Why Does Bush hate the troops?

President Bush is set to veto a Defense spending bill. The bill includes a pay raise for soldiers and money for veteran health care.

One question. Why does President Bush and the other republiCON lawmakers who voted against the bill hate the troops so much?

Where's the Constitution?

A damaging fire broke out yesterday in one of Vice President Dick Cheney's offices. Some speculate the fire started when the VP's paper shredder shorted out. Heaven knows what's being shredded in those offices.

Hey, has anyone checked on the whereabouts of the Constitution and Bill of Rights lately?

Do Conservative Bibles include Matthew 6:5 and Luke 6:42?

Campaigning in Iowa for the republiCON presidential nomination, Mike Huckabee publicly touts his faith and describes himself as a Christian leader.



Meanwhile, in response to an attack by Huckabee on his Mormon faith, Slick Mitt Romney stated "I think attacking someone's religion is really going too far. It's not the American way." What Slick didn't say is unless one is a secularist, which Romney believes are followers of a new religion, then commendation is justified.

Strange. Its as if Huckabee and Romney haven't read Jesus' statements on public expressions of faith and removing the plank from ones own eye before questioning the beliefs of another.

Conservatives: Shifting Values or No Short Term Memory

It's quickly becoming apparent, either CONServatives don't believe in anything save their drive to retain political power or they have no short term memory.

Take CNN's conservative blow hard Glen Beck for example. He recently interviewed Slick Mitt Romney, questioning the former governor on what should be done about states and municipalities who don't share the CONServative world view on illegal immigration.



Romney's response is typical knee jerk republiCON, punish those states and communities which don't kowtow to the CONServative position by consolidating power within the federal government. Note Glennie Boy didn't challenge Romeny's lust for more federal control of local matters, rather he immediately moved onto a question about his fear over the loss of American sovereignty.

Glen's apparent agreement on the positives of more federal power is shocking given his take on the matter during his Mike Huckabee interview. (Fast forward to the 7:47 position.)




Notice Glen is now apparently incensed with the growth of federal power, mentioning the rise of several state session movements and asks Huckabee "how we correct" the problem of federal power consolidation.

So Glen (and other CONS) which is it? Is CON lust to retain power so great, that its leaders and spokesmen flip flop on supposed core values? Or have they simply lost their short term memory, clearly forgetting previous conflicting positions on important matters like the benefits of federal power? Either way, CON leadership doesn't bode well for America's long term prospects.

Karl Rove's Extra Spin Cycle

Karl Rove is either losing his mind or thinks the American public is a bunch of chumps. Get this. Mr. spinmister recently made the assertion it was Congress that drove the country to war in 2002. Wow!



Forgetting for a moment it was administration officials such as Condi Rice and Dick Cheney who beat the war drums throughout 2001 and 2002, Rove actually blames former Senator Tom Daschle for the nation's rush to war. Rove seems oblivious to the fact the republiCONS controlled Congress when the Iraq war resolution passed. And as such it was the republiCONS, not Senator Daschle who had the power to slow down the race to war.

But a simple fact won't deter Karl. Rather, it probably won't be long before the spinmister claims Democrats were actually in charge of Congress at the start of the war. But why stop at merely blaming the Democrats for the war? Karl's real aim seems to be Bush's complete exoneration of any responsibility for the Iraq quagmire. So look for Karl soon after Georgie leaves office in 2009, to place total blame for the war on the left by not only claiming the Democrats were in charge of Congress when the first bombs fell on Baghdad, but more importantly Bush wasn't even President at the time.

Another Week, Another Romney Gaffe

Slick Mitt Romney has put his foot in his mouth again. This time he's insulted all Islamic Americans by stating that their small percentage of the population would bar them for consideration in his presidential cabinet.

Muslims represent roughly 1 percent of the United States population. By comparison Mormons make up about 1.8 percent. If Muslims are barred from Romney's cabinet because of their small numbers, by that logic we probably shouldn't expect to see many latter day saints, farmers (1 percent of the population), multi millionaires (less than 1 percent), fortune 500 CEOs, former right wing Congressmen, retired generals, economists, etc. in the cabinet either.

If Romney goes with the averages, his cabinet will be stuffed with people who are overweight, get their news information from Saturday Night Live or MTV and own pink lawn flamingos.

Romney: Don't put up [virtual] walls around America. Real ones are fine, however.

Slick Mitt Romney is at it again. Just yesterday Slick was in the Pacific Northwest talking the benefits of free trade. Specifically, Slick stated trade barriers hurt the country. "Don't put up walls around America," he begged.

This is odd since during a trip to Southern California this last summer, Slick held a news conference on immigration just a stones throw from the nation's southern border fence. According to the online version of the San Diego Union Tribune, Romney didn't call for tearing down this wall. Wonder why?

So, Slick opposes virtual walls around America because of their supposed negative impact upon the economy, but supports real ones with known damaging impacts to the environment, wildlife and the economy. Sounds like typical republiCON double speak.

CONS can't tell the truth about climate change because . . .

Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) went to the Senate floor the other day to rail against media types that question his position on climate change.



Inhofe states the reason why "more members of the House and the Senate [don't] tell the truth about climate change" is because of name calling and threats by people like Anderson Cooper. Say what!?!

Putting aside Senator Inhofe's apparent habit of reaching policy positions based on taunts, his speech seems to be an inadvertent admission that he's not telling the truth about climate change. And CONS wonder why more people are rejecting the GOP's leadership.

Last Throes or Just Getting Started?

Remember back in June of 2005 when Vice President Dick Cheney said this about the ongoing violence and death in Iraq:

"I think we may well have some kind of presence there over a period of time. The level of activity that we see today from a military standpoint, I think, will clearly decline. I think they're in the last throes, if you will, of the insurgency."

Well now the Department of Defense reports that 2007 is the deadliest year of the Iraq war. Even though there are roughly two months left in the year, more than 850 American GIs have been killed, surpassing the previous record set in 2004.

If this is the last throes, one hates to think what an active insurgency would do.

Red States Running Purple

The news for the republiCONS just keeps going from bad to grim. Besides what appears to be the daily revelations regarding GOP closeted homosexual activity, the retirement of another prominent CON, or the stepping down of an advisor with a criminal past, we find this gem. It seems trends in several Senate races are breaking for the Democrats. In fact, Democrats are leading or tied in 5 of 7 Senate races currently held by CONS.

This is bad for the GOP on a several fronts. First, the Senate is evenly split with 49 Democrats and 49 CONS. The two Democrat leaning independents tip the balance to the left. If the Democrats take five of the current CON seats, they will open up a ten vote majority, bringing them ever closer to a filibuster proof number. In fact, winning just a couple of these seats would have the added bonus of eliminating Joe Lieberman's power as a swing vote.

Yet, more importantly Democratic Senate candidates are polling very well in traditional red states like Virginia, New Mexico and Colorado. This has got to be a source of GOP nightmares. A Democrat will likely be in the White House come January 2009, if he/she wins just two of these states and holds the others Kerry got in 2004.

A Democrat in the White House, with a ten vote majority in the Senate, and who knows how many seats in the House, the country is looking a darker shade of purple every day.

Bush's Phony Government

So the Bush administration's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in the news again. Everyone remembers FEMA for the bang up job they did with hurricane Katrina. Well now they held a phony press conference touting the outstanding job they are doing with the California fires. Problem is the supposed reporters present were FEMA employees, while real reporters on the phone were not allowed to ask questions. Oops!



Phony elections, phony press conferences, phony science, phony reasons for war, phony compassion. Does anyone else see a Bush government pattern of behavior?

Fuzzy Economic Math, Con Style!

On Chris Matthew's show over the weekend, Washington Post reporter Kathleen Parker blames Democratic state leadership for the downturn in the economy. To support her statement, Kathleen notes the average U.S. unemployment rate is 4 percent (its actually roughly 4.4) and points to Michigan's high unemployment rate (7.4) as evidence that Democrats are to blame for our bad economic state. Putting aside the fact that the manufacturing industry has laid off thousands in Michigan, it's funny Kathleen doesn't mention that five of the seven states with the worst unemployment are run by republiCONS. Further, in those states that have worse unemployment rates than the national average, Democratic states run 5.1% unemployment while CON states are over 5.7%. It would appear CON management of state economies is worse than their Democrat counterparts. Odd Kathleen didn't mention this.

The Republic isn't over until we say it is!

New York Times columnist Paul Krugman on Bill Maher's Real Time stated the republic would be over if it weren't for Bush's ineptitude. Paul is half correct. While President Bush's incompetence has minimized the damage to nation, the real reason the republic is holding on is because average Americans like a caller to CSPAN who confronts Rep. Trent Franks , or the Rep. Joe Knollenberg constituent who is demanding accountability from his elected official, or the hundreds of people who showed up at a Brian Baird town hall meeting, or the Frost family who want health care for all needy children aren't ready to give it up.

The country isn't over until the people say it is and that drives the CONS nuts. Keep up the good work everyone.

EXTRA: Get your the Republic Isn't over tee-shirt right here.

Fishwifey: Badge of Honor?

RepubliCON hack Cheri Jacobus described Senator Hillary Clinton's response to a question about her recent vote on Iran as "fishwifey," "shrill," and "thin skinned." The implication is obvious: Senator Clinton is defensive, desperate and irrational. In other words, unfit to lead.

Fine. By this standard most of the republiCON field is disqualified. Take cranky John McCain for example. He called a student a "jerk" for merely having the temerity to ask the longtime public official about his fitness to lead the nation. It appears Arizona's junior Senator is a bit too "thin skinned" to be president. Or how about bumbling Fred Thompson. Freddy had to drag applause out of a recent campaign audience. Smacks of desperation. And then there's Willard "Slick" Romeny who insulted average Americans by stating that his five sons don't have to serve in the military because they are serving on his campaign. Talk about irrational.

It's clear as to why republiCON hacks attack Hillary and the rest of the Democratic field, run from the Bush record and fail to talk up their candidates, they know their guys are in trouble. Every stone thrown by a CON at a Democrat illustrates the GOP's fear and confirms the Democratic nominee will be the one to beat next year.

Keep slinging CONS!

Coulter's Joke or Coulter is a Joke

Is it a day ending in Y? Then Ann Coulter must be saying something stupid. And of course she doesn't disappoint. It seems Ann can't understand why someone hasn't thrown down a fatwa on her. For those who don't know, a fatwa is similar to a legal opinion, issued by a Islamic law scholar. Back in 1988 Salman Rushdie released Satanic Verses and received a fatwa calling for his death. Ann whines if Rushdie got a one, why can't she?

That's simple.

No one in the United States takes Ann seriously anymore, so why should she be surprised to find out no one in the Islamic world does either?

Although, since Ann has become such a joke, it's possible she could get someone to throw another one of these at her.

Extra: Be sure to check out the our Fatwa the Clown tee-shirts. They can be found here.

Ted's Bill Coming Due

Alaska republiCON Senator Ted Stevens just gets in deeper and deeper. Federal officials are investigating possible corruption of the Senator by oil executives. Specifically, investigators are looking into who paid for renovations of Senator Stevens house. Bill Allen, former chief executive for VECO an oil services company, already admitted he spent more than $400,000 to bribe Alaska state legislators. Raa rhoa!

However, it gets worse. Mr. Allen also paid for work on Senator Stevens' house in the ski resort town of Girdwood. Bill said VECO paid at least two contractors, a plumber and a carpenter, for work on the house.

Senator Stevens emphatically maintains he's paid every bill submitted to him with his own money. Sounds good right? Yet, just like Senator Larry Craig's I'm sorry for what I caused apology, Ted's statement is classic CON misdirection. For the question isn't whether the good Senator paid every bill given to him, but rather was he given every bill. If not, Ted has a lot of explaining to do.

That's What Rudolph Finds Disgusting?

Earlier today former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani called Moveon.org's ad questioning General Pateraus' honesty regarding the Iraq war "one of the more disgusting things that has happened in American politics."

Really? An ad? An ad in which American citizens exercise their god given inalienable right to seek answers from a government official. This is what Rodolph considers "disgusting?" Mr. Giuliani obviously isn't a student of American history. If he was, he'd know our past is chock full of far more disgusting things than the moveon.org ad.

What would that be? How about then Governor George Bush's whisper effort during the 2000 campaign regarding the race of one of Senator John McCain's children for starters? Gee, wonder where the Bushies got the idea to attack an opponent's child?

Don't like this example of disgusting politics, well who could forget the swift boat veterans for truth and their smear job on Senator John Kerry's war record, or President Richard Nixon's cover up of the break in at the Headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, or even Senator Joseph McCarthy's witch hunts? Hell, Vice President Aaron Burr actually shot and killed one of his political rivals. Talk about crude politics!

Even a cursory study of American history shows its politics to be a very rough business. If Rudolph can't stomach a simple ad, then he clearly doesn't have the constitution to be President.

Not So Sorry Charlie

It was another tough week for the republiCONS, further dimming their fleeting hopes of holding the White House and taking back Congress in 2008. First, Larry Craig is outed as having plead guilty to playing footsie with an undercover cop in the Minneapolis airport. A week later he's forced from the Senate. Immediately preceding the news of Craig's bathroom romp, Alberto Gonzales is forced to step down. In fact, we just learned Alberto's wife convinced him to resign. If true, Mrs. Gonzales did the nation a great service. Follow these two stories with Senator John Warner's announcement of his "retirement," the continued investigation of Ted Stevens for corruption and the GOP's 2008 prospects got very bleak.

Other CONS such as Arlen Specter are recognizing the hopelessness of their situation and are forced to defend the likes of Senator Craig. So much for the law and order party.

However, CONS probably believe its Rubicon position is due to bad luck, rather than their arrogance and lust for power. Craig himself seems to have thought he'd get away with his illegal behavior and intimidate a police office by flashing his Senate business card and stating "What do you think of that?" Thankfully, the young officer appears more committed to the law than does the 3 term Idaho Senator.

In his resignation speech, Craig apologized for what he had caused. Thinking Americans noted the Senator's classic CON speak in that he took no personal responsibility for his crime. Rather, he's only sorry for the fire storm his guilty plea kicked up.

Over the past seven years "sorry for what we caused" has become the patronizing GOP mantra. The CONS aren't sorry for damage their policies have wrought. Instead they're sorry their incompetent governing hasn't worked out as predicted. If there is a silver lining to this mess, it doesn't look like the CONS have learned anything from the events of the last week. In fact the CONS are likely to carry the "not so sorry sorry" into the presidential election. If they do, their candidate may be apologizing to the party faithful for the debacle he causes in next November's election.

EXTRA!!! Be the first on your block to get your own Larry Craig "I'm not gay!" tee-shirt. Get it today!

Rush to Rewrite

Breaking News! According to a report by Reuters, someone has been using Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee computers (say that three times fast) to alter Rush Limbaugh's Wikipedia page. Specifically, text was added describing him as "idiotic," a "racist" and a "bigot." Wonder where they got those ideas? Maybe when he made statements like those here, here and here. So, in other words someone at the DCCC has a low image of the old gas bag. Nooooo! Ya think? However, the real mystery here isn't who made the changes to Viagra boy's web page, but rather why they didn't make them sooner.

Back to Transylvania?

Karl Rove announced today he'll resign his post at the White House the end of the month. Asked if Congressional investigations are driving him from nation's capitol, Karl stated "that sounds like the rooster claiming to have called up the sun."

Mr. Rove can joke, but lawmakers are shining a strong light on his corrupt, and potentially treasonous tenure in Washington. The end result may land him in prison and it's apparent Karl's response to the new day in DC is less like a rooster and more like Dracula.

RepubliCONS: Sexual Healing Thyself

The Washington State GOP is calling upon the state legislature to open a special session to deal with sex offenders. About time! In fact, they should start with their own party which seems replete with sexual deviants. Bringing the likes of Republican Louisiana Senator David Vitter, former Florida Representative Mark Foley, Florida State Representative Bob Allen, North Carolina State Representative David Almond, and Former Utah County Commissioner David J. Gardner just to name a few to justice should keep the Washington GOP busy for years.

Proper Politicization?

During yesterday's congressional hearing into the firing of Justice department prosecutors, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales promised he "will not tolerate any improper politicization of this department." One question: Is there proper politicization of the Justice department?

Hey RepubliCONS! Can you Hear 'Em Now!

If the republiCON race for the presidential nomination could be described as a sound it would be a cacophony. A noisy shriek made by candidates who struggle to remain relevant, raise money, or fend off bad press.

Take Mitt Romney. His bleat is starting to run out of wind. In the first quarter money race, Romney came in with a staggering $25 million. However, in the preceding quarter his haul dropped to $21 million. Still seemingly impressive, however hidden in these numbers is a nearly $7 million loan Romney gave to his own campaign. Subtracting this self-love, Romney actually came in second to Guiliani and well behind the leading Democrats. Speaking of self-love, Romney appears to be caught up in a porn scandal that threatens to tar his family values image. It appears slick's opposition to porn doesn’t include smut that makes money for the corporations he used to serve.

The recent noise coming out of the Guiliani campaign wasn't good either. Most notably Rudy's ability to select quality people to run government or work for his campaign was once again called into question. First, it was his pick for Homeland Security Secretary who was hounded by allegations of infidelity, sexual harassment and mob ties. Next, Guiliani's South Carolina chair was busted for distributing cocaine. Now his southern regional chair admits to soliciting prostitutes. Makes one wonder who Rudolph would put in Departments like Health and Human Services.

Meanwhile, McCain's campaign sounds a lot like the battle to sink the Bismarck and appears to have suffered as many hits and headed for the same fate. His campaign is nearly broke, losing staff and like Guilliani, has an accused john chairing one of his states. Sorry Senator, but its time to abandon ship!

As for the bottom tier candidates, their whimpers are fading. Jim Gilmore just threw in the towel. The governor must have seen the writing on the wall, heck a google search shows him sharing headlines with a recently cancelled TV show.

It's just a matter of time until other republiCONS also hear the bell toll. Although, some candidates seem to have been made deaf to and by the incessant ringing of their dying campaigns. What Fun!

National Security Guess Work

Just the other day Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff warned the world that Al Qaeda is on the rise again and could attack the U.S. anytime. He based his prediction of an Al Qaeda summer of mayhem and terror not on crack spies, mysterious intercepts, or our "guests" at Gitmot but rather on his gut.

Yet today, Chertoff is down playing the Al Qaeda threat. I guess Michael's gut feeling was actually food poisoning?

Fast forward to this afternoon, a Bush Administration report states Al Qaeda is back and at its greatest strength since 9/11. Ever get the feeling these guys make it up as they go?

Here's a little advice for the Bush security team, get your room full of palm readers, fortune tellers, astrologists, oracles, and dowsers to reach consensus before announcing anymore terror alerts. Funny the Bush soothsayers didn't see the cluster f@#! their back and forth prognosticating would create.

Scooter Skips

President Bush commuted the sentence of Scooter Libby, a man convicted of lying to federal investigators and obstructing justice. Bush erased the 30 month jail term, calling it too severe. So, Scooter will do less time than Paris Hilton.

Bush claims the remaining sentence (a felony conviction, probation and $250,000 fine) is harsh enough. But, what he doesn't mention is Scooter's buds (read Dick Cheney) are likely to pick up the fine, while the President can erase the felony conviction at any time, most likely after the 2008 election.

Whitehouse waterboy Tony Snow said the president didn't grant a full pardon out of respect to the jury system. Give us a break! Follow up question for waterboy. Since a pardon can't be ruled out and the president "respects" the jury's decision, what justification would Bush use to grant a full pardon now or ever?

The President's commutation statement doesn't mention the deterrent value of this action. Perhaps that's because it doesn't contain any. A convicted felon was given a get out of jail free card, one doesn't have to wonder what message this sends to the rest of the administration's political hacks and the inevitable lawlessness the remaining 19 months of the Bush Presidency holds.

Don't Care About Dick

Over the past six and a half years, Vice President Dick Cheney has been busy wrecking the nation by blocking the people's right to know about government business, undermining national security, lying about ties between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda and pushing hair brained constitutional theories. However, he's also found time to meddle with Oregon stream flows, the legal status of fish and thrillcraft operation in national parks. As a result, the Bush/Cheney approval ratings are roughly 3 points below freezing. BRRRR!

What's the VEEP's response to the public's rejection of his work? He doesn't care.

Well he may soon care, for it looks like Dick will have a lot less money and free time to pursue his pet projects in the near future.

Fox News and Accuracy: Not So Much

Accurately reporting the facts seems a low priority at Fox News. Case in point, Fox has repeatedly identified republicans and democrats incorrectly. Most notably Fox identified Mark Foley as a Democrat. Mr. Foley, we all remember, is the republican lawmaker from Florida drummed out of office for inappropriate behavior with congressional pages. Later, Fox switched party affiliations for the two candidates in the 2006 Rhode Island Senate race, leaving the impression the republican was leading.

However, it appears quality control isn't high on Fox's to do list either. Just this last week, Fox ran a story about the criminal indictment of Representative William Jefferson (D-LA). Problem is the video accompanying the segment showed Representative John Conyers (D-MI), rather than Jefferson. Oops! Conyers was none to happy and demanded Fox apologize.

Fox News blamed the error on a young assistant picking up the wrong tape. So . . . it's not common practice for Fox employees to read video labels before its placed on air? Yikes!

Funny how Fox's quality control errors always seem to come at the expense of Democrats. Perhaps Democrats are justified in shunning Fox's offer to host a Presidential debate. God knows what images they would run during the broadcast.

Campaign Advice from Dummies

Republican stuffed shirt Rick Santorum was on Fox TV over the Memorial Day holiday bashing John Edwards' presidential campaign. Slick Rickie implied Edwards' anti-war stance is a tactic to get past his campaign mistakes.

Fox couldn't have picked a better person to talk about running a mistake-filled campaign. Between Rickie's foot in mouth statements on privacy rights, his flip-flop on the teaching of intelligent design in public schools, and the question regarding his Pennsylvania residency, Santorum's 2006 Senate run was a bungled folly. Santourm offering counsel on how to win elections is like the captain of the Exxon Valdez giving safe boating tips.

Given Santorum's crushing defeat last November, Edwards would be smart to do the opposite of anything Santorum advises.

Iraq Exploding with Success

During the revolutionary war, America defined victory as independence from British tyranny. The civil war it was preservation of the union and destruction of the institution of slavery. Crushing fascist dreams of world domination was the goal in World War II.

Today, American war success isn't defined by grand goals such as independence, preserving the union, or crushing Nazi plans. Rather, President Bush says it's "not no violence" in Iraq. What? Not no violence is what America has spent precious lives, billions of dollars and our national prestige fighting for in Iraq these past four years.

If "not no violence" is now the measure of success, it appears we've arrived at our Iraqi equivalent of Yorktown, Appomattox, Berlin or Tokyo in just the past couple of days. Evidence of our victory can be found here, here, here, here, also here, and this one too, oh yeah and here.

Odd, victory doesn't seem so sweet.

Democrats, Beware Luntz's Praise

Frank Luntz makes his living manipulating words and phrases for maximum political impact. Urging candidates to use terms such as "death tax" to describe what is more accurately an "inheritance tax" is an example of his type of work. The beneficiaries of Frankie's efforts are often conservative, right wing candidates and causes.

So it was a surprise to see Frankie on CSPAN late last month saying nice things about Democratic Senator Barak Obama. It seems, Luntz likes Obama because he's running for President while providing a "positive vision" for America.

At first blush this appears to be rare Luntz praise for a liberal candidate. But when one remembers Frankie's work is to spin words for political affect, the comments are seen as a none to subtle slap at the remaining Democratic field, as well as all liberal voters.

How so?

Luntz's statement clearly implies the other Democratic Presidential contenders lack a positive vision for the country. In fact, during the CSPAN debate Luntz contrasted Obama's campaign with candidates like Hillary Clinton who in his opinion are running mainly on "anger." Frankie’s hidden message is clear, every Democrat save Obama is an angry, dangerous person who must not be President.

However, besides insulting the Democratic field, Luntz's faint praise for Obama also contains the potential to smear all liberal voters. Luntz clearly knows Obama may not win the Democratic nomination. If this happens, he'll likely spin the result as progressive voters' rejection of a positive future for one based on hatred and anger. In the process, he will have tared the Democratic nominee as someone picked for his/her anger toward conservatives, Bush, republicans, the troops, America, etc. Again the message is clear, the Democratic nominee is someone who should not be President.

Well two can play Luntz's game.

Ron Paul is by far the best republican candidate. From the last two republican debates, its obvious Ron is the conservative providing a sane vision for the country.

Thrown into the Brier Patch

In the movie Song of the South, the hero Brer Rabbit uses reverse psychology to escape the clutches of his enemies Brer Fox and Brer Bear. In the story, Fox and Bear have caught Rabbit after years of pursuit. Yet before they eat Rabbit, Fox and Bear discuss with Rabbit their cooking preparations. Skinning and boiling are two of the grizzly fates that await Brer Rabbit. Surprisingly, Brer Rabbit is calm when confronted with these futures. In fact, Rabbit welcomes being skinned, but begs Fox and Bear not to throw him in the brier patch, a dense thicket of branches studded with thorns and barbs. Rabbit continues, by all means boil me but don't throw me in the brier patch.

However, Song of the South viewers quickly understand Rabbit wants to be thrown into the brier patch. Fox and Bear being somewhat mentally challenged, fall for Rabbit's trick and chuck him into the patch. Rabbit lands singing "born and bred in the brier patch" leaving Fox and Bear dumbfounded as their meal escapes through the tangle of branches.


Unfortunately, George Bush should have been reading Song of the South rather than My Pet Goat when America was attacked on 9/11. If he had, the United States might be on its way to "escaping" the Iraqi brier patch.

Case in point, in a recent statement Al Quaeda's number two man Ayman al Zawahiri trashed the bill passed by Congress setting a timetable for the pullout of U.S. troops in Iraq. Calling the bill evidence of American "failure."

RepubliCONS and other right-wing hacks pounced on Zawahiri's statements in an attempt to paint Democrats as playing into Al Quaeda's hands. "See," they say, "Pulling our troops out is exactly what our enemies want. We must stay in Iraq."

Yet, Zawahiri's statement should strike most thinking adults as akin to Brer rabbit's cry "Don't Throw me in the brier patch!" Zawahiri wants America to stay in Iraq and take more causalities. Like Brer Fox and Brer Bear, President Bush threw Zawhairi back into the patch when he vetoed the timetable bill. Sadly, American troops will likely pay for the President's lack of a well read childhood.

It's the GUN, Stupid!

As the nation mourns its worst mass shooting, media talking heads are again asking "What type of person would do this?" Sadly, the media is unlikely to give us any deeper analysis than it was the work of an angry lone nut. Moreover, we are likely to be told it's an isolated incident. So, other than grieving and lowering the flags there isn't much more we as a nation can do to prevent these disasters. Unfortunately, the past several years there seems to be no shortage of angry lone nuts willing at attack schools and shopping malls.

Yet, many are beginning to question whether the isolated "mad loner" theory fully explains the phenomena. Why is it we never read about knife wielding wackos or crossbow armed madmen killing scores? What is the media overlooking when it asks "What type of person would do this?"

What could it be, what could it be?

Someone armed with a GUN?

Ding, Ding, Ding!

Like mixing alcohol and driving, the combination of an unstable person and easy access to firearms seems to increase the chance of disaster. Unfortunately, until the country finds a solution addressing both parts of the problem, mass shootings will continue.

Some are starting to see the light, questioning the cost of our nation's gun laws. Organizations such as the Brady Campaign to Prevent Handgun Violence are working hard to make the Blacksburg shooting the last. Give them your support.

Romney Shoots and Misses?

"Slick" Mitt Romney is at it again, making crazy claims about his past in order to win the republican presidential nomination. This time Slick asserts he's a "lifelong" hunter. "I've been a hunter pretty much all my life," Slick recently told a New Hampshire resident. Problem is Romney's only been hunting twice, once when he was 15 and then again when he turned 60. Other than being in a committed marriage, (sorry John and Rudolph) or on rare occasion kicking an addiction, most thinking Americans know it often takes more than two attempts to call oneself a lifelong anything.

Slick clearly thinks gun voters are gullible hicks who can be bought off with a couple of hunting trips (the last taking place in a fenced game preserve) and a $1000 donation to the NRA. Hmm. . . perhaps the one G is why the NRA is surprisingly quiet on Romney's claim that two hunts is the minimum necessary to become a lifelong hunter.

If Slick has bought off the NRA for so little, maybe he believes he's accurately dialed his sights in on the gun voter. It remains to be seen if gun voters reject Slick's pandering and make themselves a moving target or sell out their values and offer themselves up to him as sitting ducks.

Republican Cluster F*#@!

The republican race for president is becoming quite a mess. Combining last week's Gallop/USA Today Presidential poll with yesterday's first quarter campaign fundraising numbers, we see a republican field with major problems.

Let's start with Giuliani who had a tough week. First as conservatives learn more about Rudolph's background, his judgement, and political stances his poll numbers drop like a stone. The Gallop poll saw his number fall more than 13 points in just two weeks. Ouch! At that rate, he'll be out of the race in little more than a month. This sagging support meant mediocre contributions. Putting him far behind Willard "Slick" Romney. All this has "the Mayor" somewhat unhinged and defensive.

John McCain is in even tougher straits. His poll numbers plateaued at roughly 20 percent and he came in a disappointing third in the money race. Like Giuliani, McCain is starting to reek of desperation. He is looking for any spark to jump start his campaign, even one that put hundreds of US soldiers in harms way.

Then there's Romney. Old Willard had to choke on his lunch when Gallop revealed he's convinced just three 3 percent of the country he should be the next President. Three percent! That's within the poll's margin of error, which could mean Willard is actually appealing to no one. On the flip side, he sucked in over the past three months a mighty $23 million for his campaign. That has got to be the richest 3 percent in the country. Romney is obviously going after the Bush base.

Meanwhile, Newt's star is fading and Brownback, Tancredo, and Huckabee can't even get off the launching pad. Finally, Fred Thompson's poll numbers went from zero to 12 points in the last 14 days. Impressive for someone who isn't even running. Just shows how desperate the republican base is becoming given the current slate of official candidates. Unfortunately, for thespian Thompson, he's now down $23 million to Romney.

What fun!

Bushies to America: Do as I say!

This past week, the Senate passed a $122 billion Iraq War spending bill. In most years, a multi billion war appropriation would have republicans wetting their pants with joy. However, this bill contains a provision requiring the withdrawal of most U.S. forces by March of 2008. This has our fearless leader incensed. We expect there to be no strings on our on-the-ground personnel he says. The basic gist of the argument is that people in the field have a better understanding of problems and a greater appreciation for how best to solve them. While this logic overlooks the fact that Congress does have Constitutional oversight authority over the executive branch, it does have some validity. People closer to the problems, often know best how to solve them.

However, the no strings requirement doesn't seem to apply to state side civil servants. Nor does the bar on meddling in local decisions pertain to Bush administration politicos. In fact, Bush lackeys not only second guess the professional judgement of "on-the-ground" federal personnel, they appear empowered to overturn decisions that conflict with the Bush admin's questionable world view. Case in point, Julie A. MacDonald, a political hack in the Interior department repeatedly altered the scientific field reports of professional land managers to the detriment of endangered species. Ms. MacDonald made these changes despite the fact that she has no, repeat that NO formal education in natural sciences. In other words, she lacks any qualification to second guess the judgement of wildlife managers. But according to the administration this is totally hunky dory.

In a nutshell, Bushies think Congress' Constitutional oversight of local managers is bad, while meddling by political appointees in the work of stateside local managers is good. Go figure.

HAF Wits: Hating Americans since at least the McCarthy Era

Well the "Hate Americans First" (HAF) crowd is at it again. No its not the people Fox News and other neocons would have you believe. Rather the HAF Wits include the likes of Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell both of whom blamed American citizens for the September 11th attacks. It also includes CNN's Glen Beck who on national television questioned the allegiance of Keith Ellison, a democratically elected member of Congress. Now, Michael Savage a extreme right radio blowhard, solidified his place among the wits by claiming that terrorists are justified in attacking the United States because some Americans such as homosexuals and a female Senator dare exercise their God given right to participate in the democratic process.

Right wing nut jobs like Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh fall all over themselves to trash the likes of Sean Penn, Martin Shean or Susan Sarandon who rightfully question our government's course! Don't hold your breath about hearing similar condemnation of the HAF wits for blaming Americans for the nation's troubles.

Under New Scandal Management

Previous Presidents used various methods to deal with political scandals. Public relations blitzes, legal maneuvers, stonewalling, cover-up and/or ultimately time have all been employed by the executive office.

The Bush administration appears to have developed a new tactic for dealing with its scandals, even more scandal. In the past few days the Walter Reed disaster, the US Attorney firings, the Valerie Plame outing have all come to light, any of which would have politically devastated previous administrations.

Yet, the above have pushed other troubling revelations off the public's radar screen. We hear little about the Pentagon's assessment of Iraq sectarian violence, the FBI's patriot act violations, General Pace's homophobia, Scooter Libby's conviction, the Halliburton Dubai move, and the disarray in the Vice President's office which were part of the collective consciousness just days ago.

Given all we've seen the past several months, its anybody's guess what new scandal is in the wings to push this week's news out of the headlines. God help the United States!

General Pace, better vote Democrat!

Yesterday, Joint Chiefs Chairman Peter Pace told the Chicago Tribune that homosexuality and adultery are equivalent immoral acts. Pace went on to say that the Pentagon should not condone immoral behavior. One wonders if General Pace would serve under republican presidential pretenders John McCain, Rudolph Giuliani or Newt Gingrich. All three have admitted marital infidelity.

Ann's Tough Week

Ann Coulter, right wing hack, had a bad week. First, she drops the f-bomb during the CPAC convention, then a number of newspapers drop her. She tops off the past seven days with this editorial pile.

Ann's thesis is that with the Scooter Libby conviction it's now illegal to be a republican. The conviction, according to Ann, is a travesty of justice against all republicans and as such, Scooter should be pardoned. Curious the piece doesn't mention her own legal troubles. Ann might want to take a little advice. Instead of wasting time on her irrelevant ramblings, perhaps she should work on her own pardon petition.

No Pressure

Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) has really stepped into it. Specifically, Senator Domenici has admitted that he contacted U.S. Attorney David Iglesias last year about an ongoing corruption investigation that included at least one Democratic lawmaker. Domenici now regrets making the call, but categorically denies he pressured or threatened Iglesias on the course of action the investigation should take. Sounds simple, right?

Unfortunately, there is the little matter that in 2006 Senator Domenici called upon the Department of Justice to fire Mr. Iglesias. Oops, that doesn't look too good.

Senator Domenici alleges he made the call for removal long before he contacted the U.S. Attorney about his ongoing corruption investigation. Okay, this makes everything hunky dory again, right?

Unless . . . one considers that Senator Domenici now was in a position to significantly shape the investigation. How so? Well, it isn't too much of a stretch to imagine the Senator dropping his call for removal if say, the investigation went in a particular way. Gasp! Unfortunately for Mr. Iglesias he didn't change the investigation and ultimately was fired.

Congress has now gotten involved and hearings will begin Tuesday. Mr. Iglesias has been called to testify. Congress should ask the former U.S. Attorney if he felt Senator Domenici was asking him to alter his investigation in trade for his job. Unfortunately, it's unlikely the good Senator from New Mexico will be required to attend. Shame, it would be nice to see Mr. Domenici give his side of the story under a little pressure.

Katrina Take Two?

President Bush recently toured the tornado torn South exuding compassion for those who have had their lives turned upside down. The White House's new found compassion is an obvious response to its incompetent handling of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. While the President's walk among the people is touching, actual on-the-ground assistance is what is truly needed. People shouldn't hold their breath on fast action. More than a year after the Katrina disaster several areas of New Orleans including its 9th Ward still need debris and wreckage removed. Further, vital service such as gas and electricity have yet to be fully restored.

During his remarks to tornado survivors, President Bush stated "Out of this rubble will emerge a better tomorrow." Given the President's disastrous Iraq war, his response to Katrina and approach to issues such as climate change, many Americans are hoping the country will see a "better tomorrow" out of the rubble of this administration.

From GOP Reject to Presidential Candidate?

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, recently appeared on Fox News Sunday. During the interview, Chris Wallace asked Mr. Gingrich about a possible presidential run. Unfortunately, for Mr. Gingrich a new Fox poll found that more than 60% of the country will not vote for the former speaker. When asked about these high negatives, Mr. Gingrich blamed bad press and what he cryptically termed "some mistakes" during his time as speaker. By mistakes could he be referring to his disastrous decision to shut down the federal government in a pissing match with President Clinton? Or perhaps he means his ethics scandals or personal failures?

Regardless of whatever "mistakes" Mr. Gingrich is referring to, the Republican party forced him out of his leadership position after his handling of the misguided Clinton Impeachment, which ultimately led to Republican losses in the 1998 midterm elections.

Mr. Gingrich is dreaming if he thinks the country has forgotten his dismal House leadership. As such, any Gingrich presidential run would have to answer the following: if he wasn't good enough to lead his own party, why should Americans trust him to lead the country?

Romney's Blind Spot

Willard "Slick" Mitt Romney made it official, he's running for President. His campaign centers on transforming a broken system in Washington DC. In his announcement address, Mr. Romney put it bluntly "We have lost faith in government." Lucky for us he's riding to the rescue.

While Mr. Romney's speech was long on a vision of "innovation and transformation" to magically restore lost faith, his vision contains a significant blind spot. Mainly, he failed to identify even a single factor contributing to our nation's current state. Can Mr. Romney restore a nation's faith, if he doesn't see the reason for its loss?

How can it be Mr. Romney can't see the source of the problem? Perhaps its because he doesn't want to recognize the fact that for past six years the republican party, his party, has exercised nearly unlimited control of the country's executive, judicial, and legislative powers. What has America gotten from republican leadership? In Mr. Romney's words, a government "clogged with petty politics and stuffed with peddlers of influence."

In his announcement, Mr. Romney identifies the types of people (Washington insiders, non-governors, non-business owners) that are incapable of turning the situation around. He may want to add one more category to the list: member of the republican party.

Democratic Sizzle, Republican Fizzle!

With the announcement over the weekend of Senator Barack Obama's candidacy for the President, the Democratic field now appears set. What a field it is! Any one of the top three candidates (Clinton, Edwards, or Obama) would make a far better President than our current leader. Buzz surrounding the Democratic field has never been higher. See here, here, and here.

Compare that to the republicans' current slate of candidates. All have significant PR problems. The flip flopping duo of John McCain and Rudolph Giuliani are falling all over themselves to attract the extreme right vote. Good luck John and Rudolph playing the republican base for dupes. Meanwhile Willard "slick" Mitt Romney appears to have fallen off the radar screen, and finds it hard to convince party faithfuls he's their guy. As such, a lack excitement surrounding the republican field has them infighting to attract attention.

Bring on the campaign!

Will the real republicans please stand up?

You've got to hand it to republicans, they never let reality come in the way of their propaganda. Case in point, GOP mouthpieces are pushing the line that Democratic candidates in the recent mid-term elections "ran as republicans to get elected." Click here.

This might come a surprise to some former legislators such as Richard Pombo, Conrad Burns, Rick Santorum or George Allen who ran as true conservative republicans and often labeled their Democratic opponents as "weak" and without ideas.

Republican apologists can spin their crushing November defeat any they want, but the truth is simply this, in each of the above races Democratic candidates defeated staunch republican opponents by running to their left.

State of the Union, Ugh!

Random thoughts on the President's State of the Union. What a mess!

Intro
Some in this chamber are new to the House and the Senate -- and I congratulate the Democrat majority. Congress has changed, but not our responsibilities. Each of us is guided by our own convictions -- and to these we must stay faithful. Yet we're all held to the same standards, and called to serve the same good purposes: To extend this nation's prosperity; to spend the people's money wisely; to solve problems, not leave them to future generations; (such as the national debt, climate change, or the war?) to guard America against all evil; and to keep faith with those we have sent forth to defend us.

We're not the first to come here with a government divided and uncertainty in the air. Like many before us, we can work through our differences, and achieve big things for the American people. Our citizens don't much care which side of the aisle we sit on (Can the Democrats quote the President on this come the elections in 2008?)-- as long as we're willing to cross that aisle when there is work to be done.

Budget
First, we must balance the federal budget. We can do so without raising taxes. (Certainly, if one makes deep cuts to social programs. Given that the defense department and entitlement programs such as social security and medicare take up roughly 2/3 of the budget, there isn’t much left to balance the budget with but social programs like those designed to protect the environment, better education and improve labor conditions.) What we need to do is impose spending discipline in Washington, D.C. (Interesting that Republicans, the “fiscal responsibility” party wern't able to do this over the past six years.) We set a goal of cutting the deficit in half by 2009, and met that goal three years ahead of schedule. Now let us take the next step. In the coming weeks, I will submit a budget that eliminates the federal deficit within the next five years. (During the Clinton administration the budget actually ran a surplus. The current administration shoots for balancing the budget three years after its out of office. How bold!)

Next, there is the matter of earmarks. These special interest items are often slipped into bills at the last hour -- when not even C-SPAN is watching. In 2005 alone, the number of earmarks grew to over 13,000 and totaled nearly $18 billion. Even worse, over 90 percent of earmarks never make it to the floor of the House and Senate -- they are dropped into committee reports that are not even part of the bill that arrives on my desk. (It's odd the President didn’t veto a single one of the earmarks that did make it to his desk! Rejecting those might have been a good first step in bringing the budget into balance and given him some credibility on this matter.)

Immigration
We need to uphold the great tradition of the melting pot that welcomes and assimilates new arrivals. We need to resolve the status of the illegal immigrants who are already in our country without animosity and without amnesty. Convictions run deep in this Capitol when it comes to immigration. Let us have a serious, civil, and conclusive debate, so that you can pass, and I can sign, comprehensive immigration reform into law. (Republican Tom Tancredo’s Presidential bid just took it in the shorts.)

Courts
A future of hope and opportunity requires a fair, impartial system of justice. The lives of our citizens across our nation are affected by the outcome of cases pending in our federal courts. We have a shared obligation to ensure that the federal courts have enough judges to hear those cases and deliver timely rulings. As President, I have a duty to nominate qualified men and women to vacancies on the federal bench. And the United States Senate has a duty, as well, to give those nominees a fair hearing, and a prompt up-or-down vote on the Senate floor. (Really? Where in the Constitution does it place this requirement on the Senate?)

Terrorism
In the sixth year since our nation was attacked, I wish I could report to you that the dangers had ended. They have not. And so it remains the policy of this government to use every lawful (and a few unlawful) and proper tool of intelligence, diplomacy, law enforcement, and military action to do our duty, to find these enemies, and to protect the American people.

Iraq
This is not the fight we entered in Iraq, but it is the fight we're in. (Nearly two thirds through his speech before the President finally mentions the most pressing issue on our time.) Every one of us wishes this war were over and won. (What happened to mission accomplished?)

In order to make progress toward this goal, the Iraqi government must stop the sectarian violence (Can you say code word for civil war?) in its capital.

The war on terror we fight today is a generational struggle that will continue long after you and I have turned our duties over to others. And that's why it's important to work together so our nation can see this great effort through. Both parties and both branches should work in close consultation. (It appears the president doesn’t recognize the authority of the judicial branch in the fight on terror.)

And one of the first steps we can take together is to add to the ranks of our military so that the American Armed Forces are ready for all the challenges ahead. Tonight I ask the Congress to authorize an increase in the size of our active Army and Marine Corps by 92,000 in the next five years. (Do you feel a draft?)

What the president didn't mention is just as interesting such as drilling in ANWR, New Orleans and its recovery after Katrina and the recent Chinese missile crisis and speaks volumes about his priorities.

Conservatives: Salad Bar Historians

Like many conservative pundits, Dinesh D'Souza appears to be a salad bar historian. He picks only those events that support his hair brained theories, leaving anything that might undermine his argument.

Case in point, D’Souza claims the actions of Presidents Carter and Clinton paved the way for the 9/11 attacks. D’Souza clearly overlooks other seeds to 9/11 such as America’s involvement in the overthrow of Iran’s democratically elected Premier and the installation of the dictatorial Shah. D’Souza also disregards America’s secret missile deals with Iran during the 1980’s, and its support of Osama Bin Laden during the Soviet’s invasion of Afghanistan. As well as, the U.S. pullout of Lebanon after terrorists blew up a military barracks killing 241 American servicemen.

One wonders why D’Souza didn’t include these events in his analysis of 9/11 precursors. Perhaps it’s because all happened under Republican administrations.

Emotional Road to the White House

Ann Coulter appears to have an emotional disorder making her incapable of understanding the feelings of others. Get this, Ann actually believes the buzz around Senator Barack Obama's potential run for the Presidency is really liberal amazement about his ability to “walk and talk.”

Unfortunately for Ann and other conservative Presidential hopefuls, America's feelings toward Obama have nothing to do with his strolling or speaking skills. Rather, citizens are excited about an Obama candidacy because of the inspiring vision he presents for America.

While Ann may have difficulty grasping others emotional response to Obama, hers is obvious. FEAR! For she certainly knows, no current or even potential Republican candidate can hope to match Obama’s capturing of the public’s imagination.

Early Retirement

Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) annoucned today he will not seek a third term in office.


The fact that the GOP lost the Senate probably didn't have anything to do with his decision. Yeah right! One can't help but wonder how many more R's (are you reading this Saxby Chamblis, Norm Coleman) will decide to "retire" once their minority status truly sinks in.

What Would Bush Have Done?

On Fox News Sunday, William Kristol of the Weekly Standard asserted that a Democratic resolution opposing the President's escalation in Iraq would be like Democrats passing a resolution opposing further action in Europe right after the D-Day invasion. Kristol simply ignores the countless Republicans who are likely to support this resolution as well. However putting this aside, it's odd Kristol would want to compare Iraq to WWII given the United States defeated much stronger enemies in less time than the current war in Iraq.

Thankfully Roosevelt, rather than Bush, was in command during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor or the United States might have been bogged down in a war with Mexico.

Lincoln Rolling in his Grave

Recently, conservative mouthpieces such as Fred Barnes of the Weekly Standard and Michael Goodwin of the New York Daily News have begun comparing George Bush to Abraham Lincoln. What a joke! The differences between our first Republican President and the current one are like night and day.

First, Mr. Lincoln’s war, unlike Bush’s incursion into Iraq, was forced upon him. Next, Mr. Lincoln’s policies were designed to hold the union together during a time of national crisis. By comparison Mr. Bush’s plans during an equally trying time appear to be tearing the nation apart. Third, Mr. Lincoln served and fought in our nation’s military. During Vietnam, Mr. Bush got a cozy deployment in the states. Finally, Mr. Lincoln was often referred to as “Honest” Abe. It is unlikely many would hang that nickname upon Mr. Bush and his administration.

Other than being Republicans, there is little these two Presidents share in common and it is doubtful Mr. Lincoln would appreciate the comparison.

Celebrate a Bluetiful Day!

The start of the 110th Congress and the sweeping out of the corrupt and incompetent Republican rule that marked the institution's past 12 years, offers a real opportunity to move progressive legislation. Important issues such as labor, the environment, public health, defense and the economy will now be on the front burner.

However, despite the beating Republicans took in the last election, they will not sit still. Conservatives rightly understand the "game of politics" doesn't end with the last election. Rather, politics is a 24/7, 365 day effort. Backed by their monied interests, conservatives in the next Congress will do everything to obstruct needed reform and shoot for better electoral results in 2008. If the country is to change course, Progressives must counter conservative efforts by consistently contacting their elected officials.

Take a moment to celebrate this historic day by telling the Democratic Congressional leadership (Capitol Switchboard 202-224-3121) to move on their campaign promises as quickly as possible.