R O O T Z !!!!

oh and TEDDYSF, too !!!

Fitz!

Christy!
FDLers!

Meanwhile, this from AP about the possible ousting of al-Maliki:

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/…..scity_iraq

Given the way that Shrub’s administration operates, I thought that it would have been a requirement NOT to have appropriate credentials for the job. Loyalty to Shrub is the ONLY qualification.

That’s some background investigation they must have conducted. Considering most Feds now are waiting years to have full field investigations completed, it doesn’t suprise me. The lying on his forms is a nice touch. Will this be an IOKIYAR situation?

OT….just an update. We are bringing my mother home from the nursing home (and away from the absolute din of noise there) for her final days in the peace of a home setting. I was able to reschedule my flight back to NZ for later in the week, so I can have more time with her. Nothing calms her like my singing of her childhood hymns and Christmas carols.

But sort of related to the discussion of the last thread, my brother-in -law, who is Congolese, has about convinced us to all go to Africa to die. He is appalled by the way the aged and dying are treated in this country. He says even us white strangers would be treated with more compassion than here in the land of denial of death and dyingl.

What goes around comes aground !

Oh HA HA HA HA HA.

Sorry, sometimes the news out of the Bush Administration is just so outrageous, I lose it. This story just put me over the top, again.

I’ve been listening to the news reports that the ISG is a fine “beginning” but that BushCo is getting a lot of other reports before making a decision.

Where in the hell have these people been? How long has EVERYONE known about the ISG report coming? How many reports do these people need…oh, wait…the one report that says, you’re doing a heck of a job Georgie!”

HA HA HA HA HA – oops, I lost it again. Sorry.

There are so many things I’d like to say. But, let me sum it up simply:

Power to the Subpoena, POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
Waxman poetic, Henry!

grant gerver: http://www.seriouskidding.com

Things upset me and perhaps sometimes make me angry. But nothing coming out of this WH surprises me anymore. Murphy? Lookit “heckuva job Brownie”. And his creds.

It’s all surreal.

does this administration do anything right?

and NZ Expat,

OT….just an update. We are bringing my mother home from the nursing home (and away from the absolute din of noise there) for her final days in the peace of a home setting. I was able to reschedule my flight back to NZ for later in the week, so I can have more time with her. Nothing calms her like my singing of her childhood hymns and Christmas carols.

But sort of related to the discussion of the last thread, my brother-in -law, who is Congolese, has about convinced us to all go to Africa to die. He is appalled by the way the aged and dying are treated in this country. He says even us white strangers would be treated with more compassion than here in the land of denial of death and dyingl.

Blessings to you and yours; I think that all of your souls will be nourished– this time is just as, if not more, important than the beginning of life.

I would venture to say that your brother in law is exactly right.

Sha @ 10

Oh HA HA HA HA HA.

Sorry, sometimes the news out of the Bush Administration is just so outrageous, I lose it. This story just put me over the top, again.

I’ve been listening to the news reports that the ISG is a fine “beginning” but that BushCo is getting a lot of other reports before making a decision.

Where in the hell have these people been? How long has EVERYONE known about the ISG report coming? How many reports do these people need…oh, wait…the one report that says, you’re doing a heck of a job Georgie!”

HA HA HA HA HA – oops, I lost it again. Sorry.

…and the Decider may make a decideration by Christmas… How many people will die while waiting for the brainless monkey’s brain to function?

Just found this ‘chestnut’ on informationclearinghouse.info, Baker VS. The Lobby

An article which appeared in the Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz shows how confident Prime Minister Olmert is in the ability of the Jewish Lobby to torpedo the Baker-Hamilton report and steer the US away from changes in Iraq:

“On his way home from Los Angeles, the Prime Minister ‘calmed’ the reporters –and perhaps even himself—by saying there is no danger of the US President George Bush accepting the expected recommendations of the Baker-Hamilton panel, and attempting to move Syria out of the axis of evil and into a coalition to extricate America from Iraq. The Prime Minister hopes the Jewish Lobby can rally a Democratic majority in the new Congress to counter any diversion from the status quo … http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/789919.html
…
Olmert has good reason to be “calm”. While the new Congress is being apprised of its duties to Israel, the Brookings Institute is convening a forum at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy entitled: “America and Israel: Confronting a Middle east in Turmoil”. The meeting will be attended by Israeli right-wing extremist, Avigdor Lieberman, as well as political big-wigs, Bill and Hillary Clinton.

The context of the meeting suggests that right-leaning Israelis will be informing their friends in the Democratic Party about the anticipated attack on Iran, as well as discussing strategies for sabotaging Baker’s report. If we see the Dems lambasting the ISGs recommendations next week; we’ll know why.

That’s some background investigation they must have conducted

Murphy had been able to practice without a license because while the Air Force requires all lawyers to be members in good standing, until now it has operated on an honor system.

(emphasis mine)

oh and btw,

He was also disbarred by the state of Louisiana in 1984 for lying under oath in saying he had never been sued (Texas had sued him as part of that disbarment) or subject to disciplinary action as a lawyer.

sweet jeebus, do y’all have any idea of how heinous your shit must be t/b disbarred in TX ?

2 ! count ‘em 2, attys have not been disbarred and are still allowed (”but discouraged”)to argue capital cases in the Lone Star Republic although both were cited by SCOTUS as egregious examples for their falling asleep during final arguments in Death Penalty cases

According to Stars and Stripes, the good lawyer was disbarred for 7 years by the state of Texas, then permanently disbarred by Texas, and after that was disbarred by Louisiana.

The guy gets around.

In addition, S and S says that he never handled any cases as a military defense attorney or as a judge. Thus, they don’t anticipate any requests to overturn convictions and the like. But what about prosecutions that were never undertaken, or mishandled, or (perish the thought) deliberately screwed up because someone threatened the prosecutor with outing his lack of a license to practice law?

And how does someone with only prosecutorial experience as a JAG get to head up the Air Force JAG school? One would think that this kind of position would require someone with not only prosecutorial experience, but also some defense work and judicial practice as well.

This is more than a case of not checking the paperwork, as bad as that is. Command incompetence fits in here too.

I pity the other hardworking Air Force JAGs, who now will have to put up with the jokes and snide remarks from their Marine, Navy, and Army colleagues – as well as the civilian attorneys who cross their paths. Kudos to whoever discovered this mess, but a big wet raspberry to those who kept promoting him.

forgot to h/t and cite this 1 pager from Stars and Stripes above:

http://www.estripes.com/articl…..icle=42052

Sophist @ 15

Just found this ‘chestnut’ on informationclearinghouse.info, Baker VS. The Lobby

An article which appeared in the Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz shows how confident Prime Minister Olmert is in the ability of the Jewish Lobby to torpedo the Baker-Hamilton report and steer the US away from changes in Iraq:

“On his way home from Los Angeles, the Prime Minister ‘calmed’ the reporters –and perhaps even himself—by saying there is no danger of the US President George Bush accepting the expected recommendations of the Baker-Hamilton panel, and attempting to move Syria out of the axis of evil and into a coalition to extricate America from Iraq. The Prime Minister hopes the Jewish Lobby can rally a Democratic majority in the new Congress to counter any diversion from the status quo … http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/789919.html
…
Olmert has good reason to be “calm”. While the new Congress is being apprised of its duties to Israel, the Brookings Institute is convening a forum at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy entitled: “America and Israel: Confronting a Middle east in Turmoil”. The meeting will be attended by Israeli right-wing extremist, Avigdor Lieberman, as well as political big-wigs, Bill and Hillary Clinton.

The context of the meeting suggests that right-leaning Israelis will be informing their friends in the Democratic Party about the anticipated attack on Iran, as well as discussing strategies for sabotaging Baker’s report. If we see the Dems lambasting the ISGs recommendations next week; we’ll know why.

This is the sort of info that really needs to get out there.

Looks like Walt, Mearshimer and Carter are absolutely correct, Sophist.

;(

NZ Expat @
8

OT….just an update. We are bringing my mother home from the nursing home (and away from the absolute din of noise there) for her final days in the peace of a home setting. I was able to reschedule my flight back to NZ for later in the week, so I can have more time with her. Nothing calms her like my singing of her childhood hymns and Christmas carols.

What a gift, you are so fortunate and so is she to be in the bosom of her family now. May she her passing be gentle and her rest sweet.

OT – looks like commenting is back on over at TomDelay.com…. albeit censored

Comments posted by non-registered members will be subject to editor approval before appearing. Your comment will not appear until it has been cleared by a website editor.

here’s one of my favs:

Way to go Tom! We’re pulling for ya all the way!
You are the glue that binds the gears of America together! Go get em!

Sophist @ 15 – Great find.

I’m so damn disgusted with the Clintons!

Air Force Times reported that Murphy failed to file an appeal on time for a client convicted of burglary in 1981. As a result, Texas sued Murphy in 1982 accusing him of professional misconduct. Texas then suspended Murphy’s law license for seven years. In January 1983 Murphy applied to be admitted to the Louisiana bar, stating under oath that he had never been sued nor been the subject of a disciplinary action. Both Texas and Louisiana then permanently disbarred Murphy for lying on his Louisiana bar application, Texas doing so in May 1984 and Louisiana in September 1985. Murphy joined the Air Force after being suspended by Texas but before being disbarred by either state.

The revelations about Murphy surfaced shortly after scandals involving other top Air Force lawyers Major General Thomas J. Fiscus and Brigadier General Richard S. Hassan.

Murphy is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law.
————
thanks to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_D._Murphy

Scribe over at TalkLeft notes Murphy’s service at the White House Military office as General Counsel between 2002 and 2005 (with a seven month combat tour tucked in there too), and speculates about what kind of issues he might have given the White House counsel about . . .

So, you think he might have been involved in discussions about whether “torture” is legal?

Or, maybe, just maybe, he might have been a less-than-stellar choice to head the JAG school. “Lead by example” is a central tenet of the military; he sets a fine example to those who would defend torture….

As bad as the failure to detect his disbarment was, he was on active service when it happened. He joined, as a JAG officer, while suspended. How did he slide through there? Did he lie on his applications? On his initial clearances? That he didn’t see fit to turn himself in, or to resolve the issue, makes matters even worse. I mean, he had to sign documents and such – as an attorney – over the last 20 years, yet he couldn’t be honest enough to deal with the issue that he was disbarred….

But, it turns out, he was disbarred precisely because he was dishonest

Where’s Alberto Mora?

Oklahoma kiddo @ 24

I’m so damn disgusted with the Clintons!

And the Liebermans– here and there.

Hello?!?  Is it too much to ask that jobs be done professionally and promptly and with a modicum of thought toward fiduciary responsibility to the American public?

Well… yes. That would only get in the way of achieving the administration’s objectives.

When your goals are destructive and insane, competence and loyalty are contradictory virtues by definition.

I have to ask myself: What makes Hillary run?

I can just imagine who else is working in the background in this misadministration….

angie @ 27

Oklahoma kiddo @ 24

I’m so damn disgusted with the Clintons!

And the Liebermans– here and there.

I really wonder if Joe Lieberman fits the definition of a ‘foreign agent’ DOB in the U.S.?

This is more than a case of not checking the paperwork, as bad as that is. Command incompetence fits in here too.

this may explain a few things -

Richard Hassan ( also early retirement – also harassment of female subordinates)

served as director of the Air Force Senior Leader Management Office in Crystal City, Virginia, overseeing career development for senior leaders in the Air Force (emphasis mine)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_S._Hassan

Someone explain to me how this is possible

I guess it’s not just the Air National Guard in Texas that has recordkeeping problems, but the regular Air Force too. I wonder if the folks who kept the Guard records in the 1960s ended up in the regular Air Force in the 1980s.

/snark

‘DOB’ should read DB (doing business).

(Why is Oliver Willis listed twice on the blogroll? Does he have two blogs, or is he getting preferential treatment?)

Because this needed to be seen again:

According to Stars and Stripes, the good lawyer was disbarred for 7 years by the state of Texas, then permanently disbarred by Texas, and after that was disbarred by Louisiana.
The guy gets around.

Just how bad do you have to be to get disbarred in both Texas AND Louisiana? We’re not talking your classic “good government” states here.

In addition, S and S says that he never handled any cases as a military defense attorney or as a judge. Thus, they don’t anticipate any requests to overturn convictions and the like. But what about prosecutions that were never undertaken, or mishandled, or (perish the thought) deliberately screwed up because someone threatened the prosecutor with outing his lack of a license to practice law?
And how does someone with only prosecutorial experience as a JAG get to head up the Air Force JAG school? One would think that this kind of position would require someone with not only prosecutorial experience, but also some defense work and judicial practice as well.
This is more than a case of not checking the paperwork, as bad as that is. Command incompetence fits in here too.

Betcha this guy’s rellies are big Bush donors in Texas.

NZ Expat @ 8

OT….just an update. We are bringing my mother home from the nursing home (and away from the absolute din of noise there) for her final days in the peace of a home setting. I was able to reschedule my flight back to NZ for later in the week, so I can have more time with her. Nothing calms her like my singing of her childhood hymns and Christmas carols.

But sort of related to the discussion of the last thread, my brother-in -law, who is Congolese, has about convinced us to all go to Africa to die. He is appalled by the way the aged and dying are treated in this country. He says even us white strangers would be treated with more compassion than here in the land of denial of death and dyingl.

Best to you and your family. My mother spent twenty years as a nurse in nursing homes. She always said as patients where declining, doctors would order morphine to “ease” their pain–in actuality, it hastened their end. She would often not give that final dose until family was there because of this.

My sister was a Director of Nurses at a number of San Joaquin Valley nursing homes before she became a Nurse Practitioner. If you are still in the Valley with your mother, and feel you need another set of eyes, we can trade email info and I can contact my sister. This is her calling, and she is always available to help.

Again, best to your family and mother. We treat our dying terribly, and the best place for her to be with family.

I don’t know ’bout that, OK, but most of our politicians are not making Israel or us safer by their continued injustice and stalwart lopsided support of one over many, imho.

That’s why the conversation needs to happen and now!

(btw– Juan Cole is on fire right now!)

Also meanwhile, Salon’s War Room is speculating about how much Rummy’s “surprise” visit to Iraq cost taxpayers over the weekend:

http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/

As serious as this is, I have to just sit and shake my head.
Fits with the M.O. of this administration perfectly.

NZExpat, I’m so glad you are getting to take her home. It will mean so much to both of you. Namaste and Best wishes to you and your family. Keep in touch.

Has Joe Lieberman ever voted against funding or weapons for Israel? Has this man ever spoken out against Israeli military moves? Seriously. I don’t know.

This really belongs on the previous thread, I’ll put it there too. I have been reading around the Eisenhower Foundation site that Adie gave the link to, and wow. These guys have been doing research into exactly what we need to know right now, which is the causes of urban and civil violence. Timely, eh wot?

Their mission statement:

The Milton S. Eisenhower Foundation is the international, nonprofit continuation of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (the Kerner Riot Commission, after the big city riots of the 1960s) and the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence (the National Violence Commission, after the assassinations of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. and Senator Robert Kennedy). (my bold)

Here’s how their policy sections starts out:

Over twenty-five years ago, after the big city riots, the bipartisan President’s National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (the Kerner Riot commission) concluded, “Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white – separate and unequal.”

They proceed to describe how the separation has widened in the 25 years and the middle class now joins the poor in being ‘truly disadvantaged’. They talk about causes (hint, supply-side economics) and solutions, too — plus great sections on what works and what doesn’t. It’s big but a must-read. You can download it or bookmark it for reading in digestible bits.

Doh, would this be one of those left-wing think thanks that aren’t supposed to exist?

OK–

“It does present a dilemma,” said Steve Grossman, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

“If you consider yourself first and foremost part of the pro-Israel community, you will stick with Joe Lieberman,” said Grossman, who also is a past president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. “If you’re so overwhelmingly convinced that ending the war as soon as possible is of paramount importance, I could understand why you would find Joe Lieberman a candidate you could no longer support.”

(snip)

“I don’t criticize those who can’t support Joe Lieberman because he no longer represents the views of progressive Democrats. But there has not been a greater champion of Israel and the well-being of the Jewish people,” Grossman said.

http://www.cjp.org/content_dis…..eID=187442

No one seems to have an answer why it’s demonstrably right (and it is) for Israel to have a homeland, but not the Palestinians.

Thanks for the kind wishes and thoughts. My sister is a hospice nurse, so we are in good hands with her guidance and loving care. She missed our dad’s final days (she was trapped in Kinshasa in the last days of Mobutu), so she is fiercely determined to do double duty for Mom. All is well, and all manner of things will be well. In the words of her beliefs, she has run a good race, spreading her gentle smile on all.

o/t

Swiftboaters and other 527’s to face fines:

http://www.rawstory.com/news/2….._1211.html

According to the Air Force spokeswoman, quoted in the Air Force Times,

Murphy is currently on leave and will be reassigned to “duties that do not involve the practice of law” pending the outcome of an investigation.

I hear that they need some folks in Bahgdad.

That AF Times piece also runs down a number of other AF JAG problems, including Richard Hassan (h/t cbl). A former JAG quoted in the article notes “The Air Force JAG did not need another high-profile misconduct case by its senior leadership.”

Kristinejoy @ #37 My greatgrandparents, grandparents, Mother aunts & uncles are buried along the Kings River. When I moved Mom 5 minutes away from my home into a small group home I figured all was safe. The short of it was an overdose of those meds you mentioned at the end-of-life. The visiting nurse was going balistic. I was done in, with little recourse but to go to the pharmacy and yell at the stupid ones who screwed it up. The message is HOLD your loved ones CLOSE. There is no 2nd chance

I believe the term ‘progressive Democrat’ is inclusive, among many other good things, of the concept of a Palestinian homeland.

O/T, for your Monday morning amusement, Colorado-Leading the nation in closeted gay mega-church “pastors”!

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_4817067

“Rocky Mountain High, Colorado….”

Oklahoma kiddo @ 50

I believe the term ‘progressive Democrat’ is inclusive, among many other good things, of the concept of a Palestinian homeland.

Absolutely.

I am pro-Semitic peoples. Which includes the Israelis and the Palestinians. Everyone has a right to self determination and a homeland.

The chimp on teevee now.

flanked by dick and condi.

what a team, folks!

BushCo = crime family.

As in every crime family, they have something on everybody inside. Key information:

disbarred for professional misconduct in Texas in 1984

BushCo is all Texas all the time. A bluebonnet doesn’t fart in Texas without them knowing it: Rove, Hughes, Abu — all Texans. This guy was chosen for these jobs because BushCo knew about his little disbarment “problem” — and used their knowledge to make him do their bidding, whether in the White House or in the Reconstruction Effort in Iraq.

You couldn’t write this stuff as fiction, people would think you were insane.

G’morning, Ms. McSmithersons, I thought this story would tickle your fancy!

CNN – chimpy presser live – “we talked about a lot of things.” wrt to his meeting at state dept.

-thanking the state department members

-”puttin’ together a new way forward in eyerak”

angie @
38

I don’t know ’bout that, OK, but most of our politicians are not making Israel or us safer by their continued injustice and stalwart lopsided support of one over many, imho.

That’s why the conversation needs to happen and now!

(btw– Juan Cole is on fire right now!)

i just left a “thank you” on juan cole’s blog. been listening as i do some chores.

(sorry for the drive-by i’m away from the computer most of today, and am just briefly stopping by now and again. no way i can keep up on all th comments.)

CNN – chimpy presser live – chimp appreciates the iraqi leadership.

-looking forward to continuing deliberations with the military so the american peeps will know i have listened to everyone

-the way forward is a way forward

CNN – chimpy presser live – to defeat the extremists and radicals is “the calling of our time”

presser over – taking no questions

This gives Murphy’s Law a whole new meaning.

But!

If you work a $7/hr job- you get your references checked and you have to take a drug test. :)

twolf1 @ 56

CNN – chimpy presser live – “we talked about a lot of things.” wrt to his meeting at state dept.

-thanking the state department members

-”puttin’ together a new way forward in eyerak”

yuck. c-span1 just cut away from kucinich, cole, et al. for the president bush presser. the contrast in moral and intellectual honesty could not be more clear.

Background checks with any rigor are for the little people.

For instance, airline agents are fingerprinted and the FBI does a ten year background check. Any irregularities result in termination for cause.

At the upper echelons, fealty to the Decider is sufficient.

Murphy, the entire Bush administration, the Republican controlled culture of corruption Congress, Abramoff…(and too many others to name off the top of my head)

Why is it that the Republican party, the conservative, law-abiding, family values Republican party just can’t seem to follow the law?

Oklahoma kiddo @ 53

I am pro-Semitic peoples. Which includes the Israelis and the Palestinians. Everyone has a right to self determination and a homeland.

Yep: Israelis and Palestinians are brothers, symbolized by Isaac and Ismael, who love to hate each other. This is why this conflict has been so long and bitter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ismael

Geeze, Maybe I was closer than I thought. Seems Murphy’s law originated in the AirForce.

Murphy’s law is a popular adage in Western culture that most likely originated at Edwards Air Force Base in 1948. The Law broadly states that things will go wrong in any given situation, if you give them a chance.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy’s_law

Biodun @ 65

Oklahoma kiddo @ 53

I am pro-Semitic peoples. Which includes the Israelis and the Palestinians. Everyone has a right to self determination and a homeland.

Yep: Israelis and Palestinians are brothers, symbolized by Isaac and Ismael, who love to hate each other. This is why this conflict has been so long and bitter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ismael

Don’t these guys (Israelis and Palestinians) revere Abraham?

*ilbo @ 49

Kristinejoy @ #37 My greatgrandparents, grandparents, Mother aunts & uncles are buried along the Kings River. When I moved Mom 5 minutes away from my home into a small group home I figured all was safe. The short of it was an overdose of those meds you mentioned at the end-of-life. The visiting nurse was going balistic. I was done in, with little recourse but to go to the pharmacy and yell at the stupid ones who screwed it up. The message is HOLD your loved ones CLOSE. There is no 2nd chance

That is so true. It happens all the time, usually the night nurses (like my mom) get the call from the doctors. Most just give the dose like they are supposed to. My mom still loses sleep at night over it at age 72. This is why my sister now grows and makes her own medicines for her patients. Directly because of these situations. Modern medicine is heartless.

King’s river? She had some of those learning experiences in Reedley. Best to your family, and I am so sorry for your loss.

OK– here’s more on Joe and his position on Israel and more from 2004.

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrar…..erman.html

twolf1 @ 59

CNN – chimpy presser live – to defeat the extremists and radicals is “the calling of our time”

presser over – taking no questions

Mr. Reactionary, Bush, calling these guys radicals and extremists. That’s rich.

OT – via Buzzpatrol:

The House ethics committee has released tons of inappropriate IM conversations between Mark Foley and his sweet, sweet page.

page report – 1.2MB PDF

PeteCO @ 51

O/T, for your Monday morning amusement, Colorado-Leading the nation in closeted gay mega-church “pastors”!

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_4817067

“Rocky Mountain High, Colorado….”

My fave quote:

Paul and Char Barnes will get counseling, but unlike Haggard, they will not go into seclusion or report to a board of reconcilers, Palmer said. He said it will be more personal and that church members will play a role.

tsf bold: stoning? burn at the stake? dead-to-me icy glare?

These self-hating queers will be the death of us.

sofistic @
66

Geeze, Maybe I was closer than I thought. Seems Murphy’s law originated in the AirForce.

Murphy’s law is a popular adage in Western culture that most likely originated at Edwards Air Force Base in 1948. The Law broadly states that things will go wrong in any given situation, if you give them a chance.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy’s_law

707!

Oklahoma kiddo
Don’t these guys (Israelis and Palestinians) revere Abraham?

Yep. Abraham is the father of Isaac and Ismael.

Good Lord:

After just having regained my license after 6 years of not practicing, and thus being way too familiar with (what I thought was) the ridiculous number of hoops to be jumped through, forms, classes, interviews, and – money (lots of money), all I can say is – that it wouldn’t have happened in Indiana!

O’Toole’s Corollary: Murphy was an optimist.

Thinkprogress:

Outgoing U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan will deliver an address in Independence, MO, today that offers “a blistering criticism of the Bush administration’s foreign policy.” The speech is previewed by Annan in Washington Post op-ed. Conservative bloggers have already begun their attacks in response.

Kofi Was Right

angie @ 69

OK– here’s more on Joe and his position on Israel and more from 2004.

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrar…..erman.html

Thanks angie.;o) After reading this, I still don’t like Joe Lieberman.

Peterr @
33

Someone explain to me how this is possible

I guess it’s not just the Air National Guard in Texas that has recordkeeping problems, but the regular Air Force too. I wonder if the folks who kept the Guard records in the 1960s ended up in the regular Air Force in the 1980s.

/snark

Same shredding party.

-GSD

Kofi Annan to US: Serve, don’t dominate the world

just so ya know . . .

last week, Chimpy continued to compare himself to Harry Truman (one Richard Durbin attempted to disabuse him of any such notion by foolishing employing facts)

http://stevegilliard.blogspot.com/2006/12/wow.html

so I take great enjoyment in reading that today’s final speech from Kofi Annan will be delivered from The Truman Library *g*

btw,
why in heaven is Raw Story referring to the speech as “embargoed?”

Oklahoma kiddo @ 67

Biodun @ 65

Oklahoma kiddo @ 53

I am pro-Semitic peoples. Which includes the Israelis and the Palestinians. Everyone has a right to self determination and a homeland.

Yep: Israelis and Palestinians are brothers, symbolized by Isaac and Ismael, who love to hate each other. This is why this conflict has been so long and bitter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ismael

Don’t these guys (Israelis and Palestinians) revere Abraham?

Kiddo, I don’t think this can be understood in a rational way, it isn’t rational. As with Irish Catholics and Protestants, it wasn’t really ever about religion, it’s just that religion is one of the many ways we separate people into ‘us’ and ‘them’ for the purposes of extermination. It’s an authoritarian thing, I think. I remember Margaret Mead writing about the insecurity that underlies xenophobia.

My mom’s family had crosses burned on their lawn back in the 30’s — the Klan in Michigan back then wanted to hate somebody but there weren’t any blacks for miles and miles, nor any Jews, so the best they could come up with was Catholics.

So appeals to reason won’t stop it, I think, only the firm refusal to allow such behaviour by rational people, ie, the rule of law. Which is why we have to impeach the current administration.

more OT – Sheehan among 4 convicted of trespassing

Whoa, Nelly…

What followed was a U.S. corporate invasion of Iraq.

While some 150 U.S. companies received contracts for work in Iraq following the invasion, the big reconstruction winners (after Halliburton) were: Parsons Corporation of Pasadena, Calif. ($5.3 billion); Fluor Corporation of Aliso Viejo, Calif. ($3.75 billion); Washington Group International of Boise, Idaho ($3.1 billion); Shaw Group of Baton Rouge, Louisiana ($3 billion); Bechtel Corporation of San Francisco, Calif. ($2.8 billion); Perini Corporation of Framingham, Mass. ($2.5 billion); and Contrack International, Inc. of Arlington, Va. ($2.3 billion).

These seven companies are responsible for virtually all reconstruction in Iraq, including water, electricity, bridges, roads, hospitals and sewers. One reason for their failure was that companies, such as Bechtel, came to Iraq with the hopes of ultimately winning contracts to privatize the services they were hired to rebuild. Because many U.S. contracts guaranteed that all of the companies’ costs would be covered, plus a set rate of profit—known as “cost-plus contracts”—they took their time, built expensive new facilities that showcased their skills and would serve their own needs were they to run the systems one day.

The American companies were hired instead of Iraqi companies that had successfully rebuilt Iraq after the previous U.S. invasion. And, because the Americans did not have to hire Iraqis, many imported foreign workers instead. The Iraqis were of course well aware that American firms had received billions of dollars for reconstruction, that Iraqi companies and workers had been rejected and that the country was still without basic services. The result was increasing hostility, acts of sabotage targeted directly at foreign contractors and their work and a rising insurgency.

(snip)

Ultimately, the Bush administration must abandon its plan to remake Iraq into an economic wonderland for U.S. corporations, whether they are oil companies, water privatizers or Wal-Mart. Iraq must belong to the Iraqis to remake as they themselves see fit.

(bold mine)

http://www.tompaine.com/articl…..f_iraq.php

Mr. Waxman, we await your arrival in January with very high expectations!

kristinejoy @ 68

*ilbo @ 49 She had some of those learning experiences in Reedley. Best to your family, and I am so sorry for your loss.

Thanks so much, hope your sister never looses focus. Good on her! Yep, I was in Reedley last month and the county sheriff was quite proud that the community got together to block a new Mal-Wort. Downtown is bustling and the Menonite Store is a favorite.

Biodun @ 65

Oklahoma kiddo @ 53

I am pro-Semitic peoples. Which includes the Israelis and the Palestinians. Everyone has a right to self determination and a homeland.

Yep: Israelis and Palestinians are brothers, symbolized by Isaac and Ismael, who love to hate each other. This is why this conflict has been so long and bitter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ismael

sorry, i don’t think the conflict is primarily a religious conflict. i think it’s about land (not entirely, but primarily).

i don’t claim to be an expert, but this conclusion comes from my personal experience in the west bank…. i’ll share a bit to explain where this thinking comes from.

jewish israeli settlers who thought i was a jewish member of “peace now” (i’m neither) threatened me (shots fired over my head, etc) and told me things like “my father kills jews like you” – while taking my picture so that i could be identified for future action.

palestinian arabs (christian and muslim, and even at least one member of hamas) who thought i was a jewish american peace activist there to participate in third non-violent intervention (correct except for the jewish part, although the group i was part of included jewish israelis) treated me as a friend and honored guest. and after they found out i wasn’t jewish – nothing changed in how i (or other members of the group) was treated.

in both cases it wasn’t about my religion. it was about my actions with regards to the people and their land.

twolf1 @ 82

more OT – Sheehan among 4 convicted of trespassing

And Bush gets away with murder.

selise @ 85

Biodun @ 65

Oklahoma kiddo @ 53

I am pro-Semitic peoples. Which includes the Israelis and the Palestinians. Everyone has a right to self determination and a homeland.

Yep: Israelis and Palestinians are brothers, symbolized by Isaac and Ismael, who love to hate each other. This is why this conflict has been so long and bitter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ismael

sorry, i don’t think the conflict is primarily a religious conflict. i think it’s about land (not entirely, but primarily).

i don’t claim to be an expert, but this conclusion comes from my personal experience in the west bank…. i’ll share a bit to explain where this thinking comes from.

jewish israeli settlers who thought i was a jewish member of “peace now” (i’m neither) threatened me (shots fired over my head, etc) and told me things like “my father kills jews like you” – while taking my picture so that i could be identified for future action.

palestinian arabs (christian and muslim, and even at least one member of hamas) who thought i was a jewish american peace activist there to participate in third non-violent intervention (correct except for the jewish part, although the group i was part of included jewish israelis) treated me as a friend and honored guest. and after they found out i wasn’t jewish – nothing changed in how i (or other members of the group) was treated.

in both cases it wasn’t about my religion. it was about my actions with regards to the people and their land.

That’s right. It’s about land and the right of self determination. The Israelis have it. The Palestinians don’t.

Well damn,since I’m not qualified to do much in the “expert”catagory,I oughta try to get a job working for the government as an expert something or other. I couldn’t do worse than alot of these people.

Where do I sign up? My family could use the extra money right now.

Geesh,it never stops with these people,does it?

In my capacity as the director of a pre-school, we are required to check all references, documentation, and run criminal background checks on our employees. That this man could float around at the highest levels of government without such a rudimentary clearance tells me more about the competence of those in charge than almost anything else I can think of! Can we please “time warp” to 2008 before these bufoons can muck things up even worse than they have already??

Teddy,

The bonus quote from the fallen pastors father:

“In their only talk about sex, Barnes said his father took him on a drive and talked about what he would do if a “fag” approached him.

Barnes thought, “‘Is that how you’d feel about me?’ It was like a knife in my heart, and it made me feel even more closed.”

-GSD

cbl @
81

just so ya know . . .

last week, Chimpy continued to compare himself to Harry Truman (one Richard Durbin attempted to disabuse him of any such notion by foolishing employing facts)

http://stevegilliard.blogspot.com/2006/12/wow.html

so I take great enjoyment in reading that today’s final speech from Kofi Annan will be delivered from The Truman Library *g*

btw,
why in heaven is Raw Story referring to the speech as “embargoed?”

It is embargoed now because the full text of the speech won’t be disseminated publicly until he delivers his speech.

TeddySanFran @ 72

PeteCO @ 51

O/T, for your Monday morning amusement, Colorado-Leading the nation in closeted gay mega-church “pastors”!

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_4817067

“Rocky Mountain High, Colorado….”

My fave quote:

Paul and Char Barnes will get counseling, but unlike Haggard, they will not go into seclusion or report to a board of reconcilers, Palmer said. He said it will be more personal and that church members will play a role.

tsf bold: stoning? burn at the stake? dead-to-me icy glare?

These self-hating queers will be the death of us.

Soon to be rehabilitated into Ex-Gay minister, no doubt.

They need to stop throwing their circuit parties in the closet and join the rest of us in the communtity in settling down and getting married.

selise @ 85– thank you for your work toward peace and justice.

I concur that this has little to do with religion and more to do with land and the disenfranchisement, imprisonment and brutal occupation of indigenous people.

Much like the Sunni and Shia of Iraq, the people of Palestine/ Israel were brothers and sisters, marrying and living side by side.

Too many here and elsewhere want to focus on religious differences.

It’s a mistake, imho.

My 22 year old daughter is on the invite list to the Kofi Annan speech in Independence Mo, right now. I’ll try to get her comments later, if there is interest.

cbl @ 81

just so ya know . . .

last week, Chimpy continued to compare himself to Harry Truman (one Richard Durbin attempted to disabuse him of any such notion by foolishing employing facts)

http://stevegilliard.blogspot.com/2006/12/wow.html

so I take great enjoyment in reading that today’s final speech from Kofi Annan will be delivered from The Truman Library *g*

btw,
why in heaven is Raw Story referring to the speech as “embargoed?”

The money quote from Steve is stunning, though: “Bush is scaring people who don’t scare easily. Like Jim Baker.”

NZ Expat @ 94

My 22 year old daughter is on the invite list to the Kofi Annan speech in Independence Mo, right now. I’ll try to get her comments later, if there is interest.

There’s interest! There’s interest!

Peterr @ 96

NZ Expat @ 94

My 22 year old daughter is on the invite list to the Kofi Annan speech in Independence Mo, right now. I’ll try to get her comments later, if there is interest.

There’s interest! There’s interest!

ditto.

Peterr @ 96

NZ Expat @ 94

My 22 year old daughter is on the invite list to the Kofi Annan speech in Independence Mo, right now. I’ll try to get her comments later, if there is interest.

There’s interest! There’s interest!

Yes please!

Seeking Iran Intelligence, U.S. Tries Google
via huffpo

An Angry Old Broad @ 88

Well damn,since I’m not qualified to do much in the “expert”catagory,I oughta try to get a job working for the government as an expert something or other. I couldn’t do worse than alot of these people.

Where do I sign up? My family could use the extra money right now.

Geesh,it never stops with these people,does it?

Does this make you upset? We’re spending $8 billion a month on Iraq. Well, I suppose if I had more money, I’d just spend it foolishly anyway. Oh well… Our prez knows best how to spend OUR money. I guess.

Peterr

My 22 year old daughter is on the invite list to the Kofi Annan speech in Independence Mo, right now. I’ll try to get her comments later, if there is interest.

There’s interest! There’s interest!

Yes please!

can she live-blog it? :~)

Good day firepups,

A warm (60’s) cloudy and balmy day in the Ozarks. I love it!

twolf1- Not sure if it was you who posted a link to maps a couple of days back? If so I wanted to check it out but firefox crashed on me and I lost it. Do you still have the link? I know, I know, you dig up so many good ones…)

*ilbo @ 84

kristinejoy @ 68

*ilbo @ 49 She had some of those learning experiences in Reedley. Best to your family, and I am so sorry for your loss.

Thanks so much, hope your sister never looses focus. Good on her! Yep, I was in Reedley last month and the county sheriff was quite proud that the community got together to block a new Mal-Wort. Downtown is bustling and the Menonite Store is a favorite.

Don’t mess with the Menonites there. They run the town. I still own property in the foothills, Tollhouse area, where my sister lives. Love my family, I just can’t live in the Valley.

Can I say how much fun it is to have the best football team in league. Go Chargers!

Durbin could have gone the next step and offered up a comparison of Cheney and Pinochet.

It makes you wonder if Murphy is a part of the “Flag Fellowship” program, but notwithstanding Murphy – JAG has done a much better job TRYING to fight the Bush/Cheney/Addington policies than DOJ lawyers

And right now, I’m trying to imagine any Bush Military activity that constitutes “practice of law” from wich Murphy would be barred. A definite determination not to be involved in the practice of law would seem to make him the ‘go to’ guy for most of the Combatant Status Review Tribunals, military interrogations, kidnaps from various countries using military air bases, miltary kidnap and torture of citizens in the US, misrepresentations to the courts and the American people —

Saying Murphy will be prohibited from practicing law in this administration is like saying the First Prez. Bush will be prohibited from eating broccoli.

Annan is lucky to have gotten out with his life. Cheney absolutely detested this man.

selise @ 85

sorry, i don’t think the conflict is primarily a religious conflict. i think it’s about land (not entirely, but primarily).

I don’t disagree. But its all about religion, land, and political control. These are highly imbricated. Isn’t this the situation in Iraq? In this latter, the religious issues are sectarian.

Eureka Springs, AR @ 102

Good day firepups,

A warm (60’s) cloudy and balmy day in the Ozarks. I love it!

twolf1- Not sure if it was you who posted a link to maps a couple of days back? If so I wanted to check it out but firefox crashed on me and I lost it. Do you still have the link? I know, I know, you dig up so many good ones…)

In the 70’s here today. Ozarks!!!

Eureka Springs, AR 102 – I have trouble remembering what i did 2 minutes ago let alone days ago :) What were the maps of? Was it the maps in the ISG report PDF?

angie @ 93

selise @ 85– thank you for your work toward peace and justice.

I concur that this has little to do with religion and more to do with land and the disenfranchisement, imprisonment and brutal occupation of indigenous people.

Much like the Sunni and Shia of Iraq, the people of Palestine/ Israel were brothers and sisters, marrying and living side by side.

Too many here and elsewhere want to focus on religious differences.

It’s a mistake, imho.

IMO: I think it’s a mistake to downplay the force of religion in the war in Iraq and the war on terror.

twolf1 – No biggie, I set aside the tab before looking it over, so not sure. On dial up with a mac so google earth is not an option for me. I just love map links.

twolf1 @ 22

OT – looks like commenting is back on over at TomDelay.com…. albeit censored

Comments posted by non-registered members will be subject to editor approval before appearing. Your comment will not appear until it has been cleared by a website editor.

here’s one of my favs:

Way to go Tom! We’re pulling for ya all the way!
You are the glue that binds the gears of America together! Go get em!

I’m kinda fond of this one (unedited):

How will we get the taint of money out of politics It seems to be a huge problem and we don’t have much money to waist so what is the solution here?
COngradulations on your new post Rep. Delay

Talking to DeLay about getting the “money taint” out of politics is a little like going to Ted Bundy for advice on combating sexual predation.

Dear mods, I’m stuck in moderation at 82. What did I say wrong?

angie @
83

Whoa, Nelly…

http://www.tompaine.com/articl…..f_iraq.php

Mr. Waxman, we await your arrival in January with very high expectations!

Excellent link angie, thanks. The really crazy part of all of this is that the money/skills that were available could have created great progress and friendship for the future.

Behold, the power of greed.

They probably knew all along and just didn’t think it was important. Or maybe they thought it was unfair to disbar a Republican lawyer from Texas. Probably partisan or something. Besides, no professional qualifications were needed for the reconstruction of Iraq. No one else had any. Professional ethics would just get in the way.
Who-hoo! Rembember Lannie Guinier and Kimba Wood? Now, THOSE two would have just trashed the place what with their illegal nannies and proportional voting. And did a license to practice law help either of them? Not on your life.

It is moderately humorous, in a black humor kind of way, that no one with the Office of Professional Responsiblity could get security clearances to investigate whether Gonzales et al violated Professional Ethics in connection with the spying program, but Murphy on the other hand —-

Oklahoma kiddo @ 29

I have to ask myself: What makes Hillary run?

Dulcolax?

EvilDrPuma @ 111

twolf1 @ 22

OT – looks like commenting is back on over at TomDelay.com…. albeit censored

Comments posted by non-registered members will be subject to editor approval before appearing. Your comment will not appear until it has been cleared by a website editor.

here’s one of my favs:

Way to go Tom! We’re pulling for ya all the way!
You are the glue that binds the gears of America together! Go get em!

I’m kinda fond of this one (unedited):

How will we get the taint of money out of politics It seems to be a huge problem and we don’t have much money to waist so what is the solution here?
COngradulations on your new post Rep. Delay

Talking to DeLay about getting the “money taint” out of politics is a little like going to Ted Bundy for advice on combating sexual predation.

maybe they meant “getting money out of their taints?”

They were going to give the keys to the Iraqi treasury to Chalabi, someone inclined to bank fraud. Appointing this fellow to do the legal work seems to be following the same play book.

Back when Tom Friedman was a reporter on the ground in the Middle East, he noted that there are three things the Israelis want, but only two of them can be obtained at the same time:

Land (greater Israel vs. smaller)
Jewish State
Democracy

If Israel wants to hold on to all the land and remain a Jewish state, they will have to disenfranchise non-Jewish Arabs.

If Israel wants to be Jewish and a democracy, they’ll have to give back Palestinian lands.

If Israel wants the larger borders and be a democracy, they won’t be a Jewish state because the Arab non-Jews will outnumber them.

A lot has happened since Tom wrote about this in From Beirut to Jerusalem (both in the Middle East and with Tom himself – but that’s another topic), but I haven’t seen anything change this basic equation. Folks are fighting over all three of these things, and only two can be realized at any one time.

kofi annan is speaking now and nobody is covering it

Mary @ 115

It is moderately humorous, in a black humor kind of way, that no one with the Office of Professional Responsiblity could get security clearances to investigate whether Gonzales et al violated Professional Ethics in connection with the spying program, but Murphy on the other hand —-

Hmmmm . . . you don’t suppose Murphy offered any legal advice to those who prevented the OPR from getting clearances, do you?

twolf1 @ 120

kofi annan is speaking now and nobody is covering it

Are you hearing voices? *s*

twolf1 @ 120

kofi annan is speaking now and nobody is covering it

those darn censors– they want to hear how badly he lambastes the administration in his dulcet tones before they air snippets.

grr.

Eureka Springs, AR @ 122

twolf1 @ 120

kofi annan is speaking now and nobody is covering it

Are you hearing voices? *s*

I’m trying to…

Seems like a lot more helicopter incidents as of late. I wonder if it has anything to do with our dear friends, the Saudis, buying Russian made estrela missiles for use by the Sunni insurgents?

Naw. Just another mysterious hard landing.

-GSD

Oklahoma kiddo @ 106

Annan is lucky to have gotten out with his life. Cheney absolutely detested this man.

Just reading up on Dag Hammarskold’s mysterious plane crash and Desmond Tutu’s info.

Really, it seems that tinfoil is the new black!

OK Kiddo @100,of course this upsets me. Incompetence is one of my pet peeves. This gang really can’t do the simplest things right. How hard is it to check someone’s backround these days for heaven’s sake?

If I didn’t make lame jokes I’d lose my mind entirely. I bet though,that I could do a better job doing some of this stuff than the so called experts in some places in our gov’t today. At least I can balance a checkbook and clean up after myself.

twolf1 @
120

kofi annan is speaking now and nobody is covering it

Somewhere John Bolton is watching and doing his best “Kramer at the Comedy Store” impression.

-GSD

Farewell Kofi, good luck Ban.

Peterr @ 119

Back when Tom Friedman was a reporter on the ground in the Middle East, he noted that there are three things the Israelis want, but only two of them can be obtained at the same time:

Land (greater Israel vs. smaller)
Jewish State
Democracy

If Israel wants to hold on to all the land and remain a Jewish state, they will have to disenfranchise non-Jewish Arabs.

If Israel wants to be Jewish and a democracy, they’ll have to give back Palestinian lands.

If Israel wants the larger borders and be a democracy, they won’t be a Jewish state because the Arab non-Jews will outnumber them.

A lot has happened since Tom wrote about this in From Beirut to Jerusalem (both in the Middle East and with Tom himself – but that’s another topic), but I haven’t seen anything change this basic equation. Folks are fighting over all three of these things, and only two can be realized at any one time.

You’ve said it much better than I. As I said: It’s all about religion, land, and political control.

twolf1 @ 82

more OT – Sheehan among 4 convicted of trespassing

Glad I read down before I posted this. This would amuse me if it wasn’t so heinous:

The women, calling their campaign “Women Say No To War,” had hoped to give the petition to Peggy Kerry, the mission’s liaison for non-governmental organizations and sister of Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., as they had in 2005.

Kerry refused to meet with the women in the presence of Cindy Sheehan and the news media. She testified during the trial that the presentation seemed like a publicity stunt.

Gaaaaah! Of course it was a publicity stunt! These women are trying to get your attention, you stupid knob! Certainly Peggy Kerry can’t object to publicity stunts…or didn’t she vote for her brother?

Still under deadline, need a break.

But from the looks of all the glum news, I think I need to get back to work.

At least the weather in MI is balmy again; maybe I should sit out on the deck with my laptop (wearing a jacket and light gloves, mind you).

cnn picking up the kofi annan feed now

annan on cnn now

twolf1 @ 99

Seeking Iran Intelligence, U.S. Tries Google
via huffpo

That’s “The” Google, you numbnuts editor.

thanks Stephen Parrish, CPA !

sorry to rain on everyone’s parade, and I too, love Henry Waxman but something has been bothering me . . .

from his site -

Rep. Waxman Participates in Online Town Hall Meeting on Israel and the Middle East
Rep. Waxman is deeply concerned about the safety and security of the state of Israel in these dangerous and volatile times

he is proud t/b Co Chair of Democratic Israel Working Group

a quote from the Town Hall linked below -

Congressman Waxman responds:

“The U.N. General Assembly is completely controlled by anti-Israel and anti-Semitic forces. I think the U.N. needs to be fundamentally reformed to weaken the corruption and knee-jerk anti-Israel actions. The U.N. Security Council, on the other hand, will act only with U.S. support and there are many times when U.S. interests are served by having a U.N.”

http://demcaucus.townhall.hous…..T&SEC={AB69EE64-F25C-43DB-A323-52E6E6E27037}#refresh-at-bottom

Yay– Annan is a good man and a diplomat.

I won’t be able to get ahold of my daughter until tonight (and she has final exams tomorrow) but I’ll try to get a response as soon as possible about the Kofi Annan speech today.

Robert Paehlke @ 119

They were going to give the keys to the Iraqi treasury to Chalabi, someone inclined to bank fraud. Appointing this fellow to do the legal work seems to be following the same play book.

My object all sublime
I will achieve in time
To let the punishment fit the crime
The punishment fit the crime.

…so much for the cnn feed

http://thenexthurrah.typepad.c….._lawm.html

A Quiz for Lawmakers
by emptywheel

Jeff Stein tells us that the rising Chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Silvestre Reyes, doesn’t know whether Al Qaeda and Hezbollah are predominantly made up of Shiite or Sunni Muslims. Well, the BCIS has decided to revamp the test required of applicants for citizenship. So I think we, the blogosphere, should put together our own new test–fifty questions a legislator should be able to answer correctly before he or she can vote on laws relating to those subjects. I’ve made a start below. Once we get a bunch I plan to put this into a document and send it to Pelosi and Reid. Hell–at the very least, maybe they can get their legislators to cram for the quiz so they don’t sound quite so embarrassing in interviews.

thought some folks here might have a question or two to add

Biodun @ 129

Peterr @ 119

Back when Tom Friedman was a reporter on the ground in the Middle East, he noted that there are three things the Israelis want, but only two of them can be obtained at the same time:

Land (greater Israel vs. smaller)
Jewish State
Democracy

If Israel wants to hold on to all the land and remain a Jewish state, they will have to disenfranchise non-Jewish Arabs.

If Israel wants to be Jewish and a democracy, they’ll have to give back Palestinian lands.

If Israel wants the larger borders and be a democracy, they won’t be a Jewish state because the Arab non-Jews will outnumber them.

A lot has happened since Tom wrote about this in From Beirut to Jerusalem (both in the Middle East and with Tom himself – but that’s another topic), but I haven’t seen anything change this basic equation. Folks are fighting over all three of these things, and only two can be realized at any one time.

You’ve said it much better than I. As I said: It’s all about religion, land, and political control.

I don’t see how religion is justified as a factor except for identification by individuals and groups.

For instance – “…If Israel wants the larger borders and be a democracy, they won’t be a Jewish state because the Arab non-Jews will outnumber them….”

What exactly defines a “Jewish State”?

Macaca High School.

Yay Klan!

-GSD

oh &%$#!, cbl @ 135.

rumi @ 141

I don’t see how religion is justified as a factor except for identification by individuals and groups.

For instance – “…If Israel wants the larger borders and be a democracy, they won’t be a Jewish state because the Arab non-Jews will outnumber them….”

What exactly defines a “Jewish State”?

Lots of things, in the eyes of the Orthodox Jewish community most interested in preserving/achieving this: laws that preserve the Sabbath (closing stores and office, for example); laws and practices governing burials, excavations, artifacts, etc.; inspections of public business to see that they adhere to appropriate kosher practices; and also laws that determine “who is a Jew” and thus is eligible for emigration and citizenship.

It’s a whole host of things, really, all of them tied to the vision of Jewishness held to by the most conservative branch of Judaism.

GSD @ 142

Macaca High School.

Yay Klan!

“Home of the Rebels.” In a state that never seceded from the Union. Boneheads.

angie @ 143

oh &%$#!, cbl @ 135.

…you forgot to say !%#?@*$%

cbl @ 136

thanks Stephen Parrish, CPA !

sorry to rain on everyone’s parade, and I too, love Henry Waxman but something has been bothering me . . .

from his site -

Rep. Waxman Participates in Online Town Hall Meeting on Israel and the Middle East
Rep. Waxman is deeply concerned about the safety and security of the state of Israel in these dangerous and volatile times

he is proud t/b Co Chair of Democratic Israel Working Group

a quote from the Town Hall linked below -

Congressman Waxman responds:

“The U.N. General Assembly is completely controlled by anti-Israel and anti-Semitic forces. I think the U.N. needs to be fundamentally reformed to weaken the corruption and knee-jerk anti-Israel actions. The U.N. Security Council, on the other hand, will act only with U.S. support and there are many times when U.S. interests are served by having a U.N.”

http://demcaucus.townhall.hous…..T&SEC={AB69EE64-F25C-43DB-A323-52E6E6E27037}#refresh-at-bottom

This is not good news, cbl. But better we know now where he stands. You know, even 10 years ago that info would have been buried and only a few people would have known about it. These internets are a blessing and a curse. I hope that grateful later generations will build a memorial to those of us NetRootz pioneers who die of exploded heads. My house runs on Ibupr*fen and W*ndex.

Oh, and my 82 has become immoderate! Thanks!

Peterr @ 144

rumi @ 141

I don’t see how religion is justified as a factor except for identification by individuals and groups.

For instance – “…If Israel wants the larger borders and be a democracy, they won’t be a Jewish state because the Arab non-Jews will outnumber them….”

What exactly defines a “Jewish State”?

Lots of things, in the eyes of the Orthodox Jewish community most interested in preserving/achieving this: laws that preserve the Sabbath (closing stores and office, for example); laws and practices governing burials, excavations, artifacts, etc.; inspections of public business to see that they adhere to appropriate kosher practices; and also laws that determine “who is a Jew” and thus is eligible for emigration and citizenship.

It’s a whole host of things, really, all of them tied to the vision of Jewishness held to by the most conservative branch of Judaism.

But isn’t that the same type of “law by religion” the US is sacrificing lives to fight against in many countries?

If I were homeless in DC I would wear a sandwich board [and a tinfoil hat] with anti-AIPAC on one Side, anti-Moonie on the other.

Should BA target most every member of the Intel committees? /snerk [Harman the last few days sure sounds like she is reverting to her old ways]

h/t hotflash – head exploding.

What’s the Opposite of a Pyrrhic Victory?
by Robert Shetterly

James Baker’s & Lee Hamilton’s report from the Iraq Study Group on the situation in Iraq and their recommendations on how to proceed avoids three of the most important aspects of this catastrophic situation. Thus, it does nothing to avert the mythic disaster that inevitably befalls a country — like ours — determined to ignore the strictures of reality.

1. The report never talks about the manner in which the U.S. Congress and people were manipulated into war by this administration. The lies and deceptions used to engineer this war were a betrayal of the Constitution and of our democratic Republic. Any solution must not just figure out how the U.S. can exit from the war, but, equally important, how such deception can be avoided in the future. To do this we all have to face the truth of what happened. The Study Group did not address this issue; it provided cover for the administration. By implication it took the administration to task for poor planning and incompetence, but that is not nearly enough. Crimes were committed. An essential ingredient of the success of a democracy is its willingness to demand accountability. Without people being held responsible, nothing lasting can be learned. We are indeed doomed to repeat our history if no one is held accountable for the mistakes and crimes of the past. I have heard it said that the Baker-Hamilton report was a devastating criticism of the administration’s handling of the war. But there is no way it could be devastating enough unless it included criminal indictment. In fact, then it would not be devastating. It would be liberating.

2. The report never disavows the actual goals of the invasion. We all know that the goals were neither self-protection from extraordinary weapons, nor the interdiction of Saddam’s phony connection with Osama, nor the building of democracy in Iraq. The goals involved the establishment of permanent U.S. military bases at a central location in the Mid-East, and the privatized control of a vast supply of oil, and, under the Bremer Rules, the privatization of all of Iraq’s essential business. The Baker-Hamilton report states that U.S. forces should stay in Iraq for an indefinite time to protect our “national interests.” What this “bi-partisan” committee is trying to do, in the inverse of a Pyrrhic victory, is find a way to lose the war but still win the war’s objectives. This duplicity will not be lost on Sunnis, Shiites, or anyone else in the region. There will be no peace until the U.S. leaves Iraq, turns over its bases to the Iraqis and forgoes all imperial ambitions, including the oil. Even then, of course, the violence may worsen. When you sow the whirlwind, it, not you, is in control. ( It’s important to note that James Baker has very close ties to the oil industry and has worked for the Carlyle Group, the international corporate entity made up primarily of former multi-national government officials, like George H.W. Bush, who have used their insider connections to make billions selling arms & oil.)

3. The best way to end the conflict is for the U.S forces to be withdrawn immediately. Much of the violence is in reaction to the presence of the U.S. occupying force. The Study Group admits this, but then ignores it. Much attention is given to the training of Iraqi forces, with the warning to the Iraqi government that it has to now take responsibility for the violence in Iraq — as though it is their fault. Before they take responsibility, we have to. Who started this war? Who made the unprovoked attack? Who destroyed the infrastructure of the country and killed hundreds of thousands of civilians? Who whistled the tune for this particular “cake walk?” Who should pay for the reparations? Who created a situation so awful that there are no good solutions? The U.S. has to make it very clear that this is our fault and our mess to clean up —- which brings me back to the beginning. We can’t take appropriate responsibility for the end of this affair if we don’t take responsibility for the beginning. It was not bungling. It was a crime against humanity. Implicit in the Iraq Study Group’s report is that they approved of a pre-emptive war sold to the American people by deception and that they approved of the neo-colonial goals. They’re pissed that the heist was handled so badly.

Peterr @ 145

rumi @ 141

What exactly defines a “Jewish State”?

It’s a whole host of things, really, all of them tied to the vision of Jewishness held to by the most conservative branch of Judaism.

What further complicates things is the fact that Judaism is the only religion that is also an ethnicity.

rumi @ 149

Yep. The disconnect is profound. (I wonder how many legislators’ heads would explode if this were pointed out to them?)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16154691/

High court rules against oil, gas industry
Justices refuse to restrict number of years feds can collect on land leases

The Associated Press
Updated: 11:58 a.m. ET Dec 11, 2006
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court ruled against the oil and gas industry Monday in a dispute over how many years into the past the government can reach to collect money for leases on federal land.

In a 7-0 decision, the court refused to limit the number of years the government can reach back to collect unpaid royalties. The ruling applies to administrative proceedings the Interior Department brought against two companies.

At issue is whether a federal law imposing a six-year time limit for the government to file lawsuits based on federal contracts also applies to administrative orders.

Ten years ago, the Interior Department’s Minerals Management Service ordered BP America Production Co. and ARCO to pay $4.1 million and $780,000, respectively, to cover royalty deficiencies on coal-bed methane. The companies pumped the natural gas from wells in the San Juan Basin, which is in northwest New Mexico and southwest Colorado.

The government’s administrative claim was based on royalties allegedly owed going back more than eight years from the time the Interior Department demanded the money. BP and ARCO say the limit should be six years, which would reduce the amount of royalties the Interior Department is able to claim.

BP and ARCO say unfavorable rulings in lower courts on the issue would add hundreds of millions of dollars to the royalty obligations of the oil and gas industry over the life of existing leases.

The industry’s arguments “are insufficient to overcome the plain meaning” of federal law, said the decision by Justice Samuel Alito.

(snip)

The case is BP America v. Watson, 05-669.

You know, even 10 years ago that info would have been buried and only a few people would have known about it. These internets are a blessing and a curse. I hope that grateful later generations will build a memorial to those of us NetRootz pioneers who die of exploded heads.

I was attempting to answer a question, at another site, as to what in the world, short of impeachment, might be done to make sure that the same actors of today do not show up again, in 10 years time or so, a la the Iran-Contra folks.

My answer, at least in part, was that the internets have provided such massive and instantaneous information, that Feith or a Cambone, e.g., will not be able to, at *any* time in the future, just slip through the cracks into a significant policy-making position.

sorry angie,

just been bothering me for a while and thought we should face it. doesn’t appear it will compromise him in his Chairmanship, but would like to know more about his connections (if any) to AIPAC –

AIPAC Builds Ties With New Lawmakers
AIPAC reached nearly every lawmaker elected in Tuesday’s mid-term congressional elections as part of its effort to educate political candidates on the value of the U.S.-Israel relationship. During the campaign that ended Tuesday, nearly every viable candidate met with AIPAC professional staff members and submitted a position paper summarizing his or her views on U.S. Middle East policy

(emphasis mine)

http://vancouver.indymedia.org/?q=node/2869

well thank goodness AIPAC no longer has juice inside the beltway

yeah, I know, my “anti-semitic” ass will be over here

rumi @ 149

Peterr @ 144

rumi @ 141

I don’t see how religion is justified as a factor except for identification by individuals and groups.

For instance – “…If Israel wants the larger borders and be a democracy, they won’t be a Jewish state because the Arab non-Jews will outnumber them….”

What exactly defines a “Jewish State”?

Lots of things, in the eyes of the Orthodox Jewish community most interested in preserving/achieving this: laws that preserve the Sabbath (closing stores and office, for example); laws and practices governing burials, excavations, artifacts, etc.; inspections of public business to see that they adhere to appropriate kosher practices; and also laws that determine “who is a Jew” and thus is eligible for emigration and citizenship.

It’s a whole host of things, really, all of them tied to the vision of Jewishness held to by the most conservative branch of Judaism.

But isn’t that the same type of “law by religion” the US is sacrificing lives to fight against in many countries?

(Also P.J. Evans @153):

Good question, and highly complicated. But here we’re moving into a minefield that I caution we should negotiate very carefully.

“License? We don’t need no stinking license!”

Stephen Parrish, CPA @ 153

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16154691/

High court rules against oil, gas industry
Justices refuse to restrict number of years feds can collect on land leases

Et tu, SCOTUS? Bush just can’t get no satisfaction.

Can I please be excused?

I think my brain is too full.

I guess I always assumed that any religious legal aspect in Israel applied to those who chose to abide by those laws as a choice of faith.

David Ehrenstein @
158

“License? We don’t need no stinking license!”

“That’s why they call it ‘practicing’ law, right?”

rumi @ 160

I guess I always assumed that any religious legal aspect in Israel applied to those who chose to abide by those laws as a choice of faith.

Nope. They apply to everyone, Jewish or not.

Think of the Sunday “Blue Laws” that used to be so common in the US. They had their roots in conservative puritan views of Sunday, and as long as they were on the books, those conservative religious views applied to everyone.

Wow. That’s going to hurt, that SCOTUS ruling against oil and gas…

There’s already been $10 BILLION missing, underpaid royalties from the same. If memory serves, John McCain was instrumental in whitewashing the missing money story.

If the oil and gas industry had to pay royalties regularly along with leases…ouch, that fat slug heading Exxon might have to do with a reduction in pay.

Peterr #119,

Tom Friedman “borrowed” those ideas as well, but although they have been around for decades, they still don’t get to the heart of the matter.

The problem as rumi points out is the whole notion of a Jewish state. That you can have states that are “Christian”, “Jewish”, “Moslem”, whatever is racist and exclusionary at its core, but of course we aren’t supposed to say this because people might call us names.

If the Israelis withdraw to the 1967 borders, 20% of their population will still be non-Jewish and will continue to lack all the rights and privileges that Jewish Israelis enjoy. Is that right? If it is acceptable for Jewish Israelis to discriminate against Arab Israelis, is it OK for Moslem states like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to ban churches? Is it OK for the majority Moslems of Egypt to treat Christian Copts as second class citizens? If the majority Christians of this country decided we should be a “Christian” country and restrict the freedom of those of other faiths or without any, would that be OK?

Returning to Israel, who is a Jew? Many American Jews are Reform. Israel is majority Orthodox, and doesn’t recognize the Reformed Jews of the American Jewish community as “real” Jews. So whose Jewish state are we really talking about and whose should it be?

BTW – Reefer Madness on Showtime. What a hoot…this was the early playbook for the rightwing to use on the other evils in society, like abortion and gay marriage.

“That’s why they call it ‘practicing’ law, right?”

I’ve always been made a little more uncomfortable by the phrase “practicing medicine” myself. lol

If any member of either American political party is exceptionally partial to the Israeli government (or for that matter any other) government, and that government’s military actions, to the detriment of the people he or she is supposed to represent, (U.S. citizens) then it’s just plain wrong.

Peterr @ 161

rumi @ 160

I guess I always assumed that any religious legal aspect in Israel applied to those who chose to abide by those laws as a choice of faith.

Nope. They apply to everyone, Jewish or not.

Think of the Sunday “Blue Laws” that used to be so common in the US. They had their roots in conservative puritan views of Sunday, and as long as they were on the books, those conservative religious views applied to everyone.

yup, exactly the first example that jumped into my mind. I guess I never followed that association before in matters of not opposing a Jewish State, which I never opposed but thought the human rights and other issues should be addressed.

Rayne @ 164

BTW – Reefer Madness on Showtime. What a hoot…this was the early playbook for the rightwing to use on the other evils in society, like abortion and gay marriage.

Funny you should mention that….

‘ere! ;)

This has been a heavy thread.

Peterr @ 162

rumi @ 160

I guess I always assumed that any religious legal aspect in Israel applied to those who chose to abide by those laws as a choice of faith.

Nope. They apply to everyone, Jewish or not.

Think of the Sunday “Blue Laws” that used to be so common in the US. They had their roots in conservative puritan views of Sunday, and as long as they were on the books, those conservative religious views applied to everyone.

And the laws forbidding polygamy.

Oklahoma kiddo @ 167

If any member of either American political party is exceptionally partial to the Israeli government (or for that matter any other) government, and that government’s military actions, to the detriment of the people he or she is supposed to represent, (U.S. citizens) then it’s just plain wrong.

Another reason that public financing of elections is a good idea.

Kofi Annan’s full speech.

http://www.rawstory.com/news/2….._1211.html

kristinejoy @ 169

Rayne @ 164

BTW – Reefer Madness on Showtime. What a hoot…this was the early playbook for the rightwing to use on the other evils in society, like abortion and gay marriage.

Funny you should mention that….

‘ere! ;)

This has been a heavy thread.

hmmm Not on my showtime. I searched on tivo per direct way satellite. No Reefer Madness at all.

They must have used the same background check methodology used on “Heckuva Job Brownie”!

I’m surprised noone has pointed out that, with regards to Homeland Security issues, it will be Senator Lieberman that will be issuing subpoenas and investigating the incompetence and corruption that’s pervaded our entire time in Iraq.

You know, just like Christy’s title to this entry says.

Is it too late for a Festivus rant?

Oh, well that’s what I get for my “weekends away from computers” policy…

On a different note, (C-double flat, I think) last night Comedy Central’s viewers of Lewis Black’s Last Laugh ‘06 voted the Preznit Biggest Tool of 2006.

BC

NY Expat @ 174

I’m surprised noone has pointed out that, with regards to Homeland Security issues, it will be Senator Lieberman that will be issuing subpoenas and investigating the incompetence and corruption that’s pervaded our entire time in Iraq.

You know, just like Christy’s title to this entry says.

True, but the nature of that incompetence and corruption overlaps considerably with other committees’ purviews, so Holy Joe isn’t necessarily going to have a lot of luck as an all-purpose obstructionist.

Bargain Countertenor @ 176

Is it too late for a Festivus rant?

towards the end of that thread I pleaded: “leave some Festivus for the rest of us” … so I think you have the floor.

HotFlash @ 171

Oklahoma kiddo @ 167

If any member of either American political party is exceptionally partial to the Israeli government (or for that matter any other) government, and that government’s military actions, to the detriment of the people he or she is supposed to represent, (U.S. citizens) then it’s just plain wrong.

Another reason that public financing of elections is a good idea.

My belief is that public financing should be number one on the progressive Democratic political platform. Equal public financing of candidates and elections just might bring back decent government.

So basically, the option should be that the Jewish State and Democracy are 2 goals that cannot be achieved simultaneously, regardless of the population’s religions percentages.

Hugh @ 164

Peterr #119,

Returning to Israel, who is a Jew? Many American Jews are Reform. Israel is majority Orthodox, and doesn’t recognize the Reformed Jews of the American Jewish community as “real” Jews. So whose Jewish state are we really talking about and whose should it be?

Add to this the Ashkenazis, Sephardis, and (Ethiopian) Falashas. How do they relate to Judaism as religion and ethnicity? To the Jewish state?

I don’t object to individuals supporting Israel, as their personal opinion may allow, but I don’t think it should be an automatic government policy, or assumed to be the view of a majority of people in this country. (I’m also not sure that we should recognize the Vatican as a government, or that there should only be one officially-recognized China. But I’m not a political-science geek, either.)

Hugh @ 164

Peterr #119,

Tom Friedman “borrowed” those ideas as well, but although they have been around for decades, they still don’t get to the heart of the matter.

The problem as rumi points out is the whole notion of a Jewish state. That you can have states that are “Christian”, “Jewish”, “Moslem”, whatever is racist and exclusionary at its core, but of course we aren’t supposed to say this because people might call us names.

If the Israelis withdraw to the 1967 borders, 20% of their population will still be non-Jewish and will continue to lack all the rights and privileges that Jewish Israelis enjoy. Is that right? If it is acceptable for Jewish Israelis to discriminate against Arab Israelis, is it OK for Moslem states like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to ban churches? Is it OK for the majority Moslems of Egypt to treat Christian Copts as second class citizens? If the majority Christians of this country decided we should be a “Christian” country and restrict the freedom of those of other faiths or without any, would that be OK?

Returning to Israel, who is a Jew? Many American Jews are Reform. Israel is majority Orthodox, and doesn’t recognize the Reformed Jews of the American Jewish community as “real” Jews. So whose Jewish state are we really talking about and whose should it be?

I’m not defending anyone here, just trying to describe things. Your last paragraph highlights the one that sums up the whole dilemma of the nation of Israel.

One of the odder linguistic oxymorons I’ve ever heard is the product of this whole discussion of the state of Israel: “secular Jew.”

new Thread.
http://www.firedoglake.com/200…..s/#respond

Oklahoma kiddo #150,

I agree with the first point that one of the deficiencies of the ISG report is that it doesn’t discuss the question of the lies that got us into Iraq, but no one seriously expected it to.

The second point I agree with in part. Oil has always been the unacknowledged 800 lb gorilla in the room. Essentially no one believes we would currently be in Iraq if there weren’t oil there. Oil is a major component for any general political settlement in Iraq so it is right for the ISG report to address it. This said, I agree they did do some interesting tapdancing around the issue.

I agree too that we should leave Iraq but I have no idea what “immediately” means. Even if the decision were made today to leave, it would still take 3 to 6 months to actually move our people and their equipment out country. Shetterly is simply wrong that most of the violence in Iraq is against Americans or that our departure will somehow improve the situation. It will improve the situation for us. It will be worse for the Iraqis. The argument for our leaving soon is that this will remain true whether we leave now or in a year or two.

fyi new thread

http://www.firedoglake.com/200…..-families/

Eureka Springs AR — was on channel denominated “SHOBe” –? It’s on again later today, 5-ish EST if memory serves.

EPU’ing myself — but I think a key distinction that most Americans struggle to make is the different political positions within Israel.

It’s not unlike the different political positions between Islamic sects; what are the fundamental differences between Shi’a and Sunni? How do these differences affect the political positions of Hezbollah, Hamas, other Islamic political entities?

We are confusing with the entire Israeli government the political position of a group organized as the Likud Party, versus other political parties in Israel. It’s the same kind of error that folks in other countries might make in their understanding of American politics, inflating the neo-conservative agenda as that of all Americans.

We also need to separate the idea of an Israeli political entity from Israel, and Israel from Jews. It gets very messy since Judaism is not fully separate from Israel’s politics.

Makes me appreciate the separation of church and state all the more.

Rayne @ 188

EPU’ing myself — but I think a key distinction that most Americans struggle to make is the different political positions within Israel.

It’s not unlike the different political positions between Islamic sects; what are the fundamental differences between Shi’a and Sunni? How do these differences affect the political positions of Hezbollah, Hamas, other Islamic political entities?

We are confusing with the entire Israeli government the political position of a group organized as the Likud Party, versus other political parties in Israel. It’s the same kind of error that folks in other countries might make in their understanding of American politics, inflating the neo-conservative agenda as that of all Americans.

We also need to separate the idea of an Israeli political entity from Israel, and Israel from Jews. It gets very messy since Judaism is not fully separate from Israel’s politics.

Makes me appreciate the separation of church and state all the more.

When we do make those distinctions and address the problems in a nonreligious manner, we are still generally accused of anti-semitism. I see the problems as political or something other than religious/ethnic.

Rayne @ 187

It gets very messy since Judaism is not fully separate from Israel’s politics.

I think most Israelis would say that Judaism is the foundation of Israel. It’s the central tenet of Zionism which led to the creation of the modern state of Israel in the first place. But in the modern world, no state is “pure”. There are always minorities. So in so far as you push the special character of a state: its Jewishness in the case of Israel to the detriment of its non-Jewish citizens, or its Turkishness, say, in the case of Turkey to the detriment of its Kurdish minority, discrimination and racism will be the result.

Peterr, Rumi:

The original intent of Israel was to protect Jews, not to force any tenets of Judaism onto anyone living there (the “Blue Laws” that have been mentioned are more likely to be enforced in Jerusalem than in secular Tel Aviv). What has happened (particularly since 1967) is that, due to the parliamentary system of the Knesset, the ultra-religious parties have leveraged their small percantage of MPs and been brought into ruling coalitions (both by Labor and Likud). For those of you who think a multi-party system would be better for democracy in the US, think about that one for a bit, and imagine the damage that a Roy Moore led “Christian Party” could do if we had a parliamentary system here.

Also, support of Israel != Neo-con != AIPAC, so I don’t know why you should be “disturbed” by Congressman Waxman’s support of Israel. This, BTW, is why the Mearshimer, et al. term “The Jewish Lobby” is so pernicious. I know many Jews who, like myself, feel that AIPAC and organizations like JUF in no way speak for them, but also feel that having an Israeli state is important for Judaism (of all types, though to be honest the majority of antipathy has been from the Orthodox towards the Reform).

Moderator….I left this window open and came back tofind my great niece playing with it…I never posted that174. I’ll close things up now.

1,361 DAYZ AND THE KILLIN’ GOEZ ON AND ON AND..

Oklahoma Kiddo:

Be careful brother…even here on FDL, if you get too close ta the truth with regard to US domestic politics and Israel yer gunna get screwed, blued and tattooed.

All progressives support a homeland for Israelis and Palestinians, the problem is the laundry of American taxpayer funds that go to Israel and are tithed and come back to Congress thru campaign contributions from AIPAC. The only solution lies within the American Jewish community and the (supposed)significant Israeli peace movement. There must be a domestic alternative to AIPAC that gets legitimacy from a visible and viable political force inside Israel. Until the Israeli left reaches out to the progressives in the American Jewish community, there is no hope for a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

All the forgoing, of course, raises the question, is there a REAL significant opposition politics within Israel, or is that just a doggie treat tossed out to gullible Americans? Has the politics of “national security” killed the political dialect within Israel? This is important to our understanding of the power dynamics of the ruling oligarchy in the US. Right now the Democratic Party has marginal control of both houses of Congress, if you put the Blue Dogs and the AIPAC representatives and senators together, you fracture the Democratic Party and destroy it’s ability to govern from the floor of Congress.

So, are you gettin’ the picture now, us folks out here on the street in America are inextricably tied to the Palestinians and the Israelis. Whether or not any of us survive to move forward into the 21st century with any rights of self determination or political freedom will be determined in the next few months by whether or not the American corporate oligarchy is able to take us into a full scale regional war in the Middle East.

KEEP THE FAITH AND TALK TRUTH TO POWER, GOD IS WATCHIN’!!!

NZ Expat:

175 was actually me (your lexicographical predecessor :-))

Dec. 11: Rep. Dennis Kucinich Briefing on Iraqi Casualties
Live on C-SPAN, 10 AM EST
Announce end: 0000, Thu Dec 14, 2006 , Sat Dec 09, 2006 3:54 PM Quote: Schedule date: Monday, December 11, 200
10:00 AM EST
2:00 (est.) LIVE
C-SPAN

Congressional News Conference
Iraqi Civilian Casualties

U.S. House of Representatives,
Dennis Kucinich , D-OH
Ron Paul , R, Texas

The beginning and end of this live program may be earlier or later than the scheduled times.
http://www.kucinich.us/phpBB2/…..f3bf#35039

http://messageboards.aol.com/a…..annel=News AOL Managed&filterRead=false&filterHidden=true&filterUnhidden=false

Dennis Kucinich had an incredible hearing this morning with the Lacent and JohnsHokins people..and what they said is their 655,000 figure of deaths in Iraq are most likely an undercount..the numbers could actually be closer to 950,000 dead iraqi’sand Dr Juan Cole of the UNiversity of Michigan said

nonsence for those who say ..if we don;t get them there they will come here.. HE SAID

THAT IS NONSENCE!

he also said for those who say..we must have victory in Iraq..

he asked what will victory look like ..killing each and every Sunni??
If you can catch the re-run of this hearing ..it is must see!!

Dr Juan Cole said the US media has hidden the truth since 2003 of violent casualties..both the print media and TV media..and said what the American people know of the casulaties is only the tip of the iceberg!

NZ Expat @ 191

Moderator….I left this window open and came back tofind my great niece playing with it…I never posted that 174. I’ll close things up now.

It was an interesting comment. You have a precocious grand-niece there.

punaise @ 178

towards the end of that thread I pleaded: “leave some Festivus for the rest of us” … so I think you have the floor.

Okay…

To my mother:
Mom, I love you. If you don’t enjoy cooking any more, that’s okay. But please, don’t burn flank steak and potatoes and call it “supper.” I have 3 words: “Meals on wheels.” You deserve better than burnt offerings. So does Dad.

To my sister-in-law:
Sis, I love you, you’ve cared for my brother well and I love you for it. However, I am not the enemy. The fact I live a thousand miles from the rest of the immediate family is fate, not choice. Telling my kids what a shame it is that they don’t know about family traditions because I live so far away is not a way to my heart. Distributing pictures as “family pictures” that exclude me and Mrs Countertenor hurts Mrs Countertenor. Me, I don’t give a rat’s ass, because I understand that you’re a drama queen and have to create emotional mares’ nests if there aren’t any. But hurting my wife’s feelings is really unkind. Let me point out that Mrs Countertenor is as much a Countertenor as you. Maybe more…

To my sister:
See the rant above. In addition, I’m really tired of the bullshit about how I’m the beloved child and how you sucked hind tit all your life. We’ve both seen our 30th high school reunions. Get over it.

To my brother:
Quit coddling your wife. She’s a goddamned drama queen. It’s time you figured it out, before you retire into the circus she’s generating.

BC

Don’t forget all those Justice Department lawyers who couldn’t investigate administration wrongdoing because they couldn’t get security clearances.

Just business as usual for this White House; Bush also appointed a non-certified MD to head the HHS’s Office of Population Affairs.

The Bush administration’s selected Keroack to oversee HHS’s $283 million reproductive-health program and a $30 million program that encourages abstinence among teenagers.

Keroack was certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1995, but that credential expired after 10 years.
“He inadvertently missed the recertification deadline and for 2006 is listed as board-eligible, meaning he is eligible to take the recertification exam,” Pearson said. “He plans to seek recertification in the future.”

Oklahoma kiddo @
19

Sophist @ 15

Just found this ‘chestnut’ on informationclearinghouse.info, Baker VS. The Lobby

An article which appeared in the Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz shows how confident Prime Minister Olmert is in the ability of the Jewish Lobby to torpedo the Baker-Hamilton report and steer the US away from changes in Iraq:

“On his way home from Los Angeles, the Prime Minister ‘calmed’ the reporters –and perhaps even himself—by saying there is no danger of the US President George Bush accepting the expected recommendations of the Baker-Hamilton panel, and attempting to move Syria out of the axis of evil and into a coalition to extricate America from Iraq. The Prime Minister hopes the Jewish Lobby can rally a Democratic majority in the new Congress to counter any diversion from the status quo … http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/789919.html
…
Olmert has good reason to be “calm”. While the new Congress is being apprised of its duties to Israel, the Brookings Institute is convening a forum at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy entitled: “America and Israel: Confronting a Middle east in Turmoil”. The meeting will be attended by Israeli right-wing extremist, Avigdor Lieberman, as well as political big-wigs, Bill and Hillary Clinton.

The context of the meeting suggests that right-leaning Israelis will be informing their friends in the Democratic Party about the anticipated attack on Iran, as well as discussing strategies for sabotaging Baker’s report. If we see the Dems lambasting the ISGs recommendations next week; we’ll know why.

This is the sort of info that really needs to get out there.

So, Kid – if we here you lambasting the ISG’s recommendations, we’ll know that the Jewish Lobby got to you.

By the way, here’s how hard it is to check on the disciplinary status of Michael D. Murphy:

1. Go to the Texas Bar website.

2. In the blue box labelled find a lawyer, put in his name and click “Search.”

3. Look at the list. See the Michael D. Murphy who’s listed as practicing in Port Arthur? That’s the one. The red dot next to his name means he’s ineligible to practice law in Texas.

4. Click on his name to see his individual page. Under the heading “Current Member Status,” you see that he’s ineligible. Clicking on that link shows that he was disbarred.

That wasn’t too hard, was it?