California Archdiocese Pays Out For Pedophiles - Bishops and Cardinals Who Aided and Abetted Still At Large
O.C. Diocese Settles Abuse Cases: "
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange agreed Thursday to settle claims by 87 people who said they were sexually abused by priests and other church employees, promising a sum that sources said would exceed the $85 million record payment by an American diocese." [--snip--]
The deal settles allegations of molestation against 30 clergymen and about a dozen other church employees, with some cases dating back as far as the 1930s. [--snip--]
In addition to Ramos, many of the priests were involved in multiple molestation cases.
One of the former priests involved in the cases, John Lenihan, allegedly paid for an abortion for a teenager he impregnated when he was her parish priest in the 1970s. In a letter to Pope John Paul II in 2002 asking to be released from the priesthood, Lenihan admitted to two sexual relationships with teenage girls starting in 1978.
Nor have any Bishops or Cardinals committed suicide over this scandal. The L.A. Diocese has yet to reach closure on the scandal. They're probably preoccupied with the threat gay marriage poses to the traditional familes in the diocese who haven't born devasted by pedophilic priests and their bishops.
Friday, December 03, 2004
This Week's Pharisee Awards Go To.....The United Methodists!
And yet:
We note that the Methodists' ads did not embrace queers pictorially, although they do employ the general language of inclusion. So the Methodists talk the talk, but don't show any queers and CBS does not find the ads controversial. Conversely, the UCC shows queers and CBS says no. We conclude that CBS finds the idea that God loves queers controversial.
Boston.com / News / Nation / Methodist minister is defrocked for lesbian relationship: "PUGHTOWN, Pa. -- The United Methodist Church yesterday defrocked a lesbian minister who lives with her partner for violating the denomination's ban on actively gay clergy -- the first such decision by the church in 17 years." [--snip--]
At her trial, Stroud's defense was dealt a blow when the presiding judge Joseph Yeakel, the retired bishop of Washington, D.C., excluded testimony from six defense witnesses who believe the church's ban on gay clergy violates its own legal principles.
The senior pastor of Stroud's church, the Rev. Alfred Day III, said on the stand, "I believe that even the testimony of Scripture is far from clear on this subject."
But the Rev. Thomas Hall of Exton, Pa., the prosecutor, asked Yeakel to strike Day's statement, and the judge instructed the jury that "constitutional issues are not before this court."
And yet:
CBS network will air church's national TV commercials
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The United Methodist Church will get premium air time on the CBS television network when the denomination launches its national television commercials in the first week of September. [--snip--]
Campaign officials were surprised to learn that two of the three major television networks - ABC, Fox and NBC -- have a general policy of not accepting religious advertising for nationwide broadcast. CBS was the only one that accepted the United Methodist Church's commercials, according to the Rev. Steve Horswill-Johnston, director of the Igniting Ministry effort and a staff executive at United Methodist Communications. [--snip--]
In an effort to reach unchurched and seeking people, a commercial titled "Diversity" will show that the United Methodist Church embraces not only different races and cultures but also diverse theological views. The spot will begin airing on Sept. 4. Another ad, "Rain," focuses on people considering what it means to be in the community of God.
We note that the Methodists' ads did not embrace queers pictorially, although they do employ the general language of inclusion. So the Methodists talk the talk, but don't show any queers and CBS does not find the ads controversial. Conversely, the UCC shows queers and CBS says no. We conclude that CBS finds the idea that God loves queers controversial.
But wonder at a greater wonder, for to us
Created nature doth these things subdue,
But their Creator, whom sin nor nature tied,
For us, his Creatures and his foes, hath died.
John Donne, Holy Sonnet XII: 11-14
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Who Said Iraq Wasn't Just Like Vietnam?
Islamofascist Treehuggers?
Boston.com / News / Nation / Washington / ACLU challenges FBI on antiterror probes: "December 2, 2004
WASHINGTON -- The American Civil Liberties Union is seeking information from the FBI on why bureau task forces set up to combat terrorism also looked into antiwar, animal rights, and environmental groups."
Islamofascist Treehuggers?
Troubles Mount In Il Ducetto's Empire
Anxiety increases over Iranian nuclear program: (Boston Globe) VIENNA -- A year ago, nonproliferation officials were jubilantly hailing the triumph of diplomacy in reining in Iran's alleged nuclear weapons ambitions. But many now fear that efforts to negotiate with Tehran have descended into a perilous diplomatic quagmire.
US to boost its Iraq force by 12,000: (Boston Globe) WASHINGTON -- Amid growing concerns about the stability of Iraq, the Pentagon yesterday announced that it will boost the number of troops there to the highest level since the start of the war, as US-led ground forces continue attacking insurgents while attempting to secure polling places in time for January elections.
Palestinians, Israelis fall into turmoil: (Boston Globe) JERUSALEM -- Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel sacked a key coalition partner yesterday, and Marwan Barghouthi, the jailed uprising leader, decided to run for president of the Palestinian Authority next month, plunging Israeli and Palestinian politics into disarray.
Bush Rejects Calls to Delay Iraq Vote: (LA Times) WASHINGTON — President Bush insisted today that the elections scheduled to take place at the end of January in Iraq go forward as planned, saying "it's time for the Iraqi citizens to go to the polls."[--snip--]
The U.N. Secretary General, Kofi Annan, and the European Union's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, have said that the depth and breadth of the insurgency in Iraq would make it nearly impossible to hold legitimate elections.
Fallouja Fight Among Deadliest in Years for U.S.: (LA Times) BAGHDAD — Seventy-one U.S. troops died in the November battle to retake the city of Fallouja, according to the top Marine commander in Iraq, a toll significantly higher than the previous count of 51 deaths.
Arms Inspectors Said to Seek Access to Sites in Iran: (NY Times) VIENNA, Dec. 1 -International inspectors are requesting access to two secret Iranian military sites where intelligence suggests that Tehran's Ministry of Defense may be working on atomic weapons, despite the agreement that Iran reached this week to suspend its production of enriched uranium, according to diplomats here.
FBI searches offices of Israel lobbying group as part of spy probe: (USA Today) The FBI (news - web sites) searched the offices of the premier pro-Israel advocacy group in the United States for more than six hours Wednesday, took away computer files and issued subpoenas to four senior staffers in a continuing probe of whether a midlevel Pentagon (news - web sites) analyst passed classified information to Israel.
Musical Interlude
When our step-mother-in-law downsized, we benefited by one lovely baby grand piano (a "Winter," which the piano technician says is about 60 years old - and is not the piano pictured above, which, in fact, is the piano that belonged to Marilyn Monroe). Pudentilla has thus quite recently returned to the ivories after a 30-some year absence. Pudentilla's mother, a school-teacher, insisted that all her children take piano lessons throughout grade school. Pudentilla's brother had talent and continues to play and study the piano until this very day. Pudentilla's sister had the moral fiber to resist her mother's domination and thus played for only a year. Pudentilla had neither talent nor moral fortitude and thus studied piano with Mr. B..., a gentleman who earned his living selling piano sheet music to school teachers on the south side of Chicago for eight years.
Every Tuesday our piano teacher, Mr. B... would arrive at 3:30 pm. We would sit at the piano and play the pieces that had been assigned the previous week. While we played, Mr. B... would wander into the kitchen to have a cup of coffee with our grandmother. When we finished a song, Mr. B... would shout out, "Next, please," and we would play another song. After 25 minutes, Mr. B... would return to the living room, open his brief case, take out another piece of music, play it once, make notations to help us learn the song, collect his tuition and sheet music fee, and leave. We had a new song every week for 13 years.
As a consequence, Pudentilla has discovered that she can still read music. Thank you, Mr. B.... We know nothing of music theory and our sense of a piece of music's musicality is pre-verbal at best. Nevertheless, we have thus far delighted in our return to the piano. We will soon start lessons with a teacher who comes highly recommended (and we have been assured will be a much better teacher than Mr. B...) and have taken the liberty of starting to hack our way through a piece from Anna Magdalena's Notebook and Hanon's exercises. Our brother informs us that the benefit of exercises like Hanon's is much disputed among the cognoscenti - but we have been finding them quite enjoyable in a meditative kind of way. To be fair, the dogs and Pudentilla's partner do not seem to share as much in her enjoyment of the activity.
Actually enjoying practising the piano must be a benefit of middle age. Lord knows it did not characterize our tuition with Mr. B... We note that what we seem to be engaged in is the acquisition of the skills needed to make something beautiful, but utterly ephemeral. This apparently balances another middle-aged pursuit of ours, woodworking, which also involves the slow and patient acquisition of the physical and mechanical skills necessary to make something beautiful, but permanent (we hope - dovetails have been a challenge).
When our step-mother-in-law downsized, we benefited by one lovely baby grand piano (a "Winter," which the piano technician says is about 60 years old - and is not the piano pictured above, which, in fact, is the piano that belonged to Marilyn Monroe). Pudentilla has thus quite recently returned to the ivories after a 30-some year absence. Pudentilla's mother, a school-teacher, insisted that all her children take piano lessons throughout grade school. Pudentilla's brother had talent and continues to play and study the piano until this very day. Pudentilla's sister had the moral fiber to resist her mother's domination and thus played for only a year. Pudentilla had neither talent nor moral fortitude and thus studied piano with Mr. B..., a gentleman who earned his living selling piano sheet music to school teachers on the south side of Chicago for eight years.
Every Tuesday our piano teacher, Mr. B... would arrive at 3:30 pm. We would sit at the piano and play the pieces that had been assigned the previous week. While we played, Mr. B... would wander into the kitchen to have a cup of coffee with our grandmother. When we finished a song, Mr. B... would shout out, "Next, please," and we would play another song. After 25 minutes, Mr. B... would return to the living room, open his brief case, take out another piece of music, play it once, make notations to help us learn the song, collect his tuition and sheet music fee, and leave. We had a new song every week for 13 years.
As a consequence, Pudentilla has discovered that she can still read music. Thank you, Mr. B.... We know nothing of music theory and our sense of a piece of music's musicality is pre-verbal at best. Nevertheless, we have thus far delighted in our return to the piano. We will soon start lessons with a teacher who comes highly recommended (and we have been assured will be a much better teacher than Mr. B...) and have taken the liberty of starting to hack our way through a piece from Anna Magdalena's Notebook and Hanon's exercises. Our brother informs us that the benefit of exercises like Hanon's is much disputed among the cognoscenti - but we have been finding them quite enjoyable in a meditative kind of way. To be fair, the dogs and Pudentilla's partner do not seem to share as much in her enjoyment of the activity.
Actually enjoying practising the piano must be a benefit of middle age. Lord knows it did not characterize our tuition with Mr. B... We note that what we seem to be engaged in is the acquisition of the skills needed to make something beautiful, but utterly ephemeral. This apparently balances another middle-aged pursuit of ours, woodworking, which also involves the slow and patient acquisition of the physical and mechanical skills necessary to make something beautiful, but permanent (we hope - dovetails have been a challenge).
Your Taxes Funding Some Real Whoppers From BushWorld
We are confused. Under what theory of sexual morality can Bill Clinton lie about sex and get impeached while Republicans lie about sex and get federal funding? We note that Democratic lies about sex appear to be more fiscally responsible than Republican lies about sex.
Some Abstinence Programs Mislead Teens, Report Says (washingtonpost.com): "Many American youngsters participating in federally funded abstinence-only programs have been taught over the past three years that abortion can lead to sterility and suicide, that half the gay male teenagers in the United States have tested positive for the AIDS virus, and that touching a person's genitals 'can result in pregnancy,' a congressional staff analysis has found." [--snip--]
n providing nearly $170 million next year to fund groups that teach abstinence only, the Bush administration, with backing from the Republican Congress, is investing heavily in a just-say-no strategy for teenagers and sex. But youngsters taking the courses frequently receive medically inaccurate or misleading information, often in direct contradiction to the findings of government scientists, said the report, by Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Calif.), a critic of the administration who has long argued for comprehensive sex education.
We are confused. Under what theory of sexual morality can Bill Clinton lie about sex and get impeached while Republicans lie about sex and get federal funding? We note that Democratic lies about sex appear to be more fiscally responsible than Republican lies about sex.
UCC Ad Ruckus Hits Mainstream Media
Boston.com / News / Nation / Two networks bar church ad welcoming gays: "Two broadcast networks are refusing to air an ad from the United Church of Christ because the spot, intended to make the point that the Protestant denomination is welcoming, briefly shows two men who are holding hands being turned away from an unnamed church."
Boston.com / News / Nation / Two networks bar church ad welcoming gays: "Two broadcast networks are refusing to air an ad from the United Church of Christ because the spot, intended to make the point that the Protestant denomination is welcoming, briefly shows two men who are holding hands being turned away from an unnamed church."
Another Pedophile Priest Pleads - The Bishops and Cardinals Who Aided and Abetted Him For 20 Years Sill At Large
From the people who are scorching the earth to block gay marriage in Massachussetts on the grounds that it threatens the traditional family.
Boston.com / News / Local / Priest gets 4½-5 years: "CAMBRIDGE -- A Catholic priest who admitted repeatedly raping an altar boy over a four- to five-year period at a parish in Waltham during the early 1980s was sentenced yesterday to 4-to-5 years in state prison [--snip--]
According to prosecutors, the sexual assaults took place at St. Jude Parish in Waltham between 1980 and 1985. The victim was 10 to 15 years old at the time and was sexually abused by Gale about twice a month.
Parishioners at St. Jude forced Gale's removal in 1987. He was also removed from a parish in Quincy in the 1970s after complaints from parishioners that he was abusing altar boys, and there are records of complaints about him to the archdiocese as early as 1968, when he was ordained. Gale was never charged in any other abuse.
Gale, who is still a priest, has been on administrative leave since his indictment in 2002. Under the rules of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, a priest is put on leave when a credible accusation of abuse is raised.
With his conviction, it is possible that he will be defrocked by the archdiocese. [--snip--]
The victim's mother ripped into Gale for saying that he was ''at peace" during his plea hearing Tuesday. ''You stole his childhood, and now you are being held accountable for your crimes, but not without causing our family even more pain and even more suffering," she said. ''You sat there for 2 years claiming you were not guilty, knowing full well you had committed these crimes. Your continuing cruelty knows no bounds. All that damage you caused over all those years and all you can say is that you're at peace. None of your victims are at peace. They are serving a life sentence."
''I hope you are never at peace with what you did," she said.
From the people who are scorching the earth to block gay marriage in Massachussetts on the grounds that it threatens the traditional family.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Let Us Pray
As Josh Marshall has reported, CBS and NBC have refused to air ads by the United Church of Christ. Apparently our friends in the SCLM have so well internalized The Torturer in Chief's vision of Red Christianity that they knew without even asking Karl Rove, to try and spike the following message "The United Church of Christ. No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here."
The UCC thought to take advantage of the Advent season by running an ad campaign to reach out to folks alienated by what Reds have done with Jesus' message. We sent emails off to CBS (go to their site and click on the "feedback" link at the bottom of the page)and NBC. Then we decided we'd check out a UCC church this weekend. We have a relatively low threshold on this point. We ask, "could they be worse than the Roman Catholics?" and if the answer is no, we'll check 'em out. We plan to drop some dollars in the collection plate by way of saying thankyou for the welcome and to reward good behavior at the holiday season. When we get home, if we're not overwhelmed by Christian charity, we're going to watch some tv, identify some CBS and NBC advertisers and write to them explaining why we won't be buying their products this holiday season.
Which takes care of the pragmatic response. But doesn't this whole imbroglio raise interesting questions of historical analogy? Should we be noting parallels between the Roman persecution of the early Christians and the Red Republicans refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of Blue Christian faith (Pliny and Trajan's letters on the Christians, for example)? Or is the Spanish Inquisition more on point?
Historical analogies, of course, can be quite difficult. Perhaps a theological response to CBS and NBC is more appropriate. Maybe the SCLM just doesn't know how vast the error of the Reds is. Jesus is not a god of hate and fear. How do we know this? Well, he taught us to love one another
and he urged us to "be not afraid."
Buck up CBS and NBC. Love is not that scary.
As Josh Marshall has reported, CBS and NBC have refused to air ads by the United Church of Christ. Apparently our friends in the SCLM have so well internalized The Torturer in Chief's vision of Red Christianity that they knew without even asking Karl Rove, to try and spike the following message "The United Church of Christ. No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here."
The UCC thought to take advantage of the Advent season by running an ad campaign to reach out to folks alienated by what Reds have done with Jesus' message. We sent emails off to CBS (go to their site and click on the "feedback" link at the bottom of the page)and NBC. Then we decided we'd check out a UCC church this weekend. We have a relatively low threshold on this point. We ask, "could they be worse than the Roman Catholics?" and if the answer is no, we'll check 'em out. We plan to drop some dollars in the collection plate by way of saying thankyou for the welcome and to reward good behavior at the holiday season. When we get home, if we're not overwhelmed by Christian charity, we're going to watch some tv, identify some CBS and NBC advertisers and write to them explaining why we won't be buying their products this holiday season.
Which takes care of the pragmatic response. But doesn't this whole imbroglio raise interesting questions of historical analogy? Should we be noting parallels between the Roman persecution of the early Christians and the Red Republicans refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of Blue Christian faith (Pliny and Trajan's letters on the Christians, for example)? Or is the Spanish Inquisition more on point?
Historical analogies, of course, can be quite difficult. Perhaps a theological response to CBS and NBC is more appropriate. Maybe the SCLM just doesn't know how vast the error of the Reds is. Jesus is not a god of hate and fear. How do we know this? Well, he taught us to love one another
"I give you a new commandment; love one another; as I have loved you, so you are to love on another." John 13:34
and he urged us to "be not afraid."
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. Matt: 14:26-27
Buck up CBS and NBC. Love is not that scary.
May We Recommend?
Pudentilla has updated her blogroll to include two blogs she has been visiting on and off this year, CultureGhost and RiverRocks, and a new blog that Boffo introduced her to, The Samuel Taylor Coleridge Foundation. We apologize for being so tardy as to the first two, and thank the STCF folks for inspiring us to update the blogroll (a task we enjoy almost as much as a root canal).
Pudentilla has updated her blogroll to include two blogs she has been visiting on and off this year, CultureGhost and RiverRocks, and a new blog that Boffo introduced her to, The Samuel Taylor Coleridge Foundation. We apologize for being so tardy as to the first two, and thank the STCF folks for inspiring us to update the blogroll (a task we enjoy almost as much as a root canal).
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Not Content Merely To Fuck Little Kids, The Pedophiles' Pals in NY Catholic Charities Now Fucking Them Over Too
via Julius Civitatus, in the comments section of Atrios,
New York's HIV experiment
Gee, it looks like the priests forgot to read their own mission statement, which provides:
Or maybe they just forgot to add the following paragraph to their mission statement,
Or words to that effect.
According to the annual report (download pdf here) for The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, these folks received $13,949,000 of funding from "government sources in fy 2003. Your tax dollars at work.
via Julius Civitatus, in the comments section of Atrios,
The story broke last spring and received some press coverage: See NY Post story; Guardian story; New York Press story.
New York's HIV experiment
Jacklyn Hoerger's job was to treat children with HIV at a New York children's home.
But nobody had told her that the drugs she was administering were experimental and highly toxic. [--snip--]
In fact it was the drugs that were making the children ill and the children had been enrolled on the secret trials without their relatives' or guardians' knowledge. [--snip--]
One of the homes to which HIV positive children were taken was the Incarnation Children's Center, a large, expensively refurbished red-bricked building set back from the sidewalk in a busy Harlem street.
It is owned by the Catholic church and when we attempted to talk to officials at Incarnation we were referred to an equally expensive Manhattan public relations company, which then refused to comment on activities within the home. [--snip--]
At Incarnation, if a child refused to take the medicines offered, he or she was force-fed through a peg-tube inserted into the stomach.
Gee, it looks like the priests forgot to read their own mission statement, which provides:
To provide a nurturing, home-like setting that provides first-rate care, filled with love and compassion, designed to give each child a longer and better life. To be ever-mindful of the effects, on child and family alike, that admission to ICC may cause and to do all we can to ensure a positive experience. To make every effort to improve each child’s health to allow the earliest possible discharge back to a home setting.
Or maybe they just forgot to add the following paragraph to their mission statement,
To help drug companies test highly toxic and occasionally lethal drugs on innocent and defenseless children who have been entrusted to our care so that through our nominally independent "charitable" organization we may earn millions and millions of tax dollars to support our proselytizing mission.
Or words to that effect.
According to the annual report (download pdf here) for The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, these folks received $13,949,000 of funding from "government sources in fy 2003. Your tax dollars at work.
Partisan Labels In Kind
Thinking about BushWorld's love of the phrase Massachussetts Liberal in the last election, we wonder whether Democrats should consider using phrases like 'Bama Bigots and Texas Fryers when caricaturing their opponents. Of course, the Reds will cry foul, but who gives a rat's anus what those whiners think, anyway?
Thinking about BushWorld's love of the phrase Massachussetts Liberal in the last election, we wonder whether Democrats should consider using phrases like 'Bama Bigots and Texas Fryers when caricaturing their opponents. Of course, the Reds will cry foul, but who gives a rat's anus what those whiners think, anyway?
Ridge Raises Ruby Flag
Too bad he couldn't have figured out how to keep people on watch lists, explosives and weapons off airplanes. No doubt an executive position at Halliburton and a contract for his memoire, Chartreuse Days and Magenta Nights: My Terror Years, await.
Yahoo! News - Ridge Resigns Homeland Security Post: "Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, whose name became synonymous with color-coded terror alerts and tutorials about how to prepare for possible attack, resigned Tuesday."
Too bad he couldn't have figured out how to keep people on watch lists, explosives and weapons off airplanes. No doubt an executive position at Halliburton and a contract for his memoire, Chartreuse Days and Magenta Nights: My Terror Years, await.
Republican Congress Loses Control of Building Project: Hundreds of Millions Wasted - Pell Grants Slashed
GAO Cites Capitol Facility's Costs, Delays (washingtonpost.com): "Construction of the Capitol Visitor Center could cost as much as $558.6 million before it is completed in late 2006, which would represent a $185 million price increase and a nearly two-year delay in the opening date since work began in 2002, according to a new federal study. [--snip--]
Some analysts say Congress is partly to blame. The GAO noted in a report last year that lawmakers had frequently changed the center's design -- adding security measures and office space, for example -- while failing to adequately track the associated costs.
Steve Ellis, a spokesman for the nonpartisan group Taxpayers for Common Sense, said the architect had become "a convenient whipping boy" for lawmakers who created an "untenable plan" and then failed to keep costs in check.
"Congress has the fiduciary responsibility to oversee this boondoggle in their backyard, and they are conveniently putting their head in the ground and only popping up every time the GAO comes out with another criticism and a cost increase," Ellis said."
GAO Cites Capitol Facility's Costs, Delays (washingtonpost.com): "Construction of the Capitol Visitor Center could cost as much as $558.6 million before it is completed in late 2006, which would represent a $185 million price increase and a nearly two-year delay in the opening date since work began in 2002, according to a new federal study. [--snip--]
Some analysts say Congress is partly to blame. The GAO noted in a report last year that lawmakers had frequently changed the center's design -- adding security measures and office space, for example -- while failing to adequately track the associated costs.
Steve Ellis, a spokesman for the nonpartisan group Taxpayers for Common Sense, said the architect had become "a convenient whipping boy" for lawmakers who created an "untenable plan" and then failed to keep costs in check.
"Congress has the fiduciary responsibility to oversee this boondoggle in their backyard, and they are conveniently putting their head in the ground and only popping up every time the GAO comes out with another criticism and a cost increase," Ellis said."
Pentagon Fails To Create Effective Iraqi Military Before Elections : G.I.s Will Be In Baghdad For A Decade
The New York Times > International > Middle East > U.S. Officials Say Iraq's Forces Founder Under Rebel Assaults: "Iraqi police and national guard forces, whose performance is crucial to securing January elections, are foundering in the face of coordinated efforts to kill and intimidate them and their families, say American officials in the provinces facing the most violent insurgency. [--snip--]
While Bush administration officials say that the training is progressing and that there have been instances in which the Iraqis have proved tactically useful and fought bravely, local American commanders and security officials say both Iraqi forces are riddled with problems.
In the most violent provinces, they say, the Iraqis are so intimidated that many are reluctant to show up and do not tell their families where they work; they have yet to receive adequate training or weapons, present a danger to American troops they fight alongside, and are unreliable because of corruption, desertion or infiltration.
Given the weak performance of Iraqi forces, any major withdrawal of American troops for at least a decade would invite chaos, a senior Interior Ministry official, whose name could not be used, said in an interview last week."
The New York Times > International > Middle East > U.S. Officials Say Iraq's Forces Founder Under Rebel Assaults: "Iraqi police and national guard forces, whose performance is crucial to securing January elections, are foundering in the face of coordinated efforts to kill and intimidate them and their families, say American officials in the provinces facing the most violent insurgency. [--snip--]
While Bush administration officials say that the training is progressing and that there have been instances in which the Iraqis have proved tactically useful and fought bravely, local American commanders and security officials say both Iraqi forces are riddled with problems.
In the most violent provinces, they say, the Iraqis are so intimidated that many are reluctant to show up and do not tell their families where they work; they have yet to receive adequate training or weapons, present a danger to American troops they fight alongside, and are unreliable because of corruption, desertion or infiltration.
Given the weak performance of Iraqi forces, any major withdrawal of American troops for at least a decade would invite chaos, a senior Interior Ministry official, whose name could not be used, said in an interview last week."
I.R.C.: Deliberate Torture at Gitmo
Wouldn't it be nice if human rights types didn't use the same language to describe us as they did to describe Saddam. BushWorld: the people who brought you torture rooms made in the U.S.A.
The New York Times > Washington > Red Cross Finds Detainee Abuse in Guant�namo: "The International Committee of the Red Cross has charged in confidential reports to the United States government that the American military has intentionally used psychological and sometimes physical coercion 'tantamount to torture' on prisoners at Guant�namo Bay, Cuba."
The team of humanitarian workers, which included experienced medical personnel, also asserted that some doctors and other medical workers at Guantánamo were participating in planning for interrogations, in what the report called "a flagrant violation of medical ethics."
Wouldn't it be nice if human rights types didn't use the same language to describe us as they did to describe Saddam. BushWorld: the people who brought you torture rooms made in the U.S.A.
Lots of G.I.s injured, dying in Iraq
4 Troops Die as Toll Nears Monthly High: "At least four U.S. troops died in Iraq on Monday, and November's toll is approaching the highest of any month since the American-led invasion was launched in March 2003." [--snip--]
The Landstuhl hospital said Monday that about 21,000 U.S. soldiers, most from units sent to Iraq, had been treated there since the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001.
The hospital did not say how many were combat and how many noncombat injuries. Doctors there had treated 17,878 U.S. troops from Iraq and 3,085 from Afghanistan through Sunday, hospital spokeswoman Marie Shaw said
4 Troops Die as Toll Nears Monthly High: "At least four U.S. troops died in Iraq on Monday, and November's toll is approaching the highest of any month since the American-led invasion was launched in March 2003." [--snip--]
The Landstuhl hospital said Monday that about 21,000 U.S. soldiers, most from units sent to Iraq, had been treated there since the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001.
The hospital did not say how many were combat and how many noncombat injuries. Doctors there had treated 17,878 U.S. troops from Iraq and 3,085 from Afghanistan through Sunday, hospital spokeswoman Marie Shaw said
Reds Pursue "Big Government" Strategy in Courts
Yesterday they wanted federal courts to prevent states from allowing gay marriage. Today they want federal courts to prevent states from regulating medical practices. Who knows how much power the federal courts will have when the Reds are done?
Justices Take On Medical Pot Law: "The Supreme Court on Monday confronted a dispute between California's medical marijuana law and federal antidrug policy, with a Bush administration lawyer arguing that the government's zero-tolerance law trumps the state measure."
Yesterday they wanted federal courts to prevent states from allowing gay marriage. Today they want federal courts to prevent states from regulating medical practices. Who knows how much power the federal courts will have when the Reds are done?
Good Luck, Tony
Wouldn't it be nice if the rest of the "free world" didn't use the same language to talk about US pollution policy as they use to talk about Iraq's nuclear policy?
Boston.com / News / World / Latin America/Caribbean / Blair urges dialogue with US on climate: "Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday urged a new international dialogue with the United States on climate change, weeks before Britain takes over the presidency of the G8 group of industrialized nations. 'The most important thing is to try to get a dialogue with America on how we recognize both the scale of the problem on greenhouse gas emissions and a process that enables us to confront and deal with it,' Blair said during a news conference. The United States, the world's biggest polluter, withdrew in 2001 from the Kyoto Protocol, which aims to reduce manmade atmospheric pollutants known as greenhouse gases. Blair has vowed to make tackling global warming a priority of Britain's G8 presidency, but acknowledges there is little prospect of Washington backing the Kyoto Protocol. (Reuters)"
Wouldn't it be nice if the rest of the "free world" didn't use the same language to talk about US pollution policy as they use to talk about Iraq's nuclear policy?
Who Lost Mosul?
Boston.com / News / World / Fear of ethnic conflict charges Mosul unrest: "Such dire predictions failed to materialize in the 18 months following Hussein's fall. But the recent explosion of violence in this ethnically divided northern city has deteriorated to the brink of widespread ethnic conflict."
The rising tensions spilled over last week as the corpses of Iraqi soldiers, many of them Kurds, continued to pile up in the streets of Mosul. Most of them were killed by single gunshots to the head. Some were beheaded. The prime suspects are Arab Islamists allied with local Ba'athists, operating in the Old City on Mosul's west bank.
Boston.com / News / World / Fear of ethnic conflict charges Mosul unrest: "Such dire predictions failed to materialize in the 18 months following Hussein's fall. But the recent explosion of violence in this ethnically divided northern city has deteriorated to the brink of widespread ethnic conflict."
The rising tensions spilled over last week as the corpses of Iraqi soldiers, many of them Kurds, continued to pile up in the streets of Mosul. Most of them were killed by single gunshots to the head. Some were beheaded. The prime suspects are Arab Islamists allied with local Ba'athists, operating in the Old City on Mosul's west bank.
Another Bad Ruling For Fag-Haters: Pentagon Can't Force Law Schools To Promote Its Discriminatory Policies
Perhaps the best early warning of a draft will be when the Pentagon abandons its queer-bashing.
Boston.com / News / Nation / Pentagon ordered to halt law school recruiting tactics: "A three-judge panel issued an injunction prohibiting the Pentagon from enforcing the Solomon Amendment, which had compelled Harvard, Yale, Boston College, and many other universities to allow military recruiters on campus despite the fact that the US policy against gays serving openly in the military violates the schools' nondiscrimination rules."
Perhaps the best early warning of a draft will be when the Pentagon abandons its queer-bashing.
Monday, November 29, 2004
No Military Manpower Problems Thanks To Nukes, General Reassures
Yahoo! News - U.S. General Warns Iran Against Exploiting U.S.: "We can generate more military power per square inch than anybody else on Earth, and everybody knows it,' Abizaid said. 'If you ever even contemplate our nuclear capability, it should give everybody the clear understanding that there is no power that can match the United States militarily.'"
Yahoo! News - U.S. General Warns Iran Against Exploiting U.S.: "We can generate more military power per square inch than anybody else on Earth, and everybody knows it,' Abizaid said. 'If you ever even contemplate our nuclear capability, it should give everybody the clear understanding that there is no power that can match the United States militarily.'"
Because He Thinks The War in Iraq Is Going So Well, Il Ducetto Forges Ahead With War Plans For Iraq
"Except for Halliburton, of course," she mumbled quietly under her breath as she left the podium.
Yahoo! News - Thwarted U.S. May Seek Lone Push on Iran Sanctions: "Iran escaped U.N. censure over its nuclear program but Washington, which accuses it of seeking an atomic bomb, said Monday it reserved the right to take the case to the Security Council on its own." [--snip--]
Sanders also issued a stern warning to companies, including multinationals, against exporting weapons-related equipment to Iran. The United States "will impose economic burdens on them and brand them as proliferators," she said.
"Except for Halliburton, of course," she mumbled quietly under her breath as she left the podium.
We're Here, We're Queer, Get Used To It My Dear
Under bovine excrement file the Red, "republican" argument:
Isn't it freeper madness to argue that you have to go to a federal court to get protection from a state court. Especially when you haven't exhausted your state constitutional remedies.
Yahoo! News - Court Declines to Hear Gay Marriage Case: "The Supreme Court on Monday sidestepped a dispute over gay marriages, rejecting a challenge to the nation's only law sanctioning such unions."
Under bovine excrement file the Red, "republican" argument:
Their attorney, Mathew Staver, said in a Supreme Court filing that the Constitution should "protect the citizens of Massachusetts from their own state supreme court's usurpation of power."
Federal courts, he said, should defend people's right "to live in a republican form of government free from tyranny, whether that comes at the barrel of a gun or by the decree of a court."
Isn't it freeper madness to argue that you have to go to a federal court to get protection from a state court. Especially when you haven't exhausted your state constitutional remedies.
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Remember, We're Supposed To Reach Out To The Red States
Alabama Vote Opens Old Racial Wounds: If Wallace could be brought back to life today to reprise his 1963 moment of infamy outside Foster Auditorium, he would still be correct. Alabama voters made sure of that Nov. 2, refusing to approve a constitutional amendment to erase segregation-era wording requiring separate schools for "white and colored children" and to eliminate references to the poll taxes once imposed to disenfranchise blacks.
Alabama Vote Opens Old Racial Wounds: If Wallace could be brought back to life today to reprise his 1963 moment of infamy outside Foster Auditorium, he would still be correct. Alabama voters made sure of that Nov. 2, refusing to approve a constitutional amendment to erase segregation-era wording requiring separate schools for "white and colored children" and to eliminate references to the poll taxes once imposed to disenfranchise blacks.
What If Iraqis Don't Want To Die For BushWorld's Version of Freedom?
Is it democracy if you have to die to vote?
Shiites Reject Delay of Election: BAGHDAD, Nov. 27 -- Iraq's Shiite Muslim parties and the religious leadership headed by Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani on Saturday rejected a demand by other communities for a delay in nationwide elections scheduled for Jan. 30, in an escalating dispute that magnifies the country's ethnic and sectarian fault lines.
Is it democracy if you have to die to vote?
BushWorld: It's Not Debt If Somebody Else Pays It
Please, please let some blue 527 run "Harry & Louise" ads on this.
Vast Borrowing Seen in Altering Social Security: WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 - The White House and Republicans in Congress are all but certain to embrace large-scale government borrowing to help finance President Bush's plan to create personal investment accounts in Social Security, according to administration officials, members of Congress and independent analysts.
Please, please let some blue 527 run "Harry & Louise" ads on this.
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
We Will Know They Are Red Christians By Their Hate
from the annals of those who worship a god of fear and hate, via The Raw Story
Just in time for the start of the Christmas shopping season.
from the annals of those who worship a god of fear and hate, via The Raw Story
Informal exorcism at St. Paul Cathedral prompts investigation: "Police are investigating an informal exorcism at the Cathedral of St. Paul, which was directed at gay Roman Catholics and will cost thousands of dollars to clean up, police and church officials said."
They said the ritualistic sprinkling of blessed oil and salt around the church and in donation boxes earlier this month amounted to costly vandalism and possibly a hate crime.[--snip--]
The groups are at odds over gays participating in communion, one of the holiest rites in the church. Earlier this year, about 40 men, members of the group Ushers of the Eucharist, knelt in the aisles at the Cathedral to block Rainbow members from taking communion. [--snip--]
He said salt is used to bless holy water, and the oil, once it is blessed by a bishop, is used for consecrations. By sprinkling the salt and oil, he said, the vandals thought they were making the church holy again. [--snip--]
Just in time for the start of the Christmas shopping season.
Perhaps It's A Coincidence, But ....
Depending on the guest list, post prandial viewing on Thanksgiving at Pudentilla's house consists either of sporting events or classic movies. This year the guest list prefers classic movies. We went to the video store down in the city today and discovered that one cannot obtain, Kiss Me Kate, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady or State Fair. Nor can one obtain, Camelot, A Man For All Seasons, Robin and Marian, Robin Hood (the Errol Flynn version) or the Ghost and Mrs. Muir. We were able to rent North by Northwest and South Pacific.
We will try the other video store after dinner. We did not have problems obtaining classic films during the Clinton administration.
We wish all of you better luck with your post prandial entertainment and a Happy Thanksgiving.
Depending on the guest list, post prandial viewing on Thanksgiving at Pudentilla's house consists either of sporting events or classic movies. This year the guest list prefers classic movies. We went to the video store down in the city today and discovered that one cannot obtain, Kiss Me Kate, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady or State Fair. Nor can one obtain, Camelot, A Man For All Seasons, Robin and Marian, Robin Hood (the Errol Flynn version) or the Ghost and Mrs. Muir. We were able to rent North by Northwest and South Pacific.
We will try the other video store after dinner. We did not have problems obtaining classic films during the Clinton administration.
We wish all of you better luck with your post prandial entertainment and a Happy Thanksgiving.
BushWorld: Why Pursue Meaningful But Difficult And Expensive CIA Reform When The Throne Can Just Issue Meaningless Decrees
Bush Wants to Bolster CIA but Doesn't Offer Specifics: "President Bush has ordered what may be a major expansion of the CIA, calling for the beleaguered agency to add thousands of analysts and spies as part of an ongoing buildup in the war on terrorism, according to a White House memorandum released Tuesday."
But the directive set no timetable for the changes and offered no indication that the White House intended to ask Congress for the massive funding increase such a plan would require.
Bush Wants to Bolster CIA but Doesn't Offer Specifics: "President Bush has ordered what may be a major expansion of the CIA, calling for the beleaguered agency to add thousands of analysts and spies as part of an ongoing buildup in the war on terrorism, according to a White House memorandum released Tuesday."
But the directive set no timetable for the changes and offered no indication that the White House intended to ask Congress for the massive funding increase such a plan would require.
BushWorld: Promoting Democracy and Freedom, One Right Wing Coup at a Time
Gee, you'd think they were hoping anti-democratic forces would prevail in the country that provides 18% of the country's oil supply. Why, that would make them hypocritical offspring of female canines as well as mendacious bags of excrement.
Boston.com / News / World / Latin America/Caribbean / US knew of 2002 plot on Chavez, papers show: "The US government knew of an imminent plot to oust Venezuela's leftist president, Hugo Chavez, in the weeks before a 2002 military coup that briefly unseated him, newly released CIA documents show, despite White House claims to the contrary a week after the putsch."
Yet the United States, which depends on Venezuela for nearly one-sixth of its oil, never warned the Chavez government, Venezuelan officials said.
Gee, you'd think they were hoping anti-democratic forces would prevail in the country that provides 18% of the country's oil supply. Why, that would make them hypocritical offspring of female canines as well as mendacious bags of excrement.
A Day Late And A Dollar Short
Boston.com / News / Politics / Presidential candidates / Federal office to probe vote procedures: "The US Government Accountability Office is launching an investigation in response to allegations of voting irregularities that emerged in the aftermath of the Nov. 2 election, marking the first response by the federal government to concerns about the vote that have swirled around the Internet over the past three weeks."
Boston.com / News / Politics / Presidential candidates / Federal office to probe vote procedures: "The US Government Accountability Office is launching an investigation in response to allegations of voting irregularities that emerged in the aftermath of the Nov. 2 election, marking the first response by the federal government to concerns about the vote that have swirled around the Internet over the past three weeks."
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Why Didn't We Think Of That?
Is this like applying for a mortgage and not mentioning your credit card debt? We wonder why banks don't let us do this. Perhaps because it is not truthful.
Red Values: Lie about your excesses and let someone else pick up the bill.
Republicans Finding Ways To Account For Overhaul (washingtonpost.com): "Republican budget writers say they may have found a way to cut the federal deficit even if they borrow hundreds of billions more to overhaul the Social Security system: Don't count all that new borrowing."
Is this like applying for a mortgage and not mentioning your credit card debt? We wonder why banks don't let us do this. Perhaps because it is not truthful.
Red Values: Lie about your excesses and let someone else pick up the bill.
Istook: Wasn't Me
The New York Times > Washington > Panel Chief Denies Knowing About Item on Inspecting Tax Returns: "Representative Ernest Istook, the chairman of the appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Internal Revenue Service budget, said on Monday that a measure allowing some lawmakers and their staffs to examine Americans' income tax returns had been inserted in a huge spending bill by a staff assistant without his knowledge."
Shouldn't somebody in the SCLM be identifying the staffer responsible (or at least willing to fall on Istook's sword) for this?
The Republican Party takes another stand for more powerful central government and fewer civil liberties.
The New York Times > Washington > Panel Chief Denies Knowing About Item on Inspecting Tax Returns: "Representative Ernest Istook, the chairman of the appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Internal Revenue Service budget, said on Monday that a measure allowing some lawmakers and their staffs to examine Americans' income tax returns had been inserted in a huge spending bill by a staff assistant without his knowledge."
Shouldn't somebody in the SCLM be identifying the staffer responsible (or at least willing to fall on Istook's sword) for this?
The Republican Party takes another stand for more powerful central government and fewer civil liberties.
Bush Fails To Train Enough Forces To Protect Iraqi Electorate
The New York Times > International > Middle East > Iraq Falls Short on Vote Security: "Iraqi officials and American commanders plan to rely on Iraqi security forces to protect 9,000 polling places during the coming elections, but there are far fewer trained security officers than Iraqi officials estimate are needed. Moreover, many have performed poorly in the Sunni Arab areas where the worst violence is expected."
The New York Times > International > Middle East > Iraq Falls Short on Vote Security: "Iraqi officials and American commanders plan to rely on Iraqi security forces to protect 9,000 polling places during the coming elections, but there are far fewer trained security officers than Iraqi officials estimate are needed. Moreover, many have performed poorly in the Sunni Arab areas where the worst violence is expected."
Buyers Remorse
The New York Times > National > Americans Show Clear Concerns on Bush Agenda: "After enduring a brutally fought election campaign, Americans are optimistic about the next four years under President Bush, but have reservations about central elements of the second-term agenda he presented in defeating Senator John Kerry, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News Poll."
The New York Times > National > Americans Show Clear Concerns on Bush Agenda: "After enduring a brutally fought election campaign, Americans are optimistic about the next four years under President Bush, but have reservations about central elements of the second-term agenda he presented in defeating Senator John Kerry, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News Poll."
Welcome To BushWorld - No Final Numbers So No Recount
Suit Asks for Ohio Recount: "Carlo LoParo, spokesman for Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell, a Republican, has said results will be certified by Dec. 6. LoParo said Monday that it would not be feasible to conduct a recount because there were no final numbers. "
Suit Asks for Ohio Recount: "Carlo LoParo, spokesman for Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell, a Republican, has said results will be certified by Dec. 6. LoParo said Monday that it would not be feasible to conduct a recount because there were no final numbers. "
Presidential Theater Plays Well In Washington, Awaiting Out Of Town Reviews
Boston.com / News / Politics / Hastert's shameful ploy: "Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney personally lobbied two recalcitrant House committee chairmen -- Duncan Hunter of California and James Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin -- but to little effect: The continued opposition of these two caused Hastert to abort an expected vote on Saturday."
Boston.com / News / Politics / Hastert's shameful ploy: "Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney personally lobbied two recalcitrant House committee chairmen -- Duncan Hunter of California and James Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin -- but to little effect: The continued opposition of these two caused Hastert to abort an expected vote on Saturday."
BushWorld: Hate Crimes Up, Civil Rights Prosecutions Down
Boston.com / News / Nation / Hate-crime figures rise in '03; blacks often targeted, FBI says: "More than 7,400 hate crimes were reported nationwide last year, with more than half of them attributed to racial prejudice and most of that prejudice directed against blacks, the FBI said yesterday." [--snip--]
The report also found more than 1,200 hate crimes based on sexual orientation, including 783 against male homosexuals. That included six murders.
The FBI hate crimes report is drawn from information submitted by more than 11,900 law enforcement agencies around the country. Only about 16 percent of those agencies reported any hate crimes in their jurisdictions during 2003.
The Justice Department, meanwhile, yesterday defended its record of prosecuting criminal civil rights cases after an independent study concluded the number of prosecutions had dropped significantly under President Bush.
Boston.com / News / Nation / Hate-crime figures rise in '03; blacks often targeted, FBI says: "More than 7,400 hate crimes were reported nationwide last year, with more than half of them attributed to racial prejudice and most of that prejudice directed against blacks, the FBI said yesterday." [--snip--]
The report also found more than 1,200 hate crimes based on sexual orientation, including 783 against male homosexuals. That included six murders.
The FBI hate crimes report is drawn from information submitted by more than 11,900 law enforcement agencies around the country. Only about 16 percent of those agencies reported any hate crimes in their jurisdictions during 2003.
The Justice Department, meanwhile, yesterday defended its record of prosecuting criminal civil rights cases after an independent study concluded the number of prosecutions had dropped significantly under President Bush.
Hunting Deer With Semi-Automatic Rifes?
If only Blue Staters would understand how deeply Red Staters feel about gun rights.
Boston.com / News / Nation / Wis. deer hunting trip turns deadly: "Asked to leave, the trespasser, wearing blaze-orange and carrying a semiautomatic assault rifle, opened fire on the hunters and didn't stop until his 20-round clip was empty, leaving five people dead and three wounded, authorities said. "
If only Blue Staters would understand how deeply Red Staters feel about gun rights.
Leave No Rich Child Behind
Boston.com / News / Nation / US aid for college students slashed: "Nearly a quarter of low- and moderate-income college students who currently qualify for federal Pell grants will see their awards reduced or eliminated under a change in federal rules that Congress allowed in its new spending bill passed over the weekend, according to an estimate from higher education analysts."
Boston.com / News / Nation / US aid for college students slashed: "Nearly a quarter of low- and moderate-income college students who currently qualify for federal Pell grants will see their awards reduced or eliminated under a change in federal rules that Congress allowed in its new spending bill passed over the weekend, according to an estimate from higher education analysts."
Monday, November 22, 2004
Déjà Vu: Globe Says Civilian Experts Want Fewer Troops in Iraq, While Generals Ask For More
Officers See Need For Bigger Iraq Force (washingtonpost.com): "Senior U.S. military commanders in Iraq say it is increasingly likely they will need a further increase in combat forces to put down remaining areas of resistance in the country." [--snip--]
The officers said the exact number of extra troops needed is still being reviewed but estimated it at the equivalent of several battalions, or about 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers. The number of U.S. troops in Iraq fell to nearly 100,000 last spring before rising to 138,000, where it has stayed since the summer.
To boost the current level, military commanders have considered extending the stay of more troops due to rotate out shortly, or accelerating the deployment of the 3rd Infantry Division, which is scheduled to start in January. But a third option -- drawing all or part of a brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division on emergency standby in the United States -- has emerged as increasingly likely. [--snip--]
"Our assessment is that the insurgency remains viable," a senior military intelligence officer here said. "One of the things we see the insurgents doing is moving to areas where we don't have a lot of presence."
Officers See Need For Bigger Iraq Force (washingtonpost.com): "Senior U.S. military commanders in Iraq say it is increasingly likely they will need a further increase in combat forces to put down remaining areas of resistance in the country." [--snip--]
The officers said the exact number of extra troops needed is still being reviewed but estimated it at the equivalent of several battalions, or about 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers. The number of U.S. troops in Iraq fell to nearly 100,000 last spring before rising to 138,000, where it has stayed since the summer.
To boost the current level, military commanders have considered extending the stay of more troops due to rotate out shortly, or accelerating the deployment of the 3rd Infantry Division, which is scheduled to start in January. But a third option -- drawing all or part of a brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division on emergency standby in the United States -- has emerged as increasingly likely. [--snip--]
"Our assessment is that the insurgency remains viable," a senior military intelligence officer here said. "One of the things we see the insurgents doing is moving to areas where we don't have a lot of presence."
Tell The President Not To Be Alarmed
It took the Roman Senate awhile to assume a posture of complete subservience to its master. We are sure this Republican Senate is working hard to abandon independent habits of mind. Soon these hiccups and glitches will fade in memory.
The New York Times > Washington > G.O.P. Says Motive for Tax Clause in Budget Bill Was Misread: "Democratic leaders and senators from both parties expressed outrage on Sunday about an obscure provision in the huge end-of-session spending bill that would allow the chairmen of the Appropriations Committees and their staff assistants to examine Americans' income tax returns."
It took the Roman Senate awhile to assume a posture of complete subservience to its master. We are sure this Republican Senate is working hard to abandon independent habits of mind. Soon these hiccups and glitches will fade in memory.
TV Ratings Suggest Red Christians Have Digestive Track Problems
Otherwise why would they be so packed with excrement.
The New York Times > Business > Media & Advertising > Many Who Voted for 'Values' Still Like Their Television Sin: "In the greater Atlanta market, reaching more than two million households, 'Desperate Housewives' is the top-rated show. Nearly 58 percent of the voters in those counties voted for President Bush."
And in the Salt Lake City market, which takes in the whole state of Utah and parts of Nevada, Idaho and Wyoming, "Desperate Housewives" is fourth, after two editions of "C.S.I." and NBC's "E.R."; Mr. Bush rolled up 72.6 percent of the vote there.
Otherwise why would they be so packed with excrement.
War Crime Are Like Murder
After you start torturing prisoners, murdering noncombatants gets easier and easier.
Rules of War Are Ignored in Iraq, Says Red Cross: "The International Committee of the Red Cross is 'deeply concerned' about the killing of noncombatants in Iraq, operations director Pierre Kraehenbuehl said in a statement released late Friday. "
After you start torturing prisoners, murdering noncombatants gets easier and easier.
Let The Facts Not Divert Us From Our Efforts To Bring War To Iran
Extremist Threats Put Netherlands in Turmoil: "
'There's no age limit,' an investigator said. 'If they feel the need to go for jihad, they go. We know there are camps in Pakistan and people are going to them.'"
Extremist Threats Put Netherlands in Turmoil: "
'There's no age limit,' an investigator said. 'If they feel the need to go for jihad, they go. We know there are camps in Pakistan and people are going to them.'"
The Company You Keep
If one were to purchase an audio version of Suetonius' Lives of the Caesars (English translation) from apple's music store, one would be keeping company with those who also purchased downloads of:
Pudentilla does not dispute the accuracy of the list. But it surely raises the question, "just who is listening to Suetonius on their pods?"
If one were to purchase an audio version of Suetonius' Lives of the Caesars (English translation) from apple's music store, one would be keeping company with those who also purchased downloads of:
Carol King, Moby, Al Franken, U2, Brazil 66 and Sergio Mendes, Arthur Philips, The Cure, The Rolling Stones, Leo Tolstoy, Ladytron, Andrea Parker, Queen, Carl Hiaason, Esa Pecka Salonen, Hélène.
Pudentilla does not dispute the accuracy of the list. But it surely raises the question, "just who is listening to Suetonius on their pods?"
War In Iran Watch
Will they come home or march to Tehran?
Boston.com / News / World / Hawks push deep cuts in forces in Iraq: "A growing number of national security specialists who supported the toppling of Saddam Hussein are moving to a position unthinkable even a few months ago: that the large US military presence is impeding stability as much as contributing to it and that the United States should begin major reductions in troops beginning early next year." [--snip--]
"I personally think it will start with a drawdown, and that, I suspect, will begin in April," said John Hamre, president of the center for Strategic and International Studies and former deputy secretary of defense in the Clinton administration who remains in close contact with senior Pentagon officials.
Will they come home or march to Tehran?
Pentagon, Which Could Not Defend Pentagon From Al Q, Still Blocking Intel Reform Bill - Bush's Efforts Ineffective Against Rummy et al.
Boston.com / News / Nation / Bush says he'll press intelligence overhaul: "President Bush yesterday said he would work with Congress to pass a bill overhauling the nation's intelligence services for the struggle against Islamist terror networks after Senate majority leader Bill Frist and other prominent Republicans said that the Pentagon and its allies among House GOP leaders were responsible for blocking the bill and that the president needed to get involved. [--snip--]
Bush said he and Vice President Dick Cheney had talked with key members of the House and ''it was clear I wanted the bill passed." He did not respond directly to a question on whether opposition from Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld contributed to the deadlock.[--snip--]
But the military resisted giving up control over multibillion-dollar agencies that collect and analyze data such as satellite imagery and intercepted electronic communications. Congressional negotiators exempted much of those agencies' budgets from the control of the new intelligence director, but opponents still rejected the watered-down proposal, citing fears that confusion about who was in charge could endanger soldiers.
"
Boston.com / News / Nation / Bush says he'll press intelligence overhaul: "President Bush yesterday said he would work with Congress to pass a bill overhauling the nation's intelligence services for the struggle against Islamist terror networks after Senate majority leader Bill Frist and other prominent Republicans said that the Pentagon and its allies among House GOP leaders were responsible for blocking the bill and that the president needed to get involved. [--snip--]
Bush said he and Vice President Dick Cheney had talked with key members of the House and ''it was clear I wanted the bill passed." He did not respond directly to a question on whether opposition from Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld contributed to the deadlock.[--snip--]
But the military resisted giving up control over multibillion-dollar agencies that collect and analyze data such as satellite imagery and intercepted electronic communications. Congressional negotiators exempted much of those agencies' budgets from the control of the new intelligence director, but opponents still rejected the watered-down proposal, citing fears that confusion about who was in charge could endanger soldiers.
"
Thursday, November 18, 2004
May We Recommend?
Boffoblog is authored by a friend and colleague of Pudentilla, who actually knows something about politics since he has actually worked in the halls of Congress and now studies the critters who work there as a political scientist. For Pudentilla, for whom everything after Ennodius is journalism, the prospect of knowledge and competence in political commentary is unnerving.
We believe, however, that Boffo's explication of the heretofore unnoticed role of the Macedonian vote in the Ohio election, and the diplomatic chicanary that preceeded it, demonstrates that actually knowing what you're talking about can help.
Welcome to blogtopia (Yes, the much loved marsupial coined the term - and by coincidence today recaps his advice on how to become a famous blogger - ), Boffo.
Boffoblog is authored by a friend and colleague of Pudentilla, who actually knows something about politics since he has actually worked in the halls of Congress and now studies the critters who work there as a political scientist. For Pudentilla, for whom everything after Ennodius is journalism, the prospect of knowledge and competence in political commentary is unnerving.
We believe, however, that Boffo's explication of the heretofore unnoticed role of the Macedonian vote in the Ohio election, and the diplomatic chicanary that preceeded it, demonstrates that actually knowing what you're talking about can help.
Welcome to blogtopia (Yes, the much loved marsupial coined the term - and by coincidence today recaps his advice on how to become a famous blogger - ), Boffo.
That Shot You Heard Was The Beginning of This Term's War on The Middle Classes
Last term in Bushworld we just gave lots of money to rich people. This term we are going to tax people who depend on wages (workers) and not tax people who depend on income from investments (rich people). We will pay for this benefit to the rich by taking away the biggest deduction (after the home mortgage) working folks have on their taxes. And we're going to take away incentives that employers have for giving employees health insurance.
We think we understand their plan. They want middle class people to die more quickly. Then the social costs of health insurance would decline, and the job creation numbers would look better.
Bush Plans Tax Code Overhaul (washingtonpost.com): "The changes are meant to be revenue-neutral. To pay for them, the administration is considering eliminating the deduction of state and local taxes on federal income tax returns and scrapping the business tax deduction for employer-provided health insurance, the advisers said."
Last term in Bushworld we just gave lots of money to rich people. This term we are going to tax people who depend on wages (workers) and not tax people who depend on income from investments (rich people). We will pay for this benefit to the rich by taking away the biggest deduction (after the home mortgage) working folks have on their taxes. And we're going to take away incentives that employers have for giving employees health insurance.
We think we understand their plan. They want middle class people to die more quickly. Then the social costs of health insurance would decline, and the job creation numbers would look better.
Heaving What Last Scraps Of Dignity He Has Overboard In Furious Abandon
Gentle Reader we know that judicial appointments situation is quite serious, but as we told our friend Boffo last night, we cannot help it that everytime we read a Specter humiliation story these days, a little voice in our heart sings, "Anita Hill, tee hee hee."
The New York Times > AP > National > Specter May Pledge Quick Judicial Votes: "Sen. Arlen Specter, a Republican moderate seeking a key chairmanship in a party of conservatives, is drafting a written commitment of quick hearings and votes on President Bush's judicial nominees regardless of their views on abortion, party sources said Thursday."
Gentle Reader we know that judicial appointments situation is quite serious, but as we told our friend Boffo last night, we cannot help it that everytime we read a Specter humiliation story these days, a little voice in our heart sings, "Anita Hill, tee hee hee."
Military: Pentagon Plans To Reduce Falluja Forces Threaten Operation Success
The New York Times > International > Middle East > Military Assessment: Marine Officers See Risks in Reducing U.S. Troops in Falluja: "Senior Marine intelligence officers in Iraq are warning that if American troop levels in the Falluja area are significantly reduced during reconstruction there, as has been planned, insurgents in the region will rebound from their defeat. The rebels could thwart the retraining of Iraqi security forces, intimidate the local population and derail elections set for January, the officers say."
So we spent all this time, suffered all those casualties, and killed all those civilians for nothing? We the alternative is a proper force structure. Now that is scary to contemplate - because under Bush's war plan, we can't have one.
Bush FDA Knew Vaccine Plant Had Problems Since '03
Let's hope for a mild strain this year, or a lot of old folks and babies are going to die because the FDA under Bush is utterly incompetent. Culture of life, my aunt fannie.
The New York Times > Health > Officials Found Earlier Contamination at Flu Vaccine Plant: "The Food and Drug Administration uncovered contamination and unsanitary conditions in 2003 at a British plant that manufactures the flu vaccine but did not reinspect it until similar problems caused the loss of half the nation's vaccine supply in October, the agency's chief said Wednesday."
Let's hope for a mild strain this year, or a lot of old folks and babies are going to die because the FDA under Bush is utterly incompetent. Culture of life, my aunt fannie.
Bush FDA Incapable Of Protecting Public From Corrupt Drug Companies
But wait. Isn't the purpose of the FDA to protect the public from corrupt drug companies? Not in Bushworld. In Bushworld, Gentle Reader, the FDA facilities the pursuit of more gainful employment with drug companies and trade groups by Bush cronies.
FDA Called 'Defenseless' Against Bad Drugs: "The American public is 'virtually defenseless' if another medication such as Vioxx proves to be unsafe after it is approved for sale, a government drug safety reviewer told a congressional committee Thursday. "
But wait. Isn't the purpose of the FDA to protect the public from corrupt drug companies? Not in Bushworld. In Bushworld, Gentle Reader, the FDA facilities the pursuit of more gainful employment with drug companies and trade groups by Bush cronies.
Military Chiefs To Congress: Bush's War Eviscerating Military
The must be thrilled with the civilians war mongering against Iran.
On Capitol Hill, Military Warns of Being Under Strain: "Continued fighting in Iraq is straining U.S. forces nearly to the breaking point, even as the Pentagon pumps more than $5.8 billion per month into sustaining its forces there, the chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines told Congress on Wednesday. "
In testimony to the House Armed Services Committee, the service chiefs said the military would need considerably more money for Iraq over the next year. The chiefs of the Army and Marines in particular stressed the increasing difficulty of recruiting and retaining soldiers, and then equipping them for combat.
The must be thrilled with the civilians war mongering against Iran.
Still Shilling
What with the Pollack book and this, one would think the Administration was trying to foment popular support for a war in Iran?
Can you imagine how crazy they will have to get to overcome the white noise threshold they created with Iraq?
What with the Pollack book and this, one would think the Administration was trying to foment popular support for a war in Iran?
U.S. Asserts Iran Seeks Nuclear Missiles: "As he prepares to meet with Iranian officials at an international conference next week in Egypt, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell said Wednesday that he had seen information suggesting Iran had been studying ways to adapt nuclear weapons for use on missiles."
Can you imagine how crazy they will have to get to overcome the white noise threshold they created with Iraq?
We Guess All That Talk About Integrity Was So Much Hooey
What do you call people who change a rule designed to promote political integrity the very first time they might have to enforce it?
Anwer: Hypocrits? Losers?
Suggestions?
What do you call people who change a rule designed to promote political integrity the very first time they might have to enforce it?
Boston.com / News / Politics / Charges no longer a bar to leadership: "Emboldened by their election successes, House Republicans changed their rules yesterday to allow majority leader Tom DeLay of Texas to keep his post even if a grand jury indicts him.
House Republicans, in an unrecorded voice vote behind closed doors, changed a 1993 party rule that required leaders who are indicted to step aside. Under the revised rule, an indicted leader can keep his or her post while the Republican Steering Committee, which is controlled by party leaders, decides whether to recommend any action by the full caucus.
Anwer: Hypocrits? Losers?
Suggestions?
End The Tax Exemption For The Pedophile Protectors
Boston.com / News / Nation / Bishops OK initiative on marriage: "The Catholic bishops of the United States, acting one day before the first anniversary of a Massachusetts court decision legalizing same-sex marriage, voted overwhelmingly yesterday to launch a multiyear initiative aimed at bolstering traditional matrimony." [--snip--]
"Already the gay activists are figuring out how to do an end run for the 11 states that passed this marriage ban, to see how they can still get their agenda enacted," said Bishop Victor B. Galeone of St. Augustine, Fla. "I feel we should invest all our energies to get our people mobilized to the most pressing issue, passing an amendment to the Constitution supporting the defense of marriage."
But the bishops decided to stick with the proposal for a project that would result in the publication of a pastoral statement on marriage in 2007, followed by activities such as revising marriage preparation guidelines and running television and radio spots promoting marriage."
Boston.com / News / Nation / Bishops OK initiative on marriage: "The Catholic bishops of the United States, acting one day before the first anniversary of a Massachusetts court decision legalizing same-sex marriage, voted overwhelmingly yesterday to launch a multiyear initiative aimed at bolstering traditional matrimony." [--snip--]
"Already the gay activists are figuring out how to do an end run for the 11 states that passed this marriage ban, to see how they can still get their agenda enacted," said Bishop Victor B. Galeone of St. Augustine, Fla. "I feel we should invest all our energies to get our people mobilized to the most pressing issue, passing an amendment to the Constitution supporting the defense of marriage."
But the bishops decided to stick with the proposal for a project that would result in the publication of a pastoral statement on marriage in 2007, followed by activities such as revising marriage preparation guidelines and running television and radio spots promoting marriage."
Republicans Increase Your Children's Taxes
Boston.com / News / Nation / Washington / Senate votes to let US borrow up to $8.18 trillion: "A divided Senate approved an $800 billion increase in the federal debt limit yesterday, a major boost in borrowing that Senator John Kerry and other Democrats blamed on the fiscal policies of President Bush."
Boston.com / News / Nation / Washington / Senate votes to let US borrow up to $8.18 trillion: "A divided Senate approved an $800 billion increase in the federal debt limit yesterday, a major boost in borrowing that Senator John Kerry and other Democrats blamed on the fiscal policies of President Bush."
9/11 Program Administrator: Fairness Not A Government Value
Poor Mr. Feinnberg, doesn't he know that in Red America we want the rich to get richer. If we started being "fair" to people who have suffered devasting tragedy, well who knows where that practice could lead.
Boston.com / News / Nation / Washington / Chief voices doubts on Sept. 11 fund rules: "The families of victims in the Sept. 11 attacks would have been treated more fairly had they all received the same amount from the government's compensation fund rather than sums based on income, the program's administrator said yesterday."
Kenneth Feinberg, special master of the compensation program, recommended in a final report that if Congress ever considers such a program again, it should offer a flat amount to all the victims, regardless of how much they earned, how much life insurance they carried, or their individual family obligations.
Poor Mr. Feinnberg, doesn't he know that in Red America we want the rich to get richer. If we started being "fair" to people who have suffered devasting tragedy, well who knows where that practice could lead.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Bush Sleeps While Putin Accelerates Nuclear Arms Race
CBC News: Russia working on new nuclear weapons: "New nuclear weapons systems being developed in Russia could include a missile designed to defeat the U.S. missile defence shield."
Speaking with senior military leaders in Moscow on Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin said research and testing are underway for new missile systems unlike anything in other countries' arsenals."
First Debate:
LEHRER: New question, two minutes, Senator Kerry.
If you are elected president, what will you take to that office thinking is the single most serious threat to the national security to the United States?
[--snip--]
Kerry: Right now the president is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to research bunker-busting nuclear weapons. The United States is pursuing a new set of nuclear weapons. It doesn't make sense.
You talk about mixed messages. We're telling other people, "You can't have nuclear weapons," but we're pursuing a new nuclear weapon that we might even contemplate using.
[--snip--]
Bush: 'll tell you another way to help protect America in the long run is to continue with missile defenses. And we've got a robust research and development program that has been ongoing during my administration. We'll be implementing a missile-defense system relatively quickly.
And that is another way to help deal with the threats that we face in the 21st century.
My opponent opposed the missile defenses."
CBC News: Russia working on new nuclear weapons: "New nuclear weapons systems being developed in Russia could include a missile designed to defeat the U.S. missile defence shield."
Speaking with senior military leaders in Moscow on Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin said research and testing are underway for new missile systems unlike anything in other countries' arsenals."
First Debate:
LEHRER: New question, two minutes, Senator Kerry.
If you are elected president, what will you take to that office thinking is the single most serious threat to the national security to the United States?
[--snip--]
Kerry: Right now the president is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to research bunker-busting nuclear weapons. The United States is pursuing a new set of nuclear weapons. It doesn't make sense.
You talk about mixed messages. We're telling other people, "You can't have nuclear weapons," but we're pursuing a new nuclear weapon that we might even contemplate using.
[--snip--]
Bush: 'll tell you another way to help protect America in the long run is to continue with missile defenses. And we've got a robust research and development program that has been ongoing during my administration. We'll be implementing a missile-defense system relatively quickly.
And that is another way to help deal with the threats that we face in the 21st century.
My opponent opposed the missile defenses."
Homeland Security Department Requires Secret Handshake
via TalkLeft
Of course sharing the id of undercover C.I.A. agents with hack partisan columnists when it is to your perceived political advantage is a different matter.
via TalkLeft
Homeland Security Employees Required to Sign Secrecy Pledge (washingtonpost.com): "The Department of Homeland Security is requiring thousands of employees and contractors to sign nondisclosure agreements that prohibit them from sharing sensitive but unclassified information with the public."
Of course sharing the id of undercover C.I.A. agents with hack partisan columnists when it is to your perceived political advantage is a different matter.
Cops: Ashcroft and Bush Have Made Us Less Safe
via TalkLeft
Yahoo! News - Police scoff at Ashcroft speech: "The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) said that cuts by the administration in federal aid to local police agencies have left the nation more vulnerable than ever to public safety threats. The 20,000-member group also said in a statement that new anti-terrorism duties for local cops - which have come as state and local budgets have declined and historically low crime rates have crept upward - have pushed police agencies to 'the breaking point.'"
via TalkLeft
Yahoo! News - Police scoff at Ashcroft speech: "The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) said that cuts by the administration in federal aid to local police agencies have left the nation more vulnerable than ever to public safety threats. The 20,000-member group also said in a statement that new anti-terrorism duties for local cops - which have come as state and local budgets have declined and historically low crime rates have crept upward - have pushed police agencies to 'the breaking point.'"
What's That Line About the Pot and Kettle?
Right-Wing Wins Take Wind Out of Talk-Show Hosts (washingtonpost.com): "But Joe Scarborough, a former Republican congressman from Florida who now hosts MSNBC's nightly 'Scarborough Country,' says the challenge for conservative hosts will be to prove 'that we're more than just the Pravda of the right.' He adds, 'I think that's going to be difficult for some people. I honestly don't know what Sean Hannity is going to be able to talk about. If you've been reading off the Republican National Committee's talking points like he has for the past four years, it's going to be hard to be critical of the status quo.'
"
Right-Wing Wins Take Wind Out of Talk-Show Hosts (washingtonpost.com): "But Joe Scarborough, a former Republican congressman from Florida who now hosts MSNBC's nightly 'Scarborough Country,' says the challenge for conservative hosts will be to prove 'that we're more than just the Pravda of the right.' He adds, 'I think that's going to be difficult for some people. I honestly don't know what Sean Hannity is going to be able to talk about. If you've been reading off the Republican National Committee's talking points like he has for the past four years, it's going to be hard to be critical of the status quo.'
"
Bush's Army: Now The Hard Part Starts
Troops Climbing First Rung of Steep Ladder (washingtonpost.com): "While at least 38 Marine and Army troops have died in a tough week of house-to-house fighting in Fallujah, that is not the hardest part of the U.S. counteroffensive against the Iraqi insurgency."
Troops Climbing First Rung of Steep Ladder (washingtonpost.com): "While at least 38 Marine and Army troops have died in a tough week of house-to-house fighting in Fallujah, that is not the hardest part of the U.S. counteroffensive against the Iraqi insurgency."
More Training, Perhaps?
Armed Group Kidnaps 31 Iraqi Policemen: "An armed group kidnapped 31 Iraqi policemen who were returning training in Jordan, authorities said Wednesday, and a suicide car bomber rammed a U.S. convoy north of Baghdad, killing 10 people, hospital officials said. "
Armed Group Kidnaps 31 Iraqi Policemen: "An armed group kidnapped 31 Iraqi policemen who were returning training in Jordan, authorities said Wednesday, and a suicide car bomber rammed a U.S. convoy north of Baghdad, killing 10 people, hospital officials said. "
As Bush Promised, It's A New Kind Of War: We Win The "Battles" And The Fighting Continues.
Fallouja's Battle Won, but Fighting Continues: "
'These guys don't die easy,' said Lance. Cpl. Marquel Curtis, as he crouched in a foxhole Tuesday, watching from a safe distance as grenade rounds and heavy machine-gun fire raked the home where the fighters were holed up."
Fallouja's Battle Won, but Fighting Continues: "
'These guys don't die easy,' said Lance. Cpl. Marquel Curtis, as he crouched in a foxhole Tuesday, watching from a safe distance as grenade rounds and heavy machine-gun fire raked the home where the fighters were holed up."
Friends of Future Felons Organize in D.C. - Red Christian Outrage Muted.
Who are we supposed to tlak to about values, again?
Boston.com / News / Politics / Change in rules proposed to protect DeLay's post: "Supporters of House majority leader Tom DeLay proposed a Republican rules change yesterday that would protect the Texan's leadership position if he were to be indicted by a Texas grand jury that already has charged three of his associates."
Who are we supposed to tlak to about values, again?
Suffer The Little Children
Boston.com / News / Local / Priest asks lawmaker to quit choir post: "A Catholic priest at St. Augustine Parish in Andover has asked state Representative Barbara A. L'Italien to step down as cantor and leader of the children's choir because of the legislator's support for abortion rights and gay marriage." [[--snip--]
L'Italien -- who represents parts of Andover, North Andover, Methuen, Haverhill, Boxford, and Georgetown -- said Cleary had telephoned her on Nov. 3, the day after she was reelected, and asked to meet.
The following day, at her kitchen table, Cleary told her that four people had complained about her leading the choir as cantor and about her leading the children's choir, in which her three children sing, because she had voted against the gay marriage ban, L'Italien said. The cantor is the chief singer in a church's choir and leads the congregation in singing.
''I tried to point out that I am against the death penalty, that I've worked with the poor," said L'Italien.
At a second meeting last Thursday, the priest reiterated his plea that L'Italien step down. Again she refused. Cleary said he would send her a written notice this week saying her services are no longer welcome, she said.
''I'm surprised, and I'm saddened," L'Italien said. ''It feels like a big loss."
Boston.com / News / Local / Priest asks lawmaker to quit choir post: "A Catholic priest at St. Augustine Parish in Andover has asked state Representative Barbara A. L'Italien to step down as cantor and leader of the children's choir because of the legislator's support for abortion rights and gay marriage." [[--snip--]
L'Italien -- who represents parts of Andover, North Andover, Methuen, Haverhill, Boxford, and Georgetown -- said Cleary had telephoned her on Nov. 3, the day after she was reelected, and asked to meet.
The following day, at her kitchen table, Cleary told her that four people had complained about her leading the choir as cantor and about her leading the children's choir, in which her three children sing, because she had voted against the gay marriage ban, L'Italien said. The cantor is the chief singer in a church's choir and leads the congregation in singing.
''I tried to point out that I am against the death penalty, that I've worked with the poor," said L'Italien.
At a second meeting last Thursday, the priest reiterated his plea that L'Italien step down. Again she refused. Cleary said he would send her a written notice this week saying her services are no longer welcome, she said.
''I'm surprised, and I'm saddened," L'Italien said. ''It feels like a big loss."
Baathists Regrouping In Mosul In Strategy Anticipated By Everyone But Bush
Boston.com / News / World / US, Iraqi troops fight to retake control in Mosul: "American and Iraqi troops yesterday fought to reclaim police stations from insurgents who seized control of broad swaths of this sprawling northern city in what a top Kurdish official said was a well-organized Ba'athist resurgence to distract US and Iraqi forces from Fallujah." [--snip--]According to the senior Kurdish official, Sadi Ahmed Pire, Kurdish intelligence and captured insurgents confirm that the Ba'ath Party in Mosul has reconstituted itself and is coordinating attacks in Mosul against Iraqi police, government, and the Kurdish and Christian minorities.
If Pire's assertions are true, they mark an alarming shift toward more control by Ba'athists of an Iraqi insurgency that had so far been dominated by fragmented nationalist groups, local sheiks, and religious jihadi leaders.
Boston.com / News / World / US, Iraqi troops fight to retake control in Mosul: "American and Iraqi troops yesterday fought to reclaim police stations from insurgents who seized control of broad swaths of this sprawling northern city in what a top Kurdish official said was a well-organized Ba'athist resurgence to distract US and Iraqi forces from Fallujah." [--snip--]According to the senior Kurdish official, Sadi Ahmed Pire, Kurdish intelligence and captured insurgents confirm that the Ba'ath Party in Mosul has reconstituted itself and is coordinating attacks in Mosul against Iraqi police, government, and the Kurdish and Christian minorities.
If Pire's assertions are true, they mark an alarming shift toward more control by Ba'athists of an Iraqi insurgency that had so far been dominated by fragmented nationalist groups, local sheiks, and religious jihadi leaders.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Why It Would Be Nice If Bush Were At Least Competent
The New York Times > International > Middle East > Family of Kidnapped Aid Worker in Iraq Mourns After New Video: "l Jazeera, the Arab news network, said today that it had received a video showing a gunman killing a woman believed to be Margaret Hassan, a British-Iraqi aid official kidnapped last month."
The New York Times > International > Middle East > Family of Kidnapped Aid Worker in Iraq Mourns After New Video: "l Jazeera, the Arab news network, said today that it had received a video showing a gunman killing a woman believed to be Margaret Hassan, a British-Iraqi aid official kidnapped last month."
And Foreign Travel Plans Plummet
The New York Times > Washington > Bush Nominates Rice to Replace Powell at State Department: "WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 - President Bush today nominated Condoleezza Rice, his national security adviser and for years one of his most trusted advisers, to be the next secretary of state, succeeding Colin L. Powell."
The New York Times > Washington > Bush Nominates Rice to Replace Powell at State Department: "WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 - President Bush today nominated Condoleezza Rice, his national security adviser and for years one of his most trusted advisers, to be the next secretary of state, succeeding Colin L. Powell."
Bush Military Bringing Democracy To Iraq One Atrocity At A Time
Meanwhile, in a nicely appointed cave on the Pakistan border, Osama muses with his lieutenants. "What would bring us more recruites. Would it be too much to ask that the soldiers who attack the city of mosques hang rosaries from there gun turrets?"
Oh surely not, Sheik Osama. Bush would grant us such a reasonable request.
"Well then perhaps we should ask for soldiers to take R&R in a mosque wearing combat boots."
Oh, Sheik, you ask of Bush nothing that is difficult. You must challenge him.
"Well, if it is not too much, perhaps he could arrange for one of his exhausted and overtaxed soldiers (who surely would not be on the front lines if Bush had provided his military enough men) to shoot a wounded, unarmed prisoner."
Now, Sheik, you are planning boldly. Such a move would not simply infuriate god fearing young Muslim men to hear your call to jihad, it would also sicken and disgust all decent people on the face of the planet.
"Lucky me, I hit the trifecta."
Shooting Could Be a War Crime: "The U.S. military has begun an investigation into possible war crimes after an NBC television crew videotaped a Marine fatally shooting a wounded and unarmed Iraqi in a Fallouja mosque, officials said Monday. "
Meanwhile, in a nicely appointed cave on the Pakistan border, Osama muses with his lieutenants. "What would bring us more recruites. Would it be too much to ask that the soldiers who attack the city of mosques hang rosaries from there gun turrets?"
Oh surely not, Sheik Osama. Bush would grant us such a reasonable request.
"Well then perhaps we should ask for soldiers to take R&R in a mosque wearing combat boots."
Oh, Sheik, you ask of Bush nothing that is difficult. You must challenge him.
"Well, if it is not too much, perhaps he could arrange for one of his exhausted and overtaxed soldiers (who surely would not be on the front lines if Bush had provided his military enough men) to shoot a wounded, unarmed prisoner."
Now, Sheik, you are planning boldly. Such a move would not simply infuriate god fearing young Muslim men to hear your call to jihad, it would also sicken and disgust all decent people on the face of the planet.
"Lucky me, I hit the trifecta."
Red Christians To America: 2 + 2 = 5, Because We Said So
Boston.com / News / Nation / Evolution foes see opening to press fight in schools: "A long-running American cultural clash has flared yet again, with a trial in suburban Atlanta this month over teaching evolution in public schools. Several Georgia parents are challenging a local school board's decision to require biology textbooks to include a prominently placed label stating that evolution is ''not a fact.'"
Boston.com / News / Nation / Evolution foes see opening to press fight in schools: "A long-running American cultural clash has flared yet again, with a trial in suburban Atlanta this month over teaching evolution in public schools. Several Georgia parents are challenging a local school board's decision to require biology textbooks to include a prominently placed label stating that evolution is ''not a fact.'"
The Globe Poses A Philosophical Question:
If a moderate speaks in the White House, but everyone refuses to listen, was there ever any moderate influence on White House foreign policy team to fade out in the first place?
Boston.com / News / Nation / A moderate voice leaves the world stage: "The impending departure of Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, with the mutual consent of President Bush, signals the final fadeout of the leading moderate voice on the Bush administration's foreign policy team."
If a moderate speaks in the White House, but everyone refuses to listen, was there ever any moderate influence on White House foreign policy team to fade out in the first place?
Monday, November 15, 2004
From From Brownstein's Keyboard to God's Blackberry
GOP's Future Sits Precariously on Small Cushion of Victory: "Because his margin was so tight, Bush didn't leave the GOP with enough of a cushion to survive even a fraction of that erosion in four years. Even if the GOP in 2008 matches the smallest electoral college fall-off in the past half century � the 99-vote decline between Reagan in 1984 and George H.W. Bush in 1988 � that would still leave the party well short of a majority." [--snip--]
Because his margin was so tight, Bush didn't leave the GOP with enough of a cushion to survive even a fraction of that erosion in four years. Even if the GOP in 2008 matches the smallest electoral college fall-off in the past half century — the 99-vote decline between Reagan in 1984 and George H.W. Bush in 1988 — that would still leave the party well short of a majority.
GOP's Future Sits Precariously on Small Cushion of Victory: "Because his margin was so tight, Bush didn't leave the GOP with enough of a cushion to survive even a fraction of that erosion in four years. Even if the GOP in 2008 matches the smallest electoral college fall-off in the past half century � the 99-vote decline between Reagan in 1984 and George H.W. Bush in 1988 � that would still leave the party well short of a majority." [--snip--]
Because his margin was so tight, Bush didn't leave the GOP with enough of a cushion to survive even a fraction of that erosion in four years. Even if the GOP in 2008 matches the smallest electoral college fall-off in the past half century — the 99-vote decline between Reagan in 1984 and George H.W. Bush in 1988 — that would still leave the party well short of a majority.
Your Tax Dollars Working Hard To Undermine the First Amendment
via The Smirking Chimp
Leaving aside the unseemliness of it all, ignoring the spectacle of armed agents of the state confronting suburban highschool kids, don't you think they should fire the guy/gal who authorized the trip. Couldn't Joe Bureaucrat have said, "Thanks for the tip, sir/ma'am. We will put this information about adolescents sing an old stoner's Vietnam protest songs in exactly the spot it belongs on our terrorism alerts list."
For lots of fun, Pudentilla recommends that her readers do a google search on the terms "secret service" "highschool," and Bush.
via The Smirking Chimp
Rocky Mountain News: Local: "Some students and parents apparently let the Secret Service and talk-radio stations know they were unhappy with the plan of a trio of students to do a poetry reading of the song [Bob Dylan's Masters of War], accompanied by background music, according to Ron Cabrera, the school's principal."
Leaving aside the unseemliness of it all, ignoring the spectacle of armed agents of the state confronting suburban highschool kids, don't you think they should fire the guy/gal who authorized the trip. Couldn't Joe Bureaucrat have said, "Thanks for the tip, sir/ma'am. We will put this information about adolescents sing an old stoner's Vietnam protest songs in exactly the spot it belongs on our terrorism alerts list."
For lots of fun, Pudentilla recommends that her readers do a google search on the terms "secret service" "highschool," and Bush.
Bush Refuses To Restrain His Own Sejanus
Shake Up at CIA Headquarters Continues (washingtonpost.com): "The two top officials running the CIA's clandestine service resigned this morning, following a series of clashes with director Porter J. Goss's chief of staff." [--snip--]
Kappes's and Sulick's resignation follow a series of confrontations with Goss's new chief of staff, Patrick Murray, the former intelligence committee staff director and a Justice Department official. Sulick complained vigorously to Murray on Nov. 5 about the way he was treating other CIA officials. Murray demanded that Kappes fire Sulick, and Kappes refused.
Shake Up at CIA Headquarters Continues (washingtonpost.com): "The two top officials running the CIA's clandestine service resigned this morning, following a series of clashes with director Porter J. Goss's chief of staff." [--snip--]
Kappes's and Sulick's resignation follow a series of confrontations with Goss's new chief of staff, Patrick Murray, the former intelligence committee staff director and a Justice Department official. Sulick complained vigorously to Murray on Nov. 5 about the way he was treating other CIA officials. Murray demanded that Kappes fire Sulick, and Kappes refused.
Memo to Bush: Nero found it more effective to send a note requesting the offendor to commit suicide
The New York Times > Washington > A Watchdog Follows the Money in Iraq: "Now the Army Corps of Engineers is trying to demote Ms. Greenhouse, 60, or push her into retirement. To the surprise of no one who knows her, she is unbowed, charging in a much publicized letter of Oct. 21 that the Corps has shown a pattern of favoritism toward Halliburton that imperils 'the integrity of the federal contracting program.'"
The New York Times > Washington > A Watchdog Follows the Money in Iraq: "Now the Army Corps of Engineers is trying to demote Ms. Greenhouse, 60, or push her into retirement. To the surprise of no one who knows her, she is unbowed, charging in a much publicized letter of Oct. 21 that the Corps has shown a pattern of favoritism toward Halliburton that imperils 'the integrity of the federal contracting program.'"
He's A Great President If You Don't Mind Working Until You Die
The New York Times > National > Government Insurer of Pensions Reports Doubling of Deficit: "The deficit in the government program that insures private pensions more than doubled in 2004 to $23.3 billion, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. announced Monday."
The New York Times > National > Government Insurer of Pensions Reports Doubling of Deficit: "The deficit in the government program that insures private pensions more than doubled in 2004 to $23.3 billion, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. announced Monday."
Competition For Bagdhad Bob's Job Grows Intense
Fierce Combat Kills at Least 27 in Iraq: "Fierce battles between insurgents and U.S. and Iraqi forces killed at least 27 people Monday in Baqouba and south of Baghdad -- the latest in a wave of clashes that has swept Iraq's Sunni Muslim heartland even as American forces move against the last remaining pockets of resistance in Fallujah. "
A convoy of ambulances and relief supplies trying to enter Fallujah was forced to turn back because the fighting made it too dangerous, the head of the Iraqi Red Crescent said. The Red Crescent and Red Cross have been unable to gain access to people inside Fallujah during more than a week of violence.
Even as the fighting continued in the city, Iraq's interior minister declared victory in the offensive. "Fallujah is no more a safe haven for the terrorists and killers. This thing is over," Falah Hassan al-Naqib told reporters in Baghdad.
Fierce Combat Kills at Least 27 in Iraq: "Fierce battles between insurgents and U.S. and Iraqi forces killed at least 27 people Monday in Baqouba and south of Baghdad -- the latest in a wave of clashes that has swept Iraq's Sunni Muslim heartland even as American forces move against the last remaining pockets of resistance in Fallujah. "
A convoy of ambulances and relief supplies trying to enter Fallujah was forced to turn back because the fighting made it too dangerous, the head of the Iraqi Red Crescent said. The Red Crescent and Red Cross have been unable to gain access to people inside Fallujah during more than a week of violence.
Even as the fighting continued in the city, Iraq's interior minister declared victory in the offensive. "Fallujah is no more a safe haven for the terrorists and killers. This thing is over," Falah Hassan al-Naqib told reporters in Baghdad.
The Big Dog, In Retirement, Does More For US economy than Bush
Boom Echoes Of f the Clinton Library: "More than 30,000 people are expected Thursday when former President Clinton opens his $165-million presidential library, and civic leaders say the campus is already functioning as a catalyst for a renaissance here, helping to spur a building boom."
Boom Echoes Of f the Clinton Library: "More than 30,000 people are expected Thursday when former President Clinton opens his $165-million presidential library, and civic leaders say the campus is already functioning as a catalyst for a renaissance here, helping to spur a building boom."
The Window Dressing Boogies Out of Town
Powell Resigning as Secretary of State: "Secretary of State Colin L. Powell has submitted his resignation, a senior administration official said today, and the departures of three other Cabinet members � the secretaries of agriculture, energy and education-were widely expected. The moves open the way for a major shift at the top of the government as President Bush prepares a new administration for his second term."
Powell Resigning as Secretary of State: "Secretary of State Colin L. Powell has submitted his resignation, a senior administration official said today, and the departures of three other Cabinet members � the secretaries of agriculture, energy and education-were widely expected. The moves open the way for a major shift at the top of the government as President Bush prepares a new administration for his second term."
Friday, November 12, 2004
And Now, A Word From The Non-Reality Based Community
We heard a spokesman for the American Family Association interviewed on the radio last evening. He bragged about the AFA's protest process. Thousand of group members are poised to sign into the AFA web site, sign the group's canned letters of protest to the FCC. The AFA will then forward these letters to the FCC. The spokesman did not state whether AFA members would actually watch Saving Private Ryan before signing the letters.
The AFA's complaint with the movie Saving Private Ryan appears to be with its liberal use of the word "fuck." The ABC spokesman interviewed in the story said the word "fuck" appears 40 times in the movie. The AFA guy also complained about the taking of the Lord's name in vain.
Pudentilla has not herself seen the movie (it was cancelled in Maine as well). She chose not to see it in the theaters or on TV because, well, she's a wimp and can't take very violent movies. All the reviews said that while the movie was excellent and according to WWII vets the most accurate portrayal of actual combat in Hollywood history, it was (perhaps because of its accuracy) a very violent movie. So informed, Pudentilla chose not to see the movie. It's a pity the members of the AFA have such poorly formed personalities that they cannot exercise a similar degree of self-control.
Pudentilla has heard no one assert that the violence in Saving Private Ryan is gratuitous. It seems odd to her, then, that the AFA spokesman on the radio last night complained about the coarse language in the movie. As Pudentilla understands it, the actors in the movie say "fuck," "god damn it" and "son of a bitch" quite frequently as they portray the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy on DDay. As Pudentilla understands the historical record, this representation of the language used by G.I.s as they attempted landings in horrible seas while German gunners shot at them seems to be historically accurate.
Moreover, according to Pudentilla's cousin Father Martin, who was a missionary priest for most of his adult life, God would not take offense at this use of language by the G.I.'s. Pudentilla comes to this conclusion based on a conversation she had with Father Martin when she was 10 years old. He came to visit on one of his breaks from the mission. The man truly was godly (unlike his brother Monsignor James - but that's another story) and had, as far as Pudentilla could tell, only one vice - golf. All he ever wanted to do when he came to the States was golf. So when he visited, Pudentilla's father threw the family in the car, drove to a lovely golf course and treated everyone to a day on the links. This particular visit, Father Martin decided that Pudentilla was old enough to learn how to play.
God did not endow Pudentilla with the family's golf gene. After a few holes of frustration, Pudentilla realized that Father Martin had been following her as she hacked her way 20 yards at a time up the fairway.
"Pudentilla, you know what you need to do, here, don't you?" he asked. Pudentilla looked at him in confusion and confessed that was precisely what she didn't know.
"You need to say 'damn it'. In fact, what you really need to do is say 'God damn it,' several times very loudly." Pudentilla explained to Father Martin that her parents forebade her to swear and that she didn't think God would like it if a priest encouraged a little girl to swear.
"Ah Pudentilla," Father Martin laughed, "God hates a liar far more than he hates a few cuss words. And the way your golfing, darling, not to swear at all is to tell a very big lie."
Which is why, comparing very small things to very great, Pudentilla concludes that the AFA is utterly wrong and that God didn't mind at all when the soldiers who stormed the beaches at Normandy and who held their lives so cheaply in order to be sure that Hitler would be defeated said, "God damn it," "fuck" and "son of a bitch."
What God thinks of the AFA is another matter. It is not for us to make such judgements. However, we do not think, based on what we have heard and read about the movie and the response of vets to it, that the bravery of those vets was as well commemorated by a showing of Return to Mayberry as it would have been by a showing of Saving Private Ryan. God damn it. Fuck. Sons of bitches.
'Saving Private Ryan': A New Casualty of the Indecency War (washingtonpost.com): "But back in 2001, the AFA went after ABC over 'Saving Private Ryan,' filing a complaint with the FCC in hopes it would slap the stations with an indecency fine. In its complaint, the AFA noted the movie's 'violence, bloodshed, language and profanity,' according to a letter of response from the FCC, a copy of which was obtained by The TV Column."
Last week's presidential election also played into Citadel's decision to scrap tonight's unedited broadcast of "Saving Private Ryan" and replace it with the TV movie "Return to Mayberry."
We heard a spokesman for the American Family Association interviewed on the radio last evening. He bragged about the AFA's protest process. Thousand of group members are poised to sign into the AFA web site, sign the group's canned letters of protest to the FCC. The AFA will then forward these letters to the FCC. The spokesman did not state whether AFA members would actually watch Saving Private Ryan before signing the letters.
The AFA's complaint with the movie Saving Private Ryan appears to be with its liberal use of the word "fuck." The ABC spokesman interviewed in the story said the word "fuck" appears 40 times in the movie. The AFA guy also complained about the taking of the Lord's name in vain.
Pudentilla has not herself seen the movie (it was cancelled in Maine as well). She chose not to see it in the theaters or on TV because, well, she's a wimp and can't take very violent movies. All the reviews said that while the movie was excellent and according to WWII vets the most accurate portrayal of actual combat in Hollywood history, it was (perhaps because of its accuracy) a very violent movie. So informed, Pudentilla chose not to see the movie. It's a pity the members of the AFA have such poorly formed personalities that they cannot exercise a similar degree of self-control.
Pudentilla has heard no one assert that the violence in Saving Private Ryan is gratuitous. It seems odd to her, then, that the AFA spokesman on the radio last night complained about the coarse language in the movie. As Pudentilla understands it, the actors in the movie say "fuck," "god damn it" and "son of a bitch" quite frequently as they portray the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy on DDay. As Pudentilla understands the historical record, this representation of the language used by G.I.s as they attempted landings in horrible seas while German gunners shot at them seems to be historically accurate.
Moreover, according to Pudentilla's cousin Father Martin, who was a missionary priest for most of his adult life, God would not take offense at this use of language by the G.I.'s. Pudentilla comes to this conclusion based on a conversation she had with Father Martin when she was 10 years old. He came to visit on one of his breaks from the mission. The man truly was godly (unlike his brother Monsignor James - but that's another story) and had, as far as Pudentilla could tell, only one vice - golf. All he ever wanted to do when he came to the States was golf. So when he visited, Pudentilla's father threw the family in the car, drove to a lovely golf course and treated everyone to a day on the links. This particular visit, Father Martin decided that Pudentilla was old enough to learn how to play.
God did not endow Pudentilla with the family's golf gene. After a few holes of frustration, Pudentilla realized that Father Martin had been following her as she hacked her way 20 yards at a time up the fairway.
"Pudentilla, you know what you need to do, here, don't you?" he asked. Pudentilla looked at him in confusion and confessed that was precisely what she didn't know.
"You need to say 'damn it'. In fact, what you really need to do is say 'God damn it,' several times very loudly." Pudentilla explained to Father Martin that her parents forebade her to swear and that she didn't think God would like it if a priest encouraged a little girl to swear.
"Ah Pudentilla," Father Martin laughed, "God hates a liar far more than he hates a few cuss words. And the way your golfing, darling, not to swear at all is to tell a very big lie."
Which is why, comparing very small things to very great, Pudentilla concludes that the AFA is utterly wrong and that God didn't mind at all when the soldiers who stormed the beaches at Normandy and who held their lives so cheaply in order to be sure that Hitler would be defeated said, "God damn it," "fuck" and "son of a bitch."
What God thinks of the AFA is another matter. It is not for us to make such judgements. However, we do not think, based on what we have heard and read about the movie and the response of vets to it, that the bravery of those vets was as well commemorated by a showing of Return to Mayberry as it would have been by a showing of Saving Private Ryan. God damn it. Fuck. Sons of bitches.
Vocabulary Problems
Perhaps Mr. Tanner could instruct us. We think "privatization of social security" means a boondoggle for Wall Street at the cost of trillions, rather than the less than 2% increase in funding or decrease in benefits that Social Security requires.
Here's an idea for MoveOn. How about ads showing 70 something Americans speaking to 30 something Americans saying, "when we were your age we thought we'd never see a dime of it either. We were wrong. If someone's trying to scare you into changing a program that works well, you should ask how they'll profit from your fear."
The New York Times > Washington > AARP Opposes Bush Plan to Replace Social Security With Private Accounts: "'Republicans in Congress do not like the word 'privatization' because it does not poll well,'' said Michael Tanner, director of the project. 'The word polls more poorly than the actual concept, in part because people do not understand what it means.''"
Perhaps Mr. Tanner could instruct us. We think "privatization of social security" means a boondoggle for Wall Street at the cost of trillions, rather than the less than 2% increase in funding or decrease in benefits that Social Security requires.
Here's an idea for MoveOn. How about ads showing 70 something Americans speaking to 30 something Americans saying, "when we were your age we thought we'd never see a dime of it either. We were wrong. If someone's trying to scare you into changing a program that works well, you should ask how they'll profit from your fear."
Chait: Conservatives are Crazier Than Liberals
Paranoid Past the Fringe: "We're accustomed to thinking of paranoids as residing only on the fringe. But what happens when the fringe takes over a party, and then the country?"
Paranoid Past the Fringe: "We're accustomed to thinking of paranoids as residing only on the fringe. But what happens when the fringe takes over a party, and then the country?"
Surprise, Surprise. Bush does nothing to help intelligence reforms he says he favors
Another defeat for moderate Republican Susan Collins. Too bad the safety of the country matters less to Mr. Bush than the entrenched interests of Pentagon officials, who were unable to prevent Osama from attacking their U.S. headquarters.
Intelligence Reform Looks Like a Lame Duck for Now: "Despite his public support for restructuring the nation's intelligence community, President Bush has done little to ensure that reforms modeled on the recommendations of the bipartisan Sept. 11 commission pass in the coming lame duck session of Congress."
Another defeat for moderate Republican Susan Collins. Too bad the safety of the country matters less to Mr. Bush than the entrenched interests of Pentagon officials, who were unable to prevent Osama from attacking their U.S. headquarters.
Can You Spell Quagmire?
Fallouja Insurgency Chaotic, Persistent
Fallouja Insurgency Chaotic, Persistent
"They just keep coming at us." [--snip--]
"The enemy is right where we want him. He's coming to us," said Lt. Col. Gareth Brandl, commander of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, which has experienced perhaps the toughest fight of all the units penetrating the city. "And we're killing him." [--snip==]
"They seem to be communicating with each other," said 1st Sgt. Jose Andrade of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, as he crouched on a main street, taking cover. "It makes it harder to get at them." [--snip--]
"The enemy just pops out of anywhere and fires off rounds and RPGs," said Cpl. Adam Golden, 21. "We're just looking to get him when he pops out."
Marines have advanced through more than half of Fallouja. But no one here believed Thursday that the city was close to being under control. [--snip--]
On occasion, guerrillas put up fights for buildings, as was the case when Marines attacked a former Iraqi national guard headquarters. The troops called in tanks and flattened the place.
More frequently, though, key buildings — such as Fallouja's City Hall and various mosques associated with the resistance — have been taken without major battles.
Then, once the Marines are ensconced, the insurgents arrive in waves.
"Getting in here wasn't so hard," Gunnery Sgt. James Cully said of the municipal compound seized largely without a fight Wednesday. "But since we got here the firing hasn't stopped." [--snip--]
"The enemy is like camel spiders," said Lance Cpl. Rajai Hakki, an Alpha Company interpreter. "You try to squash 'em and they crawl to the next spot." [--snip--]
"We have a lot of mosques in our AO [area of operations], and to the best of my knowledge in only one instance did we not receive fire from a mosque," said Capt. Matt Nodine, judge advocate for the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. "These mosques have lost the protections of the Geneva Convention. We are not here to destroy mosques. But the terrorists are using them and we will go after them." [--snip--]
The U.S.-led attacks on mosques have also served to halt the announcements from mosque loudspeakers urging people to resist the Americans. The taped recordings castigating the "infidels" could be heard throughout the first days of the invasion, infuriating Marines."
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Words Only A Heterosexual Could Write
Relax, Democrats -- It Won't Be That Horrible: "Worrying is one way for Democrats to fill these slow postelection days. But as much as I like seeing a party that's disappointed me berate itself, I don't think it's going to be as awful as its members fear."
Relax, Democrats -- It Won't Be That Horrible: "Worrying is one way for Democrats to fill these slow postelection days. But as much as I like seeing a party that's disappointed me berate itself, I don't think it's going to be as awful as its members fear."
Bush Confused About Purpose of Elections In Iraq
It's hard work keeping all the lies straight.
Confusion in White House on Aim of Iraq Election: "Stabilizing Iraq in time for parliamentary elections in January may be the driving force behind this week's military offensive in Fallouja, but there could be some confusion at the White House over just what Iraqis will be voting on." [--snip
"As I reminded our citizens prior to the Afghanistan elections, there's a deep desire in every soul to vote and to be free, and to participate in the presidential elections," he said.
In fact, Iraqis will not choose their president directly. They will be voting to choose a National Assembly of 275 members, which will elect from its members a president and two deputies and write a constitution.
The executive panel, in turn, will select a prime minister, who also must be a member of the Assembly.--]
It's hard work keeping all the lies straight.
State by State
Boston.com / Business / Technology / Biotechnology / Mass. legislators back work on embryonic stem cells: "Legislative leaders voiced new backing for embryonic stem-cell research yesterday, speaking out after Californians voted to spend $3 billion to lure the companies and scientists engaged in the much-debated research."
Boston.com / Business / Technology / Biotechnology / Mass. legislators back work on embryonic stem cells: "Legislative leaders voiced new backing for embryonic stem-cell research yesterday, speaking out after Californians voted to spend $3 billion to lure the companies and scientists engaged in the much-debated research."
Psy Ops Take A Holiday
Well the election's over and there won't be another one for two more years. Perhaps we'll be allowed to do some holiday shopping in peace.
Boston.com / News / Nation / Washington / Threat indicator lowered: "The Department of Homeland Security yesterday lowered the terrorist threat level for five financial institution headquarters in Washington, New York, and New Jersey, and US Capitol police began removing 14 antiterror vehicle checkpoints around the Capitol." [--snip--]
The government is not signaling, however, that the terrorist threat to the nation has passed, because officials believe the danger remains very high, Loy said.
Well the election's over and there won't be another one for two more years. Perhaps we'll be allowed to do some holiday shopping in peace.
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