Despite what you will read on other blogs, this coming year will not provide any comfort to Repubs or Dems. There will not be massive gains by the Dems and the GOP will not continue to flounder. Yes, Americanlogic readers (hello?) 2006 will resemble its previous year.
We will see the final nail in Rove's coffin as Chief of Staff as he will be indicted early in the year of being the nastiest and repulsive political operative in recent memory, however not for outing a CIA agent. Bush as usual, will not fire him, but wish him luck as a member of the DHS.
Baghdad Scott McClellan will remain as press sec. He will continue to sweat profusely and become red when asked a handful of probing questions about Iraq, spying and the overal state of the kingdom.
And the president, well Bush will continue to coast towards the end of his term. His numbers barely cracking 45% (his base), his "opposition" party will continue to chase their tails unable to get behind principled men like Murtha and Feingold, you know those "radicals."
Iraq? What about it.
Friday, December 30, 2005
What's the problem?
"There is much to be said and done about the man-made annihilation of New Orleans, caused NOT by a hurricane but by the very specific decisions made by the Bush administration in the past four and a half years." - Michael Moore.
The above quote was the winner of the "Moore award," on Andrew Sullivan's site (you know, the Buddha of bloggers). Sullivan thinks Moore hates America for pointing out it is run by incompetent plutocrats.
I have no problem with Moore's statement. Moore is slightly out there on occasion, but the above statement is techinically true in that the priorities of the administration contributed to the disaster of Katrina. No, Bush and Co did not personally inundate New Orleans with sewer water.
How about this Sullivan? Quote of the decade: "You're doing a heckuva job Brownie."
The above quote was the winner of the "Moore award," on Andrew Sullivan's site (you know, the Buddha of bloggers). Sullivan thinks Moore hates America for pointing out it is run by incompetent plutocrats.
I have no problem with Moore's statement. Moore is slightly out there on occasion, but the above statement is techinically true in that the priorities of the administration contributed to the disaster of Katrina. No, Bush and Co did not personally inundate New Orleans with sewer water.
How about this Sullivan? Quote of the decade: "You're doing a heckuva job Brownie."
Wish I could do that
The last time Congress agreed to boost the debt limit was in November 2004 — from $7.38 trillion to the current $8.18 trillion. The government's statutory borrowing authority also was pushed up in 2002 and in 2003. (courtesy foxnews.com, yes you read that right)
Couldn't agree more
http://crookedtimber.org/2005/12/29/ten-worst-britons-and-americans/
Excellent, needed post by one of the blogosphere's finest.
Excellent, needed post by one of the blogosphere's finest.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
The new robber barons
Sometime early next year, the House of Representatives is expected to vote on the budget reconciliation legislation that the Senate passed on December 21 and the House passed in a slightly different version on December 19. That legislation would make significant cuts in a number of programs serving low- and moderate-income families and individuals, including Medicaid, child support enforcement, and student loans.
Supporters of the legislation defend the cuts as “tough choices” that need to be made because of large and growing budget deficits. These claims are undercut by the fact that, in the last six weeks, the House has passed four tax-cut bills that together cost more than twice what the budget reconciliation bill saves. The claims are further undermined by Congress’s unwillingness to rethink any previously enacted tax cuts as part of its supposed reevaluation of priorities in light of deficits.In particular, Congress has chosen to allow two tax cuts that exclusively benefit high-income households - primarily millionaires - to begin taking effect on January 1, 2006. By 2010, these tax cuts will eliminate two current provisions of the tax code that limit the value of the personal exemptions and itemized deductions that people at high income levels can take. (courtesy cbpp.org)
This has been going on for five years. Tax cutting during "war" and putting the comfort of those at the top before regular 8-5 working people. I am not an economist but even someone who has never studied tax policy can see this for what is truly is: the attempt to created a new gilded age for those at the very top. This is not about class warfare, it's about combining common sense with fairness. The choice to gut Medicare over repealing tax cut after tax cut is not a "tough" one.
Americanlogic is searching for anyone who will represent the beleaguered afflicted american people who have seen billions of dollars of their tax money go to a cause to promote democracy in an Arab country. Please show yourself soon.
Supporters of the legislation defend the cuts as “tough choices” that need to be made because of large and growing budget deficits. These claims are undercut by the fact that, in the last six weeks, the House has passed four tax-cut bills that together cost more than twice what the budget reconciliation bill saves. The claims are further undermined by Congress’s unwillingness to rethink any previously enacted tax cuts as part of its supposed reevaluation of priorities in light of deficits.In particular, Congress has chosen to allow two tax cuts that exclusively benefit high-income households - primarily millionaires - to begin taking effect on January 1, 2006. By 2010, these tax cuts will eliminate two current provisions of the tax code that limit the value of the personal exemptions and itemized deductions that people at high income levels can take. (courtesy cbpp.org)
This has been going on for five years. Tax cutting during "war" and putting the comfort of those at the top before regular 8-5 working people. I am not an economist but even someone who has never studied tax policy can see this for what is truly is: the attempt to created a new gilded age for those at the very top. This is not about class warfare, it's about combining common sense with fairness. The choice to gut Medicare over repealing tax cut after tax cut is not a "tough" one.
Americanlogic is searching for anyone who will represent the beleaguered afflicted american people who have seen billions of dollars of their tax money go to a cause to promote democracy in an Arab country. Please show yourself soon.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
The next big thing?
For a point by point summary of the DLC's best hope go here:
http://www.draftmarkwarner.com/
Notice the similarities to the Dean record in Vermont.
http://www.draftmarkwarner.com/
Notice the similarities to the Dean record in Vermont.
the future of the other side
There is currently a lively, interesting debate on the future of the GOP and its conservative foundation.
Kickstarted by an op-ed in the WSJ, the debate rages between Andrew Sullivan, Julian Sanchez of Reason magazine, the Weekly Standard and Matt Yglesias.
Go here for more: www.andrewsullivan.com
Why the progressive side isn't having this kind of robust debate is beyond me.
Kickstarted by an op-ed in the WSJ, the debate rages between Andrew Sullivan, Julian Sanchez of Reason magazine, the Weekly Standard and Matt Yglesias.
Go here for more: www.andrewsullivan.com
Why the progressive side isn't having this kind of robust debate is beyond me.
Could you do this for a living?
"Well, it might not shock you to hear we might have a different view. The year ended on a pretty strong note, with 10 million Iraqis going to the polls and electing a permanent government. We've got some extremely strong economic data and tremendous job creation for the American people. And as the President said, as far as the economy goes, the outlook for the economy is very strong and the horizon is very bright."
- Trent Duffy, White House spokesperson today in Crawford addressing reporters.
Look, even if the public were paying attention to the slightly above average economic news (which it's not) Iraq would once again become center stage because we are still losing men and woman for reasons still unknown.
- Trent Duffy, White House spokesperson today in Crawford addressing reporters.
Look, even if the public were paying attention to the slightly above average economic news (which it's not) Iraq would once again become center stage because we are still losing men and woman for reasons still unknown.
The buck stops where?
When one thinks of abuse of presidential power, the mind automatically shifts to Richard Nixon and his enemies list.
Nixon was the most obsessed of the modern presidents regarding secrecy and an empirical sense of entitlement. Bush is closing in on the crown as the king of the power obsessed. However, Harry Truman as I understand it felt it was within his role as commander in chief to force the steel mills to remain productive during the Korean War. He was then repudiated by the Supreme Court by a 6-3 vote. The country was also not in a state of war at that time. Truman, despite his strengths left office with the lowest approval rating in presidential history at 28% Moral of the story: don't overreach.
Although Al-Qaeda represents a threat to this country, we are currently not in a state of war. The right however, is operating under that premise. Their War on Terror is infinite, hence the president should have infinite powers to deal in this war. What will their feeling be if the president elect in 2008 is not one who bends along their ideological lines? Will they still want a President Feingold or Hillary Clinton to wield these powers to detain, torture and spy? Is this only Bush's war?
- Just a few observations.
Nixon was the most obsessed of the modern presidents regarding secrecy and an empirical sense of entitlement. Bush is closing in on the crown as the king of the power obsessed. However, Harry Truman as I understand it felt it was within his role as commander in chief to force the steel mills to remain productive during the Korean War. He was then repudiated by the Supreme Court by a 6-3 vote. The country was also not in a state of war at that time. Truman, despite his strengths left office with the lowest approval rating in presidential history at 28% Moral of the story: don't overreach.
Although Al-Qaeda represents a threat to this country, we are currently not in a state of war. The right however, is operating under that premise. Their War on Terror is infinite, hence the president should have infinite powers to deal in this war. What will their feeling be if the president elect in 2008 is not one who bends along their ideological lines? Will they still want a President Feingold or Hillary Clinton to wield these powers to detain, torture and spy? Is this only Bush's war?
- Just a few observations.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Some things are simple
Once again, the elite punditry has taken what seems like a simple issue and turned it on its head. The latest is wiretapping. As we all know by now, the president after 9/11 and ever since has spied on american citizens as a matter of presidential authority.
Someone who is not immersed in the culture of DC would probably say: "Well, is that legal?" Depends on your definition of legal so they say. The president and the NSA can spy on anyone they want as long as they obtain a warrant to do so, especially in instances of national security.
Problem is, Bush hasn't obtained warrants. He's doing it under the general shroud of "war." Since the war on terror is endless, we expect more spying and trampling of the constitution. We've already "debated" waterboarding, on to reading the nation's diary.
Can someone stand up and demand accountability on a national level? Anyone. The president swore an oath to defend and uphold the Constitution, terrorism or no terrorism. What we really have here is a debate about the powers of the president and congressional oversight. Do we want an unchecked presidency. Our humble VP seems to desire this. Bush seems to assume it.
Some things are not up for "debate." Torture and warrantless spying included.
Someone who is not immersed in the culture of DC would probably say: "Well, is that legal?" Depends on your definition of legal so they say. The president and the NSA can spy on anyone they want as long as they obtain a warrant to do so, especially in instances of national security.
Problem is, Bush hasn't obtained warrants. He's doing it under the general shroud of "war." Since the war on terror is endless, we expect more spying and trampling of the constitution. We've already "debated" waterboarding, on to reading the nation's diary.
Can someone stand up and demand accountability on a national level? Anyone. The president swore an oath to defend and uphold the Constitution, terrorism or no terrorism. What we really have here is a debate about the powers of the president and congressional oversight. Do we want an unchecked presidency. Our humble VP seems to desire this. Bush seems to assume it.
Some things are not up for "debate." Torture and warrantless spying included.
whatever you want to call it
"The Iraq War of 2003 didn't come out of nowhere; it represents the culmination of misguided policies, virtually all of them-including the 1980s ''tilt'' toward Saddam Hussein-carried out in plain sight of the American public. Blaming everything on Bush won't prevent a recurrence of Bush's mistakes. A realist might suggest that Americans looking for someone to hold accountable begin by looking in the mirror." (Andrew J. Bacevich in the Boston Globe last month)
Realism, isolationism, neoliberalism, conservatism, all mean for us to stop meddling with the world. Tend to our own needs. Maybe call it newamericanism.
Realism, isolationism, neoliberalism, conservatism, all mean for us to stop meddling with the world. Tend to our own needs. Maybe call it newamericanism.
Let it snow?
An interesting look at how other parts of this globe other than Buffalo handle snow:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/weather/Story/0,2763,1674128,00.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/weather/Story/0,2763,1674128,00.html
Looking back
If you really want to get technical, it's all Al Gore's fault....
That was my first attempt at blogging. It was the launching pad of americanlogic. Looking back at the statement itself, politically speaking, it's true. Five years ago despite the contested results, america decided to take a chance on a seemingly humble Texan. He was a Bush, we were familiar with the Bushes and their dynasty. We heard "compassionate conservative" uttered over and over again.
Al Gore, as he proved as Vice President, was an able, intelligent man who would continue the policies of Clinton centrism, a ideal while flawed, had the countries best interest at heart. The media saw Gore as an elitist, by which they meant "smarter than them." Bush was affable, funny at times and seemed uninterested in anything. Why not?
I voted for the Gore/Lieberman ticket and still would. Most people would do the same. Would we be in Iraq? maybe (regime change was the policy of the Clinton administration). Would those at the bottom or near the bottom be less comfortable? probably not.
Despite all their problems, their inability to get it together, the Democratic party still is the party of the afflicted. The GOP is the party of the established, no more is that apparent in the spending package squeaked through this month. Make the wealthy share the burden of war and stuggle? Nope. Cut the only thing that keeps families from completely falling apart? You bet. The party of endless war abroad and at home.
It all started in 2000.
That was my first attempt at blogging. It was the launching pad of americanlogic. Looking back at the statement itself, politically speaking, it's true. Five years ago despite the contested results, america decided to take a chance on a seemingly humble Texan. He was a Bush, we were familiar with the Bushes and their dynasty. We heard "compassionate conservative" uttered over and over again.
Al Gore, as he proved as Vice President, was an able, intelligent man who would continue the policies of Clinton centrism, a ideal while flawed, had the countries best interest at heart. The media saw Gore as an elitist, by which they meant "smarter than them." Bush was affable, funny at times and seemed uninterested in anything. Why not?
I voted for the Gore/Lieberman ticket and still would. Most people would do the same. Would we be in Iraq? maybe (regime change was the policy of the Clinton administration). Would those at the bottom or near the bottom be less comfortable? probably not.
Despite all their problems, their inability to get it together, the Democratic party still is the party of the afflicted. The GOP is the party of the established, no more is that apparent in the spending package squeaked through this month. Make the wealthy share the burden of war and stuggle? Nope. Cut the only thing that keeps families from completely falling apart? You bet. The party of endless war abroad and at home.
It all started in 2000.
Fitzmas?
Under the radar is the CIA leak scandal. Something is about to give. Americanlogic predicts Patrick Fitzgerald will make a New Years appearance soon. Keep your eyes and ears open.
Just for the record, the creation of "Fitzmas" was not one of the highlights of 2005.
Just for the record, the creation of "Fitzmas" was not one of the highlights of 2005.
going forward
Americanlogic is back from his holiday hiatus. If anyone missed me, thanks.
Pat Buchanan, one of the solidly old Right voices, hits the right mark in a piece on his site american cause (www.americacause.com) Basically, it details the folly of American enterprise in promoting "freedom and democracy" and doing so in countries that despise us. Quite a frightening summary of the hostility and distrust that has built up in places like Canada and Europe when it comes to this president and his vision of the world.
Pat Buchanan, one of the solidly old Right voices, hits the right mark in a piece on his site american cause (www.americacause.com) Basically, it details the folly of American enterprise in promoting "freedom and democracy" and doing so in countries that despise us. Quite a frightening summary of the hostility and distrust that has built up in places like Canada and Europe when it comes to this president and his vision of the world.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Where do you stand
Americanlogic believes in liberty and justice for all. Where do you stand? We know where the president and vice president stand. They believe in secrecy at all costs, shadow government and political punishment for any who disagree. This is not America.
We should get on our knees and thank God for people like Russ Feingold and those principled conservatives who truly believe that the president should not have unchecked power even in the face of jihadists.
We should get on our knees and thank God for people like Russ Feingold and those principled conservatives who truly believe that the president should not have unchecked power even in the face of jihadists.
Name that president
This is all over the blogosphere:
"Now, by the way, any time you hear the United States government talking about wiretap, it requires -- a wiretap requires a court order. Nothing has changed, by the way. When we're talking about chasing down terrorists, we're talking about getting a court order before we do so. It's important for our fellow citizens to understand, when you think Patriot Act, constitutional guarantees are in place when it comes to doing what is necessary to protect our homeland, because we value the Constitution." (President Bush)
That folks is called a lie. Not a misleading statement, a lie. And he told it right here in Buffalo.
"Now, by the way, any time you hear the United States government talking about wiretap, it requires -- a wiretap requires a court order. Nothing has changed, by the way. When we're talking about chasing down terrorists, we're talking about getting a court order before we do so. It's important for our fellow citizens to understand, when you think Patriot Act, constitutional guarantees are in place when it comes to doing what is necessary to protect our homeland, because we value the Constitution." (President Bush)
That folks is called a lie. Not a misleading statement, a lie. And he told it right here in Buffalo.
Local watch
"You may not like it but in this county we have rules. well if you don't like it keep quiet. we have rules in this country."
This gem was directed at councilman-elect Satish Mohan at the Amherst board meeting. Once again, thanks Mr. President for fostering this kind of environment in this country.
This gem was directed at councilman-elect Satish Mohan at the Amherst board meeting. Once again, thanks Mr. President for fostering this kind of environment in this country.
Hang your head in shame
"We are at war with a Jihadist enemy who wants us and our families dead. It is not clear that some of our elites recognize that fact or care any more. And some on the left fear that President Bush is a greater threat to our nation's security and liberties than the Jihadists."
Believe me, the man you've described as a "man-child" has told us many times to be afraid.
Mr Whittman, or Moose, hang your head in shame.
Believe me, the man you've described as a "man-child" has told us many times to be afraid.
Mr Whittman, or Moose, hang your head in shame.
King George
Take a step back for a moment. Witness the press conference given by our president yesterday. If anyone thought for a moment he would continue the olive branching they would be fooling themselves. Yesterday, you saw a president so obsessed with his own power, the press conference became an excercise in caution as to not upset the master. Bush was loud, angry and totally unreasonable. Throughout his presidency, he has made it perfectly clear to the casual observer that he hates these kind of things, namely open and honest government.
Wiretaps will continue as long as he deems them neccessary (Vegans beware!). Oh, and in case we forgot "there is an enemy that lurks and wants to kill Americans." Sprinkle with a little 9/11 and you have a recipie for autocratic rule. Can you imagine how the families of the victims of 9/11 react everytime they hear this president invoke 9/11 as if its a protective vest? Bush should be charged a seat in Congress every time he utters it.
Listen, I remember 9/11. I cried at my desk the morning of 9/11. The day after 9/11 I didn't know if we would experience a 9/12. Bush continues to exploit this day for his political benefit. Why doesn't a reporter stand up and say: "Mr President, stop using this tragedy for your presonal and political gain and realize today is what matters." I truly believe that a good amount of americans operate as if terrorist attacks are imminent. Bush can count on this group all the time for support. Terrorists don't lurk, they plan in hotels or houses or gathering points. They are not the Muslim man next to you in line at the grocery store in smalltown USA.
For the rest of his presidency, George Bush will use 9/11 as an excuse for everything he has done or will do. From torture to spying, he will ask that we swallow this bile to prevent another attack. I for one, refuse to do so.
Wiretaps will continue as long as he deems them neccessary (Vegans beware!). Oh, and in case we forgot "there is an enemy that lurks and wants to kill Americans." Sprinkle with a little 9/11 and you have a recipie for autocratic rule. Can you imagine how the families of the victims of 9/11 react everytime they hear this president invoke 9/11 as if its a protective vest? Bush should be charged a seat in Congress every time he utters it.
Listen, I remember 9/11. I cried at my desk the morning of 9/11. The day after 9/11 I didn't know if we would experience a 9/12. Bush continues to exploit this day for his political benefit. Why doesn't a reporter stand up and say: "Mr President, stop using this tragedy for your presonal and political gain and realize today is what matters." I truly believe that a good amount of americans operate as if terrorist attacks are imminent. Bush can count on this group all the time for support. Terrorists don't lurk, they plan in hotels or houses or gathering points. They are not the Muslim man next to you in line at the grocery store in smalltown USA.
For the rest of his presidency, George Bush will use 9/11 as an excuse for everything he has done or will do. From torture to spying, he will ask that we swallow this bile to prevent another attack. I for one, refuse to do so.
Monday, December 19, 2005
You've got to be kidding
From and Penn said the most defensible ground for Democrats is a middle path: rejecting deadlines for troop withdrawal but endorsing "clear benchmarks" to measure progress and hold Bush accountable for the results (tip: NewDonkey.com)
Ahh, DLC you think you are dealing with a real leader here don't you. You think you're dealing with a president who will actually give a damn what the democratic leadership thinks or suggests. This is a man who only through wrangling took TORTURE off the table, not to mention spies on american citizens at his discretion.
Memo to DLC: Bush believes in empire abroad and at home. You can't expect an emperor to be accountable to anything.
Ahh, DLC you think you are dealing with a real leader here don't you. You think you're dealing with a president who will actually give a damn what the democratic leadership thinks or suggests. This is a man who only through wrangling took TORTURE off the table, not to mention spies on american citizens at his discretion.
Memo to DLC: Bush believes in empire abroad and at home. You can't expect an emperor to be accountable to anything.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Democracy comes a marchin
Yesterday's elections in Iraq were an incredible milestone.....for Iraqis. With the daily release of new information surrounding our exercise in folly being leaked to the press every day the american people are starting to get a fuller picture of the circumstances surrounding the nation's first preemptive war. They should be scratching their heads.
Americanlogic is convinced the reason this country initially supported this endeavor is due to the hyped nuclear threat. Imminent and nuke aren't words americans are too comfortable with. Bush and Co hyped Saddam's capabilities and they know it. So don't buy Bush's "Congress saw the same stuff I saw" bull. Well, in fact they didn't. Couple this with Cheney's heavy hand at the CIA and you have the ultimate rationale for preemptive war: "imminent attack.
Well, suprise no nukes. nothing. nada. zip. Just a friggin vile of something. Ok, we're in america said to itself. Will we anticipate an insurgency and be prepared for such a resistence? Nope, Rumsfeld's in charge. Not enough troops at the outset, not enough body armor equals american deaths. Now approaching 3000.
Currently, we are in the middle of a civil war. We also were responsible for Abu-Gharib and the lovely torture debate we were having. See, Bush likens himself to a Roman emperor. He's making the calls on torture, infinite detention, wiretapping and secret CIA prisons.
Which leads me to ask america, what the hell were you thinking?
Americanlogic is convinced the reason this country initially supported this endeavor is due to the hyped nuclear threat. Imminent and nuke aren't words americans are too comfortable with. Bush and Co hyped Saddam's capabilities and they know it. So don't buy Bush's "Congress saw the same stuff I saw" bull. Well, in fact they didn't. Couple this with Cheney's heavy hand at the CIA and you have the ultimate rationale for preemptive war: "imminent attack.
Well, suprise no nukes. nothing. nada. zip. Just a friggin vile of something. Ok, we're in america said to itself. Will we anticipate an insurgency and be prepared for such a resistence? Nope, Rumsfeld's in charge. Not enough troops at the outset, not enough body armor equals american deaths. Now approaching 3000.
Currently, we are in the middle of a civil war. We also were responsible for Abu-Gharib and the lovely torture debate we were having. See, Bush likens himself to a Roman emperor. He's making the calls on torture, infinite detention, wiretapping and secret CIA prisons.
Which leads me to ask america, what the hell were you thinking?
The case against Hillary Clinton
Americanlogic was disheartened after seeing some polls today that continue to show Hillary Clinton as the frontrunner in the 2008 pack for Democratic candidate.
Although I shouldn't take to heart polls three years in advance, I already see the disaster this will be down the road.
Clinton, like Joe Lieberman will not vote regular working class interests when it comes down to it. Clinton's flag burning amendment is as popular as Michael Brown right now. Lieberman, whom Bush kissed after one of his recent speeches, is as pliable as salt water taffy. As Bill Maher said last night on Larry King Live, the democratic party needs to become, for better or for worse, the liberal progressive party.
How about a party of workers? A party that will end corporate welfare. A party that will disengage america from the grip of the Bush doctrine of preemptive war. How about a party that will actually respond to a national disaster swiftly and without hesitation?
Although I shouldn't take to heart polls three years in advance, I already see the disaster this will be down the road.
Clinton, like Joe Lieberman will not vote regular working class interests when it comes down to it. Clinton's flag burning amendment is as popular as Michael Brown right now. Lieberman, whom Bush kissed after one of his recent speeches, is as pliable as salt water taffy. As Bill Maher said last night on Larry King Live, the democratic party needs to become, for better or for worse, the liberal progressive party.
How about a party of workers? A party that will end corporate welfare. A party that will disengage america from the grip of the Bush doctrine of preemptive war. How about a party that will actually respond to a national disaster swiftly and without hesitation?
Thank You
A couple of senators who stood up to the abusive powers of the Bush White House:
Sens Chuck Hagel, John Sununu (no liberal), Lisa Murkowski, Larry Craig, Russ Feingold, Patrick Leahy.
As with the torture "debate," this bill is not about terrorism, it's about what we stand for in this country. At the moment, this represents us:
"The New York Times reported Friday that Bush, months after the September 11th attacks, 'secretly authorized the NSA to eavesdrop on Americans and others inside the United States to search for evidence of terrorist activity without the court-approved warrants ordinarily required for domestic spying, according to government officials.' (cnn.com)
This has been the question since the attacks, how to we fight the jihadists? Do we torture, spy on american citizens, comb through people's records all while spreading democracy in......IRAQ?
Or do we continue the offensive in Afghanistan and start putting our efforts towards infiltrating the network and killing it from within.
Thank God there is some sanity on Capital Hill.
Sens Chuck Hagel, John Sununu (no liberal), Lisa Murkowski, Larry Craig, Russ Feingold, Patrick Leahy.
As with the torture "debate," this bill is not about terrorism, it's about what we stand for in this country. At the moment, this represents us:
"The New York Times reported Friday that Bush, months after the September 11th attacks, 'secretly authorized the NSA to eavesdrop on Americans and others inside the United States to search for evidence of terrorist activity without the court-approved warrants ordinarily required for domestic spying, according to government officials.' (cnn.com)
This has been the question since the attacks, how to we fight the jihadists? Do we torture, spy on american citizens, comb through people's records all while spreading democracy in......IRAQ?
Or do we continue the offensive in Afghanistan and start putting our efforts towards infiltrating the network and killing it from within.
Thank God there is some sanity on Capital Hill.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Bush/Delay 2005
"I hope that he will, 'cause I like him, and plus, when he's over there, we get our votes through the House," Bush told Fox News' Brit Hume.
Our president, putting partisan loyalty above everything else. How can average working class people support this man? He is the ultimate plutocrat. In the same interview, Bush also expressed confidence in the soon to be indicted Karl Rove, the VP for torture and the man responsible for Abu-Gharib, Don "heck of a job" Rumsfeld. Any other sane person would determine Rumsfeld has been the worst Defense Sec of all time.
Our president, putting partisan loyalty above everything else. How can average working class people support this man? He is the ultimate plutocrat. In the same interview, Bush also expressed confidence in the soon to be indicted Karl Rove, the VP for torture and the man responsible for Abu-Gharib, Don "heck of a job" Rumsfeld. Any other sane person would determine Rumsfeld has been the worst Defense Sec of all time.
End game
"We cannot torture and still retain the moral high ground," said Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.), who called for the vote yesterday. "No torture and no exceptions." (washingtonpost.com)
John Murtha explaining the importance of the McCain amendment. Bush's obligation is to sign this bill in front of the world. Despite the continued efforts of this White House, McCain refuses to budge on this issue. If Bush vetoes this bill, then all bets are off. Impeachment proceedings should begin to remove this president from office before he destroys us for good.
I'm confused as to some in the blogosphere's continued support of this president effort's rewrite history. The president has had three major speeches on his war, and so far it hasn't changed public opinion (sure hasn't changed mine). The war apologists (Andrew Sullivan, Chris Hitchens, National Review, Weekly Standard, WSJ etc) continue to express faith in the strategy of this president. They want us to remain in Iraq forever. They are obsessed with the Iraqi people and their desire to impose our "standard of democracy" on them. Bush finally admits he went to war based on false intelligence and the apologists applaud with glee: "See, he truly is a war leader."
As long as the Democratic party as a whole does not stand behind Murtha's plan for immediate redeployment (not "cut and run") the general public will begrudgingly get behind Bush. We are engaged in a civil war and today's elections although important for Iraq's future do not mean a damn thing to the average american.
More later on how a preemptive war became the "War on Terror."
John Murtha explaining the importance of the McCain amendment. Bush's obligation is to sign this bill in front of the world. Despite the continued efforts of this White House, McCain refuses to budge on this issue. If Bush vetoes this bill, then all bets are off. Impeachment proceedings should begin to remove this president from office before he destroys us for good.
I'm confused as to some in the blogosphere's continued support of this president effort's rewrite history. The president has had three major speeches on his war, and so far it hasn't changed public opinion (sure hasn't changed mine). The war apologists (Andrew Sullivan, Chris Hitchens, National Review, Weekly Standard, WSJ etc) continue to express faith in the strategy of this president. They want us to remain in Iraq forever. They are obsessed with the Iraqi people and their desire to impose our "standard of democracy" on them. Bush finally admits he went to war based on false intelligence and the apologists applaud with glee: "See, he truly is a war leader."
As long as the Democratic party as a whole does not stand behind Murtha's plan for immediate redeployment (not "cut and run") the general public will begrudgingly get behind Bush. We are engaged in a civil war and today's elections although important for Iraq's future do not mean a damn thing to the average american.
More later on how a preemptive war became the "War on Terror."
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
stand firm McCain
This bill could be your lasting legacy John. Do not cut a backroom deal with this White House on anti-torture legislation. Be wary of Hadley. Make the president sign this bill, dare him to veto it.
America is watching John.
America is watching John.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Ignore those inspectors!
Apart from the resentment that the imperial style produces, the aloof attitude means that American officials don't benefit from the experience and expertise of foreigners. The U.N. inspectors in Iraq were puzzled at how uninterested American officials were in talking to them—even though they had spent weeks combing through Iraq. Instead, U.S. officials, comfortably ensconced in Washington, gave them lectures on the evidence of weapons of mass destruction. "I thought they would be interested in our firsthand reports on what those supposedly dual-use factories looked like," one of then told me (again remaining anonymous for fear of angering the administration). "But no, they explained to me what those factories were being used for."
From a Newsweek piece by Fareed Zakaria entitled "Imperial Presidency."
Is there any clearer example of the need to get to the bottom of prewar intelligence and manipulation? We cannot just forget about how we entered into the first preemptive war in american history.
Although Zakaria is fervently pro war when it comes to Iraq, he does occasionally point out the many issues Bush has with tradition and diplomacy.
From a Newsweek piece by Fareed Zakaria entitled "Imperial Presidency."
Is there any clearer example of the need to get to the bottom of prewar intelligence and manipulation? We cannot just forget about how we entered into the first preemptive war in american history.
Although Zakaria is fervently pro war when it comes to Iraq, he does occasionally point out the many issues Bush has with tradition and diplomacy.
Monday, December 12, 2005
National Review defines torture
Caution: vile, disgusting rationale being employed below.
From America's friends at National Review Online:
"The most constructive path forward would be for Congress to put aside legalisms and empty phrases and work its way through interrogation practices, starting with the least controversial. Is dietary manipulation "cruel"? Are cold rooms? Is sensory deprivation? Is being made to stand for hours? How about an "attention grab," i.e., shaking a detainee? Sleep deprivation? A belly slap? We think these methods would all pass muster in any rational debate, provided they are applied within reason (there is a difference between standing for two hours and twenty hours)."
My bolding. Earth to NRO: when you torture someone, you are not concerned with reason or rational thinking. Your only hope is to inflict pain either out of sadistic desire or to gain useless information or both. There is also a difference between standing for two hours in a grocery waiting line or being forced to stand outside naked in the freezing cold for hours.
More enlightenment:
"Then Congress could make its way to the most aggressive techniques, such as water-boarding, which simulates drowning. It has reportedly been effective in breaking high-level al Qaeda detainees within seconds, but is a practice with which most people would be uncomfortable. It is at least close to the line of what constitutes torture, and is certainly "cruel" in almost every circumstance."
IT IS TORTURE! Waterboarding was used by the goddamn crazed Khmer Rouge. These atrocities are well documented, do the research. Please stop the handwringing and the pathetic attempt to justify this barbaric behavior on the account that your perfect, comfortable life was shattered on 9/11.
From America's friends at National Review Online:
"The most constructive path forward would be for Congress to put aside legalisms and empty phrases and work its way through interrogation practices, starting with the least controversial. Is dietary manipulation "cruel"? Are cold rooms? Is sensory deprivation? Is being made to stand for hours? How about an "attention grab," i.e., shaking a detainee? Sleep deprivation? A belly slap? We think these methods would all pass muster in any rational debate, provided they are applied within reason (there is a difference between standing for two hours and twenty hours)."
My bolding. Earth to NRO: when you torture someone, you are not concerned with reason or rational thinking. Your only hope is to inflict pain either out of sadistic desire or to gain useless information or both. There is also a difference between standing for two hours in a grocery waiting line or being forced to stand outside naked in the freezing cold for hours.
More enlightenment:
"Then Congress could make its way to the most aggressive techniques, such as water-boarding, which simulates drowning. It has reportedly been effective in breaking high-level al Qaeda detainees within seconds, but is a practice with which most people would be uncomfortable. It is at least close to the line of what constitutes torture, and is certainly "cruel" in almost every circumstance."
IT IS TORTURE! Waterboarding was used by the goddamn crazed Khmer Rouge. These atrocities are well documented, do the research. Please stop the handwringing and the pathetic attempt to justify this barbaric behavior on the account that your perfect, comfortable life was shattered on 9/11.
WWTR do?
"The Moose salutes a great senator, a great statesman, and a great American. The Democratic Party needs Joe now more than ever - he is the tribune of progressive hawks.Senator Lieberman is the recipient of the highly prestigious and coveted Golden Antlers Award for his achievements in the areas of national security and the environment in the tradition of the Great Man himself, T.R., - Bully!The Moose hereby declares Monday, December 12 as Joe Lieberman Appreciation Day!" (mooseblog.com)
I have a question for Mr. Whittman, would Tedddy Roosevelt throw his support behind a man who says "we do not torture" and calls torture "unacceptable," all the while being fully aware we are indeed torturing and engaging in "unacceptable" behavior?
Just asking.
I have a question for Mr. Whittman, would Tedddy Roosevelt throw his support behind a man who says "we do not torture" and calls torture "unacceptable," all the while being fully aware we are indeed torturing and engaging in "unacceptable" behavior?
Just asking.
Why haven't we left yet?
More than two-thirds of those surveyed oppose the presence of troops from the United States and its coalition partners and less than half, 44 percent, say their country is better off now than it was before the war, according to an ABC News poll conducted with Time magazine and other media partners. (AP)
Bush indicts himself
"This conduct is unacceptable, and the prime minister and other Iraqi officials have condemned these abuses, and an investigation has been launched and we support these efforts. Those who committed these crimes must be held to account," Bush said
That would be George Bush in response to abuses by Iraqis against Iraqis.
However, Mr. President you have committed a crime far worse: the destruction of American values towards torture. Do not veto the McCain amendment when it reaches your desk.
That would be George Bush in response to abuses by Iraqis against Iraqis.
However, Mr. President you have committed a crime far worse: the destruction of American values towards torture. Do not veto the McCain amendment when it reaches your desk.
Continue world domination
"If the president understands that his ultimate legacy will indeed be Iraq, and that history will judge him primarily on that matter, then he needs a successor. This process will take real time and relentlessness. Who better than McCain? He can recast conservatism away from its intolerant, sectarian trend and back to the center. And he can bring to the war ferocity and humanity and trust. A McCain succession would not only be good for the country but for Bush as well. Especially if he anoints McCain himself." (andrewsullivan.com)
While I agree with Sullivan that Iraq will be Bush's legacy (a failed one at that), the passing of the baton to McCain will continue this failed policy. As I've said before, and the Nation and more recently TNR has pointed out, McCain is a pro war hawk. He is a fervent believer in the neoconservative fantasy. Despite his efforts on the torture issue, McCain is not to be trusted in the arena of foreign policy.
"And he can bring to the war ferocity and humanity and trust."
Bush's war brought us to this point where we are condoning torture with the wink of an eye.
While I agree with Sullivan that Iraq will be Bush's legacy (a failed one at that), the passing of the baton to McCain will continue this failed policy. As I've said before, and the Nation and more recently TNR has pointed out, McCain is a pro war hawk. He is a fervent believer in the neoconservative fantasy. Despite his efforts on the torture issue, McCain is not to be trusted in the arena of foreign policy.
"And he can bring to the war ferocity and humanity and trust."
Bush's war brought us to this point where we are condoning torture with the wink of an eye.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
The next president
Americanlogic is looking ahead to the future of this country. The question of whether we will have survived the Bush era still remains unanswered. In three years, several things could happen under Bush's failed leadership. We could have already invaded Syria or other stops on the "Make the World Free Tour." We could even have suffered another terrorist attack on our soil, seeing as though we still to this day are not prepared for such an attack.
I can honestly say I don't know where we will be as a nation in the year 2008. What will the newly elected president face, what landscapes will he have to deal with? Americanlogic has a few predictions:
We will embrace, thankfully, a new isolationism. The kind that distinguished the conservatives of the past and classic liberals will have to come to terms with. Iraq has soured the american taste for nation building and neoconservative fantasy. Not to mention, any future president who makes a case for invasion or preemptive strike will have to arm themselves with insurmountable evidence and persuasive argument. This isolationism will be characterized by a laser like focus on our true enemies and their infastructure. Translation: Al-Qaeda's days are numbered. Bin Laden will have found to be dead and the organization will become fractured. We will have completely removed ourself from any Arab soil. Resources will be allocated to finally wipe out this menace for good. America will realize we cannot forcefully create democracy where there is no desire.
We will have a Clinton-like obsession with the deficit. As the true consequences of the Bush era are revealed to America, we will recoil in horror and finally work towards fiscal sanity. This will be done by ending corporate welfare and embrace of progressive taxation. The very segment of the population who had it the easiest during the Bush era will finally be asked to sacrifice again. This will not be "class warfare," but a boiling point will be reached by middle and lower income America. After years of downsizing, outsourcing and union busting we will have had enough.
Tax reform and health care reform will go hand in hand. Bush will have been correct in his pursuit of a sane tax system, but his ultimate goals will have been rejected due to their (suprise!) tendency to favor K street while ignoring common America. HMO's will be MIA in the process to reform the American health care system and they will be rolled over by the desire of the American people to finally make sure at least most of the nation's children have healthcare coverage.
Some may say Americanlogic is naive to think Americans will become this active in the role of their government. Will they have any fight left in them after eight years of having their futures ignored in pursuit of Iraqi self determination? Will they have confidence in their government nailing down the basics? After Katrina, will they be wary of a federal government response to terrorism or national disaster?
We'll see. Three years is a long time.
I can honestly say I don't know where we will be as a nation in the year 2008. What will the newly elected president face, what landscapes will he have to deal with? Americanlogic has a few predictions:
We will embrace, thankfully, a new isolationism. The kind that distinguished the conservatives of the past and classic liberals will have to come to terms with. Iraq has soured the american taste for nation building and neoconservative fantasy. Not to mention, any future president who makes a case for invasion or preemptive strike will have to arm themselves with insurmountable evidence and persuasive argument. This isolationism will be characterized by a laser like focus on our true enemies and their infastructure. Translation: Al-Qaeda's days are numbered. Bin Laden will have found to be dead and the organization will become fractured. We will have completely removed ourself from any Arab soil. Resources will be allocated to finally wipe out this menace for good. America will realize we cannot forcefully create democracy where there is no desire.
We will have a Clinton-like obsession with the deficit. As the true consequences of the Bush era are revealed to America, we will recoil in horror and finally work towards fiscal sanity. This will be done by ending corporate welfare and embrace of progressive taxation. The very segment of the population who had it the easiest during the Bush era will finally be asked to sacrifice again. This will not be "class warfare," but a boiling point will be reached by middle and lower income America. After years of downsizing, outsourcing and union busting we will have had enough.
Tax reform and health care reform will go hand in hand. Bush will have been correct in his pursuit of a sane tax system, but his ultimate goals will have been rejected due to their (suprise!) tendency to favor K street while ignoring common America. HMO's will be MIA in the process to reform the American health care system and they will be rolled over by the desire of the American people to finally make sure at least most of the nation's children have healthcare coverage.
Some may say Americanlogic is naive to think Americans will become this active in the role of their government. Will they have any fight left in them after eight years of having their futures ignored in pursuit of Iraqi self determination? Will they have confidence in their government nailing down the basics? After Katrina, will they be wary of a federal government response to terrorism or national disaster?
We'll see. Three years is a long time.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Bush will bounce back
The above headline reads like something from the Weekly Standard, but alas it's my headline.
Americanlogic thinks Bush will once again climb the mountain of the polls and reach above 40% approval. There are several factors that will lead to this.
One, the opposition party. The war in Iraq has done quite a number of things, but the one thing its done is fracture the Democratic party even more. Plenty of blame to go around on this one. Sheepish senators like Clinton and Kerry voted to give the president authorization to go to war, foolishly thinking he was going to do everything in his power to avoid it. They also seemed to reject american precedent which states we do not attack or invade other countries without provocation. Now, they are stuck. The Murtha plan is the best course but once again the party refuses to get behind this GIGANTIC hawk and show themselves as an opposition party. I'm sure one could imagine a triumphant Bush speaking for a newly elected Iraqi parliment this spring or summer. Media translation: We won.
Speaking of the Media. They love Bush, even when he's down. In contrast, they hated Clinton, even when he was up. There is something in the way Bush carries himself that makes the talking head pundits swoon. From Peggy Noonan's steadfast look every time she talks about Bush to Chris Matthews swaying in the political winds, Bush is popular amongst this crew. They show us what a shithole Iraq is every night but can't bring themselves to actually blame the president as if he was a bystander. The common scapegoats of the Iraq war: Rumsfeld and Cheney. Granted, both are certainly not blameless, but who made the decision?
And finally, America. Bush is stubborn just like we are. Bush finds it impossible to admit fault or error. We do the same thing. Bush has so successfully fused together Iraq and 9/11 that most people will use them in the same sentence, even when presented with insurmountable evidence to the contrary. America also fails to explore the idea of terrorism, just like Bush. Bush chooses to use storybook language ("terrorists lurk").
So, in the end it may not matter what happens on the ground in Iraq. Bush has succeeded in being the ultimate politician, just a lousy president.
Americanlogic thinks Bush will once again climb the mountain of the polls and reach above 40% approval. There are several factors that will lead to this.
One, the opposition party. The war in Iraq has done quite a number of things, but the one thing its done is fracture the Democratic party even more. Plenty of blame to go around on this one. Sheepish senators like Clinton and Kerry voted to give the president authorization to go to war, foolishly thinking he was going to do everything in his power to avoid it. They also seemed to reject american precedent which states we do not attack or invade other countries without provocation. Now, they are stuck. The Murtha plan is the best course but once again the party refuses to get behind this GIGANTIC hawk and show themselves as an opposition party. I'm sure one could imagine a triumphant Bush speaking for a newly elected Iraqi parliment this spring or summer. Media translation: We won.
Speaking of the Media. They love Bush, even when he's down. In contrast, they hated Clinton, even when he was up. There is something in the way Bush carries himself that makes the talking head pundits swoon. From Peggy Noonan's steadfast look every time she talks about Bush to Chris Matthews swaying in the political winds, Bush is popular amongst this crew. They show us what a shithole Iraq is every night but can't bring themselves to actually blame the president as if he was a bystander. The common scapegoats of the Iraq war: Rumsfeld and Cheney. Granted, both are certainly not blameless, but who made the decision?
And finally, America. Bush is stubborn just like we are. Bush finds it impossible to admit fault or error. We do the same thing. Bush has so successfully fused together Iraq and 9/11 that most people will use them in the same sentence, even when presented with insurmountable evidence to the contrary. America also fails to explore the idea of terrorism, just like Bush. Bush chooses to use storybook language ("terrorists lurk").
So, in the end it may not matter what happens on the ground in Iraq. Bush has succeeded in being the ultimate politician, just a lousy president.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
the pro liberty six
The six senators opposing the conference report are: Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Ken Salazar (D-CO), Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AL) and Sen. John Sununu (R-NH). (tip: rawstory.com)
"I will do everything I can, including a filibuster, to stop this Patriot Act conference report, which does not include adequate safeguards to protect our constitutional freedoms," said Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., who was the only senator to vote against the original version of the Patriot Act. (abcnews.com)
Thank God for people like Feingold.
"I will do everything I can, including a filibuster, to stop this Patriot Act conference report, which does not include adequate safeguards to protect our constitutional freedoms," said Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., who was the only senator to vote against the original version of the Patriot Act. (abcnews.com)
Thank God for people like Feingold.
Shameful
After once again lying to the world about our participation in torture, our SOS did her best impression of Donald Rumsfeld:
"Because you are a democracy, does not mean you are perfect," Rice said.
"Because you are a democracy, does not mean you are perfect," Rice said.
Follow this man's lead
The Pennsylvanian said he had received calls from 12 senators - "they're all running for president" - asking for information about his proposal. He told one Democrat to "get off the middle ground, because what your position is, is in-between and it's nothing."
Murtha said the senator did not like that comment. But Murtha said he was not trying to win any hearts - just the minds.
"When I go by Arlington cemetery, and I pass by every day, I don't see Democrat or Republican on those gravestones," he said. "I see Americans. And that's what I want to look at this as, an American dialogue." (courtesy San Jose Mercury)
My bolding. We know where the GOP stands. Democrats, unite behind Murtha.
Murtha said the senator did not like that comment. But Murtha said he was not trying to win any hearts - just the minds.
"When I go by Arlington cemetery, and I pass by every day, I don't see Democrat or Republican on those gravestones," he said. "I see Americans. And that's what I want to look at this as, an American dialogue." (courtesy San Jose Mercury)
My bolding. We know where the GOP stands. Democrats, unite behind Murtha.
Never forget about this
FEMA's top official was told more than a year before Hurricane Katrina that the agency's emergency response teams were unprepared for a major disaster and were operating under outdated plans, documents show. (courtesy USAToday.com)
We have this story and a recent cover story in Time magazine about how three months later the people of New Orleans the surrounding area are still without power, basic needs and more importantly, money. Money is sitting there unspent while we worry about the electricity needs of Iraq.
Is there anyone more deserving of public humiliation circa colonial times as Michael Brown? He is the human incarnation of negligence and incompetence. Guess who shoved through his confirmation? Joe Lieberman and crew. You know, our next defense secretary:
http://nydailynews.com/front/story/372921p-316984c.html
We have this story and a recent cover story in Time magazine about how three months later the people of New Orleans the surrounding area are still without power, basic needs and more importantly, money. Money is sitting there unspent while we worry about the electricity needs of Iraq.
Is there anyone more deserving of public humiliation circa colonial times as Michael Brown? He is the human incarnation of negligence and incompetence. Guess who shoved through his confirmation? Joe Lieberman and crew. You know, our next defense secretary:
http://nydailynews.com/front/story/372921p-316984c.html
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
um.....part 2
"Terrorists have made it clear that Iraq is the central front in a war against humanity, so we must recognize Iraq as the central front in the war on terror," said Bush in a speech hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C.
Bush, on the result of his own actions.
Bush, on the result of his own actions.
Um.......
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice sought Wednesday to clarify U.S. policy on harsh interrogation methods, saying no U.S. personnel may use cruel or degrading practices at home or abroad. (msnbc.com)
Ms. Rice, it's happening.
Ms. Rice, it's happening.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Wall Street Journal's favorite Republican
"Lieberman, whom the Bush administration has praised repeatedley for his war stance, defended the president, "It's time for Democrats who distrust President Bush to acknowledge he'll be commander-in-chief for three more years, "the senator said. "We undermine the president's credibility at our nation's peril."
Ok Joe you had me until the last sentence. This is standard issue Bush. Don't ask questions, continue along on a failed path and risk more American lives in the process as you call for all of us to hold hands and sing the national anthem on the Capital steps. Mr Lieberman, maybe you have given up on open and accountable government but Americanlogic hasn't. Make sure the investigations are completed, determine how we got into Iraq and figure out how we leave ASAP. This is our next Defense Secretary?
Ok Joe you had me until the last sentence. This is standard issue Bush. Don't ask questions, continue along on a failed path and risk more American lives in the process as you call for all of us to hold hands and sing the national anthem on the Capital steps. Mr Lieberman, maybe you have given up on open and accountable government but Americanlogic hasn't. Make sure the investigations are completed, determine how we got into Iraq and figure out how we leave ASAP. This is our next Defense Secretary?
Torture and you
Reason's Cathy Young talks torture and crushes the "ticking time bomb theory" here:
http://www.reason.com/cy/cy120605.shtml
http://www.reason.com/cy/cy120605.shtml
Alignment
John Murtha is “a lovable guy,” but “he’s never been a big thinker; he’s an appropriator.” Using language that Bush never could, McCain tells me that Murtha has become too emotional about the human cost of the war. “As we get older, we get more sentimental,” McCain says. “And [Murtha] has been very, very affected by the funerals and the families. But you cannot let that affect the way you decide policy.”
- John McCain on misplaced emotion (thanks thinkprogress.org) By the way, how many funerals has Bush attended? That's right, none.
- John McCain on misplaced emotion (thanks thinkprogress.org) By the way, how many funerals has Bush attended? That's right, none.
Sticky Rice
Have we ever had a Secretary of State preempt criticism of her country before leaving for Europe? No we haven't. We really have never had a crew like this.
Here's the sad fact: We are represented by a government that believes the best way to fight terrorism is to be as secretive as possible. Create laws such as the PATRIOT ACT, have torture as an american policy, practice rendition which leaves innocent men in the hands of brutal regimes and proclaim it all in the name of freedom.
By the way, where is Andrew Sullivan's outrage about his favorite choice for VP? Matter of fact, where is the consistentcy? Does the war on terror include a war on our soul?
UPDATE: Sullivan on Rice
"The only way to win this war is to abandon the illegal and immmoral detention policies rammed through the system by Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld. As for Condi, she has rebuilt our alliances rather successfully so far. Surely she must see that until the McCain amendment passes, her good work will have been in vain."
Yes, the "good work" of representing a country in which torture is a matter of foreign policy.
Here's the sad fact: We are represented by a government that believes the best way to fight terrorism is to be as secretive as possible. Create laws such as the PATRIOT ACT, have torture as an american policy, practice rendition which leaves innocent men in the hands of brutal regimes and proclaim it all in the name of freedom.
By the way, where is Andrew Sullivan's outrage about his favorite choice for VP? Matter of fact, where is the consistentcy? Does the war on terror include a war on our soul?
UPDATE: Sullivan on Rice
"The only way to win this war is to abandon the illegal and immmoral detention policies rammed through the system by Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld. As for Condi, she has rebuilt our alliances rather successfully so far. Surely she must see that until the McCain amendment passes, her good work will have been in vain."
Yes, the "good work" of representing a country in which torture is a matter of foreign policy.
True Fantasy
Forget Narnia or even Harry Potter, the most magical fantasy was uttered last night on "Hardball" by Republican Duncan Hunter who made the case for remaining in Iraq until it becomes a land of freedom and joy.
Hunter laid out the plans of neoconservatism: remake the Middle East into a land of free democracy, impose our will on the people of these nations and stay in these countries until this process is complete. Comparing the struggle to communism and facism, Hunter gravely said "We can either let the world change us or we can change the world." (not an exact quote) So there it is.
This is so dangerous a thought I can't begin to address it here. Let it be said though, that America is suffering in spirit, we could use a little remaking of our own. More later.
Hunter laid out the plans of neoconservatism: remake the Middle East into a land of free democracy, impose our will on the people of these nations and stay in these countries until this process is complete. Comparing the struggle to communism and facism, Hunter gravely said "We can either let the world change us or we can change the world." (not an exact quote) So there it is.
This is so dangerous a thought I can't begin to address it here. Let it be said though, that America is suffering in spirit, we could use a little remaking of our own. More later.
Monday, December 05, 2005
And so it begins
Stepping away from politics, please join me in my extreme happiness.
Danielle C Levesque, my fiancee is on her way to becoming the greatest Nurse in history.
More about the most remarkable woman I know soon.
Danielle C Levesque, my fiancee is on her way to becoming the greatest Nurse in history.
More about the most remarkable woman I know soon.
I still like Ike
"Though force can protect in emergency, only justice, fairness, consideration and co-operation can finally lead men to the dawn of eternal peace."
-Dwight Eisenhower
-Dwight Eisenhower
Rummy's World
A lie moves around the world at the speed of light," he said, stressing there is a "jarring contrast between what the American people are reading and hearing about Iraq and the views of the Iraqi people."
As an example, he said allegations from two former Iraqi detainees that they were thrust into a cage of lions in Baghdad and quickly pulled out as an interrogation technique have yet to be substantiated. (abcnews)
That's right, we only waterboard, we would never use lions. Can you imagine this type of attitude displayed during WWII? "No, there is no such thing as the Nazi Party."
As an example, he said allegations from two former Iraqi detainees that they were thrust into a cage of lions in Baghdad and quickly pulled out as an interrogation technique have yet to be substantiated. (abcnews)
That's right, we only waterboard, we would never use lions. Can you imagine this type of attitude displayed during WWII? "No, there is no such thing as the Nazi Party."
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Request
Americanlogic would like to offer the following resignations on behalf of the president:
Donald Rumsfeld: the most inept Defense Secretary of all time. Three years into this war and we are debating what to call the people we are fighting. According to Rummy, "don't call them insurgents." Hey Don, they're insurgents. They wish for the USA (occupying force) to leave their country. However his worst offense, allowing the torture and abuse to run rampant on his watch. Then again, shit happens.
Karl Rove: Bush's brain. The puppeteer. The man responsible for dropping the equivalent of anthrax into the political bloodstream. Responsible for slandering war heroes. Adept at playing politics with national security.
and finally......
Dick Cheney: VP of torture. That's all that needs to be said.
Please fire or ask for the resignation of these gentlemen Mr. President.
Donald Rumsfeld: the most inept Defense Secretary of all time. Three years into this war and we are debating what to call the people we are fighting. According to Rummy, "don't call them insurgents." Hey Don, they're insurgents. They wish for the USA (occupying force) to leave their country. However his worst offense, allowing the torture and abuse to run rampant on his watch. Then again, shit happens.
Karl Rove: Bush's brain. The puppeteer. The man responsible for dropping the equivalent of anthrax into the political bloodstream. Responsible for slandering war heroes. Adept at playing politics with national security.
and finally......
Dick Cheney: VP of torture. That's all that needs to be said.
Please fire or ask for the resignation of these gentlemen Mr. President.
Wary
I have to admit i'm a little wary on the future of the McCain amendment. For all press reports it seems McCain will not budge and made that clear on "Meet the Press" this morning. However, I can't bring myself to fully trust that McCain will not somehow allow the CIA provision in some how with some backroom dealmaking with this White House. After all, this is the same man who shamed himself on the campaign trail last year in support of a man he clearly loathes.
The Nation has a great piece on McCain this month reminding everyone he is not liberal nor has he any liberal tendencies. If he runs in 2008 (95% chance), he will be far right of Bush. McCain, although a victim of war, is even more of a hawk than Cheney. On fiscal side, he is traditionalist GOP (which is not such a bad thing). Democrats enamored with McCain should be under no illusions that he run from the center to get into the White House.
The McCain amendment must pass. It must reach Bush's desk without any changes or provisions so that Bush's hand will be forced. This will be the single most important bill ever passed and forwarded to the president for his signature. If we allow continued torture of prisoners in secret gulag's we will no longer be America. This nation will have no soul and will have no moral ground in this conflict.
The Nation has a great piece on McCain this month reminding everyone he is not liberal nor has he any liberal tendencies. If he runs in 2008 (95% chance), he will be far right of Bush. McCain, although a victim of war, is even more of a hawk than Cheney. On fiscal side, he is traditionalist GOP (which is not such a bad thing). Democrats enamored with McCain should be under no illusions that he run from the center to get into the White House.
The McCain amendment must pass. It must reach Bush's desk without any changes or provisions so that Bush's hand will be forced. This will be the single most important bill ever passed and forwarded to the president for his signature. If we allow continued torture of prisoners in secret gulag's we will no longer be America. This nation will have no soul and will have no moral ground in this conflict.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Blog discovery
www.powerofnarrative.blogspot.com
Americanlogic approved.
Insightful, informed and telling the cold hard truth about the Bush era.
Americanlogic approved.
Insightful, informed and telling the cold hard truth about the Bush era.
Abortion
Although I disagree with the Moose on the war, Marshall Whitmann, former McCain advisor and current DLC member gives us a potential Democratic strategy when it comes to abortion, suggesting the democrats become the new "Big Tent" party:
http://www.bullmooseblog.com/
On the whole, I agree. We should examine some fundamental issues and decide if we should continue "playing the role." Then again, I feel this is strictly a woman's issue to reformulate.
http://www.bullmooseblog.com/
On the whole, I agree. We should examine some fundamental issues and decide if we should continue "playing the role." Then again, I feel this is strictly a woman's issue to reformulate.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
the god of bloggers weighs in
"The Iraqi people - the long-suffering, triply betrayed Iraqi people - deserve our resilience in this. We should put our feelings about this president to one side and consider the national interest, and our remaining moral responsibility for the almighty but still-promising mess we have created." (andrewsullivan.com)
Interesting, it's rare to see promising and mess in the same breath.
Interesting, it's rare to see promising and mess in the same breath.
need I remind you
Murtha's Democratic colleagues reacted warily to his remarks, while Republicans pounced. Rep. Rahm Emanuel (Ill.), head of the House Democrats' campaign effort, said, "Jack Murtha went out and spoke for Jack Murtha." As for Iraq policy, Emanuel added: "At the right time, we will have a position (washingtonpost.com)
This is the state of today's Democratic leadership. They must unite behind John Murtha's position as Nancy Pelosi has just done. Kerry wants benchmarks, does he expect to get them with this administration? Please. Biden thinks the President made progress yesterday? What speech was he watching? Dean is a mess. In 2002, the Democratic position should have been no preemptive war without concrete irrefutable evidence. Doubts do not mean you vote "yes." Especially with the most fiscally irresponsible president we've seen in our lifetime.
This is the state of today's Democratic leadership. They must unite behind John Murtha's position as Nancy Pelosi has just done. Kerry wants benchmarks, does he expect to get them with this administration? Please. Biden thinks the President made progress yesterday? What speech was he watching? Dean is a mess. In 2002, the Democratic position should have been no preemptive war without concrete irrefutable evidence. Doubts do not mean you vote "yes." Especially with the most fiscally irresponsible president we've seen in our lifetime.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
the next POTUS
"The American people, an increasing number of elected officials, and more and more military and intelligence officials understand what the President doesn't - that our seemingly indefinite prescence in Iraq, and the lack of a plan to redeploy troops, feeds the insurgency and hurts our national security. We need leadership, and we need a policy on Iraq that includes a flexible timetable for completing our mission there, so that we can focus on our national security priority - defeating the global terrorist networks that threaten the U.S. The President missed a vital opportunity today. Our brave service members, their families, the American people, and the Iraqi's themselves deserve and demand more." (feingold.senate.gov)
My bolding. Russ Feingold voted against this war based on the lack of intelligence he saw and also was the ONLY US Senator to vote against the PATRIOT ACT.
John Murtha was on Hardball tonight and once again displayed the candor and matter of fact style this country needs desperately. He countered every one of Bush's falsehoods with fact, as in we didn't and still don't have enough troops, we are not doing the things we need to do and are engaged in a civil war that is jeopardizing our troops.
My bolding. Russ Feingold voted against this war based on the lack of intelligence he saw and also was the ONLY US Senator to vote against the PATRIOT ACT.
John Murtha was on Hardball tonight and once again displayed the candor and matter of fact style this country needs desperately. He countered every one of Bush's falsehoods with fact, as in we didn't and still don't have enough troops, we are not doing the things we need to do and are engaged in a civil war that is jeopardizing our troops.
Delusioned
I was at my real job (haha) when the president made his 75th speech today about Iraq. Not that understanding this president requires you to actually listen to his prepared speeches. In case you missed it here we go: don't worry we know what we're doing and don't ask any more questions.
That is the gist of the Bush presidency. It truly is a neotheocracy. It's all the worst presidential tendencies wrapped into one; the delusional paranoia of Nixon, the dedication to continued failure of LBJ (plus the large spending devoted to such failure), the politicized PR campaign overkill of the Clinton years (i'm not saying Clinton is in the worst category).
As yours truly has said in this blog space before, this guy doesn't change for nothing. Dead soldiers approaching 3,000? they fought and died for freedom and they will continue to do so until I say so. Our continued practice of torture (waterboarding is torture Wall Street Journal!)? 'We don't torture.'
When Bush ran in 2000 I knew we were in trouble. His compassionate conservatism I knew was for lack of a better word, bullshit. Yet somehow he still beat Gore. Flash forward to last year, where the very conditions we face we were facing then, surely America will realize we are being led by a man who's only claim to fame was his ability to sound tough on a bullhorn? Right? Wrong. America choose imcompetence and fearmongering (If you elect Kerry we will get hit again, i'm looking at you Cheney VP of torture).
Never did I think we would be in this place. Where staged photops are crushed with simple fact. Where we are doing exactly what Al-Qaeda wants us to do. Where the US policy for victory in IRAQ (not against Al-Qaeda as Russ Feingold pointed out today) is declared three years after a premptive war is waged.
By the way Hillary, there is no triangulation to be done in regards to this war. You voted for the authorization to give a man you knew was a baffoon to tools he needed to wage this country's first premptive war. You cannot and must not now say we can't leave. We can and we must: NOW. I'm of the mind of Murtha. Americanlogic will not vote for anyone who voted for this exercise in disaster whether they are democratic, GOP, green, worker's world, communist, socialist etc.
When American troops are deployed back to where they belong on our soil, maybe then America will truly see what Bush has wrought. He will have turned a capitalist secular regime into a terrorist playground and destabilized the Middle East for years to come and in the process placed America in the league of torturers.
God bless the next president, as he will truly need God's divination.
That is the gist of the Bush presidency. It truly is a neotheocracy. It's all the worst presidential tendencies wrapped into one; the delusional paranoia of Nixon, the dedication to continued failure of LBJ (plus the large spending devoted to such failure), the politicized PR campaign overkill of the Clinton years (i'm not saying Clinton is in the worst category).
As yours truly has said in this blog space before, this guy doesn't change for nothing. Dead soldiers approaching 3,000? they fought and died for freedom and they will continue to do so until I say so. Our continued practice of torture (waterboarding is torture Wall Street Journal!)? 'We don't torture.'
When Bush ran in 2000 I knew we were in trouble. His compassionate conservatism I knew was for lack of a better word, bullshit. Yet somehow he still beat Gore. Flash forward to last year, where the very conditions we face we were facing then, surely America will realize we are being led by a man who's only claim to fame was his ability to sound tough on a bullhorn? Right? Wrong. America choose imcompetence and fearmongering (If you elect Kerry we will get hit again, i'm looking at you Cheney VP of torture).
Never did I think we would be in this place. Where staged photops are crushed with simple fact. Where we are doing exactly what Al-Qaeda wants us to do. Where the US policy for victory in IRAQ (not against Al-Qaeda as Russ Feingold pointed out today) is declared three years after a premptive war is waged.
By the way Hillary, there is no triangulation to be done in regards to this war. You voted for the authorization to give a man you knew was a baffoon to tools he needed to wage this country's first premptive war. You cannot and must not now say we can't leave. We can and we must: NOW. I'm of the mind of Murtha. Americanlogic will not vote for anyone who voted for this exercise in disaster whether they are democratic, GOP, green, worker's world, communist, socialist etc.
When American troops are deployed back to where they belong on our soil, maybe then America will truly see what Bush has wrought. He will have turned a capitalist secular regime into a terrorist playground and destabilized the Middle East for years to come and in the process placed America in the league of torturers.
God bless the next president, as he will truly need God's divination.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Joe Lieberman
It wasn't suprising to me to read snippets of Lieberman's surrender to Bush in today's WSJ (who by the way condone torture and humiliation of prisoners under our supervision). There was a reason Lieberman only received 7% of the Democratic vote and had to quit last year: he will bore you to tears with his inability to be passionate about any one issue.
Right wing timely quote
"Bush has three years left, but the time is approaching when debate on a new U.S. foreign policy for the post-Bush era must begin. One lesson from this war is already clear: Americans will not long support spilling the blood of their soldier sons in a war for ideals like democracy in the Arab world unless they are convinced national security or U.S. vital interests are imperiled." (from americancause.com, Buchanan's site)
That's it
I simply don't care about Iraq. There, I said it. Americanlogic is bearing his soul in regards to this war because the time is right.
Americanlogic refuses to accept the "safe" route of democrats such as Joe Lieberman and Hillary Clinton, career politicians who offer only handwringing. I am of the mind of Murtha. American troops need to leave Iraq before more die there.
But Americanlogic what about the insurgency and the jihadists? Won't they turn Iraq into a terrorist training ground? No, not unless the Iraqis kill them. We are losing the war against this insurgency because we started off with inadequate troops, incompetent war management and visions of utopia. No realism, just illusion.
What about the troops? Don't we dishonor their service by asking they return home to their wives and children? Nonsense. This question is always asked to quelch any discussion of withdrawal. These men and women have been occupying a foreign country for over three years now engaged in bloody combat with a man-child of a commander in chief at the helm. It's time to think about the future of this country. The future of our democracy. Our children. Our wives. Our husbands. Our infastructure. Our well being as a nation. Can we really accept three more years of this?
Americanlogic refuses to parrot the centrist line of "be patient." The families of these troops have been patient long enough. Time to bring them home so they can receive the inadequate care they are bound to get once they become citizens again. Time to let them waste away in military hospitals while the jobs they once had are outsourced or cut or given to temporary "guest" workers. No, Americanlogic isn't jaded by this war.
If the Iraqi people want democracy they will spill blood, sweat and tears for it. We've done enough. Any democrat who does not speak to this truth should volunteer to fight the insurgency themselves along side Cheney and Rumsfield.
This was not a war thrust upon us. We choose to fight it. Now we can choose to end our role in it.
Americanlogic refuses to accept the "safe" route of democrats such as Joe Lieberman and Hillary Clinton, career politicians who offer only handwringing. I am of the mind of Murtha. American troops need to leave Iraq before more die there.
But Americanlogic what about the insurgency and the jihadists? Won't they turn Iraq into a terrorist training ground? No, not unless the Iraqis kill them. We are losing the war against this insurgency because we started off with inadequate troops, incompetent war management and visions of utopia. No realism, just illusion.
What about the troops? Don't we dishonor their service by asking they return home to their wives and children? Nonsense. This question is always asked to quelch any discussion of withdrawal. These men and women have been occupying a foreign country for over three years now engaged in bloody combat with a man-child of a commander in chief at the helm. It's time to think about the future of this country. The future of our democracy. Our children. Our wives. Our husbands. Our infastructure. Our well being as a nation. Can we really accept three more years of this?
Americanlogic refuses to parrot the centrist line of "be patient." The families of these troops have been patient long enough. Time to bring them home so they can receive the inadequate care they are bound to get once they become citizens again. Time to let them waste away in military hospitals while the jobs they once had are outsourced or cut or given to temporary "guest" workers. No, Americanlogic isn't jaded by this war.
If the Iraqi people want democracy they will spill blood, sweat and tears for it. We've done enough. Any democrat who does not speak to this truth should volunteer to fight the insurgency themselves along side Cheney and Rumsfield.
This was not a war thrust upon us. We choose to fight it. Now we can choose to end our role in it.
Monday, November 28, 2005
thirtysomethings
"I asked directly if we could delay this so we could depoliticize it. I said: 'Mr. President, I know this is urgent, but why the rush? Why do we have to do this now?' He looked at Cheney and he looked at me, and there was a half-smile on his face. And he said: 'We just have to do this now.' " (Tom Daschle, courtesy LA times) tip: thinkprogress.org
Now if this conversation truly did take place we are looking at impeachable offenses at worst, callous disregard for reason at best. Meanwhile, the British have a leg up on us:
Leading opposition figures from the Conservative, Liberal-Democratic, Scottish National and Plaid Cymru (Welsh) parties have banded together to back the cross-party motion titled "Conduct of Government policy in relation to the war against Iraq" to demand that the case for an inquiry be debated in the House of Commons. They seem assured of the 200 signatures required to get such a debate -- and then the loyalty of Blair's dismayed and disillusioned Labor members of Parliament will be sorely tested (upi.com)
Bush and Blair both have approval ratings in the 30's. Why Blair attached himself to this war will be the greatest mystery to me. His centrist approach to government won him the soul of American and Britain. Now he's going down with his co-architect.
Now if this conversation truly did take place we are looking at impeachable offenses at worst, callous disregard for reason at best. Meanwhile, the British have a leg up on us:
Leading opposition figures from the Conservative, Liberal-Democratic, Scottish National and Plaid Cymru (Welsh) parties have banded together to back the cross-party motion titled "Conduct of Government policy in relation to the war against Iraq" to demand that the case for an inquiry be debated in the House of Commons. They seem assured of the 200 signatures required to get such a debate -- and then the loyalty of Blair's dismayed and disillusioned Labor members of Parliament will be sorely tested (upi.com)
Bush and Blair both have approval ratings in the 30's. Why Blair attached himself to this war will be the greatest mystery to me. His centrist approach to government won him the soul of American and Britain. Now he's going down with his co-architect.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Yoo, defender of torture
For a disturbing profile of a man who equates torture with sleep apnea go here: http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/badapples/interviews_yoo.html
Quote of the Year
"At various times since 9/11 members of the administration have acted as if catching Osama bin Laden, or changing Social Security, or saving Terri Schiavo, mattered more than any possible other cause. Creating an Iraqi military actually matters more than almost anything else. But the people who were intent on the war have lost interest in the only way out." —James Fallows, Atlantic Monthly
The "Shut up about the war" and "Don't worry, they're being trained" approaches are not winning strategies.
The "Shut up about the war" and "Don't worry, they're being trained" approaches are not winning strategies.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Where we are part II
It's hard to keep up. Two camps have set up in regards to this war. Those represented by Murtha advocate withdrawl from Iraq, keeping american forces on the perimeter. Those represented by Cheney and Bush advocate a continued failed course. I'm waiting for this president to address the nation and layout a plan for victory. Then I read this headline on Editor and Publisher's website:
Bush Discusses Murtha and Says Progress in Iraq is 'Amazing'
So much for that idea.
With the holidays approaching, its good to see americans in general have a positive attitute to those who have little. Americanlogic was in the line at his post office today and heard this exchange:
Disheveled woman asking for some money
Woman on cellphone: "you ask me that every time i'm in here. you know the answer. get a job." (not an exact quote mind you)
To summarize, our country is engaged in Iraq. We are torturing people. Our government condones this and wishes it to continue. We have a man-child president who tries to escape press conferences. We have a vice president who is delusional at best. The general attitude towards our fellow man is one of contempt. This is America 2005.
Bush Discusses Murtha and Says Progress in Iraq is 'Amazing'
So much for that idea.
With the holidays approaching, its good to see americans in general have a positive attitute to those who have little. Americanlogic was in the line at his post office today and heard this exchange:
Disheveled woman asking for some money
Woman on cellphone: "you ask me that every time i'm in here. you know the answer. get a job." (not an exact quote mind you)
To summarize, our country is engaged in Iraq. We are torturing people. Our government condones this and wishes it to continue. We have a man-child president who tries to escape press conferences. We have a vice president who is delusional at best. The general attitude towards our fellow man is one of contempt. This is America 2005.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Murthafication
Americanlogic endorses this guy for president:
Murtha, a Marine intelligence officer in Vietnam, angrily shot back at Cheney: “I like guys who’ve never been there that criticize us who’ve been there. I like that. I like guys who got five deferments and never been there and send people to war, and then don’t like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done.” (courtesy msnbc.com)
Murtha, a Marine intelligence officer in Vietnam, angrily shot back at Cheney: “I like guys who’ve never been there that criticize us who’ve been there. I like that. I like guys who got five deferments and never been there and send people to war, and then don’t like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done.” (courtesy msnbc.com)
Clinton and Iraq
Most on the right are in a fit over President Clinton's comments yesterday (by the way, the right calls him Bill Clinton, they usually refuse to attach the President prefix). My feeling after reading the story was that Clinton's main beef is with the post occupation. You know, the total disregard to how we would secure the peace as an occupying force. As I have found out, regime change was on the table since 1999 so it cannot be said Clinton would not have eventually removed Hussein from power. He simply thinks we should have been better prepared. My God what blasphemy.
Americanlogic bullets-
-This week's word is "irresponsible," as in the Democrats are irresponsible for any discussion on Iraq, meaning resume your prewar position in the corner.
-You have to hand it to Cheney, he is unapologetic about his role in this government. He stands for secrecy and torture and is proud of it.
-The Woodward revelation only confirms one thing in my mind: he's in bed with this administration. He should not have waited this long to come forward. We are dealing with a national security issue not an office break in.
-Rep Murtha, a democratic hawk, just proposed immediate withdrawl from Iraq. Despite what the generals want, this might be happening real soon.
Americanlogic bullets-
-This week's word is "irresponsible," as in the Democrats are irresponsible for any discussion on Iraq, meaning resume your prewar position in the corner.
-You have to hand it to Cheney, he is unapologetic about his role in this government. He stands for secrecy and torture and is proud of it.
-The Woodward revelation only confirms one thing in my mind: he's in bed with this administration. He should not have waited this long to come forward. We are dealing with a national security issue not an office break in.
-Rep Murtha, a democratic hawk, just proposed immediate withdrawl from Iraq. Despite what the generals want, this might be happening real soon.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Some reason in this madness
"The Iraq war should not be debated in the United States on a partisan political platform," the Nebraska senator remarked. This debases our country, trivializes the seriousness of war and cheapens the service and sacrifices our men and women in uniform. War is not a Republican or Democrat issue. The casualties of war are from both parties. The Bush administration must understand that each American has a right to question our policies in Iraq and should not be demonized for disagreeing with them. Suggesting that to challenge or criticize policy is undermining and hurting our troops is not democracy nor what this country has stood for, for over 200 years. The Democrats have an obligation to challenge in a serious and responsible manner, offering solutions and alternatives to the Administration's policies." (www.hagel.senate.gov)
That was Chuck Hagel, someone who uses reason and common sense when dealing with matters of great concern to this country. Unfortunately John McCain, doesn't share this view. He views any kind of dissent as a demoralizing factor for our troops. I have a question? Are the troops paying attention to political punditry? No, they are doing their job.
That was Chuck Hagel, someone who uses reason and common sense when dealing with matters of great concern to this country. Unfortunately John McCain, doesn't share this view. He views any kind of dissent as a demoralizing factor for our troops. I have a question? Are the troops paying attention to political punditry? No, they are doing their job.
The National Review - Pro torture
None of it is necessary. Torture is already against the law. It is, moreover, the intentional infliction of severe physical or mental pain — which is to say, much of the prisoner abuse that has prompted the current controversy has not been torture at all. Unpleasant? Yes. Sometimes sadistic and inexplicable? Undoubtedly. But not torture. And where it has been either torture or unjustifiable cruelty, it is being investigated, prosecuted, and severely punished. (www.nationalreview.com)
Yes, NRO I would imagine torture as being unpleasant.
Yes, NRO I would imagine torture as being unpleasant.
Relax Tucker
Last night on Tucker Carlson's show "The Situation," he featured BYU professor Steven Jones who simply said this: "It is quite plausible that explosives were pre-planted in all three (WTC) buildings." and this: "Muslims are (probably) not to blame for bringing down the WTC buildings after all" (courtesy www.desertnews.com)
Of course it was the latter statement that caused Carlson to become increasingly hostile to Jones during the course of the interview. The presumed feeling being that by suggesting a different theory as to how the towers were destroyed somehow removes the effect of 9/11 as a whole on the nation.
Relax Tucker.
Of course it was the latter statement that caused Carlson to become increasingly hostile to Jones during the course of the interview. The presumed feeling being that by suggesting a different theory as to how the towers were destroyed somehow removes the effect of 9/11 as a whole on the nation.
Relax Tucker.
Monday, November 14, 2005
way to go MSM
One of the top stories on MSNBC's website:
"A-ROD WINS MVP"
obviously the most pressing issue of our time.
"A-ROD WINS MVP"
obviously the most pressing issue of our time.
51% voted for this last year
“Although President George W. Bush has called weapons proliferation the country’s most serious threat and al Qaeda has sought nuclear arms for a decade, ‘the most striking thing to us is that the size of the problem still totally dwarfs the policy response,’ said commission chairman Thomas Kean.” (thinkprogress.org)
Translation: you're not getting what you voted for.
Translation: you're not getting what you voted for.
where we are
Sorry for the delay in posting. This weekend I spent reflecting on the state of this country. We are having a genuine debate on torture. The word has been uttered by the President of the United States in a denial that we practice it, even though he surely knows that we do. Bloggers have united against this disgraceful period in our history, offering a point by point rebuttal to the apologists on the right.
The right wing of the GOP, who have lost all sense of reason, are defending torture. From the Wall Street Journal to Bill O'Reilly there is a sense that we must do ANYTHING to win the battle against jihadist extremism. Anything folks, even torturing those in our captivity. We are engaging in practices once perfected by the Khmer Rouge, the Nazi Party and Stalinist Russia.
It's taken the courage of two people, John McCain and Captain Ian Fishback to bring this issue to light. Abu Gharib was forgotten. The work of Seymour Hersh was ignored. We are becoming what Saddam was, a menace to the people of Iraq.
James Fallows has an excellent piece in the Atlantic describing the need for an Iraqi army before we can leave this country. How can we leave and expect what we've done to not linger? The dogs we've sicked on prisoners, the torture and humiliation we have inflicted on these people. Sometimes, it is our fault. Sometimes its correct to blame America. We've done this.
The right wing of the GOP, who have lost all sense of reason, are defending torture. From the Wall Street Journal to Bill O'Reilly there is a sense that we must do ANYTHING to win the battle against jihadist extremism. Anything folks, even torturing those in our captivity. We are engaging in practices once perfected by the Khmer Rouge, the Nazi Party and Stalinist Russia.
It's taken the courage of two people, John McCain and Captain Ian Fishback to bring this issue to light. Abu Gharib was forgotten. The work of Seymour Hersh was ignored. We are becoming what Saddam was, a menace to the people of Iraq.
James Fallows has an excellent piece in the Atlantic describing the need for an Iraqi army before we can leave this country. How can we leave and expect what we've done to not linger? The dogs we've sicked on prisoners, the torture and humiliation we have inflicted on these people. Sometimes, it is our fault. Sometimes its correct to blame America. We've done this.
Friday, November 11, 2005
President Cheney
More evidence that when it came to this war, Cheney was the puppeteer:
"A former top offical in the Bush administration is suggesting that a White House memo outlining the need for hundreds of thousands of troops for the Iraq invasion was kept from the president. Lawrence Wilkerson, who served as chief of staff to then-secretary of state Colin Powell during President Bush's first term, said in a November 7 speech that the NSC had prepared a pre-war memo recommending that hundreds of thousands of troops and other security personel was needed. 'I don't know if the president saw it.'
(taken from www.forward.com)
"A former top offical in the Bush administration is suggesting that a White House memo outlining the need for hundreds of thousands of troops for the Iraq invasion was kept from the president. Lawrence Wilkerson, who served as chief of staff to then-secretary of state Colin Powell during President Bush's first term, said in a November 7 speech that the NSC had prepared a pre-war memo recommending that hundreds of thousands of troops and other security personel was needed. 'I don't know if the president saw it.'
(taken from www.forward.com)
O'Reilly/Roberston
Can we somehow surgically remove these two from the political dialog?
A summary: Robertson wishes God would impose his/her wrath on Dover PA. O'Reilly invites terrorists to destroy the Coit Tower in San Francisco.
Maybe if we ignore them they will go away.
A summary: Robertson wishes God would impose his/her wrath on Dover PA. O'Reilly invites terrorists to destroy the Coit Tower in San Francisco.
Maybe if we ignore them they will go away.
hating the president
Some on the rabid left openly hate our current president, entire blogs are dedicated to this. Americanlogic does not hate our president. In fact, if I ever had the opportunity to meet George Bush I probably would like him.
As much as the rabid left wishes, we cannot for the next three years continue to have an ineffective federal government. We cannot continue to point out every annoying detail about George Bush with great zeal. They way he speaks, smirks, smiles, talks, gestures. This is a waste of time. We only have one president and deep down we all want him to suceed for us.
We may or may not survive the presidency of George W. Bush. We are not on the eve of the end of this term, we are early into it. Over half of America does not trust their president, they think he is taking this country in the wrong direction and establishing America as a nation that will do anything, including torture people to defeat terrorism. These things are not us.
Today is Veteran's Day, can we for one day remember we're all in this together. That's the best way to honor those who bled for what stand for.
As much as the rabid left wishes, we cannot for the next three years continue to have an ineffective federal government. We cannot continue to point out every annoying detail about George Bush with great zeal. They way he speaks, smirks, smiles, talks, gestures. This is a waste of time. We only have one president and deep down we all want him to suceed for us.
We may or may not survive the presidency of George W. Bush. We are not on the eve of the end of this term, we are early into it. Over half of America does not trust their president, they think he is taking this country in the wrong direction and establishing America as a nation that will do anything, including torture people to defeat terrorism. These things are not us.
Today is Veteran's Day, can we for one day remember we're all in this together. That's the best way to honor those who bled for what stand for.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Poltical Karma
Do you remember that press conference President Bush held a day after his re-election?
In it he proclaimed to have the will of the people at his back. His "political capital" was aching to be spent. Bush had a bold new agenda, tax reform, social security reform, continued failure in Iraq.
What is the president's agenda now? Survival. At the very least, he will leave office one of the most unpopular and polarizing presidents ever. At the very worst, he could be impeached, despite Dana Millbank's declaration on "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" that both parties "have learned their lesson" on impeachment. Translation: no one has the guts to even suggest it.
This is a bed that George Bush made himself. By refusing to take cues from history, he left himself vulnerable. He has the worst qualities we could have in a president: he doesn't listen to experts, he thinks he's right all the time and he places loyalty above all.
As I've said before, those who think he will suddenly change and fire Rove, get serious about exit strategy in Iraq and become a moderate haven't been paying attention for the past four and half years. It's a pipe dream.
Then again, Americanlogic could always be proved wrong.
In it he proclaimed to have the will of the people at his back. His "political capital" was aching to be spent. Bush had a bold new agenda, tax reform, social security reform, continued failure in Iraq.
What is the president's agenda now? Survival. At the very least, he will leave office one of the most unpopular and polarizing presidents ever. At the very worst, he could be impeached, despite Dana Millbank's declaration on "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" that both parties "have learned their lesson" on impeachment. Translation: no one has the guts to even suggest it.
This is a bed that George Bush made himself. By refusing to take cues from history, he left himself vulnerable. He has the worst qualities we could have in a president: he doesn't listen to experts, he thinks he's right all the time and he places loyalty above all.
As I've said before, those who think he will suddenly change and fire Rove, get serious about exit strategy in Iraq and become a moderate haven't been paying attention for the past four and half years. It's a pipe dream.
Then again, Americanlogic could always be proved wrong.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Malkin Watch
Malkin is irrelevant, Exhibit A:
"Deluded ex-CBS News producer Mary Mapes is still in denial about Rathergate"
RATHERGATE! When did this happen? Better yet, who cares?
"Deluded ex-CBS News producer Mary Mapes is still in denial about Rathergate"
RATHERGATE! When did this happen? Better yet, who cares?
A victory for Centrism
Instead of ruminating on the political ramifications of last night, I'll let the Moose do the talking here: http://www.bullmooseblog.com/
President Warner?
President Warner?
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Pro torture camp gets bigger
Not suprisingly, Neil Cavuto is pro torture. See evidence here: www.thinkprogress.org
Alito and you
Read this if you want a clearer understanding of Alito and abortion, Americanlogic approved:
http://www.reason.com/cy/cy110805.shtml
http://www.reason.com/cy/cy110805.shtml
the pillars are gone
The Bush presidency has relied on two pillars: Iraq and 9/11.
The events of 9/11 rallied the world to the side of America in the fight against global terror. Bush became the symbol of defiance against the jihadist enemy. It was at that moment he squandered a momentous opportunity to rally the country for a national cause, reevaluating the nation's goals when it came to energy, economic policy and national service. Instead, he divided the country in half and declared the Bush doctrine of preemptive war all while cutting taxes and presiding over exploding deficit spending, making him the biggest spender in history. Due to fear, the country went along for the ride and against all reason give him another chance last year.
The second pillar is this war. Again, it must be stressed this was not a war of necessity. Preemptive war never is. This was not a humanitarian war, Abu-Gharib proved that. The insurgency there is a product of America. We are now stuck in the same position we were in the 1960's, we can't cut and run and we can't continue to lose. The public knows this and is not happy.
We will have to come to the realization that until we can get new leadership in our government nothing will change in Iraq. The failed policies will continue. No one will be held accountable. This president will wave goodbye as he takes off on the White House lawn in 2009 never fully grasping the damage he has wrought on this nation. The very fact that torture entered the american dialog will be in the history books in the same paragraph as George W. Bush.
Unless we see a radical change of the man, we will never move forward.
The events of 9/11 rallied the world to the side of America in the fight against global terror. Bush became the symbol of defiance against the jihadist enemy. It was at that moment he squandered a momentous opportunity to rally the country for a national cause, reevaluating the nation's goals when it came to energy, economic policy and national service. Instead, he divided the country in half and declared the Bush doctrine of preemptive war all while cutting taxes and presiding over exploding deficit spending, making him the biggest spender in history. Due to fear, the country went along for the ride and against all reason give him another chance last year.
The second pillar is this war. Again, it must be stressed this was not a war of necessity. Preemptive war never is. This was not a humanitarian war, Abu-Gharib proved that. The insurgency there is a product of America. We are now stuck in the same position we were in the 1960's, we can't cut and run and we can't continue to lose. The public knows this and is not happy.
We will have to come to the realization that until we can get new leadership in our government nothing will change in Iraq. The failed policies will continue. No one will be held accountable. This president will wave goodbye as he takes off on the White House lawn in 2009 never fully grasping the damage he has wrought on this nation. The very fact that torture entered the american dialog will be in the history books in the same paragraph as George W. Bush.
Unless we see a radical change of the man, we will never move forward.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Memo to GOP
My god will it ever end?
Americanlogic is convinced the right wingers still think Bill Clinton is president.
As the case for premptive war with Iraq unravels, the editorial board at the National Review and Weekly Standard are still operating like it was 1998. Now mind you, when Clinton did order airstrikes against Saddam in 1998 the loony right was crying foul. How sweet the irony is.
Talking points 101 for the right:
on Iraq and WMD: Bill Clinton thought they were there.
on Terrorism: Bill Clinton ignored the threat.
on the recession of 2001: Clinton's doing.
I don't think there has been a politician of either party who has attracted such scrutiny from an opposition party and its minions. If anyone knows of any other examples, please let Americanlogic know.
Americanlogic is convinced the right wingers still think Bill Clinton is president.
As the case for premptive war with Iraq unravels, the editorial board at the National Review and Weekly Standard are still operating like it was 1998. Now mind you, when Clinton did order airstrikes against Saddam in 1998 the loony right was crying foul. How sweet the irony is.
Talking points 101 for the right:
on Iraq and WMD: Bill Clinton thought they were there.
on Terrorism: Bill Clinton ignored the threat.
on the recession of 2001: Clinton's doing.
I don't think there has been a politician of either party who has attracted such scrutiny from an opposition party and its minions. If anyone knows of any other examples, please let Americanlogic know.
America v Bush/Cheney
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9957511/
seems like that 29-30% squares with what's left of the Bush base. You know, the Hugh Hewitt's, the Bill Kristol's, Limbaugh's, O'Reilly's, Malkin's.
Makes Americanlogic wonder if these people even want America to win in Iraq? Or do they just want Democrats to lose.
seems like that 29-30% squares with what's left of the Bush base. You know, the Hugh Hewitt's, the Bill Kristol's, Limbaugh's, O'Reilly's, Malkin's.
Makes Americanlogic wonder if these people even want America to win in Iraq? Or do they just want Democrats to lose.
He doesn't care
Watching and listening to this man, it seems to me we have a few possible interpretations in front of us. Either the president simply does not know what is being done in his name in his own military or he is lying through his teeth to the American people and the world. I guess there is also a third possibility: that he is simply unable to acknowledge the enormity of what he has done to the honor of the United States, the success of the war and the safety of American servicemembers. And so he has gone into clinical denial. Or he is so ashamed he cannot bear to face the truth of what he has done. None of these options are, shall we say, encouraging. (andrewsullivan.com)
There is a fifth interpretation: Imperial, theocrat presidents don't answer to anyone, even the electorate.
There is a fifth interpretation: Imperial, theocrat presidents don't answer to anyone, even the electorate.
Finally
"There's an enemy that lurks and plots and plans and wants to hurt America again," Bush said. "So you bet we will aggressively pursue them but we will do so under the law."
He declared, "We do not torture." (Bush)
Did you ever think an american president would be fielding a question regarding US policy on torture?
The above statement is classic Bush, framing Al-Qaeda as this nightstalking boogeyman. Mr President, this may have worked in November 2001. However, it's not working anymore. Take a look at those polls you despise.
He declared, "We do not torture." (Bush)
Did you ever think an american president would be fielding a question regarding US policy on torture?
The above statement is classic Bush, framing Al-Qaeda as this nightstalking boogeyman. Mr President, this may have worked in November 2001. However, it's not working anymore. Take a look at those polls you despise.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Fire Rove now
Bush's brain has a severe migraine that won't go away. That migraine is in the form of special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald. Prolonged exposure to such a migraine will result in implosion. Americanlogic suggests the president prescribe a permanent leave of abscense in order to relieve Rove of the mounting pressure in his skull.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Americanlogic film review
Better late than never.
Americanlogic had a chance to take his son to see "Tim Burton's The Corpse Bride" last week. Having been huge fans of "The Nightmare Before Christmas," I know I was very excited.
I had every reason to be. This movie is an absolute joy to watch. The movie drips with dark humour but carries itself in an almost dignified way. The songs are wonderful as well, with Danny Elfmann once again proving he is the master at composition and scoring.
Americanlogic approved.
Americanlogic had a chance to take his son to see "Tim Burton's The Corpse Bride" last week. Having been huge fans of "The Nightmare Before Christmas," I know I was very excited.
I had every reason to be. This movie is an absolute joy to watch. The movie drips with dark humour but carries itself in an almost dignified way. The songs are wonderful as well, with Danny Elfmann once again proving he is the master at composition and scoring.
Americanlogic approved.
Malkin Watch
Nevermind Tom Delay and Scotter Libby, we should be talking about this:
DID DIDDY BREAK THE LAW?
see for yourself at www.michellemalkin.com
DID DIDDY BREAK THE LAW?
see for yourself at www.michellemalkin.com
Friday, November 04, 2005
he's really got a problem with polls huh
"I understand there's a preoccupation by some with polls," Bush said. "The way you earn credibility with the American people is to have a clear agenda that everybody can understand, an agenda that relates to their lives, and get the job done." (Bush today)
What pray tell, is that agenda Mr. President? Deficit reduction on the back of the poor? More corporate welfare? A foreign policy based on incompetence? Americanlogic is still waiting for this question from the MSM:
"What is your position on the McCain amendment?"
What pray tell, is that agenda Mr. President? Deficit reduction on the back of the poor? More corporate welfare? A foreign policy based on incompetence? Americanlogic is still waiting for this question from the MSM:
"What is your position on the McCain amendment?"
The fight against torture continues
Pentagon spokesman Larry DiRita told reporters yesterday that the administration worries that "the kind of rigidity that comes with these kinds of amendments could restrict the president's flexibility in the global war on terror, and anything that restricts our ability to engage in this highly agile adversary is not desirable.'' (courtesy Bloomberg.com)
McCain is not giving up:
He vowed today that his measure would be "on every vehicle that goes through this body'' until it's enacted into law. "It's not going away,'' he said on the Senate floor. "This issue is incredibly harmful to the United States of America and our image throughout the world.''
McCain/Carter 2008?
McCain is not giving up:
He vowed today that his measure would be "on every vehicle that goes through this body'' until it's enacted into law. "It's not going away,'' he said on the Senate floor. "This issue is incredibly harmful to the United States of America and our image throughout the world.''
McCain/Carter 2008?
Tricky Dick
Andrew Sullivan (andrewsullivan.com) has started what he calls "Cheney Bunker Watch." This is in response to the VP's seeming inability or refusal to discuss his role in the leak investigation.
Oh yeah, he also is trying to kill the McCain amendment. The second in command is pro torture.
Oh yeah, he also is trying to kill the McCain amendment. The second in command is pro torture.
denial
Americanlogic finds it most interesting to peruse through the right wing blogs and find hardly any mention of the CIA leak scandal.
Michelle Malkin, fierce partisan, has not even mentioned it once on her blog, www.michellemalkin.com
For readers unfamiliar with Malkin, she's the one who alleged that John Kerry shot himself in the leg in order to get his medals, which of course led to his desire to run for president which of course he would use to get the "veteran" vote. Makes sense right?
She also was in favor of the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, in fact she wrote a whole book about it! Gee, I wonder what her position is on the McCain amendment that is dying on the vine? Is Malkin pro-torture like the nine senators that voted against McCain's amendment?
So, starting today Americanlogic introduces the Malkin Watch. Stay tuned.
Michelle Malkin, fierce partisan, has not even mentioned it once on her blog, www.michellemalkin.com
For readers unfamiliar with Malkin, she's the one who alleged that John Kerry shot himself in the leg in order to get his medals, which of course led to his desire to run for president which of course he would use to get the "veteran" vote. Makes sense right?
She also was in favor of the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, in fact she wrote a whole book about it! Gee, I wonder what her position is on the McCain amendment that is dying on the vine? Is Malkin pro-torture like the nine senators that voted against McCain's amendment?
So, starting today Americanlogic introduces the Malkin Watch. Stay tuned.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
The Bush era
"I never even considered the fact that our country would be debating whether or not we could continue to torture prisoners around the world in secret prisons. This is something that's inconceivable."
(former president Jimmy Carter on "Hardball" last night)
(former president Jimmy Carter on "Hardball" last night)
Revolting
In today's Washington Post, further evidence of the pro-business class policies of the current GOP are evident. Realizing after five years that deficits do matter, the House decides they have to start cutting. Their first target? Yep, you guessed it: the poor. Food stamps, Medicare, school lunch programs are all being targeted. Why end corporate welfare? Marshall Whittman aka the Moose:
The prime reason that the Moose is not an elephant is that the GOP is theologically devoted to comforting the comfortable and afflicting the afflicted. The blessed sacrament of the high church of the Republican Party is the permanent elimination of the estate tax. (www.bullmooseblog.com)
For some months now, yours truly has done some political soul searching. Should I shy away from progressive thinking? Embrace libertarianism? Say no to government?
Well, it doesn't take a liberal or a libertarian to see the reality of today's GOP. After all is said and done, this country's soul may never recover.
The prime reason that the Moose is not an elephant is that the GOP is theologically devoted to comforting the comfortable and afflicting the afflicted. The blessed sacrament of the high church of the Republican Party is the permanent elimination of the estate tax. (www.bullmooseblog.com)
For some months now, yours truly has done some political soul searching. Should I shy away from progressive thinking? Embrace libertarianism? Say no to government?
Well, it doesn't take a liberal or a libertarian to see the reality of today's GOP. After all is said and done, this country's soul may never recover.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Poor Scott
As readers may know, Americanlogic has no pity for Scott McCllelan, or Baghdad Scott. By the way, last night on Tucker Carlson's show, Rachel Maddow of Air America used the words Baghdad Scott in her description of the press secretary's woes. Rachel, you should have email me first. Moving on.
This has become a pattern:
"But whether or not it was a crime, does the President feel that Karl Rove acted appropriately in this matter, given what he knows about his involvement?"
"See, you're asking that context--asking that question in the context of an ongoing investigation and an ongoing legal proceeding. And as I indicated to you all on Friday, our Counsel's Office (Harriet Miers) has directed us not to discuss any issues related to that, whether they're factual circumstances or legal issues relating to the investigation."
Americanlogic stands by his earlier declaration that Scott McClellan, like most of the president's employees, stinks at what he does. Whether it's on Iraq (everything's fine), or the leak (see above) McClellan doesn't serve America well. The MSM is noticing it, the print media is noticing it, I'm noticing it.
This has become a pattern:
"But whether or not it was a crime, does the President feel that Karl Rove acted appropriately in this matter, given what he knows about his involvement?"
"See, you're asking that context--asking that question in the context of an ongoing investigation and an ongoing legal proceeding. And as I indicated to you all on Friday, our Counsel's Office (Harriet Miers) has directed us not to discuss any issues related to that, whether they're factual circumstances or legal issues relating to the investigation."
Americanlogic stands by his earlier declaration that Scott McClellan, like most of the president's employees, stinks at what he does. Whether it's on Iraq (everything's fine), or the leak (see above) McClellan doesn't serve America well. The MSM is noticing it, the print media is noticing it, I'm noticing it.
Democrats
For the american left's take on the Reid/Frist showdown, I present to you the Nation's John Nichols:
www.thenation.com/doc/20051114/nichols
www.thenation.com/doc/20051114/nichols
Hey look over there!
Subject has affectively been changed to: bird flu.
Listen, americanlogic takes avian bird flu very seriously, especially since its infiltrated our borders and caused mass panic and hysteria.
This has been the most competent this president has been in four years. A SCOTUS nominee then a major speech on preparedness. All it took was an indictment.
Listen, americanlogic takes avian bird flu very seriously, especially since its infiltrated our borders and caused mass panic and hysteria.
This has been the most competent this president has been in four years. A SCOTUS nominee then a major speech on preparedness. All it took was an indictment.
The Dean nightmare
Below is the transcript from "Hardball with Chris Matthews" last night.
MATTHEWS: The Democrats, your party, is a pro-choice party?
DEAN: No. My party respects everybody's views, but my party firmly believes that the government should stay out of people's personal lives.
MATTHEWS: But you are a pro-choice party? Are you not? You sound like you're against ever being pro-life. Are you pro-choice?
DEAN: I'm not against people for being pro-life. I actually was the first chairman who met for a for a long time with pro-life Democrats.
MATTHEWS: This is the complicated thing for people. The people believe the Republican Party, because of its record, supports the pro-life position. Does your party support the pro-choice position?
DEAN: The position we support is a woman has the right to make -- and a family has the right to make up their own mind about their health care without government interference.
MATTHEWS: That's pro-choice.
DEAN: A woman and a family have a right to make up their own minds about their health care without government interference. That's our position.
MATTHEWS: Why do you hesitate from the phrase pro-choice?
DEAN: Because I think it's often misused. If you're pro-choice, it implies you're not pro-life. That's not true. There are a lot of pro-life Democrats. We respect them, but we believe the government should...
MATTHEWS: Do you believe in abortion rights?
DEAN: I believe that the government should stay out of the personal lives of families and women. They should stay out of our lives. That's what I believe.
MATTHEWS: I find it interesting that you have hesitated to say what the party has always stood for, which is a pro-choice position.
DEAN: The party believes the government does not belong in personal...
MATTHEWS: I'm learning things here about the hesitancy I didn't know about before. We'll be right back with Howard Dean.
DEAN: You know what you're learning...
MATTHEWS: Now, you're getting hesitant on the war and hesitant on abortion rights. It's very hard to get clarity from your party.
MATTHEWS: The Democrats, your party, is a pro-choice party?
DEAN: No. My party respects everybody's views, but my party firmly believes that the government should stay out of people's personal lives.
MATTHEWS: But you are a pro-choice party? Are you not? You sound like you're against ever being pro-life. Are you pro-choice?
DEAN: I'm not against people for being pro-life. I actually was the first chairman who met for a for a long time with pro-life Democrats.
MATTHEWS: This is the complicated thing for people. The people believe the Republican Party, because of its record, supports the pro-life position. Does your party support the pro-choice position?
DEAN: The position we support is a woman has the right to make -- and a family has the right to make up their own mind about their health care without government interference.
MATTHEWS: That's pro-choice.
DEAN: A woman and a family have a right to make up their own minds about their health care without government interference. That's our position.
MATTHEWS: Why do you hesitate from the phrase pro-choice?
DEAN: Because I think it's often misused. If you're pro-choice, it implies you're not pro-life. That's not true. There are a lot of pro-life Democrats. We respect them, but we believe the government should...
MATTHEWS: Do you believe in abortion rights?
DEAN: I believe that the government should stay out of the personal lives of families and women. They should stay out of our lives. That's what I believe.
MATTHEWS: I find it interesting that you have hesitated to say what the party has always stood for, which is a pro-choice position.
DEAN: The party believes the government does not belong in personal...
MATTHEWS: I'm learning things here about the hesitancy I didn't know about before. We'll be right back with Howard Dean.
DEAN: You know what you're learning...
MATTHEWS: Now, you're getting hesitant on the war and hesitant on abortion rights. It's very hard to get clarity from your party.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Addington
Americanlogic wonders why the punditry bothers to question Cheney's or for that matter this administration's decision making process.
What do you do when your aide is indicted, replace him with someone mentioned in the indictment as well as someone with first hand knowledge of US policy on torture.
Americanlogic has come to the realization as should most of the DC punditry: they don't care how incredibly shady it looks. They're going to do it anyway.
What do you do when your aide is indicted, replace him with someone mentioned in the indictment as well as someone with first hand knowledge of US policy on torture.
Americanlogic has come to the realization as should most of the DC punditry: they don't care how incredibly shady it looks. They're going to do it anyway.
Disease
Americanlogic thinks the Democratic party is very ill. However, the cure is not Howard Dean MD.
On "Hardball" this Halloween evening, Dean managed to once again muddle the image of the Democratic party in front of moderate america. On the topic of abortion, Matthews flat out asked Dean if today's Democratic party is pro-choice, Dean's response epitomizes everything wrong with the Dems, he basically couldn't bring himself to say "pro-choice." Instead, he defined pro-choice as a term that could possibly be used against the Democrats to say they are pro-abortion or anti-life. Matthews then declared the democratic party confused on both the war and now abortion.
Dean cannot conduct interviews without making verbal gaffes. His shifty nature prevents him from sounding sincere on any issue. So now the democratic party is anti-war but says "since we're there, we might as well...." and now on abortion they are not pro-choice but pro-anything the GOP isn't.
This administration may combine incompetence with corruption but at least most of America knows where they stand. America knows Bush is a big spender, is unable to declare defeat, unwilling to fire anyone and pro business class. Americans don't know a thing about today's democratic party. Dean has not helped nor will he ever.
On "Hardball" this Halloween evening, Dean managed to once again muddle the image of the Democratic party in front of moderate america. On the topic of abortion, Matthews flat out asked Dean if today's Democratic party is pro-choice, Dean's response epitomizes everything wrong with the Dems, he basically couldn't bring himself to say "pro-choice." Instead, he defined pro-choice as a term that could possibly be used against the Democrats to say they are pro-abortion or anti-life. Matthews then declared the democratic party confused on both the war and now abortion.
Dean cannot conduct interviews without making verbal gaffes. His shifty nature prevents him from sounding sincere on any issue. So now the democratic party is anti-war but says "since we're there, we might as well...." and now on abortion they are not pro-choice but pro-anything the GOP isn't.
This administration may combine incompetence with corruption but at least most of America knows where they stand. America knows Bush is a big spender, is unable to declare defeat, unwilling to fire anyone and pro business class. Americans don't know a thing about today's democratic party. Dean has not helped nor will he ever.
Role reversal?
its like a script of a movie isn't it?
SCOTUS take two: Samuel Alito will play the part of Harriet Miers, the american left will take on the role of the american right in denouncing a nominee before he/she ever gets to the hearings.
SCOTUS take two: Samuel Alito will play the part of Harriet Miers, the american left will take on the role of the american right in denouncing a nominee before he/she ever gets to the hearings.
With the election comes SCOTUS
You might ask yourself? How did Bill Clinton's SCOTUS nominees fare? Here's a hint: the hearings were crucial. Let's take a look at Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
"Republicans did not find Ginsburg to be a controversial nominee and on Thursday July 29, 1993, the judiciary committee voted unanimously in favor of her confirmation, a mere six days after the hearings concluded. The Senate then approved Ginburg's nomination by a vote of 96-3.
"Despite her frank admission (on abortion), few Republicans took the position that her embrace of abortion rulings disqualified her from a seat on the court." (courtesy hnn.com)
Brave senators like Patrick Leahy and Russ Feingold proved their mettle in their support of the talented John Roberts, will other Senators follow suit in their analysis of Alito who clearly is not that easy to figure out. Guess we will have to wait for the hearings.
"Republicans did not find Ginsburg to be a controversial nominee and on Thursday July 29, 1993, the judiciary committee voted unanimously in favor of her confirmation, a mere six days after the hearings concluded. The Senate then approved Ginburg's nomination by a vote of 96-3.
"Despite her frank admission (on abortion), few Republicans took the position that her embrace of abortion rulings disqualified her from a seat on the court." (courtesy hnn.com)
Brave senators like Patrick Leahy and Russ Feingold proved their mettle in their support of the talented John Roberts, will other Senators follow suit in their analysis of Alito who clearly is not that easy to figure out. Guess we will have to wait for the hearings.
NO!
courtesy of the now paranoid left:
Alito's Mom: "Of course he's against abortion." (thinkprogress.org)
Alito's Mom: "Of course he's against abortion." (thinkprogress.org)
Psst, Dems this guy won twice
"You can't say, 'Please don't be mean to me. Please let me win sometimes.' Give me a break here," Clinton said. "If you don't want to fight for the future and you can't figure out how to beat these people then find something else to do." (Bill Clinton, courtesy SFGate.com)
Holy Alito!
Americanlogic thinks this president predictable.
Are we even going to get to the hearings on this one?
Are we even going to get to the hearings on this one?
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Ike
"We cannot afford to reduce taxes, reduce income," he said. "until we have in sight a program of expenditure that shows that the factors of income and outgo will be balanced." (President Dwight Eisenhower courtesy of Wikipedia)
For the record, that's called "pay as you go." We had that in the 90's under Clinton/Gingrich.
For the record, that's called "pay as you go." We had that in the 90's under Clinton/Gingrich.
!
Americanlogic thinks this president lives in a fantasy world along with his allies:
"I don't think you want to send a signal that this is a crisis bigger than it is," said Vin Weber, a lobbyist and former Republican House member who is a White House ally. "This was a bad week obviously, but you cleared the board of a couple big problems or question marks hanging over us. It's unfortunate for the individuals involved, but it gives us a chance to start rebuilding, clawing our way back." (courtesy NY Times)
my italics. Wow. Americanlogic is almost at a loss for words. A "bad week"? A major administration official gets indicted and your political advisor is still under the gun and it's a bad week? The simple fact that Rove is still under investigation refutes the notion that the question marks have been cleared. In any other administration, Rove would be fired or forced to resign. However, we are dealing with a president whose first priority is: himself. A year ago today we were a week away from electing competency over failure. Reason over paranoid action. Truly great presidents change course. Eisenhower changed. Even the conservative hero Reagan brought in new blood in 1987. Instead we get more of the same.
My kingdom for an adult president!
"I don't think you want to send a signal that this is a crisis bigger than it is," said Vin Weber, a lobbyist and former Republican House member who is a White House ally. "This was a bad week obviously, but you cleared the board of a couple big problems or question marks hanging over us. It's unfortunate for the individuals involved, but it gives us a chance to start rebuilding, clawing our way back." (courtesy NY Times)
my italics. Wow. Americanlogic is almost at a loss for words. A "bad week"? A major administration official gets indicted and your political advisor is still under the gun and it's a bad week? The simple fact that Rove is still under investigation refutes the notion that the question marks have been cleared. In any other administration, Rove would be fired or forced to resign. However, we are dealing with a president whose first priority is: himself. A year ago today we were a week away from electing competency over failure. Reason over paranoid action. Truly great presidents change course. Eisenhower changed. Even the conservative hero Reagan brought in new blood in 1987. Instead we get more of the same.
My kingdom for an adult president!
Friday, October 28, 2005
Just to remind you
Americanlogic has to take issue with the Moose and even Fitzgerald himself.
As stated by Tucker Carlson (although i'm sure he's falling in line now), Iraq is the "original sin." It is the reason we are talking about indictments, Plame, Niger and forged documents. If this president made the case to the american public that although Hussein didn't have WMD's he still needed to be either severly contained or indeed removed this country would have no doubts we are doing the right thing in Iraq.
Instead, as he displayed post 9/11 this president choose division rather than unity. Partisanship rather than compromise. There was no debate in the public arena. Just threats of mushroom clouds and certain destruction at the hands of Hussein.
Yes Hussein was brutal thug and now we must finish the job and hand over full control of Iraq to its citizens. This war wasn't sold that way. It wasn't sold as a humanitarian mission because the "cabal" knew we wouldn't have bought it. So what do you do when the original pitch sucks? You try a more direct pitch. Nukes.
To be clear, this war was not about oil or Halliburton profits as some on the left continue to claim. It was Bush's paranoid response to 9/11 and it was Cheney's job to do the dirty work in order to get us in.
So this whole thing is about Iraq. It's also about honesty and candor. This administration has neither and we must accept this for the next three years.
As stated by Tucker Carlson (although i'm sure he's falling in line now), Iraq is the "original sin." It is the reason we are talking about indictments, Plame, Niger and forged documents. If this president made the case to the american public that although Hussein didn't have WMD's he still needed to be either severly contained or indeed removed this country would have no doubts we are doing the right thing in Iraq.
Instead, as he displayed post 9/11 this president choose division rather than unity. Partisanship rather than compromise. There was no debate in the public arena. Just threats of mushroom clouds and certain destruction at the hands of Hussein.
Yes Hussein was brutal thug and now we must finish the job and hand over full control of Iraq to its citizens. This war wasn't sold that way. It wasn't sold as a humanitarian mission because the "cabal" knew we wouldn't have bought it. So what do you do when the original pitch sucks? You try a more direct pitch. Nukes.
To be clear, this war was not about oil or Halliburton profits as some on the left continue to claim. It was Bush's paranoid response to 9/11 and it was Cheney's job to do the dirty work in order to get us in.
So this whole thing is about Iraq. It's also about honesty and candor. This administration has neither and we must accept this for the next three years.
Interesting
We have a real interesting dynamic opening up here in response to the indictments handed down by Fitzgerald.
We have an anti-Starr prosecutor, a guy who is actually interested in getting to the bottom of this leak issue. A president who is reminding people he still has a SCOTUS position to fill (don't worry base, that'll distract them), a vice president who knows he was in on this and values his aide rather then the transparency of the federal government, the conservative side pretty much taking the "it's just perjury" line of defense as well as "she wasn't really covert." Also, a democratic party that is sure to overeach.
We spent the majority of 1998 talking about "is." We are going to be spending the rest of 2005 talking about Cheney and his attempt to leak us into a premptive war.
We have an anti-Starr prosecutor, a guy who is actually interested in getting to the bottom of this leak issue. A president who is reminding people he still has a SCOTUS position to fill (don't worry base, that'll distract them), a vice president who knows he was in on this and values his aide rather then the transparency of the federal government, the conservative side pretty much taking the "it's just perjury" line of defense as well as "she wasn't really covert." Also, a democratic party that is sure to overeach.
We spent the majority of 1998 talking about "is." We are going to be spending the rest of 2005 talking about Cheney and his attempt to leak us into a premptive war.
Steely
Thanks to WashingtonMonthly.com for providing a play by play of sorts for the Fitzgerald press conference. From what I read, this guy is for real. He's the anti-Starr. Its really going to be interesting to see the loony right try to discredit this guy. Then again, you can count on Hannity and Co to try to do just that.
This sad state of affairs does not end with these indictments today. I'm still convinced in the end we are going to get an indictment of this premptive war and the methods employed to start it. Libby to me seems like a small piece of this puzzle. Also, Americanlogic demands to know who was Robert Novak's source. And where the hell is Novak anyway?
The president's response to all this: nominate a Scalia clone named Samuel A Alito Jr (that's the rumour anyway).
This sad state of affairs does not end with these indictments today. I'm still convinced in the end we are going to get an indictment of this premptive war and the methods employed to start it. Libby to me seems like a small piece of this puzzle. Also, Americanlogic demands to know who was Robert Novak's source. And where the hell is Novak anyway?
The president's response to all this: nominate a Scalia clone named Samuel A Alito Jr (that's the rumour anyway).
Somebody gets it
I'll add one more thing: I don't believe that five counts of obstruction of justice, perjury and lying by a major administration official are a "mouse," or even a large rabbit. Not if you care about the integrity of government officials and the rule of law. (andrewsullivan.com)
Sullivan gets it. Americanlogic gets it. The apologist right doesn't.
Sullivan gets it. Americanlogic gets it. The apologist right doesn't.
trifecta
Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President Cheney's chief of staff, indicted by grand jury on charges of obstruction of justice, making false statements and perjury in CIA leak probe.
-CNN
Americanlogic would assume that the Veep is next.
-CNN
Americanlogic would assume that the Veep is next.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Denied
In David Frum's world America is the victor in the Harriet Miers affair.
How so? Miers should have gone through the hearing process, then a decision could have been made on her merits to be a SCOTUS. Instead we get face saving from Bush and the process halted.
Americanlogic thinks the american people wanted to hear Miers voice before judgement was passed.
How so? Miers should have gone through the hearing process, then a decision could have been made on her merits to be a SCOTUS. Instead we get face saving from Bush and the process halted.
Americanlogic thinks the american people wanted to hear Miers voice before judgement was passed.
Rove escapes?
According to the NY Times (who have been wrong before, ahem WMDs?), Rove will not be indicted tomorrow. Apparently his lawyer is extremely talented.
I'm sure americanlogic isn't alone in wanting this entire investigation to come to a close indictments or no indictments. All except the rabid left who wish this for the next three years.
I'm sure americanlogic isn't alone in wanting this entire investigation to come to a close indictments or no indictments. All except the rabid left who wish this for the next three years.
Next!
[McConnell] does believe that the Supreme Court has gone too far in reading the total separation of church and state into the Constitution, and because he ...understands that Roe v. Wade has no firm constitutional foundation. He might be acceptable to the left not only because so many liberal professors support him, but also because he has been public in his criticism of Bush v. Gore and the impeachment of President Clinton
the above is a law professor's description of Micheal W. McConnell, strongly rumored to be Bush's next choice (per The Hotline blog).
the above is a law professor's description of Micheal W. McConnell, strongly rumored to be Bush's next choice (per The Hotline blog).
the political heart of the matter
This is a profoundly weak President. It is a moment of desperation and the President needs his base energized and not demoralized. He will now throw the base red meat and hope they stick with them in the stormy days ahead (bullmooseblog.com)
Its the Senate's fault!
Second, it's again amazing how unable this president is to take full responsibility for his decisions and choices. Face-saving is not an unusual thing in politics. But equally it is never a sign of real strength. A strong president takes responsibility for his own choices, even if he feels misunderstood or misled. Reagan's Iran-Contra confession was an example of someone strong enough to admit a failure. This president is not internally strong enough to do something similar. His strength is a form of brittleness. Like all brittleness, it is prone to cracking suddenly and without warning. It just did. (courtesy andrewsullivan.com)
Personally, I thought she should have gone through the hearing process, for the sake of those interested in this country in the process of selecting a justice for SCOTUS. But that's just americanlogic's opining.
Personally, I thought she should have gone through the hearing process, for the sake of those interested in this country in the process of selecting a justice for SCOTUS. But that's just americanlogic's opining.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Kerry
"To undermine the insurgency, we must instead simultaneously pursue both a political settlement and the withdrawl of American combat forces linked to specific, responsible benchmarks," he said. "At the first benchmark, the completion of December elections, we can start the process of reducing our forces by 20,000 troops of the course of the holidays." (courtesy abcnews.com)
This is what is needed right now. Discussion. Debate. Dialog. I would have gone one better and invited the president to an Iraqi roundtable discussion with a combination of Senate Dems and GOPer's.
Tucker Carlson apparently agrees to some extent with Kerry saying on "Hardball" this evening the president at some point will have to say something different other than "stay the course," the public isn't buying it. Carlson also called Iraq the "original sin" that brought us to the CIA leak debacle.
This is what is needed right now. Discussion. Debate. Dialog. I would have gone one better and invited the president to an Iraqi roundtable discussion with a combination of Senate Dems and GOPer's.
Tucker Carlson apparently agrees to some extent with Kerry saying on "Hardball" this evening the president at some point will have to say something different other than "stay the course," the public isn't buying it. Carlson also called Iraq the "original sin" that brought us to the CIA leak debacle.
Reason vs Insanity
''I do think we have to take into account -- and that's why I voted against it -- the position of those people who we send into harm's way, in a clandestine way," Stevens said. ''What is the standard that applies to them in terms of saving their own lives? . . . I have not seen the vice president's language. I have no solution to it yet. I don't know how to solve it. But I know there's a problem."
McCain responded: ''I don't know how you protect your life by torturing somebody. I've never understood that scenario." (both quotes courtesy of the Boston Globe)
McCain responded: ''I don't know how you protect your life by torturing somebody. I've never understood that scenario." (both quotes courtesy of the Boston Globe)
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Niger Schmiger
Americanlogic thinks its about time to lay out some history.
Here's the scenario: Let's say Americanlogic comes home from a day of work in the Fall of 2002 and hears President Bush, then somewhat competent, say this:
"Knowing these realities, America must not ignore the threat gathering against us. Facing clear evidence of peril, we cannot wait for the final proof -- the smoking gun -- that could come in the form of mushroom cloud." (Bush courtesy White House website transcript)
The words that stand out in that passage is "peril" and "mushroom cloud." These were uttered by the POTUS. The above words were not uttered by Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party, James Carville, John McCain, John Kerry, Theresa Kerry Heinz, the Kerry daughters, the Gore children, John Podesta, Ronald Reagan, FDR, Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Alan Greenspan, Al Franken and so on.
Here's the scenario: Let's say Americanlogic comes home from a day of work in the Fall of 2002 and hears President Bush, then somewhat competent, say this:
"Knowing these realities, America must not ignore the threat gathering against us. Facing clear evidence of peril, we cannot wait for the final proof -- the smoking gun -- that could come in the form of mushroom cloud." (Bush courtesy White House website transcript)
The words that stand out in that passage is "peril" and "mushroom cloud." These were uttered by the POTUS. The above words were not uttered by Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party, James Carville, John McCain, John Kerry, Theresa Kerry Heinz, the Kerry daughters, the Gore children, John Podesta, Ronald Reagan, FDR, Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Alan Greenspan, Al Franken and so on.
Scott, you're a liar
"The president's made his position very clear: we do not condone torture, nor would he ever authorize the use of torture." (courtesy CNN.com)
Have you heard of Ian Fishback Mr. McClellan?
supportfishback@aol.com
Have you heard of Ian Fishback Mr. McClellan?
supportfishback@aol.com
that said
I am a realist. We are in Iraq. We face an insurgency bent on driving us out of Iraq. In the words of Colin Powell: "We break it, we fix it." The constitution has passed, all the more time to seriously discuss a timetable for withdrawl, we would not be saying to the insurgents "Well, time to go" we would be establishing a timetable for withdrawl from Iraq and easing american minds. The insurgents will not win if we approach our strategy differently and ask for UN help. Two things this president won't do.
Sad
Whatever your opinions on this war, we are looking at a possible indictment of its origin. If the american public were told with grave certainty that an imminent threat existed and Bush and Co knew this to be false we are dealing with impeachable offenses. We need to stay in Iraq and crush the insurgency, but if we've lost 2000 men and women for a supposed "slam dunk" case we are in trouble as a nation.
Mr. X
According to CBS News (hat tip thinkprogress.org), this is the "code" name of the person responsible for the leaking of Valerie Plame's name to reporters. We could speculate all night (and some will) but Americanlogic has no clue who this person "inside the White House" is.
Earlier today, I discovered washingtonnote.com by Steve Clemons, who according to his "uber source," indicated there would be roughly 4-5 sealed indictments handed down by Hurricane Fitzgerald. At which point, Bush is useless as president.
The loony right has to be sweating bullets at this point, clearly having no solid leaks to go by like they did with Starr. The rabid left are like children on Christmas morning waiting for that XBOX 360.
We will find out tommorow. Americanlogic will try his best to keep what readers I have informed of these events.
We could have an indictment of this war along with its architects. Either way, a sad moment in this nations history.
Earlier today, I discovered washingtonnote.com by Steve Clemons, who according to his "uber source," indicated there would be roughly 4-5 sealed indictments handed down by Hurricane Fitzgerald. At which point, Bush is useless as president.
The loony right has to be sweating bullets at this point, clearly having no solid leaks to go by like they did with Starr. The rabid left are like children on Christmas morning waiting for that XBOX 360.
We will find out tommorow. Americanlogic will try his best to keep what readers I have informed of these events.
We could have an indictment of this war along with its architects. Either way, a sad moment in this nations history.
Bush v Onion
On the drive into work this morning, NPR enlightened me on the Bushies displeasure with the Onion website using the presidential logo in some of their features. Seems to me this is the least of their worries at this point in history. This cronyist, business class White House is on the verge of a tremor or a major earthquake in the form of indictments. With Cheney now the center of the investigation according to the NY Times and Fitzgerald's aides seen hauling large boxes of documents into the grand jury (per "Hardball" last night), any Rovian damage control will be futile. Then again, as the MSM has been saying "we just don't know."
Monday, October 24, 2005
words of wisdom from the Moose
There is a danger that progressives will transform themselves into amoral neo-Kissinger realists in reaction to the Crawford Bush clan. That would be an ill-advised abandonment of Truman, Kennedy, Scoop Jackson, Clinton democratic internationalism that promotes American ideals and interests. (courtesy mooseblog.com)
There is going to be a big debate between the Wilsonian internationalists in both parties and the Buchanan isolationists of the right (and left?) in the coming years. Key word here is debate. Dialog. Discussion. The Bush era has shown us we need to rediscover these words.
There is going to be a big debate between the Wilsonian internationalists in both parties and the Buchanan isolationists of the right (and left?) in the coming years. Key word here is debate. Dialog. Discussion. The Bush era has shown us we need to rediscover these words.