TPM Muckraker April 7, 2006 11:33 AM (Printable Format): "This morning's White House gaggle, started at 10 AM ...
QUESTION: Did the President authorize the leak of intelligence information?
Scott McClellan: Terry, there is an ongoing legal proceeding, and our policy has been that we're not going to comment on it while it's ongoing. And that remains our policy. You will recall, if you go back to that time period that you are referencing, that we did declassify information relating to the -- in the National Intelligence Estimate, to provide that information to the public. That was provided on July 18th, I believe was the day, of 2003.
QUESTION: And since you put it in a context, is this the same information that Mr. Libby cites in his affidavit?
Scott McClellan: That's a question relating to an ongoing legal proceeding and, as you know, I can't get into commenting on that. We want to make sure that there is due process, that there is a fair trial, and that we don't do anything to jeopardize an ongoing legal proceeding.
They're going to be -- this is not the first filing that has been made in this legal proceeding. There will be additional filings, I'm sure, going forward. And I hope you can appreciate the policy -- the position that we've taken, which is that we're going to let that legal proceeding continue. And we're not going to comment on it while it's ongoing."
Friday, April 07, 2006
It's Clear that the Bushites do not plan on another terrorist attack
Why doesn't somone in the Senate or House get up and list all of the Bush failures to protect the naion's security and then say; It is almost as if the administration is fairly certain there will not be another "terrorist" attack.
How can they be so sure?
Cities move to defend against railroad attacks csmonitor.com:
"JERSEY CITY, N.J. : Boston officials envision keeping rail cars carrying hazardous chemicals at least 10 miles away unless the city is their destination.
A plan in Chicago would prohibit such tanker cars in its downtown Loop. In Cleveland, city officials are considering banning them near Lake Erie, water treatment plants, and crowded neighborhoods."
How can they be so sure?
Cities move to defend against railroad attacks csmonitor.com:
"JERSEY CITY, N.J. : Boston officials envision keeping rail cars carrying hazardous chemicals at least 10 miles away unless the city is their destination.
A plan in Chicago would prohibit such tanker cars in its downtown Loop. In Cleveland, city officials are considering banning them near Lake Erie, water treatment plants, and crowded neighborhoods."
More Monkey Talk About Iran
No president, with so many clouds hanging over his administration, should be allowed to launch sstrikes on anyone, especially strikes that could be the start of WWIII.
U.S. Officials Are Mulling Iran Strikes, Experts Say: "'In recent months I have grown increasingly concerned that the administration has been giving thought to a heavy dose of air strikes against Iran's nuclear sector without giving enough weight to the possible ramifications of such action,' said Wayne White, a former deputy director at the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research. White, who worked in the bureau's Office of Analysis for the Near East and South Asia, left government in early 2005 and is now an adjunct scholar at the Middle East Institute.
Several experts and former officials interviewed by the Forward pointed to Vice President Dick Cheney as one of the key figures who has concluded that the ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring Iran before the United Nations Security Council and eventually slap the Islamic regime with sanctions will come to naught, forcing Washington to resort to force to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons."
U.S. Officials Are Mulling Iran Strikes, Experts Say: "'In recent months I have grown increasingly concerned that the administration has been giving thought to a heavy dose of air strikes against Iran's nuclear sector without giving enough weight to the possible ramifications of such action,' said Wayne White, a former deputy director at the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research. White, who worked in the bureau's Office of Analysis for the Near East and South Asia, left government in early 2005 and is now an adjunct scholar at the Middle East Institute.
Several experts and former officials interviewed by the Forward pointed to Vice President Dick Cheney as one of the key figures who has concluded that the ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring Iran before the United Nations Security Council and eventually slap the Islamic regime with sanctions will come to naught, forcing Washington to resort to force to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons."
What is it going to take?
Bush could commit ax murder in the Rose Garden and....just as always, nothing would happen.
BushCo, all of them, should be in prison, NOW!
Thanks to the Republican-controlled congress, they don't even get censured. When the times comes, we will not forget the Rethugs in congress, like Pat Roberts, who have covered for them since 9/11.
BBC NEWS Americas Bush 'approved intelligence leak':
"US President George W Bush authorised the leak of classified material to the media to defend the invasion of Iraq, a former White House aide has testified.
The testimony, cited in court papers, comes from Lewis Libby, who is facing trial in connection with a separate leak involving a CIA agent's identity.
Mr Bush, who is not accused of allowing the agent's outing, is under pressure to say if he was behind any other leak.
He has in the past condemned leaks and has said he would sack anyone involved.
The White House has so far failed to comment on Mr Libby's testimony. "
BushCo, all of them, should be in prison, NOW!
Thanks to the Republican-controlled congress, they don't even get censured. When the times comes, we will not forget the Rethugs in congress, like Pat Roberts, who have covered for them since 9/11.
BBC NEWS Americas Bush 'approved intelligence leak':
"US President George W Bush authorised the leak of classified material to the media to defend the invasion of Iraq, a former White House aide has testified.
The testimony, cited in court papers, comes from Lewis Libby, who is facing trial in connection with a separate leak involving a CIA agent's identity.
Mr Bush, who is not accused of allowing the agent's outing, is under pressure to say if he was behind any other leak.
He has in the past condemned leaks and has said he would sack anyone involved.
The White House has so far failed to comment on Mr Libby's testimony. "
Seperating money from power in our politics
The Only way to save our Democracy, which is now on life-support.
Welcome to Washington Spectator Online:
By Bill Moyers April 1, 2006 (page 1/3)
Money is choking our democracy to death. Our elections are bought out from under us andour public officials are doing the bidding of mercenaries. So powerful is the hold of wealth on politics that we cannot say America is working for all Americans. The majority may support such broad social goals as affordable medical coverage for all, decent wages for working people, safe working conditions, a secure retirement, and clean air and water, but there is no government 'of, by, and for the people' to deliver on those aspirations.
Our system of privately financed campaigns has shut regular people out of any meaningful participation in democracy. Less than one-half of one percent of all Americans made a political contribution of $200 or more to a federal candidate in 2004. When the average cost of winning a seat in the House of Representatives has topped $1 million, we can no longer refer to that chamber as 'The People's House.' Congress belongs to the highest bidder.
At the same time that the cost of getting elected is exploding beyond the reach of ordinary people, the business of influencing our elected representatives has become a growth industry. Since President Bush was elected the number of registered lobbyists in Washington has more than doubled. That's 16,342 lobbyists in 2000 and 34,785 last year: 65 lobbyists for every member of Congress. The total spent per month by special interests wining, dining, and seducing federal officials is now nearly $200 million. Per month.
Numbers don't tell the whole story. "
Welcome to Washington Spectator Online:
By Bill Moyers April 1, 2006 (page 1/3)
Money is choking our democracy to death. Our elections are bought out from under us andour public officials are doing the bidding of mercenaries. So powerful is the hold of wealth on politics that we cannot say America is working for all Americans. The majority may support such broad social goals as affordable medical coverage for all, decent wages for working people, safe working conditions, a secure retirement, and clean air and water, but there is no government 'of, by, and for the people' to deliver on those aspirations.
Our system of privately financed campaigns has shut regular people out of any meaningful participation in democracy. Less than one-half of one percent of all Americans made a political contribution of $200 or more to a federal candidate in 2004. When the average cost of winning a seat in the House of Representatives has topped $1 million, we can no longer refer to that chamber as 'The People's House.' Congress belongs to the highest bidder.
At the same time that the cost of getting elected is exploding beyond the reach of ordinary people, the business of influencing our elected representatives has become a growth industry. Since President Bush was elected the number of registered lobbyists in Washington has more than doubled. That's 16,342 lobbyists in 2000 and 34,785 last year: 65 lobbyists for every member of Congress. The total spent per month by special interests wining, dining, and seducing federal officials is now nearly $200 million. Per month.
Numbers don't tell the whole story. "
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Bush Authorized Leak to Times, Libby Told Grand Jury
How much more is it going to take?
This puts Bush right in the eye of this particular hurricane.
(The game is afoot; Rove tries to sink Cheney and Libby tries to sink Bush. They are all guilty has deadly sin; this is about who survives.)
Bush Authorized Leak to Times, Libby Told Grand Jury:
"A former White House aide under indictment for obstructing a leak probe, I. Lewis Libby, testified to a grand jury that he gave information from a closely-guarded 'National Intelligence Estimate' on Iraq to a New York Times reporter in 2003 with the specific permission of President Bush, according to a new court filing from the special prosecutor in the case.
The court papers from the prosecutor, Patrick Fitzgerald, do not suggest that Mr. Bush violated any law or rule. However, the new disclosure could be awkward for the president because it places him, for the first time, directly in a chain of events that led to a meeting where prosecutors contend the identity of a CIA employee, Valerie Plame, was provided to a reporter.
Mr. Fitzgerald's inquiry initially focused on the alleged leak, which occurred after a former ambassador who is Ms. Plame's husband, Joseph Wilson, wrote an op-ed piece in the New York Times questioning the accuracy of statements Mr. Bush made about Iraq's nuclear procurement efforts in Africa."
This puts Bush right in the eye of this particular hurricane.
(The game is afoot; Rove tries to sink Cheney and Libby tries to sink Bush. They are all guilty has deadly sin; this is about who survives.)
Bush Authorized Leak to Times, Libby Told Grand Jury:
"A former White House aide under indictment for obstructing a leak probe, I. Lewis Libby, testified to a grand jury that he gave information from a closely-guarded 'National Intelligence Estimate' on Iraq to a New York Times reporter in 2003 with the specific permission of President Bush, according to a new court filing from the special prosecutor in the case.
The court papers from the prosecutor, Patrick Fitzgerald, do not suggest that Mr. Bush violated any law or rule. However, the new disclosure could be awkward for the president because it places him, for the first time, directly in a chain of events that led to a meeting where prosecutors contend the identity of a CIA employee, Valerie Plame, was provided to a reporter.
Mr. Fitzgerald's inquiry initially focused on the alleged leak, which occurred after a former ambassador who is Ms. Plame's husband, Joseph Wilson, wrote an op-ed piece in the New York Times questioning the accuracy of statements Mr. Bush made about Iraq's nuclear procurement efforts in Africa."
More on Election Theft; 2006
Demand pencil and paper voting.
We cannot trust anything else!
THE BRAD BLOG: "INDIANA TV NEWS: ES&S Breaks State Law -- Again! No Early Voting Ballots Provided, Just Electronic Touch-Screen Voting Machines that Don't Work": "
We cannot trust anything else!
THE BRAD BLOG: "INDIANA TV NEWS: ES&S Breaks State Law -- Again! No Early Voting Ballots Provided, Just Electronic Touch-Screen Voting Machines that Don't Work": "
The Govt. protect us? You gotta be kiddin'
At this juncture, does this really surprise anyone?
If there is still anyone out there that would put anything past this bunch of thugs, Pay Attention, or you may be too dumb to live
Agencies Not Protecting Privacy Rights, GAO Says:
"Government agencies that use private information services for law enforcement, counterterrorism and other investigations often do not follow federal rules to protect Americans' privacy, according to a report yesterday by the Government Accountability Office.
The Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security and two other agencies examined by the GAO spent about $30 million last year on companies that maintain billions of electronic files about adults' current and past addresses, family members and associates, buying habits, personal finances, listed and unlisted phone numbers, and much more."
If there is still anyone out there that would put anything past this bunch of thugs, Pay Attention, or you may be too dumb to live
Agencies Not Protecting Privacy Rights, GAO Says:
"Government agencies that use private information services for law enforcement, counterterrorism and other investigations often do not follow federal rules to protect Americans' privacy, according to a report yesterday by the Government Accountability Office.
The Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security and two other agencies examined by the GAO spent about $30 million last year on companies that maintain billions of electronic files about adults' current and past addresses, family members and associates, buying habits, personal finances, listed and unlisted phone numbers, and much more."
SHIITES DEMAND BUSH'S RESIGNATION: CLAIM HE'S CONTROLLED BY RELIGIOUS FANATICS
O.K., time for a little fun; a laugh or two, for the good of our mental health.
The Satirical Political Report - An Offbeat Look at the Hot-Button Issues of the Day � SHIITES DEMAND BUSH�S RESIGNATION: CLAIM HE�S CONTROLLED BY RELIGIOUS FANATICS: "In a dramatic turn of events, the warring Shiite factions in Iraq have temporarily 'buried the hatchet,' and banded together to demand that George W. Bush immediately resign as President of the United States.
First and foremost, the Shiite leaders expressed concern that Bush was controlled by radical religious leaders such as Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell, which cast serious doubt on Bush's ability to lead a democratic, pluralistic and secular society.
Abdul el-Insane-i, a spokesman for the new Shiite coalition, said that the last straw was the Bush Administration's hostility to science and evolution: 'I mean, I'm as religious as the next guy, but dinosaurs in the Garden of Eden? C'mon, even Tony Soprano knows that's bullshit.' "
The Satirical Political Report - An Offbeat Look at the Hot-Button Issues of the Day � SHIITES DEMAND BUSH�S RESIGNATION: CLAIM HE�S CONTROLLED BY RELIGIOUS FANATICS: "In a dramatic turn of events, the warring Shiite factions in Iraq have temporarily 'buried the hatchet,' and banded together to demand that George W. Bush immediately resign as President of the United States.
First and foremost, the Shiite leaders expressed concern that Bush was controlled by radical religious leaders such as Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell, which cast serious doubt on Bush's ability to lead a democratic, pluralistic and secular society.
Abdul el-Insane-i, a spokesman for the new Shiite coalition, said that the last straw was the Bush Administration's hostility to science and evolution: 'I mean, I'm as religious as the next guy, but dinosaurs in the Garden of Eden? C'mon, even Tony Soprano knows that's bullshit.' "
"Republicans Have Entered the Twighlight Zone"
Unfortunately, we have all been drug along, into Rod Sterling world.
The Progressive Daily Beacon: "Republicans Have Entered the Twighlight Zone": Full article
"It's official -- yes, official that DeLay won't seek reelection, but also that Republicans in Washington DC have become completely dissociated from the realm of reality. Imagine the edge of the universe and that distance from earth (100, 000 million million million kilometers). Now multiply that by, say, the speed of light (300,000 kilometers per second, 186,000 miles per second) and you'll be in the ballpark of the distance between DC GOPers and reality.
Indeed, Republicans have officially entered the Twighlight Zone...doo-doo-dee-doo, doo-doo-dee-doo. . . .
Take for example, Tom DeLay's excuse for having given up the idea of running for reelection, 'I refuse to allow liberal Democrats an opportunity to steal this seat with a negative personal campaign,' DeLay said. Uh-huh, right -- blame the so-called 'liberal Democrats,' as if his decision to bail out had nothing to do with that orange prison jumpsuit he was being fitted for.
Add to those outlandish comments the fact that it wasn't but a week ago DeLay appeared at a 'Christian Persecution' conference and all but declared himself more persecuted than Jesus Christ himself and, too, DeLay's insistence that, '... I have always served honorably and ethically...I've never broken the law or the spirit of the law or even a House rule,' and one half expects Rod Serling himself to pop up and say, 'There is a fifth dimension, beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition; and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination.
The Progressive Daily Beacon: "Republicans Have Entered the Twighlight Zone": Full article
"It's official -- yes, official that DeLay won't seek reelection, but also that Republicans in Washington DC have become completely dissociated from the realm of reality. Imagine the edge of the universe and that distance from earth (100, 000 million million million kilometers). Now multiply that by, say, the speed of light (300,000 kilometers per second, 186,000 miles per second) and you'll be in the ballpark of the distance between DC GOPers and reality.
Indeed, Republicans have officially entered the Twighlight Zone...doo-doo-dee-doo, doo-doo-dee-doo. . . .
Take for example, Tom DeLay's excuse for having given up the idea of running for reelection, 'I refuse to allow liberal Democrats an opportunity to steal this seat with a negative personal campaign,' DeLay said. Uh-huh, right -- blame the so-called 'liberal Democrats,' as if his decision to bail out had nothing to do with that orange prison jumpsuit he was being fitted for.
Add to those outlandish comments the fact that it wasn't but a week ago DeLay appeared at a 'Christian Persecution' conference and all but declared himself more persecuted than Jesus Christ himself and, too, DeLay's insistence that, '... I have always served honorably and ethically...I've never broken the law or the spirit of the law or even a House rule,' and one half expects Rod Serling himself to pop up and say, 'There is a fifth dimension, beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition; and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination.
Conservative Marriage on the Rocks? | TPMCafe
If Democrats don't find some way to blow it, this is not only a divorce, but the probable end of the Republican Party for years to come.
As more shocking revelations emerge, and they will, because there is more, much more, between now and November, the downfall of Republican power will become inevitable.
Conservative Marriage on the Rocks? TPMCafe: "By Elizabeth Warren bio
Allan Carlson gets it. In the current Weekly Standard, he asks if the marriage between social conservatives and the GOP can be saved. His case in point: the bankruptcy bill. Dr. Carlson makes the point that when Republicans had to make the choice between their big business allies and the millions of hard-working families who put them in office, the politicians enthusiastically chose the financial services giants over the families. And he's pretty hot about it.
Dr. Carlson frames the issue in terms of party politics, a rip at the center of the Republican alliance between big business and small families. But the central point is even larger: Whether politicians represent corporate interests or family interests is a national question, pervading both Democratic and Republican politics. "
As more shocking revelations emerge, and they will, because there is more, much more, between now and November, the downfall of Republican power will become inevitable.
Conservative Marriage on the Rocks? TPMCafe: "By Elizabeth Warren bio
Allan Carlson gets it. In the current Weekly Standard, he asks if the marriage between social conservatives and the GOP can be saved. His case in point: the bankruptcy bill. Dr. Carlson makes the point that when Republicans had to make the choice between their big business allies and the millions of hard-working families who put them in office, the politicians enthusiastically chose the financial services giants over the families. And he's pretty hot about it.
Dr. Carlson frames the issue in terms of party politics, a rip at the center of the Republican alliance between big business and small families. But the central point is even larger: Whether politicians represent corporate interests or family interests is a national question, pervading both Democratic and Republican politics. "
Condi washes her hands of State Department
Much more of these ignorant, criminal jackasses at the helm of the ship of state and theU.S. will start looking like Iraq.
Guardian Unlimited Comment is free The tethered goat strategy:
"Since the Iraqi elections in January, US foreign service officers at the Baghdad embassy have been writing a steady stream of disturbing cables describing drastically worsening conditions. Violence from incipient communal civil war is rapidly rising. Last month there were eight times as many assassinations committed by Shia militias as terrorist murders by Sunni insurgents. The insurgency, according to the reports, also continues to mutate. Meanwhile, President Bush's strategy of training Iraqi police and army to take over from coalition forces - 'when they stand up, we'll stand down' - is perversely and portentously accelerating the strife. State department officials in the field are reporting that Shia militias use training as cover to infiltrate key positions. Thus the strategy to create institutions of order and security is fuelling civil war.
Rather than being received as invaluable intelligence, the messages are discarded or, worse, considered signs of disloyalty. Rejecting the facts on the ground apparently requires blaming the messengers. So far, two top attaches at the embassy have been reassigned elsewhere for producing factual reports that are too upsetting."
Guardian Unlimited Comment is free The tethered goat strategy:
"Since the Iraqi elections in January, US foreign service officers at the Baghdad embassy have been writing a steady stream of disturbing cables describing drastically worsening conditions. Violence from incipient communal civil war is rapidly rising. Last month there were eight times as many assassinations committed by Shia militias as terrorist murders by Sunni insurgents. The insurgency, according to the reports, also continues to mutate. Meanwhile, President Bush's strategy of training Iraqi police and army to take over from coalition forces - 'when they stand up, we'll stand down' - is perversely and portentously accelerating the strife. State department officials in the field are reporting that Shia militias use training as cover to infiltrate key positions. Thus the strategy to create institutions of order and security is fuelling civil war.
Rather than being received as invaluable intelligence, the messages are discarded or, worse, considered signs of disloyalty. Rejecting the facts on the ground apparently requires blaming the messengers. So far, two top attaches at the embassy have been reassigned elsewhere for producing factual reports that are too upsetting."
Rummy didn't commit no tactical errors!
What the hell is Condi talking about? The war is going swimingly, don't you know.
Rummy is obviously senile as a post or he thinks we all are.
The tactical errors were nothing compared to the strategic ones, beginning with deception of the American people about the excuses for doing what they had planned to do for years before 9/11, invading and occupying Iraq.
All these people need to be in prison!
Rumsfeld Challenges Rice on 'Tactical Errors' in Iraq: "Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said he did not know what Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was talking about when she said last week that the United States had made thousands of 'tactical errors' in handling the war in Iraq, a statement she later said was meant figuratively.
Speaking during a radio interview on WDAY in Fargo, N.D., on Tuesday, Rumsfeld said calling changes in military tactics during the war 'errors' reflects a lack of understanding of warfare. Rumsfeld defended his war plan for Iraq but added that such plans inevitably do not survive first contact with the enemy."
Rummy is obviously senile as a post or he thinks we all are.
The tactical errors were nothing compared to the strategic ones, beginning with deception of the American people about the excuses for doing what they had planned to do for years before 9/11, invading and occupying Iraq.
All these people need to be in prison!
Rumsfeld Challenges Rice on 'Tactical Errors' in Iraq: "Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said he did not know what Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was talking about when she said last week that the United States had made thousands of 'tactical errors' in handling the war in Iraq, a statement she later said was meant figuratively.
Speaking during a radio interview on WDAY in Fargo, N.D., on Tuesday, Rumsfeld said calling changes in military tactics during the war 'errors' reflects a lack of understanding of warfare. Rumsfeld defended his war plan for Iraq but added that such plans inevitably do not survive first contact with the enemy."
Big Brother on Steroids
Mass Surveillance for Dummies -- Part 4: "George Bush's Democracy is two wolves (in sheep's clothing) attacking a lamb, throwing the lamb in a hole and keeping him prisoner indefinitely (for the safety of the wolves) while borrowing money from all the lambs in the neighborhood (to create a world safe for wolves) and using the lamb's wool as collateral (for the benefit of the lending wolves). If this makes no sense, read no further. It's not going to get any better than this.
This convoluted type reasoning is what makes the world of mass surveillance turn upon the axis of American government rationalization. This is the type reasoning that government shysters use to confuse any politician or entity brave enough, lucky enough or stupid enough to blunder upon their hidden world of mass surveillance programs for all the inhabitants of the planet. This is the reasoning that allows our government to continually expand their nefarious programs using well-hidden and bottomless budgets and answer only occasionally to over-zealous and misguided civil rights activists.
The power of present-day programs of mass surveillance is truly futuristic, beyond comprehension and beyond oversight and control. But even this does not properly portray their danger to the 'American way of life'. Their true power and danger comes in examining the programs in connection with the resumes of those who have been empowered by the Bush Administration to guide, control (and of course expand) these programs. "
This convoluted type reasoning is what makes the world of mass surveillance turn upon the axis of American government rationalization. This is the type reasoning that government shysters use to confuse any politician or entity brave enough, lucky enough or stupid enough to blunder upon their hidden world of mass surveillance programs for all the inhabitants of the planet. This is the reasoning that allows our government to continually expand their nefarious programs using well-hidden and bottomless budgets and answer only occasionally to over-zealous and misguided civil rights activists.
The power of present-day programs of mass surveillance is truly futuristic, beyond comprehension and beyond oversight and control. But even this does not properly portray their danger to the 'American way of life'. Their true power and danger comes in examining the programs in connection with the resumes of those who have been empowered by the Bush Administration to guide, control (and of course expand) these programs. "
Nukes to be used in Iran?
Get ready for WWIII and Armageddon. BushCo are devoid of any common sense at all, let alone human decency.
War Against Iran, April 2006:
"History repeats itself, but always with new twists. We are back to the good old days when a Declaration of War preceded the start of a war. Such declaration occurred on March 16th, 2006. Reversing the old order, we are now in the 'Sitzkrieg', to be followed shortly by an aerial 'Blitzkrieg' in the coming days.
In the old days, Congress declared war, and directed the Executive to take action. In the new millenium, the Executive declared war last March 16th, then Congress will pass H.R. 282, 'To hold the current regime in Iran accountable for its threatening behavior and to support a transition to democracy in Iran.' This bill and previous ones like it are in direct violation of the legally binding Algiers Accords[pdf] signed by the United States and Iran on January 19, 1981, that states 'The United States pledges that it is and from now on will be the policy of the United States not to intervene, directly or indirectly, politically or militarily, in Iran's internal affairs'; however, this is clearly of no interest to the 353 policymakers sponsoring the bill.
The US promised Russia and China that the UN Security Council statement just approved will not be a trigger for military action after 30 days; true to its promise, the US will attack before the 30-day deadline imposed by the UNSC for Iran to stop its nuclear enrichment activity, i.e. before the end of April. The 'justification' is likely to be an alleged threat of imminent biological attack with Iran's involvement."
War Against Iran, April 2006:
"History repeats itself, but always with new twists. We are back to the good old days when a Declaration of War preceded the start of a war. Such declaration occurred on March 16th, 2006. Reversing the old order, we are now in the 'Sitzkrieg', to be followed shortly by an aerial 'Blitzkrieg' in the coming days.
In the old days, Congress declared war, and directed the Executive to take action. In the new millenium, the Executive declared war last March 16th, then Congress will pass H.R. 282, 'To hold the current regime in Iran accountable for its threatening behavior and to support a transition to democracy in Iran.' This bill and previous ones like it are in direct violation of the legally binding Algiers Accords[pdf] signed by the United States and Iran on January 19, 1981, that states 'The United States pledges that it is and from now on will be the policy of the United States not to intervene, directly or indirectly, politically or militarily, in Iran's internal affairs'; however, this is clearly of no interest to the 353 policymakers sponsoring the bill.
The US promised Russia and China that the UN Security Council statement just approved will not be a trigger for military action after 30 days; true to its promise, the US will attack before the 30-day deadline imposed by the UNSC for Iran to stop its nuclear enrichment activity, i.e. before the end of April. The 'justification' is likely to be an alleged threat of imminent biological attack with Iran's involvement."
Seems only violent protests get any attention
True here as well. It sends a very dangerous message to those who feel frustrated at not being heard.
The Hindu : National : Non-violent struggles are being ignored, says Arundhati Roy: "NEW DELHI: Warning that the country was facing 'a kind of most serious situation,' author and human rights activist Arundhati Roy on Sunday said the Government these days was neither respecting nor listening to those raising their voice via non-violent means. Instead, it was inviting those leading violent struggles for talks.
Joining other social activists, writers, scholars, politicians and students at the Jantar Mantar here to express solidarity with Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader Medha Patkar � sitting on a fast-unto-death with two other activists, Jamsingh Bhai Nargave and Bhagwatibai Jatpuria, for the past five days, Ms. Roy said: 'All such tactics are sending a dangerous message to those who are fighting peacefully.'
'The Government is taking undue advantage of the situation, but it must realise that it is doing so at its own peril,' the author warned. The NBA activists had no option but to fight for their rights like many others who were now finding a common cause with them, she said, referring to families displaced by the removal of slums in Delhi and Mumbai. "
Christian Zionism and the danger it causes
The Passionate Attachment:: "The Bush administration would have Americans believe that the problems in the Middle East are caused by Saddam Hussein, Muslim fundamentalism and mindless terrorism. Increasingly Bush & Co. see all foreign policy matters through the distorting lens of their own 'war on terrorism' vision. In fact, a principal if not the main cause of conflict in the Middle East is another 'ism,' namely Zionism and the blind support given it by the United States.
The latest confusions, reversals and failures of U.S. policy in the Middle East all trace back to long-standing U.S. support for Zionism. Increasingly, as Bush ties himself ever tighter to the policies of Ariel Sharon, it comes down to Israel and the United States against the world, the recent administration claims of a right of 'preemptive attack' on Iraq being just the latest example. Americans must examine closely to what they are being tied and where we are going, morally as well as politically.
Zionism is essentially Jewish nationalism rooted in 19th century racist, colonialist thinking gilded over with a 'religious' patina. The earliest Zionists saw security for persecuted Jews in a 'return' to Palestine and those early leaders were clear if circumspect to the point of deceit about having to displace the Arab inhabitants of Palestine to secure their goals.1 Zionism became serious about a century ago as east European Jews emerged from their village religious culture, although many early Zionist leaders were not religious Jews. The early Zionist movement was vigorously opposed by more assimilated western European Jews as well as most Jewish religious leaders; it gained support, although still a minority, on the break up of the Ottoman Empire and really got off the ground with the World War I British Balfour Declaration which promised Zionists a homeland in Palestine"
The latest confusions, reversals and failures of U.S. policy in the Middle East all trace back to long-standing U.S. support for Zionism. Increasingly, as Bush ties himself ever tighter to the policies of Ariel Sharon, it comes down to Israel and the United States against the world, the recent administration claims of a right of 'preemptive attack' on Iraq being just the latest example. Americans must examine closely to what they are being tied and where we are going, morally as well as politically.
Zionism is essentially Jewish nationalism rooted in 19th century racist, colonialist thinking gilded over with a 'religious' patina. The earliest Zionists saw security for persecuted Jews in a 'return' to Palestine and those early leaders were clear if circumspect to the point of deceit about having to displace the Arab inhabitants of Palestine to secure their goals.1 Zionism became serious about a century ago as east European Jews emerged from their village religious culture, although many early Zionist leaders were not religious Jews. The early Zionist movement was vigorously opposed by more assimilated western European Jews as well as most Jewish religious leaders; it gained support, although still a minority, on the break up of the Ottoman Empire and really got off the ground with the World War I British Balfour Declaration which promised Zionists a homeland in Palestine"
How the GOP Became God's Own Party
There is truly no development in the 20th Century, and now this century, quite as frightening as the rise of the religiously insane in America.
Who was it who said that when fascism comes to America, it will come cloaked in the flag and carrying a cross? Whoever said it was prescient.
How the GOP Became God's Own Party: Full Article
"Now that the GOP has been transformed by the rise of the South, the trauma of terrorism and George W. Bush's conviction that God wanted him to be president, a deeper conclusion can be drawn: The Republican Party has become the first religious party in U.S. history.
We have had small-scale theocracies in North America before -- in Puritan New England and later in Mormon Utah. Today, a leading power such as the United States approaches theocracy when it meets the conditions currently on display: an elected leader who believes himself to speak for the Almighty, a ruling political party that represents religious true believers, the certainty of many Republican voters that government should be guided by religion and, on top of it all, a White House that adopts agendas seemingly animated by biblical worldviews.
Indeed, there is a potent change taking place in this country's domestic and foreign policy, driven by religion's new political prowess and its role in projecting military power in the Mideast.
The United States has organized much of its military posture since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks around the protection of oil fields, pipelines and sea lanes. But U.S. preoccupation with the Middle East has another dimension. In addition to its concerns with oil and terrorism, the White House is courting end-times theologians and electorates for whom the Holy Lands are a battleground of Christian destiny. Both pursuits -- oil and biblical expectations -- require a dissimulation in Washington that undercuts the U.S. tradition of commitment to the role of an informed electorate."
Who was it who said that when fascism comes to America, it will come cloaked in the flag and carrying a cross? Whoever said it was prescient.
How the GOP Became God's Own Party: Full Article
"Now that the GOP has been transformed by the rise of the South, the trauma of terrorism and George W. Bush's conviction that God wanted him to be president, a deeper conclusion can be drawn: The Republican Party has become the first religious party in U.S. history.
We have had small-scale theocracies in North America before -- in Puritan New England and later in Mormon Utah. Today, a leading power such as the United States approaches theocracy when it meets the conditions currently on display: an elected leader who believes himself to speak for the Almighty, a ruling political party that represents religious true believers, the certainty of many Republican voters that government should be guided by religion and, on top of it all, a White House that adopts agendas seemingly animated by biblical worldviews.
Indeed, there is a potent change taking place in this country's domestic and foreign policy, driven by religion's new political prowess and its role in projecting military power in the Mideast.
The United States has organized much of its military posture since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks around the protection of oil fields, pipelines and sea lanes. But U.S. preoccupation with the Middle East has another dimension. In addition to its concerns with oil and terrorism, the White House is courting end-times theologians and electorates for whom the Holy Lands are a battleground of Christian destiny. Both pursuits -- oil and biblical expectations -- require a dissimulation in Washington that undercuts the U.S. tradition of commitment to the role of an informed electorate."
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Bush's War on America!
The American Oil Barons would rather bomb all of us than seek real solutions to the energy crisis...strike that, this is not crisis, it is a raging disaster.
The War at Home: How to make war on America without getting caught!:
"What do Iran, Iraq, the Sudan and southern Louisiana all have in common? Oil.
What do the residents of Iran, Iraq, the Sudan and southern Louisiana all have in common? They're screwed. (There's a pattern here. If you have oil on your property, you can bet your bottom dollar that sooner or later some oil-obsessed neo-con is gonna attempt to 'liberate' your land. Venezuela? Nigeria? Canada? You're next. No wonder Canada is so happy that Homeland Security is building that fence!)
The inhabitants of Iran, Iraq, the Sudan and southern Louisiana might be the kindest, nicest, most decent people in the world. Or they could all be terrorist jerks. It doesn't matter whether they are good guys or bad. In today's modern world, if you live on top of oil reserves, you're screwed.
Because Iran, Iraq and the Sudan are foreign countries, it's easy to steal their oil. You just start a media campaign and then bomb the hell out of them. No problem. 'They are evil predators and we need to defend ourselves,' friends of Big Oil tell us over and over and over again. 'It's PATRIOTIC to hit 'em with Shock and Awe.' But things get a bit more complex when it comes to bombing America. "
The War at Home: How to make war on America without getting caught!:
"What do Iran, Iraq, the Sudan and southern Louisiana all have in common? Oil.
What do the residents of Iran, Iraq, the Sudan and southern Louisiana all have in common? They're screwed. (There's a pattern here. If you have oil on your property, you can bet your bottom dollar that sooner or later some oil-obsessed neo-con is gonna attempt to 'liberate' your land. Venezuela? Nigeria? Canada? You're next. No wonder Canada is so happy that Homeland Security is building that fence!)
The inhabitants of Iran, Iraq, the Sudan and southern Louisiana might be the kindest, nicest, most decent people in the world. Or they could all be terrorist jerks. It doesn't matter whether they are good guys or bad. In today's modern world, if you live on top of oil reserves, you're screwed.
Because Iran, Iraq and the Sudan are foreign countries, it's easy to steal their oil. You just start a media campaign and then bomb the hell out of them. No problem. 'They are evil predators and we need to defend ourselves,' friends of Big Oil tell us over and over and over again. 'It's PATRIOTIC to hit 'em with Shock and Awe.' But things get a bit more complex when it comes to bombing America. "
Yet another Fascism Alert
WTF? Check out the full article linked below as well as the artcile that started it all.
The author has not broken any laws, yet he is being threatened, because his article might incite others.
What about Falwell and Robertson? They incite hate every time they open their mouths. Are they being threatened by the Bush governent too?
OpEdNews Editor Warned by Capitol Police For Article:
"I wrote an article the other day, Black November, in which I expressed my wish that Katherine Harris and Ken Blackwell were both losing sleep worrying about people after them for murdering democracy. I gave a detailed description of what they should worry about. Katherine Harris may actually be worrying about it.
I know because I got a call from a special agent of the Capitol Police checking with me on my article. She assured me that I hadn't broken any law, that this fell under free speech, that I'd been clear that I didn't want to harm her. But, she added, other people who might read my writing might be incited to action. I assured her that was not my intent. That seemed to reassure her a bit. But then she said that I was in a 'grey area.' "
The author has not broken any laws, yet he is being threatened, because his article might incite others.
What about Falwell and Robertson? They incite hate every time they open their mouths. Are they being threatened by the Bush governent too?
OpEdNews Editor Warned by Capitol Police For Article:
"I wrote an article the other day, Black November, in which I expressed my wish that Katherine Harris and Ken Blackwell were both losing sleep worrying about people after them for murdering democracy. I gave a detailed description of what they should worry about. Katherine Harris may actually be worrying about it.
I know because I got a call from a special agent of the Capitol Police checking with me on my article. She assured me that I hadn't broken any law, that this fell under free speech, that I'd been clear that I didn't want to harm her. But, she added, other people who might read my writing might be incited to action. I assured her that was not my intent. That seemed to reassure her a bit. But then she said that I was in a 'grey area.' "
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