I don't know which is more pathetic: George W. Bush having to rely on Daddy's friends yet again to bail him out from the consequences of his own incompetence, or that James Baker (his father's Secretary of State) and Robert Gates (his father's CIA Director) may now have to essentially beg Iran and Syria (Iran and Syria) to become part of the coalition to save the Bush Family name.
14 November 2006
Just Wait 'til Your Father Gets Home!
I don't know which is more pathetic: George W. Bush having to rely on Daddy's friends yet again to bail him out from the consequences of his own incompetence, or that James Baker (his father's Secretary of State) and Robert Gates (his father's CIA Director) may now have to essentially beg Iran and Syria (Iran and Syria) to become part of the coalition to save the Bush Family name.
10 November 2006
War Crimes
When I mentioned this yesterday I didn't think it would happen so fast, but it seems the first war crimes charges have been made against outgoing Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, as well as Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and former CIA director George Tenet, for their alleged roles in the torture scandals at Abu Ghraib prison and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
At the President's orders these guys violated the Geneva Conventions and ordered torture and abuse of war prisoners.
If I were George W. Bush or Dick Cheney I'd be worried. They are liable for prosecution as well. They deserve to be...and they know it.
At the President's orders these guys violated the Geneva Conventions and ordered torture and abuse of war prisoners.
If I were George W. Bush or Dick Cheney I'd be worried. They are liable for prosecution as well. They deserve to be...and they know it.
"Shimmers like a California Sunset"
It's hard to believe this song is already five years old. Your Song of the Day was the third single off Jamiroquai's 2001 CD "A Funk Odyssey," and it is definately one of their best..."Love Foolosophy."
Is Our Children Learning?
Quote of the Day:
Who’s Rumsfeld?-Lance Cpl. James L. Davis Jr. of the U.S. Marines, when told that Donald Rumsfeld was leaving his post as Secretary of Defense.
09 November 2006
A Nation Saved
By an overwhelming margin (56% to 43% of the national vote tally), Americans voted on Tuesday to save our nation from the recklessness and incompetence of President Bush and his out-of-control Republican congress. A system of checks and balances, missing for six long years, has been restored to government.
And so, what do the Democrats do now? Well, first off they should resist the urge to engage in the politics of search and destroy. Lord knows the temptation is there; after 12 years of Republican games it will be hard not to want to give it back. But Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid should take the high road and move forward with a positive agenda as much as possible.
To that end, I don't suggest giving the Bush administration a free pass. Not by any stretch. Hold hearings, issue subpoenas, get to the bottom of the failures in Iraq and the overall war on terror, not to mention their dismantling of the Constitution. But don't over-reach and go for impeachment.
I sincerely believe (sincerely) that if any president and vice-president deserve to be impeached and removed from office they are George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. These two men are war criminals, plain and simple. Unfortunately I don't think that is what the American people are looking for. For now, the new Democratic congress should provide rock solid checks and balances and hope beyond hope that the administration doesn't bungle things further.
I say let the international courts take care of things. They can start with outgoing Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. He should be immediately arrested upon leaving his post and charged with war crimes by the international war tribunal. And on January 20, 2009 the same should be done with Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney. Their reasoning for starting the Iraq War - and their conduct of it - are criminal. And they should be charged and punished accordingly.
But the people of the United States don't seem to have the stomach for impeachment. So, the Democratic leadership should resist the urge (unless something huge comes up in which members of both parties back such a move).
So, again...positive agenda. Oversight and checks & balances. Don't over-reach. As David Gergen said on "Anderson Cooper 360" last night, let the 2006 elections serve as the "appetizer" for the "main course" of the 2008 presidential election. If they keep their heads, the Democrats could find themselves adding to their majorities and winning the White House as well.
And so, what do the Democrats do now? Well, first off they should resist the urge to engage in the politics of search and destroy. Lord knows the temptation is there; after 12 years of Republican games it will be hard not to want to give it back. But Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid should take the high road and move forward with a positive agenda as much as possible.
To that end, I don't suggest giving the Bush administration a free pass. Not by any stretch. Hold hearings, issue subpoenas, get to the bottom of the failures in Iraq and the overall war on terror, not to mention their dismantling of the Constitution. But don't over-reach and go for impeachment.
I sincerely believe (sincerely) that if any president and vice-president deserve to be impeached and removed from office they are George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. These two men are war criminals, plain and simple. Unfortunately I don't think that is what the American people are looking for. For now, the new Democratic congress should provide rock solid checks and balances and hope beyond hope that the administration doesn't bungle things further.
I say let the international courts take care of things. They can start with outgoing Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. He should be immediately arrested upon leaving his post and charged with war crimes by the international war tribunal. And on January 20, 2009 the same should be done with Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney. Their reasoning for starting the Iraq War - and their conduct of it - are criminal. And they should be charged and punished accordingly.
But the people of the United States don't seem to have the stomach for impeachment. So, the Democratic leadership should resist the urge (unless something huge comes up in which members of both parties back such a move).
So, again...positive agenda. Oversight and checks & balances. Don't over-reach. As David Gergen said on "Anderson Cooper 360" last night, let the 2006 elections serve as the "appetizer" for the "main course" of the 2008 presidential election. If they keep their heads, the Democrats could find themselves adding to their majorities and winning the White House as well.
And They're Off
Election results from Tuesday night aren't even certified, and a few House districts are to be recounted or will conduct runoff contests, but that isn't stopping the 2008 presidential race from beginning in earnest.
Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack plans to formally launch his bid for the 2008 Democratic nomination today. And last week - before the midterm elections even took place - Rep. Duncan Hunter (Fascist-CA) announced his plans to seek the Republican nomination.
Ok...the second tier candidates are beginning their runs. When do we hear from each party's big guns?
Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack plans to formally launch his bid for the 2008 Democratic nomination today. And last week - before the midterm elections even took place - Rep. Duncan Hunter (Fascist-CA) announced his plans to seek the Republican nomination.
Ok...the second tier candidates are beginning their runs. When do we hear from each party's big guns?
08 November 2006
Everybody's Smilin'
If all projections hold, the Democrats will control both houses of Congress for the first time in 12 years.
It truly is a sunshine day. (This one's for you, Shelly.)
It truly is a sunshine day. (This one's for you, Shelly.)
Fundamentalist Slamdown
Despite the efforts of maverick-turned-Bush-Bitch John McCain, the people of the state of Arizona, in the tradition of their late beloved Senator Barry Goldwater, rejected an initiative that would have written discrimination into their state constitution.
In South Dakota, a pretty staunch pro-life state, voters rejected a law that would have banned virtually all abortions (and did so by a 12-point margin).
Voters in Missouri narrowly approved a state constitutional amendment protecting stem cell research.
And California and Oregon voters defeated measures that would have required parents to be notified before a girl under 18 could get an abortion.
In South Dakota, a pretty staunch pro-life state, voters rejected a law that would have banned virtually all abortions (and did so by a 12-point margin).
Voters in Missouri narrowly approved a state constitutional amendment protecting stem cell research.
And California and Oregon voters defeated measures that would have required parents to be notified before a girl under 18 could get an abortion.
On Gates
I don't really know much about Defense Secretary-designate Robert Gates other than the fact the he was CIA Director under the first President Bush.
Oh...and one other thing: I seem to remember Gates writing a book in the mid-90's in which he accused the Clintons of decorating the White House Christmas tree with X-rated ornaments. (I mean, COME ON!)
That little unconfirmed tidbit aside, the nomination of Mr. Gates, along with the appointment of James Baker to head the "Iraq Working Group," leads me to believe that Daddy's friends are getting together to bail out Little Boy George...yet again.
Oh...and one other thing: I seem to remember Gates writing a book in the mid-90's in which he accused the Clintons of decorating the White House Christmas tree with X-rated ornaments. (I mean, COME ON!)
That little unconfirmed tidbit aside, the nomination of Mr. Gates, along with the appointment of James Baker to head the "Iraq Working Group," leads me to believe that Daddy's friends are getting together to bail out Little Boy George...yet again.
Senator Jim Webb (D-VA)
The Associated Press and NBC News have called the Senate race in Virginia for challenger Jim Webb over Republican incumbent George Allen, thus giving control of that chamber to the Democrats.
The AP also reports that Senator Allen is leaning against asking for a recount.
Sweet, glorious day, indeed!
The AP also reports that Senator Allen is leaning against asking for a recount.
Sweet, glorious day, indeed!
Rumsfeld Resigns
The fallout is in full swing at the White House. The AP and MSNBC are reporting that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will resign. Apparently former CIA chief Robert Gates will be nominated to replace him.
Add Montana
Democrat Jon Tester has defeated Republican incumbent Conrad Burns. Now we wait for results from Virginia.
"Free Thinking In a Dirty Glass"
Quote of the Day:
It will be interesting to see the President's reaction to this rebuke. In his life I don't think he's ever had a serious one. No amount of red-faced fist slamming is going to change this result.
Nope. For once in his life George W. Bush will have to accept a result he doesn't like.
Since it was Bush who said that if the Democrats win America loses, I suppose the only remaining question is whether he'll fly to Pakistan to offer our surrender to Bin Ladin or invite Bin Ladin to come to Washington.-Billmon of the Whiskey Bar, very early this morning.
Maybe they could do it on the deck of the battleship Missouri - just for old time's sake.
It will be interesting to see the President's reaction to this rebuke. In his life I don't think he's ever had a serious one. No amount of red-faced fist slamming is going to change this result.
Nope. For once in his life George W. Bush will have to accept a result he doesn't like.
Sweet, Glorious Day
America woke up on Tuesday and in doing so saved the Republic from their reckless and out-of-control President. Independent voters, who gave Mr. Bush the benefit of the doubt in 2004 despite simmering warning signs, have watched in horror in the two years since as his administration botched the war against terrorism and ignored the Constitution.
Yesterday they decided it needed to stop, and decisively voted for checks, balances, and oversight.
For the first time in 12 years the United States House of Representatives will have a Democratic majority. As of this morning the party has gained 28 seats, while others await recounts (so that number could easily go above 30). And come January, America will have their first female Speaker of the House in Representative Nancy Pelosi (my Congresswoman, I'm proud to say)...two heartbeats away from the presidency.
In the Senate the picture is still unclear. The Democrats picked up seats in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Missouri. As of 6:30a PT the Democratic candidates are leading in Virginia (8,000 votes) and Montana (1,700 votes) but it looks like recounts are inevitable in both states. I am comfortable saying that both states look good and control of that chamber will likely fall to the Democrats as well.
It's been six long years, my friends. But finally, on this November morning, we can celebrate this sweet, glorious day.
Yesterday they decided it needed to stop, and decisively voted for checks, balances, and oversight.
For the first time in 12 years the United States House of Representatives will have a Democratic majority. As of this morning the party has gained 28 seats, while others await recounts (so that number could easily go above 30). And come January, America will have their first female Speaker of the House in Representative Nancy Pelosi (my Congresswoman, I'm proud to say)...two heartbeats away from the presidency.
In the Senate the picture is still unclear. The Democrats picked up seats in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Missouri. As of 6:30a PT the Democratic candidates are leading in Virginia (8,000 votes) and Montana (1,700 votes) but it looks like recounts are inevitable in both states. I am comfortable saying that both states look good and control of that chamber will likely fall to the Democrats as well.
It's been six long years, my friends. But finally, on this November morning, we can celebrate this sweet, glorious day.
07 November 2006
Democracy
3:20pm PT: The first polls have closed in Indiana and Kentucky. Election Night 2006 has begun; and now we wait for results from each of the 50 states to come in.
This is what America is all about. And I sit here tonight hoping beyond hope that my fellow Americans have thought long and hard, and voted to protect our great nation from the incompetent, reckless executive branch.
As I settle in for the evening to take in the numbers, I leave you with Leonard Cohen's "Democracy," performed by Don Henley.
This is what America is all about. And I sit here tonight hoping beyond hope that my fellow Americans have thought long and hard, and voted to protect our great nation from the incompetent, reckless executive branch.
As I settle in for the evening to take in the numbers, I leave you with Leonard Cohen's "Democracy," performed by Don Henley.
Another Reason to Vote Democratic
Need another reason to vote Democratic?
Think of how frightening it will be if you wake up tomorrow morning to find that the Republican Party has maintained its hold on the House and Senate; and then think of the new excesses the Congress and the President could concoct with such unchecked power.
Our nation would spiral deeper into the abyss.
Imagine waking up tomorrow morning to this:
(Press the play button)
Think of how frightening it will be if you wake up tomorrow morning to find that the Republican Party has maintained its hold on the House and Senate; and then think of the new excesses the Congress and the President could concoct with such unchecked power.
Our nation would spiral deeper into the abyss.
Imagine waking up tomorrow morning to this:
(Press the play button)
Vote Democratic
Now that the campaigns are essentially over and the election is in the hands of the voters, I use the morning of Election Day to urge all of you to make sure and take the time to cast your ballot today. I would also normally say that it doesn't matter who you vote for so long as you perform your duty as an American and vote.
But not today. Not this year.
As I said last night, the most important thing you can do today - whether you be liberal, moderate, or conservative; Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian - is to cast your ballot against the incompetent and reckless one-party rule in Wasington, DC.
Be patriotic.
Protect our Constitution.
Save our republic.
VOTE DEMOCRATIC.
But not today. Not this year.
As I said last night, the most important thing you can do today - whether you be liberal, moderate, or conservative; Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian - is to cast your ballot against the incompetent and reckless one-party rule in Wasington, DC.
Be patriotic.
Protect our Constitution.
Save our republic.
VOTE DEMOCRATIC.
Deep Breath...Here We Go.
I am uncomfortable making predictions of House and Senate races this year. As expected the Karl Rove machine has felt the need to break election laws and have spent the last 2 or 3 days "robo-calling" voters with harrassing calls that they hope will depress Democratic turn out.
It may work in some areas, it may not in others. But I think Republican turn out may be depressed a bit this year as well. The administration's incompetence in Iraq and on matters of federal spending, followed in short order by the Mark Foley and Ted Haggard scandals, may leave hardcore Bush Republicans at home or holding their noses and voting Democratic.
Then again, I don't put anything past these people.
On the House side, I'll predict a 20 to 25 seat gain for Democrats in the House...more than they need to regain control of that chamber.
The Senate is going to be where all the suspense is tonight. The Democrats will easily take Republican-held seats in Pennsylvania and Ohio. But they would need to pick up four more for control on that side of the Capitol.
After being tied all year Missouri seems to be trending the Democrats way over the last two or three days as undecideds figure out how they'll vote. Then again, the state has a strong rural/evangelical voter base that may swing this back to the Republican incumbent.
In Montana, incumbent Republican Sen. Conrad Burns has been fighting for his political life all year. But a visit by President Bush on his behalf last week seems to have stoked the Republican base and the race has tightened. I still think Democrat Jon Tester can pull out a win, but it will be mighty close.
Although polls in Virginia show the race between Republican Sen. George Allen and Democratic challenger (and former Navy Secretary) Jim Webb to be close, I think Webb has the edge here. Like Missouri and Montana it will be a nail biter, but I think Webb will pull it out. Allen's self-inflicted wounds seem to have done him in.
Rhode Island is one of the most Democratic states in the nation. But Republican incumbent Lincoln Chafee has been the most liberal Republican in the Senate, voting against President Bush in 2004, and against Samuel Alito's nomination to the Supreme Court. Will it be enough to keep the Ocean State on his side? He's only a point or so behind right now. This one I can't call.
And then there's Maryland. This seat is currently held by a Democrat (Sarbanes, who is retiring). The contest has been leaning Democratic all year but has tightened a bit in the last few weeks. The Democrat has a 4 point lead right now but the final result could be less than that. If the Republican prevails here, then the Democrats won't win control of the Senate. It's that simple.
And so, the Democrats will win anywhere from 3 to 6 seats tonight. It will all depend on which party has the best turn out operation in each respective state.
Deep breath, here we go.
It may work in some areas, it may not in others. But I think Republican turn out may be depressed a bit this year as well. The administration's incompetence in Iraq and on matters of federal spending, followed in short order by the Mark Foley and Ted Haggard scandals, may leave hardcore Bush Republicans at home or holding their noses and voting Democratic.
Then again, I don't put anything past these people.
On the House side, I'll predict a 20 to 25 seat gain for Democrats in the House...more than they need to regain control of that chamber.
The Senate is going to be where all the suspense is tonight. The Democrats will easily take Republican-held seats in Pennsylvania and Ohio. But they would need to pick up four more for control on that side of the Capitol.
After being tied all year Missouri seems to be trending the Democrats way over the last two or three days as undecideds figure out how they'll vote. Then again, the state has a strong rural/evangelical voter base that may swing this back to the Republican incumbent.
In Montana, incumbent Republican Sen. Conrad Burns has been fighting for his political life all year. But a visit by President Bush on his behalf last week seems to have stoked the Republican base and the race has tightened. I still think Democrat Jon Tester can pull out a win, but it will be mighty close.
Although polls in Virginia show the race between Republican Sen. George Allen and Democratic challenger (and former Navy Secretary) Jim Webb to be close, I think Webb has the edge here. Like Missouri and Montana it will be a nail biter, but I think Webb will pull it out. Allen's self-inflicted wounds seem to have done him in.
Rhode Island is one of the most Democratic states in the nation. But Republican incumbent Lincoln Chafee has been the most liberal Republican in the Senate, voting against President Bush in 2004, and against Samuel Alito's nomination to the Supreme Court. Will it be enough to keep the Ocean State on his side? He's only a point or so behind right now. This one I can't call.
And then there's Maryland. This seat is currently held by a Democrat (Sarbanes, who is retiring). The contest has been leaning Democratic all year but has tightened a bit in the last few weeks. The Democrat has a 4 point lead right now but the final result could be less than that. If the Republican prevails here, then the Democrats won't win control of the Senate. It's that simple.
And so, the Democrats will win anywhere from 3 to 6 seats tonight. It will all depend on which party has the best turn out operation in each respective state.
Deep breath, here we go.
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