Sept. 23, 2008: Lies, Bigoty and Hatred are alive and well...
As I commented previously, racism is alive and well in this election cycle. Several commentators have written about this, while some Right-Wing commentators and talking heads have countered that the Left is "crying racism". Yes, like the the Right is complaining that the press is actually doing it's job and calling the McCain Campaign out on his lies. If it walks like a duck...
Two good, short examinations of the polls in regards the the state of the Nation? Read Nicholas Kristoff and the Progressive on these points.
Sept. 12, 2008: Get your facts straight!
As Barak Obama said on Late Night with David Letterman the other night, it's "Silly Season" in politics right now. The campaign ads being put forth by the McCain/Palin ticket are low, cheap and just plain wrong. Be sure to go to factcheck.org to learn the truth behind the ads on both sides.
"Wake-Up sheepeople!!!" – Marc Maron
Sept. 10, 2008 – Stupidity or something else?
With the dust settling from the Democratic and Republican Conventions, I have a few thoughts and observations:
First – Dems missed a chance by having their Keynote Address given by a self-promoting snoozfest of a speaker... didn't someone in the Obama campaign read his speech first? The Republicans sent out attack dog Rudy Giuliani and we get Mark Warner?
Second – Democrats attacked McCain on his polices and similarity to the past 8 years of Bush (Palin was not announced yet), but were deferential to him to a fault in regards to his military service. Republicans, on the other hand, were outright mean in their attacks on Obama and Democrats in general; they mocked and belittled the man, not simply his policies. They did the same to John Kerry in 2004 – a decorated war hero – by mocking his very service to this country (remember the "purple band-aids"?).
Third – Why is it that media constantly ask what the Democrats will do to reach across the aisle and be "non-partisan", while the same question was not even asked to Republican operatives? Is it because they know from the tone of the Republican Convention that they were not even trying to appear bi-partisan or act like a big tent?
Fourth – Did any one else notice that the Democratic Convention showed America, all it's faces, religions, ethnicities and gender preferences in attendance, while at the Republican Convention, cameramen were hard pressed to find an African American face in the audience? Or even a gaggle of people who were under the age of 50? One look at the sea of old, white faces should be a clue to the American public that this is NOT a majority party.
Fifth – Obma chose Biden as a running mate. not the flashy choice or one that will win him any battle ground states, but a man who is ready to be President and will be good for this country. McCain chose an unknown, with less than two months for the press to do their work (Obama, Biden and McCain himself have been vetted overt the past 18 months of the campaign) – a calculated pick to gain North West states, the woman's vote, and make nice with the Conservative Base. But best person to lead this Country in the event the 72 year old twice cancer stricken McCain gets ill...?
Sixth – The Republicans have been and continue to fight dirty: their ads are attack ads that stretch the truth or outright lie about Obama's record and once again his character. Case in point, the "Celebrity" ad, and the current ads about teaching sex to kindergardeners and claiming Obama is making sexist attacks on Palin. The civil McCain who refused to personally attack Obama is allowing the party to run the campaign he swore he would not run.
So, will the Dems fight back, get themselves dirty, or take the high road and hope someone gives them credit for "playing nice"? It should not be a tough call, because although Obama likes to say that "the American people are not stupid", I tend to side with Bill Maher who thinks we are stupid. We elected Bush, twice, and now with the state of the country swinging strongly in favor of Democratic policies and candidates, the polls are even. A close Republican friend recently remarked that if Obama got elected it would be due to "white guilt". But with everything working in Democratic favor, the fact that we are stilled tied with a candidate that reflects all the current administrations policies an only be attributed to either stupidity or racism. Either way, not a good commentary on the mindset of the American people.
June 25, 2008: Honoring Bush
Never let it be said, that our 43rd President is not deserving of honor or praise...
June 16, 2008: RIP
Sincere condolences to the family of Tim Russert, and to the extended family at NBC. Plenty of greater people have eulogized Mr. Russert, so I won't pretend to know him, but I will miss his presence this upcoming election. It also proves that good people can leave such a huge mark on the political. My Sunday evenings won't be the same...
May 28, 2008: A look in the mirror
Yesterday I overheard two of my Republican office mates gleefully commenting on the "implosion" of Hillary Clinton and her campaign. They noted how bad both she and her husband, the former President, have come across in the past few weeks, stating: "Now all those Clinton-lovers get to see him how we've always seen them; liars who will stop at nothing to win."
Granted, I being a former "Clinton-lover" have been very disappointed in both Hillary and Bill's behavior during this campaign: the air of inevitability, the girl-in-the-boys-club posturing, then inevitable cries of sexism, the racial comments, the ultra-hawkishness, and the constant moving of the goalposts to justify their continuing campaign.
That said, my friend's comments got me thinking: Republicans hated the Clintons for many reasons, but one of the things that really got under their skin was how Bill managed to use Republican strategies and issues AGAINST them. Bill triangulated, moved the Democratic Party to the Right, and made welfare reform, crime, punishment, big government and deficits Democratic issues and Democratic victories. The Clintons also were not the typical Democrats in that they never ran away when attacked, but rather attacked back with equal fierceness and vigor.
Race-baiting, big corporate donors, threatening to annihilate countries we don't like, and stretching reality to fit your current point of view are Conservative Republican mainnstays. And the Clinton Campaign's constant rationalizations for staying in the race remind me of the Bush Administration's changing rationales for invading and staying in Iraq.
So what my friend and his ilk are upset about is that the Clintons are acting, in short, the way Republicans act all the time, and they can't stand it. Not a pretty look in the mirror...
May 5th, 2008: Double Standard
Frank Rich at the NYT questions the media's lapse in noticing the double standard surrounding Obama's Wright problem and McCain's Hagee/Roberston/Faldwell alliances.
April 17, 2008: Does anyone see a pattern here?
So the Pope comes to the White House and the President speaks of "America people whose hearts are open to your message of hope... In a world where some invoke the name of God to justify acts of terror and murder and hate, we need your message that 'God is love'"... and "In a world where some treat life as something to be debased and discarded, we need your message that all human life is sacred, and that 'each of us is willed, each of us is loved'". On that same day, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Death Penalty.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter engages Hamas in talks, which is something bipartisan top ranking officials have suggested in the past. Yet our nation's media and punditry all condemn him for his actions, and even suggest he's anti-Semetic, even though he negotiated the only still-lasting peace between Israel and it's neighbor Egypt. Yes, because our stance of ignoring Hamas has worked so well over the past 7 years. And our ally Israel refused to provide security to a former U.S. President while he attempts to persuade their enemy into peace talks... good move Israel, so if something happens to him, you'll claim it was Hamas' fault, just like you blamed the death of the Reuter's camerman killed by your own tank fire.
At a time when it has been revealed that our nations highest officials approved and greenlighted torture, despite having denied so under oath, the most important questions this same network can ask our Presidential hopefuls is about their patriotism by not wearing a lapel pin.
And they wonder why we're bitter?
March 17, 2008: 5-Years and 100 to go...
Five years ago this week, we launched our preemptive war with Iraq based on false information, old intelligence, sexed-up reports and good old-fashioned fear mongering. May God give rest to the souls of ALL the departed from this conflict, and may our Troops come home safe and soon.
Another anniversary happened this week; the 40th Anniversary of the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam. Coincidentally (or not), former Iraq and Afghanistan veterans told their war stories at the Winter Soldier event in Washington, D.C. this past weekend. The "Liberal" mainstream media did not even bother to mention it, much less cover it.
March 11, 2008: Dirty Business
I have avoided interjecting commentary into the current Democratic Primaries over the past month for several reasons. First, my original candidate, John Edwards, dropped out. Second, and most importantly, ever pundit and commentator has been wrong 99% of the time, and I refused to take part in such games.
That said, I have been extremely disappointed in the tactics used by the Clinton campaign; you DO NOT create ads that may come back to hurt your potential Party Candidate in the general election. Hillary has done just that, not only in ads, but on the stump. Why do the Republican's dirty work for them? Have we so soon forgot the Willie Horton ads that Bush Sr. used against Dukakis, that were originally brought up by then Presidential Primary Candidate Al Gore?
And one word on the Elliot Spitzer mess: it wasn't just personal (as opposed to all those other sex scandals in recent years), it was ILLEGAL. A former district Attorney should know that about prostitution and money laundering. Resign now.
February 18, 2008: Tortured Explanations
Man, they're not even trying any more.
First they said that we don't torture.
Then the evidence showed otherwise.
They said this was a "few bad apples"
Then the evidence showed it was pervasive up the chain of command.
Next came waterboarding, which we don't do.
But we did.
They said it wasn't torture.
But it has been since WWII.
Now they come out and admited they did do it, and it probably wasn't torture back then.
But it is now, and we won't bother prosecuting anyone for it.
And it was Conservatives who blew a gasket over Clinton's "depends on what the definitin if 'is' is", but this stuff is A-Okay!
This same line of reasoning is being used to defend the warrantless wiretapping of American citizens, which they initially said wouldn't happen. It was only to track foreign calls, but the FBI released evidence that spying on Americans did occur. The Administration denied it, of course, but then once they could not get away from it, justified it, just as they justify all the things they have been wrong about.
Now they claim that they need to do it, but everyone knows that thanks to FISA and the revised Patriot Act, that they can already wiretap a suspected terrorist without a warrant, and they have about 2 weeks to prove that the tap was justified.
Keith Olberman did a great piece about how Bush has lied and continued to do so, even – in his own words – putting the American people "at risk of another attack", all to protect his administration and the telecom companies from criminal prosecution.
Kinda makes your head hurt, don't it? Makes you wonder how anyone can defend this Administration as "honest" anymore...
January 24, 2008: Is anyone paying attention?
While the MSM are all enthralled with the Hillary-Obama smackdown, a few nuggets are drifting past the radar:
• An independent study by the Center for Public Integrity found that the Bush Administration lied exactly 935 times in the two year lead-up to war with Iraq. This number does not include comments by cheerleaders like FOX News, talk radio, or even the MSM bobble heads like Tim Russert or the NYT Judith Miller who perpetuated the Administrations talking points.
• The FISA bill is currently being debated, and it seems that the President's provision protecting the telecom companies is being forced through. Way to go Dems... cave even thought the majority of the country does not support this. And you wonder why your approval rating is so low. Olberman pointed out last night that Bush insisted that this wiretapping be allowed, that the country was at risk without it, but he would veto the bill if it did not protect the telecom companies (and thus himself) from liability... yeah, way to keep the country safe.
Call your Senator by calling the Capitol Switchboard, which will put you through to your Senator: 202-224-3121. We have until Monday at 4:30 EST to make sure our Senators do not cave by passing “compromises” that undermine our Constitution, our privacy and the rule of law.
• While the pundits spent hours debating who was "blacker" , Obama or Bill, Martin Luther King III wrote a letter to Senator John Edwards basically saying that HE (the white guy) was doing the most to promote his father's work.
January 11, 2008: Attacking Edwards for Fun and Profit
Several people ask me why am I an Edwards supporter, when they think I would be more agreeable to Obama. The fact is I do like Obama, but unlike the drop-on-a-dime punditry, I stand by my candidate until it is clear he or she is out of the race, or until such a time that strategic voting is required to prevent another candidate from winning.
There are many reasons that I like John Edwards, (and the other top candidates like him too, they have appropriated much of his message and even his quotes in their own speaches over the past two weeks) but one of the reasons I continue to support him while Obama and Hillary light up the 24-hour news channels, is that the more I read on the web from the "come together" supporters of Obama, the less I want to be associated with them.
Let me explain. Obama is encouraging many young and first time voters to support him, and that is a wonderful thing for Democracy. Except for the fact that most first time political campaigners treat the primaries like a sporting event, ripe with chants, hollers, spilt beer and downright nastiness. If you don't believe me, go to any website where someone writes something positive about Edwards (I know, they're hard to find): the comment section will be full of mudslinging at Edwards, while Edwards supporters will offer reasoned defense of their candidate.
Previously I have blogged about the media blackout of John Edwards. Now, the official punditry is joining in the mudslinging: over at HuffPost, Lawrence O'Donnell offers a short diatribe against Edwards that is hateful and disparaging at best. Again, Edwards' supporters come to his defense not by tearing down the other candidates, but by justifying his staying in the race. There will always be mean spirited people in both sides of campaigns, but the venom spewed against Edwards for placing 2nd and 3rd can only mean that the man is on to something... and that scares people.
January 8, 2008: Media shows Edwards no love
Over at Salon.com, Glen Greenwald reports the truth about the national polls, despite the media's spin. Seems that Edwards up way up over the past two weeks, and Obama's numbers are steady. Yet as the Corporate media will tell you, Edwards is out even though he came in second in Iowa, and now they are doing the same to Hillary, who is leading nationally.
I mean, I love Obama, but this media hype thing is going to crash really hard once they start to realize there is no one left to pick apart but Obama himself.
January 4, 2008: Iowa
Last night's big wins in Iowa by Barak Obama and even Mike Huckabee are significant in that both candidates represent a change from the current Administration's policy. On the Democratic side, this would seem like a no-brainer, but for a man who called Bush's foreign policy "arrogant" to win, will leave Rush and Hannity and all the wingnuts panties in knots.
Obama's inspiring message of hope managed to rally and motivate many young first-time caucus goers to support him, as well as many independents and even Republicans. While I applaud the mass appeal of Obama, I want that in the general election, but for the primary, I'm a little bit more territorial: I want the people in our party to pick who represents our party. The media picked Hillary for us over two years ago – she was not "our" frontrunner. Now independents and Republicans put Obama over the top, but will they do that in the general election? Will the youth come out in droves to vote? They were supposed to in 2004, but we all know how well that worked out.
Don't get me wrong, I think Obama is a rising star and is possibly one of the more attractive candidates America has had in a long time. He is certainly more inspirational than John Kerry was, and if Obama wins the nomination then I will work to carry him through to victory. But as they say, "it ain't over yet". As pleased as I am that Hillary came in third, I would not discount the Clinton's ability to comeback from anything. And if the last primary was any indication, Democrats swooned over Dean, but eventually married Kerry... so Edwards still has a chance if he can keep the funds coming. The media has been blacking him out even though it was a three-way race going in, and now that he came in second, they are considering him out. His closing speech last night proved that Edwards is talking about specific issues, and not just offering platitudes, and that scares the corporate media bosses.
If I can put on my Pundit hat for a moment, maybe the wins by Obama and Huckabee signal a real tectonic shift in the landscape of American politics. Note that both their acceptance speeches were very similar last night... good news for Democrats, not so good news for Bush Republicans. But it is very early on and I'm not holding my breath just yet...
January 2, 2008: A Look Back.
Dahlia Lithwick over at Slate.com has a nice little year-end wrap-up of the top ten dumbest legal arguments made by the Bush Administration in 2007. A must read.
December 17, 2007: NJ Leads the Way!
Today is one of those days where I'm proud to be from New Jersey! Today, Governor Corzine signed into law the abolition of the State Death Penalty. NJ has not executed anyone for over 40 years. Despite claims to the contrary, there is no credible evidence to suggest that the Death Penalty is a deterrent to crime or murder, but evidence does prove that its implementation is biased against racial minorities and the poor. According to Amnesty International, "133 countries (two-thirds of the world) have abolished the death penalty either in law or practice. In 1948, when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted, only eight countries had abolished the death penalty for all crimes." And in the past 30 years, 124 inmates were found to be innocent and released from death row (other facts from ACLU). The U.S. is the only modern, developed democracy in the world to maintain the Death Penalty, yet we have the largest murder and violence rate.
If the penalty's supporters' reactions are any indication, capital punishment is not about justice, fairness or deterrence: it is vengeance, pure and simple, and it is the single greatest denial of civil liberties. Capital Punishment holds no place in a democracy that places value on human life; it merely lowers us to the level of nations under dictators and theocracies.
December 10, 2007: Edwards "wins" NJ
Okay, in full disclosure, I am a John Edwards supporter. But as part of the Arab American Democratic Caucus, I attended an unofficial New Jersey Democratic Caucus in Roselle Park on Friday night, sponsored by Democracy For America. There I was able to witness an a very small scale what occurs at these Iowa and New Hampshire Caucuses that we hear so much about in the news. With a room of 200+ NJ Democrats of various ages, ethnicities and economic groups, the feelings were strong and somewhat surprising. I immediately caucused with the Edwards campaign, with plans to jump to Obama if the going got rough. However, in an unexpected turn of events, the Hillary campaign was bumped from the first round, and was eliminated entirely by the second round. My candidate, John Edwards, eventually won the evening, with Obama coming in a close second and Kucinich a distant third. Despite this, the overall feeling was that Democrats in general won last night, because each campaign was fired up and ready to support ANY Democratic candidate for President next year.
There was press coverage from News 4 NBC New York, and from NJ.org, for which I got to play unofficial interviewer to the candidate surrogates (thanks Jay!), including State Senate Representative Richard Cody who was there representing the Edwards campaign, and June Fischer from the NJ Jewish Democratic caucus. Check it out to hear what the campaigns had to say. Also check out BlueJersey.net's coverage of the event; they were there in a big way Friday night. Also present was my (hopefully) future Congressional Representative Linda Stender, and some folks from the Tom Wyka campaign. Please support them both!
December 7, 2007: That's gonna leave a mark!
If the term "bitchslap" could ever be applied to political discourse, this would be the textbook definition. Last night Keith Olberman made it abundantly clear that the anger and frustration that many in this country feel towards this Administration is completely justified and becoming mainstream. What's more, is that Bush and his crew have brought it all upon themselves.
November 28, 2007: Annapolis Lame Ducks
The Annapolis talks presents an interesting situation. I always applaud any moves or initiatives for peace in the Middle East; hoping for the best while expecting very little. The Bush Administration correctly downplayed any expectations, citing that this was the beginning of a process, not the negotiations themselves.
I have my doubts about the process, not because of past history or because of what is or is not on the list of negotiated talking points, but rather for the footing that each of the parties enter into these talks.
First, Bush enters these talks after seven years of disregard for any real peace process, and five years of any personal involvement whatsoever. Politically, he is at the lowest approval rating of any American President in recent history, and is a lame duck: he leaves office in one year with no guarantee that whomever succeeds him will continue his foreign policy. He has little political strength within the international community, and most observers understand he is doing this not as a true quest for peace, but as a preservation of legacy. That said, if a right outcome is produced for the wrong reasons, so be it; we need peace now!
Much was also hyped about Syria and Saudi Arabia being brought to the table; seen as a political coup for Sec. of State Rice. Yet the media has short memories, as the Saudis were part of the Arab Summit in 2002 that put forth a peace plan that would recognize and stabilize relations with Israel. Meanwhile, this administration avoided any talks with Syria, preferring to call it names and force it into the eager arms of Iran. Republicans and pundits called Nancy Pelosi a traitor for "giving aid and comfort to our enemies" when she visited Syria. Now, they sit at the table and Condi and Bush are heroes for reversing their policy. I'm glad the policy was reversed, but it is certainly too little too late.
Mahmoud Abbas was elected President of the Palestinian Authority after years of Arafat who was seen as "not a partner for peace". Yet the U.S. and Israel under Sharon avoided each and every attempt by Abbas to make his position legitimate and produce any sort of security in the region. Then when Hamas came to power, we suddenly want to make Abbas our best friend. Again, much too little, too late. He has little power in his own territories, and Gaza is lost to Hamas. He has little political capital as a representative of his own people.
Lastly, Ehud Olmert is probably the weakest Israeli Prime Minister in it's country's existence. He does not represent the majority of Israeli opinion, and like Abbas, faces his strongest opposition from the hardliner radicals within his own country.
What can these three lame ducks do where more powerful and stately men have tread before? Probably nothing, but if these talks lead to actual negotiations in the coming years, the naysayers will stand corrected. Wouldn't it be ironic if three of the weakest political leaders of our time were able to negotiate a final peace settlement?
We will just have to wait and see, and pray.
Update: Shortly after I posted this, I came across a post by Israeli author Uri Avenry, who makes some similar (but better stated) comments, but with more skepticism. Do yourself a favor and read his work!
Wed., Nov. 7, 2007: Power Grab
In the latest edition of White House WTF?, Press Secretary Dana Perino was asked if Pakistani President Musharraf had crossed the line in implementing what basically amounts to martial law in Pakistan on Monday. She said that the administration is “deeply disappointed” by his decision to suspend the country’s constitution, and actually gave this answer to a reporter's question:
Q: Is it ever reasonable to restrict constitutional freedoms in the name of fighting terrorism?
MS. PERINO: In our opinion, no.
Well thank God this Administration's opinion is to NEVER restrict constitutional freedoms in the name of fighting terrorism! Because that whole Patriot Act thing was really just a big misunderstanding. And that decision to wiretap U.S. citizens without a warrant... well, that wasn't illegal, but just in case we will grant immunity from prosecution to the telecom companies who sold-out their client's rights. And really, who uses old Latin terms like "habeas corpus" anymore — it was time for that to go! ThinkProgress.org has a rundown of the non-constitutional provisions here.
Let's get a few things straight here:
First, this administration does not give a damn about supporting democracy. That whole speak about democracy in the Middle East was a ruse and everyone knows it, because it wasn't quite happy with the democracy it got in Palestine, Lebanon or Iraq.
Second, while this Administration has been wasting time saber-rattling against Iran, Pakistan — a real and sizable nuclear threat — may very well become unstable.
Third, does anyone really believe that VP Cheney isn't in love with Musharraf right now? I mean, it took this administration seven years to do what Musharraf did in one night; that's Dick's kinda guy!
Mon., Oct. 30, 2007: Fear
Paul Krugman cuts through all the noise of the Right-Wing Fear Machine today with his latest column.
I just finished Paul Krugman's book "Conscience of a Liberal" this weekend; great book, poor title. The title merely represents the concept behind Krugman's concluding chapter. While it can be viewed as an undercurrent beneath his reason for writing the book, the first 2/3 of the book is a historical critique of the United States economy and how what we know and love about this capitalist vision of America was created by Liberal ideals, and how modern day Conservatives try to demonize the very institutions that keep this country running for the majority of its citizenry. Krugman also charges that modern day Democrats must create their own version of the new Deal via Universal Health Care in order to strengthen the middle and lower classes, and reposition the U.S. as modern democratic leader it once was. Krugman avoids the political name calling that these books usually rely on, and instead uses number, facts, and historical data to support his findings that what Conservatives stand for are not historically good for the U.S. public or economy.
Thurs. Oct. 18, 2007: Wiretaps for all!
The fact that the government has been wiretapping without warrants is nothing new. The idea that the government was spying before 9-11 calls into question the Bush Administration's true intent (also here and here). And the fact that the Cable and Telecom companies made a profit selling out the privacy of their clientele. And while the Dems don't have enough of a majority it seems to do much of anything, they could at least stand on principle. Unfortunately, Pelosi and the rest caved to a 24% approval President and let the Telecom companies go scott-free.
Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007: Bruuuuuce!
I don't normally blog about music or entertainment on this site (although I should, since I have more background in music than politics). However, last night — one week to the day after the release of the powerful new album "Magic" — I had the pleasure of once again seeing Bruce Springsteen and the mighty E-Street Band play their home turf of the Meadowlands, NJ.
I like the new album, and many of the new songs fit nicely along side his past work. Some critics of Bruce in the past few years is that he has "become political" and he should stick to what he does best. But any real fan of Bruce would know that writing songs like these IS what Bruce does best. As a songwriter, Bruce always wrote about what was important to his world view at that time, however large or small that world view may be. As a young upstart musician in 1970s Asbury Park, NJ, Bruce's world view was breaking out, finding happiness and getting girls. As time progressed, the girls got pregnant, the job was a dead-end, and life's promises were empty, but he maintained a faith that something better is out there: "I believe in the love, that you gave me, I believe in the faith that can save me, I believe in the hope and I pray that someday it may raise me above these badlands...". In the 1980s, personal trials such as divorce and death gave way to larger narratives of racism, injustice, decaying cities, and the loss of the American Dream. Post 9-11, "The Rising" addressed personal and national loss. And with "Magic", Bruce views the world as a father, citizen in America in 2007. To expect him to continue to write about cars at age 58 is as ridiculous as him singing about little girls. Actually, he does sing about young girls on the new album, the gorgeous "Girls in Their Summer Clothes", and as a 58-year old singer, he laments that they "pass me by".
Bruce wisely juxtaposed his new material against older fan favorites that prove if you review his lyrics, he's saying the same thing: one on a personal level, and the other on a broader level. He played the new song "Long Walk Home" just before "Badlands"; both songs addressing a decaying and confining society that he must work to not just break free from, but even to improve. The pop gem with Orwellian lyrics "Living in the Future" played just before the brooding "Darkness on the Edge of Town" and the uplifting "Promised Land" are all critical of society, culture and the world around him, with an eye that once again, there is hope.
The concert was high energy, with surprisingly few spots of stage banter, and his ability to give it all in one song, to only come back and give more the next six songs is an incredible feat for a performer half his age. Even my concert companion who is a fan of Bruce's music but not his politics, had to admit that he performs with such integrity, passion, and heart, that you can't deny what he's saying, even if you don't agree with it. Now if we can only get our Democratic politicians to show that kind of passion and commitment!
October 1, 2007: Seem familliar to anyone?
Everyone seems to want war with Iran, even if we claim we don't. Is America's memory so short we can't see the boy crying wolf scenario playing itself out again? Even Democrats like Hillary are treading old ground by giving the President the legal grounds to attack a sovereign nation yet again! Last week, the media was abuzz with news of Iran President Ahmadinejad making stupid comments. So let me get this straight: U.S. papers can run headlines calling a man "evil" "a terrorost" and "insane" because he refuses to acknowledge that there may be homosexuals in his own country, and we can call for strikes against his country to oust him on our news and media and in Congress. yet, when this man talks trash against the U.S. or Israel, then it is short of an act of war? Can't we see we are doing the same thing?
You know, if our government can go around declaring any foreign government militia a "terrorist organization", then what is to stop other countries from doing the same to us? Case in point, just as I was thinking this, I heard that Iran has declared the CIA a terrorist organization. Well, by the CIA's own admission it has been the cause of terrorism, assassinations and the ousting of democratically elected governments for years (remember the recently release "family jewels"?). When our government justifies unilateral invasions, pre-emptive strikes, condones torture and now throws the label terrorist around like a childhood game of "cooties", then we won't have to even bother asking "why" the next time we are attacked. We will be out of moral authority and the idea of just cause or provocation will be a thing of the past. Check the roll-call of commentary, beginning with Sy Hersh's new piece; Talking Points Memo; Pat Buchannan and Charlie Reese.
On the lighter side of insanity, this week's edition of "Top 10 Conservative Idiots" on DU managed to bring a smile to my face, in light of the fact that these buffoons run our country.
Also, Jonathan Cook and others weigh in on the highly under reported Israeli attack on Syria. Sorry, but if Israel had a real thereat on it's hands, it would be sending it's massive PR machine on all the news programs saying "see, we've been right all along." But instead, we have Israel saying "no comment" while our MSM, who are already so used to defending Israel's attacks, speculating that it must be Syria's fault. Not to absolve Syria of wanting weapons or anything, but doesn't International Law mean anything anymore, or did the Bush Administration effectively abolish that as well?
September 17, 2007: Friggin' Move On Already!
Days after the Administration decided to send Gen. Petraeus up to Capitol Hill to promote the President's Iraq War policy on the anniversary of 9-11, the media and the Republican spin machine are focused more on the MoveOn ad that attacked Petraeus, angered because it was, get this, political. Not that the grand theatre staged by Bush & Co. wasn't political; not that the ad did not say anything incorrect about the General, the President or the current war strategy; not that most media pundits believe Petraeus' testimony was anything unexpected, nor did they argue that Bush's follow-up address to the nation did anything more than tell America the we are simply "staying the course one more time", not to mention call out BS on his statements like we have 36 countries as our allies sharing responsibilities in Iraq... where the hell did that come from? No, we need to focus on and ad whose poorly worded headline suggested that the general was betraying America's trust – something that just about every critic of this war believes the administration has done ad nauseam.
Every spin machine and pundit was attacking the title of the ad without acknowledging any of the contents, and then go the added mile by demanding Democrats to distance themselves from the ad. One should ask if Republicans cared to distance themselves from the Swiftboat Ads against Kerry, or the attack ads against Max Cleland, or even the hairbrained bile that Ann Coulter spews every few weeks... but we all know they did not.
Both Charlie Reese and George Lakoff offer sobering critiques of the General's performance, without all the rhetoric surrounding MoveOn. Also, AdAge.com debunks the spin on the "great Liberal discount the NY Times gave MoveOn for the ad. Seems Giuliani got the same rate, as would anyone who buys an ad on "standby".
On a positive note, it seems that for the first time, the Bush Administration may be doing something that is good for the country, rather than just for Bush loyalists: he's nominating Retired Judge Michael Mukasey to replace the unqualified yes-man Gonzales. And the Iraqis has revoked the Blackwater mercenary security contractor's license to provide security in Iraq. Private firms like these answer to no one and are not held to the same level of scrutiny or accountability that our own U.S. military forces are. Good Riddance!
Sept. 7, Week-End Roundup: Patriot Act dealt another blow, "Hollywood Elites", and that pesky English Language
Part of the Patriot Act has been struck down by a Federal Court, specifically the use of National Security Letters without the supervision of a court order, citing "the need for judicial oversight of laws and bashed Congress for passing a law that makes possible 'far-reaching invasions of liberty.'" The Judge issued a statement that said "the Constitution was designed so that the dangers of any given moment could never justify discarding fundamental individual liberties", and when "the judiciary lowers its guard on the Constitution, it opens the door to far-reaching invasions of liberty." Just what we have been saying since 2003!
Now that Fred Thompson is "officially" in the race, can we finally put to rest the Republican derogatory slur of "Hollywood Liberal Elite"? After all, they love to attack Hollywood for "imposing it's values on America" and for degrading Americas "moral fiber". But as the Summer movie blockbuster season ends, it seems the only value Hollywood has is to make as much money as possible, regardless of quality. This usually falls under the category of "Republican Values".
And if we look at the track record of who has either run for office or currently holds office from the ranks of the Hollywood elite, you would find only Republicans: the most notable being Ronald Reagan, followed by The Governator Arnold, and a few lesser congressional people like Sonny Bono and "Gopher" from "The Love Boat". So with Fred jumping in, the next time someone from the republican party slags Hollywood Elite, just throw their greatest President, their most popular governor, and the current savior of the republican party back in their face.
Remember only a few years ago when making fun of the way Bush talked was the worst you could say about him, and it could be laughed off hat our President is an idiot? Well, now when things like this happen, it only serves as a painful reminder how this bumbler has done untold damage to the Presidency, the United States, and to the world.
September 5, 2007: Beware the Penguins!
Does anyone remember that great B-movie comedy from the late 70s call "Used Cars" staring Kurt Russell and the late Jack Warden? There is one scene where after Kurt and his friends jam the Presidential Address for a fake car commercial, Kurt comes into work the next day to find the Car lot swamped with press in reaction to the commercial. One character comments that it got so bad that they had nuns protesting outside. Well, you know it's bad when nuns are lined up against you, and this recent report that a large group of nuns are calling for Bush and Cheney's Impeachment does not help the President's popularity at all. But like Bush said, "he's a uniter, not a divider"... and he has succeeded in bringing the religious community and the atheists together on this one!
August 22, 2007: Liars and Chickenhawks.
So in the last few days we have seen Karl Rove lie on television about his involvement in the Valerie Plame outing, American Servicemen write an op-ed about the reality on the ground and are widely condemned by the right wing media (why do they hate our troops?), and Joe Lieberman added Syria to the list of countries that he thinks the U.S. should invade immediately. Good thinking Joe, with constant reports that our military is near the breaking point with only TWO wars, we now need to face war on FOUR fronts. Watch Robert Greenwald's latest video on YouTube and spread it around to keep these chickenhawks from destroying America, and the rest of the world along with it!
August 10, 2007: The chill continues.
First, Congress passes a law effectively enabling Bush to continue warrantless wiretaps without fear of retribution, and also asking the public to trust Alberto Gonzalez with this power and authority, while he currently has declared he has no memory of his job over the past several years, nor does he know what his subordinates are doing. This move also helped the telecom companies like AT&T who complied with the government's info grab to avoid civil lawsuits. (See, the public knows this stuff is illegal, it's in their user agreement contracts, but for some reason the government can't seem to find the illegality in it.)
Now AT&T returns the favor by censoring anti-Bush comments by Pearl Jam.
America 2007, welcome to the Soviet Union circa 1967.
August, 6, 2007: Democrats sell-out
Congress has recently given the Bush Administration exactly what it wanted in not only expanding it's warrantless wiretapping program, but succeeded in legalizing the criminal conduct the Administration was involved in for the past several years. The FISA laws required warrants and judicial review to spy on Americans making or receiving international phone calls, and those laws were broken by all accounts. Rather than curtail the program to become legal, this Administration did what it does best — it changes the laws to suit it's own purposes. Now once again, the Administration can tap the phones, emails, and all electronic communication coming in or leaving the country without judicial oversight or without reason. And once again I ask the question, who will keep the administration honest to make sure they are not tapping regular American's phone lines?
The New York Times reported that one of the big reasons that the Administration forced this legislation through was because the phone companies pressured the President and Congress, because they were facing lawsuits for participating in these wiretaps.
There are some very good commentaries on Crooks & Liars.com (here and here), as well as an analysis by Democracy NOW! this morning. Please note that this would not be possible if it were not for the compliance of several Democrats in congress. Please make it known that they are not the Democrats we need if they are willing to help Bush destroy the Constitution. Conversely, please thank and continue to support your Congressman or Senator if they voted against this bill. Contribute to their campaigns so that we can get not just Democrats in office, but GOOD Democrats.
July 30, 2007: Forcing the End of Time
Max Blumenthal posted a new video on the Huffington Post website last week, exposing the strange alliance between Evangelical Christians and the Israeli Lobby. Max took a video crew to the Christians United for Israel Conference and interviewed organizers, participants, and even Tom Delay. Rather than promoting peace in the region, this group seeks to promote war with Iran, and views anyone who proposes peace between Israel and it's Arab neighbors as "the Anti-Christ".
It is scary not only for their worldview, but because of the influence they possess, and the money that they raise. Can you imagine any group that would outwardly promote war and oppose peace with Israel, or any other nation in the world for that matter, getting traction here in the U.S.?
July 24, 2007: Attack the Messenger
I can't understand all the criticism of Michael Moore, not simply by the Right-Wingers who regard him as the next Goebbels and Stalin rolled into one. No, I mean with the mainstream media and even Democrats who feel Michael Moore "does not speak for them."
Moore's latest movie is about he the failing American Healthcare System, and the insurance companies who profit off of people's illnesses. Moore, a film maker, has brought the issue to national attention in a way that no political candidate or mainstream news journalist has been able to. We are now having a national discussion about the issue. Or at least attempting to. And that is what Michael Moore does.
The problem lies with the media and the Democrats who are beholden to the healthcare industry and refuse to allow Moore to make them look bad. Media outlets are running news stories on how Moore "plays with the numbers" or "fudges facts" (most famously Moore's on-air debate with Wolf Blitzer and Dr. Sanjay Gupta from CNN. You can go to Moore's website for more details). THIS from the media who played loose with the facts about Iraq, WMD, and who are too afraid of the Israeli lobby to ever criticize the Israeli government for anything.
They criticize his weight, saying a fat person shouldn't teach us about healthcare, and go out of their way to show all the bad examples of healthcare issues in France, Canada an Cuba. Moore does not say those systems are perfect, but we are America, the place that comes up with great ideas and make them work, and takes great ideas from others and make them even better. Moore simply questions why do we not apply this great American spirit to the issue of healthcare? Sure Canada's system is flawed, but we as outsiders can see the flaws and work around them.
I often feel Moore's antics upstage the meaning of his work. But this misses the point. I may not like my next door neighbor, but if he comes to tell me that my house if on fire, do I ignore him because he often plays his music too loudly?
Go see the movie and judge for yourself.
June 19, 2007: Another failed foreign policy back to bite us in the arse!
May 16, 2007: Falwell's Greatest hits
May 4, 2007: Same old - same old white men...
April 26-30, 2007: Calling Bulls@#t
April 12, 2007: Imus – but is it over?
March 22, 2007: Family Values & right to privacy
March 14, 2007: Debunking naysayers/AIPAC Influence
March 9, 2007
March 22, 2006 (answer to critics)
The following are links to political commentators and alternative news outlets on the web. Some are self-professed Liberals, others are Libertarians and Independents. Most of the news outlets that may be considered liberal are only called that because they are not beholden to the American government or Rupert Murdoch. Please visit the following sites regularly to keep informed.
Air America Radio — Forget the naysayers, just listen, because the "liberal media" ain't all that liberal! Listen on the web
American Civil Liberties Union — Demonized by the hard right, they defend the liberties of ALL Americans, even right wing nutjobs! Because to the ACLU, the Constitution actually means something
AntiWar.com — Most comprehensive coverage of world events in one location
BlueJersey.net — A true community-based blog that reports on NJ politics
CityBelt.org — A Progressive NJ web magazine
Center for Constitutional Rights
CounterPunch.org — Hard-hitting
Democracy Now — Amy Goodman, quite possibly the only journalist left with guts!
truthout.org — global commentary
Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting
The Guardian Unlimited and The BBC — The British are our closest ally, but they are not under the control of American Corporations; best source for news around the world
MoveOn.org — In only a few short years they have become a force to be reckoned with
OpTruth.org — The real deal from the soldiers who are over there
The Raw Story — Alternative to Drudge
... all four contain excellent research and writing.
