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We Need New News
And let me be clear - I'm not talking about a Progressive alternative propaganda machine to Feaux News - I'm talking about an actual, factual news service. Like the news used to be. Remember? It was pretty much just the facts, ma'am.
Correspondents would reference WH positions by stating them as such, instead of stating them as the lead-in to their story, followed by who disagrees with said position.
James Dobbins has an interesting article at Real Clear Politics (full article here).
James Dobbins served in both the Clinton and Bush II administrations, and is considered an 'expert.' His basic question is "Who Lost Iraq?"
The intriguing paragraph in this article to me is this one:
"If it is not the military's role to challenge lawful orders, still less is it the role of the press to manufacture controversy where none exists. In a democracy, the primary responsibility for opposing or at least critically examining the case for war falls on the opposition party. If the opposition chooses to duck that responsibility, as the Democrats largely did when the issue was put to them in late 2002, it is hard to fault the press for not stepping in to fill the void."
Excuse me? "Manufacture controversy?" Are you kidding me??
Now, I'm fine with 'experts' extending their bony, rotting fingers into the national dialogue. You can't swing a dead cat these days without hitting an 'expert.' But to dismiss the nationwide, cross-party, cross-income disgust with the Iraq war - and specifically this administration's handling of it - as a controversy manufactured by the media, is utterly misleading and just plain horse pucky.
And now the Pentagon, not wishing to be victimized by the apparently manufactured controversy over the war, will create a new cheerleading office to churn out "We're Winning" Juice 24/7/365... 3 full servings of bats**t in every can.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/8/25/173842/173
Now, this would be fine if the news outlets would refer to this as what it is: an effort by the WH specifically designed to selectively communicate information to the public on the Iraq War. The key word here being 'selectively.' But they won't. Cans of "We're Winning" Juice will be the story lead-ins, and then they'll (maybe) show a Democrat (or somebody) muttering, "well, er, it's really not going all that well for the troops I don't think..." And the crack journalists on the Today Show will feature another 'expert' who answers the grave question of whether or not the Democrats are undermining our troops' ability to win the war. It will all be very serious, and played out on exactly the field created by the Pentagon's propaganda office. But nobody will say that.
And this is my problem. Which brings me to my larger point.
We need new news. A free and unbiased media is the cornerstone of democracy. You can't have democracy with government controlled media. Period. The Founding Fathers knew this. They were clear.
I'd like to call it "American News Service." And it would feature actual news consisting of facts, edited and reported by people who are not wholly owned subsidiaries of the Republican National Party.
Now, on a national level, the Democrats are raising money hand over fist over their Republican counterparts... so where is the new news outlet? Where is the real news channel to counter the Pentagon Propaganda machine? Where is that liberal Hollywood to pitch in? They might have two nickels and maybe a camera. Where did Wingnuttia get the money to start Feaux News?
Or maybe it's a matter of a news website doing streaming video of material from all around the country, except organized into formal news content, instead of random video like YouTube.
My point here is that maybe Mr. Dobbins doesn't think the media has a role in questioning the government. Maybe they don't. But they definitely have a responsibility to report WH spin as WH spin. Not as the "truth" which is then responded to by opposing viewpoints, invariably positioned by default as the "not truth."
How can we figure this out? There has to be a way to create a new news. Cuz the old one just isn't working anymore.
Free associate, ramble, juxtapose, do not hesitate. Just GO!
Texas is the only state that applies the "law of parties" to capital cases, allowing accomplices who "should have anticipated" a murder to receive the death penalty. Kenneth Foster is scheduled to die Thursday under this provision - editorial from today's Dallas News below. You can urge the governor to stop the execution.
Email Governor Perry through his web site: www.governor.state.tx.us/contact or call his opinion hotline: 1-800-252-9600
Not a Killer: Kenneth Foster does not deserve execution
Kenneth Foster was a robber. He was a drug user. He was a teenager making very bad decisions.
He is not an innocent man. But Mr. Foster is not a killer. Still, the State of Texas plans to put him to death Thursday.
Ours is the only state in the country to apply the "law of parties" to capital cases, allowing accomplices to pay the ultimate penalty for a murder committed by another. Mr. Foster was driving his grandfather's rental car when one of his partners in crime killed Michael LaHood.
That night in 1996, Mr. Foster and three of his buddies appeared to be looking for trouble. They robbed a few folks, chugged some beers and smoked marijuana. But, as all four have testified, murder was never part of the plan. Mr. Foster and two others sat in the car nearly 90 feet away when the fatal shot was fired.
They had followed an attractive woman into an unfamiliar neighborhood, where they encountered her boyfriend, Mr. LaHood. The other passengers have testified that they had no designs on robbing - let alone shooting - him. And the admitted triggerman said that his friends did not know what he was doing when he approached the victim.
But using the law of parties, prosecutors argued that Mr. Foster, who was 19 at the time, either intended to kill or "should have anticipated" a murder. For this lack of foresight, he has been sentenced to death.
The death penalty, proponents argue, is the appropriate punishment for the worst of the worst criminals. They express confidence that death row inmates are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
But the case against Mr. Foster falls far short on both counts.
A 19-year-old robber/getaway driver cannot be classified as one of Texas' most dangerous, murderous criminals. On this point, even prosecutors agree: Mr. Foster did not kill anyone.
By applying the law of parties to this capital case, prosecutors are asking jurors to speculate on whether he should have anticipated the murder. Conjecture isn't nearly good enough when a defendant's life is on the line.
And relying on a mind-reading jury leaves plenty of room for reasonable doubt.
Several other states have imposed or are considering a moratorium on executions, relying instead on life without parole as a tough alternative. Even though Texas juries now have the option of life without parole, our state continues to broadly impose capital punishment.
The unfair application of the death penalty and the possibility that an innocent man could be executed compelled this newspaper to voice opposition to capital punishment. This case only reinforces our belief that state-sanctioned death is often arbitrary.
While Mr. Foster's execution date approaches, the two passengers from his car sit in prison with life sentences. His only hope for a reprieve lies with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and the governor.
This case raises serious questions about whether state leaders are comfortable with this degree of ambiguity in death cases. We aren't.
Mr. Foster is a criminal. But he should not be put to death for a murder committed by someone else.
What can you do? Email Governor Rick Perry through his web site: www.governor.state.tx.us/contact or call his opinion hotline: 1-800-252-9600
Vic,
Great post, as usual. I think that the American News Service is what Air America set out to become, back when Mark Walsh left the Kerry campaign to begin it.
But I think we have to face the fact that what worked best on AAR was the wit and fleetness of foot of the commentators, and in the end, the individual hosts are the success stories.
We live in a culture that celebrates celebrity and fosters cults of personality, and that is what attracts money. Advertisers put ads where the consumers are paying attention.
On the internets, that is places like MySpace and Daily Kos, where personality and celebrity matter.
Even in the antiwar, peace and justice communities, (and Cindy Sheehan would be the first to agree), we do not have leaders so much as celebs. In fact, those with leadership experience are often baffled by the lack of on-the-ground organization and networking of information. We have yet to solve the randomness problems.
If I won the lottery today, I would want to invest in such a venture as you suggest, and you would be my first choice for anchorperson, with many others here as producers and researchers, believe me.
But I see no larger community, with access to funding, really able to create such a thing.
Ideas, anyone?
Vic,
I agree with what you wrote. We need real news! And it's not up to the opposition party to do the media's work. Frankly, I don't believe the media should be doing anything but presenting facts--no spin of any party. If they want shouting head entertainment, then let them label it accordingling. But present the facts. And present ALL the facts. Then let the people decide.
Christy,
I didn't see this new thread so I just commented to you in the old one.
Karen --
I think the funding is out there. It's just that nobody has ever asked anyone for it. I think we're just too timid. I've started thinking about a format concept and a business plan.
And then I'm going to try to find the money. It's out there. We just have to find it.
If you build it, they will come.
I am fine with National Public Radio. I wish a broader segment listened to it. I wish there was a way to get "just the facts" and much less commentary.
Some good ideas here - need - money
Do yall realize what damage you could do with a REAL newspaper in the deep south...?
A paper that, you know, tells us when our family values senators likes to be diapered and spanked by hookers. Or why is all of our elections suspect?
Or what is REALLY going on in New Orleans?
Or why do our cops protect serial killers?
Or.... whatever. A newpaper like that here would fly off the stands.
REAL NEWS is something the south has not had for a long, long time. Maybe never.
Posted by: Christy at August 26, 2007 01:00 PM
Christy,
A real 'newspaper' or a real 'tv news show'? See? I think nobody reads the paper anymore. I think it's what they see or hear.
The problem is the mindset. If people truly wanted to hear the truth, they would seek instead of avoiding it.
Media reflects the culture;
Subprime mortgage that will let me purchase a house i cannot afford..? sign me up
Clothing and goods at impossibly low prices obviously made by children in abject poverty....when does the store open..?
Vote for a President that cannot form a cohesive sentence.... where do i register?
It would be a good thing to let the subprime market completely collapse. Lose the house, learn about finance. Santa Claus is not a mortgage broker in the off season
Bar imports of goods until the manufacturer can verify the process. Start buying quality goods manufactured under supervised and licensed responsible companies. Pay a little more for goods, reduce sweatshops and slave labor.
And it would be a really great idea to Impeach the President of the United States. Stop pretending idiots can run this Nation, they cannot.
When people begin to feel the consequence of their actions, Education will become a priority instead of afterthought.
People flip out about China, Russia, Iran...the USA is doing a fine job of self destruction on its own.
Posted by: chinatool at August 26, 2007 01:58 PM
It's funny that you brought up Santa Claus. Because I remember listening to someone a long time ago who spoke about how the neocons had to convince people that their 'Santa Claus' was better than the liberals' social programs with 'tax and spend.'
So to do this, they had to create a Santa for their side. Thus, their Santa is the 'folksy President'...the one you can have a beer with. Who knows what else. All I know is that they spend lots of time, money, and effort putting out their lies and getting infrastucture to support those lies. While our side falls apart.
People flip out about China, Russia, Iran...the USA is doing a fine job of self destruction on its own.
Posted by: chinatool at August 26, 2007 01:58 PM
Amen!
Spending more on penal system and the military than education = mistaken priorities of the worst kind.
Where did Wingnuttia get the money to start Feaux News?
Posted by Victoria Ellen at August 26, 2007 10:42 AM
And the Washington Times/UPI?
Foreign slush funds, of course. The whole country has been on sale to the highest bidder.
BTW:
Successfully uploaded two short videos at You Tube yesterday. They were rush jobs but I wanted to get something up.
THE CONVERSATION; PART 1
03:11
Hillary Clinton is worried about her negative image with much of the American public. These are my musings about this problem and Hillary's campaign for the presidency.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUO8ZxcxOiI
Tags: Hillary Clinton president election politics democrats
Views: 20
Comments: 0
Rating:
1 rating
Added: August 25, 2007, 06:17 PM
Broadcast: Public | Live!
Raw File: hilla
HILLARY: the Rightwing is gearing up
3:35
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0P0rOLCALo
This is just one small section of a large email which is now flying around the internet by the well-organized and fanatically dedicated rightwing. This is just a tiny sampling of numerous and seemingly endless allegations against Bill Clinton and you, Hillary.... BTW this email about Bill Clinton's presidency,his personal life and all the scandals etc.. is pages long... (more) (less)
Tags: Hillary Clinton president election politics democrats
Views: 26
Comments: 0
Added: August 25, 2007, 12:54 PM
Broadcast: Public | Live!
Raw File: hillary clinton_
I think nobody reads the paper anymore. I think it's what they see or hear.
Posted by: sparrow at August 26, 2007 01:31 PM
I read the paper, but often on the internet. Newspapers are having to adapt to this or die out. Radio, no tv. But I realize I'm not typical. That said, I personally know alot of "alternative" news or truth-seeking types who have similar patterns. I know quite a few people who no longer even own tvs. We can see enough on the internet, have someone tape it, or rent it. You don't even need a monitor - can use the computer.
News paper, net, tv shows... What's the difference anymore...?
If you can't be all three, then someone will always inevitably beat you to it.
If you could be all three though, you could almost singlehandedly change the south. You would be playing to a region of people starving for REAL news of the outside world.
Just the facts ma'm is appreciated by people who've never really had them before.
The only thing special you really need is the bravest freaking reporters and editors on earth.
Untouchables.
And maybe a few security guards.
The problem is the mindset. If people truly wanted to hear the truth, they would seek instead of avoiding it.
Now that is the truth, the news is out there, if we just want to find it.
People flip out about China, Russia, Iran...the USA is doing a fine job of self destruction on its own.
Posted by: chinatool at August 26, 2007 01:58 PM
Spending more on penal system and the military than education = mistaken priorities of the worst kind.
Posted by: Ally McRepuke at August 26, 2007 02:32 PM
Georgie doesn't want the people educated, he wants them as illiterate as himself, then they are able to steal the country dry
Posted by: rossiann at August 26, 2007 05:28 PM
I think it's more than that Rossi.
I think it's that people are trusting and gullible while at the same time they are cynical and feel like they have no control over what happnes.
Prime example...here in my little town. There are many Republicans who are amazed that Bush and Cheney haven't been impeached and they would support it!
This is what leads them to be both gullible and cynical. They WANT to trust the 'public servants' but in the end the public servants betray them and they feel that NONE of them can be trusted and it would do no good to get involved anyway.
Frankly, I'm beginning to feel a little bit like that myself. So what--I know so much more now than I did 5 years ago? Has it mattered? I have watched the Democratic controlled congress blow it too many times to feel like anything I do matters.
"If people truly wanted to hear the truth,"
Which 'truth' Rossi?
Yes, the facts are out there, but the people that we always relied on to go get them and inform us of them have become twisted into a distorted mockery of what they once were. Or could be.
Most of our country is not online, nor do they understand the enourmous informational capacity that can be accessed there.
Yes, the problem is the mindset, but when all you are being fed is lies, even strong people tend to go batsh*t insane trying to figure out what is going on.
What you said the other day Rossi was like a slap in the face. The thing you said about seeing the soldier repeating to either be curtious or kill em, playing on I guess your news.
We see NOTHING like that. We see NONE of that. Us online, who do read news understand, but the rest of the country is flying completely blind.
But even us US citizens online still do not see much. You know better than anyone to see war zone images, to come face to face with what we have done, you have to specifically search for those images. And it is highly hit or miss.
Who in Gods name except a few of us insane enough to be curious, would actually look up those images?
I know we all share a collective guilt, but the reason this is happening is not the will of We the People. Something horrifying is happening here and most people have no idea of the magnitude or cause of it. They can not possibly begin to understand what is being deliberately hidden from them.
We are all guilty, but the fault does not lie with the ignorant who have been completely betrayed and decieved.
The great Max Cleland on Rove and the Rovians (and, indirectly, the media): FABULOUS.
Be sure to watch the video.
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/
Max_Cleland_Americans_are_rejecting_Karl_0826.html
Governor's Call For U.S. Withdrawal From Iraq Greeted With Standing Ovation At National Guard Conference
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/26/national/main3204570.shtml
Things are changing slowly, maybe
Gimme Some Truth
by John Lennon
i'm sick and tired of hearing
things
from uptight-short sighted-
narrow minded hypocritics
all i want is the truth
just give me some truth
i've had enough of reading
things
by nuerotic-pyschotic-
pig headed politicians
all i want is the truth
just give me some truth
no short haired-yellow bellied
son of tricky dicky
is gonna mother hubbard
soft soap me
with just a pocketful of hope
money for dope
money for rope
i'm sick to death of seeing
things
from tight lipped-
condescending -mommies little
chauvinists
all i want is the truth
just give me some truth
i've had enough of watching
scenes
of schizophrenic - ego - centric
- paranoic - prima - donnas
all i want is the truth
just give me some truth
REPRESENTATIVE RENZI IS RETIRING!!!!
Arizona Congressman to Retire Amid Probe
The Associated Press
Friday 24 August 2007
Washington - Three-term Rep. Rick Renzi, an Arizona Republican facing a federal inquiry into his family's insurance business, said Thursday he will not seek re-election next year. Renzi becomes the fifth GOP House member in recent weeks to announce retirement plans, giving Democrats hopes of possibly picking up seats next year that otherwise would not be in play.
"I will not be seeking re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008," Renzi said in a brief statement released by the National Republican Congressional Committee.
Neither Renzi nor his top aides had immediately returned repeated calls and e-mails requesting further comment Thursday afternoon.
Leaders of both parties viewed Renzi as seriously damaged politically by the allegations against him, and several Republicans had let it be known they hoped he would step down. They were particularly concerned because Renzi represents a district Democrats have long thought they could win.
FBI agents in April raided a Sonoita, Ariz., business owned by Renzi's wife, Roberta. Law enforcement officials confirmed in October that they were scrutinizing a land swap that netted Renzi's former business partner, friend and campaign donor $4.5 million.
Renzi, 49, has denied all wrongdoing. Still, less than a week after the raid, he stepped down temporarily from all three of his House committee assignments. He also withdrew from a GOP fundraising campaign, which raises money for incumbents in vulnerable seats.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/082507F.shtml
It's sure nice that the Republicans always have some Democrats working closely with them during the primaries. I have not picked a candidate and probably won't this time but am not going to badmouth the other ones, as I intend to vote Dem eventually.
GOP's Warner presses for troop withdrawals
At odds with Bush, senator says he may support Democratic pullout bill
Updated: 13 minutes ago
WASHINGTON (AP) - GOP Sen. John Warner, who wants U.S. troops to start coming home from Iraq by Christmas, said Sunday he may support Democratic legislation ordering withdrawals if President Bush refuses to set a return timetable soon.
"I'm going to have to evaluate it," Warner said. "I don't say that as a threat. I say that as an option we'll all have to consider."
Warner, a former Navy Secretary and one-time chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is seen as someone who could influence the debate among senators who have grown increasingly uneasy about the unpopular war.
more...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20449568/
So I've been thinking all day about the American News Network (and Vic's sudden access to millions of dollars, or at least the balls to ASK for it!). And I've been following the thoughts here.
Questions:
Does such a network (ideally) do its own investigative work, a la Edward R. Murrow?
Does such a network own TV stations or acquire affiliates? Or is it a content provider for existing stations?
Can we just start with a news show that is anchored by Vic and monkey? 'Cause that would be way cool.
Max_Cleland_Americans_are_rejecting_Karl_0826.html
Posted by: mbk at August 26, 2007 05:54 PM
Former Senator Cleland Disputes Bush's Vietnam Analogy on Iraq
Former Democratic U.S. Senator Max Cleland, a disabled Vietnam veteran, said President George W. Bush made a faulty analogy when he cited that war to bolster his case for continuing U.S. military operations in Iraq.
``One of the lessons to be learned from Vietnam is that the commitment of American military strength alone cannot solve another country's political weakness,'' Cleland said today in the Democratic Party's weekly radio address.
``This should be a somber warning to us all to responsibly end the war in Iraq and the additional loss of precious American lives.''
====
Some 3,722 U.S. personnel had died in Iraq as of yesterday, of whom 3,049 were killed in action. More than 27,500 have been wounded, 12,340 of them so seriously that they couldn't return to duty, according to the Defense Department Web site.
In Vietnam, Cleland said, 58,000 Americans were killed and 350,000 were wounded. ``I know something about the price that was paid for continuing that war long after it was clear we could not succeed,'' he said.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aFjlODY5tmhw
Gimme Some Truth
Posted by: monkey at August 26, 2007 05:56 PM
Amen to that
This is for Ally. I saw that you were discussing "Neoliberals." Thought you might be interested in this series of videos by Naomi Klein about them. (Caveat: I haven't watched them so I can't bear witness to their content.)
Naomi Klein - Iraq: The Neoliberal Project (Parts 1 through 8)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x49938
Prime example...here in my little town. There are many Republicans who are amazed that Bush and Cheney haven't been impeached and they would support it!
This is what leads them to be both gullible and cynical. They WANT to trust the 'public servants' but in the end the public servants betray them and they feel that NONE of them can be trusted and it would do no good to get involved anyway.
Frankly, I'm beginning to feel a little bit like that myself. So what--I know so much more now than I did 5 years ago? Has it mattered? I have watched the Democratic controlled congress blow it too many times to feel like anything I do matters.
Posted by: sparrow at August 26, 2007 05:42 PM
But will those republicans go out and vote for change sparrow, or will they just not go out and vote.
That is what made me so angry with your elections that put that thug into power in the first place.
What is it with the Democratic Party, they knew all that was going on with the stolen elections, the voting machine, the line waiting 8 10 hrs to vote, and they did nothings before 2004, after the fiasco of 2000, they learned nothing.
Ally says they are all different entities in all states or whatever, The democratic senate should have their fingure on the pulse of their party, in every State. That has never worried the republicans, that is why they have won, because right or wrong they they don't vote individually, they vote with their corrupt party.
That not even 45% of 300000000 people of a country vote to put into power the Leader of the free world blows my mind.
That the rest of world have to live with the foreign policies of the incompetents in the White House.
45% of the voting public may be okay for America, but 45% of the voting public is not okay to produce the Leader of the Free World making decisions for us, when they have never left America, when they cannot even communicate with the leaders of the Free World coherently.
Posted by: rossiann at August 26, 2007 07:18 PM
Apathy kills... in any language.
Ninth Circuit Court revives California bid for electricity refunds(b/c Enron Tapes Ignored)
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
A federal appeals court has revived California's request for at least $1 billion in refunds to electricity customers, saying federal regulators who denied the repayments had ignored tapes in which Enron traders joked about gouging customers during the energy crisis of 2000-2001.
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/08/25...
Posted by: rossiann at August 26, 2007 07:18 PM
Rossi,
In many states, the urban region is usually more liberal than the rural portions of the state. So when you have reprentatives elected, often they are catering to their unique area. The exception is in the Senate; and as a result of Senators represening both sides, they tend to be less willing to maintain their 'liberal' roots.
Does anyone know if public school students still get 'forced' to watch CNN for teenagers every hour in school? When I was subbing it was the hot thing to have teenage journalists (CNN for Kids) and it was mandatory viewing. Also, the schools made it mandatory so that they could receive money for equipment from various corps.
British Move Out of Basra Police Center, Shiite Militia Moves In
The Associated Press
BASRA, Iraq: Shiite militiamen from the Mahdi Army took over the police joint command center in Basra on Sunday after British soldiers withdrew from the facility and handed control to the Iraqi police, witnesses said.
Police left the building when the militiamen, loyal to anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, arrived, the witnesses said.
The British military disputed the reports, saying they had been in contact with the Iraqi general in charge of security in Basra, who has said the Mahdi Army was not there.
But the witnesses said the Mahdi Army emptied the building — taking generators, computers, furniture and even cars, saying it was war booty — and remained there in the early evening.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/26/africa/ME-GEN...
In many states, the urban region is usually more liberal than the rural portions of the state. So when you have reprentatives elected, often they are catering to their unique area. The exception is in the Senate; and as a result of Senators represening both sides, they tend to be less willing to maintain their 'liberal' roots.
Posted by: sparrow at August 26, 2007 07:27 PM
Thanks for the explanation sparrow.
Dean is right, the democrats have to have their finger on the pulse of all 50 states not just the states that they think that they can win.
White House defends US terror tribunals
WASHINGTON - The Bush administration argued Friday that discrepancies between the nation's new terror law and the way it is being carried out should not stall one of the Pentagon's first terrorism trials.
He would
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070824/ap_on_go_ot/terror_appeals_court_3
Posted by: madame defarge at August 26, 2007 07:11 PM
Thanks madame - will take a look in a bit.
Rossi and woz probably know this already:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6964471.stm
Australia wants to impose a tough citizenship exam, much like we do in the US.
I do hope that it is consistently applied - I know that my father simply said "I didn't study for it" and the examiner passed him anyway!
45% of the voting public may be okay for America, but 45% of the voting public is not okay to produce the Leader of the Free World making decisions for us, when they have never left America, when they cannot even communicate with the leaders of the Free World coherently.
Posted by: rossiann at August 26, 2007 07:18 PM
You have a point - the US is the world's policeman and central power, but is it actually qualified to perform those tasks, when 1/3 of Congress doesn't even have a valid passport?
Dean is right, the democrats have to have their finger on the pulse of all 50 states not just the states that they think that they can win.
Posted by: rossiann at August 26, 2007 07:45 PM
The best defense is a good offense, and the Republicans know it, having gone on the offensive in even safe blue states.
Time for the Dems to strike back and pressure even the reddest of the states. Or within each state, the reddest regions.
Sadly, my state-level Dems are not doing it. The national Dems, however, are running and funding a Congressional candidate in my bleeding red district, seeing that the Republican incumbent is corrupt as hell.
Just a few thoughts about the Dems in 2004, as I notice various memes appearing and reappearing. I am not trying to pick a fight here, and usually I ignore any comments about 2004 simply b/c of the emotional pain factor and the fact that we cannot go back and fix it now anyway.
But Rossi mentioned en passant, above, about Dean's 50-state strategy and sparrow wondered if the Dems have learned anything. Rossi also wrote about the stolen elections in 2000 and 2004.
I want to make sure I do whatever I can to keep us from falling into any revisionist rhetoric.
And although, the following are my opinions, they are informed opinions, based on direct observation and, in some cases, answers to questions I asked of appropriate and knowledgeable folks.
The 50-state strategy. Howard Dean rightfully implemented that strategy immediately upon taking over the Dem. Party b/c he was the most supportive former candidate of the JK/JE campaign, and he traveled to so many states and spoke with the party leaders in them. What he learned was what we all learned inside the campaign: The DNC under McAuliffe was a nightmare. The party had been turned into an ATM machine in the second Clinton administration, and the money drained from the state parties. Every state was different, but each one had had its own tensions, in-fighting, and problems. The lists we got from the states were out of date; no one had bothered to keep the databases up to date. The campaign had to make very difficult decisions about where resources would best be put to use in terms of helping the state parties, getting better contacts in-state, and helping candidates for state and national office who could deliver back.
I remember well the issues with Florida and Michigan particularly--very different problems, but both state parties completely useless. And McAuliffe was not helpful.
The day after the 2004 election, when all of the crap was going on about conceding or not, McAuliffe allegedly went boar-hunting, in France.
So Dean saw all this, and has changed it. This is such a huge advantage that it may even trump the truly terrible repercussions from the lay-down Dems in Congress.
Secondly, it is important to keep in mind that the ways in which the 2000 and 2004 elections were stolen were very different. The Kerry-Edwards campaign was fully prepared to deal with the election problems of 2000. They were NOT prepared to deal with the election problems of 2004.
Example: there were far fewer problems in SOUTH Florida in 2004 than in 2000. The problems in 2004 were in CENTRAL and NORTH Florida.
Example: In 2004, many of the issues in voting happened before the election, with voter registrations. That required lawsuits and lawyers traveling to districts where some pretty blatant stuff was happening, and they solved most of the problems in those districts. But on election day, voter registration problems turned up in OTHER districts. In Ohio, there were far too many people who, once they waited in long lines to vote, were told they had to vote absentee because they were in the wrong district, or their registrations had been "lost."
Very different from confusing ballots.
BTW, anyone know whatever happened to those absentee ballots?
Also, after 2004, when JK et al went to Richardson and asked about voting irregularities in New Mexico, the Gov. refused to look into it.
Chris Dodd also apparently demurred when asked to lead a Senate investigation into the voting irregularities.
In the end, while much of what happened in 2004 was, to an extent, knowable in advance, there were rumors flying aplenty and it was very tough to be able to figure out where the smoke was coming from. Now we know it was coming from many different sources. We also know what the Republicans did to build up and augment their votes and not all of it was illegal! In fact, most of what they did was perfectly legal.
The winning Dem. candidate needs to listen to Howard Dean and to study the 2000 and 2004 Bush campaigns for the things they did that were morally and legally OK because, those things did make a difference. I believe with all my heart that it was the immoral and illegal things they did that cost this country the honest leadership of John Kerry. But I do think the campaign could have used a few of the organizing and engaging tactics the Republicans used, and captured the imaginations of many more.
Posted by: Ally McRepuke at August 26, 2007 09:46 PM
Ally,
Two things. I think if the National dems are doing it then it's progress. State level infrastructure of both parties is pretty much the 'big boy network'. But Republicans are better at getting their activists to run for smaller local office and build their reputation before they go for the bigger office. They're better at funding them and pushing for them.
But that's where people powered politics can make a difference.
When I was at Y-kos, I met a person at FDL who quit the local democratic party and started her own group. I believe she called it the "working democratic party" and made sure she posted everywhere for activists who wanted to push their agenda to get out there and do it.
She started with DFA but it inspired her to make a difference against the local 'do nothing' dems.
I'm off tomorrow so ..
Protest President Bush's Visit to Bellevue 27!!
What: Spontaneous outpouring of citizens gather to demand Bush step down and end the occupation of Iraq!
Protest George Bush's visit to Bellevue for Republican Congressman Dave Reichert's fundraising event at Bellevue Hyatt!
Washington For Impeachment, Eastside Fellowship of Reconciliation
Other participating organizations: Veterans For Peace, Backbone
Campaign, Eastside Peace and Justice Community, World Can't Wait, Neighbors For Peace, Federal Way Matters, Olympia Citizens to Impeach, The Alliance For Democracy - Greater Seattle Chapter, REASON, Progressive Democrats of America, The Peace Academy, MoveOn, Citizens Movement to Impeach Bush and Cheney, I Miss America.
TUESDAY NIGHT:
Peace Vigils all over the city .. all over the country
BE THERE!
Laura Bush has canceled plans to accompany the president on a trip next month to Australia, citing a pinched nerve, her office said Sunday.
when 1/3 of Congress doesn't even have a valid passport?
Posted by: Ally McRepuke at August 26, 2007 09:43 PM
Unfrikingbelievable Ally
Laura Bush has canceled plans to accompany the president on a trip next month to Australia, citing a pinched nerve, her office said Sunday.
Posted by: Not My President at August 26, 2007 11:22 PM
Yeah, we all feel our nerves are pinched these days....
Pig he's married to that friking republican isn't he, probably had his finger up Georgies Ass.
Okay Okay now don't dump me, Kev will say a few Hail Marys for me so can you, but it makes me want to scream, Karen.
Everyone should have known what Blackwell was doing in 2004 in Ohio, He was so out in your face doing it he told the world, And I knew here Down Under that JK needed Ohio to win. The party should have been out in force working on the streets election day to counter Blackwell corruption.
I reckon McAuliffe got exactly what he wanted, He did'nt want JK President, he wanted Hillary running in 2008, He is probably so far up Murdochs ass as Georgies.
BTW, anyone know whatever happened to those absentee ballots?
Yeah up Georgies Ass
The winning Dem. candidate needs to listen to Howard Dean and to study the 2000 and 2004 Bush campaigns for the things they did that were morally and legally OK because, those things did make a difference. I believe with all my heart that it was the immoral and illegal things they did that cost this country the honest leadership of John Kerry. But I do think the campaign could have used a few of the organizing and engaging tactics the Republicans used, and captured the imaginations of many more.
Fight fire with fire, right on Karen and Thank you
Laura Bush has canceled plans to accompany the president on a trip next month to Australia, citing a pinched nerve, her office said Sunday.
Posted by: Not My President at August 26, 2007 11:22 PM
Hallelujah
Now maybe Georgie can choke on another pretzil or trip over Barney, and Down Under won't have to suffer the fool, for even one moment God Forbid
Laura Bush has canceled plans to accompany the president on a trip next month to Australia
By the way does that mean we have to endure Condi sitting on his lap, whispering sweet nothings
And don't forget that Wanker and his wife, where probably one of the main reason Lieberman is back in the Senate as a Democrat, working as a Republican. The Son of a Bitch
McAuliffe and his wife, doing Liebermans fund raising. You scratch my back I'll scratch yours.
grrrrrr
Australia wants to impose a tough citizenship exam, much like we do in the US.
Read it Ally, I only have to wait a month or two maybe not even that, after your Weenna announces something to the world in General, our Weena comes out and announces it in Lock step.
Will be glad to see the back of him, Then Georgie will be finished with him, and there will be no more invitations to the ranch or Camp David, for the loser. We will be back to setting our own Countries Course hopefully.
In Magazine Interview, President Clinton Has Praise for Bush's Foreign Policy
http://www.nysun.com/article/61354
Anyone wanna puke
Olbermann Makes Network Debut, Smacks Limbaugh And O'Reilly »
http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/nbc/shocker_65781.asp?c=rss
Link for Olbermann
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/08/27/video-during-network-deb_n_61901.html
Ted Haggard's Cash-For-Heaven Offer
Funds Go Through Group Run By Man Convicted Of Sex With 17-Year-Old
http://www.coloradoconfidential.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2630
Australia wants to impose a tough citizenship exam, much like we do in the US.
I do hope that it is consistently applied - I know that my father simply said "I didn't study for it" and the examiner passed him anyway!
Posted by: Ally McRepuke at August 26, 2007 09:41 PM
Yeah Ally, it's just another thing that Huff'n'Puff Howard got from his good buddy in the WH. A test, to see if you are of good enough character to be given refuge in Australia. I've lived here for 57 years and I don't remember who our 1st PM was. Nor do I really care. I think your 1st president was another GW who was a little more noble than the current GW. I've always been an avid reader and I kind of liked the George Washington truth and cherry tree story. So, I might pass your test but not my own, it seems.
Bernard Lagan in Sydney
"Migrants hoping to settle in Australia will need to learn the rudiments of being a mate and swot up on horse racing and cricket under a new citizenship test announced yesterday."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article2332123.ece
While we continue with a Governor General who is the Queen's representative in Australia I won't pretend interest except within the realms of keeping our affairs totally separate from the lady who owns us and this land.
And, perhaps the saddest thing of all to me is that the 4 Italian farming families that adjoined our farm, wouldn't pass the test. All the parents and grandparents arrived in Australia from Italy without English. Most of them had their children to interpret. Nonna - all of the nonnas - treated us with the universal language of food and hospitality. Words other than "yum" and "thankyou" were unnecessary. No matter how old or young we were, we were treated to this language and it's accompaniments. They grew vegetables that we didn't grow, and each farm was within walking distance - through fences - across creeks - with a bucket for the picking.
"Prospective new Australians will read in the Government’s booklet of the “immense pleasure” Australians enjoyed when they first beat England at cricket in 1882. And they will read, not of the awful cruelties inflicted upon convicts from Britain sent to Australia, but instead of their rosy legacy: “By embracing their convict past, Australians have shown they believe that this is a better place than the old world; people driven to crime in Britain could make a fresh start here. Australians have also become a people who don’t care much about a person’s background or past behaviour. People are judged by who they are now.”
"There will be plenty in modern Australia who would regard that as a bit of a stretch. But at least they will find candour in the final paragraphs that concern the Aborigines – a people to whom the Howard Government has long refused an apology for past injustices. Although the word massacre is avoided, the booklet contains the most forthright admission yet seen in a government publication of the Howard era that atrocities occurred. That will be welcomed not only by Australia’s newest settlers, but also by its oldest.“
Do you believe the intellegence of this Administration?
How to win the Hearts and Minds of the People, go educate yourself Georgie. You did not know? what the Hell do You know?
Afghan Protests Over "Blasphemous" Soccer Balls Dropped By US Troops »
BBC | August 26, 2007 11:29 AM
A demonstration has been held in south- east Afghanistan accusing US troops of insulting Islam after they distributed footballs bearing the name of Allah.
The balls showed the Saudi Arabian flag which features the Koranic declaration of faith.
The US military said the idea had been to give something for Afghan children to enjoy and they did not realise it would cause offence.
The footballs were dropped from a helicopter in Khost province.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6964564.stm
is it actually qualified to perform those tasks, when 1/3 of Congress doesn't even have a valid passport?
Posted by: Ally McRepuke at August 26, 2007 09:43 PM
Is that right? All of our politicians must have Australian citizenship. It wasn't compulsory for the Brits who ventured into politics until latter years. Now, anyone can stand for election provided s/he is an Australian citizen.
Believe it or not
Austrialia Rolls Out Private Zoo For Wives And Girlfriends Of Asian Leaders »
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/08/26/
Afghan opium crop hits new record
David Rohde, Lashkar Gah
August 27, 2007
AFGHANISTAN produced record levels of opium in 2007 for the second straight year, led by a staggering 45 per cent increase in the Taliban stronghold of Helmand province, according to a UN survey.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/afghan-opium-crop-hits-new-record/2007/08/26/1188066942077.html
What A Wonderful World
by Louis Armstrong
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
The colours of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shakin' hands, sayin' "How do you do?"
They're really saying "I love you"
I hear babies cryin', I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll ever know
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world
Oh yeah
Hey Sparrow,
I knew what you meant when you said it. But the first thing I thought when you said I eat better than.. is 'Yeah, because my man works for an oil company'.
I guess it was just one of those moments, you know, when you should be enjoying the successes in life, instead I was looking at my food thinking of people who had been right outside begging for gas.
Usually I also give out what I have too, but someone took them up on it and they were filling the can up before we could even get out of traffic. In an oil company vehicle.
By the time salad came I seriously felt ill. But it wasn't really your words, it was just a combination of everything I guess.
I think it was actually my son that tipped it off. Seeing his face, watching him see it for the first time, I was so ashamed.
A recent article in Rolling Stone added new infuriating information to a theme already advanced by Robert Greenwald’s Iraq for Sale. The article stopped short of telling us something that Greenwald concluded: Cheney is behind most if not all of the war profiteering.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/8/26/155757/632
tortune boy is now toast.
Danforth next AG?
torture boy is gone. Are indictments coming down soon?
Hurray.
Gonzales has quit, newspaper reports
N.Y. Times reports announcement on attorney general later on Monday
BREAKING NEWS
Updated: 3 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has resigned, the New York Times reported Monday, citing a senior administration official.
The official said an official announcement would be made later in the day. S. Attorney General
Alberto Gonzales has resigned, the New York Times reported Monday, citing a senior administration official.
more...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20459457/
Citizens
Ding Dong! The Slime is gone. Which old Slime? The Wicked Slime!
Ding Dong! The Wicked Slime is gone.
Wake up - sleepy head, rub your eyes, get out of bed.
Wake up, the Wicked Slime is gone. he's gone where the goblins go,
Below - below - below. Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out.
Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low.
Let them know
The Wicked Slime is gone!
Mayor
As Mayor of Citizen City, In the County of the Land of We, I welcome you most regally.
But we've got to verify it legally, to see
To see?
If he
If he?
Is morally, ethic'lly
Spiritually, physically
Positively, absolutely
Undeniably and reliably gone
As Coroner I must chime in, I thoroughly examined him.
And he's not only merely gone, he's really most sincerely gone.
Mayor: Then this is a day of Independence For all the Citizens and their descendants
Barrister:
If any.
Mayor:
Yes, let the joyous news be spread The wicked Old Slime at last is gone
One of Gonzales' chief critics, Sen. Charles E. Schumer released a statement Monday praising Gonzales for resigning.
"It has been a long and difficult struggle but at last, the Attorney General has done the right thing and stepped down," said the New York Democrat.
"For the previous six months, the Justice Department has been virtually nonfunctional and desperately needs new leadership," said the Schumer statement. "Democrats will not obstruct or impede a nominee who we are confident will put the rule of law above political considerations. We beseech the Administration to work with us to nominate someone whom Democrats can support and America can be proud of."
good by, good riddance torture boy.
Everyone out by Sept 1st...wonder what is about to be wrought upon the land.
Wake me up, when September ends...
He really quit? I just walked in and got exicted.
HELL YES!
Run torture boy...RUN YOU SON OF A BITCH!
BTW, if Raul Castro is freeing dissidents...does that mean Fidel is dead...?
Fredo will be holding a news conference today @ 10:30 EDT on C-SPAN.
"As I understand it, I may or may not have turned in my resignation"
Afraido...
From Daily Kos:
Can Bush make a recess appointment? Yes. Would it break the deal he supposedly had with Harry Reid? Probably. (Who knows whether there was "extraordinary circumstances" escape clause?) What would it take to prevent such an appointment? One or two Senators (or Representatives -- this can be done in the House) coming in to open a pro forma session.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/8/27/81731/7390
Call your senators/representatives NOW to tell them to open a pro forma session TODAY!
CNN says Chertoff is the likely replacement, with Clay Johnson taking over DHS.
Something is up with gonzo the electrode torture boy.
Nobody with as much as he has to lose walks away from that kind of power.
Something wicked is coming.
Hey MD...
Maybe he plans to say ' I can not recall if I resigned or not."
"But if I did I am sure it was someone elses idea."
A senior Justice Department official said that a likely temporary replacement for Gonzales is Solicitor General Paul Clement, who would take over until a permanent replacement is found.
Who is Clay Johnson??? so many questions....
Clay Johnson III is the Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget at the White House.
Prior to becoming OMB Deputy Director, he was the Assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel. He has served President Bush since his tenure as Governor of Texas, achieving the rank of Chief of Staff prior to leading the Bush-Cheney presidential transition.
He was previous President of Horchow Mail Order and President of Neiman Marcus Mail Order, the Deputy Director/Chief Operating Officer of the Dallas Museum of Art, and held positions at Frito-Lay and Wilson Sporting Goods.
He was a classmate of President George W. Bush's at Phillips Academy, roommate and Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity brother at Yale University, where he helped pull down the goalposts after a Princeton game, and received his B.A. He received his S.M. degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management in 1970. [1]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay_Johnson_III
Crony baloney.
Why worry about his replacement so fast?
No doubt his successor will be just as retarded of a choice as he was. Just less known for perjury.
I am stunned to see HIM, of all people, bail. Look how far out he already went, only to cut and run with virtually no notice?
I don't buy it. What in the crap is he running from?
It must be scary for him to react that way.
Posted by: Christy at August 27, 2007 09:40 AM
He's falling on a sword to save his good buddy the pretzel choking, nation ruining, nutless lying simp.
It's ALWAYS diversion with these creeps.
Just a theory.
BTW: Bush should have gotten rid of Gonzales 3 months ago. That would have spared everyone a lot of time and trouble. But I guess the Bushies may have just been playing for time to sneak in a recess appointment
Not him...he is a made man.
Made men do not fall on their swords for anyone.
They only take that plunge to avoid being taken in, dead or alive.
He ain't some little aide to somebody or even a Secretary babbling bullsh*t. He is in the thick of it. He knows where ALLLLLL the bodies are buried.
We all know this prosecutor thing led where?... rigged elections. Deliberate perversions of our justice system.
Something serious is coming down the pike, and it has already taken out torture boy and that little bastard karl rove all in a few weeks.
dick and georgie are basically all alone now with only Condi left. Everyone else is FLEEING.
Something wicked is about to happen.
Here is the important thing about Clay Johnson:
roommate and Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity brother at Yale University, where he helped pull down the goalposts after a Princeton game, and received his B.A. He received his S.M. degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management in 1970. [1]
And he is good old boy from Texas....
... as a roommate of Dumbya, I'm sure the goalposts are the only thing he helped pull down.
I have been wondering, this parosecutor thing, obviously congress does not actually want to delve too deeply or they already would have...
BUT... What about the 50 or 60 good prosecutors that make up the core of the Justice Department ?
It really does not seem something THEY were likely to ignore. It was no less than an outright assault on the US Constitution and the rule of LAW.
US Prosecutors are not known to just swallow that as a group. We have already heard rumors that there was a 'war' within the Justice Department.
Maybe the good guys are finally winning. If so it would explain why everyone is amputating their own arms to get away from georgie.
I just realized there is perhaps only one group that can absolutely kick congresses in their teeth.
US Attorneys.
I think the torture boy finally p*ssed off the wrong people.
Namely people who can and will fight back.
I'm awfully suspicious of this last minute retirement of both Rove and Torture-boy. Something isn't right. I can't celebrate because something is not what it seems.
When can we impeach Bush and Cheney, instead of just watching the rats leaving ship?
They should all be charged with crimes and some with war crimes before we should be happy. I'm sorry, it's not about party. It's about right from wrong, legal and illegal, and moral and immoral. (I can say that since I supported the impeachment of Clinton but not just for 'perjury and a blow job' but because he put our country at risk for bribes, etc)
"Something isn't right. I can't celebrate because something is not what it seems."
Amen.
Now is not the time for political calculation, they will expect it, already expect it. That is the diversion.
Instead of rushing forward stop, listen and watch everything very closely. Do not run to what they offer you out front, wait for what is hidden to be revealed, then pounce.
Something is terribly WRONG.
Torture boy will lead you right to it as long as you keep him your focus.
What is happening today is that they are tossing dead weight off the bus, hoping for a fast clean getaway. Gonzales was slowing them down.
But this has been planned and the date chosen for weeks, no doubt--right before Labor Day.
Not time for celebrating yet, but clearly they HAD to do this, and that is good.
--new thread and it's a work of art--
When Nixon was impeached, Congress only made 3 dissenting votes. When we can get them to have that kind of solidarity across the aisles, then and only then will Bush and Cheney (or their like) be impeached. What is different now? The media? More apathy? More corrupt Congress? All of the above?
Crime and morality have not changed.
Questions:
Does such a network (ideally) do its own investigative work, a la Edward R. Murrow?
Does such a network own TV stations or acquire affiliates? Or is it a content provider for existing stations?
Can we just start with a news show that is anchored by Vic and monkey? 'Cause that would be way cool.
Posted by: karen at August 26, 2007 06:39 PM
================================================
Karen --
1) Yes, we do our own investigative research like Edward Murrow, and like Edward Murrow, I'll smoke on camera. The news went to hell when they all stopped smoking.
2) I think we have to start with streaming live video on the internets. Then rich Hollywood people will fall in love with us and give us money so we can start a real studio. The news will always be live, not taped.
3) I'm available to anchor. You'll have to check with Monkey about availability.
hee hee.
Nixon resigned, of course, but they left him no choice, with only 3 dissenting votes in Congress.
Streaming live video wouldn't be that hard would it?
No, NMP, it wouldn't be that hard at all...
heh heh.
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It's gonna happen.