ThinkFast: June 9, 2008
ThinkFast: June 9, 2008
President Bush “is increasingly drawing on selected events of the past to argue that history will vindicate him.” Unfortunately for the president, “many historians have already reached a conclusion. In an informal survey of scholars this spring, just two out of 109 historians said Bush would be judged a success; a majority deemed him the ‘worst president ever.’”
The Washington Post’s Walter Pincus points out that the Senate Intelligence Committee report on prewar intelligence released last week contained no review of the White House Iraq Group, a 2002 pre-war operation that included Scooter Libby, Karl Rove, and Condoleezza Rice. Former Press Secretary Scott McClellan writes this group was used to “pursue a political propaganda campaign to sell the war to the American people.”
Most Americans feel the American Dream has unraveled, “that their once steady march toward affluence has derailed.” A new USA Today poll finds that 54 percent of those surveyed say “their standard of living is no better today than five years ago.”
78 percent: Those questioned in a new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey out this morning who rate the economic conditions as poor. “That’s up from 75 percent in March. Only 22 percent rate the economic conditions in the country as good.”
On the trail today: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is planning a series of fundraising stops in Virginia and Washington D.C. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) is kicking off a two-week “Change That Works For You” tour at the North Carolina State fairgrounds, where he speaks at 11 am this morning.
“World military spending grew 45 percent in the past decade, with the United States accounting for nearly half of all expenditures,” according to a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. With $547 billion spent last year, the U.S. accounts for 45 percent of global expenditures. The next biggest spenders account “for just four to five percent of world military costs each.”
In a trip to Iran yesterday, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that he “will not allow Iraq to become a platform for harming the security of Iran and its neighbors.” Maliki was seeking to “soothe Iranian opposition to a long-term American military presence in Iraq.”
A new report by UCLA’s Williams Institute says that “[m]ore than 12,000 same-sex couples from New York are expected to marry in California within the next three years.” Because of Gov. David Paterson’s (D) recent decision that state agencies recognize gay marriages performed legally, gay couples in New York “expect to have legal standing on matters such as inheritance and taxes.”
And finally: Rather than exchange a traditional handshake, Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) bumped fists at the conclusion of their joint appearance on CNN’s Late Edition yesterday. The move appeared to be “a reference to Barack and Michelle Obama’s celebratory fist bump on Tuesday.”
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strong>German SPD leader breaks customs, backs Obama
The leader of Germany’s Social Democrats (SPD) and the centre-left party’s putative chancellor candidate broke with German political custom on Saturday and said he hoped the United States elects Barack Obama in November. SPD chairman Kurt Beck said the whole world would be better off with a President Obama instead of another Republican administration. By endorsing the Democrats, Beck broke a tacit rule to refrain from any intervention in foreign elections.
“I’d like to say very openly that I really do hope that he wins,” Beck told journalists after a speech in the eastern town of Erfurt. “It would be good for the whole world if there is an America that doesn’t close itself off to the environmental challenges we face, an America that doesn’t veto social and ecological programmes or does not support them.”
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSL0773282520080607
Germany’s Kurt Beck is looking forward to November as much as we are. You know it’s pretty bad when other countries break protocol and start endorsing our political candidate for change. I know the 25%er’s and the media will find a way to spin this. But you have to admit it’s pretty funny that Mr. Beck is begging the US citizens to not vote for a Republican. I guess Mr. Beck is going to get nixed off the Bush’s Christmas Card List.
CDC: Salmonella Illnesses Spread to 16 States
Salmonella food poisoning first linked to uncooked tomatoes has spread to 16 states, federal health officials said Saturday. Investigations by the Texas and New Mexico Departments of Health and the U.S. Indian Health Service have tied 56 cases in Texas and 55 in New Mexico to raw, uncooked, tomatoes. “We’re seeing a steady increase,” Deborah Busemeyer, New Mexico Department of Health communications director, said Saturday.
An additional 50 people have been sickened by the same Salmonella “Saintpaul” infection in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=5021353
They pulled all of our tomatoes in local supermarkets except for the cherry and Roma on Sunday.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:01 amRather than exchange a traditional handshake, Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) bumped fists at the conclusion of their joint appearance on CNN’s Late Edition yesterday. The move appeared to be a “a reference to Barack and Michelle Obama’s celebratory fist bump on Tuesday.”
Oh, please…
June 9th, 2008 at 9:01 amPresident Bush “is increasingly drawing on selected events of the past to argue that history will vindicate him.” Unfortunately for the president, “many historians have already reached a conclusion. In an informal survey of scholars this spring, just two out of 109 historians said Bush would be judged a success; a majority deemed him the ‘worst president ever.’”
Did anyone watch Dear Leader taking off this morning on his “farewell tour” of Europe?
I hope he likes the masses of protestors….
June 9th, 2008 at 9:05 amBush worst president ever
Not only that, but a WAR CRIMINAL to boot.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:05 amWhy is McCain getting $58,000 a year in disability income?
First off, I find it fascinating that John McCain, who is refusing to vote for the GI Bill for our troops because “it’s too generous,” is himself getting $58,000 a year, tax-free, from the US government for his military service. Had McCain been getting that amount every year since Vietnam, that would total $2,000,000 for the man who isn’t into overgenerous government. I just find that interesting.
His staff responded with the classic “he was tortured for his country.” Yeah, we get it. The torture card. It’s to McCain what 9/11 was to Giuliani’s candidacy – the never-ending name-drop. Though what McCain’s staff actually said was downright, um, we’re being nice to Clinton now, so I won’t say Clintonian. Here’s the quote: McCain campaign strategist Mark Salter said Monday night that McCain was technically disabled. “Tortured for his country — that is how he acquired his disability,” Salter said.
Technically? What does that mean? Usually, it means that under the strict reading of the law, you’re covered, but in fact it’s kind of a nudge-nudge-wink-wink situation – that’s what “technically” means. It’s called parsing, which is something you do to “technically” claim something is true, when on its face it really isn’t. So is McCain “technically” disabled, and taking $58,000 a year tax free from the government, or is he actually disabled? I would imagine there are other solders who are actually disabled who could use the money. And if he is actually disabled, just how disabled is he?
But I also remember from those articles how hard it is for our current injured troops to get the health care they need (the military is actually refusing to diagnose PTSD in order to save money on benefits!). I’m just not sure that the McCains, who own “eight or nine houses,” should be getting $58k a year tax-free from the government for a “technical” disability when others who don’t have families worth a gazillion dollars could use that support a lot more. The median household income in the US in 2006 was $48,201. I know vets who have done well for themselves in the workplace and, as a result, refuse to take any federal medical benefits. They feel it would simply be wrong to take what amounts to federal welfare when they’re rich.
http://www.americablog.com/2008/06/why-is-mccain-getting-58000-year-in.html#disqus_thread
I would just like to know what is John McCain’s “technical” disability? His “technical” disability has not hindered him in any outwardly sign of leading a perfectly normal life. If he is truly disabled he should receive benefits. But here is my problem, we have a veteran senator that has voted against every veteran’s bill who is reaping all the benefits to the tune of $58 thousand dollars a year tax-free. The hypocrisy of collecting this money when his financial situation puts him in the top 10% of the countries wealthiest astounds me. His concern should be for the other veterans that truly need these benefits. If he was really an advocate for veterans, McCain would donate his benefits to the improvement of VA Hospitals across the country.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:06 amThe Washington Post’s Walter Pincus points out that the Senate Intelligence Committee report on prewar intelligence released last week contained no review of the White House Iraq Group, a 2002 pre-war operation that included Scooter Libby, Karl Rove, and Condoleezza Rice. Former Press Secretary Scott McClellan writes this group was used to “pursue a political propaganda campaign to sell the war to the American people.”
Imagine that….
Time for a clean sweep of Cnogress.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:07 amMan, that’s a lotta short sellers and CEOs.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:07 amMost Americans feel the American Dream has unraveled, “that their once steady march toward affluence has derailed.” A new USA Today poll finds that 54 percent of those surveyed say “their standard of living is no better today than five years ago.”
It that right? Hmmmm, 2004 was included in the last five years. Did people vote against their own interests? Der…
June 9th, 2008 at 9:08 amIn an informal survey of scholars this spring, just two out of 109 historians said Bush would be judged a success; a majority deemed him the ‘worst president ever.’
These guys must read TP, because we’ve been saying the exact same thing for about 3 years now.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:08 amThat’s money not spent in productive fields. These are halcyon days for war profiteers.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:10 amIn an informal survey of scholars this spring, just two out of 109 historians said Bush would be judged a success; a majority deemed him the ‘worst president ever.’”
Worst President EVER.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:11 amMost Corrupt President EVER.
Sorriest Excuse for a Human Being EVER.
Senate fails to have meaningful debate on Climate Security Act
The Senate failed to give the urgent issue of global warming a fair debate this week. While we thank the Senators that tried to strengthen the bill, the Climate Security Act (S. 3036) was not strong enough to address the causes of global warming. It was disappointing to watch what could have been the first robust debate on comprehensive global warming legislation at the federal level turn into nothing more than a bunch of parliamentary procedural games.
“That the Senate managed to turn its first comprehensive debate on the most pressing environmental crisis of our time into a circus act should bring us pause: Not only to reevaluate the fitness of our leaders to lead, but also to assess the task now before us,” says John Passacantando, Greenpeace’s Executive Director.
Global warming is already having a negative impact on communities around the world. The scientific evidence is overwhelming – rising sea levels, severe storms, droughts, and dislocation of communities are a grim and growing reality. The United States must live up to its moral obligation as a world leader and act decisively and quickly to reduce our global warming emissions and spark an energy revolution.
It is now clear that the Senate is not going to get the job done, and we must look to the House and the new Administration for leadership on this issue.
Fortunately, according to Passacantando, “when done right, solving the global warming crisis can not only reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but it can also create high-paying jobs in the renewable energy sector, cut energy costs for working Americans, and secure a healthy planet.”
http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/news/senate-fails-to-have-meaningfu
The major problem with the bill was that by 2020 they proposed only a decrease of 17% in CO2 gas emissions. That is not only a bad joke, it’s enabling the big 3 automobile corporations to another free pass for improving their vehicles. Plus, they needed more subsidies in that bill for wind and solar renewable energy. The $500 Billion they wanted to dump into nuclear should be going into solar thermal plants.
It does not take 12 years to cut CO2 gas emissions by 17%, now if they had been serious 40 to 50% by 2015 would have been more like it. That would cause a great impact for the positive in our fight against global warming. The 71% decrease by 2050, please give me a break, try 2025 that would be more in line with the drastic measures we need to take. Or the current beachfront property will be under water, say goodbye to the polar ice caps, and to all the wildlife that is supported by them. The end game will be no more dependence on foreign oil and no more unnecessary wars for it.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:12 amIn a trip to Iran yesterday, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that he “will not allow Iraq to become a platform for harming the security of Iran and its neighbors.” Maliki was seeking to “soothe Iranian opposition to a long-term American military presence in Iraq.”
Neighbors mending fences. What can we do to f_ck this up?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:12 am/snark
Isn’t it time we started referring to McCain as “mini-me”?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:13 amA new report by UCLA’s Williams Institute says that “[m]ore than 12,000 same-sex couples from New York are expected to marry in California within the next three years.” Because of Gov. David Paterson’s (D) recent decision that state agencies recognize gay marriages performed legally, gay couples in New York “expect to have legal standing on matters such as inheritance and taxes.”
The forecast for the wedding industry is looking FAB-U-LOUS!!
June 9th, 2008 at 9:13 amZooey Says:
Did anyone watch Dear Leader taking off this morning on his “farewell tour” of Europe?
I hope he likes the masses of protesters….
Hey, Bush has to milk his remaining months in office for all they are worth. Why not take an extended vacation in Europe?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:13 amIn a trip to Iran yesterday, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that he “will not allow Iraq to become a platform for harming the security of Iran and its neighbors.”
While McGeritol is blasting Obama for not taking a dog & pony show to Iraq, Malaki is sitting in Iran. Ahmadinejad, earlier this year, was greeted as a liberator when he visited Iraq. But Bush or Condi have to sneak in under cover of darkness & a press blackout.
Who’s ‘the enemy’ here?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:14 amIn an informal survey of scholars this spring, just two out of 109 historians said Bush would be judged a success; a majority deemed him the ‘worst president ever.’”
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The Bush apologists have bought into the idea that Bush, like Truman, will eventually be vindicated and he will be viewed as the president who saved us from terror.
OK, fine. I recognize that it isn’t always fair to make historical judgments right away. Let’s look back at his presidency in about ten years. It’s possible that he will be vindicated, but I think it’s far more likely that we will look back at the cesspool of criminality that was his time in office and wonder how we ever tolerated it.
It will be even more interesting to know what will be in U.S. History textbooks fifty years from now, regarding the first years of the 21st century.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:15 amAlso, Maliki said he would not allow gravity to continue its dominion nor water to be wet.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:16 amThe Washington Post’s Walter Pincus points out that the Senate Intelligence Committee report on prewar intelligence released last week contained no review of the White House Iraq Group…
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Isn’t this a little bit like reporting on a high-profile wedding and saying nothing about the bride?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:17 amFreedom Rebel Says:
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Why is McCain getting $58,000 a year in disability income?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Good question. There are Vietnam and Iraq veterans with disabilities that actually keep them from earning a living — unlike McCain.
This is an issue that needs to be front and center in the presidential campaign.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:19 am“Only 22 percent rate the economic conditions in the country as good.” And we know WHO they are!
June 9th, 2008 at 9:20 amBilbo Hussein Baggins Says:
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Hey, Bush has to milk his remaining months in office for all they are worth. Why not take an extended vacation in Europe?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Why so mean to Europeans, Bilbo? ;)
I envision an extended for Chimpy & Darth in Crawford — clearing brush.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:21 amMost Americans feel the American Dream has unraveled.
Sounds like a good campaign theme for Obama;
Are you better off now than 4 years or 8 years ago?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:21 amOMG, the Pentagon planted retired generals/defense contractor shills in two history departments! Guess they didn’t look kind-uncle enough for teevee.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:22 amThe Washington Post’s Walter Pincus points out that the Senate Intelligence Committee report on prewar intelligence released last week contained no review of the White House Iraq Group
Obvious question then – did Rove et al once again refuse to be interviewed on the record?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:23 amCAPTION CONTEST:
Female Cadet: Damn, this picture is going to ruin my career in porn.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:23 amWhy is it that EVERY picture of dubya has him touching and/or invading the personal space of the woman in the shot with him? Any psychologists out there care to comment?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:24 amIt’s been really interesting how much the International community is really excited about Obama.
The simple fact that we’ve nominated him seems to have restored some of our credibility around the world.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:24 amMost Americans feel the American Dream has unraveled, “that their once steady march toward affluence has derailed.” A new USA Today poll finds that 54 percent of those surveyed say “their standard of living is no better today than five years ago.”
____________________________________________
I can definitely say this is true in my case. During the past five years, I have been downsized out of my job, found another job that pays less than what I previously earned, and have seen the spending power of my paycheck further eroded by an inflation driven by gas prices (which not only has made it far more expensive to fill my gas tank, but it has made the cost of groceries and other goods skyrocket). My health care costs have also risen dramatically over the past five years.
Yes, I’m still making it by being frugal, cutting corners, and just making old stuff last longer. But my standard of living? It’s gone down more noticeably in the past five years than it has during any other five-year portion of my life.
Thanks, Bushco!
June 9th, 2008 at 9:24 amHillary vs Barack Says:
June 9th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Flag it. Ignore it.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:25 amNote to heir Dubya:
YOU do not get to judge if you’ve been a successful president.
THE PEOPLE DO!
…and 75% conclude that you’ve been an utter failure. But what can you expect from an admitted C- student who can’t even complete a normal sentence without butchering the English language.
Off topic news:
June 9th, 2008 at 9:26 amGotta love Southwest Michigan. Last month, we were worried about our crops as frost warnings were abound. Today, we will be preparing for our fourth round of deadly, severe weather. Every day since Friday, we’ve reached the 90’s, only to be drenched with tropical like storms, which only increases the humidity. If it weren’t for the lack of palm trees, I’d swear I lived in central Florida.
Climate change? What climate change? (snark)
upside99 Says: Why is it that EVERY picture of dubya has him touching and/or invading the personal space of the woman in the shot with him? Any psychologists out there care to comment?
I’m not a shrink, but I’m guessing that since Laura doesn’t let him touch her anymore, he’s become a little desperate for affection…
June 9th, 2008 at 9:26 am#21 Zooey Says:
Freedom Rebel Says:
——————————————————————————–
Why is McCain getting $58,000 a year in disability income?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Good question. There are Vietnam and Iraq veterans with disabilities that actually keep them from earning a living — unlike McCain.
This is an issue that needs to be front and center in the presidential campaign
That is what upset me the most, we have thousands of men that can no longer hold certain kinds of jobs because of their disabilities. Such as manufacturing and assembly work to list a few, he has no outwardly disability I can see. I would love to know what he is being compensated for.
Have a great day Zooey!!!
June 9th, 2008 at 9:27 amMcCain’s “Change That Works For You” tour is such a mendacious idea? He wouldn’t even change out of Bush’s dirty underwear if he were to be elected.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:28 am“Only 22 percent rate the economic conditions in the country as good.”
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Because I doubt that almost a quarter of our country works for the oil industry, or has anything to do with our contracted companies overseas, I have to accept the idea that there are some who believe the spin to the point where they no longer feel their own pain — sort of like people for whom placebos work.
I’m almost envious.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:28 am“Why is it that EVERY picture of dubya has him touching and/or invading the personal space of the woman in the shot with him? Any psychologists out there care to comment?
I’m not a psychologist, however I’ve noticed this as well… George has developed this creepy old uncle aura about him, very smarmy….
June 9th, 2008 at 9:29 amThat was one hell of a speech Hillary gave on Saturday.
I hope those ardent about her ‘heard’ what she said. Earlier posts here have me wondering what part of her saying ‘I totally support Barak Obama’ didn’t register with them.
Maybe a couple of weeks will ease their post-Hillary-partum blues…I hope so.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:32 amupside99 Says
June 9th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Why is it that EVERY picture of dubya has him touching and/or invading the personal space of the woman in the shot with him? Any psychologists out there care to comment?
_____________________________________________
It’s not just the women — he’s doing chest bumps with guys, too. And that’s also kind of creepy.
My guess is that he has this image of himself as a thoroughly adored individual, and an image of others as people who truly enjoy the condescending attention he gives them in the form of stupid nicknames and invasion of personal space.
Just more evidence of his general cluelessness.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:33 am#39
June 9th, 2008 at 9:34 amBut we do care about flatulence of the cerebral cortex.
Got Beano?
Bush has to love the photo ops with military figures, especially with academy graduates. They’re virtually required by law to act like they like and respect him. Where else is he going to get that these days?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:35 amI’m a bit rusty on my Republican “values” but how in the world could this ever be good news for the leader of the “traditional family values” party?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:35 amWhat About Carol?
johnboy Says: When did historians develop the ability to see into the future? It takes decades to even touch the tip of the iceberg on a presidents legacy!
It doesn’t take Psychic abilities to be able to recognize a train wreck, and call it for what it is.
It doesn’t take decades to see that he’s accomplished nothing and destroyed nearly everything. Just a willingness to accept reality.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:36 amCaption Contest:
George: I have malaria.
Officer: I’m glad I used gloves.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:37 amSigh, I have read that Europeans are growing weary of Bush and the protestors will be fewer in number — they are just biding time now until the a$$ leaves office.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:37 amNot that we would see much reporting of any protesting here in the US anyway what with the press not wanting to offend our boy-king.
US Walks Away from UN Human Rights Council
A decision by the United States to disengage from the UN Human Rights Council amounts to an abandonment of human rights defenders and victims, Human Rights Watch said today.
The United States announced today at its daily State Department briefing that it will only participate in debates at the council when absolutely necessary and it feels compelled to do so by “matters of deep national interest.” The United States failed to take the floor today in a council discussion on Burma, indicating the broad scope of its withdrawal. Although not a member of the Human Rights Council, the United States had participated as an observer at the council since its inception in 2006. “The US decision to walk away from the Human Rights Council is counter-productive and short-sighted,” said Juliette de Rivero, Geneva advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. “Whatever the council’s problems, this decision is a victory for abusive states and a betrayal of those fighting for their rights worldwide.”
The council remains a critical institution for protecting human rights throughout the world, despite some substantial weaknesses, Human Rights Watch said. The council’s system of human rights monitors, for example, provides crucial reporting on abuses such as torture, violence against women and extrajudicial executions, and on countries with ongoing human rights crises, such as Burma, Somalia and Sudan. In its first two years, however, the Human Rights Council has failed to address more than 20 human rights situations that require its attention, eliminated human rights monitoring in places desperately in need of such scrutiny, and adopted a long stream of one-sided resolutions on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories which failed to consider the roles and responsibilities of the Palestinian authorities and armed groups.
Given its failure to engage fully at the council, the United States was ill-placed to confront those problems. “Washington’s hands-off approach to the Human Rights Council undermined it from the start,” said de Rivero. “It’s ironic that the US shares responsibility for the shortcomings it’s now using to justify further distancing itself from the council.” The US decision was also ill-conceived, Human Rights Watch said, given the absence of viable alternatives to the council. Human Rights Watch also questioned the timing of the US decision. On May 21, the General Assembly held elections for membership of the Human Rights Council. In those elections, following a campaign by human rights defenders in Sri Lanka and worldwide, Sri Lanka’s bid for a seat was defeated. Sri Lanka has a track record of enforced disappearances and torture. That defeat, and the defeat of Belarus in the previous year, demonstrated the potential for building a stronger council with a membership truly committed to fighting human rights abuses.
http://rinf.com/alt-news/contributions/general/us-walks-away-from-un-human-rights-council/3738/
**I am shocked. We have shown such leadership in violating human rights. Perhaps we think that maybe if we ignore them, they will “go away.”
June 9th, 2008 at 9:39 amThe trolls are starting to panic, for good reason. Republic Party fundraising levels are in the cellar, and there will be cutbacks. Penny-a-post trolls are probably the first to go.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:42 amMarie Says: Not that we would see much reporting of any protesting here in the US anyway what with the press not wanting to offend our boy-king.
You’d think that now that he’s irrelevant that they’d be eager to start picking at the carcass. But I guess they fear their Corporate Owners who have turned the public media into a water carrying service for the Conservatives.
LOVED what Dan Rather said to his peers about this. Not that I think it will change anything before January 20, 2009.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:43 amHvB
June 9th, 2008 at 9:43 amyou are getting flagged with EVERY post. don’t bother to post here anymore. go to redstate to spew your crap.
Biotech Giants Demand a High Price for Saving the Planet
Companies Accused of ‘Profiteering’ as They Attempt to Patent Crop Genes
Giant biotech companies are privatising the world’s protection against climate change by filing hundreds of monopoly patents on genes that help crops resist it, a new investigation has concluded. The study – by the authoritative Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration (ETC Group), based in Ottawa, Canada – has found that nine firms have filed at least 532 patents around the world on about 55 different genes offering protection against heat, drought and floods. If granted, the companies would be given control of crucial natural raw material needed to maintain food supplies in an increasingly hungry world.
Last week, as world leaders met in Rome to discuss the food crisis, GM companies promoted their technologies as the answer to hunger. On Thursday, Monsanto – the biggest and most controversial firm – announced a “commitment” to increase food production, partly by developing crops that need less water. The report of its investigation shows that Monsanto and BASF – which last year announced a $1.5bn “collaboration” to develop new GM crops, including “ones more tolerant to adverse environmental conditions such as drought” – have between them filed patents for 27 of the 55 genes. Others had been filed by companies such as Bayer, Syngenta and Dow.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/06/08/9485/
One of the many things that worries me about this is, have these genes been tested to make sure they are completely safe. That we won’t find out in the not to distant future they can produce harmful side effects. Also, we are going to have a handful of companies controlling the prices of our food supply. Privatization of the seeds that produce the food and patents on the technology, is going to only increase the problems we already face worldwide with the food crises.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:43 amgummitch Says:
The trolls are starting to panic, for good reason. Republic Party fundraising levels are in the cellar, and there will be cutbacks. Penny-a-post trolls are probably the first to go.
And they are way overpaid for their drivel.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:44 amgummitch Says: The trolls are starting to panic, for good reason. Republic Party fundraising levels are in the cellar, and there will be cutbacks. Penny-a-post trolls are probably the first to go.
McCain isn’t even giving them money. He’s giving them some virtual point system instead. LOL
June 9th, 2008 at 9:46 amIt’s pretty ironic that the repugs have been able to successfully label democrats (especially Obama) as an elitist when the repugs run the business that own this country, not to mention the government. Who lives in the mansions? The working class?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:46 amObama’s mother fed him with food stamps from time to time; he earned his way through school with scholarships and college loans — no silver spoon for him — he didn’t even finish paying off his college loans until ten years ago.
Come to think of it, Clinton was also one who grew up less than privileged. Yet, the Bushies and their “base” have somehow branded Dems, which the press has obediently validated in their reporting.
Hillary vs Barack Says
June 9th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Many Clinton supporters will abandon Obama if he doesn’t name her VP. Obama has done nothing to win the hearts of blue collar workers. Starbucks frequenters arent enough to put Barack in the wh.
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Every major poll shows Obama ahead of McCain right now, without Hillary in the veep spot. Must be a lot of “Starbucks frequenters” out there:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/general_election_mccain_vs_obama-225.html
I don’t really expect a lot of Hillary’s core demographic (women) to bolt from the party and flock to McCain. The Dems are going to shine a spotlight on the REAL McCain, including his opposition to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay act (where he famously said that women just need “education and training” instead of being treated fairly in the workplace). And that’s just one example, but one that will anger women, and rightly so.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:47 amIn this case, johnboy, all it would take to touch the tip of the iceberg of the Bush legacy is for one insider — just one! — to testify truthfully, under oath and with a transcript about the inner workings of BushCo.
Maybe Scott McClellan will be that one.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:48 amGood post’s all but one…..Yep! gummitch, the reich winged bunch has sunk so low they can only afford one little slug to post pathetic junk on a Monday…Now if they cut some of the $58,000 that they are giving mcnut’s they might be able to afford more….LOL..In fact if they cut all their mindless parasite’s pay they might be able to employ some one with a brain to post here….Blessings
June 9th, 2008 at 9:48 amI think HvB is gone.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:50 amUncle Ho,
June 9th, 2008 at 9:51 amHvB is gone.
Caption Contest:
Officer: I think I threw-up in my mouth a little bit.
Bush: Monkey see, monkey do….
June 9th, 2008 at 9:51 amI watched the Iraqi Parliament representatives being questioned by Ron Paul at the Congressional hearings held last week. Paul was in great form, and asked the questions no one else would have ever brought forward.
The 2 Iraqis were very clear on where that government wants to go. It DOES NOT include the USA. They told of pressure from the Bush machine, never reported by our media, and how Bush wanted a secret agreement on ongoing security measures, oil contracts, permanent bases and a host of other topics.
One thing that was never in dispute among these elected officials is that they can handle their own security, and want out military OUT NOW!
Of course, I didn’t hear one word of this on our ‘mainstream’ media…
June 9th, 2008 at 9:51 amI have it on good authority that McCain intends to engage in a “Whisper Campaign” to win the Presidency. Lieberman is going to be talking sweetly in his left ear and Rove in his right ear.
My dream scene: Obama and Clinton plan a joint event. Their supporters arrive to find a cut-out of John McCain on the stage in front of a green backdrop on which are printed some of his non-progressive quotes. Obama and Clinton enter from opposite sides of the stage and without a word, together they carry the McCain cutout off the stage. Then they return and together tear down the green backdrop to reveal a blue poster printed with “Obama ‘08: Yes We Can”. Then they approach the podium off to the side. I think the crowd who go nuts with approval.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:52 amAt, say….The Hague?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:52 amI found a good portion of Meet Mister Potato Head very hard to watch yesterday. The NBC news(?) people were acting as if McRibs was the one to beat. David Rovesdancepartner Gregory was especially smug. They continually talked as if Obama had an uphill climb from his place of being ahead in the polls. The typical BS about a “close election”. They also laid out scenarios for a possible landslide for either candidate. Does anyone actually believe McCorpse has a chance to win in a landslide?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:54 amAnd don’t forget how McCain treated his previous wife.
No woman who values women’s rights is going to vote for a man who dumped his sick older wife for a younger, richer Barbie Doll.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:54 amPresident Bush “is increasingly drawing on selected events of the past to argue that history will vindicate him.” Unfortunately for the president, “many historians have already reached a conclusion. In an informal survey of scholars this spring, just two out of 109 historians said Bush would be judged a success; a majority deemed him the ‘worst president ever.’”
Were the 2 asked to take a drug test ?
June 9th, 2008 at 9:57 amOne of the statements made by w early on and repeated many times was that we (USA) were not planning to establish permanent bases in Iraq. w also stated that if the Iraqis didn’t want us there, we would leave. I guess those were just figures of speech.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:58 amunbelievable Says:
And don’t forget how McCain treated his previous wife.
No woman who values women’s rights is going to vote for a man who dumped his sick older wife for a younger, richer Barbie Doll.
And called her a crunt and a trollup.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:58 amRather than exchange a traditional handshake, Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) bumped fists at the conclusion of their joint appearance on CNN’s Late Edition yesterday.
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I can deal with the sudden rise in fist bumps. But if chest bumps (such as Dubya does with cadets) come in vogue, I’m going to be seriously creeped out.
June 9th, 2008 at 10:00 amAddition to my dream scene: Clinton reads off an egregious fact or quote from McClain. Then, Obama responds to that.
June 9th, 2008 at 10:01 amHow about how badly he has spoken to and about his present wife in public…mcnut’s is a disgusting little man with less grey matter than bull shit bush…Anyone that would vote for him must be just as crazy…Blessings
June 9th, 2008 at 10:01 amBearCountry Says:
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One of the statements made by w early on and repeated many times was that we (USA) were not planning to establish permanent bases in Iraq. w also stated that if the Iraqis didn’t want us there, we would leave. I guess those were just figures of speech.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Nah
Just outright bullshit
June 9th, 2008 at 10:02 amRather than exchange a traditional handshake, Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) bumped fists at the conclusion of their joint appearance on CNN’s Late Edition yesterday.
Would have been much more appropo and better TV if they had ‘missed’ and punched each other in the face……..
June 9th, 2008 at 10:05 amKennedy To Be Released From Hospital Today
The elder Kennedy underwent surgery last Monday to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Patrick Kennedy says the surgery went better than anyone expected.
The Massachusetts Democrat is expected to begin targeted radiation and chemotherapy treatment after returning home.
This is great news. Best wishes and Speedy Recovery..
June 9th, 2008 at 10:05 amI think that once the real John McCain is made public, that will be the nail in his coffin.
I already read some article that said that something like 40% of Evangelicals are voting for someone else. If he can’t hold his biggest demographic, then what does he really have left? Racists? Misogynists? War mongers?
June 9th, 2008 at 10:05 amMcCain is far from the maverick, a nickname the media has so fondly awarded him. He has pandered his way to the nominaiton. His character leaves much to be desired. His loyalty factor is zilch. His commitment level is nada. His value system is non-esistent.
June 9th, 2008 at 10:08 amThe story of his military life – in which he was the least successful of his family – has been overshadowed, in my mind, by his personal life which revels for me the true character of a man. His abandonment of his first wife was “paid for” with his promise to pay all her medical bills forever, his current wife might have been dumped too after she had a stroke years ago, but he needs her money for his own ambition.
He is a “user” of women – perhaps Cindy is using him too.
There’s bush’s problem. He really doesn’t live in this time and world but in a world of his own stolen from various other Presidents.
June 9th, 2008 at 10:12 amI’d think the trollopeycu*t theme could be blared from loudspeakers daily…
June 9th, 2008 at 10:13 amMarie ~ Using him for what? A paper weight?
June 9th, 2008 at 10:14 ammarie – i thought it was obvious that cindy was using mcCREEPY to be “first lady”…
whatever happened to that first wife? anyone know?
June 9th, 2008 at 10:23 amunbelievable Says:
I think that once the real John McCain is made public, that will be the nail in his coffin.
I already read some article that said that something like 40% of Evangelicals are voting for someone else. If he can’t hold his biggest demographic, then what does he really have left? Racists? Misogynists? War mongers?
What is amazing, is that even the ultra conservative Bay Buchanan had this to say about McCain on June 4th:
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=26814&s=rcmp
June 9th, 2008 at 10:27 amExit Stage Left Says
June 9th, 2008 at 9:54 am
They also laid out scenarios for a possible landslide for either candidate. Does anyone actually believe McCorpse has a chance to win in a landslide?
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Definition of LANDSLIDE = any Electoral College win, no matter how narrow or how contested. See also MANDATE. (Bushco dictionary)
Here’s how the GOP is figuring it. Traditionally red states go for McCain. Diebold mischief and voter caging will pick up some swing states, enough to squeak out an EC majority. Media spin will use the term “landslide” as much as possible.
We cannot allow this to happen again.
June 9th, 2008 at 10:48 amJinJin:
June 9th, 2008 at 10:48 amNobody cares. You are just being annoying. Please stop
JinJin,
This is not Amazon . com, PULEEZE GTF off our blog!
June 9th, 2008 at 10:48 amRUCerious Says:
“Marie ~ Using him for what? A paper weight?”
Maybe his senior citizens discount.
June 9th, 2008 at 11:05 amBuy my shit! Buy MY SHIT BUY MY SHIT!!!!
Thank you,
JinJin, the spammateer.
June 9th, 2008 at 11:07 amMaybe it should be “JinJin Binks”.
June 9th, 2008 at 11:17 amlook what i happened onto:
The Other Mrs. John McCain.
http://miaculpa.blogspot.com/2008/06/other-mrs-john-mccain.html
…
June 9th, 2008 at 11:25 amKaty,
You stumbled onto the link that I posted in this thread earlier, but my hyperlinking was a tad off =[
I find it interesting that YET AGAIN our corporate media is silent on this. You’d think they had something to hide ;)
June 9th, 2008 at 11:36 amThanks, katy. the other link didn’t work. :)
June 9th, 2008 at 12:27 pmThat $58000 cannot ALL be Disbility pay – some has to be military retirement. Over the past thirty years, I have brokered many VA loans; and none of my borrowers has ever received over $4800 a month from VA Disability. So part (most) of that income has to be retirement, which is taxed. And, in that case, whether he needs it or not, he’s entitled.
Ronald Regan received his Social Security, while president. Most Americans lose a portion of their entitlement if they make over a certain amount each year, so I don’t know if he received his full amount; but he didn’t refuse it, although he was against the concept of Social Security, on principle.
So, don’t expect a Republican whose principles oppose benefits for others to disavow those same entitlements, for themselves (”on principle”).
June 9th, 2008 at 12:45 pmThe main thing that’s going too sink John McCain is: he is not going to fix any of the problems facing us.
National health care? Take away the tax credit employers get for offering employees health insurance. Yep. that’s his plan.
The decline of the middle class? Make the Bush Tax Cuts permanent.
4 buck a gallon gas? The mortgage crisis? the future of Iraq? *crickets*
the media are going to try to do it again: smear the smart, competent idealistic one, and portray the incurious, dim child of privilege the ‘regular guy.’ It’s the exact same strategy. Maureen Dowd is doing the exact same dance. The guy brought up by a single mother on food stamps is an elitist; the son and grandson of admirals, the scion of a military dynasty who married an heiress is the regular guy. They’re doing it again.
The thing is, the 2000 election took place amid peace and prosperity. this one is occurring as people are afraid of being thrown out onto the street with not enough money to drive to California to pick fruit.
It’s not going to work this time.
June 9th, 2008 at 1:04 pmKaty #81
Here’s a link to the McCain story.
June 9th, 2008 at 1:31 pmhttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1024927/The-wife-John-McCain-callously-left-behind.html
Katy, I see you found it on your own.
June 9th, 2008 at 1:33 pmWhy isn’t it in the msm?
Hey johnboy:
June 9th, 2008 at 2:12 pmHow’s life in the dead zone?
were the drum wormy? Gulf whiting are kingfish relatives rather than codfish relatives. So keeping in mind you stance on the wonders of gulf drilling, why was Jeb and the administration opposed. You had sighted tourism before. This seems to indicate that they do not share your opinions on this matter. I am curious how you feel about this disconnect. I am also interested in your thoughts on the dead zone as you are clearly an avid outdoorsperson
June 9th, 2008 at 4:48 pmI am well aware of the causes of dead zones. Still about that FLorida thing. Can you explain the dichotomy of thought or not? Thanks for the link
June 9th, 2008 at 5:42 pmOkay I canlive with that. Now about the Feds. How do you explain that?
June 9th, 2008 at 6:14 pm