« Oil for Food or Blood for Oil... | Main | War Poetry »
Translation, Please
I know I have been sick this week, and sure, the fever did get pretty high there for a day or two, but does that mean that total and utter crap like this is supposed to make sense to any person who's not flatlining on the old EEG?
The President, speaking from Idaho:
"In this war, we have said farewell to some very good men and women, including 491 heroes of the National Guard and reserves," he said. "These brave men and women gave their lives for a cause that is just and necessary for the security of our country, and now we will honor their sacrifice by completing their mission."
What the heck was that? You know, if anyone in my family ever came out with a statement like that one, my father would have just assumed you fell and hit your head hard and were likely to be talking crazy talk for the next couple of minutes until the stars went away.
Not George Bush. This was a planned and scripted speech, as per usual. So let's break part of it down for just a minute.
Here's the real translation of what we were were just told--
"491 brave men and women gave their life for a cause that is so just and necessary for the security of your country, it shall remain nameless. And the best way for us to honor that cause is to keep getting more and more very good men and women killed, until the mission, which has yet to be articulated, is complete."
And here's the part wherein I wonder, "Did perhaps the media fall on their collective heads?" Wait, here's an excuse--maybe George Bush, only murmured the first set of words as a soft prayer on the wind to be carried forth, only meant for the hearing of the Lord God himself?
Nope, that's not gonna get the ox out of the ditch. According to the article, he gave the speech staged before a bunch of families who, according the White House reports, are thrilled to send their children and loved ones to die without knowing why or what for. Maybe that's why they came to the speech, to find out. Too bad for them the President may have fallen on his head, so they won't find out why their loved ones are being sent into harm's way.
I just find it amazing that after nearly three years into a war, the Commander-in-Chief can't answer why his troops are at war, what the cause is, and give a specific list of achievable goals before setting an exit strategy.
Okay, I didn't actually see the President before he gave his little talk, but who knows, maybe my Dad's little theory still holds--for a man to talk that crazy to people and think that what he's saying makes sense, he must have just fallen and hit his head on something real hard.
Like I said, I didn't see him before he gave the talk. So, I can't say for sure whether that speech came from injury or stupidity. But as my Dad also told me on more than one occasion, "Honey, some things you'll maybe never know for sure, but if you use your brain, you can make a pretty good guess".
I guess I can. I guess we all can.
[Editor's Note: This piece is dedicated to my father, William F. Lally, Jr., professional gambler, naval officer, advertising executive, schoolteacher, union president, gourmet cook and gourmet drinker, speaker of eight languages-some of them English, sometime actor, fulltime writer of letters-to-the-editor of the NYTimes, secretely sentimental spouse and romantic holder of my mother's left hand for 54 wedded years, father of eight children, pro-bono lawyer for migrant farm workers, snark king before there was snark, and my full-time co-conspirator on all things political, outrageous, daring and quite often true. And always, always living life without fear or favor. ]
The Sunrise Report (sort of) from Camp Casey II
Mornin' All! I am very happy to hear that Native and Madam will be joining us in Crawford.
Well once again the Credo is enacted in full force:
1. Shoot self in foot.
2. Reload.
3. Shoot self in other foot.
4. Repeat.
The Movement has been hi-jacked.
It is no longer all Americans welcome.
The threats of arrest and banishment keep coming from the "leadership" for those that do not fall lock and goose-step in line with the ever tightenening restrictions driven by the "political consultannts and lawyers" who think they know it all.
Willie Nelson and Jackson Brown were to perform in solidarity with Cindy, but the powers that opress have BLOWN it and said, "No big name acts". As in our plight to restore America...the enemy is within our government and is now controlling the movement.
Al Sharpton, however, is to hold a prayer meeting with Cindy.
One good thing...
Bill Moyers will be here to interview Cindy and report on the movement at 10:00 pm CST please check your local listings on HBO or Showtime I think.
Any who are coming to Crawford please listen up!
The police have decreed that because of the massive numbers expected this weekend, the roads will be closed to vehicular traffic. However, shuttles will be either going to CC I or CCII in order to avoid predicted confrontations with Bush Supporters. Please just take the shuttle to Camp Casey II and Lokken and I will greet you with open arms...and cold bottled water.
The Today show broadcast live this morning and Cindy is at this moment holding her daily press briefing.
George and Laura Bush have been invited to the BBQ that will be held at Camp Casey II tomorrow.
Here is your chance W...be a man.
ROFLMAO!!! Sorry...I could not even blog that with a straight face much less say it!
I'll be checking in periodically throghout the day with further reports.
Here is to a peaceful and enlightening weekend.
Peace and Good Will to all.
Still Hopefilled in Crawford,
Indy =]
the Front Page has Camp Casey listed as "Camp Crawford" would someone please correct.)
Sorry about the underline...I have NO idea how that happened...
Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K.
Maybe this is a repost from the last thread - I didn't have time to check. If so, apologies.
Jack Abramoff gets in deeper:
http://houseoflabor.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/8/16/233950/633
Indy,
All sorts of goblins and underlining heebie jeebies afoot at the Circle K today.
Travel by phone booth is not recommended.
on topic,
this says it much better than I can:
Marketing Can't Improve Lousy Iraq 'Product'
by Marie Cocco
Published on Friday, August 26, 2005 by the Daily Camera (Boulder, CO)
Perhaps the problem is that it's not yet Labor Day.
That was the thinking about the selling of the invasion of Iraq in 2002. "From a marketing point of view, you don't introduce new products in August," Chief of Staff Andrew Card said in explaining why the president did not, until he'd finished his summer vacation, begin to sound loudly the drums of war.
The beat would begin only after Labor Day, curiously timed to coincide with the midterm congressional campaigns that Karl Rove, master manipulator of the president's political game, framed not as a referendum on war or peace — but on war, or else.
snip~
On this deja-vu-all-over-again tour, the president reprises what the White House must believe are its greatest hits. "Iraq is a central front in the war on terror," he told the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Salt Lake City. "Iraq is the latest battlefield in this war," Bush said at Fort Bragg.
That was another occasion when the White House, troubled by sagging support for the war and in need of a tonic for queasy congressional Republicans, took the presidential motorcade out for a public-relations spin. The Fort Bragg extravaganza, despite the familiar props of military men and women in uniform, did not boost the president's political ratings nor the public's patience with war.
For that, you cannot blame Cindy Sheehan. The now-famous war protester whose son was killed in Iraq last year was no household name back in June. Bush had a freer forum in which to make his sales pitch. The public rejected it.
And this, really, is the president's problem — and the nation's. The White House persists in treating the Iraq situation as a marketing challenge and not as a policy debacle in need of urgent repair. The hope is that if the same catchy jingles are repeated often enough, the people will start buying again.
But you can't sell a lousy product. And the packaging of this war has changed so many times that people are confused and disbelieving.
Those in the ad business know the trick of the sell is to give consumers a reason to believe, or "RTB," in a product. You must be convinced that this new shampoo will make your hair shinier or thicker or bouncier. If the shampoo doesn't live up to its claims, you'll stop buying.
This is what has happened with the president's Iraq policy.
Americans unwrapped the package and found inside nothing resembling what they were sold. They see carnage in the Baghdad streets and terrorist strikes in London. They hear that the emerging Iraq is a loose collection of warring ethnic and religious factions, its political leaders bent on enshrining regional separation in its constitution. Despite the president's claims, the government that is taking shape in Iraq is nothing like the federation of these United States.
It is likely that no American knows quite what to do now. But it's a good bet they know what they want from the White House.
Not a huckster, but a president.
continue~
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0826-24.htm
Indy,
I think its important to keep Camp Casey from turning into, of being precieved as a big show. We need to keep the focus, and perhaps Cindy doesnt want anything that would shift the focus away from her son, other like him, and our country.
...In other news, Happy Birthday, Geraldine Ferraro! She is 70.
"A wise man once said, "Every one of us is given the gift of life, and what a strange gift it is. If it is preserved jealously and selfishly, it impoverishes and saddens. But if it is spent for others, it enriches and beautifies." My fellow Americans: We can debate policies and programs, but in the end what separates the two parties is whether we use the gift of life for others or only ourselves.
To all the children of America, I say: The generation before ours kept faith with us, and like them, we will pass on to you a stronger, more just America."
-Geraldine Ferraro, VP accepatance speech, 1984
amazing words/message
Whole speech here: http://americanrhetoric.com/speeches/gferraroacceptanceaddress.html
Monkey...
It is beyond all of us here now. The special interest groups have taken over and are all vying to control the message...it was growing just fine...people who feel the calling are coming but alas they are being elitist...imagine that.
Native,
I as well as all here who have felt the calling to be here understand, but you have not witnessd the infighting and power plays being enacted every day.
All who are of logical mind and compassionate heart know why we are here...
Connection.
Please come find me and Lokken, it would be great to meet you...and the sisters Wood.
Indy
Casey:
on topic, "Translating Bu$h"
No one on teevee does it better than Jon Stewart, the Daily Show.
Last night's program did just that, using actual video of Bu$h clips to parody Bu$h.
Crooks and Liars site has a video clip. If you missed last night DS, this is a must-see:
Bush Talking Points 101
STEWART: You know, if I had a nickel for every time Bush has mentioned 9/11, I could raise enough reward money to go after Bin Laden!
http://www.crooksandliars.com/
Ontovictory,
Thanks for posting that.
John Stewart is amazing to be so funny and to be able to hit the real points (lies, distortions, etc) at the same time.
Cindy Sheehan is all of us:
http://news.baou.com/main.php?action=recent&msg_recent=&rid=20457
Casey,
A hat tip to your father. The apple didn't fall far from the tree.
Regarding the attempt by the right to have the President "reassure" the American public, especially their base, that their war in Iraq is just and worthy of it's costs, shows their vulnerabilities. They are on the defense, for the first time I can remember.
We are all reminded of Lakoff's words that Orwellian language means the opposite of what it says. Just and noble cause means, of course, a war propelled by lies and injustice, and the only thing noble about it was the young men and women sent forth into battle.
Cindy Sheehan's voice is rising above the din.
For the first time many people in this land are being afforded a reason to question the intentions and trustworthiness of this administration, not only in regards to their lives and well being, but also, and most importantly, in regards to that of their children, and grandchildren.
The opposition is trying to devalue Cindy Sheehan's words, to portray her as a grieving mom who is being led and manipulated by the left for political purposes. Cindy Sheehan (and I thank God for her) is a strong woman, a tough cookie, who has a good brain and is not afraid to use it. She is smart enough and strong enough to speak truth to power, and her message from the heart zeros in to the hearts of Americans across this land.
After violating it, George and Karl are asking for America's trust once again.
We all know the deeds that have ripped away at the fabric of trust their leadership once had. America once was sold a bill of goods, and promised integrity then given anything but.
Poll numbers show that people are increasingly aware that their trust has been violated.
Once trust is gone, it's extremely hard, next to impossible, to win it back.
After their weak attempt to shore up the trust factor fails, there will only be one avenue left for this administration to use to control it's peoples.
Fear.
We have asked "What is America made of?" We are about to find out.
What do you think it is made of?
I am glad they are not going to escalate Camp Caseys I and II into a circus act.
This is about Casey. It's about Cindy. It's about lies and corruption. It's about sobering realities.
The movement has been started. The concerts will have their time.
This is Cindy's moment.
I really don't want to make anyone *GAG*
on a Friday afternoon. So, consider yourself warned:::
from the WaPo:
Bush's Secret Dinner -- With the Press
By Dan Froomkin
Special to washingtonpost.com
Friday, August 26, 2005;
About 50 members of the White House press corps accepted President Bush's invitation last night to come over to his house in Crawford, eat his food, drink his booze, hang around the pool and schmooze with him -- while promising not to tell anyone what he said afterward.
It's something of a Bush tradition, a way of saying thank you to journalists for whom an extended stay in the Crawford area is anything but a vacation.
And in spite of all the recent press demands for senior administration officials to stay on the record more often, the press corps can't resist an offer of face time with the president, pretty much no matter what the conditions.
Nevertheless, I'm told that several reporters expressed squeamishness about last night's event, particularly as the press-pool vans drove by antiwar protester Cindy Sheehan's "Camp Casey" site. And later, a small handful watched askance as the rest fawned over Bush, following him around in packs every time he moved.
The Associated Press reports: "President Bush played host to the White House press corps Thursday night for a private off-the-record dinner at his ranch.
continue, if your BP can stand this~
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/linkset/2005/04/11/LI2005041100879.html
Camp Casey UPDATE:
An Announcement was made that all traffic will be directed to Camp Casey II.
The police have directed that the road between Camp I and Camp II be closed due to the counter-protestors.
All who intend to come, PLEASE come to Camp II because we have the facilities to house, feed, and mantain a large population.
Do not fear for violence or confrontation, the Crawford Police will be on hand to handle any unpleasant incidents.
Peace.
Indy =]
This is about Casey. It's about Cindy. It's about lies and corruption. It's about sobering realities.
The movement has been started. The concerts will have their time.
This is Cindy's moment.
Posted by: Truth Shall Prevail at August 26, 2005 02:11 PM
Agree!!! (Listening to Clem Snide's "Moment in the Sun" right now.)
Starting a huge movement, as Cindy Sheehan has done, is not easy, and she needs to listen to those who have advised her wisely this far--and to her own heart. Evidence points to her doing just that.
Are all of her decisions going to be right? If she can stop the noise long enough around her, and keep coming back to Casey's face--they will be.
The tricky part is that, even though all her decisions may be right for the movement she has begun, they may not be decisions that WE want.
We have already seen the negotiations that have to go on vis-a-vis a single focus on the war and the troops vs. a multi-pronged approach that includes the economy, the environment, health care, etc. So the difference of opinion that comes when an event is suddenly in need of production, and all contingencies need to be considered, is bound to be vast.
If the logistical considerations support Cindy's vision for her mission, fine and good. No doubt, there are people down there who will move heaven and earth to make it happen.
If the logistical considerations are huge, and the event does not directly support her mission, no matter how wonderful an idea it is, it needs to be filed away for another opportunity.
I am not commenting on any particular decision going on down in Crawford. I am just saying I hope no one messes up the plan simply because they don't agree with the plan.
Remember Woodstock? The behind-the-scenes people had to rise to the extraordinary circumstances of that festival. So too did those of the Clamshell Alliance and other large operations. I am also reminded of a scene from the film "Going Upriver", where, after many nights sleeping on the Mall, the Vietnam Vets were cranky and jumpy and unsure of what to do next. A tall young vet walked quietly among them, putting a steadying hand on shoulders and talking quietly to them. Sometimes it takes that quiet steadying hand on a shoulder and a good listening ear to help everyone see to the horizon again.
The Associated Press reports: "President Bush played host to the White House press corps Thursday night for a private off-the-record dinner at his ranch.
Posted by: on.to.victory4Dems at August 26, 2005 03:05 PM
Bush Denies He’s On Vacation
President Bush has faced intense criticism for his insensitivity in taking a leisurely, 5-week vacation while the country is locked in an increasingly violent war in Iraq. His initial response was to defensively defend his right to relax, stating indignantly, “I’ve got a life to live.”
That didn’t go over so well with the American public, so the White House spin machine game up with a new line: Despite what it looks like, President Bush isn’t actually on vacation.
According to the San Bernardino Sun, White House spokesperson David Almacy “said the reason that Bush is in Crawford, Texas, is due to the renovation of the West Wing of the White House.” Almacy stated:
"He’s operating on a full schedule; he’s just doing it from the ranch instead of from the White House. The only week he had officially off was this last week."
Keep in mind, President Bush has spent the entire month of August at his ranch every year of his presidency. It’s time this White House stopped renovating the truth.
P.S. When was the last time the prez had the press over to the WH for an off-the record BBQ? I bet Karl knows.
Posted by: Indydd at August 26, 2005 03:08 PM
Thanks for the updates, Indy. I'm presuming we can drive & park at Camp Casey II if we arrive before 11am (or earlier) tomorrow morning. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Got my knitting packed & I'm ready to roll...
We could use some Friday funnies...
Here's one from Jon Stewart on President Bush's fitness regiment:
"On his five-week vacation, President Bush is bike-riding, jogging five miles a day, lifting weights... is he preparing for something we don't know about? Some kind of 'every man for himself' scenario coming down the pike?"
Today is a challenge, but got an email about supporting the effort behind this:
http://thebattleforamerica.com/
SO I watched it again. Everyone should.
Punching In,
Karen
I posted this before, I did not write it. But I think it is appropriate for this thread.
I git fidgity when I got nothin' to do. Lance idn't due for another few hours and the Cabinet is locked behind closed doors and are pretendin' they don't hear me knockin'. Rummy brought me a present that he told me to open while the grownups were talkin' bidness.
Oh, Sweet Republican Jesus, it's just what I wanted! Too cool! It's a minaturized Active Denial System! Laua promised me one for Christmas but she and Condi must have worked on Rummy (I don't wanna know) to get it early cuz of my fidgetiness. Heh heh heh heh heh.
The Twins just got up after partyin' hearty. You're only young once, well, except for me. They told me they'd play Paint Ball with me today. (F' you Michael Jackson, I have a better Neverland than you, nyah nyah). Hehh hehh hehh, then Paint Ball it will be FOR YOU, my darlin' daughters.
We all suited up in our camo and drew straws as to who gets to be Michael Moore and Hillary. I'm the pretend President so I get to play the President. Sweet. The girls started whining as soon as Jenna or Barbara ( I getta em mixed up just like everyone else) broke a nail. I told em to come out with their hands up. Then I took a bead on em with my Active Denial System ray gun. I was aim'n for right between the eyes but I'm not a real cowboy so they took the shots right IN the eye. Gee whiz, what a coupla babies, it's not like I killed them. Laura came out when she heard them screaming and told them to shut the F' up (she works blue at the Ranch just like at that funny dinner) and if they didn't shut the F' up she was gonna ship them up to Big Bar. You coulda heard a pin drop. Then she turned on me and threatened the same thing. I shut the F' up too.
I'm not gonna put this incident in the paper Cheney assigned to me, "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" cuz it makes me look pussy whipped which I am not just because I don't want to make Laura mad because of what may happen if I do.
Anyway it's all good as the kids say cuz I got Julio to take a picture of me and Barbara/Jenna in our camouflage. With the bandages covering their eyes it makes them look like war heros and that'll shut the MSM up. I'm gonna award them Medals of Honor and that'll make me look good. Karl says I'm a sandwich short of a picnic but I'm not. I'm more like Frodo or is it Fredo?
Where's Lance? I wanna ride my bike.
`
http://patriotboy.blogspot.com/
Link to above blog that had that piece.
Dean beats up on Georgie over gas prices...
Dean: Bush Needs to Take High Road on Gas Price Crisis
WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The following was released today by the Democratic National Committee:
Because President Bush and the Republicans in Congress have failed to take action to reduce skyrocketing gas prices, state and local governments across the country are being forced to take matters into their own hands.
This week, the state of Hawaii became the first state in the nation to cap wholesale gas prices, and USA Today reported that rising gas prices have forced state and local governments to consider laying off workers, raising local taxes and cutting back on essential services. (Reuters, 8/25/05; USA Today, 8/24/05)
"President Bush has sat on his hands as ordinary Americans and their communities have been blindsided by skyrocketing gas prices," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean. "While oil companies have enjoyed record profits, President Bush's lack of leadership has allowed the gas price crisis to spiral out of control, leaving painful decisions to state and local governments. It is time for President Bush and the Republicans in Washington to put the pedal to the metal and steer us toward a sound strategy for reducing gas prices."
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=52181
Indy, Native Texan, Madame D,
Perhaps the acts that have been turned away could be signed up (or directed toward) the march in Washington on September 24. I'm sure someone has already thought of that, but just in case.
Thanks for representing us there. Have a good weekend!
its about time, defarge. What have they been thinking.
Posted by: madame defarge at August 26, 2005 12:33 AM
Madame Defarge,
I appreciated your post last night about the fact that privatization of Social Security may hinge on the House. I read it last night but it got too late to comment.
I will be asking questions here at the DCP as this develops. Thanks for the post.
Translation:::
IraN proves Bu$h is a total fool, while the entire world watches and takes note (except for 36% of 'Murrica)
Iran covers all its bets in neighboring Iraq
By Warren P. Strobel, Knight Ridder Newspapers
WASHINGTON - When rival Shiite Muslim factions battled in Iraqi cities this week in a worrisome new turn for the country's stability, neighboring Iran had little to lose: It supports both factions.
Iran has shrewdly pursued a strategy of "portfolio diversification" in Iraq. It backs a wide range of actors - even competing ones -with support, money and weapons to ensure that it has a say in Iraq's future, Western officials and analysts said.
"They are like lobbyists. They're spreading the money around, so whoever wins owes them," said Juan Cole, a University of Michigan professor and expert on Shiite Islam who's criticized U.S. policy in Iraq.
Iran's maneuverings in Iraq have taken on new urgency amid last-minute wrangling over a draft constitution and the Bush administration's charges that Tehran is fueling the anti-American insurgency with cross-border weapons shipments.
Those charges remain unproved, U.S. officials conceded, and are disputed by outside experts. They question why Iran's Shiite clerics would aid insurgents from the rival Sunni branch of Islam who are seeking to regain the power in Iraq they'd wielded under Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein.
But Iran has spread its largesse far and wide, the officials and analysts said, in pursuing three main goals in Iraq: promoting Shiite political dominance, keeping the United States off-balance and avoiding all-out sectarian civil war on its western border.
So far, it's achieved all three:
read more~
http://news.yahoo.com/s/krwashbureau/20050825/ts_krwashbureau/_bc_iran_iraq_wa_1
Posted by: Carol at August 26, 2005 04:46 PM
Will pass that along, Carol. Thanks.
Posted by: Ira at August 26, 2005 04:46 PM
Don't know...maybe they were waiting for thise poll results to come out kicking Georgie when he's down...
TRANSLATION: Humpty Dubya is sitting on a wall...Humpty Dubya is about to have a great fall...And all the King's horses and all the King's men can't put Humpty back together again...
Posted on Daily Kos
New AP-Ipsos Poll released today, 1,001 respondents, 3% margin of error. Very, very interesting results on Iraq and more.
Do you approve or disapprove of the way the Bush administration has conducted the war in Iraq? (IF APPROVE/DISAPPROVE, ASK:) Is that strongly or somewhat?(Results from June 2005 in parentheses)
--Strongly approve, 20 percent (26)
--Somewhat approve, 16 percent (15)
--Somewhat disapprove, 13 percent (11)
--Strongly disapprove, 45 percent (45)
--Not sure, 5 percent (3)
TOTAL APPROVE -- 37 percent (41)
TOTAL DISAPPROVE -- 58 percent (56)
2. All in all, thinking about how things have gone in Iraq since the United States went to war there in March 2003, do you think the United States ...
(Results from June 2005 in parentheses)
--Made the right decision in going to war in Iraq, 43 percent (42)
--Made a mistake in going to war in Iraq, 53 percent (53)
--Not sure, 4 percent (5)
That metric is pretty stable, most think Iraq was a mistake. We should not feel alone here.
3. How likely is it that a stable, democratic government will be established in Iraq? Is it ...
(Results from February 2005 in parentheses)
--Very likely, 11 percent (10)
--Somewhat likely, 40 percent (41)
--Not too likely, 30 percent (31)
--Not at all likely, 16 percent (16)
--Not sure, 3 percent (2)
A close call here. I'm not sure where the "likely" folks are getting their information but at least they are optomistic.
4. Has the military action in Iraq ...
(Results from April 2004 in parentheses)
--Increased the threat of terrorism in the world, 50 percent (47)
--Decreased the threat of terrorism in the world, 20 percent (25 percent)
--Had no effect on the threat of terrorism, 28 percent (25 percent)
--Not sure, 3 percent (3 percent)
So much for the perceived strength of Bush. Dems need to pull a Rove and attack Bush's traditional foundation of "keeping America safe."
5. Should the United States keep troops in Iraq until the situation has stabilized, or should the United States bring its troops home from Iraq immediately?
(Results from June 2005 in parentheses)
--Keep troops in Iraq until the situation has stabilized, 60 percent (59)
--Bring its troops home from Iraq immediately, 37 percent (37)
--Not sure, 3 percent (4)
Reflects something of the debate ongoing here about staying or pulling out. Looks like most Americans have embraced the Pottery Barn doctrine.
Here's the kick to Bush's groin and to the groin of all those wingnuts who want to call dissenters treasonous traitors.
6. Do you think it is OK for people who oppose the war in Iraq to express their opposition publicly, or not?
--Yes, 87 percent
--No, 12 percent
--Not sure, 1 percent
This is perhaps the saddest question of all...
7. Do you have a friend, colleague or family member who has served in the military effort in Iraq at any time since March 2003?
--Yes, 54 percent
--No, 45 percent
--Not sure, 1 percent
http://lapin.dailykos.com/story/2005/8/26/111948/885
Posted by: Truth Shall Prevail at August 26, 2005 04:58 PM
You're welcome, Truth.
Will be in touch from Camp Casey 2 in between the rally, the BBQ, the church service, & my knitting... ;)
Posted by: cali dem at August 26, 2005 02:39 AM
Cali Dem,
What part of the city did you live in? When did you leave? What did you think of it?
Posted by: madame defarge at August 26, 2005 05:06 PM
Oh, Madame!!!
Just to hear you say that makes me want to run around the room and shout and jump up and down!!
(Okay, I just did!!!)
We'll be waiting for updates!!! (How VERY cool you get to go!)
Translation::: worldwide Ouch!
Drivers Worldwide Feel Sting of Gas Prices
By GEORGE JAHN, Associated Press Writer
VIENNA, Austria - While U.S. motorists complain at having to pay $2.60 a gallon, the relentless surge of oil prices is leading to even more colossal gas pains for Europeans who were paying much more than Americans even before crude began climbing.
So far there has been no repeat on the old continent of the tragic death of an Alabama service station owner who was run over last week while trying to stop a driver from speeding off without paying.
Still, the painful price increases have led to some changes in European driving habits.
Germans are tanking up on home-heating fuel. Poles are crossing the border to Ukraine to buy cheaper fuel. And Swedish motorists are flocking to a southwestern town where price wars have made gas about 30 percent cheaper than the national average of $5.66 a gallon.
While that price is enough to leave the average American gasping for air, Swedish gas is still cheap in comparison with the Netherlands. There, a gallon of premium costs $6.56.
Oil prices are about 50 percent higher than a year ago, and reached a new intraday high of $68 a barrel Thursday on the New York Mercantile Exchange. As the cost of oil has risen prices at the pump have gone up too, with service station operators posting new figures each time the price per barrel has changed.
Still, some Europeans grimace and bear it.
"We accept a lot," said Egil Otter of the Norwegian Automobile Association about the high cost of driving, including premium gas prices at $6.46 a gallon. "When costs go up for car use people don't drive less. They just cut costs in other areas."
continue~
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050826/ap_on_bi_ge/oil_inequality
Gas prices going up. Again.
You heard it here first, folks. The newly updated track for Hurricane Katrina has moved more to the west, this will put possibly a category 4 hurricane whirling through the central Gulf of Mexico.
On a direct collision course with most of the major deep-water oil wells in the Gulf.
Expect pump prices to rise next week, because oil workers have to be evacuated to safety.
And if a Cat 4 hurricane hits New Orleans directly, that's a catastophic scenario, as N.O. is below sea level. I'm closer to Baton Rouge, but a direct hit to N.O. will swamp us too. No pun intended. BR is home to one of ExMobil's largest oil refineries and many smaller refineries. This killer storm is very bad news for gasoline prices.
Posted by: on.to.victory4Dems at August 26, 2005 05:43 PM
You stay safe, and keep us posted. (No pun intended.)
The MSM is reporting that Cindy Sheehan will be paying a courtest call (LOL) to Tom DeLay's office on her way out of TX - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=361
NOTE TO INDY:
I'm enjoying reading your updates here on DCP. Glad you are down there. Feel free to keep us updated at DemDaily if you get a chance!
Posted by: Truth Shall Prevail at August 26, 2005 05:10 PM
I left almost two years ago. I lived near the Mt. Rose ski area. I was more than ready to leave Renoland. No regrets, coyote.
I miss some friends, a radio station (the X), how close we lived to Sand Harbor at Tahoe, the Hawkins Ampitheater and some restaurants.
How about you?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http:niteswimming.blogspot.com/
Cali Dem,
Left 3 yrs. ago. Southwest Reno (Caughlin Ranch area in the Sierra Foothills), enjoyed Sand Harbor but spent many years on the beach at Tahoe's Nevada Beach (South Shore) north of Sand Harbor. Many fond memories of camping trips all over that area, boating on Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, hiking to and fishing in the lakes above Tahoe. That's what I miss the most - the gorgeous scenery - the mountains, the lakes, and the pines. Traded one kind of beauty for another, I guess.
Cali Dem and Truth,
I didn't live in Tahoe but I drove by it ONCE. It was beautiful, but we only passed though.
Maybe next time.
I was at Truth Out watching the video of Joan Baez singing Where Have all the flowers gone
http://www.truthout.org/cindy.shtml
(on the right, part way down)
and there was this great sign showing a peace sign with a yellow support the troops ribbon draped around the middle. I would love to know if that is available to buy somewhere. Anyone know where I could get that?
It would be a good pic for the main page as well.
HYPOCRICY on the Right
Click this link to see what conservative Republicans were saying when Clinton had our military in Kosovo.
http://www.crooksandliars.com/stories/2005/08/17/heresWhatRepublicansSaidAboutClintonAndKosovo.html
Here are a few examples:
"If we are going to commit American troops, we must be certain they have a clear mission, an achievable goal and an exit strategy."
-Karen Hughes, speaking on behalf of presidential candidate George W. Bush
President Clinton is once again releasing American military might on a foreign country with an ill-defined objective and no exit strategy. He has yet to tell the Congress how much this operation will cost. And he has not informed our nation's armed forces about how long they will be away from home. These strikes do not make for a sound foreign policy."
-Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA)
"No goal, no objective, not until we have those things and a compelling case is made, then I say, back out of it, because innocent people are going to die for nothing. That's why I'm against it."
-Sean Hannity, Fox News, 4/5/99
"You think Vietnam was bad? Vietnam is nothing next to Kosovo."
-Tony Snow, Fox News 3/24/99
Read about how some Vets are reacting.
http://www.laweekly.com/ink/05/40/news-fitzsimmons.php
Ask the Ayatollah anything:
Link:
http://www.sistani.org/html/eng/main/index.php?page=4&lang=eng&part=4
bonus points for cat lovers
Posted by: Mary from Manhattan at August 26, 2005 09:34 PM
In 1999, Bush Demanded A Timetable
In 1999, George W. Bush criticized President Clinton for not setting a timetable for exiting Kosovo, and yet he refuses to apply the same standard to his war.
George W. Bush, 4/9/99:
Victory means exit strategy, and it's important for the president to explain to us what the exit strategy is.
And on the specific need for a timetable, here's what Bush said then and what he says now:
George W. Bush, 6/5/99
I think it's also important for the president to lay out a timetable as to how long they will be involved and when they will be withdrawn.
[ed. note: article originally ran in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer on 6/5/99]
VERSUS
George W. Bush, 6/24/05:
It doesn't make any sense to have a timetable. You know, if you give a timetable, you're conceding too much to the enemy.
http://thinkprogress.org/2005/06/28/in-1999-bush-demanded-a-timetable/
"Explain to the mothers and fathers of American servicemen that may come home in body bags why their son or daughter have to give up their life?"
-Sean Hannity, Fox News, 4/6/99
"You can support the troops but not the president"
-Representative Tom Delay (R-TX)
http://www.crooksandliars.com/stories/2005/08/17/heresWhatRepublicansSaidAboutClintonAndKosovo.html
OK then, here I am in Texas. 11pm and it's still 95 degrees. The things I do for democracy & peace...
Read an amazing article about Abu Ghraib on the plane that I highly recommend...
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082405Z.shtml
Also just read online that they expect maybe 7000 ppl in Crawford this weekend. Apparently, there was a busload of pro-Georgie supporters from Brown County, Texas who cancelled the bus; they couldn't fill the 55 seats @ $25/seat. Only 8 ppl signed up. So they're driving on their own. Guess standing up for Georgie isn't worth the money...
headline of the day:
100,000 Shiites
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=1070778
Posted by: madamedefarge in texas at August 26, 2005 11:48 PM
Welcome to Texas, madame defarge.
Give our regards to Indy, and NT4K, Cindy, the moms and everyone there to support Cindy and the troops.
Be safe and make sure everyone is calm--especially if the Bush supporters try to incite violence.
Glad you made it safely, Madame. Crawford is going to be hopping tomorrow.
You will be our eyes and ears, and we will be waiting to hear your reports,
as you witness and are part of the history of our miracle happening in
America!
* * * * * * *
Sparrow,
I just finished reading these posts on Cindy's blog at Truthout.
Since the blog is quiet tonight I am going to post them in their entireties.
The first one is on the peace training they had at Camp Casey today, the
second is a beautiful post by Cindy, that is so very appropriate for this
thread.
t r u t h o u t | One Mother's Stand
By Scott Galindez
Friday 26 August 2005
10:46 PM
The main focus today was preparing for the arrival of the Bush
supporters tomorrow. There was a non-violence training led by Reverend
Johnson of the SCLC, and Johnie Wolf of the Crawford Peace House. The
organizers have been stressing that nobody should engage the counter
protesters. Hopefully everyone will listen, the fear is that with thousands
of people arriving from both sides, the peaceful mood that has prevailed the
last weeks will be shattered.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
t r u t h o u t | One Mother's Stand
False Freedom Isn't Free
By Cindy Sheehan
Thursday 25 August 2005
10:22 PM
The Peaceful Occupation of Crawford:
Today when I was driving back and forth between Camp Casey II and the
Crawford Peace House, I saw a lot of signs that say "I'm4W" "Support our
Troops" and the one I hate the most: "Freedom isn't Free." I have excerpted
an article I wrote a few months ago called: A Lie of Historic Proportions. I
am not feeling well tonight, so I am heading to bed before six a.m. tonight.
Iraq has been the tragic Lie of Historic Proportions of Washington, DC
since before the first Gulf war. For years, Saddam was one of our
government's propped up and militarily supported puppets. Many people have
seen the famous footage of Donald Rumsfeld shaking hands with Saddam. I
suppose the two are smiling so big for the cameras because they are kindred
spirits. After all of the hand-shaking and weapon brokering, when did Saddam
become such a bad guy to Bush, Cheney, Halliburton and Co.? (Insert your
favorite reason here).
During the Clinton regime the US-UN led sanctions against Iraq and the
weekly bombing raids killed tens of thousands of people in Iraq. Many of
them were children, but since one of her children didn't have to be
sacrificed to the homicidal war machine, Madeline Albright, thinks the
slaughter during the "halcyon" Clinton years was "worth it." More lies.
Anyone with even a rudimentary understanding of current events
understands that this invasion/occupation of Iraq was not about Saddam being
a "bad guy." If that logic is used, then how many innocent Iraqi people have
to die before the citizens of America wake up and know that our government
is a "bad guy?" We also know that Iraq was not about WMD's. They weren't
there and they weren't going to be there for at least a decade, by all
reports. Another reason, so wispy and more difficult to disprove, is that
America invaded Iraq to bring freedom and democracy to the Iraqi people.
When one tries to dispute this particular deception, one is accused of being
unpatriotic or hating freedom. Even though correct, the statement "Freedom
isn't Free" is very insulting to me. False freedom is very expensive. Fake
freedom costs about two billion of our tax dollars a week; phony freedom has
cost the Iraqi people tens of thousands of innocent lives; fanciful freedom
has meant the destruction of a country and its infrastructure. Tragically,
this fabricated notion of freedom and democracy cost me far more than I was
willing to pay: the life of my son, Casey. The Lie of Historic Proportions
also cost me my peace of mind; I do not feel free and I do not feel like I
live in a democracy.
Casey took an oath to protect the US from all enemies "foreign and
domestic." He was sent to occupy and die in a foreign country that was no
threat to the USA. However, the biggest threat to our safety, humanity, and
our way of life in America are George and his cronies. Congress made a
Mistake of Historic Proportions and waived its Constitutional responsibility
to declare war. It is time for the House to make up for that mistake and
introduce a Resolution of Inquiry into the Downing Street Memos.
It is time to put partisan politics behind us to do what is correct for
once and reclaim America's humanity. It is time for Congress and the
American people to work together in peace and justice to rid our country of
the stench of greed, hypocrisy, and unnecessary suffering that permeates our
White House and our halls of Congress. It is time to hold someone
accountable for the carnage and devastation that has been caused. As a
matter of fact, it is past time, but it is not too late.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
http://www.truthout.org/cindy.shtml
Guess standing up for Georgie isn't worth the money...
Posted by: madamedefarge in texas at August 26, 2005 11:48 PM
Guess that's why they pay their audiences and bus them in.
The pro-war, pro-Bush caravan that is going to Crawford from California is organized by Move America Forward.
Uncle Karl knows.
Move America Forward
From SourceWatch
Move America Forward is a right-wing political advocacy group founded and headed by California Republicans and staff members of the public relations firm Russo Marsh and Rogers, which has strong ties to the Republican Party.
According to its website, "Move America Forward (www.MoveAmericaForward.org) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization committed to supporting America's efforts to defeat terrorism and supporting the brave men and women of our Armed Forces." [1] (http://www.moveamericaforward.org/?Page=AboutUs)
According to PR Week, Move America Forward's "vice chairmen are conservative radio talk show co-host Melanie Morgan and National Tax Limitation Committee founder Lew Uhler."[2] (http://www.odwyerpr.com/members/0615moore.htm)
Table of contents [showhide]
1 Russo Marsh and Rogers
2 MAF targets "Fahrenheit 9/11" but fails
3 Website registration
4 Douglas Lorenz and the Republican Liberty Caucus
5 Move America Forward's articles of incorporation
6 SourceWatch Resources
7 External Links
[edit]Russo Marsh and Rogers
Move America Forward's website address was initially registered to Russo Marsh and Rogers, but after the registration information was reported, the details were quickly changed to exclude any mention of RM+R [3] (http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/moveamericaforward.html). Move America Forward operates out of the same offices as RM+R and calls to the two organizations are answered by the same receptionist, according to several reports. [4] (http://www.pacificviews.org/weblog/archives/000202.html)
In the 2001/02 electoral cycle, Russo Marsh and Rogers received $2,475,223 in payments from Republican politicians, and no payments at all from Democrat politicans. [5] (http://www.SourceWatch.org/wiki.phtml?title=Russo_Marsh_and_Rogers#Politicians_who_have_been_customers_of_Russo_Marsh_and_Rogers_or_its_predecessors) Move America Forward was launched in June 2004.
Furthermore, although the MAF site describes Sal Russo as the group's "chief strategist," it makes no mention of his involvement in RM+R [6] (http://www.moveamericaforward.org/?Page=AboutUs).
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Move_America_Forward
Truth
Your research is hitting pay dirt.
DiAnne,
Remember what I said in June? We be addicted! I am digging up all sorts of goodies!
I told myself I was going to bed at 9:00 p.m. tonight, and here I am! (Going now.)
Gawd I love this stuff. I be findin' out some good stuff. Woo Hoo I send you a teaser!
Guess that's why they pay their audiences and bus them in.
The pro-war, pro-Bush caravan that is going to Crawford from California is organized by Move America Forward.
Uncle Karl knows.
Posted by: Truth Shall Prevail at August 27, 2005 01:50 AM
MOVE AMERICA FORWARD MOVES TOWARD CRAWFORD, TX...
http://www.moveamericaforward.org/
Damn good to know Cheney, Rove, Halliburton, and the Carlyle Group supports this war, isn't it?
Hell, they didn't have to drive across country to tell us that! OK, wanta see for yourself?
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Move_America_Forward
Oh, and those 1000 pro-Bush signs that say "We support W", and "This is Bush Country", and "Support the Troops" that have been placed in Crawford in the last two days? Uh huh!
Brought to you by Grassfire.org, the conservative internet media folks that peddle the religious right's pro-life, anti-gay marriage, etc. literature over the internet(s)....
http://grassfire.org/home.shtm
O.K., now....
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Grassfire.org_Alliance
I am beginning to wonder if there isn't something to that voter fraud idea after all....
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/25/AR2005082500407.html
Standoff Continues in Crawford
As Bush, Sheehan Return, Both Sides Plan Rallies
{{{ Perhaps Indy can tell us an accurate number when this article says that there are "dozens" of pro-war protesters near Camp Casey I - and, get a load of the obscene pro-war signs on the picture on this article - eeeooowww! If I didn't miss it, I notice there was no number estimate of people at Camp Casey....}}}
Cindy Sheehan speaks to crowd at Camp Casey
"Casey was killed by insurgents. He wasn't killed by terrorists. He was killed by Shiite militia who wanted him out of the country."
Audio and transcript
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9980.htm
Sheehan's Question Deserves Answer
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082605Y.shtml
Morning Everyone!
Dick and I are at a long-ago-planned family reunion in Philly, but our hearts and souls are in Crawford, with Madame, Indy, NT4K, Cindy, Ann, David, our friend Susan...
Sending lots of calm, clear-visioned energy.
Here's a quote for all of you:
"Some people say 'Knock 'em dead.' I say "Bring 'em back to LIFE."
My friend, the late, great, Peter Madden.
Al Qaeda in Iraq issues virulent manifesto
Group calls for violence, destruction of 'American empire'
(CNN) -- Laying out its ideology in a broad manifesto, the group al Qaeda in Iraq -- which has been behind many of the worst attacks, beheadings and kidnappings in Iraq -- says the insurgency is in better shape than the United States acknowledges and vows to continue the insurgency and "destroy the American empire."
"Every now and then, the schoolboys of the Pentagon and the adolescents of the Black House keep blasting our ears with talks of pure arrogance and conviction saying, 'We will not leave Iraq until we accomplish our mission.' This desperate catchphrase that they keep repeating is used to make the public believe that the mujahedeens are in bad shape, as if they are begging the Americans, saying, 'Please Americans, leave Iraq,' " the group says in an e-book, an extensive document on the Internet.
"We vow by the name of God that we are determined to destroy the American empire," it says.
The document warns there will be no end to the insurgency. "The call for jihad goes on until doomsday, whether there is an imam calling for it or not."
more... http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/08/26/alqaeda.book/index.html
p.s. I don't remember al Qaeda being in Iraq before W invaded. Hmmm.
Creationism, Bush-style.
p.s. I don't remember al Qaeda being in Iraq before W invaded. Hmmm.
Creationism, Bush-style.
Posted by: monkey at August 27, 2005 09:53 AM
"I Dream of Georgie" - with a wiggle of his nose, and a "blink" - "blink" of his eyes, (and then another "blink" of his eyes), - "POOF" -
"Wallah"! al Qaeda!
Casey: "Pithy!" (Found it!)
Re: Translating Bush... First--Loved It! (Don't even TRY to understand him. Man couldn't put two sentences together in the debate/s "Talking gobbledygook is HARD work! It's HARD work!" )
Greetings all. You don't know me, but I've been "lurking" on this site for about a month but my "li'l Sister" Casey and I have known each other for nearly a decade. I'm sure this isn't news to you, but in case you don't know, she's quite a "wordsmith" (and yes, truly her Father's daughter, (Hi, Bill!)
Casey, y'know how I've been "b__'in and moanin" abt being unemployed? Well, decided what I'm gonna do (and in fact, I'm on my way out the door). To quote Holly Near's "Laid Off": "Gonna go out and agitate..." (Or, to quote MY Dad, "Don't agonize; organize...") I'm on my way to Camp Casey. Called the owner of this PC, woke her up, asked to borrow her car and gas card (told her why--she knows all about Chris' ghost)and she agreed. Car's loaded and sitting outside my door.
Read that post advising folks not to confront the counter-protesters and realized my Diablo non-violence training and music is needed, so getting up off my unemployed butt and heading out for Crawford. (Should be there by sunrise if I hoof it.)
For those who are reading this and (still) planning on Crawford, DON'T trust that the police will know what they're doing should violence erupt. The Diablo Cyn Nuclear Blockade was planned for 10 years, the Nat'l Guard and local PD were prepared for us and STILL "they" tried to beat us down so... a (very) quick course in non-violence action.
If you see someone being hurt, throw your body on the one being victimized, get between the "attacker and victim" and take the blow/s yourself. (Pacifism is NEVER easy!) Trust that someone will do the same for you.
Assault comes in many forms, INCLUDING verbal violence (just ask a battered woman). 500 ppl chanting, "LOVE,LOVE,LOVE" STILL seems like an attack. If you need to "chant" do it in song! (I sang Holly's "Mtn Song" so many times I was afraid my affinity group was gonna (non-violently) kill me if I called it up again but it works!) The Abalone Alliance made chanting forbidden and our pacifism was the stronger because of it.
One last thing before I go. When I was but a "wee-little activist" I went to an Anti-Nam mtg. A little old woman, grey hair, wisened face, dressed in jeans and a "Mothers for Peace" tee-shirt, sat quietly beside me, listening to all the "young radicals" bemoaning "how long the war was going on" and how "tired" they were of marching and not being heard.
She/I sat for HOURS, not saying a word and then, suddenly, she stood up, hands on hips and addressed the group:
"I'm so SICK of you kids complaining about the war in Vietnam! The struggle for Peace and Justice has been going on since the first caveman dragged 'his' woman out of his cave by her hair!"
We were, of course,stunned by her outburst--but she definitely had our attention...
"God willing," she continued, a bit gentler now, "the struggle will continue long after you and I and our childrens' CHILDREN are dead and buried! You need to stop expecting the war's going to stop just because you've finally the courage to come out against it..." and she left the (properly chastised) room. ... After Vietnam, her words are the only thing that keeps me going. It's a Timeless fight for Peace and Justice.
Peace, all! I'm on my way to Crawford.