ThinkFast: August 29, 2006
ThinkFast: August 29, 2006
President Bush’s trip to Biloxi, MS, yesterday was “carefully scripted by the White House” and “left little possibility of the president encountering much anger over the federal reconstruction efforts.” Several of the people with whom he met were “clutching pictures of themselves being consoled by the president in the aftermath of the storm last September.”
“The oldest detainee at Guantanamo Bay — an Afghan man who is at least 71 and hobbled around the U.S. prison in Cuba using a walker — has been sent home.”
“Israel has appointed a top general to oversee a war against Iran, prompting speculation that it is preparing for possible military action against Tehran’s nuclear program. Maj. Gen. Elyezer Shkedy, Israel’s air force chief, will be overall commander for the ‘Iran front.’”
Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev — “an autocrat who runs a nation that is anything but free” and is accused in U.S. court of pocketing some $75 million in bribes — will be hosted next month at the White House and the Bush family compound in Maine.
“With parts of South Dakota at its epicenter, a severe drought has slowly sizzled a large swath of the Plains States, leaving farmers and ranchers with conditions that they compare to those of the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s.”
BP is under investigation by U.S. authorities for possible manipulation of crude oil and gasoline markets. BP is already facing civil and criminal investigations, including examination of “an Alaskan oil spill and a 2005 Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 people. The U.S. government in June alleged BP traders attempted to manipulate propane prices.”
Dozens were killed yesterday in the “most brazen clashes in recent memory” between the Iraqi Army and members of a militia loyal to Moktada al-Sadr, the radical Shiite cleric. It was “clear” that Sadr’s militia had won; an Iraqi general said “a group of soldiers who’d run out of ammunition were executed in front of residents in a public square,” while others “were captured and beheaded.”
According to a new study, outside advisory panels to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration typically serve as “rubber stamps” for companies seeking approval of drugs and medical devices. “The report follows criticism by members of Congress including Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) that the FDA fails to sufficiently scrutinize drug safety.”
On the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, FEMA is still trying to fill vacancies to better prepare for the next disaster. Hiring new employees has “been a slower process than I thought,” said FEMA Director R. David Paulison.
And finally: One long-suffering Beltway commuter got some sweet release this morning. Maryland electrician Dan Ruefly won a contest to detonate a Potomac River bridge that “has long been one of the worst traffic bottlenecks in a region notorious for gridlock.” “Asked if he had thought about blowing up the bridge before, Ruefly said, ‘Hasn’t everybody in Washington, D.C.?’”
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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The Bush images from NOLA are very disturbing. They are clearly propaganda for the history books. Jesus Christ how did this happen?
August 29th, 2006 at 9:07 amThe Yes Men strike again…
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/001432.php
(I love these guys)
August 29th, 2006 at 9:10 amAs for Bush love for Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev?
Sounds to me like
Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev
is a terrorist.
August 29th, 2006 at 9:11 amThe DLC are Frauds sez:
We let it happen. Bush blatantly stole the election in 2000, and we accepted it like th esheep we are, when we should have been rioting in the streets.
Every society gets the government they deserve. We deserve to live in a fascist dictatorship because we stood by and did nothing as a fascist cabal hijacked our country.
We’re to blame, and until we take action to set it right, everything perpetrated by these criminals is ultimately our responsibility.
August 29th, 2006 at 9:15 amTripMaster Monkey
I’ve been very angry at Democrats for not being more vocal about campaign finance and election reform. The bottom line is do you trust your vote is being counted fairly?
August 29th, 2006 at 9:32 amFact is, I’m not sure. The Democrats aren’t gonna save us so I’ll just protest at my local voting precinct to raise awareness of election issues. Last election I voted in a Republican primary because my district is 85% Republican. While voting I told them I was a Democrat voting for the less evil Republican. The Republican table was very aggressive and I left with a sinking feeling these guys would do anything to win.
Tuesday, 7 March 2006,
The South Dakota law – approved by the governor on Monday – makes it a crime for doctors to perform terminations.
—————————————————
MITCHELL, S.D. — With parts of South Dakota at its epicenter, a severe drought has slowly sizzled a large swath of the Plains States, leaving farmers and ranchers with conditions that they compare to those of the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s.
—————————————————
Hmmmmmm………wonder what Pat Robertson has to say about this?
August 29th, 2006 at 9:41 amesus Christ how did this happen?
If He were walking the streets of America today Corporate Media would not report it. His message of peace, love and acceptance runs counter to the rulling elites’ lust for power and wealth.
August 29th, 2006 at 9:44 amDLC,
Speaking of election frauds, did you see the story about Dennis Hastert swearing in Brian Bilbray from CA (re: special election for California’s 50th Congressional District) before the election was certified by local officials? Seems some of the voting machines were taken home by election volunteers up to 12 days prior to the election.
A suit has been filed to look into it, but the Repubs are calling for dismissal, saying that the issue is dead since Bilbray has already been sworn in. They basically say that Article 1, Sec. 5 of the Constitution gives Congress the authority to bypass local certification.
I posted something about this in yesterday’s ThinkFast, but didn’t get any bites. One other thing…when this was posted on Crooks and Liars, no member of the American press had reported on it. It was reported by a foreign news organization.
More here.
August 29th, 2006 at 9:46 amHis message of peace, love and acceptance runs counter to the rulling elites’ lust for power and wealth.
Comment by Briseadh na Faire
The people who profess to await his return would hang him in the proverbial village square.
August 29th, 2006 at 9:51 amIf He were walking the streets of America today Corporate Media would not report it. His message of peace, love and acceptance runs counter to the rulling elites’ lust for power and wealth.
Comment by Briseadh na Faire — August 29, 2006 @ 9:44 am
Funny you should say this. I sometimes wonder if most people would notice at all. Members of the church I attend with my wife and her family (they are members; I am not) have been known to get up and walk out if the church service lasts past 60 minutes. Those who do stay usually end up grumbling about it later. And here I thought they went to church to hear the word of God and worship together. Never dreamed they’d put a time limit on it.
August 29th, 2006 at 9:54 amGood posts. TMM & DLC, I have been enraged by our countries state of affairs for over 5 year’s…Millions of dollars are spent on corrupt campaigning, lieing photo op’s and mud slinging….Trouble is most are being spoon fed lies on their local news clips supported by the reich wing…..It takes time and real effort to get the true fact’s on all issues and at the end of the day most people are to tired and not equipt to ferret out what’s real and what’s lies…….
I have been upset with both parties..First off there does not seem to be any true conservtives any more, only neocons. Second the Dem’s have been silent to long…Both parties are so polluted it is hard to find a few good people to run our country……Our divisions are great and little is left of the standing together for a good cause like saving our constitution, country and her people……
We are being led by waramongers on a steady path to total dictatorship…..Look’s like that was their plan in the begining…….Blessings
August 29th, 2006 at 9:56 amAnd here I thought they went to church to hear the word of God and worship together. Never dreamed they’d put a time limit on it.
Comment by WC
They’re just “doing time,” WC. If they were there to listen, the precher woul dhave to be a comedian. In my childhood, my family went to church — they still do — I listened to what the reacher had to say, and that’s why I left.
August 29th, 2006 at 10:00 amSorry about the horrendous keyboarding. The cat is “helping” this morning.
August 29th, 2006 at 10:01 am#8 – WC, I bit and sent it out – just didn’t comment. It will be interesting to see what Denny’s response will be if the election results are tossed out. The media has been too busy reporting on a story that is a far greater threat to democracy than election rigging – the Ramsey case – and they didn’t even get the real story on that right. It should be a story on how easily the MSM is duped by and commits countless hours of airtime to any fool who claims to be involved in the disappearance of a white girl. I am surprised that TP didn’t pick up this story though.
August 29th, 2006 at 10:02 amGood Morning Zooey and BnF, great posts also, …Quite ill and slow today, posting is taking to long…..Checked in briefly yesterday, most threads were to full of troll’s for me to tolerate.I send Blessings to all and am out untill I feel better..
August 29th, 2006 at 10:03 amGood morning, Sharon
Sorry you’re not feeling well. Hope it’s nothing serious. Have that pup bring you dinner for a change. Hope you’re feeling better soon. :-)
August 29th, 2006 at 10:04 amthis would be good:
Ahmadinejad challenges Bush to TV debate
Tue Aug 29, 2006 2:25 PM BST
TEHRAN (Reuters) – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad voiced defiance on Tuesday as a deadline neared for Iran to halt work the West fears is a step towards building nuclear bombs, and challenged U.S. President George W. Bush to a televised debate.
August 29th, 2006 at 10:06 am…
what’s the average catch-up rate, if at all, to california?
Assembly approves universal health care
Passage of bill seen as election-year test for Schwarzenegger
Lynda Gledhill, Chronicle Sacramento Bureau
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
(08-29) 04:00 PDT Sacramento — The Democratic-controlled Legislature is on the verge of sending Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger a bill that would create a state-run universal health care system, testing him on an issue that voters rate as one of their top concerns in this election year.
August 29th, 2006 at 10:11 amOT – Ernesto and GTMO,
I’ve always been concerned these last few years about hurricanes passing through the detention facility where, among the guilty people, some innocent people are being held without due process. I had been concerned that they were being held outside, even during the storms, because I honestly believed that our government would do that to another human being (especially ones they don’t view as “human”.)
I’m happy to say my concerns were wrong and baseless. I found this article:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/world/4147736.html
and they had this to say:
[Ernesto] was expected to regain strength after passing over Cuba near the prison at the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay where about 445 inmates were safe inside their windowless or storm-hardened cells.
So at least I finally learned something that eased my mind somewhat.
August 29th, 2006 at 10:19 am445 inmates were safe inside their windowless or storm-hardened cells.
Comment by Wayne A. Schneider
Where they will spend the time being beaten bloody, raped, water boarded, and sexually humiliated. Thank god they’re safe from Ernesto.
August 29th, 2006 at 10:23 amper wikipedia: “Although [Kazakhstan President Nazarbayev] had professed to being an atheist, during his presidential term he has tried to magnify his “Muslim heritage” while trying to combat Islamic extremism.”
how’s that gonna fly with the christian right?
August 29th, 2006 at 10:24 amWayne,
I’m glad they were protected from the storm. But, my mind is not at ease knowing the prisoners at Gitmo are in windowless cells.
August 29th, 2006 at 10:25 amLawyers to subpoena WH in Wiretap Case!!!
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/BREAKING__Bush_White_House_subpoenaed_0829.html
August 29th, 2006 at 10:29 amBut, my mind is not at ease knowing the prisoners at Gitmo are in windowless cells.
Comment by Zooey — August 29, 2006 @ 10:25 am
At least one 71 y/o was sent free. What the hell is wrong with the US letting terrorists wander free again? /sarcasm
August 29th, 2006 at 10:32 amhow’s that gonna fly with the christian right?
Comment by pgw — August 29, 2006 @ 10:24 am
As long as they keep buying weapons made in America, Id say pretty neat.
August 29th, 2006 at 10:34 amI have read a lot of posts in the past few days that reveals to me that a lot of the voting public, mostly democrats and progressives, are thinking of voting in just the way that the republicrats want them to.
They are going to desert their party, and their beliefs in the stupid belief that “my vote will show em”.
Wrongo folks. In this manner the neo-cons and the religious fanatics will get re-elected. They are counting on your being fed up, in fact, they are promoting it.
The opposition will vote right along party lines while the dems and progressives flit all over the ballot, use the write-in vote, and ruin ANY CHANCE WHATSOEVER of returning amurka back into a democracy.
Please, please dont fall into the puke trap. You wont come out smelling like a rose.
August 29th, 2006 at 10:34 amI have read a few comments about what could and would happen to the inmates at Gitmo in the event a hurricane hit there. It aint pretty folks, but the truth of the matter is that they would all be locked in their cells and all amurkan personnel would be evacuated.
I have an old friend who works in the Federal Prison Industries furniture manufactuing plant in Lompoc. He told me year ago that the policy, instituted under the Reagan Administration year ago, in the event of a flood, tornado, fire or any other disaster is the following:
The prisoners are all to be locked in their dorms, or cells, or whatever and the guards are to board buses and leave the area to safety. The prisoners be damned.
That’s it folks.
August 29th, 2006 at 10:45 amJust thoughts…
I was thinking this morning about the realization that the federal government no longer serves the people. We will be left on our own when extreme weather hits our neighborhoods…tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, droughts, fire…have I left anything out? In a matter of minutes, each one of us could be rendered helpless at the mercy of mother earth. Literally, alone. Are you sure who you vote for in your regional elections, serve you as their constituents? How about on the state level? This fight MUST BEGIN at HOME.
August 29th, 2006 at 10:53 amComment by Quadrajet — August 29, 2006 @ 10:02 am
Hey Quadrajet! Good to see you. Yep, I heard on the news this morning that Karr was being let go, at least regarding the Ramsey case. I’m still curious, as others are, why he was able to enjoy shrimp and champagne on the flight to the U.S. Treated like royalty. And as contributer Worfeus pointed out on another thread, why was a DHS agent on the flight? It is suggested that Rove somehow had a hand in this, as the story broke during a week of really bad news for Bush.
Speaking of Rove, someone recently pointed out that since the British foiled the infamous suspected terrorist plot, there has been an increase in the number of airline threats in our country. Just yesterday a flight from Philadelphia to Houston was diverted to our local airport because a note was found onboard that said a bomb was on the plane. Nothing was found.
As for Hastert’s doings, they just get away with more and more s___ and nobody seems to care. Just this morning I was reading a Letter to the Editor in our local paper in which a citizen of our community suggested a weekly columnist (local resident), who is a frequent Bush critic, should consider herself lucky that she is able to print an “Anti-American” column.
As Sharon would say…Blessings. We all need them.
August 29th, 2006 at 11:03 amTHIS is why I am completely disgusted and have zero patience with global warming naysayers,
Washington State’s Glaciers are Melting, and That Has Scientists Concerned
August 29th, 2006 at 11:19 amOMG – careful what you say…
Activist’s Remark Starts FBI Probe By Jim Suhr
August 29th, 2006 at 11:27 amThe Associated Press
HEY ALL – you do all realize the shear amount of newsworthy stuff out there and the utter chaos surrounding all of it, this is clearly a neoCON tactic. I just realized ALL THE FRONTS we are BATTLING AGAINST. ITS EVERYWHERE. AND I MEAN EVERYWHERE!
WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?????
August 29th, 2006 at 11:33 am“a citizen of our community suggested a weekly columnist (local resident), who is a frequent Bush critic, should consider herself lucky that she is able to print an “Anti-American†column.”
Comment by WC — August 29, 2006 @ 11:03 am
Always good to see you and read your thoughts WC. The stupidity of these folks is stunning isn’t it? In one sentence this fool basically says that being critical of the government is our right as Americans, and then calls the writer ‘anti-American’ for being critical of the government.
August 29th, 2006 at 11:41 amNot sure if anybody caught this yesterday but:
CNN
August 28, 2006
No DNA match, no JonBenet charges
http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/08/28/ramsey.arrest/index.html
This guy used the United States of Fear to get out of Thailand where he really did do something and was facing the death penalty. This scumbag needs to be sent back and hung by his balls until he dies.
Now the ticker on CNN.com is saying:
Does Mary Lacy have some tie to Karl Rove, because she did his bidding very well.
August 29th, 2006 at 12:24 pmwhy was a DHS agent on the flight?
Comment by WC — August 29, 2006 @ 11:03 am
Just read that the D.A. in Boulder requested the DHS on the flight. Still gets a “hmmm” from me.
August 29th, 2006 at 1:01 pmThere was a DHS agent on the flight because this is a Karl Rove concocted BS story.
August 29th, 2006 at 1:03 pmDoes Mary Lacy have some tie to Karl Rove, because she did his bidding very well.
Comment by Spudge_Boy — August 29, 2006 @ 12:24 pm
Well, since our government (read: Bush) pushed the Brits to move in on the alleged terrorists a week early, I wouldn’t be surprised. Also wouldn’t be surprised if members of our government (read: Rove) had some insider info to an upcoming announcement regarding the Ramsey case.
August 29th, 2006 at 1:06 pmDon’t misunderstand me, friends. I am still very, very concerned about the treatment of the GTMO detainees at the hands of US personnel. I’m just glad to hear that this treatment did not include leaving them outside in fenced holding pens during a hurricane. As I indicated, i would not have put that past this administration given their complete disregard for human life.
Peace to all.
August 29th, 2006 at 1:28 pmI’m amazed that no one on the thread has even commented on the impending drought in the Midwest. New Orleans, Gitmo, etc. are nothing compared to the implications of wiping out the bread basket of the world.
August 29th, 2006 at 1:45 pmYet another photo opp for the decider.1st. anniversery of Katrina disaster and ignore brought to you by distroyer in charge gwbush…Geeeeees I am sick of this sob…….Put Laura up there first so people will not start throwing shoes at him…..1 million for a library, chump change for the waramonger in charge…Let’s see if Frit’s put’s that tidy amount on another supplemental for this royal hijacker, bush, or if it’s cut during the process…….
Hay bull shit, where’s your buddy Osama.?…..1 year and counting on Katrina…3+ year’s and counting on the Iraq nightmare….Eternal Peace for 2,618 forced on them by bush/rummy/cheney/rove and rice…..Miserable bunch we have in charge……Mean while back at the ranch in Wyoming (cheney hide out) the war drums are on continious beating for Iran……
Can we stop this cancer please…..Yes, if we stick together and demand our politicians do their job’s…..Keep the best and cull the rest………
Latest bombardment is they caught the Mormon guy they were looking for…Crap another week of dumb shit new’s….Just like most of us figured that nut bag Kerr was lieing…..Blessings all…….Peace now……Impeach or imprison either work’s for me…
August 29th, 2006 at 1:51 pm[...] (source : Think Progress) … [...]
August 29th, 2006 at 5:36 pmOne long-suffering Beltway commuter got some sweet release this morning. Maryland electrician Dan Ruefly won a contest to detonate a Potomac River bridge…
That just makes me tingly all over. I wish it were me…I wish it were me…
August 29th, 2006 at 10:40 pm