'privatization' is a trick word," intended to "scare people." Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the Democratic leader, interrupted a news conference to correct a reporter who asked about "personal" accounts.
"It's 'privatization,' " Mr. Reid said, adding that "personal accounts" was "the Republican term
This was emailed to me.
'A Great Political Issue'
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A55427-2005Mar21.html
three excerpts from Cohen’s Op Ed in today’s Washington Post.
Excerpt No. 1:
Sen. Bill Frist watched a videotape last week of Terri Schiavo made by her parents in 2001. He did this in his capacity as Senate majority leader and as a renowned physician. In both roles he performed miserably. As a senator, he showed himself to be an unscrupulous opportunist. As a physician, he was guilty of practicing medicine without a brain.
Excerpt No. 2:
"I question it based on a review of the video footage," he told the Senate. "She certainly seems to respond to visual stimuli." Doubtful. What's more certain is that Frist and his colleagues were responding to political stimuli: the so-called right-to-life crowd.
Excerpt No. 3:
What remains is a legal case that no longer is about Schiavo. Instead it's about the politics of abortion -- right to life -- and political opportunism. Terri Schiavo lives so that others, notably Frist, can run for higher office. I know that by watching the tape.
BB-posted this for you on last thread re: mercury "regulation".
File this under "ignorance is bliss, science is blasphemy".
In its new, industry-friendly rules on mercury regulation, the EPA claimed it couldn’t regulate toxic mercury pollution aggressively because the cost to the power plant industry would far exceed the public health payoff. The health benefits from regulating mercury would only be worth about $50 million a year, they shrugged, while it would cost the industry $750 million a year to stop polluting.
It’s not true. Even worse, the EPA knew that and hid the evidence.
http://www.thinkprogress.org/
Gees..with all the mercury we are injesting, we'll all be walking thermometers...
This needs to get out to all news organizations. The sheeples did respond in the first term when the air and water deregs were tried. They quickly forgot when the Repub baby rattle got their attention on something else.
I know this is off topic but I actually love this White House Briefing from the Washington Post. It only took several years and a bunch of vocal angry citizens for reporters to start reporting the real news behind Bush's pep rally's but hey they are doing it now, to late for the election but maybe in enough time to really "Save Social Security"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/politics/administration/whbriefing/
Here is a link a little birdy dropped me :), its a must read for all DCP'ers and their freinds :) It is an awesome article, everyone please take a few to read it!
How to Turn Your Red State Blue
http://www.inthesetimes.com/site/main/article/2034/
April,
Exactly--this is a battle for hearts and minds and most people have both. We need much more talking from the heart, writing from the heart, story-sharing, and simply working together to get at the underlying truths.
This is the core of the DCP.
ACTION NEEDED:
This is a grassroots email now being sent to over a million people by the religious right:
PLEASE CALL AND LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD ALSO:
Tell them they need to stop playing politics with this issue!
FOLLOWING IS THE EMAIL FROM THE RELIGIOUS GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATION GOING OUT TO OVER A MILLION RIGHT NOW:
As you now, the federal judge refused to take action to
save Terri Schiavo. Terri's parents are right now taking
their appeal to the 11th Circuit Court.
Right now, the Florida State Senate is taking up a measure
that could save Terri! Three votes are needed!
+ + CALLS NEEDED ASAP!
We are asking every Grassfire team member to contact the
following Florida state senators immediately!
The following five senators need to hear from their constituents. Please politely encourage them to support H.B. 701 to save the life of Terri Schiavo.
Senators to Contact:
Senator Les Miller (18 District), Democratic Leader
Phone: (850) 487-5059
E-mail: miller.lesley.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Tony Hill (1 District), Democratic Lead Whip
Phone: (850) 487-5024
E-mail: hill.anthony.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Larcenia Bullard (39 District)
Phone: (850) 487-5127
E-mail: bullard.larcenia.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Walter Campbell (32 District)
Phone: (850) 487-5094
E-mail: campbell.walter.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Gary Siplin (19 District)
Phone: (850) 487-5190
E-mail: siplin.gary.web@flsenate.gov
Benson on Terri
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/benson/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/politics/administration/whbriefing/
Posted by: April at March 22, 2005 12:39 PM
Well, it's about time the media started to report the real news. People are seeing through all the lies and hype. This last weekend has opened a lot people's eyes, and the Republicans are going to rue the day that they made the Schiavo tragedy a federal case.
U.N. Reform: Terrorism, Human Rights High on List
22 March 2005
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has recently unveiled a U.N. reform plan. Among the priorities in the plan are a consensus on the definition of terrorism, establishing a U.N. Human Rights Council similar to the Security Council, adopting a program to cut extreme poverty in half and ensure primary education for all children in poor countries.
These are all worthy and admirable priorities that will no doubt have the U.N. naysayers up in arms. The U.N. Dispatch is reporting today via a Washington Post article that U.S. State Department spokesman Adam Ereli “said, the United States appreciates Annan's effort to change the institution and to tackle a range of politically sensitive development and security issues. He said Annan also provided a "positive emphasis on the importance of promoting freedom and respect for human rights.”
http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/default.asp?view=plink&id=601
Need a good laugh today? Billionaires for Bush is auctioning SS on ebay!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5567661291#disclaime
I do not know if this has been posted prev. but it needs to be seen!
It looks as if once again when Pres. Bush is not feeling the love he pulls McCain out of the box dusts him off, pats him on the rear and says "Get In There Take One For The Team"
What Bush does not realize and I am truly doubtful McCain does either is during this last election McCain lost much of the political credibility he had, praising Bush on one hand and telling the truth on the other. McCain missed many vital oppertunities to show he loved this country more than any party or to use his trademark honesty to actually make a good differance, He showed us all he has sadly become what so many in Washington have under this Administration a political hack, with no morals or respect for honesty, the truth and the citizens of this country. Sorry McCain it is time for you to shut up and sit down, we are no longer listening to you!!
President's Social Security Road Show
Bush and McCain Play to Friendly Audience in Southwest
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A56913-2005Mar22.html
John Kerry: The Eternal Optimist
22 March 2005
Although the article in the new issue of Time about John Kerry could not manage to do with out a touch of snark, it’s a good read. Among notes of interest were the acknowledgment that he is using his email list “of more than 3 million supporters to promote causes he championed as a candidate” and that “Kerry plans to write a book on his views on national security.”
Here are a couple quips from the article, The Eternal Optimist:
Besides stumping and writing, Kerry is hoping to curry favor within the party by donating some of the $14 million left over from his campaign fund. He offered a vote of confidence to former rival Howard Dean, giving the national party $1 million when Dean took over as chairman. He donated $250,000 to the recount effort of Christine Gregoire, who eventually won a very close Governor's race in Washington. Venturing into local politics, he will probably endorse Antonio Villaraigosa in a runoff election for mayor in L.A., choosing a loyal supporter over incumbent James Hahn. "He gets to travel and gets to pick up IOUs," says former party chairman Steve Grossman, a Boston fund raiser who served as Dean's campaign chairman.
Kerry is also embracing the Senate with new fervor. Derided as an absentee Senator by Bush and other critics in 2004, Kerry seems almost everywhere on Capitol Hill these days, introducing bills to expand health care to all children, enlarge the military by 40,000 troops and rewrite election laws to allow any citizen to register to vote on Election Day. "I'm in a position to be more effective on these issues," he says.
MORE - http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/default.asp?view=plink&id=603
Has anyone calculated the resources Tom Delay and Frist have expended for their political gamesmanship with Ms Schiavo, that could have gone towards children's healthcare. Rep. Hoyer guessed $5 million. My guess is that it is at least double that.
Please let us remember April, in 2 years when McCain runs for President, these days like today when he has his arm around W pushing W's right wing agenda. Voters seem to have a very, very short memory about these things.
Posted by: Pamela at March 22, 2005 03:23 PM
Thanks for posting this :) it is what many of wanted to see from Kerry, now that he got the most votes for president (legitimatly)Than anyone else in history!! He is a force to be reckoned with and unlike others we can name he has earned his political capatal the hard way!
Posted by: Ira at March 22, 2005 04:46 PM
In the famous words of Marc: It's the electorat stupid! He was so right.
We need to keep reminding people like me who once respected McCain that he sold his soul and once you sell it, there is no getting it back!
I think we will see more & more of McCain out there stumping for the Bu$hco agenda, since he obviously has decided he wants Bu$h's blessing for his '08 run. The joke will really be on him, if Jeb runs.
Some interesting reading about the Republican agenda on the T. Schiavo case:
"Writing in the Wall Street Journal last Friday, conservative columnist and former White House speechwriter Peggy Noonan set out the stakes for Republicans.
"The Republican Party controls the Senate, the House and the White House. The Republicans are in charge. They have the power. If they can't save this woman's life, they will face a reckoning from a sizable portion of their own base. And they will of course deserve it," Noonan wrote.
more~
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050322/pl_nm/rights_schiavo_politics_dc
and yet another great article worth reading:
Jeb Bush's Expert Undercuts DeLay et. al. on Schiavo...and W's Hypocrisy
by David Corn Tuesday, March 22, 2005
I hate to say that one document is all you need to read to know what you need to know about the tragic Terri Schiavo case, but the best primer on this episode--which just so happens to undercut the arguments of Tom DeLay, Bill First and the other Republican politicians seeking to exploit this sad story--is a December 2003 report written by Dr. Jay Wolfson. He's a doctor and a lawyer who was appointed as a guardian for Schiavo in October 2003 by none other than Florida Governor Jeb Bush.
~continue
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0322-32.htm
I've managed to catch Dr. Wolfson in two interviews today, and he seems to be reasonable, respectful, intelligent, and caring. The man does not strike me as a partisan of any kind.
While I'm not surprised by it, I think it worthwhile to comment on how yet another person is being labelled and judged, and having his credentials and integrity questioned.
This man is worthy of respect, not ridicule.
While the media was consumed with this weekend's congressional doings, many people around the country were out voicing their opinions about the 2nd anniversary of the Iraqi war -- you know, the one that was supposed to be a "cakewalk" and "would last no longer than three weeks....And there is a good chance that it will be less than that" according to the brilliant architects of this war... (http://www.axisoflogic.com/cgi-bin/exec/view.pl?archive=86&num=15015)
Ellen from the 10th District cell in the Chicago area posted a link to some great photos from this weekend's peace march in downtown Chicago. Please check them out...
http://www.democracycellproject.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=124&view=findpost&p=1543
Thanks to my dear blogging buddy dwazhon for uncovering these notable quotes...
• Feb. 7, 2003 Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, to U.S. troops in Aviano, Italy: "It is unknowable how long that conflict will last. It could last six days, six weeks. I doubt six months."
• March 16, 2003 Vice President Cheney, on NBC's Meet the Press: "I think things have gotten so bad inside Iraq, from the standpoint of the Iraqi people, my belief is we will, in fact, be greeted as liberators. ... I think it will go relatively quickly, ... (in) weeks rather than months." He predicted that regular Iraqi soldiers would not "put up such a struggle" and that even "significant elements of the Republican Guard ... are likely to step aside."
The Brooks editorial is an eye opener with lots of great lines. However, let's not forget that McCain has been investigating the Abramoff matter and has publicly said that he will not move the investigation to the involvement of republican MOCs. So, the republican deemed the moral one is showing his true colors too.
While the media was consumed with this weekend's congressional doings, the decease has spread to the GOP in Michigan. We can't let this pass without comments. If you know anyone in Michigan, then please contact them to contact our media and our government. This personal stuff has gotten way outta hand!
3/22/2005, 4:36 p.m. ET
By AMY F. BAILEY
The Associated Press
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan lawmaker is working on legislation that would prohibit a spouse having an affair from denying food, fluids or medical treatment to a wife or husband who cannot make such decisions.
Rep. Joel Sheltrown on Tuesday said he wants to avoid a situation similar to Terri Schiavo's.
http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base...
~~a den of thieves... and of liars...
Yet 1 more example comes to the surface today that John Kerry had it right all along....remember when Bush, Cheney, Gen Tommy Franks, (aided & abetted by practically the entire "press corpse") contradicted JK's assertions that bin Laden was at Tora Bora and likely escaped:
Document: Bin Laden Evaded U.S. Forces
White House - AP Cabinet & State
By ROBERT BURNS, AP Military Writer
WASHINGTON - A terror suspect held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was a commander for Osama bin Laden during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s and helped the al-Qaida leader escape his mountain hide-out at Tora Bora in 2001, according to a U.S. government document.
The document, provided to The Associated Press in response to a Freedom of Information request, says the unidentified detainee "assisted in the escape of Osama bin Laden from Tora Bora." It is the first definitive statement from the Pentagon that bin Laden was at Tora Bora and evaded U.S. pursuers.
snip~
The events at Tora Bora were a point of contention during last year's presidential race, and Bush as well as Vice President Dick Cheney asserted that commanders did not know whether bin Laden was there when U.S. and allied Afghan forces attacked the area in December 2001.
Cheney said last Oct. 26 that Gen. Tommy Franks, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, had "stated repeatedly it was not at all certain that bin Laden was in Tora Bora. He might have been there or in Pakistan or even Kashmir," the Indian-controlled Himalayan region.
Franks, now retired, wrote in an opinion column in The New York Times last Oct. 19, "We don't know to this day whether Mr. bin Laden was at Tora Bora in December 2001." He added that intelligence assessments of his location varied, but bin Laden was "never within our grasp."
On several occasions in the days following publication of that column, Bush cited it on the campaign trail as evidence that bin Laden could have been in any of several countries in December 2001. "That's what Tommy Franks, who knew what he's talking about, said," Bush said on Oct. 27.
Sen. John Kerry, the Democratic presidential nominee, lambasted Bush during the campaign for having missed a chance to capture or kill bin Laden at Tora Bora, a mountainous area along the Pakistan border that became al-Qaida's last stand in Afghanistan. U.S. warplanes bombarded the area in December 2001, and Franks had Afghan soldiers lead the ground assault, backed by several thousand U.S. ground troops, including Special Forces, in a cave-to-cave search.
The newly revealed statement is contained in a document the Pentagon calls a "summary of evidence" against one of 558 prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. It was provided to the AP this week.
The evidence was summarized last December 14 for a Guantanamo Bay hearing to determine whether the prisoner was correctly held as an "enemy combatant."
The assertion about his efforts and bin Laden's escape is made as a statement of fact; it does not indicate how the information was obtained.
continue~
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050322/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/bin_laden_afghanistan_3
or
http://tinyurl.com/6bf8v