ThinkFast: July 3, 2008
ThinkFast: July 3, 2008
“Declaring that there will not be ‘another colonization of Iraq,’ Iraq’s foreign minister” indicated yesterday it was unlikely a security deal with the U.S. would be reached this year, “and that if one was, it would be a short-term pact.” American officials are no longer optimistic about reaching a quick agreement.
A federal judge said yesterday that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act established by Congress “was the ‘exclusive’ means for the president to eavesdrop on Americans.” Judge Vaughn R. Walker, the chief judge for the Northern District of California, “rejected the government’s claim that the president’s constitutional authority as commander in chief trumped that law.”
The Justice Department is currently considering “letting the FBI investigate Americans without any evidence of wrongdoing, relying instead on a terrorist profile that could single out Muslims, Arabs or other racial and ethnic groups.” The ACLU criticized the announcement, saying that the FBI could begin investigations simply “by assuming that everyone’s a suspect, and then you weed out the innocent.”
The Bush administration and the two major presidential campaigns are beginning “an unprecedented attempt to prevent the transfer of power in January from disrupting defense and counterterrorism efforts.” The Obama and McCain campaigns are compiling lists of potential nominees for counterterrorism positions so that they “can be vetted and confirmed as quickly as possible.”
On the trail today: Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) plans to hold a conversation with veterans in Fargo, ND, followed by a “family fun day” in Montana with his wife and daughters to celebrate July Fourth and his daughter Malia’s 10th birthday. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is in Mexico to discuss free trade and the eradication of illegal drugs.
Sen. John McCain’s (R-AZ) conservative allies have found “new loopholes in the campaign-finance law he helped write.” For instance, the Republican Governors Association, which can accept unlimited donations, is telling donors it’s “the best way to help McCain.” But Democrats “question the legality” of this method while even the McCain campaign “questions the accuracy of the group’s pitch.”
ABC News reports that in the past week, high-level discussions amongst senior administration officials about the status of Guantanamo Bay have “escalated,” and President Bush is expected to soon decide whether to close the prison.
According to the G8 Climate Scorecards 2008, “the U.S. has done the least among the world’s eight biggest economies to address global warming.” The study also found that none of the G8 nations has taken enough steps to prevent catastrophic temperature changes.
“High levels of formaldehyde found in trailers provided to Hurricane Katrina evacuees on the Gulf Coast probably resulted from cheap wood and poor ventilation in designs used by manufacturers.” The revelations confirm “the role that manufacturers’ practices and weak federal regulation played in the public health disaster after” the hurricane.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen warned Wednesday that an Israeli air strike against Iran would make the Middle East more unstable. “Opening up a third front right now would be extremely stressful for us,” he said. “This is a very unstable part of the world, and I don’t need it to be more unstable.”
And finally: Long before he wanted to join government, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich wanted to be…a zookeeper. In the introduction to “America’s Best Zoos: A Travel Guide for Fans and Families,” Gingrich writes that he “fell in love with seeing animals in all their glory and diversity.” Guidebook co-author Allen Nyhuis said his publisher was initially “skeptical” of allowing Gingrich to write the introduction “because of the image that conservatives don’t like the environment.”
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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Evangelist to Senate: My financial records belong to God
They preach the “Prosperity Doctrine” - that God can make you healthy and wealthy - and they live what they preach. Every year America’s best known TV evangelists bring in hundreds of millions of dollars from donors all over the world. But as BBC’s Jonathan Beale reports, some of the evangelists’ own lifestyles have begun to ring alarm bells and have prompted a Senate investigation into their activities.
Last fall, Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA), the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, began probing the finances of six TV evangelists whose lifestyles include mansions, Rolls-Royces, and private jets, all paid for out of church funds. Grassley told BBC, “I would not contribute to an organization that is Christian and evangelical with money being wasted that way.”
Four of the ministers have since complied with the probe, but Rev. Kenneth Copeland, whose congregation recently bought him a $20 million private jet to preach the gospel, is holding out against the inquiry, which he claims is “aimed at publicly questioning the religious beliefs of the targeted churches.”
“It’s not yours, it’s God’s, and you’re not going to get it,” Copeland says of his financial records. He has launched a website to publicize his crusade and has received support from several leading conservatives, including Paul Weyrich and Kenneth Blackwell.
http://rawstory.com/rawreplay/?p=1401
Congress needs to draft a bill to re-define “non-profit”. So that guys like Copeland, who think their records belong only to God, can be put out of business. His unethical practices make me wonder how so many people can be so blind to support this.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:03 amRace profiling eyed for terror probes
The Justice Department is considering letting the FBI investigate Americans without any evidence of wrongdoing, relying instead on a terrorist profile that could single out Muslims, Arabs or other racial and ethnic groups.
Law enforcement officials say the proposed policy would help them do exactly what Congress demanded after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks: root out terrorists before they strike.
Although President Bush has disavowed targeting suspects based on their race or ethnicity, the new rules would allow the FBI to consider those factors among a number of traits that could trigger a national security investigation.
Currently, FBI agents need specific reasons — like evidence or allegations that a law probably has been violated — to investigate U.S. citizens and legal residents. The new policy, law enforcement officials told The Associated Press, would let agents open preliminary terrorism investigations after mining public records and intelligence to build a profile of traits that, taken together, were deemed suspicious.
(emphasis mine)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080702/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/terror_profiling_3
**First of all, how many government agencies do they need to gather information? How can we allow the FBI to investigate people based on race or ethnicity rather than evidence of a law that might have been violated? We continue to cross into uncharted territory and I am alarmed by the apparent lackadaisical attitude of those monitoring these agencies. I feel like these past 7 years have been a “shock and awe” attack on our freedoms, rights and sensibilities. I hate it when I find myself shrugging at some of these stories with a “Now what” attitude but it sure is hard maintaining an indignant outrage at what has happened this far.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:03 amChemical weapons transport plan draws fire
The Pentagon is considering a plan to ship deadly chemical weapons to military sites in four states to accelerate the destruction of the munitions, a new report to Congress says.
The idea of transporting such lethal agents along routes such as from Colorado to Oregon is prompting opposition from Congress and watchdog groups.
They say the plan exposes the American public to unnecessary risks as the U.S. government is concerned about terrorist attacks.
To honor a 1997 treaty banning chemical weapons, Congress has ordered the military to destroy all its munitions by the end of 2017.
In an unpublicized report delivered to lawmakers last week, the Pentagon said it probably could not meet that deadline unless it ships nerve agents and mustard gas to additional sites for destruction.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2008-07-01-chemweapons_N.htm
**I am more concerned about safety of shipping these materials by those incompetents who “accidentally” shipped nuclear weapons across the central United States than I am about “terrorists” getting their hands on these materials. In fact, if terrorists DID get their hands on these weapons, I would have to question whether or not it was intentional or an accident. I can’t trust anything anymore that could become a false flag for continuing the neocon plan to promote their concept of a military-industrial globalization plan.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:06 amAnd the beat goes on Says:
**First of all, how many government agencies do they need to gather information? How can we allow the FBI to investigate people based on race or ethnicity rather than evidence of a law that might have been violated?
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:03 am
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I also have to wonder how many actual crimes are going uninvestigated while FBI agents are busy profiling every brown person with a prayer rug.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:07 amKafka is currently screaming from an undisclosed location, "The Trial was a warning, not a blueprint!"
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:09 amMcCain denies allegations by a current republican senator that he roughed up a foreign diplomat....
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/02/mccain-denies-grabbing-foreign-official/
yeah, this would be a GREAT guy to have his finger on "the button"
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:09 amcavjam Says:
Kafka is currently screaming from an undisclosed location, “The Trial was a warning, not a blueprint!”
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:09 am
And blowing out 125 candles on his birthday cake...
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:11 amAnd his desires were fulfilled when he became Unspeakable Speaker of the House of Utter Fascisti. No cages were needed, no GOoPer ever questions his orders.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:12 amGingrich writes that he “fell in love with seeing animals in all their glory and diversity.”
_______
So in Gingrich's mind, the way to display the "glory and diversity" of the animal kingdom is to take a small sample of the world's animals and stick them in cages for tourists to gawk at?
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:15 amIf This Doesn't Violate the Clean Water Act, What Would?
Supreme Court to Hear Case of Filling Lake with Toxic Waste
Start with a pristine mountain lake in the Alaskan wilderness. Add toxic waste. Kill all the fish. Wipe the lake off the map. Bad for the lake, yes. But is it pollution. The seemingly obvious answer to that question (umm, yes?) is at the heart of a case the Supreme Court has agreed to hear this winter. In this corner, weighing in at 140,000 ounces of gold per year, is the Kensington mine, owned by Coeur Alaska (and the state of Alaska, which approved its plans to spoil the lake). And in the other corner, weighing in at 23, Lower Slate Lake in the Tongass National Forest (with some help from Earthjustice, a group of lawyers that fights the power on behalf of environmental groups).
The Kensington gold mine near Juneau has the Army Corps of Engineers and state permits it needs to dump its mining waste in the lake, according to the Anchorage Daily News, but the environmental groups – and the highest court to hear the case so far – have argued that doing so would violate the Clean Water Act. (Because—did I mention this?—it would kill all the fish and destroy the lake.)
"Modern mines have never been allowed to dump tailings into lakes. The federal Clean Water Act prohibits it, and for good reason," said Tom Waldo, an Earthjustice attorney. "The Ninth Circuit's decision confirms a rule of law that has been in place for over 30 years, and we are hopeful that the Supreme Court will come to the same conclusion."
Gold mining is among the most polluting endeavors on Earth, and Kensington is not alone among controversial Alaskan mines. Gold mines are the nation's largest source of mercury pollution, for instance. (See the top 10 polluters.) Like all mining, it destroys the landscape that holds the valuable minerals; in addition, separating and processing the gold creates tons of toxic metals, like lead and mercury. That would all be dumped in the lake (killing all the fish and destroying ... oh, you get the point).
This Supreme Court has not sided with environmentalists in recent Clean Water Act cases. A 2005 decision struck down federal jurisdiction over streams, ponds and swamps that aren't clearly connected to navigable water, like deep rivers with a channel. That left an estimated 60% of U.S. waters unprotected, and open for development. Filling or draining.
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/blogs/shapley/clean-water-superme-court-47070204
This is such a crime against nature and the environment. It is hard for me to comprehend how the State of Alaska approved these plans to begin with knowing the consequences. I truly hope the Supreme Court sides with the environmentalists on this case.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:16 amThe Justice Department is currently considering “letting the FBI investigate Americans without any evidence of wrongdoing, relying instead on a terrorist profile that could single out Muslims, Arabs or other racial and ethnic groups.” The ACLU criticized the announcement, saying that the FBI could begin investigations simply “by assuming that everyone’s a suspect, and then you weed out the innocent.”
___________________________________________________________
My Muslim friends (all American citizens) have been living with this fear ever since 9/11, that they could be harrassed, questioned, arrested, confined, and even tortured -- just because of their religion.
Paranoia? No, I think their fear is justified. And it sickens me to think this could happen in the United States -- a country which is supposed to stand AGAINST this kind of thing.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:18 amABC News reports that in the past week, high-level discussions amongst senior administration officials about the status of Guantanamo Bay have “escalated,” and President Bush is expected to soon decide whether to close the prison.
Sure, shut that place down. No contest there.
But all considered, this looks to be the first episode of the Bush Crime Family's Election Year Stunt (tm).
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:22 amhussein toasterhead Says:
I also have to wonder how many actual crimes are going uninvestigated while FBI agents are busy profiling every brown person with a prayer rug.
**Bush would probaly call it "prioritizing" if he couold pronounce words wih more than 2 syllables.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:22 am“Declaring that there will not be ‘another colonization of Iraq,’ Iraq’s foreign minister” indicated yesterday it was unlikely a security deal with the U.S. would be reached this year, “and that if one was, it would be a short-term pact.” American officials are no longer optimistic about reaching a quick agreement.
Wow, who would have thought it. Iraq has decided it doesn't want to become a possession of the United States. I guess that means they won't give us their oil either. The ingrates...
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:26 am“rejected the government’s claim that the president’s constitutional authority as commander in chief trumped that law.”
Wow, a judge that believes in the separation of powers in our government. Must not be a Bush appointee.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:28 amSen. John McCain’s (R-AZ) conservative allies have found “new loopholes in the campaign-finance law he helped write.” For instance, the Republican Governors Association, which can accept unlimited donations, is telling donors it’s “the best way to help McCain.”
________________________________________________
Exactly as Obama predicted would happen -- which is why he chose the financing path he did.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:29 amSen. John McCain (R-AZ) is in Mexico to discuss free trade and the eradication of illegal drugs.
Ok, I'm a little confused here. Why is McCain stumping in Columbia and Mexico? I wasn't aware of the fact that they can vote in our elections. I'm wondering who is paying for this trip, the US taxpayer or his campaign. I'm betting on the taxpayer. I suppose the purpose of the trip is to make him look "presidential". What it makes him look like to me is a tired old man vacationing with his trophy wife.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:33 amTMZ is now officially... what? ... gross, at least...
Alex's Wife Riding Lenny's Rod?
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:35 amTMZ.com - 42 minutes ago
And it just keeps getting freakier in the swirl surrounding Madge marriage - could Alex Rodriguez's wife Cynthia be taking her revenge on A-Rod with Lenny Kravitz, who just happens to be ... Madonna's ex, after splitting with A-Rod for good?
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen warned Wednesday that an Israeli airstrike against Iran would make the Middle East more unstable.
_______________________________________________________
This should be a giant "DUH!"
What I don't understand is why we need the Chairman of the JCOS to state the obvious. Surely any thinking person knows that bombing other countries makes them (and usually the surrounding area) more unstable.
But we don't necessarily have "thinking people" in charge now, do we? At least not people who can think beyond their own personal power and wealth grabs.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:36 amUS teacher is suspended for letting pupils read bestseller
An Indiana teacher who used a much lauded bestseller, The Freedom Writers Diary, to try to inspire under-performing high-school students has been suspended from her job without pay for 18 months.
http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,,2288658,00.html
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:36 amI feel like these past 7 years have been a “shock and awe” attack on our freedoms, rights and sensibilities. I hate it when I find myself shrugging at some of these stories with a “Now what” attitude but it sure is hard maintaining an indignant outrage at what has happened this far.
I feel that way too. And I am sad that I can no longer comfort myself by saying that "Obama will fix that when he gets into office". With his new track to the right I'm not exactly sure what we can depend on him to do when he takes office.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:38 amI'll sign on to your comments, satirev.
I want new candidates for Speaker proposed by the democratic party.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:38 amuh oh... watch out - here it comes... just wait:
Don't bomb Iran, Bush warns Israel
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:38 amNew York Daily News - 5 hours ago
BY RICHARD SISK WASHINGTON - President Bush and the top US military commander warned Israel Wednesday against bombing Iran, suggesting the US doesn't want to get involved in a third war.
US admiral warns Israel against opening Iran 'third front' guardian.co.uk
US Admiral Warns Against Attacking Iran AHN
Washington Post - eFluxMedia - Voice of America - Reuters
Bilbo Hussein Baggins Says
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:33 am
Ok, I’m a little confused here. Why is McCain stumping in Columbia and Mexico?
____________________________________________________
To get hostages freed, of course! Don't you watch Fox News, that paragon of journalistic truth?
/snark
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:39 amSatirev, I agree that Napoleon is alive in bush, but it's Napoleon III (no, not XIV!)--the Emperor of France who forced the nation into war against Prussia, mismnsged hiscoterie of sycophantic generals that hr trapped himself and his entire army in the city of Sedan, where, after a siege in which brave soldier engaged in sortie after sortie and died in futility, He was forced to surrender his army and himself. He brought about the end of the French Empire through his arrogance and the rise of the German Empire. (Imperial Germany's birth was declared in 1871 from Versailles by the conquering Prussianns.)
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:39 amBilbo Hussein Baggins Says:
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is in Mexico to discuss free trade and the eradication of illegal drugs.
Ok, I’m a little confused here. Why is McCain stumping in Columbia and Mexico? I wasn’t aware of the fact that they can vote in our elections. I’m wondering who is paying for this trip, the US taxpayer or his campaign. I’m betting on the taxpayer. I suppose the purpose of the trip is to make him look “presidential”. What it makes him look like to me is a tired old man vacationing with his trophy wife.
Does Customs check on McBush and Mrs McBush when they come back into the country, or are they exempt? Maybe the Straight Talk Express is picking up bags of cash.
Or maybe McBush's contacts in Colombia got wind of the military's plan to free hostages and decided to drop in for a visit. That way, if the plan worked, wingnuts could claim it was really McBush that pulled it off; if it didn't work, no harm no foul.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:39 amkaty, I think the headline should have read:
Bush warns Israel, Don’t bomb Iran...yet!
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:43 amI'm wondering when McCain will take credit for the hostage release in Columbia yesterday. I mean, he was in the Country, right? Proximity means credit, so I believe he'll blow his horn.
It's really quite amazing how Republics can spin facts. For instance, Gen. Clark's comment about being shot down doesn't automatically qualify you for the Presidency...the MSM,et al, is now attributing Bob Scheiffer's response as Clark's words.
McCain campaign adds more Bushies & lobbyists!
Bush III: Pandering for Plausibility
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:45 amgummitch
Maybe they dropped off bags of money, you know with this UBS thing brewing.
OR
Maybe McInsane was picking up some nose candy for his new organization. I don't think Rovians will be satisfied with donuts and bar-b-ques as their perks.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:46 amHas Obama in any way indicated that he'll vote for the immunity bill? I haven't been keeping up with very many details of the presidential race lately.
It's going to be difficult to go to the polls is he votes Yea.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:47 amamen satirev, this is what I've felt for a long time. Do Pelosi and Reid actually think that their secret is safe with Bush because they didn't impeach? After he leaves the WH look for several anonymous leaks to the press about personal dirt on many top Dems.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:48 am#29 Saint Augustine Says:
US teacher is suspended for letting pupils read bestseller
An Indiana teacher who used a much lauded bestseller, The Freedom Writers Diary, to try to inspire under-performing high-school students has been suspended from her job without pay for 18 months.
http://books.guardian.co.uk/ news/ articles/ 0,,2288658,00.html
Good Morning :) Did you get a chance to see this movie? It was very good. I can't believe they would suspend a teacher over trying to inspire her pupils by reading that book. Wow the education system is even worse than I thought it was. It needs an overhaul, but punishing teachers that are trying to get students to broaden their horizons is something all teachers should aspire to do.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:51 amjabberjaw Says:
Bob Barr anyone?
fixed.
?
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:51 amReid and Pelosi must go because they no longer represent the will of the electorate whom they serve.
Hopefully enough people in her California district are disgusted enough with her to vote for Cindy Sheehan. I think that would be so sweet if Sheehan beat Pelosi.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:53 amHow much more incompetence can this administration handle?
Even the basic of investigations gets screwed up by chimpy.
Now it comes to pass that tomatoes may not be the culprit of the outbreak of sickness. It could be cilantro and/or jalapeños.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:54 amA Patriot Acting Says:
katy, I think the headline should have read:
Bush warns Israel, Don’t bomb Iran…yet!
Actually it's all for show. They are really telling Israel, go ahead, bomb Iran but because we told you not to, we have plausible deniability. If they really wanted to stop Israel from bombing Iran they would tell them that any future aid from our country would be cut off if they did bomb them.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:54 amyea, about those colombian hostages... this set off an alarm, of sorts:
... [Ms Betancourt] thanked Mr Uribe, against whom she was running as a presidential candidate when she was kidnapped, and said he "has been a very good president".
She added: "I continue to aspire to serve Colombia as president."
...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7487026.stm
um... you don't think... could it be?
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:56 am... only a coincidence?
jabberjaw Says:
So much for bringing the troops home “now.”
Well, since Obama has never said he would bring the troops home "now" I'll not judge him on this one. He has always said that he would bring the troops home "responsibly" and has said that could take as long as 16 months. It would be physically responsible to bring all our troops home "now".
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:56 amA Patriot Acting Says:
katy, I think the headline should have read:
Bush warns Israel, Don’t bomb Iran…yet!
or, "GO FOR IT!"
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:57 amNader is a nut.
BTW -- I was told yesterday that Perot paid for mcchimpy's ex-wife past medical bills.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:57 am#42 McWars Says:
Has Obama in any way indicated that he’ll vote for the immunity bill? I haven’t been keeping up with very many details of the presidential race lately.
It’s going to be difficult to go to the polls is he votes Yea.
I think Keith O got it right when he said "Obama is being given a second chance to make a good first impression". He was talking about the FISA bill, it was a very good show. Obama has received over 7,000 complaints about his decision. I haven't heard anything yet about if he has changed his mind.
Nice to see you McWars :) Have a good day!!
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:58 amabberjaw Says:
Ralph Nader is still polling at 6% on CNN polls. Hopefully, this is enough to get him into the debates.
you should vote for him.
or bob barr.
*
good luck.
&
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:58 amjabberjaw Says:
Ralph Nader anyone?
what the hell for??? the waits around, does nothing, for 4 years then jumps in expecting to be a savior? ha!
too bad... he blew it... again.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:00 amGame of Life Says:
Nader is a nut.
BTW — I was told yesterday that Perot paid for mcchimpy’s ex-wife past medical bills.
He did, while McCain was a POW. McCain is paying her bills now which explains why the former Mrs. McCain says she still has "affection" for the many who cuckolded her and abandoned her.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:02 amBob Barr's a whacko
Any country I can move to that truly isn't ashamed of being on the THE LEFT? Because too many people in this country are still roasting Ronald Reagan's turds and having a nice dinner.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:03 amNicky Says:
katy,
You know nothing about Colombian politics so shut up.
And you know nothing about Katy so maybe it's you who should STFU.
New troll folks...
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:03 amsatirev Says:
... Barack Obama ... by stating that he will work to strike immunity from the bill - but failing that - will vote “yes” for intel (and Presidential) immunity.
no, he didn't say that.
he said he will vote for FISA.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:04 amThinkprogress has been critical of Bush's responses to those favoring a global credit market.
The U.S. delegation was booed at Bali and TP reported:
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/12/15/bali-negotiators-reach-agreement-after-us-u-turn/
And many have been critical for U.S. feet dragging on the Kyoto treaty as an indication of failed leadership:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/05/bush-leading-on-climate/
But, there are some indications that the money going into carbon credits (estimated at 3 trillion dollars by 2020) is being wasted:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7436263.stm
If action is needed to slow the rate of global warming, it seems that carbon credits may not be the answer:
http://www.wired.com/science/planetearth/magazine/16-06/ff_heresies_07trading
Instead of producing meaningful reductions in carbon emissions to ensure a healthy planet, it sounds more like we're sending western dollars/euros to India and China.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:06 amFascism in America, courtesy of the DOJ and the FBI.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:07 amAll brown-skinned, beware. All people with foreign names, beware. All people who correspond with others in foreign nations, beware.
Once you get on the list of suspects, you can't get off.
Your every move will be duly tracked and noted.
Pricky-FLAGGED!
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:08 amToxicity in FEMA Trailers Blamed on Cheap Materials, Low Construction Standards
Living in Florida makes the possibility of someday having to seek new living quarters because of hurricanes, thus the possibility of being relocated to a government supplied trailer, makes this issue of special interest to me and many others here in the Sunshine State. Can you imagine the feeling that built up in me when I watched my Congressman, John Mica (R FL 07), a member of the House Committeeon Oversight and Government Reform, softball his questioning of FEMA officials.
I'll be SOOOO glad when this administration is over. I'll be even happier when those responsible for this mess are held accountable.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:09 amHey, when did Trajan_75 change his name to Nicky?
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:11 amGood morning to you, Freedom Rebel. Thank you for the update.
Who could have thought that Obama could take air out his campaign not by "being to far to the left" but by pandering to the right?
I keep repeating that in my head, "Obama? Pandering to the right? There has to be some further explanation of this, some punch line."
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:11 amBilbo Hussein Baggins Says:
Nicky Says:
katy,
You know nothing about Colombian politics so shut up.
And you know nothing about Katy so maybe it’s you who should STFU.
New troll folks…
Not new at all, Bilbo. It's Trajan/The Joker etc. You can tell by the "latin" obsession. Remember, no one but "latins" can comment on the history or politics or culture of any "latin" country. Flag the psycho.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:12 amDRxJ Says:
Hey, when did Trajan_75 change his name to Nicky?
Yesterday? TP is not paying attention, apparently.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:13 amthanks bilbo... good thing annonymous troolls are easily ignored...
but, i wonder, did my curiosity touch a nerve? hmmm...
COULD urbe & benefactors have had ms.betancourt removed for a time? eh?
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:13 amThe Justice Department is currently considering “letting the FBI investigate Americans without any evidence of wrongdoing, relying instead on a terrorist profile that could single out Muslims, Arabs or other racial and ethnic groups.”
Not to mention teachers, lawyers and political enemies of any stripe.
http://progressiveworldreview.com
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:15 amCan you imagine the field day in the press if Obama had abandoned his first, ailing wife; if he had carried on an affair before he divoprced her; if a multimillionaire had to pay for his first wife's medical bills?
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:16 amCan you imagine if Obama's had spend $750,000/month on credit cards?
So much is made over Michelle Obama's $140 b/w dress for "the view" -- who's talking about the $3,000 german-designer suits for Cindy?
What would be said if the Obama's were lobbying against MADD?
ABC News reports that in the past week, high-level discussions amongst senior administration officials about the status of Guantanamo Bay have “escalated,” and President Bush is expected to soon decide whether to close the prison.
It is widely speculated that the decision will be:
Nah, let's leave it for the next administration to deal with.
You know, just like the deficit, Iraq occupation, recession...(*the list continues pretty much endlessly*)
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:17 amNicky
FLAGGED.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:20 amEconomy extends job loss streak
U.S. employers cut workers from their payrolls for a sixth straight month in June for the longest losing streak for the labor market since 2002, and a jump in first-time claims for jobless benefits points to more weakness ahead.
The Labor Department said on Friday that 62,000 nonfarm jobs were lost last month, bringing jobs shed for the year so far to 438,000 as housing market woes chilled growth. The unemployment rate, which shot up sharply in May, held steady at 5.5 percent.
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN3040886620080703
"And so the fact that they purchased the machine meant somebody had to make the machine. And when somebody makes a machine, it means there's jobs at the machine-making place." --George W. Bush, Mesa, Arizona, May 27, 2008
With that kind of comment from Bush it's pretty obvious that he doesn't have a clue that we are still hemorrhaging jobs at an alarming rate.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:20 amNickyJokerTrajan_75 Says:
gummitch,
You know nothing about Latin History and I debunked you lies. Too bad your feeling are hurt.
Yep, it's him! Still baffeled by the usage of plurals in a sentence, I see.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:21 amMaybe Nicky is Adam Sandler, who played the devil in a really, really bad movie?
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:22 amsatirev@#48
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:28 amI called Obama's Washington office and told his staffer that I expect him to fight the telecom immunity, was an active monthly donor, and was withholding my July (and possible subsequent) donations until I saw him act when this bill comes to the Senate for debate, amendments and voting.
The staffer replied that Senator Obama was strongly committed to the rule of law, and was working hard behind the scenes to gather support for the immunity stripping amendment.
I just have to believe he wasn't BSing me, for now.
all good points, marie...
and how many of us could get away with NOT paying RE taxes, on at least one of our 7 san diego properties, for 6 years???
eh?
mcCHUMP is getting free ride, all right...
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:33 am#71 McWars Says:
Good morning to you, Freedom Rebel. Thank you for the update.
Who could have thought that Obama could take air out his campaign not by “being to far to the left” but by pandering to the right?
I keep repeating that in my head, “Obama? Pandering to the right? There has to be some further explanation of this, some punch line.”
Some people say it is to get more conservative votes. Sorry that doesn't work for me either, McWars.
I believe that certain issues there is No Grey Area. The FISA bill is one of them. I know it is hard to believe that we are seeing him lean to the right on this issue. I also know that I will never always agree with all the decisions that he makes, but on the important ones he needs to get it right. There is just too much at stake. I want Bush punished for what he did.
Have a nice day :)
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:33 amThat just what I'm doing with Obama, no more donations as long as he's pandering to the right, RUC. I still wouldn't vote for McCranky but let Obama get his money from the right if that's who he's going after.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:35 amThat's a somewhat comforting update, RU. I'm trying to be cautiously optimistic out of all of this.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:36 amNice wrap-up, FR! You have a nice day, too!
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:40 am"...then you weed out the innocent.”
"Papers! Papers! Stop! Holt! Nein, nein, nein!"
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:43 amHey, Nikita~ Here's a site that might help with your spelling deficiency.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:43 amPlease get help!
Apparently, there's a big uproar on Obama's website blog over his FISA complicity. The same folks who put him in his nomineee position are now demanding that he be the man that we believed him to be.
I'm very proud of the liberal grassroots community who isn't just going to roll over on this matter, and will continue to stay vigilant of our own candidate. No wonder so many conservatives are leaving their party to join us.
I think Thomas Jefferson would be proud.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:01 amActually, he is. Walker was appointed by George H.W. Bush.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:11 amSure jabberjuice, we need your advice like Custer needed one more Indian.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:14 amUn @#91 http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/iandb1/gGxss2/commentary#comment-gl9yR
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:19 amjj, you apparently didn't read my post. My July contribution is in suspension until the matter is resolved. I don't need written reassurances from a staffer.
Jibutz, get a life.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:20 amA federal judge said yesterday that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act established by Congress “was the ‘exclusive’ means for the president to eavesdrop on Americans.”
The thing I can't wrap my mind around is why the repukes are pushing this so hard NOW, when it's highly likely there will be a Dem in the Oval Office come January. Can anyone enlighten me?
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:21 amSen. John McCain (R-AZ) is in Mexico to discuss free trade and the eradication of illegal drugs.
How many electoral votes does Mexico have? If NEW Mexico is a state, OLD Mexico must be one too. Just ask Grampy McRibs.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:25 amIn the introduction to “America’s Best Zoos: A Travel Guide for Fans and Families,” Gingrich writes that he “fell in love with seeing animals in all their glory and diversity.”
If only he could get all those pesky democrats in cages too.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:28 amFreedom Rebel Says:
Congress needs to draft a bill to re-define “non-profit”.
Technically, it is non-profit...He spends so much money on himself, there's nothing left :)~
Good morning FR :)
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:31 amAnd the beat goes on Says:
Chemical weapons transport plan draws fire
To honor a 1997 treaty banning chemical weapons, Congress has ordered the military to destroy all its munitions by the end of 2017.
Did Bush give Saddam 20 years to get rid of his WMD before blowing up Iraq?
Just sayin'....
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:36 amFreedom Rebel Says:
This is such a crime against nature and the environment. It is hard for me to comprehend how the State of Alaska approved these plans to begin with knowing the consequences.
It may be easier to comprehend if you just assume there were repukes behind the whole thing :(
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:41 amGood morning to *most* of you! Thanks for the terrific posts.
Did you guys hear - Eric "PONCH" Estrada has endorsed McBush!! Wow! That's big. REEEEEEEEAL big.
I'll be sure and vote for him now.
Not.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:03 pmBilbo Hussein Baggins Says:
Game of Life Says:
Nader is a nut.
BTW — I was told yesterday that Perot paid for mcchimpy’s ex-wife past medical bills.
He did, while McCain was a POW. McCain is paying her bills now which explains why the former Mrs. McCain says she still has “affection” for the many who cuckolded her and abandoned her.
Not while he was POW but while he was POKING cindy. It was written in his divorce creed that he will pay for her medical benefits for the rest of her life. This is after Perot paid the past due balances.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:08 pmAnd finally: Long before he wanted to join government, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich wanted to be…a zookeeper.
Ohhhhh, that is just so WRONG.
I'm glad he spared the poor zoo critters from his neo-conish toolism.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:13 pmMarie Says:
Fascism in America, courtesy of the DOJ and the FBI.
All brown-skinned, beware. All people with foreign names, beware. All people who correspond with others in foreign nations, beware.
Once you get on the list of suspects, you can't get off.
Your every move will be duly tracked and noted.
You are so right!
Whoever said they aren't should give a repug litmus test to see if they are white or not---can they join the kkk?
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:14 pmUnfortunately, my presence was required by one of my clients at a defense contractor's office complex yesterday to consult on some fire sprinkler changes that were needed. This company, one most of you have undoubtedly heard of, had televisions in some corridors and every office I passed. Every single tv was tuned to Fox News. I don't know why I was surprised, but I was really stunned by the corporate brainwashing going on there. My client told me this company just landed a HUGE contract for some laser bomb thingies or something. I left feeling like I needed a shower.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:36 pmLeftside Annie Says
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Did you guys hear - Eric “PONCH” Estrada has endorsed McBush!! Wow! That’s big. REEEEEEEEAL big.
_______________________________________________________
Wow -- an endorsement from an irrelevant has-been. That's gotta be something.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:56 pmExit Stage Left Says:
A federal judge said yesterday that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act established by Congress “was the ‘exclusive’ means for the president to eavesdrop on Americans.”
The thing I can’t wrap my mind around is why the repukes are pushing this so hard NOW, when it’s highly likely there will be a Dem in the Oval Office come January. Can anyone enlighten me?
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:21 am
oh, you think there will be an election?
see, i'm not so sure...
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:00 pmum...
Google Keeps Code but Viacom Gets YouTube User Data
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:07 pmPC World - 1 hour ago
Google need not reveal its search code to Viacom, but its YouTube subsidiary must disclose a database listing who watched what video, when, and from where, a New York judge ordered Tuesday.
Judge orders YouTube to expose user viewing habits and history Computerworld
Source: Protective order will keep Viacom out of sensitive YouTube ... CNET News
Washington Post - BBC News - ZDNet - Search Engine Land
Game of Life Says:
Nader is a nut.
BTW — I was told yesterday that Perot paid for mcchimpy's ex-wife past medical bills.
He did, while McCain was a POW. McCain is paying her bills now which explains why the former Mrs. McCain says she still has "affection" for the many who cuckolded her and abandoned her.
Excuse me, I meant to say He didn't
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:42 pmThe BBC is reporting that the carbon credit market, set up under the Kyoto protocol, is being misused:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7436263.stm
Does it still make sense to support it?
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:11 pmZooey @ 101
He would be perfect at a zoo, on display in the reptile house!
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:21 pmZooey @ 101
He would be perfect at a zoo, on display in the reptile house!
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:21 pmSorry about the double post, however I don't know what I did to cause it?
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:23 pm#80, Katy,
How could I forget THAT one!?
The double standard in the media is sickening.
McCain's just bought a Boeing jet for themselves and the press is salivating over it because they can get a ride now and then.
Why isn't anyone tlaking about Cindy McCain and her son actively lobbying against Mothers Against Drunk Drivers? What do you think the Bible Belt would think of that?
I think I just answered my own question -- the press knows what they would think, so they keep it quiet.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:36 pmExit Stage Left Says:
A federal judge said yesterday that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act established by Congress “was the ‘exclusive’ means for the president to eavesdrop on Americans.”
The thing I can’t wrap my mind around is why the repukes are pushing this so hard NOW, when it’s highly likely there will be a Dem in the Oval Office come January. Can anyone enlighten me?
katy Says:
oh, you think there will be an election?
see, i’m not so sure…
Thus my confusion....If they have other nefarious plans, why give a crap about any soon-to-be irrelevant legislation? If they don't, why are they pushing it now?
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:44 pmI'd hate to be a Muslim in America today because of culture and government is so hateful towards them relative to how others are treated.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:57 pmgood question, exit... maybe to keep up "appearances"?
marie - how could i miss THAT one (MADD)...
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:57 pmwe must've both been listening to the ed schultz show, huh!
#98 Exit Stage Left Says:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freedom Rebel Says:
Congress needs to draft a bill to re-define “non-profit”.
Technically, it is non-profit…He spends so much money on himself, there’s nothing left :)~
Good morning FR :)
Sorry I missed you this morning, I work with some teenagers with Autism during the summer. I was gone for most of the day. Have a good 4th... ;)
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:23 pm