November 2005 Archives

disenfranchise:

Via AP/Yahoo:

Illinois Lawmaker Convicted of Fraud

CHICAGO - A state lawmaker who didn't live in the district she represents was found guilty of using fake addresses on re-election paperwork and voter registration cards, and must resign.

Rep. Patricia Bailey was found guilty Tuesday of election fraud and perjury after a one-day trial.

"You never had a heat, electric, a telephone, a cable bill," Cook County Judge Diane Gordon-Cannon told the Chicago Democrat. "You never lived for 30 minutes inside your district."

Bailey, 52, first elected in 2002, faces up to five years in prison when sentenced Dec. 21. She wouldn't comment as she left the courtroom.

State law requires her to give up her 6th District House seat on Chicago's South Side, but prosecutors were working to determine whether she had to do so immediately or could wait until she was sentenced.

Bailey also will have to leave her job as a Cook County probation officer. She will be ineligible to hold a government job for five years after her sentence is completed.

Bailey testified that she had been a victim of identity theft and repeated miscommunication about her residence, saying she had intended to move to an address she provided to the state when she filed for re-election.

Robert Sawicki, an assistant executive director of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, outlined six voter registration documents with various addresses Bailey had filed — some just a few days apart — since she first registered to vote in 1995.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan called Bailey's actions "a serious breach of the public trust" and said those who "voted for or considered voting for Ms. Bailey believed that she lived in the 6th District. The fact that she did not is unethical and illegal."

When you fraudulently run for office, and legitimate candidates are pushed aside due to that fraud, you have disenfranchised each and every voter. Period.

Nancy Pelosi issued this press release today on President Bush's Iraq war plan. Although it was filled with the usual tripe we've come to expect from Rep. Pelosi, notable was the last paragraph:

"We should follow the lead of Congressman John Murtha, who has put forth a plan to make America safer, to make our military stronger, and to make Iraq more stable."

But when faced with having to put up or shut up, she bolted away from the Mothra Cut and Run Plan as if it had cooties.

I'm sure her opinion's just evolved - right?

Over a week ago, I told you about the MoveOn smear commercial designed to rub salt in the wounds of military families. It appears that there were a few details my old eyes missed. Opinion Journal was the first to hear about the fact that the "troops" in the ad weren't even American!

It gets even worse for the filthy liars at MoveOn. GOP and the City and GOP and College discovered that MoveOn knew that the troops weren't American and tried to cover it up using photoshop!

For those of you veterans (I'm one too, ya know) who may have thought the Ted Rall flap was about just one deranged moonbat (or an isolated event), think again:

Oh - someone just suggested to me that MoveOn will pass the blame to whatever firm made the ad for them. Doesn't matter. MoveOn approved it. MoveOn paid for it. MoveOn put it on the air. MoveOn owns whatever mess they made. They would expect nothing less from the conservatives.

This isn't about patriotism, although these cretins have none. This isn't about the hole in the collective left where their hearts should be.

The military represents something they can't comprehend. This breeds fear. Fear breeds hate.

The left hates you.

Update (5:20 PM EST): MoveOn has pulled the ad from its website.

Update 2 (5:22 PM EST): The ad is still there, but the photoshopped still picture on the right side of the page is removed. And the link from the main page is gone too has been moved. Sorry for the mixup.

Update 3 (02 Dec 05 9:00 AM EST): Immediately after posting update 2, I emailed Randy Hall at CNS News, and I'm sure lots of others did as well. Her update to the story is here.

over his entry on Wikipedia. And after reading his Op/Ed (via USA Today/Yahoo), I'm inclined to feel that he's justified. He speaks of the difficulty of getting the entry corrected:

For four months, Wikipedia depicted me as a suspected assassin before Wales erased it from his website's history Oct. 5. The falsehoods remained on Answers.com and Reference.com for three more weeks.

I've seen lots of blog posts over the last year questioning the reliability of Wikipedia. I think it just shows that you get what you pay for.

Here's the corrected Wikipedia entry.

and the almost cult-like following they had. Sure, they had a few tunes I liked, but I was never bitten by the same bug that created one of the most loyal fan bases the music industry has ever known.

Now we get to see just how obsessed that fan base really is as Jerry Garcia's toilet goes to the auction block:

SAN FRANCISCO - Jerry Garcia's dishwasher, toilets and other home appliances will be auctioned by a nonprofit group hoping to raise more than $100,000.

Normally, auctions involving personal items from deceased celebrities would include items meaningful to their career - you know, letters, collections, memorabilia from performances, etc. But a dishwasher?

If that's not worth bidding on for you, they have other items as well:

The items, which also include stereo cabinets, cupboards and a freezer, will be available for bidding on the online auction site eBay from Dec. 18 through Dec. 24.

It's all for charity, of course. But a toilet?

Linked with:
Don Surber (Okay, so I'm stubborn. So what?)

By now, you've all heard about the latest hostages in Iraq. Most rational and sane folks know that terrorists are to blame.

But the Christian Peacemaker Teams, the group that the hostages belong to, doesn't blame the terrorists. Who do you suppose they do blame?

Yes, that's right:

We are angry because what has happened to our teammates is the result of the actions of the U.S. and U.K. governments due to the illegal attack on Iraq and the continuing occupation and oppression of its people.

Denial. It's not just for breakfast anymore.

I didn't post on the horrid Ted Rall cartoon yesterday. Nick at Conservative Dialysis addressed it pretty thoroughly, and I couldn't add to his analysis.

Today Ted dredges up a little more bile in his weekly op/ed subtitled "How Ragtag Insurgents Beat the World's Sole Superpower"

He wants to rewrite history on the Afghan war - something not even Nancy Pelosi would dare do. He claims the Afghan was not only lost, but claims our troops, to the last man, acted dishonorably and even criminally:

Banditry and looting soon made the average Afghan nostalgic for the security that accompanies tyranny. On the other hand, since U.S. soldiers quickly gained a reputation for shoving, kidnapping, robbing and even torturing innocent Afghans, perhaps their small number was a good thing.

If any of you reading this are veterans, this is what Ted Rall thinks of you. He doesn't stop there, however. He moves on to describe our Guard and Reserve:

As inexperienced weekend warriors shot up carloads of civilians from rooftops above invisible checkpoints, it soon became apparent that our forces were undereducated, poorly trained and excessively preoccupied with their own safety. The Americans' cultural insensitivity, often beyond the point of brutality, transformed people grateful to be liberated into insurgents in a matter of months.

If you ever served as a weekend warrior, that's what Ted Rall thinks of you. Oh - by the way - below the fold is another one of his cartoons in which he accuses our troops of homosexual rape. Just in case the above wasn't enough.

Linked with:
Conservative Cat
bRight & Early
Don Surber - then again, maybe not. No, I don't know why. MT 3.2 isn't as good with trackbacks as I would like.
Basil's Blog

The DNC must be having a worse fundraising year than I thought. They're resorting to direct email soliciting donations for a single billboard:

If you contribute now the billboard can be up next week.

They're hoping to raise enough money for more billboards as well. It's a brilliant, albeit infantile, move for the Dems. Since Republicans can't debate a billboard, facts and reality can't taint the Democrat's message.

As for the billboard, besides having the usual distorted and hypocritical slant that is the hallmark of most Democratic advertising nowadays, it's childish. I know, folks on the right have done this kind of thing as well, mostly during local elections.

It's still childish.

In a sudden fit of balance, AP gives us some interesting reporting on the Abramoff Scandal:

Abramoff Tied to Dorgan Donation, Tribe Says

WASHINGTON - New evidence is emerging that the top Democrat on the Senate committee currently investigating Jack Abramoff got political money arranged by the lobbyist back in 2002 shortly after the lawmaker took action favorable to Abramoff's tribal clients.

A lawyer for the Louisiana Coushatta Indians told The Associated Press that Abramoff instructed the tribe to send $5,000 to Sen. Byron Dorgan (news, bio, voting record)'s political group just three weeks after the North Dakota Democrat urged fellow senators to fund a tribal school program Abramoff's clients wanted to use.

The check was one of about five dozen the Coushattas listed in a tribal ledger as being issued on March 6, 2002, to various lawmakers' campaigns and political causes at the instruction of Abramoff, tribal attorney Jimmy Fairchild said Monday.

Many of the recipients were lawmakers who had just written letters to the Bush administration or Congress supportive of Abramoff's tribal causes, documents show.

In Dorgan's case, at issue is $20,000 in donations recieved from tribes represented by Abramoff and the appearance that it was payment for a letter he wrote to the President supporting a tribal school program.

Previously, reporting in this has been focused primarily on Republicans, and the left has made numerous statements about the Republican's involvement while turning a blind eye to their own members caught up in the scandal. As the reporting has shifted toward something more balanced, the left, particularly the DNC, has adopted silence. Considering the aggressiveness of the DNC attacks at the outset of the story, I can't help but surmise that the DNC was blind-sided by the media on this, having been able to depend on the MSM's portward tilt in the past for cover.

In my previous posts, I've commented on the problematic nature of this particular scandal for the Democrats. After all, how can you deride the Republican "culture of corruption" when Harry Reid, Byron Dorgan, Mary Landrieu, and others are part of the same club? Defending their own is equally difficult when by default, they defend Trent Lott, Tom Delay, Roy Blunt and the rest. Not that Dorgan doesn't try, albeit weakly:

Dorgan's staff said Dorgan believes the letter was drafted by Sen. Conrad Burns (news, bio, voting record), R-Mont., who also signed it and got similar donations from Abramoff's clients in the same time frame.

Considering the treatment Republicans received from the DNC over this, I find it curious that Senator Dorgan would use the "he did it, too!" defence.

So far, everyone involved is saying the same thing:

"The suggestion in the story that I may have supported that school construction program because of Jack Abramoff or because of campaign contributions from Indian tribes is clearly and despicably wrong," Dorgan said.

But Dorgan's position as ranking Democrat on the committee charged with investigating the scandal adds another dimension to the story. He denies that it affects his duties, though:

Dorgan's spokesman, Barry E. Piatt, said he believed his boss had pursued the congressional investigation of Abramoff aggressively.

Asked why that investigation hasn't focused more on donations to lawmakers who wrote letters favorable to Abramoff's clients, Piatt said, "They're investigating what appears to be massive fraud, and there's lots of ground to cover and it is still early."

Honestly, folks. If Chuck Grassley was on that committee, what would the Democratic reaction be? And they'd be right. Even if this all turns out to be just a tempest in a teapot, the appearance of suspects conducting their own investigations casts a pall over any resulting conclusions that can't be ignored.

The appearance of impropriety is unmistakable. Senator Dorgan should step aside from the investigation. And if anyone on the Indian Affairs Committee is implicated in the Abramoff scandal, they should join him.

On the other hand, staying on simply reinforces what we've known all along - Democrats are only interested in dealing with corruption when it occurs in someone else's party. And this time it appears that the press is noticing.

You should recall the story earlier this month about the IRS investigating Rev. George Regas and All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena about a sermon titled "What if Jesus were to debate John Kerry and George Bush?"

Now comes another allegation:

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) today filed an Internal Revenue Services (IRS) complaint against Focus on the Family, a conservative, non-profit organization led by its founder and chairman James C. Dobson. The complaint asks for the IRS to investigate activities by the group which may violate IRS regulations and require a revocation of its tax-exempt status.

Although barred from electioneering, Dobson has endorsed candidates for political office several times. In early April, 2004, Dobson endorsed Republican Representative Patrick J. Toomey in his race for Senate in Pennsylvania. In addition, it was reported that Dobson actively campaigned during a rally for Rep. Toomey. Other candidates that Dobson reportedly endorsed in 2004 include North Carolina Republican candidate Pat Ballentine for Govenor and Oklahoma Republican candidate Tom Coburn for Senate.

"Mr. Dobson's egregious violations of IRS code demand an investigation into his improper activities that break both the spirit and the letter of IRS law," Melanie Sloan, executive director of CREW said today.

I don't think this will go very far. Endorsing a candidate as an individual is a far cry from making political speeches disguised as a sermon. But the real question is: Why did CREW make the complaint?

Recently, the IRS has actively pursued investigations against several perceived liberal groups. The IRS targeted the NAACP's chairman Julian Bond for a July 2004 speech in which he criticized the Bush administration's policies on civil rights and the war in Iraq. Additionally, the IRS has threatened to revoke the tax-exempt status of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California because of an antiwar sermon there during the 2004 presidential election. In his sermon "If Jesus Debated Sen. Kerry and President Bush," the Rector Emeritus of the church, George Regas, never encouraged parishoners to vote for one candidate over another, but only to vote their deepest values.

Sloan continued, "The IRS has established a track record of scrutinizing organizations, in particular liberal ones, that have purportedly violated electioneering regulations. We hope that the IRS will fully investigate Focus on the Family activities as vigorously as it has targeted those of progressive organizations."

You know, my four year-old does the same thing.

The DNC is having a meeting in New Orleans:

NEW ORLEANS - The Democratic National Committee plans to hold a meeting of about 400 people in New Orleans early next year as a way to express confidence in the city's future after Hurricane Katrina, officials said.

Evidently, accomodations were a problem:

The group usually uses only union hotels but got a special dispensation from labor officials to book the downtown Sheraton, he said. Dean said the Sheraton was the only full-service hotel that was reserving rooms and could handle a convention that large.

Sigh. No wonder they can't win elections. They're too busy pandering to come up with any ideas.

Via AP/CNN:

SAN DIEGO, California (AP) -- Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy and tax charges, admitting taking $2.4 million in bribes in a case that grew from an investigation into the sale of his home to a wide-ranging conspiracy involving payments in cash, vacations and antiques.

Yes, yes, it's terrible. And it's sad to see a Republican in this situation. However, as I've said before about others - if he's guilty, punish him and good riddance. We have too much trouble with bogus accusations to tolerate the real ones.

But that's not why I brought you here. In the same article, about 800 pixels down, is this:

House Ethics rules say that any lawmaker convicted of a felony no longer should vote or participate in committee work.

Should? Please think about that word "should" for a moment. It's okay, I'll wait.

Now - have we just stumbled on to a root problem here?

Update: Head House Moonbat invokes her favorite catchphrase. Is she starting to sound like a trained parrot, or what?

That's the title of this opinion piece in today's USA Today:

In it, Tim Kane and James Jay Carafano do a respectable job of countering the arguments often made by anti-war/anti-recruiting activists that minorities and the impoverished disproportionately bear the burden of defence:

That's the view of some critics, such as New York Times columnist Bob Herbert, who writes that "very few" of the soldiers fighting in Iraq "are coming from the privileged economic classes," and that there would likely be no war if rich kids had to fight. According to Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., social equality demands reinstatement of the draft, which he justifies by asserting that "the most privileged Americans are underrepresented or absent." Herbert concludes that there is "something very, very wrong with this picture."

What's "very, very wrong" with the Rangel-Herbert picture is that it has no factual basis.

According to a comprehensive study of all enlistees for the years 1998-99 and 2003 that The Heritage Foundation just released, the typical recruit in the all-volunteer force is wealthier, more educated and more rural than the average 18- to 24-year-old citizen is. Indeed, for every two recruits coming from the poorest neighborhoods, there are three recruits coming from the richest neighborhoods.

The study mentioned can be found here. Also, more commentary by Mr. Kane can be found here.

The good news is that contrary to what we so often see in the MSM, patriotism among our youth is flourishing and crosses racial and economic boundaries.

I hope Rep. Charles Rangel takes a look.

From AP/Yahoo:

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A military vehicle carrying three congressmen overturned on the way to the Baghdad airport, injuring two of them, the U.S. Embassy said Sunday.

Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Pa., was airlifted to a military hospital in Germany for an MRI on his neck, and Rep. Ike Skelton (news, bio, voting record), D-Mo., was sent to a Baghdad hospital for evaluation, said Rep. Jim Marshall (news, bio, voting record), D-Ga., who was also in the vehicle but was not hurt when it overturned Saturday.

We've been pretty lucky 'till now. VIP visits to Iraq have been frequent, even though this wasn't a hostile act, it easily could have been.

DGITL wishes rapid recovery to Rep. Murphy and Rep. Skelton.

Update (10:00 P.M.): Others are apparently not as generous, though.

This'll please the history buffs:

Scientists Probe Lewis & Clark Encampment

WARRENTON, Ore. - A fire that destroyed the replica of Fort Clatsop, where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark spent the winter of 1805-1806, has provided a rare chance for archaeologists to probe the ground where the fort stood, seeking even the subtlest evidence of the explorers or the Clatsop Indians who came before them.

They've only a small window of opportunity - till Dec 10 - but a great bit of luck for some archaeologists who wouldn't have gotten a chance otherwise. I hope they find everything they want.

Via AP/Yahoo:

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqi police arrested eight Sunni Arabs for allegedly plotting to kill the judge who prepared the indictment of Saddam Hussein, authorities said Sunday, the day before the ousted leader's trial for crimes against humanity resumes.

The "plotters" (why can't AP get it right?) were apparently under orders:

The eight alleged plotters from Iraq's Sunni Arab minority were apprehended Saturday in the northern city of Kirkuk, police Col. Anwar Qadir said.

He said they were carrying written instructions from a former top Saddam deputy, Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, ordering them to kill investigating judge Raed Juhi, who prepared the case against Saddam and forwarded it to the trial court in July.

Al-Douri is the highest ranking member of the Saddam regime still at large and is believed to be at least the symbolic leader of Saddam loyalists fighting U.S. forces and Iraq's new government.

If this keeps up it's going to be a long trial. In the meantime:

Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark arrived in Baghdad to help the defense but might not be allowed in court Monday when the first of up to 35 prosecution witnesses take the stand.

What is it about this guy? Is there a genocidal maniac that he wouldn't defend?

Update (8:00 am 28 Nov 05): Maybe it will be a longer trial than I thought:

Saddam Trial Resumes, Then Is Postponed

After a short session during which the first testimony was read into the record, Chief Judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin adjourned the trial until Dec. 5 to allow time to find replacements for two defense lawyers who were slain and another who fled the country after he was wounded.

Saddam's strategy appears to be "complain about everything":

The trial of Saddam Hussein for alleged crimes against humanity resumed in a heavily guarded courtroom Monday with the former Iraqi president angrily complaining about having to walk up four flights of stairs under foreign guard.

I really don't think he's going to get a lot of sympathy from his bellyaching, though.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, lots of us will be preparing for Christmas. Before you pat yourself on the back for your Griswald-like decoration job, you may want to take a look at this (via snopes.com).

If you have control issues, Alek's Christmas Lights Webcam lets you turn lights on and off, and even inflate/deflate Frankenstein (since when did he become a symbol for Christmas?). It was fake last year, but this year he promises to make it real, and all to raise a few bucks for Celiac Disease Research.

If you hadn't heard the music in the first item before, it's from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I've always liked the blending of rock with classical, and they do it nicely. I wish they would make a few more videos like this, though. The music from the first item is called Wizards in Winter, and a better quality listen can be found here.

If you still need decorating ideas, there are lots of pictures of Griwald wanna-be's at Planet Christmas. And for the curious, here's how Christmas lights work.

For examples of what not to do, check out Holly's Tacky Christmas Lights. I hope she updates it for this year. And take a look at this from the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Not that Virginia has the market cornered on over-done lighting - here's a few in other states. Who knows, maybe you'll come across your house?

California: San Fransisco, Bakersfield (fun video here)

Florida: Pinecrest (this one raises money for cancer research, so they're at least doing it for a good cause), Tampa

Texas: Austin (some of these would make Neal Boortz proud)

By the way - comedian/author Doug Hecox thinks we're inviting trouble with all the Christmas lights. I bet he'd be really popular in Canada.

Update: Alek of Alec's Christmas Lights reponds.

Linked with and Thanks to:
Wizbang
Stop the ACLU
Basil's Blog
bRight & Early
Conservative Cat

Cindy has a new web post! (hat tip: Little Green Footballs)

Odd that it isn't posted at Huffington Post like usual. Maybe she's having trouble getting past Arriana's censors. That's where I usually go for her posts, since it's brighter lit and cleaner than the other places. And besides, I know I can take Deepak Chopra if he gets too rowdy. Anyway, the Damsel of Delusion serves up an unusually tasty Thanksgiving treat featuring Moonbat Pie as the desert. So lets get on to the quotes:

My family is spending our 2nd Thanksgiving without Casey thanks to you and your lies. I am spending the day crying on a plane on my way to come to Crawford to again ask you for a meeting.

Let's forget about the fact that President Bush didn't lie, and never mind the fact that Bush didn't kill Casey, the terrorists did. After 2 years, why does she continue to choose misery? No one is forcing her to cry on airplanes. Why keep stalking the President? Maybe it's all the attention:

But wait - there's more:

Also, since August we have discovered that American forces are using chemical weapons in Iraq . The Army admitted that white phosphorous was used as an offensive weapon against "enemy combatants."

Tsk, tsk. Caught in another one! The Army didn't say that! And let's assume (however wrongly) for a moment that WP is a chemical weapon. In that case, Saddam had a bunch of it! So are you really willing to throw out your "Bush Lied" fiction in favor of a much weaker one? Do none of your handlers give you advice? Oh, and if you're curious about the white phosphorous story, find out from folks who know. Start here.

Cindy also gets more personal than ever before in this post:

Are you and Laura going to hit the sack tonight and toss and turn or stare out of the window worried that Jenna or Barbara may be killed in Iraq?

It's their business, Cindy. And a mite distasteful of you to speculate what the Bushes do in bed, don't ya think? That said, I'd like to think since the twins aren't in Iraq, they'll be doing some tossin' and turnin' in the sack.

Cindy is now the Mistress of Monuments:

Yes, her fans have erected a monument to Cindy. Lots of folks, including me, have said the Dame of Despair needs a hobby to get her mind off all that hate and delusion. She's obviously not the only one:

The artist who carved the 1,200-pound monument, Ron Teska of Wind Ridge, Pa., drove to Crawford the last week of the protest with the stone slab in the back of his pickup. He spent about 45 hours carving it.

And what would be a day at Camp Moonbat without a few faux tears?

Cindy Sheehan, who staged a 26-day protest outside Bush's ranch in August, cried when she saw the 2-foot-high sandstone marker.

I think she should use it as a keychain fob.

While most of us are more concerned with the War on Terror, Some Canadians worry about a different war:

Former Canadian Minister Of Defence Asks Canadian Parliament Asked To Hold Hearings On Relations With Alien "Et" Civilizations

(PRWEB) - OTTAWA, CANADA (PRWEB) November 24, 2005 -- A former Canadian Minister of Defence and Deputy Prime Minister under Pierre Trudeau has joined forces with three Non-governmental organizations to ask the Parliament of Canada to hold public hearings on Exopolitics -- relations with “ETs.”

By “ETs,” Mr. Hellyer and these organizations mean ethical, advanced extraterrestrial civilizations that may now be visiting Earth.

On September 25, 2005, in a startling speech at the University of Toronto that caught the attention of mainstream newspapers and magazines, Paul Hellyer, Canada’s Defence Minister from 1963-67 under Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prime Minister Lester Pearson, publicly stated: "UFOs, are as real as the airplanes that fly over your head."

Mr. Hellyer went on to say, "I'm so concerned about what the consequences might be of starting an intergalactic war, that I just think I had to say something."

Of course, it's probably all Bush's fault:

Hellyer warned, "The United States military are preparing weapons which could be used against the aliens, and they could get us into an intergalactic war without us ever having any warning. He stated, "The Bush administration has finally agreed to let the military build a forward base on the moon, which will put them in a better position to keep track of the goings and comings of the visitors from space, and to shoot at them, if they so decide."

Definitely the oddest example of BDS I've seen in a while...

Update: Little Green Footballs is posting on this as well. Beat me by 5 minutes, too.

This is wrong on so many levels:

Drug Smuggler Crowned Miss Penitentiary

SAO PAULO, Brazil - South America's latest beauty queen won't be campaigning abroad for world peace any time soon, unless, of course, she's granted early parole.

Angelica Mazua, a statuesque Angolan serving five years on international drug smuggling charges, on Thursday was voted Miss Penitentiary 2005 after a six-hour contest pitting 40 women inmates from 10 prisons around Brazil's largest city, Sao Paulo.

This is the second year for the event in Brazil. The contestants come from all walks of life:

The women, serving sentences for crimes from armed robbery to drug trafficking, were vying to be named Miss Penitentiary 2005 — a title that brings a $160 prize and a break from dreary routine.

Although it seems to me that an unintended side effect might be the glorification of criminals, the prison system thought up the idea to boost self-esteem:

Prison officials came up with the idea of a beauty contest last year as a way of trying to boost inmates' self-confidence. Judges include celebrities, soccer players and journalists, and there are prizes in three other categories, writing, public speaking and congeniality.

I wonder how a murderess or an armed robber prepares for "miss congeniality"?

And apparently lots of folks missed as well. Captain Ed has the details of an unsettling incident at our southern border:

"In a disturbing incident that has received little national attention, the US Border Patrol found itself in retreat on US soil after interdicting a dump truck full of marijuana on US Interstate 10 last week. The truck made a run for the border but got stuck on a riverbed. While the Border Patrol started to unload the estimated three tons of weed, a larger armed group apparently comprised at least in part by the Mexican military forced the Border Patrol away from the vehicle and bulldozed it back into Mexico..."

This seems to be stuck in the local news with little interest from the national media. I agree with Cap'n Ed's assessment:

"But by far the biggest problem shown in this incident is that no matter who the Mexicans were, our Border Patrol presents no match for the drug smugglers and bandits along the southern border of the US. To have a dump truck stolen while they stood by and watched, afraid to fire a shot in defense of the border, amply demonstrates the futility of our entire approach to security along the southwestern edge of the US."

I would add that asking the Border Patrol to face military weapons is unreasonable. The U.S. does, however, have access to folks that are more than equipped to deal with such a threat. The notion that our military shouldn't be used to protect our borders is naive and outdated in an age when there are potential dangers even more menacing than the drug runners mentioned above. President Bush, Congress, are you paying attention?

Well, she back - and hamming it up for the press:

"I feel happy to be back here with all my friends ... but I'm heartbroken that we have to be here again," Cindy Sheehan said as she arrived at an airport in nearby Waco. "We will keep pressing and we won't give up until our troops are brought home."

Here's a photo accompanying the article showing how heartbroken she is:

Peace activist Cindy Sheehan, right, is greeted by supporter Kathleen Hernandez at the Waco Regional Airport after flying in from California, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2005, in Waco, Texas. Sheehan plans to resume her war protest near President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Now, we've all seen that the anti-war crown seems to avoid things American, with their Che and Castro T-shirts, communist pamphlets and speeches, etc. So it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that meanwhile, back at the camp, the very same folks who believe that the terrorists who killed Casey Sheehan are "freedom fighters" avoided anything American in their holiday meal:

War protester Dede Miller, sister of Peace Mom Cindy Sheehan, dishes up a Thanksgiving meal of traditional Iraqi food at their camp near President Bush's ranch, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2005, in Crawford, Texas. About 100 war protesters gathered for the Thanksgiving meal. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

From the looks of that crowd, soap must be American as well.

and the ties to top politicians has yet to come to a head. The media, as I've covered here, and here, had been focusing almost exclusively on the Republicans involved. The Democratic Party has gleefully joined in the fray, with press releases and speeches decrying the "Culture of Corruption" on the right while ignoring their own members', most notably Harry Reid's, involvement.

This was a mistake for the Democrats, and I've said so previously:

Will the DNC still be able to maintain their own effrontery, brashly shouting "Culture of Corruption" at conservatives while ignoring the involvement of their own?

Seems to me that this isn't a scandal the Democrats would want to wecome so openly.

The media, I'm pleased to say, is actually starting to mention the Dems in it's coverage. And the DNC's brashness from last week has been replaced by deafening silence as everyone waits for the other shoe to drop.

Here's today's sample of the renewed interest in reporting over at AP (emphasis added):

The lawmakers hailed from both parties, including House Appropriations subcommittee Chairman Charles Taylor, R-N.C., and Sen. Byron Dorgan (news, bio, voting record) of North Dakota, the top Democrat on the Senate committee currently investigating Abramoff.

Seems to me someone needs to recuse himself. The casinos weren't the only lobbying drive by Abramoff. The above example concerns possible quid pro quo for supporting a native American school program:

Most wrote letters that pressed a reluctant Bush administration to renew a program that provided tribes federal money for building schools. Others worked the congressional budget process to ensure it happened, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.

And most received donations, ranging from $1,000 to more than $74,000, in the weeks just before or after their intervention. One used Abramoff's restaurant for a fund-raiser a month after a letter.

As a group, they collected more than $440,000 from Abramoff, his firm or his tribal clients between 2001 and 2004, when Abramoff represented the tribes.

Everyone involved has said the donations were just a coincidence:

Lawmakers said their letters had nothing to do with Abramoff and instead were prompted by their desire to keep the government's Indian school building program alive so tribes in their own states might one day benefit. The timing of donations, they said, were a coincidence.

"It really had nothing to do with Jack Abramoff. Senator Dorgan had a personal interest in the program and how it benefits tribes at large and the three affiliated tribes in his state," Dorgan chief of staff Bernie Toon said, echoing comments from many lawmakers.

Now, I'm not feeling disposed to either insularism or guilelessness about this. This kind of thing has been happening since the first politician. And I have zero confidence that it will ever be stopped. There will always be innovators using the loopholes and abiguities of the system in new ways. But insofar as there lurks even the slightest appearance of out and out bribery, this needs to be fully investigated and the appropriate sanctions/prosecutions should be applied.

This is going to continue to pose a pretty problem for the Democrats. Wanting to position themselves as the party of renewed ethics (snicker) prior to mid-term elections, they're going to have a very difficult time distinguishing themselves from the GOP while this current scandal plays out. And if they defend the actions of Reid, Dorgan, and the others, by default they'll be defending the GOP as well.

Strange, though, how the left is suddenly silent about this...

Like many of you, I checked out what others were saying yesterday. And it's not all sweetness and light. In addition to my previous post, I'm also thankful that I'm not bitter, cynical, spiteful, and filled with hate.

Let's take a look, shall we?

Daily Kos: Happy Thanksgiving, consists mostly of an anti- Dick Cheney cartoon. He does at least charge his readers to "Enjoy your families and time off".

Democratic Underground had a photoshopped picture of a turkey biting the president's crotch.

Atrios served up 5 open threads and regurgitated a 2 year old post about an alledged fake photo-op.

At Talking Points Memo, Josh evidently felt that Al-Zarqawi has at least, in part, been falsly accused by the Bush administration.

Pandagon had a couple of posts slamming religious figures, complete with a photoshopped picture of the Pope with lightning coming from his hands, a la the emperor in Star Wars. Disgusting.

At Huffington Post, there were a few genuine holiday well-wishers, but a few others are just plain sourpusses:

Bob Cesca was thankful for "The Spam of Bart Simpson Humping A Naked Female Simpsons Character". And that's as cheerful as his post got.

Jeremy Pikser: I’m thankful I’m not being tortured in Guantanamo or any other branch of the US “anti-terror” Gulag. and "I’m thankful my home, my water supply and my electricity have not been blown to shit by US bombs." There's a whole list but I think you get the idea.

David Mamet posted an anti-bush cartoon.

Jesse Kornbluth's post had too much baggage attached to characterize.

RJ Eskow was cynisism redefined in this view of Thanksgiving 100 years from now.

There lots more, but this is a good representation.

Traditionally on Thanksgiving many folks will, along with giving thanks, acknowledge that there are some who have little or nothing to be thankful for. This post is offered for those of you still in need of a list.

When it comes to getting all mushy about holidays, I'm certainly no amateur. At least internally. Sure, I get emotional inside when watching holiday movies, and I really get wound up when seeing the expressions on my kid's faces on Christmas morning.

But express it in writing? No way. I just don't have it in me to wax poetic about being thankful for all the things in my life such as my two beautiful daughters, who delight me every day with their curiousity, energy, and zest for living, and have an amazing ability for taking away the day's pain and stress with just a hug.

And I certainly don't have the writing ability to express how the beautiful TB makes my life complete in every way, and how my affection for her has grown daily through thick and thin, and how proud and thankful I am to go on life's journey hand in hand with her.

And I could never be able to express how much I appreciate living in the best country on the planet along with all the opportunity it's given me - the twenty years I served in the Air Force is poor repayment indeed.

I also wish there were some way for my words to convey how thankful I am to all of you, my new friends in the blogosphere, both readers and fellow bloggers; whether we agree or not, I value you all.

And last but not least, I simply haven't the words to say how proud and thankful I am for our uniformed men and women who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice so that we can all remain free.

Nope, there's no way I can do it. So I won't. Instead, I charge you with going to all the other blogs who do have words befitting of this day. When you see one that's especially well-written and emotes the requisite amount of sentimentality, please pause and say, "LB would have said that - if he could".

Happy Thanksgiving To You All!

from LB and the entire B family.

Linked to:
All Things Beautiful

Thanks, Alexandra. If I made a similar list, you would definitely be included.

My Mom would appreciate your remark on manners. I'm going to forward the link to her.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, what do ya know? Seems the tape was real. Via Bill Quick at Daily Pundit:

I just got off the phone with Laurie Goldberg, Senior Vice President for Public Relations with CNN. Her statement confirms the authenticity of the tape recording and reveals the actions CNN took after learning of the incident:

"A Turner switchboard operator was fired today after we were alerted to a conversation the operator had with a caller in which the operator lost his temper and expressed his personal views -- behavior that was totally inappropriate. His comments did not reflect the views of CNN. We are reaching out to the caller and expressing our deep regret to her and apologizing that she did not get the courtesy entitled to her. "

You really have to be amazed at the luck of the CNN switchboard operator. Frustration mounting from call after call from folks complaining about the X, and he happens to snap on the call that has a tape recorder owned by a PR firm on the other end. Perhaps he launched such a tirade at several callers. Very unprofessional, and Kudos to CNN for cleaning house.

Who knows? Maybe he has a future at MoveOn.org.

As to the rest of the entire X matter, I'm gonna be stubborn and say this changes little. It remains not just my personal but also my professional opinion that the X appeared as a result of scenario like the one I posted yesterday, or something very similar. And although Team Hollywood gets vindication on the authenticity of the call, it doesn't prove that CNN as a network set out to paste an X on Cheney's face. Moreover, much of the remainder of Team Hollywood's press release simply appears to be hyperbole: For example:

Millions from across the country telephoned CNN to alert the network about an accidental "X" over the Vice President's face, only to be told that the "X" was intentional against the present administration. CNN callers flooded the Internet and online communities with calls to boycott the network.

Out of "millions" of calls, why no one else making the claim? I'm sure that CNN also got more than a few calls from other news organizations (i.e., competitors), and most would be taping the call. Where are the stories? And how would anyone outside of CNN's call center be able to make any claim as to the content of "millions" of calls?

The statements catering to bloggers don't wash as well. When I spoke to Preska Thomas (which occurred Tuesday just prior to Bill Quick's call), she told me that bloggers were among those who had called complaining of CNN's call center. Where are the posts from these bloggers?

So with the one exception of the tape (really great work, Mr. Quick - hats off to ya!), I stand by my earlier assessment - there's still no indication that the X was much more than a glitch.

That is, unless the Trilateral Commission issues a report stating otherwise.

Side note: Thanks to Alexandra for the link and the kind remark.

Well, the Trollop of Turkeys won't be getting arrested in Texas tomorrow - but all her moonbatty friends will (emphasis mine):

Texas Anti-War Protesters Still Determined

CRAWFORD, Texas - War protesters say they are determined to demonstrate outside President Bush's ranch during the Thanksgiving holiday despite the arrests of a dozen people on Wednesday.

The group had pitched six tents along the road in defiance of new local bans on roadside camping and parking. Many in the group held up signs, including one that said "Give me liberty or give me a ditch."

Give me liberty or give me a ditch?!?!?!? What happened to "Power to the People"? A couple of these nuts wanted to play-pretend to be just like the Matron of Moonbats:

More than two dozen McLennan County sheriff's deputies arrived and asked if they wanted to walk out on their own or be carried. Two chose to be carried.

And we also had a verified sighting of the hypocritical yellow-crested chicken dove:

A dozen others left after deputies warned them they would be arrested.

Just as in earlier protests, some had no reason to be there other than to recapture the drum-banging, flower in the gun barrel, dope-smokin', unbathed days of their fabulously misspent youth:

Among them was Daniel Ellsberg, the former Defense Department official who leaked the Pentagon Papers during the Vietnam war, who estimated it was his 70th arrest for various protests since the 1970s.

Whew - Cindy was right! Getting arrested must really be addictive.

"Those of us who finally saw through the Vietnam war saw through this war, and all the actions that were necessary to end the Vietnam war will be necessary here," Ellsberg said Wednesday. "I think the American people will get us out of this (war)."

That's right, Danny. Americans are working very hard to get us out of this war. Let's see, there are the Army-Americans, the Marine-Americans, the Navy-Americans, and the Air Force-Americans. They're working very, very hard to get us out of the war the right way - by winning.

But alas, the Mistress of Missing was nowhere to be found. Apparently, she had a family emergency back in festive and ditchless California. No word on when she would reprise her role as the Doll of Ditches. She just said "soon".

My bet - she won't show up on Thanksgiving day, possibly due to the little-known fact that hippies have trouble getting the turkey just right.

Via AP/Yahoo:

WASHINGTON - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the United States will probably not need to maintain its current troop levels in Iraq "very much longer," though she declined to provide a precise timetable for reduction in U.S. forces.

It's appearing to me that Lorie's proving to be the rightest as well as the firstest.

Upon further reflection, I'm going to firm up my previous opinions on the whole "X" thing.

CNN says "glitch", Drudge says "staffers laughed". Who's right? I say both. My theory is that some control room guy put the X on one of the control room monitors to amuse himself and his coworkers. The malfunctioning switch allowed it to bleed over to the broadcast feed. Is such a glitch possible? I've been teaching electronics for over 13 years (and repairing the same for much longer), I've seen similar malfunctions, although I'll have to admit my expertise is in aviation and defense, not television studio gear.

As for Team Hollywood? Hoax. I was skeptical from the beginning, and said so. The mention of bloggers and trilateral commission set me off - I mean, why would a blogger run to a PR firm to inquire about CNN? Especially one that seems to have no clients but themselves (at least currently), and haven't updated their web site in over a year. This looks like an attention grabbing scheme to me. The trilateral commission is purely tin-foil hat stuff - anyone invoking that old canard should be regarded with a jaundiced eye. I'm sorry to say a few folks may have been snookered, though.

Unless something really compelling comes up to get me to change my mind, I'm gonna let it go. I'll still track blogger reaction is it remains interesting, though.

Update: It's just common sense, so I'm not surprised that someone else came to pretty much the same conclusion. It was just a matter of time.

In San Fransisco, they must be worried about the toll collectors for the Golden Gate Bridge:

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Toll collectors at San Francisco's landmark Golden Gate Bridge have been issued body armor to guard against armed bandits.

"We did a review of safety procedures and added this tool to the toll box for collectors," bridge authority spokeswoman Mary Currie said Tuesday. "This is really the right thing to do."

I'm not so sure Ms. Curry's heart is really in it, though:

"The folks that are wearing them are pleased to have that added psychological edge," said Curry.

Hmmm - next time I need a psychological edge - like when TB and I can't agree on what channel to watch - I'll know what to wear.

I wrote about Monday is now available here. Just click on any of the still shots on the right side.

Not that I would suggest such a thing, but they do have a forum where folks could leave a comment about what they think of MoveOn rubbing salt in the wounds of any family with a loved one in the middle east, which I still feel is one of the lowest cheap shots they've made...

Added: The Republicans being singled out for special local airings of this ad are:

Rodney Frelinghuysen of New Jersey, Duncan Hunter of California; Phil Gingrey and Jack Kingston of Georgia; J.D. Hayworth of Arizona; Jean Schmidt of Ohio; Geoff Davis of Kentucky; and Steve King of Iowa.

In Frelinghuysen's case, MoveOn didn't like his statements last Friday during the withdrawal debate:

I

n his remarks last Friday on the House floor, Frelinghuysen called the immediate withdrawal of troops "a recipe for disaster, a dangerous defense policy, the wrong message for our soldiers and Marines who are truly doing the work of freedom."

"Frankly, I am concerned that such talk will only embolden the terrorists and demoralize our war fighters," he added.

"Our only exit strategy from Iraq should be victory," Frelinghuysen said. "Anything less than that virtually guarantees the next battleground may be closer to home!"

MoveOn says he was attacking Murtha personally:

Frelinghuysen and the other congressmen are out of step with the American people, who want a change of course in Iraq, Tom Matzzie, the Washington, D.C., director of MoveOn.org Political Action, said Tuesday.

"Frelinghuysen basically said Murtha was helping the terrorists," Matzzie said. "The debate that day was about repudiating John Murtha."

Uh, no, that's not quite what he said, Tom. But if the shoe fits...

Just in:

Justice Department Sues Missouri for Alleged Violations of Voter Rights

WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against the State of Missouri and the Missouri Secretary of State for violations of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).

The complaint, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, alleges that the state has failed to meet its legal responsibilities to conduct a general program to maintain its voter registration list for federal elections as required under Section 8 of the NVRA. It alleges that, in some parts of Missouri, voters have been removed from registration lists without notification in direct violation of mandatory NVRA procedural protections,and that,in other areas, ineligible voters have not been removed from registration lists. The complaint further alleges that the state's failure to comply with the voter registration list maintenance provisions of the NVRA has resulted in registration lists that provide inaccurate voting information, including one county where the number of registered voters is over 150% of its voting age population.

"The National Voter Registration Act requires that states protect the rights of all voters by notifying them before removal from a voter registration list. It also requires states to remove ineligible voters," said Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "With this lawsuit, the Department of Justice will ensure that all Missouri voters are able to go to the polls and cast ballots in free and fair elections."

We all heard about some of this during the last election. Doesn't matter to me who's behind it, any voter fraud is bad. Nice to see some action in getting it cleaned up.

Update: More here.

But I honestly don't know what to make of it:

CNN Caught Off-Guard; Recording Proves Damaging 'X' Over Vice President's Face was Intentional Says Team Hollywood

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 22 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The following statement concerning CNN's airing of an 'X' over live video of Vice President Cheney was released today by Team Hollywood:

Monday morning, Nov. 21, 2005, at 11:00 AM, as CNN aired Vice President Dick Cheney's speech live from the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, the cable network flashed onscreen, repeatedly, a large black 'X' over the Vice President's face, while a headline at the bottom of its screen read, "CHENEY: I DO NOT BELIEVE IT IS WRONG TO CRITICIZE."

Unfortunately for CNN, a large number of their demographics also participate in Internet communities and Blogs, representing a large portion of their viewership and posing a threat to news cable and newspaper subscriber's fees.

Millions from across the country telephoned CNN to alert the network about an accidental "X" over the Vice President's face, only to be told that the "X" was intentional against the present administration. CNN callers flooded the Internet and online communities with calls to boycott the network.

Likewise, the international marketing consulting firm Team Hollywood Inc., responsible for a database of over 11 million Americans, both Democrats and Republicans from across the country, was consumed with the calls. "The volume of calls to our company became an issue that could not be ignored," stated Joan Friedman of Team Hollywood. "We needed a statement on behalf of the Internet community callers and their newsworthy Blogs, so we made the call."

When the founders of the company, Preska Thomas and Kevin Finn, made contact with the network, to their surprise they were bullied and harassed in the same way by the Headline News desk. Callers were repeatedly told by CNN, "Tell the President and Vice-President Dick Cheney to stop lying." Team Hollywood's conversation with the newsdesk was recorded. When the tape is played back, amongst political statements being made by the network were the words that the "X" was intentional, as an act of free speech by CNN.

Kevin Finn said, "The Vice-President is a symbol of the United States, much like the American flag. For CNN to desecrate the image of the Vice President is the same as the Iranians burning the U.S. flag at a rally staged for the whole world via television. It is a slap in the face to all those who serve and have served in the armed forces".

A Democrat caller, Tricia Rosenberg of Beverly Hills, Calif., compared the big "X" across the Vice President's face to the markings of a serial killer's hit list. "I can't believe that CNN resorted to such a tacky object".

Preska Thomas said, "Fair and balanced? I am certain that we have all heard those words before. Not exactly smart as a FOX! News should be non-partisan."

CNN was caught off-guard at the company's headquarters in Atlanta by the recording. The statements that were made through their Headline News desk are not acceptable and there are calls on the Internet for investigation by the FCC, the FBI and the Trilateral Commission.

Trilateral Commission? Is this a joke? Anyone?

Linked with Stop the ACLU

Update: I called and left a message on Team Hollywood's answering machine. Preska Thomas called back a few minutes later. She played me the tape of the conversation - it was fast and I write slow, so I only got parts of it. Unfortunately, I called from a cell phone and could not tape it.

The tape was of Preska's voice inquiring as to why the X was placed over Cheney's head. A male voice at CNN (presumably) said things like "it's just a comment or opinion someone was making..." "showing the X was freedom of speech" "we did it to make a point" "the point is tell them to stop lying" "if you don't like it don't watch" "tell your president to stop lying"

Please remember this is completely unconfirmed. I don't personally know these folks and cannot place any confidence in the story until I know more. I've emailed someone who I feel has the resources to get to the bottom of this. More as it develops. There's still a chance that this is a hoax.

Update 2: From anywho.com:

Unable to return results...

Reason: No listings were found.

We searched on 2892143 in 310 however; we could not find any listings to display.

Update 3: Remember I came in on the side of "unfortunate glitch" on the "X" issue before. I still feel that way, until I see something compelling to get me to believe otherwise. And Team Hollywood's press release isn't that compelling.

However, this "Team Hollywood" aspect is just weird enough to hold my interest. So I'll be keeping an eye out to see what develops - this could be a PR thing to get Team Hollywood's name out in the news. Or just someone's idea of humor.

Update 4: 23 Nov, 6:00 a.m. EST - At the time I posted this, I was pretty much alone with the news. Since then, several others have posted the above press release with their comments. Here's a few:

RealTeen (cross-posted at Stop the ACLU) seems to weigh in on the side of believing "Team Hollywood"

Bill Quick at Daily Pundit had the foresight (foresight that I lacked) to have a tape recorder handy. He's taking a cautious tone, same as I.

All Things Beautiful thinks the tape may not be authentic

Kit at Euphoric Reality appears to believe it

It'll be interesting to see how reaction shapes up as the day goes on...

Final Update: See here for bottom line.

This is interesting:

WASHINGTON - Fox News is refusing to air an ad critical of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, citing its lawyers' contention that the spot is factually incorrect.

About the ad in question:

The ad says that as an appellate court judge, Alito has "ruled to make it easier for corporations to discriminate ... even voted to approve strip search of a 10-year-old girl." Referring to a document Alito wrote in 1985 while seeking a job in the Reagan administration, it quotes him as saying that "the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion."

The groups backing the ad include the Alliance for Justice, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, People for The American Way and abortion rights organizations.

Fox isn't going to run the ads based on consultation with its legal department:

Paul Schur, a spokesman for Fox, said that according to the network's lawyers, the ad is "factually incorrect and we've given them an opportunity to fix it."

Of course, this just shores up the left's contention that Fox News is a "right-wing" media outlet:

Said Jim Jordan, a spokesman for the groups: "The entire right wing establishment, from Pat Robertson to Jerry Falwell to Fox News, has circled the wagons around Sam Alito."

My take: Bravo to Fox News. Being responsible for what you put on the air is neither right nor left - it's, well, just being responsible. And there are too many in the media willing to accept deceptive advertising with no thought whatsoever to the consequences. If their legal staff tells them the ad isn't accurate and advises not to air it, Fox News management would be stupid to ignore them.

And before anyone gets the wrong idea, this is less about the content of the ad in question and more about Fox's right to protect it's own interests.

They have a legal staff for a reason, you know. And it's good business to listen to them.

Oh, and if any lawyers are reading this, don't get a big head - you're still a bunch of ambulence chasers. ;-)

Via AP/Yahoo:

Pardoned Turkey Is Going to Disneyland

Marshmallow and its backup, Yam, are being shipped to Disneyland in California, where Marshmallow will serve as grand marshall of the annual holiday parade.

That'll make Paul and Heather happy. They'll get to keep their toes, too.

Asking the judge to throw out charges against him. But it looks like he'll have to wait for an answer:

Defense attorneys and prosecutors presented arguments Tuesday before Senior Judge Pat Priest, who said he wanted to read written responses from both sides before making his ruling. He said he would notify attorneys of his ruling either by e-mail or mail, but he didn't say how long that might take.

I'm actually on a fence about this.

Considering what's been made public about the charges, it appears DeLay has indeed been wrongly targeted by Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle, who even engaged in a little gratuitous Grand Jury shopping to get the second charge for money laundering. If a judge throws the case out, Earle may be back in front of a grand jury re-framing his case. And the Democrats will claim he's a crook who got off on a technicality.

On the other hand, an aquittal could get Earle off his back forever, and the Dems would - well, they'd smear him anyway.

I suppose if it were me I might pursue the former, but then again, I don't have a political career to consider.

Any lawyers out there want to comment with some pros and cons on DeLay's case?

I don't think much of this idea:

Brazil's Coffee Industry Association (Abic) is seeking the support of 50 roasters to launch a pilot "Adopt-a-School" program to feed breakfast to 1 million Brazilian school children aged 6 to 18.

Hope it doesn't migrate here.

If I didn't have to sleep, I'd never miss anything. Take, for instance, the flap over the "X" CNN flashed over Dick Cheney during his speech yesterday.

Naturally, our hero Michelle Malkin has the best roundup.

I weigh in on the side of unfortunate glitch. Even the most rabid lefty would think twice before doing something like that on purpose - risking career, reputation and potentially placing the network in a very bad spot.

That said, we've seen some pretty brazen stuff from the left the last few years, and it's easy to see how some folks would assume the worst...

Move On is going to air a TV ad over the Thanksgiving weekend to smear the administration. The 30 second ad will be available at their website tomorrow. In their press release, the script was included:

VIDEO -- OPEN ON A FAMILY AT THANKSGIVING DINNER. SEATED AROUND THE TABLE THEY HOLD HANDS, THEIR HEADS BOWED IN PRAYER.

AUDIO -- ANNOUNCER (VO): Some folks won't be home this holiday season.

VIDEO -- CUT TO SHOT OF FORLORN SOLDIERS IN IRAQ WITH MESS KITS.

AUDIO -- ANNOUNCER (VO): A hundred and fifty thousand American men and women are stuck in Iraq.

VIDEO -- CUT TO SHOT OF BUSH AND CHENEY, WALKING SIDE BY SIDE.

AUDIO -- ANNOUNCER (VO): Their president misled America to send them in and has no plan to get them out.

VIDEO -- CUT BACK TO DINNER TABLE. A WOMAN IN TEARS IS BEING COMFORTED BY FAMILY MEMBERS.

AUDIO -- ANNOUNCER (VO): Democrats in Congress are leading the way home.

VIDEO -- CUT TO THANKSGIVING TABLE SPREAD AND ONE EMPTY CHAIR.

AUDIO -- ANNOUNCER (VO): Where are the Republicans?

VIDEO -- STAY ON IMAGE OF EMPTY CHAIR. SUPER "CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE: (202) 224-3121."

AUDIO -- ANNOUNCER (VO): Tell your representative. Support our troops. Bring them home.

VIDEO -- AT SCREEN BOTTOM, SUPER FULL LEGAL DISCLAIMER: PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, WWW.POLITICAL.MOVEON.ORG. NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE. MOVEOn.ORG POLITICAL ACTION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF THIS ADVERTISEMENT".

AUDIO -- ANNOUNCER (VO): MoveOn.org Political Action is responsible for the content of this advertisement.

The ad will be shown on CNN and in the states where Republicans "who launched personal attacks on Rep. John Murtha", according to MoveOn. Lord knows what criteria they used.

It takes a special kind of bottom-crawler to do this over a holiday. If they cared one whit about the troops and their families, they'd be placing ads thanking them for their service and sacrifice.

"Support our troops" my ass - supporting the troops doesn't mean using their famlies as pawns to help you make a political point.

These people are truly sick.

TB Adds: They're trying to create an image similar to Tiny Tim's empty chair scene in every rendition of "A Christmas Carol". It's very powerful imagery. And disgusting when used for this kind of political message.

Update (and bump): MoveOn hasn't placed the despicable ad on their website yet, but they did put some screenshots here.

Linked to Euphoric Reality!

The DNC continues the attacks on Republicans over the Abramoff scandal:

Two of Jack Abramoff's Closest Friends Reunited In Chicago

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Just days after media reports that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Illinois Republican Dennis Hastert, is caught up in one of the worst pay-to-play scandals to ever rock the nation's capital, Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman is swooping in to Chicago tonight to raise more special interest money for Hastert. The Associated Press reported last week that Hastert helped indicted Republican super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff's clients after receiving about $103,500 from Abramoff, his lobbying partners and tribal clients between 2001 and 2004. (Associated Press, 11/17/05)

Special interest money, eh? Like what Sen. Mary Landrieu got from the same source?

Democratic National Committee Spokesman Damien LaVera called on Mehlman and Hastert to return Abramoff's money and join Democrats fighting the culture of corruption that Republicans have brought to Washington:

"Instead of going to Chicago to raise even more special interest money for Speaker Hastert, Ken Mehlman ought to be Washington trying to figure out how to return all the money Jack Abramoff raised for President Bush and encouraging Republicans in Washington to end the culture of corruption they have fostered," said LaVera.

Odd that LaVera and the DNC, obviously concerned about corruption, aren't calling for Harry Reid to return the money he got from Abramoff's tribal clients as well. I guess they didn't hear about it yet.

has been under the weather the last couple of days. If you get a chance, why not pop on over to wish her well?

The media is in full attack mode.

From Vice President Cheney's speech today:

"My remarks today concern national security, in particular the war on terror and the Iraq front in that war. Several days ago, I commented briefly on some recent statements that have been made by some members of Congress about Iraq. Within hours of my speech, a report went out on the wires under the headline, "Cheney says war critics 'dishonest,' 'reprehensible.'"

"One thing I've learned in the last five years is that when you're Vice President, you're lucky if your speeches get any attention at all. But I do have a quarrel with that headline, and it's important to make this point at the outset. I do not believe it is wrong to criticize the war on terror or any aspect thereof. Disagreement, argument, and debate are the essence of democracy, and none of us should want it any other way."

From minutes later at AP/Yahoo: Cheney Lashes Out at Bush's Iraq Critics

CBS News: Cheney Takes Aim At War Critics

New York Times: Cheney Assails Critics but Says Debate on Iraq Is Healthy (I guess they listened to half of it)

ABC News subtitle: Cheney Punches Back at Critics of Bush's Iraq Policies Calling Some 'Dishonest and Reprehensible'

Reuters: Cheney shifts attack on war critics

"Vice President Dick Cheney denied on Monday that the administration was trying to stifle dissent by lashing out at Iraq war critics" (Nevermind that it's true that the administration never tried to stifle dissent, Cheney evidently has to "deny" it)

Indy Channel (Indianapolis Channel 6): Cheney Sends Mixed Messages To War Critics

WASHINGTON -- Vice President Dick Cheney said there's nothing wrong with dissent or debate on the war in Iraq or on anything else, but then proceeded to lash out at senators who accuse the administration of deliberately deceiving the American people on pre-war intelligence. (They just don't get it, do they?)

Democratic Underground: "Bush tortures Bat Boy!"

More as they come in...

News 8 (Austin): Cheney renews attack on war critics, defends debate on war

Brisbane Courier-Mail (just to add an international flavor): Cheney slams Iraq war critics

UPI: Cheney takes swipe at Iraq critics

L.A. Times: Cheney Blasts Iraq War Critics

Sorry, Heather. And sorry to you, too, Paul.

I like my Thanksgiving turkey. More than that, I love my Thanksgiving turkey. And so do TB and the kids.

So when I'm carving up that delicious, juicy turkey this thursday, I won't be wondering about where it's toes went.

And even your new PSA won't get me to.

And by the way, why Viva! USA? Don't they have turkeys in the UK?

Terrance Hunt, AP's White House Correspondant apparently thinks so:

Bush Lowers Temperature of Iraq War Debate

BEIJING - After fiercely defending his Iraq policy across Asia, President Bush abruptly toned down his attack on war critics Sunday and said there was nothing unpatriotic about opposing his strategy.

"People should feel comfortable about expressing their opinions about Iraq," Bush said, three days after agreeing with Vice President Dick Cheney that the critics were "reprehensible."

The president also praised Rep. John Murtha (news, bio, voting record), D-Pa., as "a fine man" and a strong supporter of the military despite the congressman's call for troop withdrawal as soon as possible.

The suggestion that the President has somehow changed his tone on the Iraq war debate is a specious assertion by Mr. Hunt. Each and every time Bush has spoken on the topic, he has acknowleged that disagreement with his policies wasn't a problem, but being dishonest about it was. This is even illustrated later in the same article through a quote fom the President:

"This is not an issue of who's patriotic and who's not patriotic," he said. "It's an issue of an honest, open debate about the way forward in Iraq."

Of course, if the media were more responsible in their reporting, President Bush wouldn't have to address his critics at all.

Yesterday, I posted about the DNC's attacks on Republicans with potential ties to the Abramoff scandal. In concert with the DNC's theme of ignoring the elephant in the living room, the New Yok Times covers the story today:

Corruption Inquiry Threatens to Ensnare Lawmakers

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 - The Justice Department has signaled for the first time in recent weeks that prominent members of Congress could be swept up in the corruption investigation of Jack Abramoff, the former Republican superlobbyist who diverted some of his tens of millions of dollars in fees to provide lavish travel, meals and campaign contributions to the lawmakers whose help he needed most.

The investigation by a federal grand jury, which began more than a year ago, has created alarm on Capitol Hill, especially with the announcement Friday of criminal charges against Michael Scanlon, Mr. Abramoff's former lobbying partner and a former top House aide to Representative Tom DeLay.

The article weighs in at 1254 words, but not one of them is "Reid" or "Landrieu" or "Breaux". In fact, Democrats aren't mentioned anywhere in the article save for this one vague hint:

Scholars who specialize in the history and operations of Congress say that given the brazenness of Mr. Abramoff's lobbying efforts, as measured by the huge fees he charged clients and the extravagant gifts he showered on friends on Capitol Hill, almost all of them Republicans, the investigation could end up costing several lawmakers their careers, if not their freedom.

One really has to wonder - if the worst actually happens and all of the players are indicted, will the NYT acknowlege Harry Reid in its coverage? Will the DNC still be able to maintain their own effrontery, brashly shouting "Culture of Corruption" at conservatives while ignoring the involvement of their own?

Seems to me that this isn't a scandal the Democrats would want to wecome so openly.

Update: Here's another from the NYT today with no mention of Democrats involved (emphasis added):

What may be equally troubling for Republicans is the filing on Friday of a criminal conspiracy charge against a former senior Republican House aide, Michael Scanlon. Mr. Scanlon was once a spokesman for Mr. DeLay and was a partner of Jack Abramoff, the lobbyist who is the subject of a federal investigation and had close ties to some House Republicans. The charges hint at potential legal exposure for lawmakers who were wined and dined by the two, adding to Republican ethics cases.

If this pans out, it will be the best news for Iraq in many months:

Breaking: Zarqawi Killed?

Via Little Green Footballs.

Update: From the always witty LGF commenters: "Will the eulogy be given by George Galloway?"

And I can't say I blame her. Go and read her post from late last night, "Just a yellow woman doing a white man's job".

It never ceases to amaze me the lengths the folks on the left will go when challenged by minorities who don't agree with the liberal message.

While the tone of her post is set by her (obviously justified) frustration, it also gives a glimpse into Michelle's private life - something I wish she had shared in a happier post, because I think there's a terrific story there. Framing issues aside, though, I'm still glad she shared it. Michelle, is there any chance we'll get to see more?

Anyway, this is a must-read for today.

To Michelle, a quote from Samuel Johnson (English author, 1709–1784):

"Attack is the reaction. I never think I have hit hard unless it rebounds."

Keep hitting 'em hard, Michelle.

Has put out its "Top Politically inCorrect Words for 2005"

The right side of the blogosphere should note with satisfaction that the BBC is the headliner of this "top ten" list:

1. Misguided Criminals for Terrorist: The BBC attempts to strip away all emotion by using what it considers neutral descriptions when describing those who carried out the bombings in the London Tubes. The rub: the professed intent of these misguided criminals was to kill, without warning, as many innocents as possible (which is the common definition for the term, terrorist).

My favorite comes in at number 5:

Out of the Mainstream when used to describe the ideology of any political opponent: At one time slavery was in the mainstream, thinking the sun orbited the earth was in the mainstream, having your blood sucked out by leeches was in the mainstream. What's so great about being in the mainstream?

We at DGITL hope you're having an out of the mainstream day.

May only be getting worse. After the fire he took last week when he advocated surrendering Iraq to Al-Zarqawi (something even Al-Zarqawi's family wouldn't do), now he may be facing an ethics probe:

Republican lawmakers say that ties between Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) and his brother’s lobbying firm, KSA Consulting, may warrant investigation by the House ethics committee.

I think the timing isn't good on this, as the left will surely paint it as retribution no matter how valid the reasons for the probe. Considering the cries of "corruption" from the left every time a Republican sneezes and the bloodlust displayed in pursuit of Plamegate, Delay, Frist, etc., it's certainly a cynical paint job, though - a point that hopefully won't be missed by the public.

Even if the ethics allegations are true, it's no more than a pimple on the butt of the damage Murtha's already inflicted on himself.

Check out the rest of the story at NeoCon Central.

Howard Dean, responding to the Murtha controversy, sent a letter to Democrats yesterday defending the former Marine. What's in it is fairly ordinary for this type of communication from Dean, lots and lots of mud-slinging against the Republicans. What's notable is what he doesn't include - there's not a word about what the fuss was really all about. Here's Dean's masterpiece of illusion in its entirety:

Dear Friend,

I want to tell you about John Murtha. He's a Democratic Congressman from Pennsylvania. He's also a combat veteran and retired Marine Corps colonel.

Murtha spent 37 years in Marine Corps, earned the Bronze Star, two purple hearts, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. And for the last thirty years he's been one of the most respected voices in Congress on military issues -- universally respected by Democrats, Republicans and military brass alike.

Until now.

Republicans have disgraced themselves by viciously attacking John Murtha with such disrespect that not only veterans, but every decent American should be angry.

What did Murtha, a decorated combat veteran, do to draw fire from a White House led by a president and vice president who evaded service in Vietnam? He questioned their management of the war in Iraq. Here's part of what he had to say:

"The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion. The American public is way ahead of us. The United States and coalition troops have done all they can in Iraq, but it is time for a change in direction. Our military is suffering. The future of our country is at risk. We cannot continue on the present course. It is evident that continued military action is not in the best interests of the United States of America, the Iraqi people or the Persian Gulf Region. ...

"For two and a half years, I have been concerned about the U.S. policy and the plan in Iraq. I have addressed my concerns with the Administration and the Pentagon and have spoken out in public about my concerns. The main reason for going to war has been discredited. ...

"I have been visiting our wounded troops at Bethesda and Walter Reed hospitals almost every week since the beginning of the War. And what demoralizes them is going to war with not enough troops and equipment to make the transition to peace; the devastation caused by IEDs; being deployed to Iraq when their homes have been ravaged by hurricanes; being on their second or third deployment and leaving their families behind without a network of support.

Shameless Republicans immediately went on the attack. Dick Cheney, who has said that he had "other priorities" and collected 5 deferments while people like Murtha served in Vietnam, called Murtha's comments "irresponsible" and regretted that "the president and I cannot prevent certain politicians from losing their memory, or their backbone." The White House spokesman, who has also never worn the uniform, pronounced himself "baffled" that Murtha, who volunteered for two wars, wanted to "surrender to the terrorists". A Republican Congressman said Murtha and others "basically are giving aid and comfort to the enemy".

Shame on them. Every one of us -- right now -- needs to let Jack Murtha know that we respect his service, respect his leadership, and respect his right to speak the truth. This man has spent his life serving us. The very least each one of us can do is let him know that no matter what dishonorable smear campaign Republicans wage we will be there with him.

Send Congressman Murtha a note telling him that you will not be silent while he is attacked:

http://www.democrats.org/shameonthem

I will deliver your message to him personally, along with my own thanks for his service to our country and his continuing courage in the face of threats.

Lies and manipulation characterized the Republican case for war, and lies and manipulation have been the primary weapon against anyone who questions their failed leadership.

First it was Senator Max Cleland, who left limbs in Vietnam, being savagely attacked in 2002. Then John Kerry, who received three purple hearts, being smeared in 2004. The history of this war has shown that Republicans value political posturing more than the service of America's veterans.

Republicans don't want a serious debate about Iraq because they know the American people are simply not with them. They cannot respond to the substance of Murtha's criticism -- or any criticism -- because they are wrong.

Jack Murtha is already fighting back. When told of Cheney's comments he reminded people where Cheney was while he was in Vietnam: "I like guys who got five deferments and have never been there and send people to war, and then don't like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done."

But Jack can't beat this back alone. Show him that Americans know that Republicans should be ashamed of themselves:

http://www.democrats.org/shameonthem

Enough is enough -- we cannot allow another veteran to be smeared by George Bush's cronies.

Thank you for taking a stand.

Governor Howard Dean, M.D.

What he fails to pass on to the rank and file is the part of Murtha's statement that got everyone riled up - the part about immediate withdrawal:

"This is the immediate redeployment of American forces because they have become the target," said Rep. John Murtha (news, bio, voting record), D-Pa., one of Congress' most hawkish Democrats.

"To immediately redeploy U.S. troops consistent with the safety of U.S. forces."

"I believe we need to turn Iraq over to the Iraqis. I believe before the Iraqi elections, scheduled for mid December, the Iraqi people and the emerging government must be put on notice that the United States will immediately redeploy."

Not everyone follows the news as closely as the average blogger, and I'm sure that many Democrats had not heard the whole of Murtha's statement, if any of it at all. Obviously Dean was trying to capitalize on it by omitting key facts which would have revealed the true nature of Murtha's "Cut and Run" message.

All this from Howie, who in the letter says:

Lies and manipulation characterized the Republican case for war, and lies and manipulation have been the primary weapon against anyone who questions their failed leadership.

Yet it's Howie using lies and manipulation to sway the voting public once again.

Via Little Green Footballs - The Hen of Hand-Wringing's new book comes out Wednesday! Charles adds:

Will these speeches include the one where she called Iraqi insurgents “freedom fighters?” Or her anti-Israel statements?

Don’t count on it.

All her journal entries will be included:

Now those journal entries are in her book, “Not One More Mother’s Child,” to be released Wednesday. The paperback also contains some of her speeches to peace groups earlier this year, letters to politicians and writings since leaving Crawford.

You know your star has really fallen when the first release of your book is in paperback.

Is still being pushed over at Wake Up WalMart.

I woulda thought there would be an outcry over this. Am I really the only one who noticed?

The DNC is flinging feces again. And this time it's splattering back at them. Yesterday evening, they rushed out a slew of press releases to try and deflect some of the attention away from their hypocrisy on the Iraq war:

DNC: Rep. Hart Wrapped Up in Abramoff Pay-To-Play Scandal

DNC: Sen. Grassley Wrapped Up in Abramoff Pay-To-Play Scandal

DNC: Rep. Shadegg Wrapped Up in Abramoff Pay-To-Play Scandal

DNC: Rep. Ryun Wrapped Up in Abramoff Pay-To-Play Scandal

DNC: North Carolina Republicans Wrapped Up in Abramoff Pay-To- Play Scandal

DNC: Texas Republicans Wrapped Up in Abramoff Pay-To-Play Scandal

DNC: Rep. Aderholt Wrapped Up in Abramoff Pay-To-Play Scandal

DNC: Speaker Hastert Wrapped Up in Abramoff Pay-To-Play Scandal

Sen. DeMint Wrapped Up in Abramoff Pay-To-Play Scandal, Says DNC

Mississippi Republicans Wrapped Up in Abramoff Pay-To-Play Scandal, Says DNC

Majority Leader Blunt Wrapped Up in Abramoff Pay-To-Play Scandal, Says DNC

Reps. Cantor and Goode Wrapped Up in Abramoff Pay-To-Play Scandal, Says DNC

To: State Desk, Political Reporter

Contact: Damien LaVera of the DNC, 202-863-8148

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Associated Press reported yesterday on the startling number of Republicans in Congress, including Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, who are embroiled in one of the worst pay-to-play scandals to ever rock the nation's capital. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee investigating the dealings of scandal-plagued Republican super lobbyist Jack Abramoff has learned that Hastert is among the more than 30 Congressional Republicans who signed letters on behalf of Abramoff clients just days after Abramoff gave them money or hosted fundraisers for them.

According to the Associated Press, "Rep. Dennis Hastert, R- Ill., the Speaker of the House, along with other members of the House Republican leadership, signed a letter to Interior Secretary Gale Norton on June, 10, 2003, that helped lobbyist Jack Abramoff's clients. The lawmaker received about $103,500 from Abramoff, his lobbying partners and tribal clients between 2001 and 2004, including roughly $25,000 in the period around which the letter was sent. Rep. Hastert also used Abramoff's restaurant, Signatures, for a fund-raiser or other event, records show." (Associated Press, 11/17/05)

Democratic National Committee Spokesman Damien LaVera today issued the following statement:

"It is deeply troubling that Speaker Hastert has dragged Illinois into the same culture of corruption that Congressional Republicans brought to Washington. By engaging in one of the worst pay-to-play scandals in decades, Speaker Haster turned his back on the values and priorities of the people of Illinois.

"Illinoisans deserve better. That is why Democrats are committed to promoting honesty and ethics in government. The American people deserve a government as good as them, and Illinoisans deserve leaders who represent their values and interests in Washington. Since, Speaker Hastert clearly is not interested in providing that leadership, Democrats will."

Whoever came up with this stunt has got to be either blind or incredibly stupid or both. When Damien Lavera says things like "That is why Democrats are committed to promoting honesty and ethics in government", and "Since, Speaker Hastert clearly is not interested in providing that leadership, Democrats will", I suppose he means Democrats like Harry Reid:

Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada sent a letter to Norton on March 5, 2002, that also was signed by Sen. John Ensign (news, bio, voting record), R-Nev. The next day, the Coushattas issued a $5,000 check to Reid's tax-exempt political group, the Searchlight Leadership Fund. A second tribe represented by Abramoff sent an additional $5,000 to Reid's group. Reid ultimately received more than $66,000 in Abramoff-related donations between 2001 and 2004.

Or maybe he means Mary Landrieu:

Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., who was engaged in a tight re-election race in 2002, sent her letter March 6, 2002. That same day, the Coushattas sent $2,000 to her campaign and she received $5,000 more by the end of that month. By year's end, the total had grown to at least $24,000.

Or Jon Breaux:

Then-Sen. John Breaux (news, bio, voting record), D-La., wrote Norton on March 1, 2002. Five days later the Coushattas sent $1,000 to his campaign and $10,000 to his library fund, tribal records show.

I'm not going to comment on the potential improprieties, except to say that I'm all for equality. If any of the parties involved did something wrong, Republican or Democrat, I want action taken.

But to slime the Republicans over this while ignoring the exact same thing in their own party is simply another indication of the systemic hypocrisy of today's Democratic party.

Update: Added three more press releases that weren't available when the post was first written.

Update 2: Linked with Euphoric Reality

Update 3: See additional here.

House Resolution 571

For: 3 Against: 403 Present: 6

All Ayes and Present votes were Democrat, 16 Rs and 6 Ds did not vote.

It's gonna be awful hard for some of the Dems to face their anti-war constituents. Snicker. Snort.

Of course, the outcome was guaranteed:

Pelosi sent word to rank-and-file Democrats to vote - with the Republicans - against immediate withdrawal of American troops.

I'll try to give a roundup in the morning.

By the way, I spent most of my time over at Euphoric Reality where the vote was being live blogged. It was great fun!

In an answer to Representative Murtha's call to pull out of Iraq immediately:

WASHINGTON - House Republicans, seeing an opportunity, maneuvered for a quick vote and swift rejection Friday of a Democratic lawmaker's call for an immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq.

"We want to make sure that we support our troops that are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. "We will not retreat."

The bill is very short and sweet:

House Republicans planned to put to a vote — and reject — their own resolution that simply says: "It is the sense of the House of Representatives that the deployment of United States forces in Iraq be terminated immediately."

This is a smart move - it forces the Democrats to put up or shut up on their posture regarding the war. If they vote yes, those Democrats will have given the GOP more ammunition to use in the current pushback campaign from the White House.

If they vote no, then they have exposed themselves to even more criticism on their recent posturing. It will be difficult for such Democrats to continue to pander to their anti-war base.

This should be interesting.

Update 1: Kos thinks the Democrats should cut and run from the vote. I think that would still be illustrative to the nature of the Democrat's hypocritical position.

Update 2: John Hinderaker: "Notwithstanding the media's breathless heralding of each liberal politician who comes out against continuation of the war, a substantial majority of House members will vote to reject the call for surrender. That's good, as our service personnel deserve the assurance that our government continues to stand behind their mission."

Ace of Spades: "Brilliant."

Jason Smith at GOP Bloggers: "Let's dispense with the public flogging of our troops' efforts and put it to a vote."

Rick Edwards at PowerPundit: "When the Democrats cry that holding them accountable for their words is "challenging their patriotism," as a number of them are doing on the House floor now, you know that they understand that their position is weakening."

Sister Toldjah: "The House isn’t playing around. It’s time to put up or shut up for the cut and run wing of the Democratic party."

Democratic Underground: Cleveland eaten by Batboy!

The Political Teen: "The Republicans have called Murtha’s bluff and boy has it paid off."

Kender at Stop the ACLU: "The Dems, railing constantly about the War in Iraq, have found themselves backed into a corner by the House Republicans, who finally tired of all the lies and rhetoric and have decided to vote regarding whether we should pullout of Iraq or not."

Euphoric Reality is live-blogging the vote. That's where I'm hanging out - Come and join us!

Very interesting: Murtha Acquaintaince Speaks Out

Update 3: (9:50 P.M. EST) Amazing. We went out to dinner and they're still at it when we get back. Democrats apparently have been foaming at the mouth with anger over being forced to act like adults and put their money where their mouths are. More later...

Just in...

CAIR Welcomes Ruling on California School Lesson About Islam

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 /U.S. Newswire/ -- A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today welcomed a ruling by the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that rejected claims that students at a California school were being "indoctrinated" during lessons about Islam.

The court rejected a lawsuit by two Christian families that accused the Byron Union School District of unconstitutionally endorsing religious practices. "The Islam program activities were not overt religious exercises that raise Establishment Clause concerns," said the three-judge panel.

In 2003, a U.S. District Judge ruled in favor of the school district. Thursday's appeals court decision upheld that ruling.

"We welcome the court's recognition that the learning process can include information about different faiths and cultures without being considered an endorsement of a particular set of religious beliefs or practices," said Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Board Chairman Parvez Ahmed.

But mention Christmas and see what happens.

The Republican Party has a new ad countering the smears and lies of the left.

This one is only 60 seconds, and is in part boiled down from the much longer version (which is still available) from earlier this week.

They also changed the background music - something I kinda liked from the first one. And the audio of Ken Mehlman
at the end sounds like he called it in from his cell phone. Given that small amout of caveat, it looks like a winner.

Considering the shorter length, this one looks destined for the airwaves. Cool.

Welcome Michelle Malkin readers! Feel free to look around while you're here.

Thanks again, Lorie!

Via U.S. Newswire, a press release from "Stop Torture Now" (part of the Center for Theology and Social Analysis) about a weird event they're having in North Carolina:

Peace Activists to Deliver 'Indictment' Friday

On Friday morning, Nov. 18, a group of a dozen peace activists will deliver an "indictment" against the owners of Aero Contractors, charging them with conspiracy to commit torture in violation of United States law, the United Nations Convention against Torture, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The "indictment" also cites former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director George Tenet and present CIA Director Porter J. Goss, for violations of the same laws and treaties.

The event is happening at the Johnston County Airport in Smithfield. If all this sounds familiar, it is. Johnston Co. Airport and Aero Contractors were outed by the New York Times back in may. I hope the folks at the NYT are proud of themselves. (Via PowerLine)

The phony "indictment" being delivered by Stop Torture Now is available as a PDF here. I'm not a lawyer - any out there that care to look at it for me?

Interesting that the media and the left are still infatuated with Plamegate when here is a real covert operation that has been harmed through the compromise by NYT and it's sources. Unreal.

Cindy is hitting new lows. In her delusional world, any nutbag conspiracy theory and false accusation was always a fair straw of hope for her to grasp. And we can at least grant her the attribute of consistancy in her fantasy quest. She's been consistantly wrong from the very beginning.

Her message, however flawed, was guaranteed to have traction with certain groups. We've all seen who's been showing up at her protests - communists, socialists, racists, and the hard-core tinfoil hat factions. Her lack of honesty and sincerity have been transparent to mainstream America, which is why even the leftist media have abandoned her for greener pastures.

So having failed to be embraced by anyone with common sense, I guess nobody should be surprised when, in her desperation, she reaches further and further into the outrageous to get attention. For example, in an especially cynical Huffington Post entry, the Windbag of Woe attacks the President's mother:

Open Letter to George's Mama

Dear Barbara,

On April 04, 2004, your oldest child killed my oldest child, Casey Austin Sheehan.

Did you teach George to use his words and not his violence to solve problems? It doesn't appear so. Did you teach him that killing other people for profits and oil is ALWAYS wrong? Obviously you did not. I also used to wash my children's mouth out with soap on the rare occasion that they lied…did you do that to George? Can you do it now?

No comments from me this time. I want yours. Let me know what you think about "Mother Sheehan" attacking other Moms.

Nancy Pelosi has no class whatsoever. About Jack Murtha's statement today demanding that the U.S. turn our backs on our allies and flee from our enemies - basically, surrender - she had this to say:

I also want to recognize the courageous statement made today by our distinguished colleague Congressman Jack Murtha.

Today he made a very courageous statement.

The courage of his statement, and the eloquence with which he presented it, and the passion and knowledge that he brought to the conversation were met very positively by our colleagues.

And that's all from the same press conference.

On the other hand... Maybe I'm reading too much into this. Maybe she wasn't saying that the "cut and run" argument is courageous - it's saying it in public.

Naaahh.

The liberals have been in full counter attack for several days now, and with their historic ability to monopolize the MSM, you'd think they would be satisfied that their message, however wrong, was getting enough airtime.

But you'd be wrong. So desperate for any nanosecond of audio and video are they, so frantic in their grab for every pixel and every drop of ink, some moonbats are resorting to whining that enough is never enough:

Media Matters Troubled by Lack of News Coverage of Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel's Speech; After Reporting Bush's Attack on War Critics, Media Ignored Hagel's Dissenting Response

Yes, that's really the title of the press release. Catchy, huh?

"It is unconceivable that news organizations, entrusted with the responsibility of informing Americans, omitted remarks critical of the Bush administration delivered by a prominent member of the President's party," said David Brock, president and CEO of Media Matters for America.

The media can't really ignore the President of the United States forever, so they've been forced to cover the story about the administration pushing back against all of the distortions and lies of the left. Now listen to the moonbats whine!

It is kinda funny to have Media Matters acuse the NYT of rightward bias, though:

Numerous media outlets -- among them The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, CBS, ABC, and NBC -- prominently covered President Bush's Nov. 11 speech. However, those same outlets ignored public criticism of Bush's remarks delivered at the Council for Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C by Hagel, who is a potential Republican presidential candidate.

If you had any doubt about how worried the left really is about Bush's strategy, doubt no more.

That's the name of this piece by John Leo. Please go and read it. There will be a test in the morning.

Well, the Femme of Felonious Fake Fatality didn't go to the big house:

They were each ordered to pay $75 in fines and court costs, but Sheehan's lawyer said he plans to appeal the verdict.

No word yet on whether she paid the fine. If she did pay it, doesn't that take away any moral standing to utter the word "liar" about others?

"We weren't demonstrating," Sheehan told reporters after the trial.

Snort. Chuckle. At least U.S. District Magistrate Judge Alan Kay saw right through that crap:

"They were consciously violating the law for publicizing their case," Kay said.

And since the Debutante of Derision loves the limelight so much, she's taking her show on the road again. This time, in Europe!

Hundreds of potential witticisms are swirling around in my head. But this one kinda writes itself.

A couple of folks inquired about the picture of my daughters posted a couple of days ago. It was taken at Winterthur in north Delaware. Winterthur, once a mansion belonging to the DuPont family, is a museum and garden about 7 miles north of Wilmington.

Here's a couple more of the pictures we took last Sunday:

As you can imagine, it's pretty during other seasons as well. If you're in the area, we recommend a visit. Here's their website with directions and admission info.

House Speaker Dennis Hastert responds to Mothra's comments to the press earlier. I don't normally quote entire speeches, but this one hits the mark:

"I am saddened by the comments made today by Rep. Murtha. It is clear that as Nancy Pelosi's top lieutenant on armed services, Rep. Murtha and Democratic leaders have adopted a policy of cut and run. They would prefer that the United States surrender to the terrorists who would harm innocent Americans. To add insult to injury, this is done while the President is on foreign soil.

"Four years ago, America as we knew it changed. The terrorists attacked our people and attacked our nation. Nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives. Families were destroyed, and our children lost their sense of peace. On that day, we learned that we no longer had a choice. Failure to act -- and act strongly -- left our nation vulnerable to Osama bin Laden and his band of terrorist followers.

"But now, Rep. Murtha and other Democrats want us to retreat. They want us to wave the white flag of surrender to the terrorists of the world. It is unfortunate that this is all politics all the time. We need to have a strong consistent policy that will protect our men and women who are fighting to protect us overseas. We must not cower like European nations who are now fighting terrorists on their soil.

"This is the highest insult to the brave men and women serving overseas. They have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our citizens, our way of life and our ideals of freedom and democracy. And they have done excellent work. In the four years since September 11th, the United States and our partners have disrupted at least 10 major terrorist attacks. Three of those attacks were planned on U.S. soil.

"I have known John Murtha to be a long-term veteran of this institution. He has stood up for our troops and has helped to provide them with the right equipment to do their job. We all saw the same pained faces among Americans when terrorists slammed into the Twin Towers. Did he see the faces the rest of America saw when terrorists plowed into the Pentagon or when the plane that was headed for a Washington target went down in Pennsylvania? I saw the faces that day, and, Mr. Murtha, that was no illusion."

Very nice job, Rep. Hastert.

Charities Predict Stagnant or Declining End-of-Year Fundraising

Nearly 80 percent of charitable organizations anticipate that the year's natural disasters will cause end-of-year contributions to remain at or decrease from 2004 levels, a new survey by GuideStar, the public charity that connects people with nonprofit information, reveals.

After the ho-hum response to the earthquake in Pakistan/India, I'm not surprised.

Also see this.

Yuck.

New research says non-flush urinals, also known as waterless urinals, pose serious risks to public health and the environment.

Seems to me we didn't need a "Ph.D., P.E., QEP, DEE" to figure this one out.

Via AP/Yahoo:

House Democrat Wants Immediate Iraq Pullout

WASHINGTON - An influential House Democrat who voted for the Iraq war called Thursday for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, another sign of growing unease in Congress about the conflict.

"This is the immediate redeployment of American forces because they have become the target," said Rep. John Murtha (news, bio, voting record), D-Pa., one of Congress' most hawkish Democrats.

Mothra channelled Cindy Sheehan as he spoke:

At times during his remarks to reporters, the decorated Vietnam War veteran was choking back tears.

Here's the jewel:

It is evident that continued military action in Iraq is not in the best interests of the United States of America, the Iraqi people or the Persian Gulf region," Murtha said.

Evidently he feels that letting the terrorists win would be more desirable.

The report also acknowedged the abandonment of thirty years' work to garner respect among his peers:

Murtha, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, has earned bipartisan respect for his grasp of military issues over three decades in Congress.

Well, I guess that ship has sailed.

Update: Full transcript now available. Two points for the use of the word "Iraqitize".

I've been having trouble logging in to Movable Type. It took nearly 8 minutes to get in this time after several dozen timeouts. Hosting Matters says the servers are good, but they're looking in to it anyway. I can't say enough nice things about Hosting Matters! To still help even though it's not their problem is amazing in this day and age.

I did try to put in a ticket at Six Apart, but their website is apparently down. Bummer.

Might be a light blogging day, folks. Sorry.

Earlier I posted about the Girl of Gloom demanding a trial for her protesting without a permit charge. Now we have it in her own words what her defence will be:

"We will try to put on a necessity defense. This is my defense:"

"My dear, sweet boy was killed in Iraq on 04/04/04. He was murdered by an Iraqi insurgent, but George and his lying band of neocon criminals might as well have pulled the trigger. It has been proven over and over again that the thugs lied us into the invasion and are still lying to maintain the occupation."

Uh, actually, no, Cindy. You haven't been paying attention to the news lately, have you? It's been proven time and time again that the administration didn't. On the other hand, you've proven to most sane people that you're a moonbat.

"On 9/26/05, I knew I was breaking the law by sitting on the White House sidewalk without a permit. But, I was sitting there to call attention to the murderers who live and work there. If not for them, I would still have my son and tens of thousands of innocent people would still be alive. Isn't murder a crime? When are those people going to face justice for their war crimes and crimes against humanity?"

Judge, that sounds like an admission of guilt to me.

"Who wants to live free in a world where murderers are allowed to roam free and wreak havoc on innocent citizens and countries?"

"I know I don't."

I know I don't, either. That's why I'm staying right here in the good old US of A. Now, our hapless and humorless Hussy of Hatred could have payed the fine (a bargain at $75.00) and avoided the all-over-but-the-faux-crying conviction she's now going to get. But no, and our fearless flounter-of-law Femme of Fatality is going to face stiffer penalties as a result:

"My attorney, Jon Norris, has informed me that we could be facing up to a 500.00 fine and/or 6 months in jail."

"This seems like a pretty stiff sentence to me for demonstrating without a permit!"

Well, Cindy, you did set out with a goal of breaking the law. But wait! This isn't the end of it! Cindy is planning to further flout the law:

"I am prepared, but I will not be too thrilled, to serve the maximum sentence. I don't think we will get any jail time, but I am certainly not going to pay the fine either!!"

"If I wanted to pay the fine, I would have paid the 75.00 original fine and I would not even have to go to court."

There you have it, folks. I hope the judge hears about her plan...

No, I'm not going to quote it. You can see it here.

By the way, for some odd reason this was in the "most popular" list at Yahoo News.

Via Ap/Yahoo:

Inflation Moderates As Gas Prices Dip

WASHINGTON - Inflation pressures bombarding consumers moderated significantly last month as energy prices retreated after hitting record highs in September.

Shhh - don't tell anyone... The prices came down on their own. In spite of government, not because of it. If the Dems had their way, we'd be taxing the dickens out of the oil companies to punish them for their "eeeevil" profits, and the price of a gallon of gas would be going up instead.

Say thanks to the next conservative you meet.

Sheehan Demands Trial on Protest Charge

WASHINGTON - War protester Cindy Sheehan said Wednesday she was demanding a trial for demonstrating without a permit outside the White House.

Obviously, the Broad of Bad Bereavement isn't getting enough press, what with all the "real" news getting in the way. Maybe she's hoping for a media circus a la Michael Jackson or O.J. Simpson. Has Court TV committed yet?

I wonder if the judge will take a dim view of her previous statement saying that she would skip out on the fine.

Sheehan also plans to revive her protest near President Bush's Texas ranch during Thanksgiving week, despite new county ordinances banning roadside camping.

That new ordinance covers a five-mile radius around the Bush ranch. Look like she'll probably get arrested yet again. Of course, now that she's addicted to it....

to fighting the President's new-found defence against the lies and smears of the left - caught off guard initially, now they are pushing back from several angles. Take, for instance, the fresh interest in polls today and yesterday:

Like Most Americans, College Students Rate President Bush Near Historic Lows, Harvard Poll Finds

DNC: Bush's Political Attacks Can't Save Sinking Poll Numbers; Democrats Committed to Fighting for the Truth

Unable to effectively fight against their own words and actions prior to the Iraq war, a concurrent side theme will be to point at the President's poor poll numbers as "proof" that they are right. This will fail, though, since the poll numbers are a direct result of the left's lies and smear tactics. As the President's message gains traction, his poll numbers will rise.

Kinda reminds me of the movie "Down Periscope". When the executive officer (played by Rob Schneider) is ordered into custody after a failed mutiny attempt, he protests, "You can't do that! These men love me!" Related to the Democrats, they are telling us "Don't listen to the President! Remember, he's unpopular!"

There will be other diversionary attempts as well, all should also be regarded as just noise.

Here's a press release from yesterday:

Ten-Point Plan For Democrats to Negate 'No Message' Urged by Democratic Strategist Robert Weiner

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Democratic Strategist Robert Weiner, a former Clinton White House public affairs director, has urged Democrats to negate constant criticisms of "no message" with an "Urgent Ten-Point Plan" framing the issues the Party has been stating.

Odd that the Democratic party didn't issue the press release. I guess Weiner's doing a little pro bono work.

Says Weiner: "Democrats do have a clear message -— they have just not stated it in understandable terms. But it can be something like an 'Urgent Ten-Point Plan'

Personally, I think the Democrat's message has been as clear as it's ever been. Let's see what Mr. Weiner's "Urgent Ten-Point Plan" entails:

-- Build International support and funding for a democratic Iraq, unlike the current 90 percent U.S.-funded effort;

Back during the 2004 election, non-coalition governments were adamant that their desire not to participate would remain unchanged if Kerry was elected. Who does Weiner think is gonna chip in - France?

-- Fight al Qaeda where they are rooted, and do not create additional fronts or bypass human rights standards for detainees;

We're already fighting them where they are. I wonder where Mr. Weiner thinks they are? And as we find more terrorists, we should create whatever new fronts necessary to defeat them. That's how you win, Mr. Weiner. And the detainees, as a matter of fact, are getting 5-star treatment compared to what they would give any of us.

-- Protect, don't destroy, Social Security and Medicare;

In other words, pretend there's no problem. Obstruct every attempt to even discuss a fix, much less take action. And whatever you do, don't entertain any ideas about empowering folks with their own future. If they have control over their own future, after all, then they won't need the Democrats.

-- Ensure rapid, competent domestic natural disaster and terror response;

Is he suggesting a change in the Democratic leadership in Louisianna? Granted, Brownie didn't do a good job, but he would have come out smelling like a rose if local governments had not made so many stupid mistakes.

-- Corral the Oil companies, quit subsidizing their obscene profits from high gas prices, and build more refineries as we institute energy independence;

Tax, tax, tax the oil companies. That'll show 'em. And gain independence from foreign oil by blocking any domestic exploration. Yup, good plan. A quick business lesson for Mr. Weiner - when you increase taxes on business, they charge more for their products to make up for it. The Democrat's "plan" for the oil companies will guarantee higher gas prices, disproportionately affecting lower-income folks. So much for being for "working Americans".

-- Nominate moderate Supreme Court appointees;

Clone Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Repeat. Rinse.

-- Balance the newly skyrocketing budget deficit and retool tax cuts to help average Americans;

Tax, tax, tax.

-- Restore the quality of jobs for American workers at home, and reduce foreign outsourcing;

Capitalism is a wonderful thing. As the economy continues to expand, and unemployment continues to decrease, wages and benefits will also increase as the employers have to compete for workers. And it all happens in spite of the government, not because of it. And by the way, if all the jobs are going overseas, then why is the unemployment rate still falling?

-- Promote Ethics in Government and end cronyism’s incompetence;

I suggest Ted Kennedy head up this important cause.

-- Provide honesty to Americans in reasons for any war, and reduce selective use of intelligence with a reminder that the Constitution begins "We the People", not "We with Top Secret Clearances."

Here's a list of folks with security clearances and what they had to say about the war way back when. Of course, now they are saying something different, and it's purely for political gain. Remember, it's "We the People", not "We, the polically opportunistic", or "We, the desparate for power".

If more of the same is all he has to offer, then why is this plan so urgent?

All in all, Mr. Weiner's advice doesn't break any new ground. There's no suggestion for the Dems to change course, just frame it differently for the press and the public. Since they've already been following this plan for several years now, we don't have to listen to the talking points. We can judge their plan by what they have done. And folks, it's not much. Unless you count obstructionism, whining, rewriting history, pandering to special interest groups with communist and socialist ties, and helping the dead to vote...

Update: Added link above. Sorry.

It was definitely nice to get all the new visitors today, courtesy of the kind mentions from Lorie Byrd (who's guest blogging at Michelle Malkin's blog), Gary at the Ex-Donkey Blog, and Eric at Myopic Zeal.

I suppose some folks would take advantage of getting the extra traffic to rush out several rapid fire examples of pithy and biting political commentary in hopes of keeping some of the traffic as regular readers. I'm not going to do that, as this is a hobby, and I post when only when I'm inspired. I do hope you all come back for at least an occasional visit, and maybe post a comment or two.

Instead of politics, I'm going to take advantage of the increased audience to show off something that's very important to me:

Those two are my daughters, age 4 and 7. Along with TB, they form my world.

Thanks, everyone, for stopping by. You're welcome anytime.

LB

In response to President Bush's recent drive to correct the vicious smears of the left, Peace Action is having a hatred fest tonight in Washington, D.C.

Speakers for the event include U.S. Representatives Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), Barney Frank (D-MA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Hilda Solis (D-CA), Bob Filner (D-CA), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Sam Farr (D-CA), other Congressmembers, Kevin Martin, Executive Director of Peace Action and Paul Kawika Martin, Peace Action's Political Director.

I'm bettin' the "other" Congressmembers don't include any "R"s.

I just don't get the mindset that drives people full of hate and denial of the truth to spend time with others full of hate and denial of the truth in order to share misery, pain, and gloom with each other for the goal of enhancing their own misery, pain, and gloom. What a terrible waste of time.

Oh, and the reason that Peace Action is hosting this unhappy event?

WHY: "While the President calls the peace movement 'irresponsible,' the polls show the American public hungers for a more responsible policy in Iraq. For 2006, Peace Action supports those candidates with foreign policies based on international cooperation and human rights," stated Paul Kawika Martin, Peace Action's Political Director.

Well, actually, he didn't say the peace movement was irresponsible, Paul. He said that it's "deeply irresponsible to rewrite the history of how that war began". But I guess you missed that part of the speech. In other words, it's OK to be for peace. Just don't levy spurious charges against the administration in order to achieve it. You know, Paul, President Bush may not have been talking about you at all.

Lets take a look at your website and see:

"...no more Americans shall die because of Bush’s lie!"

"...the Bush administration fixed facts to support their foregone conclusions and unilateralist ambitions."

"Bush stood there before god, country and the world and lied his ass off. On Veteran’s Day, by lying about the intelligence, again, Bush dishonored the over 2000 service people who he sent to die."

Oops. Oh my, Paul. I guess he was talking about you after all.

Update: Welcome Michelle Malkin Readers! And special thanks to Lorie Byrd!

Update 2: Welcome Myopic Zeal Readers! Thanks, Eric!

Update 3: Welcome Ex-Donkey Blog Readers - No garlic needed here! Cheers, Gary!

I found a link in the comments of this post at Blackfive yesterday that alerted me to a particularly disgusting act being waged by college professors calling themselves "Replacements Needed". They have been putting up posters on utility poles and other places with disturbing images on them. I have a few examples below the fold. (WARNING - graphic and disturbing images). Their website is here.

The commenter on Blackfive (his name is Brad Torgersen) has been waging a one man war against the filth being spread by "Replacements Needed", and you can find his website here. Please visit Brad's site and send him an email telling him how terrific his efforts are. Here are a few of the posters he has placed over the top of the moonbat filth:

Remember to drop Brad an email if you appreciate his efforts.

Study Predicts Political, Economic Turmoil If UN's Internet Governance Schemes Succeed

Just one more thing to be worried about.

I hope that getting it right becomes a trend:

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to review a ruling that the inscription "In God We Trust" on the front of a government building in North Carolina does not violate church-state separation.

In other words, Lexington, NC, doesn't have to spend tax dollars to remove a sign above their government center's front door.

A U.S. appeals court ruled that the lawsuit failed to show that the display had no legitimate secular purpose, that it has the effect of endorsing religion or that it has resulted in an excessive entanglement of government and religion.

The appeals court said Congress first authorized the phrase "In God We Trust" on coins in 1865, and Congress made it the national motto in 1956. It is inscribed above the speaker's chair in the U.S. House of Representatives and above the main door of the U.S. Senate chamber.

Way to go, guys!

comes this headline:

Foreign contractors killed as US pursues offensive:

If that's all you saw, who would you think killed the contractors? If you read the article, though, you'll find out that:

"In the first roadside bomb attack, two South African private security contractors were killed by a roadside bomb..."

"In other violence, six civilians died when a similar roadside explosive device hit two passenger coaches in Ramadi..."

Perhaps the headline was an unintentional mistake. It could happen. No, really...

Just caught this article by AP's White House CorrespondentTerrence Hunt:

Bush to Fire Parting Shot at Iraq Critics

He was expected to defend himself against Democrats' criticism that he manipulated intelligence and misled the American people about Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction as he sought grounds to go to war against Saddam Hussein in 2003. In a speech on Friday, Bush said his critics were "deeply irresponsible" and were making "false charges.

So the Democrats revise history, lie about events leading up to the war, levy nasty, dishonest smears against the President, and they're "critics". If Bush responds, he's "taking shots".

At lunch today, I turned the car radio to NPR (No. I don't have a good explaination.) and it appears that they're in full attack mode as well. Interviews with some guy who wrote a book about Bush's "lies", etc., and the interviewer simply accepting everything the fellow said as true. Soryy I didn't get names, will try and find out later.

Wonder how long before folks start to notice the change in tone amongst the media?

Update: Reuters has updated the story: Bush Takes Fresh Shot at Iraq War Critics

New name, same old gas.

Via AP/Yahoo:

"Turns out, we were wrong," Stephen Hadley told "Late Edition" on CNN. "But I think the point that needs to be emphasized ... allegations now that the president somehow manipulated intelligence, somehow misled the American people, are flat wrong."

Republican lawmakers and other officials who appeared on Sunday news shows echoed Bush's Veterans Day speech in which he defended his decision to invade Iraq.

And John McCain is chipping in as well:

Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record), R-Ariz., said Democrats have a right to criticize the war but that it was disingenuous to claim that Bush lied about intelligence to justify it.

"Every intelligence agency in the world, including the Russians, the French ... all reached the same conclusion," McCain said on CBS' "Face the Nation."

Regardless of the President's late awakening, you should have been doing this all along. But, better late than never, so thumbs up, guys.

The Washington Post has an op/ed today from John Edwards. It is interesting that in the wake of President Bush's speech on Friday, the left not only refuses to tone down the destructive and selfish rhetoric, they've stepped it up. But Edwards' delivers it with a twist - an apology:

"I was wrong."

"Almost three years ago we went into Iraq to remove what we were told -- and what many of us believed and argued -- was a threat to America. But in fact we now know that Iraq did not have weapons of mass destruction when our forces invaded Iraq in 2003. The intelligence was deeply flawed and, in some cases, manipulated to fit a political agenda."

"It was a mistake to vote for this war in 2002. I take responsibility for that mistake."

You see, in the fantasy world the left spins for us, apologies are the key to salvation. Thanks in no small part to a kind media, when the left apologizes, all is made right. Nothing left to see here, move along. But this is a thinly veiled bait and switch, the switch being a challenge to the administration to follow suit:

"George Bush won't accept responsibility for his mistakes. Along with Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld, he has made horrible mistakes at almost every step: failed diplomacy; not going in with enough troops; not giving our forces the equipment they need; not having a plan for peace."

Since the perfectly-maned presidential hopeful accepts responsibility for his "mistakes", we're expected to give credance to oft-repeated leftist talking points on diplomacy (how many UN resolutions, John?), troop numbers (c'mon, we steamrolled 'em), equipment (proven not true time and time again), and inadequate planning. The "planning" meme is one that the left still feels to be essential from a PR standpoint. The administration, and rightly so, won't expose classified plans to scrutiny out of concern that doing so will jeopardize the mission. Since moonbattery adores a vacuum, the left rushes in to take advantage. The administration, being unable to respond, concedes the debate through default. It's a shamelessly dishonest game Edwards and his party plays, and he knows few can effectively call him out on it.

The switch of getting the President to "admit mistakes" has been attempted numerous times by the left. Any hint of admission by the administration so far has only resulted in even more shrill accusations from the left ("See, he admits he screwed up! Let's impeach him!") as demonstrated by the mock impeachments and calls for more investigations in spite of the fact that such investigations have continuously shown the Democrats' accusations to be baseless. The media, being more hostile to this President than any I can recall, is the all-too-willing accomplice to this charade.

As for me, I am pained to see the ineffectiveness of the White House in getting out even the most basic message. I do understand the difficulty of the President's PR task - after all, the decisions on Iraq (and the underlying policies) are vastly more complicated than the cute slogans and sound bites spewed by the left. And simple one-liners just play better in the media - even one not already driven to see this administration fail.

As I said yesterday (and others have said as well), Bush needs to follow-up aggressively. It may not cause opinion to sway much, but I can't respect not trying.

Back to Edwards - in his current rant, he would have you somehow believe that his admission of mistakes is an act of courage. But in his challenge to the President, he shows us cynisism behind the veil.

Bathing in "If I had it to do over again" doesn't make you clean. It's just revisionist. And in this life, you don't get a do-over. "Given the same situation and the same intelligence, I would vote the same way again" would have garnered a little more respect. But Mr. Edwards' willingness to completely abandon of his convictions of old to facilitate a cheap political attack just exposes his cowardice and lack of character.

Yesterday, President Bush said:

"The stakes in the global war on terror are too high, and the national interest is too important for politicians to throw out false charges. These baseless attacks send the wrong signal to our troops and to an enemy that is questioning America’s will."

Today, conservatives are still celebrating that the President finally stood up to the vile smear attacks the left have levied against him. However, there's one group who could not (or would not) hear a word of it. The left. Here's Henry Waxman's take from today:

"There are many unanswered questions about why the Bush Administration led the nation into war in Iraq. Why did the President and his top advisors make literally hundreds of misleading statements about the threat posed by Iraq? Were these honest mistakes, as the President insists, or was the intelligence deliberately twisted, as mounting evidence would indicate?"

Howard Dean:

"The fact remains that pre-war intelligence was manipulated and cherry-picked. Instead of trying to pass the buck to members of Congress, who like so many Americans were willing to trust their Commander-in-Chief, the President should tell the truth to our troops and their families about how they were sent to war."

Harry Reid called the president's comments a return to what Reid calls "his old playbook of discredited rhetoric about the war on terror."

Edward Kennedy says it is "regrettable" that the president is attacking those "who seek the truth" about how intelligence was manipulated before the war.

Nancy Pelosi says it is "never appropriate" to try to play politics with war or with veterans. She says the president is doing "a disservice" to U.S. troops and the nation by trying to silence those asking questions about putting U.S. forces in harm's way.

Oddly, Dianne Feinstein seems almost reasonable when placed against the backdrop of the above smearmongers. No mean feat, considering I've never found her to be reasonable before:

``If I knew then what I know now, I never would have voted that way,'' Feinstein said. ``I'm pretty good about trying to do my homework. . . . This was the first vote of its type for me, so it was a very big vote. And I was convinced that there was an imminent threat.''

At least she admits to supporting the war, something most of the left now runs away from.

It's obvious the President has to continue what he began Friday, and aggressively so. The left is so driven by hate that truth no longer means anything. All that matters is defeating Bush at any cost. They will continue to repeat the lies again and again depending on the persuasive power of repetition to drive the public toward untrue conclusions about the Iraq war.

Bush not only needs to push back hard and often, he needs to take the fight beyond words. Re-release the portions of the intelligence committee's report showing that the left is wrong. Scour the documents from the lead-up to the war and release those that prove that the administration didn't mislead or lie. I know lots of that stuff is classified, but surely there are lots that are no longer sensitive.

The media can't be counted on to help. The president's speech has already been relegated to the talking head shows on cable, blogs, and the op/ed pages, while the left's relentless smear campaign is still front page news. The President needs to learn a new skill - public relations. Failure to do so harms the GWOT and the effort in Iraq every bit as much as the dishonesty shown by the left does.

Advocating child abuse.

A couple of days ago, I posted about the Atheists in Foxholes parade. A commenter today let me know that he blogged on the same subject. So, being in a curious mood, I checked it out, and found(emphasis added):

"Another absurd slogan is "There are no Atheists in Foxholes." Supposedly, in the heat of battle, with death imminent, a soldier will cry out to a god even if he or she was not previously a believer. This is simply untrue, and frankly, insulting to our non-believing soldiers. In contrast to believers, atheists put their country before any god. Moreover, the notion that when one is near death -- vulnerable, helpless, scared, and weak -- one will desperately cry out to a supernatural being underscores that strong and empowered people don't need divine intervention. So isn't the crux of this slogan that belief in a god is based on fear and helpless desperation?"

I'm not so sure that many god-fearing soldiers would agree that atheists are more devoted to their country due to the virtue of not having a God in the way of their service. At least FreeThinker (that's his blog name) issued a thanks to the vets:

"Let's remember all our veterans, and the diversity of their religious beliefs -- or lack thereof."

When I remember our veterans, I just remember our veterans. I don't really care if they went to church or not. I believe that if you really appreciate the sacrifices of those who have served, religion is irrelevant. And poisoning appreciation to vets with irrelevancies and personal grievances simply overshadows the selfless with selfishness.

Update: I'm not into quoting someone's blog without credit. So I tried to trackback the post quoted above. My error log gave me:

Ping 'http://freethoughtguy.blogspot.com/2005/11/veterans-day.html' failed: HTTP error: 405 Method Not Allowed

Well, Howard Dean noticed that President Bush made a speech today. Terrific speech, too. After months upon months of moonbats smear artists like Howie spewing dishonest bile, President Bush finally fought back. And Dean shows us he has no shame:

On Veteran's Day, a day to honor the sacrifices of Americans who have so bravely served our country, President Bush chose instead to deflect from the truth and resort to political attacks, even as more Americans now doubt his honesty and his ability to handle the war in Iraq.

"While the White House continues to shamefully stonewall and hide behind their attacks, Democrats will continue to press for the truth. The President ought to be ashamed of himself. With more than 2,000 brave Americans dead to date and tens of thousands more injured, the President ought to be telling the truth to the American people. Mr. President, the best way to honor our troops is to tell the truth about why they went to war and when they can come home.

"The fact remains that pre-war intelligence was manipulated and cherry-picked. Instead of trying to pass the buck to members of Congress, who like so many Americans were willing to trust their Commander-in-Chief, the President should tell the truth to our troops and their families about how they were sent to war. In a democracy, the truth is not withheld. In a democracy our leaders provide real leadership and do not hide behind political attacks.

"Democrats stand committed to our troops and their families. Americans deserve the truth and the answers to hard questions when it comes to the decision to go to war. We can no longer stay the course. Our troops and the American people need a comprehensive plan so that success can be achieved in Iraq and our troops can come home safely."

Note to Howie: When the President said, "The stakes in the global war on terror are too high, and the national interest is too important for politicians to throw out false charges. These baseless attacks send the wrong signal to our troops and to an enemy that is questioning America’s will.", he was talking about you.

Lets hope that Bush keeps it up. The Dems have the advantage of months of repetition, and their distortions and lies about Bush and their own actions in leading up to the war have convinced many. If Bush continues to put the message out, eventually many of those mislead by the left will hopefully come to recognize the truth.

By the way - Talking about using your soapbox on cheap shots for political gain, Dean released this under the header "Dean Honors America's Veterans and Servicemembers on Veterans Day":

"While Democrats are fighting to fund combat-related trauma centers, VA medical and prosthetic research, and programs to expedite the processing of benefits claims, Republicans in Congress have stood in the way. While Democrats are fighting to get full TRICARE benefits for all members of the Guard and Reserve, which would help thousands afford health insurance for their families, the Republicans in Congress have blocked this. And, while Democrats have fought against the Bush Administration's underfunding of veterans' health care by $3.7 billion, Republicans in Congress have refused to join us.

"Together, America can do better. Our veterans deserve better. Republicans in Congress need to put aside their broken promises and empty rhetoric about supporting our veterans and join Democrats in standing up for the brave men and women who have served our country. We owe at least this much to those that have sacrificed so much for our nation."

I figured it out, Howie. That line across your forehead isn't a wrinkle, it's a circumcision scar.

While I'm not a Milblogger, I am a veteran. So this is a special day for me. I just thought I'd share the results of some Veterans Day browsing with you. I have viewed tons of veterans day links and articles, I am including only items that have impressed me in some way. In no particular order:

From President Bush:

Americans owe a great debt of gratitude to those who have sacrificed for our liberty and for the security of our Nation. We express deep appreciation to our veterans -- the men and women who stepped forward when America needed them, triumphed over brutal enemies, liberated continents, and answered the prayers of millions around the globe.

From the beaches of Normandy and the snows of Korea to the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq, our courageous veterans have sacrificed so that Americans and others could live in freedom. As we mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II this year, we remember the millions of veterans who crossed oceans and defeated two of the most ruthless military forces the world has ever known. The freedom that the children and grandchildren of these veterans now enjoy is a monument to their fallen comrades and the generations of patriots who have served our country.

Through their commitment to freedom, America's veterans have lifted millions of lives and made our country and the world more secure. They have demonstrated to us that freedom is the mightiest force on Earth. We resolve that their sacrifices will always be remembered by a grateful Nation.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service men and women have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2005, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 6 through November 12, 2005, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I urge all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to encourage and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

NFL Salutes Veterans

Statement from Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert:

R. James Nicholson, secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs

A news story about school children celebrating Veterans Day.

Some statistics from the Washington Post.

New York Jewish Times - Veterans Day Has Fresh Meaning for Iraqi Freedom Vets

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Editorial: Veterans Day / A time for reflection amid the sacrifice of war

A new Viet Nam Memorial is being dedicated today in Chicago.

A new veteran's museum in Pennsylvania.

Associated Press reminds us that there are few WW1 vets left. (If you know one, give 'em my regards and thanks)

This would be a neat project to work on.

New York Post editorial.

If you've never heard of Honor Flight, check this out. By the way, if you're in a veterans day giving mood, Honor Flight could use your help.

Moment of silence for AMEX.

The Legacy Project and the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum are launching a new exhibit called "War Letters: Lost & Found". For me, this promises to be well worth the drive to DC.

Home Depot is offering discounts to veterans.

US Airways is plussing up its "Miles of Hope" program

The VFW reminds you to thank a veteran.

So does the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

So does the commander at Fort A.P. Hill.

And the Orangeburg Times and Democrat.

A neat story from the Norwich Bulletin.

More school kids doing what school kids do best.

Editorial from the Anniston Star.

I love to see kids getting involved with vets. More kids. Still more.

Sometimes the thanks goes both ways.

Tradition at the Winchester Star.

Here's a book I want for Christmas.

I'd like to see more of this.

I've got more of these than I have time to post. So keep checking back, I'll be adding many, many more throughout the day. If you have anything to add, email me or trackback me and I'll incude it in an update.

The House GOP scuttles a vote on reducing spending after ripping out the ANWR and coastal drilling provisions.

Extending tax cuts gets no debate for now due to not enough GOP support.

And some in the Blogosphere are livid, including me.

Michelle Malkin has loads of angry letters here.

Here's a short roundup of Blogger reax:

Bulldog Pundit at Ankle Biting Pundits: "I swear to God, I'm going to go postal. I just can't take the stupidity of alleged Republican members of the US Senate. The frustration with this bunch is almost equal to the hopelessness and despair I feel as a Philadelphia sports fan."

Michelle Malkin: "Ugh. Just ugh."

Jayson at Polipundit: "I just want whatever they’re smoking over there."

Blanton at Red State: "This is a fight that the moderates cannot be allowed to win."

The Anchoress: "I can’t think of a single reason to vote to re-elect any one of you."

Neal Boortz: "Sounds like somebody faxed Howard Dean's talking points to Representative Bass' office by mistake."

Jeff Goldstein: "Today’s GOP: Just because we control Congress and the presidency doesn’t mean we’re too afraid to surrender!"

John Hawkins at Right Wing News: "Voting to allow drilling in ANWR should be the easiest decision the clowns up in Congress ever had to make -- and they still can't get it right. Pathetic, pathetic, pathetic..."

Mark Tapscott: "This one is going to spark more conservatives to throw up their hands and say "that's it, how do I change my registration to the Libertarian or Constitution party?""

Kevin Aylward of Wizbang: "The Republicans have only been in the majority 11 years, but in that time they've become every bit the disassociated fat cats that Tip O'Neil and his crew were."

Kate O'Beirne at The Corner: "Another Revolution Betrayed"

Robert Bidinotto: "Not a damned thing distinguishes the Republicans from the Democrats anymore...not a damned thing."

And I agree with all of them. I'll try and add some more later.

Update: Here's a couple more:

RightWingSparkle: "Why are Republicans such wimps and compromisers when they are in power?"

Aaron at Lifelike Pundits: "I smell another crackdown coming."

That is, if he read The Anchoress' response to the Republican Representatives who removed ANWR and coastal drilling from the budget reduction bill.

Via Lorie Byrd at Polipundit.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi about religious freedom in China:

""We commend the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom for completing a comprehensive and insightful report on religious freedom in China. The commissioners, including Chairman Michael Cromartie, as well as Preeta Bansal, and Commissioner Richard Land are with us today. They are shining a bright light on the continued crackdown on Chinese citizens who seek the freedom of religion, speech and assembly."

To Pelosi, it's OK to push for religious freedom and reforms in China. But here at home, she opposes voluntary school prayer, voted against the Pledge Protection Act, voted against faith-based intiatives.

She talks the talk, but....

This isn't politics, but really cool anyway:

A Boeing jetliner has set a new world record:

LONDON - A Boeing Co. jet arrived in London on Thursday at the end of an attempt to break the record for the longest nonstop flight by a commercial jet.

The 777-200LR Worldliner — one of Boeing's newest planes — touched down shortly after 1 p.m. (8 a.m. EST) at London's Heathrow Airport after an almost 23-hour journey of more than 12,586 miles from Hong Kong.

The flight traversed the Pacific Ocean and North America before landing in London.

Boeing said that Guinness World Records representatives would monitor the flight and attend the landing at London's Heathrow Airport.

The plane has four pilots and was carrying 35 passengers and crew, including Boeing representatives, journalists and customers.

Boeing wanted to fly the jet farther than a Boeing 747-400 that flew 10,500 miles from London to Sydney in 1989.

The record-breaking attempt is part of Boeing's fierce competition with its European rival Airbus. The Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner was designed to compete directly with the popular Airbus 340-500, which has a flight range of 10,380 miles.

After leaving Hong Kong, the Boeing jet was flying to the northern Pacific Ocean, crossing North America and cruising over the Atlantic Ocean to London, said Boeing spokesman Chuck Cadena. Hong Kong-London flights usually fly over Russia.

Having been in aviation my entire adult life, I get a charge out of new achievements. And it's rare nowadays to see any large company engage in this kind of risky showboating. But in an earlier age, this was the norm in aviation. Companies routinely engaged in one-up-manship excerises such as this that drove innovation in the industry. Most products were designed and built on speculation - something that today's bean-counter mentality won't allow.

Boeing's achievement today shows us that some of that "barnstorming" spirit is still alive.

P.S. Here's a link to the really nice website Boeing set up for the flight.

That was shouted by Jordanians in response to yesterday's attacks on 3 hotels in Amman. Additionally:

State television said a second rally was planned in the Red Sea port of Aqaba, where attackers using Katyusha rockets narrowly missed a U.S. ship and killed a Jordanian soldier in August.

This is good news. The only way we will win the GWOT is for the Islamic street to clean its own house. Public revulsion at the horrific crimes of the terrorists is a healthy and refreshing start. Let's hope it spreads.

The situation in France is improving - that is, if you call nearly 500 vehicles burned an improvement.

It appears that bribes and increased socialism has worked - for the rioters. Same as addressing a child's angry tantrum with toys or candy, the "disaffected youths" have learned how successful these tactics are with the French government. If it worked once, it will work again - so expect more riots, burning, and thuggery in the future.

Update (9:50 EST): Looks like thugs in Belgium have paid attention.

Via AP/Yahoo:

WASHINGTON - A solid phalanx of Republican moderates drove House GOP leaders to drop a hotly contested plan to open an Alaskan wilderness area to oil drilling as a sweeping budget bill headed toward a vote Thursday.

A plan to allow states to lift a moratorium on oil drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts was also axed.

"Phalanx"? Should be "Phallus". The removal of the ANWR drilling provision was spearheaded by Rep. Charles Bass of New Hampshire. And the coastal drilling part was axed due to efforts of Florida Republicans.

Note to the House: Cowardice will not solve any problems. Capitulation for political expediency ill serves the needs of your constituency. Please start serving the public who put you where you are.

Via Michelle Malkin

This is from a press release on a letter to President Bush from Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, David Obey, Henry A. Waxman, and Bennie Thompson:

We are writing to urge you to immediately terminate Michael Brown's ongoing consulting contract with the Department of Homeland Security. After Mr. Brown's dismal performance in preparing for and responding to Hurricane Katrina, your Administration's decision to continue paying Mr. Brown an annual salary of $148,000 is inexplicable and a gross waste of taxpayer dollars.

After being relieved of his Katrina-related duties, Mr. Brown resigned as Undersecretary of Emergency Preparedness and Response on September 12. Two weeks later, Mr. Brown testified before Congress and confirmed that he was continuing to receive his salary as a consultant to FEMA. (1) Amazingly, he had been asked to stay on the payroll for 30 days in order to determine what went wrong with FEMA's response to Hurricane Katrina. The Department of Homeland Security justified the contract by saying that Mr. Brown was "transitioning out of his job" and that FEMA needed to get a "proper download of his experience."(2)

Now, we have learned that Mr. Brown's contract has been extended for another 30 days. That is unacceptable. Incredibly, Secretary Chertoff defended the decision to retain Mr. Brown by saying, "We don't want to sacrifice the real ability to get a full picture of Mike's experiences."(3)

Lets see... Michael Brown resigned on Sept. 12 with a 30 day notice, which was extended 30 days, (sound of calendar flipping), (sound of calculator keys), Hmmmm. His time is up in TWO DAYS!!! Yup - looks like just a cheap press stunt for political points.

D'ya think Nancy will claim credit for Brown leaving at the end of this week?

Hope for Peace & Justice, a Dallas based left-leaning group, shows a real talent for spin when it comes to the Texas Marriage Amendment.

DALLAS, Nov. 9 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Reverend Michael S. Piazza, president of Hope for Peace & Justice, a faith-based organization headquartered in Dallas, Texas, noted today that only eight percent of all Texans support banning gay marriage in the state. Of the more than 22 million citizens of Texas, only 1.7 million voted in favor of Constitutional Amendment Two, the so-called Texas "Marriage Amendment."

"Ninety-two percent of all Texans either voted against Constitutional Amendment Two or didn't vote at all," Rev. Piazza said.

With such an ability to stretch, I bet he'd be popular at a taffy pull.

Update 5:25 p.m.: At least one church doesn't care about the will of the people in Texas:

"The Cathedral of Hope has been marrying same-sex couples for 35 years, and we will continue to do so," said Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson, rector and senior pastor of the Cathedral. "Constitutional Amendment Two cannot and will not stop us from offering God's blessing upon a loving relationship between two people of the same gender. Unfortunately, what we can not offer them are the more than 1,100 civil rights and protections that are offered the opposite-sex couples that we also marry."

The Cathedral of Hope, based in Dallas, Texas, is the world's largest liberal Christian church with a primary outreach to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

By the way, the Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson is on the board of directors for Hope for Peace & Justice.

A group called wakeupwalmart.com is putting out an attack ad on Wal Mart that features Tom Delay, Bill Frist, and Scooter Libby.

The ad can be viewed here.

This vile and vicious smear is simply disgusting. None of these three have had their day in court, characterizing them in this way is dishonest and only serves to undermine the justice system. And interesting that there is a blatant anti-Republican flavor to an ad that has nothing to do with politics. I wonder who funded this ad? Oh. I see.

Update: fixed link above. Sorry.

Update 2: The United Food and Commercial Workers bunch probably aren't buddies with these two.

If you have a desire to protest - after all, it's all the rage nowadays - but nothing that's, well, important to protest about, then try protesting old adages and cliches:

There Are Atheists in Foxholes, Says Institute for Humanist Studies; VeteransDay Event in Nation's Capital to Honor Military Atheists

Yes, Jason Torpy of Ohio is really upset over the antiquated phrase "There are no atheists in foxholes". Never mind that it's just an expression that refers more to fear than God, and it's hardly used anymore:

"There are atheists in foxholes," said atheist Jason Torpy of Ohio, a retired U.S. Army Captain. He now serves as president of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, an Internet-based support network for non-theistic service members.

On Nov. 10-11, Torpy will join other atheist veterans and active duty service members to participate in a Washington D.C. event honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces and who do not believe in God or gods. On Friday, Nov. 11, there will be a Veterans Day "Atheists in Foxholes" parade and rally on the National Mall, starting at 11 a.m.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Kathleen Johnson, an atheist on active duty at Fort Hood, Texas, is unhappy about the uncommon phrase as well:

"I am personally insulted by the use of that phrase (There are no atheists in foxholes)"

And so is Duncan Creary:

"Religious bias and ignorance leads many journalists and editors to think it's OK to falsely report that there are no atheists in foxholes -- or, more recently, hurricane zones," said Duncan Crary, communications director of the Institute for Humanist Studies.

Although the phrase, widely used during the first two world wars, has all but disappeared from the language, the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers apparently feels that its use hasn't disappeared fast enough. So they're having a protest march:

On Nov. 10-11, Torpy will join other atheist veterans and active duty service members to participate in a Washington D.C. event honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces and who do not believe in God or gods. On Friday, Nov. 11, there will be a Veterans Day "Atheists in Foxholes" parade and rally on the National Mall, starting at 11 a.m.

In other news, the British Astronomer's Association is holding a candlelight vigil in London this weekend to protest the antiquated phrase "The sun never sets on the British empire". Niles Blackthorn, director of the BAA, explains the rationale behind the group's activism:

"We find that phrase "The sun never sets on the British empire" insulting and completely false. Why, if it were true, we astronomers would never get any work done!"

From Al-Reuters:

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A lawyer for one of Saddam Hussein's co-defendants was to be buried on Wednesday amid concern that the killing undermines the credibility of the former president's trial for crimes against humanity.

If you'll recall, Saddam's lawyers blamed the Iraqi government for the killing:

Saddam's main lawyer, Khalil al-Dulaimi, blamed the government for Tuesday's attack, telling Al-Jazeera television that the shooting was carried by "an armed group using government vehicles."

Like I said before, this is just a delay tactic. It flies in the face of reason to believe that the Iraqi government would jeopardize the credibility of Saddam's trial. There are enough crimes committed by Hussein and his pals to keep them in jail through trial after trial until they die of old age even if they never get a conviction.

But the trials are important for Iraq's efforts to stand up as a democracy. More delays would harm that effort. Hopefully they'll get past this episode quickly and get back to delivering the justice that the Iraqi people (and the rest of the world as well) deserve.

Via AP/Yahoo:

PARIS - France's storm of rioting lost strength Wednesday, with car burnings falling nearly by half, police said. But looters and vandals still defied a state of emergency with attacks on superstores, a newspaper warehouse and a subway station.

It's not clear whether the invocation of France's 50 year old emergency law lessened the violence, or if the riots had just run their course. Interesting to me is how French officials are covering all bases with their spin of the unrest:

Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, detailing the measures to parliament on Tuesday, said riot police faced "determined individuals, structured gangs, organized criminality." Police say rioters have been using mobile phone text messages and the Internet to organize arson attacks.

But previously, he said:

Villepin said he wanted to speed up a $35.5 billion urban redevelopment plan, triple the number of merit scholarships for talented students and offer jobs, training or internships to disadvantaged young people.

"We must offer them hope and a future," he said.

Makes sense to me. Who wouldn't want to offer hope and a future to "determined individuals, structured gangs, organized criminality"?

Via AP/Yahoo, apparently the extra police and curfews are having little effect on the rioters:

Rioters ignored the extraordinary security measures, which began Wednesday, as they looted and burned two superstores, set fire to a newspaper office and paralyzed France's second largest city's subway system with a gasoline bomb.

Meanwhile, the French government continues to spin in circles:

Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, tacitly acknowledging that France has failed to live up to its egalitarian ideals, reached out to the heavily immigrant suburbs where the rioting began. He said France must make a priority of working against the discrimination that feeds the frustration of youths made to feel that they do not belong in France.

"We must be lucid: The Republic is at a moment of truth," Villepin told parliament. "The effectiveness of our integration model is in question." He called the riots "a warning" and "an appeal."

There are some signs that the violence may have peaked and is declining:

"The intensity of this violence is on the way down," National Police Chief Michel Gaudin said, citing fewer attacks on public buildings and fewer direct clashes between youths and police. He said rioting was reported in 226 towns across France, compared to nearly 300 the night before.

If this is indeed the turning point, as I expected, expect the violence to die down quickly. Absolutely none of the underlying problems will be addressed, and these thugs will organize to commit organized Al-Qaeda - style attacks. This isn't going away anytime soon.

Via AP/Yahoo:

Another Saddam Co-Defendant's Lawyer Slain

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Three gunmen in a speeding car killed a lawyer for a co-defendant in Saddam Hussein's trial and wounded another Tuesday in Baghdad, a member of the defense team and police said. It was the second assassination of a Saddam defense team lawyer in less than a month.

Saddam's lawyers are blaming it on the Iraqi Government:

Saddam's main lawyer, Khalil al-Dulaimi, blamed the government for Tuesday's attack, telling Al-Jazeera television that the shooting was carried by "an armed group using government vehicles."

"The aim of these organized attacks is to scare Arab and foreign lawyers," al-Dulaimi said. "We call upon the international community, on top of them the Secretary-General of the United Nations, to send an investigative committee because the situation is unbearable."

I can't imagine that he really believes it - it's just a good excuse to introduce more delays into the trial.

According to some in the fantasy world of the Daily Kos, Bush is responsible for the French riots.

Why not? These hate-filled zealots blame Bush for everything else...

Via Little Green Footballs.

WASHINGTON - The State Department, in a report being released Tuesday, cites Saudi Arabia and seven other countries as restricting religious freedom.

Also Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Vietnam.

I'm shocked.

The politics of appeasement - alive and well in France:

President Jacques Chirac, in private comments more conciliatory than his warnings Sunday that rioters would be caught and punished, acknowledged in a meeting Monday with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga that France has not integrated immigrant youths, she said.

Chirac deplored the "ghettoization of youths of African or North African origin" and recognized "the incapacity of French society to fully accept them," said Vike-Freiberga.

France "has not done everything possible for these youths, supported them so they feel understood, heard and respected," Chirac added, noting that unemployment runs as high as 40 percent in some suburbs, four times the national rate, according to Vike-Freiberga.

And from Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin :

Villepin said he wanted to speed up a $35.5 billion urban redevelopment plan, triple the number of merit scholarships for talented students and offer jobs, training or internships to disadvantaged young people.

"We must offer them hope and a future," he said.

Maybe they should offer each of the rioters a new car as well. Uh, never mind - there's a car shortage right now.

In the meantime, tourism is expected to suffer as France is given the leper colony treatment:

The list of foreign governments urging tourists to exercise caution in France is growing, with Australia, Austria, Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Denmark, Slovakia and the Czech Republic on Monday joining the United States, Russia and Hungary in issuing warnings to avoid riot-hit areas, especially at night. None are advising travelers to avoid France altogether — at least, not yet.

Via The Smoking Gun:

As if the Michael Jackson story wasn't tasteless enough, Actress Dawn Westlake and Bruce Rheins, the CBS News producer covered the Jackson child molestation case, want to sell wine under the name of "Jesus Juice". The label features a Michael Jackson look-a-like in a pose resembling a crucifix.

I will not post the logo (too offensive), but you may see it here.

I just can't see this being a hit.

Oh, by the way... The wine is a merlot. This screams for a joke about "merlot democrats" and maybe Howard Dean. Post your original best along with the name of your favorite charity in the comments. My lovely bride, TB, will pick the best by tomorrow around dinnertime (7 p.m. EST). We'll give 20 bucks to the charity chosen by the winner.

Update (5:04 p.m. 07 Nov 05): Mark Tapscott, on the involvement of Bruce Rheins: "There are the obvious conflict of interest issues here, but even more important is what the situation suggests about the cultural perspectives within the CBS News organization."

I couldn't agree more.

Further evidence of the superiority of socialism in France

Via AP/Yahoo:

French to Impose Curfews, Deploy Forces

You'd think they would have thought of this a few days ago...

While most of the news seems focused on other topics, the troops keep doing their job. And doing it very well, by all indications. Example:

Al-Qaida in Iraq, meanwhile, warned the Iraqi government Monday to halt the offensive against Husaybah, a market town along the Euphrates River about 200 miles northwest of Baghdad, within 24 hours or see "the earth ... shake beneath their feet."

"Let them know that the price will be very heavy," al-Qaida said in a statement posted on an Islamist Web site. Its authenticity could not be confirmed.

While some on the left will no doubt take this as a sign that our presence is causing terrorism, I take it as a sign that the terrorists are worried. And that means we are winning.

I know it's been out for a couple of days, so forgive me if you've already heard about Jimmy Massey, the Marine Sgt who wrote a book about alleged atrocities committed in Iraq. I first heard about it from Gateway Pundit. Michelle Malkin is also covering the story and has a terrific roundup.

Being retired military, this disgusts me far beyond what folks who haven't served are likely to experience. Actions like this embolden our enemies and cause American lives to be lost.

I wonder if he was still on active duty (or inactive reserve) when he started writing his book? Maybe the Marines could call him back for a lawyer party.

By the way - I work with several retired Marines who are quick to tell you that there's no such thing as a "former" Marine. I wonder if they'd entertain an exception in Mr. Massey's case?

Over 1400 vehicles burned in 274 towns Monday as French rioting continued for the 12th day. More disturbing is this:

Apparent copycat attacks spread to other European cities for the first time, with five cars torched outside Brussels' main train station, police in the Belgian capital said.

I doubt that the spread outside of France will have much traction. The rest of Europe has watched the situation closely and will be better prepared than the Chirac government to deal with any violence before it escalates.

Question for the readers - could this happen here in the USA? What could be done to prevent it?

I look forward to your comments.

The situation in France continued to be out of control today - shots fired at police, over 300 cars set ablaze not just near Paris but across several towns. This is day 11 of the unrest.

President Jacques Chirac has vowed to restore order:

"The Republic is quite determined, by definition, to be stronger than those who want to sow violence or fear," Chirac said after a domestic security council met to respond to the violence in which thousands of cars have gone up in flames.

Would that he had such resolve against terror. The Muslim community has spoken out as well:

One of France's largest Islamic groups, the Union of French Islamic Organizations (UOIF), issued a fatwa against rioting on Sunday after officials suggested Muslim militants could be partly to blame for the violence.

"It is formally forbidden to any Muslim seeking divine grace and satisfaction to participate in any action that blindly hits private or public property or could constitute an attack on someone's life," the fatwa said.

No, I'm not going to say it (but I'm thinking it, and so are you). Personally, I feel that this is close to a peak, if today wasn't it already. Expect it to die down quickly when it turns. But this will not go away. It will fester below a veneer of relative quiet, and resurface as something more resembling terrorism.

As far as I'm concerned, this is just more proof that multiculturalism breeds misunderstanding, undermines nationalism, and fosters downright hatred. The failure of the French government to quell the violence has allowed the situation to evolve into class warfare. Had France worked harder to integrate these people into French society and culture as a condition of naturalization, much of the frustration the ethnic minorities now feel would have been avoided.

Other nations would be foolish not to take note.

Wow. I take a week off to move and look what happens - the Spinster of Spittle Spewing Speeches goes to San Francisco to embrace everything her son didn't. Please go here to see photos and video courtesy of Zombie, who braved the moonbatty minions to show everyone what the MSM would never show.

Highlights include some of Cindy's speech in which she insists the folks who killed her son aren't terrorists - they're her "brothers and sisters". Considering the boost her son's death gave her career and the fun she's now having, I guess it's just natural for her to be grateful to the terrorists for helping her out.

If you go to the "The World Can't Wait" web site, you'll see one of the most definitive lists of nutbags ever. Here are some the folks and groups Cindy is currently aligned with:

Mumia Abu-Jamal (convicted cop-killer)

Aris Anagnos (Wealthy supporter of Marxist and Communist causes)

Edward Asner (Actor turned Moonbat)

Axis of Justice (Listen to this and this to get an idea of what they're about)

William Ayers (a terrorist who bombed government buildings during the 70s)

Aimee Allison (conscientious objector - Desert Shield/Storm)

Ed Begley, Jr (Actor turned moonbat)

Father Luis Barrios (Mumia Supporter)

Bob Bossie (advocates desertion, insubordination, mutiny)

Elombe Brath (another "free Mumia" type)

Campus Anti-War Network (violently attacks military recuiters)

Che Cafe ('nuff said)

Citizens For Legitimate Government (tin-foil hat types of the "Bush caused 9/11" variety, also very bitter that Gore lost)

DC Anti-War Network (primarily anti-military, but have branched out into BDS and other areas. My favorite quote from their web site: "An important and very sad part of the situation is how the American press has become the propaganda mouthpiece of Bush and the neocons, especially in their refusal to cover the myriad of non-violent efforts of both the Palestinian and Iraqi peoples to get rid of their respective occupations...")

Victor Toro Ramirez (Terrorist Supporter)

Michael Ratner (Lawyer for terrorists)

Rev. John Fife (helps illegals evade the U.S. Border Patrol)

Robin D.G. Kelley (Communist)

C. Clark Kissinger (Maoist, member Revolutionary Communist Party)

National Lawyers Guild (defends terrorists, illegal immigrants)

Not in Our Name (believes Katrina was man-made)

The Network in Solidarity with the People of the Philippines (communist)

Sunsara Taylor (Revolutionary Communist Youth Brigade)

There are lots more, but I think you get the idea.

I'd like to say congrats to Michelle Malkin on the release of her new book, "Unhinged: Exposing Liberals Gone Wild". This promises to be very entertaining, and I'm going to pick up my copy this weekend, if TB will give me a break from unpacking...

We're big fans of Michelle around here. TB and I read her blog daily, and we always try to catch her on TV when we can. Even my 7 year old daughter knows who she is from having seen the picture on Michelle's blog so many times. We wish her success with "Unhinged", and continued success in the future!

Sorry for being down much longer than I had hoped. The move has been a little more challenging than past moves.

I do have internet hooked up at the new place now, so I should be able to start posting more regularly. But not today. TB and I are gonna be unpacking boxes...

Have a terrific day!