Ford Disagreed With Bush About Invading Iraq - washingtonpost.com

Ford Disagreed With Bush About Invading Iraq - washingtonpost.com:

"Former president Gerald R. Ford said in an embargoed interview in July 2004 that the Iraq war was not justified. 'I don't think I would have gone to war,' he said a little more than a year after President Bush launched the invasion advocated and carried out by prominent veterans of Ford's own administration.

In a four-hour conversation at his house in Beaver Creek, Colo., Ford 'very strongly' disagreed with the current president's justifications for invading Iraq and said he would have pushed alternatives, such as sanctions, much more vigorously. In the tape-recorded interview, Ford was critical not only of Bush but also of Vice President Cheney -- Ford's White House chief of staff -- and then-Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, who served as Ford's chief of staff and then his Pentagon chief.

Rumsfeld and Cheney and the president made a big mistake in justifying going into the war in Iraq. They put the emphasis on weapons of mass destruction," Ford said. "And now, I've never publicly said I thought they made a mistake, but I felt very strongly it was an error in how they should justify what they were going to do."

The webpage from this link also has a variety of information on Gerald Ford.

Whether you agree with Ford's pardoning of Nixon, you have to admire his reasons for doing it. He strongly felt it was in the best interests of the country. It was not something done out of self-interest, which is what is happening to the presidency today era of polls and power-mongering. And he did it knowing full well that he would have the wrath of the American people on him for doing it--but his rationale for doing it needs to be respected. As a former football player, "he took one for the team."

WP: Bush faces risks on 3 crises - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com

WP: Bush faces risks on 3 crises - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com:

"WASHINGTON - On three key flash points -- North Korea, Iran and Sudan -- the Bush administration confronts the possibility that its current diplomatic approaches have reached the end of their effectiveness, forcing it to consider potentially riskier 'Plan B' alternatives, administration officials and outside experts said."

So what's new? It appears everything the Bush Administration touches, especially in foreign policy, results in destruction and chaos.

McClatchy Washington Bureau | 12/22/2006 | Spending freeze targets pet projects for members of Congress

McClatchy Washington Bureau | 12/22/2006 | Spending freeze targets pet projects for members of Congress:

"WASHINGTON - Democratic leaders in the new Congress plan to strip funding for thousands of pet projects for individual members, a big display of fiscal discipline they say will help cut deficits and curb spending abuses.

As soon as they take control on Jan. 4, Democrats plan to impose a one-year moratorium on all special projects, known as earmarks, effectively killing those that were tucked into unfinished spending bills by the Republican-led Congress.

Although earmarks are best known for financing big public works projects, the moratorium will come with a distinct human cost."

I help small communities in Washington find funds for public works projects. While I deplore much of the pork that has happened with the Republican led congress, some of these earmarks have helped communities provide clean drinking water through updating wastewater treatment facilities and drinking water systems. Small communities with low-income populations rely on these earmarks to prevent their utility rates from reaching $80-$100 a month. Granted, much of the antiquated infrastructure in our country is due to a reluctance to reinvest and maintain existing infrastructure. Nonetheless, it will be a tough pill to swallow for many.

I hope that democrats don't take a lot of heat for taking away these local subsidies, and I hope that the nation recognizes that if not for a useless military effort in Iraq, many of the problems facing small communities in Washington would not be near the magnitude that they are today. I hope that there is a recognition that Democrats are taking a responsible fiscal position, as compared to the "triple-spending" (i.e., spend, spend, spend!) Republicans.

Daily Kos: Big Government Incentives to Big Oil

Daily Kos: Big Government Incentives to Big Oil: "The New York Times has a story on yet another report the government has kept under wraps for a substantial period of time (in this case over a year). "

Openness in Government: myth?

Andrew Sullivan | The Daily Dish: What women (and men) want

Andrew Sullivan | The Daily Dish: What women (and men) want:

"At the risk of provoking a volley of battle-of-the-sexes jokes from my co-bloggers, here's a neat one that arrived in my in-tray. I've run it past my wife, and she agrees it's both non-sexist and funny."

I thought Andrew Sullivan wasn't married....

The Seattle Times: Postman on Politics

The Seattle Times: Postman on Politics:

"The president-elect of the Christian Coalition quit this week after 'he realized he would be unable to broaden the organization's agenda beyond opposing abortion and gay marriage.'"

Amazing--The Christian Coalition cold shoulders poverty and saving the environment. At least the president-elect of the CC stood on his principles.

Beyond the tipping point - National Journal - MSNBC.com

Beyond the tipping point - National Journal - MSNBC.com:

"Until mid-September, House Republicans' built-in advantages appeared strong enough to protect their majority, despite the electorate's increasingly anti-Republican mood. The GOP had few vulnerable open seats, most of its incumbents were skilled at waging hard-hitting campaigns, and the party seemed to have plenty of time and money to defend its most-endangered seats.

Now, in the final days before Tuesday's election, Democrats are poised to take control of the House by flipping more than the necessary 15 seats. And the real question doesn't seem to be whether they will succeed but how large their majority will be. A Democratic edge of five to 10 seats, perhaps more, looks probable."

Things are looking good. Let's hope that there is NOT an 11th hour collapse..I am REALLY looking forward to Tuesday night!

Military papers: ‘Rumsfeld must go’ - Politics - MSNBC.com

Military papers: ‘Rumsfeld must go’ - Politics - MSNBC.com:

"Just days after President Bush publicly affirmed Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's job security through the end of his term, a family of publications catering to the military will publish an editorial calling for the defense secretary's removal.

The editorial, released to NBC News on Friday ahead of its Monday publication date, stated, 'It is one thing for the majority of Americans to think Rumsfeld has failed. But when the nation's current military leaders start to break publicly with their defense secretary, then it is clear that he is losing control of the institution he ostensibly leads.'

The editorial will appear just one day before the midterm election, in which GOP candidates have been losing ground, according to recent polls."

Why now? Why not calling for his head months, even years ago? when the band wagon gets rolling, everyone is getting on board! Finally!

Seattle Post-Intelligencer: David Horsey

Seattle Post-Intelligencer: David Horsey

David Horsey has a great cartoon on I-933.

Crooks and Liars » Olbermann’s Special Comment on GOP Fearmongering

Crooks and Liars » Olbermann’s Special Comment on GOP Fearmongering:

"The commercial, you have already seen, it is a distillation of everything this administration and the party in power have tried to do these last five years and six weeks.

It is from the Republican National Committee, it shows images of Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri. It offers quotes from them, all as a clock ticks ominously in the background. It concludes with what Zawahiri may or may not have said to a Pakistani journalist as long ago as 2001, his dubious claim that he had purchased suitcase bombs. The quotation is followed by sheer coincidence, no doubt, by an image of a massive explosion. 'These are the stakes' appears on the screen, quoting exactly from Lyndon Johnson's infamous nuclear scare commercial from 1964, 'Vote November 7th'.

There is a cheap Texas Chainsaw Massacre quality to the whole thing. It also serves to immediately call to mind the occasions when President Bush dismissed Osama bin Laden as somebody he didn't think about, except, obviously, when elections were near. Frankly, a lot of people seeing that commercial for the first time have laughed out loud, but not everyone. And therein lies the true threat to this country."

Click on the link to read the transcript or watch the video.

Truthdig - Reports - After Pat’s Birthday

Truthdig - Reports - After Pat’s Birthday:

"It is Pat’s birthday on November 6, and elections are the day after. It gets me thinking about a conversation I had with Pat before we joined the military. He spoke about the risks with signing the papers. How once we committed, we were at the mercy of the American leadership and the American people. How we could be thrown in a direction not of our volition. How fighting as a soldier would leave us without a voice… until we get out.

Much has happened since we handed over our voice:"

This piece is written by Kevin Tillman. His brother Pat, if you recall, is a former NFL star football player who joined the Army after 9-11, was sent to Afghanistan and was killed.

Kevin writes about the need for real change on November 7th. It's worth the read.

2006 General Election Special Edition Local Voters Pamphlet

2006 General Election Special Edition Local Voters Pamphlet
Ballots are mailed tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 20th) to all Thurston County residents. Make sure that your vote is an educated, liberal vote!!

Property Wrongs: Lessons from Oregon on "property rights" — Sightline Institute (formerly Northwest Environment Watch)

Property Wrongs: Lessons from Oregon on "property rights" — Sightline Institute (formerly Northwest Environment Watch):

"“Property Wrongs,” a report by Seattle-based Sightline Institute, documents a growing backlash against 'property rights' initiatives by chronicling six stories of Oregon communities deeply affected by Oregon's Measure 37.

The report also examines the implications for Washington and other states considering similar initiatives this fall, including Idaho, Montana, Arizona, and California, which are all modeled after Measure 37. "

My wife and I went to a sustainable communities forum this evening on I-933. I-933 is not something that is in Washington's best interest. Period. Being sold as a property rights initiative, it is a government busting, developer enhancer vote on steroids.

Want a strip club next door to your house? Vote for I-933. Wave to the felon who's coming out of the halfway house down the steet. Your neighbor loves to collect junk cars? No problem--you won't have a say.

The worst part--it takes away YOUR voice and your participation in the democratic process.

Don't do it. Vote no!

Thurston County Blue |

Thurston County Blue |:

"Conserving Communities Forum, October 19
Submitted by emmettoconnell on August 1, 2006 - 6:15pm. Agriculture – Environment – Forums – Land Use – Transportation

On October 19, the Thurston Democrats will hold a forum on environmental protection and growth issues. Entitled 'Conserving Communities, a conversation on growth management and environmental protection,' it will be a great opportunity to discuss the issues brought up by Initiative 933.

The forum will be held at St John's Episcopal Church at 114 20th Ave SE, Olympia (map) from 7 to 9 p.m.

The forum will be moderated by State Senator Karen Fraser.

Speakers to include:

* Eric de Place, a senior research associate, with the Sightline Institute and blogger at the Daily Score. He has written extensively about the property rights and the impact Measure 37 (a proposition similar to I-933) has had on Oregon.
* David Troutt, chair of the Nisqually River Council, a decades long effort to bring together residents of the Nisqually watershed to assure protected natural resources and a strong economy. The council recently released a sustainability plan that will advance these goals.
* Sandra Romero, a former state representative, and active member of Livable Thurston will represent the No on I-933 campaign.

Here are a few of interesting links:

No On I-933
Livable Thurston
This Land: The Northwest Property Rights Movement
High Country News: Taking Liberties
» emmettoconnell's blog – add new comment – 713 reads – subscribe blog – subscribe post"

Andrew Sullivan | The Daily Dish: Bushism of the Day

Andrew Sullivan | The Daily Dish: Bushism of the Day:

"'This morning my administration released the budget numbers for fiscal 2006. These budget numbers are not just estimates; these are the actual results for the fiscal year that ended February the 30th,' - George W. Bush. You couldn't make this up."

A special comment about lying - Countdown with Keith Olbermann - MSNBC.com

A special comment about lying - Countdown with Keith Olbermann - MSNBC.com:

"The president of the United States — unbowed, undeterred and unconnected to reality — has continued his extraordinary trek through our country rooting out the enemies of freedom: the Democrats.

Yesterday at a fundraiser for an Arizona congressman, Mr. Bush claimed, quote, “177 of the opposition party said, ‘You know, we don’t think we ought to be listening to the conversations of terrorists.’”

The hell they did.

One hundred seventy-seven Democrats opposed the president’s seizure of another part of the Constitution.

Not even the White House press office could actually name a single Democrat who had ever said the government shouldn’t be listening to the conversations of terrorists.

President Bush hears what he wants.

Tuesday, at another fundraiser in California, he had said, “Democrats take a law enforcement approach to terrorism. That means America will wait until we’re attacked again before we respond.”

Mr. Bush fabricated that, too."

Obermann gave his special comment last night. Click the link above to read the transcript, click here to see the video. Obermann, in his special comments feature, continues to hit the president where it counts through a national forum. He goes where very few of the national media will go. His message is a bit long, but is never tedious, and worth the watch.

The Washington Note

The Washington Note:

"Vice President Cheney's disregard for America's system of checks and balances and his huff-and-puff advocacy of unilateral military responses to complex national security challenges has really harmed America's portfolio of interests.

He should be challenged every time and every where he speaks. He should get no easy passes, and Americans should stop giving him laudatory back-drops and applause when he deigns to walk in public view -- like he did recently in Denver.

According to this report, a man walking his young son walked over to Cheney who was glad-handing and said, 'I think your policies in Iraq are reprehensible.' He walked on. Ten minutes later, he was handcuffed and arrested under orders from the Secret Service.

Hmmm.....OK, no more inappropriate analogies with official, well-dressed thugs in nations leading up to World War II. Let's just settle for a lighter, more cuddly version of the KGB."

I guess you won't read much about this in the papers, except maybe here.

Drinking Liberally Tonight

Drinking Liberally Tonight, Hope to see you there! Go here for more information

AlterNet: Putting Party Before Predators: Why Didn't GOP Leaders Stop Foley?

AlterNet: Putting Party Before Predators: Why Didn't GOP Leaders Stop Foley?:

"Is there anything these Republicans won't cover up? Duke Cunningham took millions of dollars in bribes. The people who were buying him off bought him a yacht called the Duke-Stir. He had a bribe menu on Congressional letter head. How many ethics investigations? Zero. Zilch. Nada.

Bob Ney took gifts and favors from Jack Abramoff.

He has confessed and is about to go to prison. How many ethics investigations? Zero. None. Not one.

Then there is Hastert's shady land deal. Bill Frist's insider trading. Tom DeLay's money laundering. The list goes on and on. Every one of them had their ass covered by the rest of their Republican colleagues, crooks, whatever you want to call them.

When Joel Hefley, a conservative Republican from Colorado, had the temerity to actually do an ethics investigation of Tom DeLay -- he was removed. Can't have it. You can't have any ethics investigations in a place with no ethics. The house will fall in.

Well, now it has. Because they've gone too far. This time they covered for a sexual predator. Mark Foley, Republican of Florida, was caught sending very explicit sexual messages to 16 and 17 year old boys who worked as pages for Congress.

Actually, he was caught by a fellow Republican, Rodney Alexander, because one of the pages worked for Rep. Alexander and turned Foley in. So, what did the Republicans do about it? Absolutely nothing. Zero. Zilch. Nada.

They covered it up. Because it's what they do."

This guy was the chair of the "Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus." That didn't matter. The House Leadership knew about this as early as last spring. That didn't matter. THe Republic Party Leadership may have known. That didn't matter.

So what matters? an FBI investigation matters. The resignation of the entire house leadership a month before the election matters.

President blasts Democrats as 'cut and run' in fight on terror - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington

President blasts Democrats as 'cut and run' in fight on terror - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington:

"'Five years after 9/11, the worst attack on the American homeland in our history, Democrats offer nothing but criticism and obstruction and endless second-guessing,' Bush said at a GOP fundraiser."

If this doesn't get your blood boiling, I don't know what will!

Las Vegas SUN: White House Said to Bar Hurricane Report

Las Vegas SUN: White House Said to Bar Hurricane Report:

"WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration has blocked release of a report that suggests global warming is contributing to the frequency and strength of hurricanes, the journal Nature reported Tuesday."

Why?

Think Progress » FULL TRANSCRIPT: Clinton Takes On Fox News

Think Progress » FULL TRANSCRIPT: Clinton Takes On Fox News:

"Today (i.e., Friday, Sept. 22), President Bill Clinton taped an interview with Fox News’ Chris Wallace, which is scheduled to be aired Sunday. He was told the interview would focus on his nonpartisan efforts to raise over $7 billion to combat the world’s biggest problems.

Early in the interview, Wallace attempted to smear Clinton with the same kind of misinformation contained in ABC’s Path to 9/11. Clinton was having none of it."

I hightly recommend that you read the transcript -- better yet watch the interview, which is scheduled (we'll see if it airs) sometime Sunday on the Chris Wallace Show via Fox News.

Clinton not only "takes Wallace to task," he calls him on the hypocracy of Fox News and his show. They brought Clinton on under the pretense to talk about the $7 billion raised at his global summit to fight issues of worldwide concern. Instead they try to ambush him. They forgot who they had on, however: someone who can, and this time actually did--stand up for himself.

It's an amazing read.

G.O.P. Gains Big Fund-Raising Advantage - New York Times

G.O.P. Gains Big Fund-Raising Advantage - New York Times: (Subscription Required)

"WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 — The Republican National Committee has amassed a significant fund-raising advantage, according to campaign finance records filed Wednesday, feeding Democrats’ fears about remaining competitive in the intense final weeks before the midterm elections."

Ah yes, it is all about money!!

Something to amuse drinking liberally members

From Drinking Liberally member Dorothy Rubin:


Hi Bruce and other Drinking Liberally members: This is Dorothy Rubin. I found this poem by RickMasten (a Unitarian ministe) and thought you all might find it amusing:

A PLACE FOR CONSERVATIVES

i must admit it bothers me more
than just a little bit
to se an airline pilot with dandruf
chewing gum
looking like any one of us.
i mean
when you see the crew
go passing through the gate
don't you want the captain
to be a tight lipped man
with close ccropped hair,
eyes like steel doors slammed shut,
crisp white shirt,
slacks creased so sharply
if you weren't careful
you could get a nasty cut there.

why i'd turn in my boarding pass
just like that.
if some freaky, long haired cat
with an earring on one side
came bopping by
saying:
hey baby,
i'm gonna take us for a ride.

believe me i'm fully coninced
there really is a place for conservatives.

or would you go to a neurosurgeont his fingernails--

The Blog | Harry Shearer: A Clarifying Moment | The Huffington Post

The Blog | Harry Shearer: A Clarifying Moment | The Huffington Post:

"THE PRESIDENT: This debate is occurring because of the Supreme Court's ruling that said that we must conduct ourselves under the Common Article III of the Geneva Convention.
And that Common Article III says that there will be no outrages upon human dignity. It's very vague. What does that mean, 'outrages upon human dignity'?"

The president wants to redefine "human dignity?" This will be a topic for discussion at tonight's Drinking Liberally meeting

AlterNet: Block the Vote: The 10 Worst Places to Cast a Ballot

AlterNet: Block the Vote: The 10 Worst Places to Cast a Ballot:

"We used to think the voting system was something like the traffic laws -- a set of rules clear to everyone, enforced everywhere, with penalties for transgressions; we used to think, in other words, that we had a national election system. How wrong a notion this was has become painfully apparent since 2000: As it turns out, except for a rudimentary federal framework (which determines the voting age, channels money to states and counties, and enforces protections for minorities and the disabled), U.S. elections are shaped by a dizzying mélange of inconsistently enforced laws, conflicting court rulings, local traditions, various technology choices, and partisan trickery.

In some places voters still fill in paper ballots or pull the levers of vintage machines; elsewhere, they touch screens or tap keys, with or without paper trails. Some states encourage voter registration; others go out of their way to limit it. Some allow prisoners to vote; others permanently bar ex-felons, no matter how long they've stayed clean. Who can vote, where people cast ballots, and how and whether their votes are counted all depends, to a large extent, on policies set in place by secretaries of state and county elections supervisors -- officials who can be as partisan, as dubiously qualified, and as nakedly ambitious as people anywhere else in politics. Here is a list -- partial, but emblematic -- of American democracy's more glaring weak spots."

We have read about some of these, but there are surprising ways--some formal, some informal-- that some localities have used to prevent whole segments of communities from voting.

Ney to admit guilt in corruption case - Yahoo! News

Ney to admit guilt in corruption case - Yahoo! News:

"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Republican congressman agreed to plead guilty to illegally accepting tens of thousands of dollars in trips, meals, drinks and tickets, becoming the first U.S. lawmaker convicted in the Jack Abramoff political corruption scandal, U.S. officials said on Friday.

The plea deal represented a sharp reversal for Ohio Rep. Bob Ney (news, bio, voting record), who had denied any wrongdoing. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 and abandoned his race for re-election last month as the federal investigation intensified into his links to the convicted lobbyist Abramoff."

How many more will fall?

Republicans' comments may hurt at polls - Yahoo! News

Republicans' comments may hurt at polls - Yahoo! News:

"One Republican senator described his house painter as a 'little Guatemalan man.' Another called an Indian man a 'macaca,' a type of monkey.

Just as the GOP is pushing for minority voters, the two recent gaffes have fed the perception among some blacks, Hispanics and Asian-Americans that Republicans are out of touch with the changing face of the nation.

'There is disconnect at some level,' said Michael K. Fauntroy, a professor of public policy at George Mason University. 'The country is becoming browner and new voters, particularly new immigrant voters, don't respond favorably to (offensive) comments.

'They may have already missed the boat on this.'"

Can we say, "ready, fire, aim?" The sad thing is that many of these politicos don't even realize that what they are saying demeans whole segments of our country. I just hope our country gets that...and is offended by these types of remarks.

Rumsfeld warns against appeasement - Yahoo! News

Rumsfeld warns against appeasement - Yahoo! News:

"SALT LAKE CITY - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Tuesday the world faces 'a new type of fascism' and warned against repeating the pre-World War II mistake of appeasement.
ADVERTISEMENT

Rumsfeld alluded to critics of the Bush administration's war policies in terms associated with the failure to stop Nazism in the 1930s, 'a time when a certain amount of cynicism and moral confusion set in among the Western democracies.'

Without explicitly citing Bush critics at home or abroad, he said 'it is apparent that many have still not learned history's lessons.' Aides to Rumsfeld said later he was not accusing the administration's critics of trying to appease the terrorists but was cautioning against a repeat of errors made in earlier eras.

Speaking to several thousand veterans at the American Legion's national convention, Rumsfeld said that as fascism and Nazism took hold in Europe, those who warned of a coming crisis were ridiculed or ignored. He quoted Winston Churchill as observing that trying to accommodate Hitler was 'a bit like feeding a crocodile, hoping it would eat you last.'

'I recount this history because once again we face similar challenges in efforts to confront the rising threat of a new type of fascism,' he said."

Video is also available from this article that quite clearly shows the complete lack of reality that Donald Rumsfield has at his disposal.

cbs13.com - Court Sides With Student In Bush T-Shirt Flap

cbs13.com - Court Sides With Student In Bush T-Shirt Flap:

"Vermont schoolboy was within his rights to wear a T-shirt depicting George W. Bush as a chicken and accusing him of being a former alcohol and cocaine abuser, an appeals court ruled.

Zachary Guiles' school violated the First Amendment when it ordered him to cover parts of the shirt, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said Wednesday.

Guiles was a 13-year-old seventh-grader at Williamstown Middle High School in Williamstown, Vt., in May 2004 when he wore the shirt, which he had bought at an anti-war rally, to classes once a week for two months. Complaints from a fellow student and her mother who had different political views caused school officials to take a closer look.

Although teachers had told the complaining student that the shirt was political speech and protected by the Constitution, the mother complained to a student support specialist, who decided images of drugs and alcohol violated the school's dress code, the appeals court said.

The front of the shirt had Bush's name and the words 'Chicken-Hawk-In-Chief' beneath it. Below the words was a large picture of the president's head, wearing a helmet, superimposed on the body of a chicken.

To one side of the president on the T-shirt, three lines of cocaine, a razor blade and a straw appear. Elsewhere on the shirt, the president"

Good for Zachery! He not only made a political statement, but took a lesson of political activism to heart!

No formal DL Monday September 4th due to Labor Day, however.....

There will be no formal Drinking Liberally on September 4th. Bruce and/or Barry may or may not show up. However, if you feel like you would like to participate in an informal DL, post a comment that indicates you are interested....come back monday night before you leave to find out if others are interested as well...and Drink Liberally!!!

DL will resume as normal September 18th!

Crooks and Liars » Keith Olbermann Delivers One Hell Of a Commentary on Rumsfeld

Crooks and Liars » Keith Olbermann Delivers One Hell Of a Commentary on Rumsfeld:

"Keith had some very choice words about Rumsfeld’s 'fascism' comments tonight. Watch it, save it and share it.

Video - WMV Video - QT (available at linked site)

Olbermann delivered this commentary with fire and passion while highlighting how Rumsfeld’s comments echoes other times in our world’s history when anyone who questioned the administration was coined as a traitor, unpatriotic, communist or any other colorful term. Luckily we pulled out of those times and we will pull out of these times.

Remember - Rumsfeld did not just call the Democrats out yesterday, he called out a majority of this country. This wasn’t only a partisan attack, but more so an attack against the majority of Americans."

Bush: Iraq straining U.S. psyche - Politics - MSNBC.com

Bush: Iraq straining U.S. psyche - Politics - MSNBC.com:

"WASHINGTON - President Bush said Monday the Iraq war is 'straining the psyche of our country' but leaving now would be a disaster.

Bush served notice at a news conference that he would not change course or flinch from debate about the unpopular war as he campaigns for Republicans in the fall congressional elections. In fact, he suggested that national security and the economy should be the top political issues, and criticized the Democrats' approach on both."

The never ending saga....

Nevada Appeal - Opinion

Nevada Appeal - Opinion:

"Did you hear about the 24 Iraqis who plotted to blow up a bunch of airplanes flying across the Atlantic Ocean?

Oh, that's right. They weren't Iraqis. They were Pakistanis.

Did you hear that Osama bin Laden is hiding in Iraq?

Whoa, check that. That would be Pakistan.

And did you know that Iraq has nuclear bombs and sold that technology to Iran and North Korea?

Oops, I meant Pakistan, not Iraq.

And how about Iraq supporting Islamic terrorism against its democratic neighbors?

Oh, that would be Pakistan, again.

And now there is a new warning that al Qaeda may attack Americans in India. And where would these attackers be coming from?

Again, Pakistan.

And so the central front on the war on terror is Pakistan, right?

No, that would be Iraq.

Why do I get the feeling that Abbott and Costello are running this war?"

Abbott and Costello....Great punch line!

Crooks and Liars » Scarborough: “Is Bush An ‘Idiot’?”

Crooks and Liars » Scarborough: “Is Bush An ‘Idiot’?”:

"Joe Scarborough started his program tonight asking the question 'is Bush an idiot?' (Is that really debatable?). Not only did he do a great run down of clips involving some of the most famous 'Bushisms', but he did have an interesting conversation about this question with Lawrence O’Donnell and John Fun"

Is there really a debate?

The Seattle Times: Editorials & Opinion: No retreat on war crimes

The Seattle Times: Editorials & Opinion: No retreat on war crimes:

"Bush administration officials are counting on Congress' preoccupation with fall elections and the latest terrorism scare to slip through shameful revisions to the War Crimes Act. They want retroactive protection from any prosecution for harsh treatment or interrogation techniques they might have authorized."

From this morning's seattle times. No one person or institution should be above the law, and the current administration must now be concerned that they actually could be tried and convicted of both national and international laws.....

NPR : A 'Pant-Out' with the '100-Degree Club'

NPR : A 'Pant-Out' with the '100-Degree Club':

"President Bush spent his afternoon not buried in Middle East diplomacy, but daring his staff at the ranch to join what he calls the '100-degree club.' The phrase literally sends shudders down staffers' spines. The president challenged White House employees to run three miles in the central Texas heat across the scrubby terrain on his property. Press Secretary Tony Snow, who sounded as nervous as everyone else, said he would offer a 'pant-out' after the run... as opposed to a read-out."

The key word is dare....but did he join in the run? I bet you can answer that question with one guess (click on the link to find out.

Retroactive war crime protection drafted - Yahoo! News

Retroactive war crime protection drafted - Yahoo! News:

"WASHINGTON - The Bush administration drafted amendments to the War Crimes Act that would retroactively protect policymakers from possible criminal charges for authorizing any humiliating and degrading treatment of detainees, according to lawyers who have seen the proposal."

Now if this isn't a CYA for authorizing torture.....but our government would never allow that to happen (just imagine the sarcasm in my voice)

Crooks and Liars » The Daily Show’s New Correspondent

Crooks and Liars » The Daily Show’s New Correspondent:

"You asked for it and here it is - The Daily Show’s new Middle Eastern correspondent, Aasif Mandvi"

This particular video from Jon Stewart's the Daily Show is a great satire--hilarious, and sad but true at the same time. Best for broadband users.

Print Story : Yahoo! News

Print Story : Yahoo! News: "U. S. Congresswoman Katherine Harris, R-Florida, holds up a possum she purchased at the Wausau Possum Festival, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2006, in Wausau, Fla. Harris is a candidate for the U. S. Senate.(AP Photo/Phil Coale)"

Enough said. The photo says it all....

Drinking Liberally Humor

President George W. Bush was scheduled to visit the Episcopal Church outside Washington as part of his campaign to restore his poll standings.

Bush's campaign manager made a visit to the Bishop, and said to him "We've been getting a lot of bad publicity because of the President's position on stem cell research, the Iraq war, Katrina, and the like. We'd gladly make a contribution to the church of $100,000 if during your sermon you'd say the President is a saint."

The Bishop thought it over for a few moments and finally said, "The Church is in desperate need of funds and I will agree to do it."

Bush showed up for the sermon and the Bishop began: "I'd like to speak to you all this morning about our President.

George Bush is a liar, a cheat, and a low-intelligence weasel. He took the tragedy of September 11 and used it to frighten and manipulate the American people. He lied about WMDs and invaded Iraq for oil and money, causing the deaths of tens of thousands and making the United States the most hated country on earth. He appointed cronies to positions of power and influence, leading to widespread death and destruction during Hurricane Katrina.

"He awarded contracts and tax cuts to his rich friends so that we now have more poverty and a greater gap between rich and poor than we've had in this country since the Depression. He instituted illegal wiretaps when getting a warrant from a secret court would have been a mere administrative detail. Then he had his henchmen lie to Congress about it, and then he claimed he is above the law. He has headed the most corrupt, bribe-inducing political party since the Teapot Dome scandal.

"The national surplus has turned into a staggering national debt, gas prices are up 55%, and vital research into global warming and stem cells is stopped cold because he's afraid to lose votes from some religious kooks. He is the worst example of a true Christian I've ever known, but compared to Dick Cheney and Karl Rove, George Bush is a saint."

Drinking Liberally Olympia

Drinking Liberally Olympia: "Next Meeting at the Fishbowl Pub in Downtown Olympia"--that's tonight, Monday, August 7th, 7:00. Click on the link for more infor.

Tonight, we are going to try to begin puttng together a national issues platform that will build consensus within liberals--and actually get viable progressive candidates elected!!

Half of U.S. still believes Iraq had WMD - Yahoo! News

Half of U.S. still believes Iraq had WMD - Yahoo! News:

"Half of U.S. still believes Iraq had WMD" This article reports on a recent survey--it also describes why people still believe this.

This from the article:

Half of America apparently still thinks so, a new poll finds, and experts see a raft of reasons why: a drumbeat of voices from talk radio to die-hard bloggers to the Oval Office, a surprise headline here or there, a rallying around a partisan flag, and a growing need for people, in their own minds, to justify the war in Iraq.

YouTube - Al Gore's Penguin Army

YouTube - Al Gore's Penguin Army
This you tube piece spoofing Al Gore and "an inconvenient truth" was not put together by off kilter right-leaning amateurs. In fact, it was put together by a marketing firm that frequently contracts with the National Republican Party. It's crap, but if you are in the mood for crap, give it a click.

for more information, ABC news has more.

Political Wire: The Gathering Storm

Political Wire: The Gathering Storm: "From Charlie Cook's forthcoming National Journal column:

'Time is running out for Republicans. Unless something dramatic happens before Election Day, Democrats will take control of the House. And the chances that they’ll seize the Senate are rising toward 50-50.

'The electoral hurricane bearing down on the GOP looks likely to be a Category 4 or 5, strong enough to destroy at least one of the party’s majorities. The political climate feels much as it did before previous elections that produced sizable upheavals, such as in 1994, when Democrats lost 52 House seats, eight Senate seats, and control of both chambers.'"

Let's hope this is one prediction that comes true!

Washington Traffic Jam? Senators-Only Elevator - New York Times

Washington Traffic Jam? Senators-Only Elevator - New York Times: "In addition to lofty issues of war and peace, the Senate is grappling with another urgent matter: the senators-only elevators at the Capitol are being overrun by the unelected."

If you visit our nation's capital, be careful to ride on the right (no pun intended) elevator, or there could be trouble!!

Drinking Liberally Olympia

Drinking Liberally Olympia: "Next Meeting at the Fishbowl Pub in Downtown Olympia" This is a site location change for this meeting only. Click on the link for details!

The Register-Guard, Eugene, Oregon, USA

The Register-Guard, Eugene, Oregon, USA: "Twenty-two of the world's largest cities announced Tuesday they will work together to limit their contributions to global warming in an effort led by former President Bill Clinton."

Caught in the act | OlyBlog

Caught in the act | OlyBlog: "Olyblogger JanetB attempted to purchase Plan B at Ralph's Thriftway today and was refused despite the fact that she had a doctor's prescription. Witness:"

This you tube video shows JanetB as she tried to purchase the Day after contraceptive. The owner of Ralph's Thriftway, Ralph Storman, won't allow Plan B to be carried at the pharmacy. It's my neighborhood and favorite grocery store in town, but I won't be frequenting Ralph's for a while....

Let's hope the State Pharmacy Board reconsiders it's earlier decision. In fact, it will, at it's August 31st meeting. At the site, you can review the draft of the proposed rule language.

An "unfortunate stumble"

Print Story : Yahoo! News
Bush stumbles? Is it possible?

TPMmuckraker August 2, 2006 04:00 PM

TPMmuckraker August 2, 2006 04:00 PM: "GOP Donors Funded Entire PA Green Party Drive" Talking Points Memo Muckraker has an interesting piece that reports that contributions to a Pennsylvania Green Party Candidate--in fact every single contribution--comes from conservatives.

Maybe democrats should start giving to socially conservative libertarians.

AlterNet: Dead Dem Walking

AlterNet: Dead Dem Walking: "It's not just Joe Lieberman's support for the war on Iraq, or his steady backing of the Bush agenda. There are many reasons why Joe must go -- and now."

Interesting article on Joe Lieberman, former VP candidate, and fighting for his political life in Connecticut. Lieberman may lose in the primary to little known Ned Lamont.

A Primeval Tide of Toxins - Los Angeles Times

A Primeval Tide of Toxins - Los Angeles Times: "MORETON BAY, AUSTRALIA — The fireweed began each spring as tufts of hairy growth and spread across the seafloor fast enough to cover a football field in an hour.

When fishermen touched it, their skin broke out in searing welts. Their lips blistered and peeled. Their eyes burned and swelled shut. Water that splashed from their nets spread the inflammation to their legs and torsos."

Part one of a series on "Altered Oceans." The air is warming, and the oceans are being polluted....

Talking Points Memo: by Joshua Micah Marshall July 29, 2006 08:18 AM

Talking Points Memo: by Joshua Micah Marshall July 29, 2006 08:18 AM: "

Talking Points Memo has an exchange between Colin Powell and George Bush that occurred in January, 2001, only 10 days after Bush's inaugration. The passage is found in Ron Suskind's The Price of Loyalty.

Kind of says it all about current foreign policy concerning the Israel - Lebanon mess. And the very last line says it all--remember 10 day AFTER the inaugration in 2001.

"He'd met Sharon briefly, Bush said, when they had flown over Israel in a helicopter on a visit in December 1998. 'Just saw him that one time. We flew over the Palestinian camps,' Bush said sourly. 'Looked real bad down there. I don't see much we can do over there at this point. I think it's time to pull out of that situation.'

And that was it, according to [Paul] O'Neill and several other people in the room. The Arab-Israeli conflict was a mess, and the United States would disengage. The combatants would have to work it out on their own.

[Colin] Powell said such a move might be hasty. He remarked on the violence on the West Bank and Gaza and on its roots. He stressed that a pullback by the United States would unleash Sharon and Israeli army. 'The consequences of that could be dire,' he said, 'especially for the Palestinians.'

Bush shrugged. 'Maybe that's the best way to get some things back in balance.'

Powell seemed startled.

'Sometimes a show of strength by one side can really clarify things,' Bush said.

With that, the rest of the meeting was devoted to Iraq."

Isle Be Seeing You! 7/26/06

Isle Be Seeing You! 7/26/06
Mark Fiore's latest cartoon, "knuckles," is up. (Shockwave, not sure how it works on a dial-up).

The Seattle Times: Local News: State Supreme Court upholds gay marriage ban

The Seattle Times: Local News: State Supreme Court upholds gay marriage ban: "Marriage in Washington State remains a union between one man and one woman.

The State Supreme Court today upheld the state's 1998 ban on same-sex marriage, delivering a victory for supporters of traditional marriage and a sobering defeat for gays and their advocates."

I just don't get it. This is an issue that affects gay men and women, and those of us that are heterosexual should just keep our noses out of it. The supremen court ruling says that the primary purpose of marriage is for procreation--does that mean that the state has an obligation to ensure that those that marry procreate?

It's insane and a crying shame to deprive people of rights that many of us hold sacred.

Email your legislators and demand that the Defense of Marriage Act be repealed, and that all persons who want to enter a legally binding relationship have that right!

Book Review: The Long Emergency

Review: The Long Emergency: "This book is not fun to read, because it paints a very dreary picture of the very near future, but it should be read by everyone between the ages of 15 and 35, since they are the ones that will bear the brunt of the disruptions outlined here, and forewarned is fore-armed."

Stephen Cochran joined us for Drinking Liberally last week, and we talked about this book. His review of The Long Emergency provoked some interesting conversation about potential impacts of our dependence on oil, and what happens after the oil goes away - both in a negative nd a positive thing.

Thanks Steve, for your review. And check out his weblog, The Paleobibliomaniac!

Our Sympathies

Olympia Drinking Liberally Regular Warren Tryk lost his wife, Dottie Tryk, Friday night following a long illness. Warren and Dottie were married almost 38 years. Our deepest sympathies go out to Warren and his family.

This from Don Krupp, Dottie's friend and boss:

Bruce,

...Warren Tryk's spouse and Thurston County's Assistant Chief Administrative Officer passed away friday evening after a three year battle with cancer. Dotty Tryk worked for for Thurston County for nine years. She was my right hand "man." And, she was the love of Warren's life.

I thought it would be helpful for the Olympia Drinking Liberally group to know that.

Regards,
Don

Sunday Humor

President George W. Bush was scheduled to visit the Episcopal Church outside Washington as part of his campaign to restore his poll standings.

Bush's campaign manager made a visit to the Bishop, and said to him "We've been getting a lot of bad publicity because of the President's position on stem cell research, the Iraq war, Katrina, and the like. We'd gladly make a contribution to the church of $100,000 if during your sermon you'd say the President is a saint."

The Bishop thought it over for a few moments and finally said, "The Church is in desperate need of funds and I will agree to do it."

Bush showed up for the sermon and the Bishop began: "I'd like to speak to you all this morning about our President.

George Bush is a liar, a cheat, and a low-intelligence weasel. He took the tragedy of September 11 and used it to frighten and manipulate the American people. He lied about WMDs and invaded Iraq for oil and money, causing the deaths of tens of thousands and making the United States the most hated country on earth. He appointed cronies to positions of power and influence, leading to widespread death and destruction during Hurricane Katrina.

"He awarded contracts and tax cuts to his rich friends so that we now have more poverty and a greater gap between rich and poor than we've had in this country since the Depression. He instituted illegal wiretaps when getting a warrant from a secret court would have been a mere administrative detail. Then he had his henchmen lie to Congress about it, and then he claimed he is above the law. He has headed the most corrupt, bribe-inducing political party since the Teapot Dome scandal.

"The national surplus has turned into a staggering national debt, gas prices are up 55%, and vital research into global warming and stem cells is stopped cold because he's afraid to lose votes from some religious kooks. He is the worst example of a true Christian I've ever known, but compared to Dick Cheney and Karl Rove, George Bush is a saint."

Plan B: Pharmacy board backs off under pressure

Plan B: Pharmacy board backs off under pressure: (Seattle P-I). While I have my issues with the Governor, she has been instrumental in getting the state pharmacy board to reconsider their decision to allow Pharmacists to NOT fill a prescription on moral grounds. The article points out that about 2,400 letters and email were received as well, most in opposition to the original order.

MyDD :: Acceptable / Unacceptable in 2008

MyDD :: Acceptable / Unacceptable in 2008: "June 26-29, 496 Democrats or Democratic Leaners
(Candidate: Acceptable / Unacceptable)
Edwards: 71 / 25
Clinton: 69 / 29
Gore: 68 / 31
Kerry: 59 / 40
Biden: 44 / 37
Clark: 42 / 49
Dean: 40 / 54
Richardson: 36 / 38
Daschle: 35 / 50
Feingold: 29 / 41
Warner: 29 / 42
Kucinich: 21 / 51
Vilsack: 19 / 47"

This is interesting, from a recent Gallup Poll. Personally, I am a Gore guy, but I like Edwards as well--especially his focus on poverty issues. What way are you leaning?

Evergreen Politics: Dems Kick Ass

Evergreen Politics: Dems Kick Ass:
The Evergreen Politics Blog:
"Democratic Congressional candidates are outraising their Republican foes across the board. This is great news. If it were only a few races, the Republicans would be able to focus their prodigious fund-raising ability easily but this is widespread.

We know that Darcy has outraised Reichert in each of the last two quarters, despite Bush's giant fund-raiser for his buddy, Dave Reichert. That was huge news. Now we hear from the DCCC that Democrats across the country are doing the same. Dean Nielsen of Progressive Majority passed along a Press Release from the DCCC. "

This is occuring on both the state and the local levels. Clicking on the link above will provide you with more specific statistics.

Crooks and Liars » Robin Williams: Rush Limbaugh’s just going fishing

Crooks and Liars » Robin Williams: Rush Limbaugh’s just going fishing
For those of you with a faster internet service, Robin Williams was on the Tonight Show--here is is take on Rush Limbaugh's recent scrape with the law.

Bush vetoes stem cell bill - Politics - MSNBC.com

Bush vetoes stem cell bill - Politics - MSNBC.com
Nobody is suprised at this--but it is a purely political move. Scott rosenbert over at salon has a good commentary on the political motivations behind the veto

Welcome to Olympia Drinking Liberally

Let's have fun with this site! Face it, conservatives are SO pickable! On the serious side, there are always emerging issues that liberals should educate themselves on. So when you combine these two, what do you get?

Learning can be fun!