Joe McCarthy lives…

Actor/director/producer George Clooney is opening a movie called Good Night, And Good Luck that captures the Edward R. Murrow / Senator McCarthy “experience”. We all know Joe McCarthy and his warnings of a communist around every corner and in so many organizations. He was quite successful in creating an atmosphere of fear for a number of years. The fear that he created generated power for Joe, the Senator from Wisconsin.

Those he targeted

became the subject of aggressive witch-hunts, often based on inconclusive or questionable evidence. People from the media, the motion picture industry, politics, and the military often became the targets of McCarthyism. The term has since become synonymous with any government activity which seeks to suppress unfavorable political or social views, often by limiting or suspending civil rights under the pretext of maintaining national security.

I think Murrow’s comments from those days ring true even today:

"We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason if we dig deep in our history and doctrine and remember that we are not descended from fearful men, not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate and to defend causes which were for the moment unpopular. We can deny our heritage and our history, but we cannot escape responsibility for the result. There is no way for a citizen of the Republic to abdicate his responsibility."

From the movie website we have a brief synopsis of Murrow’s impact:

“He manages to highlight the serious issues involved in the McCarthy hearings: namely, the line between investigation and 'persecution'; that dissent is not disloyalty; accusation is not proof; conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law; and finally, as defenders of freedom abroad, the US cannot desert it at home.”

Today we have so many who are falling into McCarthy-isms. Just turn to talk radio and hear the rants about the communists in the ACLU, on campuses, in the halls of Russia’s government. But today McCarthyisms have a new slant. We have a new “scare” to go along with the Red Scare. We no have the “terror scare”. McCarthy was so quick to “find” a communist around every corner. Today some find it very convenient to find a “terrorist” or “terror plot” around every corner. Why?

Fear is a powerful weapon. It makes a citizen feel the need to call for a strong leader, a strong police force/military, a strong law and order rule. Fear after 9/11 brought about some of our worst nightmares: the Patriot Act, the war in Iraq, a government using lies and deception for its own goals. As Murrow pointed out, fear drives us into “an age of unreason”.

We have a new “McCarthy”. But today he is not just one Senator. Today he/she sits in so many offices of our government including the Oval Office. Today he/she dominates the airwaves. So be prepared for the witch hunts and accusations as we protest this war, as we question the role of our government, as we question the Patriot Act, as we demand answers. Be prepared to be labeled as sympathizers. Be prepared.

But remember we also have a new “Murrow”. Today’s Murrow is the alternative press correspondent. Today’s Murrow is the blogger writing about the lies/deception/conspiracies. Today’s Murrow’s are ordinary citizens who look very carefully at terror warnings and “fear causing” statements.

As we look back to the 1950’s let us remember that McCarthy was successful because of fear. But when the light of truth was shined on him…. Today is no different. The truth is there for all to see and hear. Today’s “McCarthy’s” will also fail. We mus make a pact that “We will not walk in fear, one of another.”

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A scary sight!

 Just in time for tomorrow night. This will sure scare everyone - I know he scares me. Thanks to About.com.

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UN raps Iran's anti-Israel rant

BBC News

The UN Security Council has issued a statement condemning Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over his call for Israel to be "wiped off the map".
It follows similar criticism by several countries and a rare rebuke from United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.
Israel had called for the UN session, and welcomed the unanimous statement.

Dreadful statements from Iran to match dreadful statements/actions from Israel.

Israel admitted yesterday that it is buying 500 "bunker-buster" bombs, which could be used to hit Iran's nuclear facilities, as Teheran paraded ballistic missiles as a warning against attack.
The BLU-109 bombs, which can penetrate more than 7ft of reinforced concrete, are among "smart" munitions being sold to Israel under America's military aid programme.
Western diplomats believe that America, or Israel, could resort to air strikes against nuclear facilities. Israel's bombing of Saddam Hussein's Osirak reactor in 1981, which set back Iraq's nuclear programme, is held up as a model of "pre-emptive action".

This report was written in September, 2004. Israel has continued to use such language. Not too far from W's calls for regime change in Syria...

Be it resolved when any leader or person threatens another with violence we will be outraged and speak up. Be it resolved that we will not only criticize/condemn those we view as "enemies" but we will also criticize/condemn our "friends". Be it resolved that we will follow the rule "Do as I do, not as I say" and we will act in a way that will be an example of diplomacy and peace.

Alot to ask? But it's what the world needs right now!

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The why's of tonight's vigil?

So many have said today, what makes 2,000 so special? Or they mockingly state that A vigil tonight is just a gimmick or stunt.

I think tonight's vigils and all calls for an immediate end to this war are not gimmicks/stunts but are driving towards one goal - bringing our troops home NOW.

If you are wondering why people held candles tonight go to Bitter Fruit by Paul Fusco. Watch this photographer's take on the war, watch the sorrow of the families, watch...and then ask why people held candles tonight.

Thanks to Zaphod's Heads for pointing out this moving site.

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WHIG

WHIG stands for the White House Iraq Group. On the 20th, Kucinich offered the following resolution:

Requesting the President of the United States and directing the Secretary of State to provide to the House of Representatives certain documents in their possession relating to the White House Iraq Group.
Resolved, That the President of the United States is requested and the Secretary of State is directed to provide to the House of Representatives, not later than 14 days after the date of adoption of this resolution --
(1) all documents from 2003 pertaining to the taskforce organized by Andrew Card, consisting of Karl Rove, Karen Hughes, Mary Matalin, Nicholas E. Calio, James R. Wilkinson, Condoleezza Rice, Stephen Hadley and I. Lewis Libby, known as the White House Iraq Group;
(2) all drafts of all white papers on the topic of Iraq's nuclear threat assembled in 2003 by the White House Iraq Group; and
(3) all documents, including notes from meetings, memos, telephone and electronic mail records, logs and calendars, and records of internal discussions in the possession of the President or the Secretary of State relating to the White House Iraq Group.

Three cheers. We need to know all about the build up, the lies, the deceit. Why should we know? So it never can happen again!

This resolution must first pass the House International Relations Committee by November 9th, 2005. Let your reps know you want them to support this resolution.

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A Terrible Milestone

The 2,000th "official" soldier killed in Iraq was just announced. Tommorow evening there are vigils planned around the nation. Go to MoveOn.org to find a vigil near you. Let your presence be a memorial to all lives lost. Let it be a call to end the war now. For those in my area, there is one scheduled for :

Sherman Green- Downtown Fairfield
Boston Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06825
Tuesday, 25 Oct 2005, 6:30 PM

Hope to see you there!

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Fall of the Bush Empire

Historians have always looked for causes for the fall of the Holy Roman Empire. Of course we all heard about the invading: Vandals, Huns, Visigoths (they all sound like motorcycle clubs) and the Germanic tribes. But before these invasions, Rome was weakened by : a decline in morals and values, political corruption, high unemployment, high inflation, increasing urban decay and high military spending (had to keep those Roman foot soldiers in occupied lands). Sounds familiar? Bush's empire can easily be today's Roman Empire, trying to extend PaxAmericana across the globe, but doing so through lies, might and subjugation. And now we have, in the starring role of the Germanic generals, special counsel Patrick Fitzgerald ready to run his lance through the criminals in this empire's halls.

James Moore (in the above link) writes about Fitzgerald and his work in "The Most Important Criminal Case in American History." Moore falters only once when he calls "...Watergate, by comparison, was a random burglary..." I think Watergate, like the Plame leak, was not just a random burglary but a premeditated and orchestrated attempt to influence future affairs. I think that while Watergate marked the end of Tricky Dick and his band of plumbers, Plamegate (if Fitzgerald follows all leads to the end) will begin the much-needed end of W and his band of liars.

The actions of White House officials in the Plame affair is criminal since it was undetaken to discredit a critic (Joe Wilson) and promote the invasion of a sovereign foreing nation. It was an attempt to silence a critic who was willing to shine the light on the administration's lies.

So who will be indicted? Rove, Libby,....? I think when the indictments are made public we must look past beyond them. This affair was a perfect example of the administration's lies, deceits, corruption and coverups. The indictments will be indictments against the attitude and personality of this entire administration. W and Uncle Dick created the atmosphere for the Plame affair to take place. They created the situation that allowed and encouraged lies, deceit and corruption.

In yesterday's "West Wing", Toby Ziegler was fired when he confessed to leaking National Security secrets to the press. Toby's rationale for his actions could be seen as founded on saving lives. Plamegate, however, was founded on attempting to cripple criticism and pursue an invasion and occupation of a foreign nation.

As these indictments come down, all U.S. citizens must demand the firing of all involved in the act and those involved in creating the mindset that allowed this treason. Let us hope Fitzgerald follows all leads and sheds light on the dark recesses of this White House.

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Attack Syria? Invade Iran?

Jeremy Brecher and Brendan Smith have a great article about the "Further Adventures of W and Dick." As noted previously, Condi brought up the possibility of military action.

Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on October 19, Condoleezza Rice was asked whether the Bush administration was planning military action against Syria. She answered, "I don't think the President ever takes any of his options off the table concerning anything to do with military force."
Last time we read the US Constitution, the grave decision to use military force against another country was a matter for Congress to decide - not an "option" for a President.
And last time we read the UN Charter, it provided that "all members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state."

The U.N. Charter reference is interesting isn't it? It seems that Condi and W aren't familiar with the Charter since threats are their modus operandi.

The two writers go on to paint a grim picture for the future. They note that with recent clashes near (and probably over) the border, a Syrian adventure is very close. We even have the U.N. as a co-conspirator with their recent reports - and Israel is now calling for regime change. It seems W is getting together a little coalition to help him with the lies and to grease the skids for an invasion.

As the old saying goes, "fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me!" Congress and the American people allowed President Bush to fool us into war with Iraq. Shame on us if we allow him to do it again in Syria, Iran, or anywhere else!

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Climate Mash

Climate Mash's video is just in time for my favorite holiday - Halloween. Remember the old song "Monster Mash?" This is a great take-off that highlights today's little monsters.

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Another Scapegoat?

Syria is next in line for...

The increasing number of clashes between U.S. and Syrian forces raises serious questions about the Bush administration's intentions and the wisdom of its actions. It appears this escalation on the American side is dictated not entirely by the urgency over the infiltration of foreign insurgents from Syria into Iraq.
Rather, it is motivated by the administration's desire for regime change in Damascus.

Hell regime change was so effective(?) in Iraq, why not export our iron-fist across the border. To invade Iraq we had to use the big WMD lies - not too many believed us after U.N. inspectors said that the WMDes were gone. But now we even have the aid of the U.N. who have implicated Syrian intelligence in the assassination of the former PM of Lebanon. Wow, now we have Bolton's hated U.N. helping us in our quest. So why not take the action right away - won't it be great war for freedom and democracy?

Emboldened by its success in Lebanon, the administration can make a tragic mistake in trying to push the Syrians to the breaking point by launching military strikes inside Syria as some administration officials speculate. The unintended consequences of a bloody conflict with Syria will be far more severe than this administration could imagine, if Iraq offers an example. Conflict with Syria could ignite a regional war engulfing Israel and Lebanon and shattering any remaining hope that the Middle East will see democracy and stability in the foreseeable future.

Another quagmire is awaiting us if we are foolish enough to invade Syria. It is not the time to expand our military presence, it is instead time to pull the troops out NOW. It is the time for diplomacy. It is the time for open hands rather than closed iron-fists. It is the time to work WITH nations - all nations! And they, including Syria, are ready.

Syria is eager to normalize relations with the United States, because the government there knows that much of the country's economic development and national security considerations, and certainly its hopes for recovering the Golan Heights, depend on U.S. willingness to help. Syria is eager to have an open-ended dialogue with the United States that will serve their mutual interests.

Why don't we try.

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Cheney resignation rumors fly

Uncle Dick leaving?

Sparked by today's Washington Post story that suggests Vice President Cheney's office is involved in the Plame-CIA spy link investigation, government officials and advisers passed around rumors that the vice president might step aside and that President Bush would elevate Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

So that's what Condi (see my previous post) is up to. She gets the VP slot, W steps aside because he finally realizes he cannot rule when the polls show him pulling positive votes only from his relatives, and she becomes Prez. In 2008 she then runs against Hilary as an incumbent. Hannity's dream.

Sound far-fetched? Hell, this is the crew that came up with weapons of mass destruction in Iraq when inspectors said "none found".

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Rice won't rule out troops in Iraq in 10 years

Rice says what many of us knew.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday refused to rule out U.S. troops still being in Iraq in 10 years or the possibility that the United States could use military force against neighboring Syria and Iran.

Queen Lizard pulled no punches - I can't believe this was scripted. Now if the MSM would report this, the public will be outraged.

Republican Sens. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island were among several lawmakers who asked Rice whether the Bush administration was considering military action against Iran and Syria, and asked whether the president would circumvent congressional authorization if the White House chose that option.
"I will not say anything that constrains his authority as commander in chief," Rice said.
The lawmakers' queries followed Rice's earlier remarks that: "Syria and, indeed, Iran must decide whether they wish to side with the cause of war or with the cause of peace."

Clear from her answer that "circumventing" is not even a question, and attacking Syria and Iran is probably happening as I write.

With President Bush's poll numbers dragged down by public discomfort over Iraq, Rice was seeking to reassure lawmakers-- who are feeling the heat from their war-weary constituents-- that U.S. policies toward Iraq are sound.

With her comments, I don't think she was too successful - more war - more lives - more money - more lies. Won't be a boost for the polls Condi - looking for a new job?

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Faith-Based War

Even Pat Buchanan is weighing in against the war.

"This is a very positive day … for world peace," said President Bush, following the referendum on a new Iraqi constitution. "Democracies are peaceful countries." Considering that Iraq is perhaps the least peaceful country on earth, the statement seemed jarring.
It should not be. For it reflects a quasi-religious transformation in George W. Bush – his political conversion to democratism, a faith-based ideology that holds democracy to be the cure for mankind's ills, and its absence to be the principal cause of terror and war.
In the theology of a devout democratist, if Americans will only persevere in using their power to convert the Islamic world, then the whole world, to democracy, we will come as close as mankind can to creating heaven on earth.

Pat goes on to list some counter arguments to W's case - enlisting some "experts". He closes by looking forward a few months.

By January, we shall know whether Iraqi democracy is the antidote to terror Bush believes it to be. If it is not, he and we will have to face the grim consequences of his conversion to a utopian ideology in the name of which he pursued a potentially calamitous three-year war.

I think he knows what the outcome will be. One point I don't agree with Pat. He uses the word "potentially" - wrong! It is "a...calamitous three-year war."

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Cheney's Office Is A Focus in Leak Case

Uncle Dick a crminal?

As the investigation into the leak of a CIA agent's name hurtles to an apparent conclusion, special prosecutor Patrick J. Fitzgerald has zeroed in on the role of Vice President Cheney's office, according to lawyers familiar with the case and government officials. The prosecutor has assembled evidence that suggests Cheney's long-standing tensions with the CIA contributed to the unmasking of operative Valerie Plame.

Come on, he wouldn't let his own personal feelings or aspirations take center stage before the future of this nation. He wouldn't let his wallet rule his and his puppet's decisions. Would he?

Okay, maybe he is not directly involved, as so many seem to be saying. But he and W are responsible for the actions of their appointees. So may not mean orange suits for Uncle Dick right yet - but this is just one more nasty item that is being written into that "book of life."

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W Rocks Out Again

 Wax Audio has some more great songs for your iPod. Check out their version of "Imagine This" on their "Mediacracy" CD. A different take from the version I posted about before - but just as good.

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First Iraq, Then Saudi Arabia ...

Bush to Blair: First Iraq, Then Saudi Arabia ... So this is a surprise? Some have been saying this for a long time. The article doen't mention some of the other friends: Syria, Venezuela...hell let's even throw in Russia. Some of the wing-nuts are turning their attention to Vlad. Seems that the "red menace" is still in the back of their minds.

Visions of a United States of the World dance through his head!

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23 Administration Officials = Criminals

Think Progress lists the 23 who are involved in the Plame affair. Starts with Rove and ends with the big guy himself - W.

A great synopsis of each "character". A better understanding of the game if you know the players - this "program" helps.

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Supporting Hillary

Cindy Sheehan writes:

I would love to support Hillary for President if she would come out against the travesty in Iraq. But I don't think she can speak out against the occupation, because she supports it.
I will not make the mistake of supporting another pro-war Democrat for president again: As I won't support a pro-war Republican.
This country wants this occupation to end. The world wants the occupation to end. People in Iraq want this occupation to end.

I know that I share her sentiment of not supporting a candidate who is "pro-war". I will not support or consider someone who will not speak against this travesty. I think, and hope, that there are many more who feel the same.

So when will the politicians wake up and hear the peoples' voices?

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G.I.'s and Syrians in Tense Clashes on Iraqi Border

NY Times reports on fighting on the Syrian border. You may know the country by W's description" "one of the "allies of convenience" with Islamic extremists."

But other officials, who say they got their information in the field or by talking to Special Operations commanders, say that as American efforts to cut off the flow of fighters have intensified, the operations have spilled over the border - sometimes by accident, sometimes by design.
Some current and former officials add that the United States military is considering plans to conduct special operations inside Syria, using small covert teams for cross-border intelligence gathering.
The broadening military effort along the border has intensified as the Iraqi constitutional referendum scheduled for Saturday approaches, and as frustration mounts in the Bush administration and among senior American commanders over their inability to prevent foreign radical Islamists from engaging in suicide bombings and other deadly terrorist acts inside Iraq.
Increasingly, officials say, Syria is to the Iraq war what Cambodia was in the Vietnam War: a sanctuary for fighters, money and supplies to flow over the border and, ultimately, a place for a shadow struggle.

Why are these little "forays" not making the news headlines? It really is like Cambodia - a secret war. The only problem is, this time the chances of a widening war is possible. It is time to leave!

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Jib Jab's "Big Box Mart"

Jib Jab's "Big Box Mart" is a great movie about my least favorite store. Consumerism runs rampant. Layoffs occur. But there is hope - those minimum wage jobs at the Big Box Mart.

So that's where the job growth that W speaks about is. Sam would be so proud.

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Rove Testifies Again in CIA Leak Probe

AP reports on Rove's latest testimony.

After Rove's testimony, White House spokesman Scott McClellan was asked whether Rove still has the president's confidence. He would say only, "Karl continues to do his duties."

Not very encouraging Karl. Not as forceful as "Brownie, you're doing a helluva job." And how long did that save him? So Karl, get ready to model some prison blues (unless there is a special pardon in the works).

But don't worry, after a few months, Halliburton will call with a great sweetheart deal.

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Stop Global Warming

Stop Global Warming is organzing a unique "virtual march" on Washington.

Over the next year, the March will travel across the U.S., gaining strength in numbers and raising awareness about global warming. On Earth Day 2006, the March will arrive in Washington D.C. to use the strength of our numbers to urge:
1. The president to initiate a real plan of action to address global warming.
2. Congress to enact new laws to reduce global warming pollution from U.S. power plants, factories and automobiles.
3. U.S. businesses to start a new industrial revolution of clean energy products that will reduce our oil dependence and global warming pollution.

Sign your name now to show your support for a call for sensible environmental plans. Click on the link above and you too can join as a "friend" of Robert Kennedy, Jr. or start your own friend's list.

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Imagine W as a Rock Star

Imagine if W was a rocker and did covers of Lennon and Lou Reed. What do you get? Audiostreet has a great mix of our own W singing. Click on "Imagine...Walk on the Wild Side" and be prepared to laugh out loud.

A definite mp3 for your iPod.

MSNBC Clicked gets a "thanks" for the heads-up.

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Justices Take Case Disputing U.S. Power Over Private Wetlands

Get ready for a wetland fiasco. Will they back developers over Mother Earth? The New York Times on the case of John Rapanos, wealthy Michigan developer.

In the late 1980's, Mr. Rapanos began clearing part of a 175-acre tract he had bought in the Midland, Mich., area in hopes of selling it to a mall developer and adding to the already substantial fortune he had built through years of hard work. In preparing the land for an eventual mall, he spread sand over part of it, even though state officials had warned him that some of his property consisted of protected wetlands.
Environmental officials say wetlands are vital for flood control and as habitat for fish and wildlife, and that they must be guarded to avoid polluting nearby waterways. But most of the 100 million acres or so of wetlands in the contiguous United States are on private property, a situation that has spawned bitter debates over environmental protection vs. property rights.
And few, if any, of the disputes have been as bitter as the one with Mr. Rapanos at the center.
"Sure, I filled it, but I didn't fill wetlands," he said in a 2004 interview with The New York Times, disputing the official designation of his property.
In the Rapanos case and two companion cases, the legal question for the justices is whether the Clean Water Act applies to wetlands that are not part of a navigable waterway and, if so, does Congress have the authority to extend federal jurisdiction over such lands?
Environmental officials insist that Mr. Rapanos made his own troubles. They note that a federal jury found that he had illegally filled in wetlands, despite his supporters' assertions that they were mere puddles. The officials say Mr. Rapanos invited prosecution by thumbing his nose at authority when he could have avoided trouble and still developed his property if he had been willing to follow regulations.

May in fact be on private propety but wetlands are essential parts of the environment (look at what happened in New Orleans). Activities on a small wetland have an impact beyond the wetland area (think water table, animal life, runoff....

So who is behind Rapanos? None other than Pacific Legal Foundation. The group's trustees include developers and cattlemen. Interesting piece from their site:

Americans want a clean, healthy environment. They also want a strong economy and a high overall quality of life. Accordingly, environmental/endangered species protection laws and public land management policies should be measured against the cost to people. Paradoxically, too many of our environmental laws and regulations, albeit well-intentioned, are unfairly punitive and senseless— i.e., they are based on “junk science,” disregard human health and safety, undermine private property rights, impede economic growth and technological innovation, and do little to improve the environment. Pacific Legal Foundation believes that good law should start with people and that good intentions are not enough in developing environmental policy. Thus, PLF challenges in court heavy-handed laws and regulatory actions that endanger human lives, undermine private property, unjustly limit the use of natural resources or impose exorbitant penalties for activities that do not pose a significant, immediate threat to health and safety or to environmental resources.

Hmmmm. "Junk science" is a key word. I bet they don't hold any belief in global warming. I also question their "heavy-handed laws and regulatory actions that endanger human lives". Environmental laws endanger human lives? I do love their "...significant, immediate threat to health and safety or to environmental resources." "Immediate" means right now (at least I think). So if a chemical will cause cancer in 20 years, it is okay to dump in the rivers and lakes?

I think we all can guess where PLF stands as far as environment versus money. How will the courts rule? Big business, developers....now if I was a betting man.....

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CBS & Louis Freeh Bails W Out

60 Minutes covered Freeh's new book that does not paint a great picture of his former boss-Clinton.

Why Freeh's book now? Why's it coming out just now? It's a worthy try at distracting us, and it's apparently working, having taken up room on 60 Minutes that could be spent trying to sort through the threads of the biggest scandals to emerge from Capitol Hill since Watergate.
If you missed Mike Wallace's slow-pitch interview of the former FBI director, catch up on this CBS page. Read the accompanying story and you'll see no mention of some of Freeh's own memorable gaffes, like the Hanssen spy case.
Why in the world, when that world is collapsing around George W. Bush amid the Wampumgate scandal, the Iraq debacle, the lost battle of New Orleans, would CBS focus on Freeh's blast against Clinton?

Why? Two reasons:

Oh, but let's talk about Clinton's cum spots on Lewinsky's dress.

That sells. And then of course just maybe they don't want to rock any boats. But CBS (and all other MSM outlets), the boats are sinking - don't worry about rocking them.

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Pat Tillman

Pat Tillman, Our Hero is an article by Dave Zirin about a recent article about Pat Tillman that sets some people (like my fav Ann Coulter) off. The article's source was Pat's mother - who knew him better?

The very private Tillmans have revealed a picture of Pat profoundly at odds with the GI Joe image created by Pentagon spinmeisters and their media stenographers. As the Chronicle put it, family and friends are now unveiling "a side of Pat Tillman not widely known--a fiercely independent thinker who enlisted, fought and died in service to his country yet was critical of President Bush and opposed the war in Iraq, where he served a tour of duty. He was an avid reader whose interests ranged from history books...to works of leftist Noam Chomsky, a favorite author." Tillman had very unembedded feelings about the Iraq War. His close friend Army Spec. Russell Baer remembered, "I can see it like a movie screen. We were outside of [an Iraqi city] watching as bombs were dropping on the town.... We were talking. And Pat said, 'You know, this war is so f***ing illegal.' And we all said, 'Yeah.' That's who he was. He totally was against Bush." With these revelations, Pat Tillman the PR icon joins WMD and Al Qaeda connections on the heap of lies used to sell the Iraq War.

W's regime thought they had a perfect hero symbol - leaving behind a great NFL career, enlisting, and then being killed in action. Problem was the truth is coming out. First the truth that he was killed by friendly fire and now this picture of Tillman questioning our Iraqi invasion... W must be reeling from this article.

As for Chomsky, whom Ann Coulter would undoubtedly label "treasonous," Mary Tillman says a private meeting was planned between him and Pat after Pat's return--a meeting that never took place, of course. Chomsky confirms this scenario. This was the real Pat Tillman: someone who, like the majority of this country, was doubting the rationale for war, distrusting his Commander in Chief and looking for answers. The real Pat Tillman, the one with three dimensions, must stick in the throat of the Bush-Coulter gang, a pit in the cherry atop their bloody sundae.

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Bad Boys, Bad Boys...

Mark Fiore's latest is an hysterical send-up of COPS called "G.O.P.S.". It hits on Delay, Rove, Frist and the other criminals. Only issue - it doesn't finger Mr. Big - just yet. Mr. Big may have to wait for "America's Most Despised".

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A Season of Remembrance - Terry Tempest Williams

Terry Tempest Willams writes about a memorial to all the fallen in Iraq.

IN THE TOWN of Blue Hill on the coast of Maine, there is a field of small white flags, one flag placed for each soldier killed in the war in Iraq. Throughout the summer, I have walked past this piece of land located between the First Congregational Church and the public library and wondered who the land belongs to and who is responsible for keeping vigil, placing the flags, painting the rising numbers of dead in black on a white wooden sign: 1,873 American soldiers; 26,559 Iraqi civilians.
I discovered the land belongs to Rufus Wanning, an arborist, known throughout Hancock County as the tree specialist who helped Blue Hill save the American elms that stand in the community like elders....
My eyes turned to the field of white flags and the magnificent elms that shaded them. I saw Rufus Wanning with his head bowed and his large hands clasped behind his back. In his humble stance, I thought about how his impulse to save trees is the same impulse to offer his land as a place of peace. And how the third death, the spiritual death that accompanies the act of forgetting must be extended to the remembrance of beloved lands as well as loved ones....I heard the voice of Edward Abbey, another American who told the truth, "Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul."

Let us all create memorials with the purpose of honoring all the fallen and stopping this war so no new memorial markers are needed.

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What does 2000 look like?

Great flash movie with Pink Floyd background music will show you what 2,000 looks like. Moving.

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God Spoke to W?

"When The President Talks To God" by Bright Eyes

When the president talks to God
Are the conversations brief or long?
Does he ask to rape our women�s' rights
And send poor farm kids off to die?
Does God suggest an oil hike
When the president talks to God?

When the president talks to God
Are the consonants all hard or soft?
Is he resolute all down the line?
Is every issue black or white?
Does what God say ever change his mind
When the president talks to God?

When the president talks to God
Does he fake that drawl or merely nod?
Agree which convicts should be killed?
Where prisons should be built and filled?
Which voter fraud must be concealed
When the president talks to God?

When the president talks to God
I wonder which one plays the better cop
We should find some jobs. the ghetto's broke
No, they're lazy, George, I say we don't
Just give 'em more liquor stores and dirty coke
That's what God recommends

When the president talks to God
Do they drink near beer and go play golf
While they pick which countries to invade
Which Muslim souls still can be saved?
I guess god just calls a spade a spade
When the president talks to God

When the president talks to God
Does he ever think that maybe he's not?
That that voice is just inside his head
When he kneels next to the presidential bed
Does he ever smell his own bullshit
When the president talks to God?

I doubt it

I doubt it

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Third suspect arrested in NYC terror threat

NYC Terror threat, San Fran alerts, green sodas, Washington Monument shut down....Perfect timing? Took many eyes off Rove's testimonies, DeLay, Frist, W's declining polls, the madness of the regime....

Smoke and mirrors...diversions...f***ing magic.

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God Told Me to Write This

Hey. Don't blame me for these words. Just like W, I am driven. But unlike W, my God isn't looking for blood.

President George Bush has claimed he was told by God to invade Iraq and attack Osama bin Laden's stronghold of Afghanistan as part of a divine mission to bring peace to the Middle East, security for Israel, and a state for the Palestinians... "I feel God's words coming to me: 'Go get the Palestinians their state and get the Israelis their security, and get peace in the Middle East.' And by God, I'm gonna do it."

I wonder if God told W to screw with Mother Earth too?

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Correct Yourself Uncle Dick

Seems Cheney is warning us that the war on terror may take decades - Remember the Hundred Year War? Well he is wrong!

Unless of course they figure out a way to coronate W as the new King George. If not, this senseless war and disastrous foreign policy will last until January 20, 2009 (Inaguration Day of a sensible president-elect who seeks peace - if I have any say).

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US awaits 'change of behaviour' from Syria

'change of behaviour' means "regime overthrown."

"What we're interested in seeing is change of behavior in Syria," US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters here.
The spokesman was quizzed after the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported US officials have held talks with Israeli counterparts about the prospect of a regime change in Damascus and possible successors to President Bashar al-Assad.
Israeli government sources quoted by the Haaretz daily said senior American officials had expressed interest in Israel's assessment of possible successors to Assad, asking them who they believed could maintain regional stability.
Asked about the reported contacts with Israel on Syria, McCormack replied:"No, I can't confirm any such discussions. Again, I have no information that there were any such discussions."

It is one thing for Pat Robertson to talk about "taking out" a leader. But for legitimate (?) government officials to do it sounds like terrorism - doesn't it? I hope some nation doesn't attack us because of our threats and WMDes.

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What's Wrong With Cutting and Running?

Gen. (ret.) William E. Odom writes a long piece on pulling out.

If I were a journalist, I would list all the arguments that you hear against pulling U.S. troops out of Iraq, the horrible things that people say would happen, and then ask: Aren't they happening already? Would a pullout really make things worse? Maybe it would make things better.

He lists 9 counter argument then concisely and expertly refutes those arguments.

The wisest course for journalists might be to begin sustained investigations of why leading Democrats have failed so miserably to challenge the U.S. occupation of Iraq. The first step, of course, is to establish as conventional wisdom the fact that the war was never in the U.S.' interests and has not become so. It is such an obvious case to make that I find it difficult to believe many pundits and political leaders have not already made it repeatedly.

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Bush speech to crank up Iraq message

Hmmm, what could W say to convince us?

PRESIDENT George W. Bush will attempt to rally Americans wavering on Iraq with a speech which his senior aides have said will be "significant".
Faced with raging violence in Iraq, a US death toll fast approaching 2,000 troops and rising domestic angst over the course of the war, the Bush national security team is telling Americans that now is not the time to quit.
Bush aides have argued for months it is better to fight the "terrorists" like Al-Qaeda's Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, in Iraq, than on American streets after fresh devastating terror attacks in Iraq this past week.
The administration is now bolstering that warning by fleshing out what they see as the perils in leaving before enough Iraqi troops can be trained to enforce security.

FEAR. That works for some. In my book, "We are pulling our troops out immediately..." works much better.

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Rustle the Leaf

 Thanks to Rustle the Leaf.

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Israelis urge U.S. to stop Iran's nuke goals...

or they will do it.

The United States and its allies must act to stop Iran's nuclear programs -- by force if necessary -- because conventional diplomacy will not work, three senior Israeli lawmakers from across the political spectrum warned yesterday.
As a last resort, they said, Israel itself would act unilaterally to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear arms.
Iran will not be deterred "by anything short of a threat of force," said Arieh Eldad, a member of Israel's right-wing National Union Party, part of a delegation of Knesset members visiting Washington this week.

So if W and his regime isn't turning up the heat, someone else is - I can see W orchestrating this message.

And then of course there is Syria. Don't worry, we haven't forgotten you.

Bush's national security team is due to meet Saturday to review policy toward Syria, the officials said. Options range from tougher economic sanctions to limited military action. One official involved in the deliberations said military action is unlikely for now.

Don't you just love it. "Unlikely for now", but later - that is another story.

Here's a plan - Israel bombs Iran, we bomb Syria - then we all kiss our asses goodbye.

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