ThinkFast: August 28, 2008
ThinkFast: August 28, 2008
“The United States is spending more money than ever on private security contractors in Iraq as thousands of troops return home amid steady declines in insurgent attacks.” Over $1.2 billion will have been spent this year on “contractors, who protect diplomats, civilian facilities and supply convoys.”
A Washington law firm “filed a lawsuit yesterday against KBR, one of the largest U.S. contractors in Iraq, alleging that the company and its Jordanian subcontractor engaged in the human trafficking of Nepali workers.” The firm says 13 Nepali men were recruited for kitchen work in Jordan only to have their passports seized upon arrival and “told they were being sent to a military facility in Iraq.”
According to a new survey, 65 percent of American workers believe that this is a “bad time to find a quality job,” matching “the level of the 2001 recession.” In addition, “one third of workers said they often don’t have enough money to make ends meet.”
CNN reports that the number of people and businesses heading to bankruptcy court has spiked. “Bankruptcy filings surged 29% in the 12 months that ended June 30, according to government figures released Wednesday.”
On the trail today: Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) will accept the Democratic Party’s nomination for president with a speech at Invesco Field tonight in Denver. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has no public events.
Prosecutors for the Department of Justice “asked federal judges in Washington and Florida to shave years off the sentence” of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, “citing his work in an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that sent numerous people to prison and contributed to the Republican Party’s loss of Congress.”
The Iraqi Embassy in Beijing said “China and Iraq have signed a $3 billion deal revising an earlier agreement for China’s biggest oil company to help develop the Ahdab oil field.” The deal was signed yesterday by Chinese officials and Iraq’s Oil Minister and restores “a project canceled after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.”
House Democrats are scheduling a Sept. 11 hearing “that would put former White House counsel Harriet Miers under oath.” Justice Department lawyers “said they would go to court as soon as today to block a ruling by U.S. District Judge John Bates that forces the White House to cooperate” with the attorneys scandal investigation.
Speaking to the American Legion yesterday, Vice President Cheney defended the administration’s use of “tough interrogations.” “The policies of our country comply with our law, which prohibits torture. We’re proud of our country and what it stands for,” he said.
“Private contractors account for more than one-quarter of the core workforce at U.S. intelligence agencies,” according to new numbers released by the government. The figures illustrate “how much of the nation’s spying work has been outsourced” since 9/11.
And finally: Some lawmakers have “buyer’s remorse” over ethics rules they passed last year. “It’s a pain in the ass!” said Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA).”Members of Congress used to not have to worry about finding lunch or dinner at conventionn,” notes The Hill. “I bought my own fried chicken and french fries instead of gong to a catered event,” said Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ).
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The FBI Unchecked Power To Hide Abuses In the Form of Gag Orders
The American Civil Liberties Union urged a federal appeals court to uphold a decision striking down the national security letter (NSL) provision of the Patriot Act. This provision gives the FBI the authority to issue letters demanding private information about people within the United States, and to place the recipients of the letters under indefinite gag orders. Recent reports issued by the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) have revealed the FBI's widespread, systemic abuse of its NSL power.
"The FBI shouldn't have the unreviewable power to impose gag orders on the recipients of national security letters," said Jameel Jaffer, Director of the ACLU National Security Project who argued today in court. "As the district court ruled, the FBI's power to silence the recipients of these letters has to be subject to judicial oversight. Without that check, the FBI can use its power to hide abuses and silence its critics – and that's exactly what it's been doing."
You may remember earlier this year that, The Electronic Frontier Foundation, the Internet Archive's lawyers, fought the NSL, challenging its constitutionality. The FBI served a controversial National Security Letter in November 2007, on the Internet Archive's founder Brewster Kahle, asking for records about one of the library's registered users, asking for the user's name, address and activity on the site. The FBI agreed on April 21 to withdraw the letter and unseal the court case.
The ACLU and New York Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit in April 2004 on behalf of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that received an NSL. Because the FBI imposed a gag order on the ISP, the lawsuit was filed under seal, and even today the ACLU is prohibited from disclosing its client's identity. The FBI continues to maintain the gag order even though the underlying investigation is more than four years old (and may well have ended).
"This amendment violates not only the First Amendment's strong presumption in favor of free speech but also impermissibly limits the capacity of courts to behave as courts and to adjudicate fairly the propriety of any gag order," said Arthur Eisenberg, NYCLU Legal Director.
Bills aimed at bringing the NSL authority back in line with the Constitution were introduced last year in both the House and Senate after reports had confirmed and detailed the widespread abuse of the authority by federal law enforcement. Since the Patriot Act was passed in 2001, relaxing restrictions on the FBI's use of the power, the number of NSLs issued has seen an astronomical increase, to nearly 200,000 between 2003 and 2006. A March 2008 OIG report revealed that, among other abuses, the FBI misused NSLs to sidestep the authority of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC). In one instance, the FBI issued NSLs to obtain information after the FISC twice refused its requests on First Amendment grounds. The OIG also found that the FBI continues to impose gag orders on about 97 percent of NSL recipients and that, in some cases, the FBI failed to sufficiently justify why the gag orders were imposed in the first place.
http://www.aclu.org/safefree/nationalsecurityletters/36567prs20080827.html
In most cases if someone challenges the NSL letter in court the FBI backs down. Which begs the question did they really need the information in the first place or was it a fishing expedition? This is another reason to become a member of the ACLU. Also, the Electronic Frontier Foundation is primarily member supported, another worth wide foundation to support. **Footnote-If McCain wins this will only get even worse, how many other civil rights will he take under the guise of National Security.**
August 28th, 2008 at 9:01 amAccording to a new survey, 65 percent of American workers believe that this is a “bad time to find a quality job,” matching “the level of the 2001 recession.” In addition, “one third of workers said they often don’t have enough money to make ends meet.”
CNN reports that the number of people and businesses heading to bankruptcy court has spiked. “Bankruptcy filings surged 29% in the 12 months that ended June 30, according to government figures released Wednesday.”
Let's add both of these together with a hearty
'MISSION ACCOMPLISHED' ~ Darth & Chymp.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:06 amJustice Department lawyers “said they would go to court as soon as today to block a ruling by U.S. District Judge John Bates that forces the White House to cooperate” with the attorneys scandal investigation.
_______________________________________________________
This has gone beyond the point of ridiculous. If the Bush administration has done nothing wrong, why are they moving heaven and earth to keep one of their own from being put under oath?
The more they fight, the guiltier they look.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:06 amNice post FR, and another in the myriad of reasons to elect Obama. Checks and balances, judicial review. All stuff the former Law professor will bring back to normalcy.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:08 amBiden--The Senator He Almost Wasn't
Good evening, I’m Beau Biden. And Joe Biden is my dad.
Many of you know him as a distinguished and accomplished senator. I know him as an incredible father and a loving grandfather. A man who hustled home to Delaware after the last vote so he wouldn’t miss me and my brother’s games. Who, after returning from some war-torn region of the world, would tiptoe into our room and kiss us goodnight. Who turns down some fancy cocktail party in Washington so he won’t miss my daughter Natalie’s birthday party.
The truth is, he almost wasn’t a senator at all. In 1972, shortly after his improbable victory, but before he took the oath of office, my father went to Washington to look at his new office space. My mom took us to go buy a Christmas tree. On the way home, we were in an automobile accident. My mom, Neilia, and sister, Naomi, were killed. My brother, Hunter, and I were seriously injured and hospitalized for weeks. I was just short of 4 years old. One of my earliest memories was being in that hospital, Dad always at our side. We, not the Senate, were all he cared about.
He decided not to take the oath of office. He said, “Delaware can get another senator, but my boys can’t get another father.” However, great men like Ted Kennedy, Mike Mansfield, Hubert Humphrey—men who had been tested themselves—convinced him to serve. So he was sworn in, in the hospital, at my bedside. As a single parent, he decided to be there to put us to bed, to be there when we woke from a bad dream, to make us breakfast, so he’d travel to and from Washington, four hours a day.
Be there for Barack Obama because our country needs him. Be there for both of them because millions of families need to know that their best days aren’t behind them, but ahead of them. Be there for both of them because millions of people are trying to overcome, just like my dad overcame. Be there—be there because Barack Obama and Joe Biden will deliver America the change we so desperately need. Please join me in welcoming my friend, my father, my hero and the next Vice President of the United States: Joe Biden.
http://www.demconvention.com/beau-biden/
For the complete article Beau Biden wrote, check out the link. I never knew this about Biden and thought I would share this. What an incredible story.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:12 am#5 FR - thanks for the post.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:16 amAugust 28th, 2008 at 9:16 am
In addition, “one third of workers said they often don’t have enough money to make ends meet.”
___________________________________________________________
One third??? This is insane. And certainly something that we, once the richest country in the world, should be ashamed of.
Once upon a time, the typical middle-class family could budget their income to afford a mortgage payment, a car payment, food, utilities, insurance (health, life, AND home), a vacation trip once a year, AND still have money left to put away for retirement, college for the kids, or just to sock away for a rainy day.
Now the belt has tightened. Forget retirement, savings, and college funds -- those were the first to go. Families are having to choose -- do we pay for food on credit cards or do we forgo health insurance and pray nobody gets sick? Forget family vacations -- can we afford to put gas in the car just to get to work? Do we heat the house this winter, or do we fix the dry rot problem? What happens if I lose my job and can't make the mortgage payment?
One third of our working class has already gotten to the point where they can't make ends meet. How many of the remaining two thirds see themselves on the edge of falling into that ever-growing group?
Thanks, Bushco.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:17 amThank you, FR. I think we get so caught up in the hoopla surrounding candidates that we sometimes forget that they are real people with real problems. And when we see how they handle those problems, I think we see the real person.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:19 am#4 RUCerious Says:
Nice post FR, and another in the myriad of reasons to elect Obama. Checks and balances, judicial review. All stuff the former Law professor will bring back to normalcy.
Thanks RUC. I agree. What the FBI has been able to get away with under the Patriot Act is incredible. This has got to be at the top of Obama's To Do List.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:19 amI hate to say this but:
"Worse is better."
August 28th, 2008 at 9:19 amSome lawmakers have “buyer’s remorse” over ethics rules they passed last year. “It’s a pain in the ass!” said Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA).”Members of Congress used to not have to worry about finding lunch or dinner at conventionn,” notes The Hill. “I bought my own fried chicken and french fries instead of gong to a catered event,” said Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ).
Could our politicians be bigger whiners and babies ?
Imagine the indignity of it all ; having to actually purchase your own food ........
Christ , these people are so pampered
August 28th, 2008 at 9:21 amSome lawmakers have “buyer’s remorse” over ethics rules they passed last year. “It’s a pain in the ass!” said Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA).”Members of Congress used to not have to worry about finding lunch or dinner at conventionn,” notes The Hill. “I bought my own fried chicken and french fries instead of gong to a catered event,” said Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ).
Oh waahhhh. I have to buy my own lunch every day. Grow up and get over it you bunch of babies.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:22 amYo TP - Fix this: “I bought my own fried chicken and french fries instead of gong to a catered event,” said Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ).
August 28th, 2008 at 9:24 am#9 raynman Says:
Thank you, FR. I think we get so caught up in the hoopla surrounding candidates that we sometimes forget that they are real people with real problems. And when we see how they handle those problems, I think we see the real person.
Good Morning raynman :) I completely agree with you.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:24 amIt was too long for me to post the whole story. But it gave me a whole new prospective of Biden. My respect for him went way up. What a great father.
MCMetal says at #12:
Jim Moran is a good guy. I'm surprised.
====
August 28th, 2008 at 9:25 amThe Donald is upset that he will have to pay his fair share of ill-gotten crapitalist gains if O’Bama becomes Prez. [Acknowledgements to Stephanie Miller.]
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August 28th, 2008 at 9:27 amgreenpagan Says:
Some lawmakers have “buyer’s remorse” over ethics rules they passed last year. “It’s a pain in the ass!” said Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA).
Jim Moran is a good guy. I’m surprised.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:25 am
_______
Well, he did vote against telecom immunity, so we know he didn't get an invite to any AT&T parties...
August 28th, 2008 at 9:31 amThanks for the post at #5, Freedom Rebel.
After listening to Beau Biden last night, I was curious when he said:
"But because of other duties, it won’t be possible for me to be here this fall to stand by him the way he stood by me. So I have something to ask of you. Be there for my dad like he was for me."
What "other duties"? I looked it up -- his Delaware Army National Guard unit in which he serves is being deployed to Iraq this fall. Which he didn't mention, probably to keep the spotlight off himself and on his father. I pray for his safety, as well as the rest of the men and women in his unit and all of our troops.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:31 amgreenpagan Says
August 28th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Jim Moran is a good guy. I’m surprised.
_________________________________________________
Oh, even "good guys" can say things like this when they don't think they're being recorded. Even if I had a salary where I could well afford my own KFC 2-piece dinner, I might say something like this as an off-hand remark if I found I suddenly had to buy my own. However, if I was seriously asked how I felt about ethics rules, I would honestly say I supported them.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:35 am“The United States is spending more money than ever on private security contractors in Iraq as thousands of troops return home amid steady declines in insurgent attacks.”
Contractors in Iraq = FOB's private piggy bank.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:37 amAccording to a new survey, 65 percent of American workers believe that this is a “bad time to find a quality job,” matching “the level of the 2001 recession.” In addition, “one third of workers said they often don’t have enough money to make ends meet.”
A lot of my friends pay their rent/house payments, buy groceries, fill their tanks, then hope the fridge and gas tank don't go empty before they get paid again.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:37 amI haven't seen the economy this bad since the
DepressionRecession"mild" downturn of the Reagan/Bush I Years."Some lawmakers have “buyer’s remorse” over ethics rules they passed last year. “It’s a pain in the ass!” said Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA).”Members of Congress used to not have to worry about finding lunch or dinner at conventionn,” notes The Hill. “I bought my own fried chicken and french fries instead of gong to a catered event,” said Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ)."
Millions of Americans are worried about where to get the money for one meal a day for themselves and their families and this guy's whining about having to buy his own instead of getting it *free* from a lobbyist? He needs to be sent home where his wife can fix him lunch, if he can find the money.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:37 ammisshusseinmolly Says:
-------------------------------------------------------------
What “other duties”? I looked it up — his Delaware Army National Guard unit in which he serves is being deployed to Iraq this fall. Which he didn’t mention, probably to keep the spotlight off himself and on his father.
Well, of course he didn't mention it. What kind of dickhead would bring up his military service for political gain?
August 28th, 2008 at 9:38 amshoeless Says:
misshusseinmolly Says:
————————————————————-
What “other duties”? I looked it up — his Delaware Army National Guard unit in which he serves is being deployed to Iraq this fall. Which he didn’t mention, probably to keep the spotlight off himself and on his father.
Well, of course he didn’t mention it. What kind of dickhead would bring up his military service for political gain?
**cough**McCain**cough**POW**cough**POW**cough**
Sorry, nasty cough there.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:44 amWe Have Met The WMD Terrorists, And They Are US
snip
From the startling new reporting in today's New York Times:
snip
Go figure; the US and the long dark arm of Cheney looks to be leveraging the spring of AQ Khan too. From Gareth Porter via CommonDreams:
snip
Read this stunning article(and the links):
http://emptywheel.firedoglake.com/2008/08/25/we-have-met-the-wmd-terrorists-and-they-are-us/
** Calibleu sent me this alsong with the link to the New York Times and I sat reading it with my mouth wide open. Things keep coming out about the immoral (illegal?) activities of this entire administration. I hope there are international laws that can be used to prosecute -- or have the statute of limitations expired?
August 28th, 2008 at 9:46 amshoeless Says
August 28th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Well, of course he didn’t mention it. What kind of dickhead would bring up his military service for political gain?
_____________________________________________________________
Trivia point for everybody this morning -- how long ago was it that the presidential candidate with the more stellar military record was elected?
Answer: 1988 -- 20 years ago. Both George H.W. Bush and Michael Dukakis served honorably in the military, but Bush gets awarded the tiebreaker by virtue of having served during wartime (Dukakis served in Korea, but after the Korean Conflict was over). Bush was even shot down during WWII. But the fact that Bush won may not have had so much to do with his military service -- I don't remember that being much of a campaign issue.
In the past 4 presidential elections, the guy with the greater military record lost. Kerry in 2004, Gore in 2000, Dole in 1996, and H.W. Bush in 1992. When it comes down to voting for president, people appear to care more about what a candidate will do for them today than they care about past heroism.
But I bet that won't stop the POW card from being played as often as possible between now and November 4.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:53 amOn the trail today: Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) will accept the Democratic Party’s nomination for president with a speech at Invesco Field tonight in Denver. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has no public events.
So, it look like McBush is taking a week's vacation right in the middle of the campaign. Where is the MSM criticizing him like they criticized Obama? ***crickets***
August 28th, 2008 at 9:57 amFrom the Poor Politicians article:
Members of the House Blue Dog Coalition had to pay $22 to get into a party in their honor sponsored by AT&T on Sunday night that featured pop star KT Tunstall, said a Democrat familiar with the arrangements. A Willie Nelson concert sponsored by the energy company CH2M Hill set lawmakers back $50.
Was that the same AT&T party that was off-limits to the press?
They folded on FISA, and still had to shell out 22 clams?
No respect, I tell 'ya...
These guys have no imagination. Take the pac money, and use it to attend the parties, and justify it as an informal meeting of like-minded politicians, getting background information for possible future legislation.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:57 amThe morning paper did have one piece about McBush. He's apparently settled on his VP choice, who he will name tomorrow morning (11 am east coast time). The speculation is still rampant that he'll choose Traitor Joe and that this will unify "women and conservative Democrats." WTF? Women love wrinkles?
Speculation is also rampant that this choice would drive the Far Right into a frenzy of hate. Go Joe!
August 28th, 2008 at 9:59 amCNN reports that the number of people and businesses heading to bankruptcy court has spiked. “Bankruptcy filings surged 29% in the 12 months that ended June 30, according to government figures released Wednesday.”
My daughter is a bankruptcy attorney. She says that she has more work than she can handle. She also says it is heartbreaking. She is seeing lots of young couples who were after the "American Dream". They are upside down on their mortgages (owe more than the house is worth) and they have seen their interest rates jump from 5% to 15%. Then there are the couples who went broke paying the medical bills for their sick child and finally the husband saw his job go to India.
These are sad times for our country. It's time for us to find our compassion and humanity again.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:00 amOn the GLBT front:
Del Martin, 87, recently wed lesbian activist died yesterday.
A new Public Policy Institute of California poll indicates that 54% of Californians oppose Proposition-8 (banning same-sex marriage); 40% support the measure.
Exodus and other Pray Away the Gay "ministries" seem to be ramping up their hyperbole, presumably as we approach initiatives in several states including California and Florida.
http://www.tips-q.com
August 28th, 2008 at 10:02 am"Conventionn" in the post also has one too many "n"s.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:02 ambarfly Says:
These guys have no imagination. Take the pac money, and use it to attend the parties, and justify it as an informal meeting of like-minded politicians, getting background information for possible future legislation.
If you want to see some imagination, wait till next week.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:02 amSpeaking to the American Legion yesterday, Vice President Cheney defended the administration’s use of “tough interrogations.” “The policies of our country comply with our law, which prohibits torture. We’re proud of our country and what it stands for,” he said.
The only "law" these policies comply with are laws in the heads of the neoCONs. The only way this statement can be true is because this administration has renamed torture techniques to "enhanced interrogation techniques". My fondest wish in the world would be to see George Bush and Dick Cheney waterboarded. It would be fitting justice.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:03 amRussian analyst points to link between Georgian attack and Iran
A senior Russian military analyst said on Wednesday that the U.S. and NATO by arming Tbilisi used the conflict in Georgia as a dress rehearsal for a future military operation in Iran.
Col. Gen Leonid Ivashov, president of the Academy of Geopolitical Studies, told a news conference at RIA Novosti, "We are close to a serious conflict - U.S. and NATO preparations on a strategic scale are ongoing. In the operation the West conducted on Georgian soil against Russia - South Ossetians were the victims or hostages of it - we can see a rehearsal for an attack on Iran. There is a great deal of "new features" that today are being fine tuned in the theater of military operations."
He said the likelihood of a war against Iran was growing with each passing day, "As a result, the situation in the region will become destabilized," and added "causing chaos and instability" was becoming Washington's official policy line.
Read the rest:
http://blacklistednews.com/news-1270-0-22-22--.html
**yeah, I know, this could be Russian propaganda but who is telling the truth anymore? With all of the warships, etc. we have sent into this area as well as the middle east, it has a ring of truth.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:07 amgummitch Says:
Speculation is also rampant that this choice would drive the Far Right into a frenzy of hate. Go Joe!
_______________
How could anyone tell the difference?
August 28th, 2008 at 10:07 ammisshusseinmolly Says:
One third of our working class has already gotten to the point where they can’t make ends meet. How many of the remaining two thirds see themselves on the edge of falling into that ever-growing group?
Thanks, Bushco.
And the sad thing is that many of that one third will vote for John McBush because of god, guns or gays.
I weep for what we have become.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:07 amBilbo Hussein Baggins Says:
She also says it is heartbreaking. She is seeing lots of young couples who were after the “American Dream”. They are upside down on their mortgages (owe more than the house is worth)
Those young people should quit crying. The housing bust has caused John McCain to lose equity on 11 houses, and you don't see him crying about it!
August 28th, 2008 at 10:08 amHouse Democrats are scheduling a Sept. 11 hearing “that would put former White House counsel Harriet Miers under oath.” Justice Department lawyers “said they would go to court as soon as today to block a ruling by U.S. District Judge John Bates that forces the White House to cooperate” with the attorneys scandal investigation.
Does this mean that the "justice department lawyers" are her personal attorneys? Silly me....I thought the justice department contained America's attorneys.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:09 amgummitch Says:
Is there still time to get money down on Jindal in the veepstakes? Leiberman is tempting - but if they aren't elected, isn't he dead meat with his constituents?
Jindal brings the crazy, in ways Jewish Joe just can't.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:09 amI am so freaking sick with "awaiting moderation" -- this time about an article about a Russian analyst linking Georgia conflict with Iran. TP -- just release it. It isn't "subversive", it's analysis.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:12 amFreedom Rebel Says:
Biden–The Senator He Almost Wasn’t
I never knew this about Biden and thought I would share this. What an incredible story
Good morning Freb....What an incredibly poignant introduction he gave for his Dad...There wasn't a dry eye in my house.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:12 ambarfly Says:
Leiberman is tempting - but if they aren’t elected, isn’t he dead meat with his constituents?
Why, do you think Connecticut Republicans would blame Lieberman for the loss?
August 28th, 2008 at 10:13 amRove Versus Lieberman: Rove Tried To Kill Lieberman As VP Pick
Politico reports that Karl Rove tried to pressure Joe Lieberman into withdrawing his name from consideration as John McCain's running mate:
Republican strategist Karl Rove called Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.) late last week and urged him to contact Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to withdraw his name from vice presidential consideration, according to three sources familiar with the conversation.
Lieberman dismissed the request, these sources agreed.
Lieberman "laughed at the suggestion and certainly did not call [McCain] on it," said one source familiar with the details.
"Rove called Lieberman," recounted a second source. "Lieberman told him he would not make that call."
The New York Times reports that McCain has decided who his running mate will be and will announce the decision on Friday.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/28/rove-versus-lieberman-rov_n_121992.html
Makes you wonder why Karl Rove would do this? Is he afraid of the power shift that might possibly leave him unprotected? He knows Liebermann is always by McCain's side. Why would Rove think that Liebermann would do that, when it's not in his best interest? According to Fox Rove is a genius at "political a nalysis".. Not!
August 28th, 2008 at 10:13 amCan I post anything or am I flagged?
August 28th, 2008 at 10:15 amSo Cheney is PROUD of the USA using GESTAPO torture techniques.
Truly the scum of the earth and destined for the hottest, deepest pit of hell.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:18 amSpeaking to the American Legion yesterday, Vice President Cheney defended the administration’s use of “tough interrogations.” “The policies of our country comply with our law, which prohibits torture. We’re proud of our country and what it stands for,” he said.
It is fun to watch this sociopathic blowhard slide down the path to disgrace and irrelevance. He is this planet's most evil man since Hitler.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:18 amThank you T.P!
August 28th, 2008 at 10:19 amshoeless Says: Those young people should quit crying. The housing bust has caused John McCain to lose equity on 11 houses, and you don’t see him crying about it!
He hasn't yet figured how to work his POW story into the housing meltdown. Give the man some time, he'll figure a way...
Perhaps a reference to mortgages being "underwater" is all he'll need:
"Friends, as a POW, I frequently found myself underwater..."
August 28th, 2008 at 10:19 am#41 Exit Stage Left Says:
Freedom Rebel Says:
Biden–The Senator He Almost Wasn’t
I never knew this about Biden and thought I would share this. What an incredible story
Good morning Freb….What an incredibly poignant introduction he gave for his Dad…There wasn’t a dry eye in my house.
Good Morning ESL :) I didn't get to see it. I will have to find a youtube video to watch it.
Good to see you as always. Hope things look a little brighter today..
August 28th, 2008 at 10:19 amHmmmmm. I wonder what the rules in Delaware are...If Joe Biden is elected VP and Senator in November, what is the procedure for his being replaced as Senator-elect. Last night, during Beau's intro of his Dad, I couldn't help thinking that this could be Delaware's next U.S. senator.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:22 amWhy, do you think Connecticut Republicans would blame Lieberman for the loss?
After a republican VP run, I think Turncoat Joe would be as popular with Connecticut independents as cod liver oil.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:23 ammisshusseinmolly Says:
I had a salary where I could well afford my own KFC 2-piece dinner..
2-piece? You damn elitist :)~
/snark off
August 28th, 2008 at 10:24 amExit Stage Left Says:
Hmmmmm. I wonder what the rules in Delaware are…If Joe Biden is elected VP and Senator in November, what is the procedure for his being replaced as Senator-elect. Last night, during Beau’s intro of his Dad, I couldn’t help thinking that this could be Delaware’s next U.S. senator.
As Wayne Schneider pointed out recently, the governor of Conn. could appoint a replacement for the remainder of Biden's term.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:25 amGood morning Freb! ;D
Doing my morning routine (coffee, T.P., Stephanie Miller) and listened to a caller complain about the speeches NOT covered. Found both Kerry and Kucinich on YouTube. Calibleu also sent me a link to Kerrys. WOW. I did get to hear Bidens son and was just amazed. When Joe took the stage you could see the pride and love he had. WOW again. Have a great day!
August 28th, 2008 at 10:31 amgummitch Says:
Speculation is also rampant that this choice would drive the Far Right into a frenzy of hate. Go Joe!
How could they be driven to a place they are already at?
August 28th, 2008 at 10:32 amAnother WOW -- no trolls! Isn't it wonderful being able to have logical, honest discussions instead of feeding trolls?!
August 28th, 2008 at 10:33 amA simple solution would be for the party to provide meals. Something to think about for next time.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:42 amPolice arrested an ABC News producer trying to take pictures of Democratic Senators and their VIP donors at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver.
The producer and his camera crew were taking pictures from a public sidewalk. Was it the Energy Mid-Day Reception for invited guests only. Location: Unannounced?
I had to add my 2 cents.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:43 amI just visited cspan.org and found tons of links to videos -- of full speeches (youTube breaks them up) for those who might have missed them. Bidens full speech along with Beau's introduction is posted on home page
August 28th, 2008 at 10:47 amMcCain's in a bit of a pickle. OK, he looks pickled but I digress. The only VP choice that really pleases the Christian Right is Huck and that doesn't look even remotely possible. They absolutely loathe Romney.
The Christian right provides the bell ringers, envelope stuffers, telephone callers and other machinery in the GOP electoral endeavor. Look for them to become disinterested.
If, by some infinitesimal chance, he did choose Huckabee, there go the independents. Who wants a VP who said that the Constitution should be conformed to the bible?
August 28th, 2008 at 10:52 amDavidHart Says:
If, by some infinitesimal chance, he did choose Huckabee, there go the independents. Who wants a VP who said that the Constitution should be conformed to the bible?
A point which Huckabee reiterated last night on the Colbert Report.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:54 am#52 Exit Stage Left Says:
Hmmmmm. I wonder what the rules in Delaware are…If Joe Biden is elected VP and Senator in November, what is the procedure for his being replaced as Senator-elect. Last night, during Beau’s intro of his Dad, I couldn’t help thinking that this could be Delaware’s next U.S. senator.
I agree ESL, I think he is the new rising star. He has spoken in his father's place on a number of occassion. They have videos on youtube that cover those events. I think he would be an asset for Delaware as a Senator.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:59 amBecause of McCain's utter lack of economic savvy, conventional wisdom suggests that he needs a running mate with strength in this area.
The tough part is going to be finding somebody with knowledge of economic matters who will buy into McCain's economic proposals.
Should be interesting.
August 28th, 2008 at 11:02 am#56 And the beat goes on Says:
Good morning Freb! ;D
Doing my morning routine (coffee, T.P., Stephanie Miller) and listened to a caller complain about the speeches NOT covered. Found both Kerry and Kucinich on YouTube. Calibleu also sent me a link to Kerrys. WOW. I did get to hear Bidens son and was just amazed. When Joe took the stage you could see the pride and love he had. WOW again. Have a great day!
Good to see you and the beat goes on :) I hope your arm is on the mend.. I didn't get to see it so I had to watch the youtube video. I was moved to tears again. Kucinich did a fantastic job, no surprise there. Bloggers that where blogging from the DNC said people were chanting Wake Up America!! I really hope Obama gives him a cabinet position. You have a great day also.
August 28th, 2008 at 11:07 amAnd the beat goes on Says:
"We Have Met The WMD Terrorists, And They Are US"
I'm sure this has more than a little something to do with what Sibel Edmonds has been trying to tell us.
Speaking of Kerry... where was this version back in 2004!?!
August 28th, 2008 at 11:12 am#60 stateofthedivision Says:
Police arrested an ABC News producer trying to take pictures of Democratic Senators and their VIP donors at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver.
The producer and his camera crew were taking pictures from a public sidewalk. Was it the Energy Mid-Day Reception for invited guests only. Location: Unannounced?
I had to add my 2 cents.
Good Morning stateofthedivision :) I thought that was so out of line, they are trying to do investigative reporting on who was attending the Lobbyists Party's.
I couldn't believe they shoved the CodePink Protestor to the ground. I watched the video she was clearly not blocking anyone, plus she was arrested. Talk about the police over-reacting with brute force. There is no excuse...
Good to see you ....
August 28th, 2008 at 11:13 amFreedom Rebel, there's also a report of a Denver Policeman with McCain stickers on his motorcycle. Strange days, indeed!
August 28th, 2008 at 11:15 amstate; that newsman is being charged with trespassing.
Trespassing? On a PUBLIC SIDEWALK? WTF?
I smell one hell of a BIG lawsuit here.
August 28th, 2008 at 11:18 amPutin accuses US of orchestrating Georgian war.
I fully believed this when it was started. It just seemed too convenient for McCain and the Neocons. Don't put anything past these people.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/08/28/russia.georgia.cold.war/index.html
August 28th, 2008 at 11:24 amUncle Ho, I found the comments below the Denver Post article interesting. The link is below:
http://www.denverpost.com/commented/ci_10317164?source=commented-politics
The hotel security guard was a Boulder County Sherrif's Deputy. I don't see how he had arresting powers as he was out of his jurisdiction.
The Denver PD had to make the arrest and they sounded a bit ugly. The ABC report stated:
A cigar-smoking Denver police sergeant, accompanied by a team of five other officers, first put his hands on Eslocker's neck, then twisted the producer's arm behind him to put on handcuffs.
During the arrest, one of the officers can be heard saying to Eslocker, "You're lucky I didn't knock the f..k out of you."
Recall our society has policemen tasing elderly ladies for the crime of turning their water off. It shocks homeless pregnant women for sitting on a sidewalk. They weren't so lucky as Mr. Eslocker, who has the full legal team of ABC News behind him.
August 28th, 2008 at 11:25 amI found a story on the CodePink woman being pushed to ground and arrested for trying to find out where the police were taking her friend.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/aug/26/code-pink-protester-still-jail/
August 28th, 2008 at 11:28 amThe nixon era of police brutality has returned for sure. When do we start shooting citizens?
August 28th, 2008 at 11:38 amSo I'm hearing something about a blow up on air between Olberman and Scarborough?
August 28th, 2008 at 11:39 amDoes anyone know what happened?
Freedom Rebel Says:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------#56 And the beat goes on Says:
Good morning Freb! ;D
Not on mend yet but I have 2 MRIs in Tuesday!!! finally might get diagnosis confirmation (brachial plexus injury with tendon torn from bone.) I wll keep you posted. Thanks for your concern.
August 28th, 2008 at 11:41 amFred, of course we have all those nonlethal methods of subduing people. Nevermind that many people die, the victim of those nonlethal tools.
As you say Nixon is back, the police state is spreading. I heard the General in charge of NorthCom talk about all his collaboration with state National Guard, Border Patrol, and even local law enforcement. Want to be a military drone is doing surveillance in Denver?
August 28th, 2008 at 11:45 amCNN reports that the number of people and businesses heading to bankruptcy court has spiked. “Bankruptcy filings surged 29% in the 12 months that ended June 30, according to government figures released Wednesday.”
Biden's speech last night was very nice about supporting the middle class and all but if memory serves, he voted in favor of the law making it harder to file for bankruptcy.
http://progressiveworldreview.com
August 28th, 2008 at 11:49 am#69 stateofthedivision Says:
Freedom Rebel, there’s also a report of a Denver Policeman with McCain stickers on his motorcycle. Strange days, indeed!
Thanks for the link. I hadn't read about that one. No bias there, Oh No. I'm glad someone filed a complaint. I love the fact the bloggers are giving them a hard time about their gestapo tactics and recording it all on video...
August 28th, 2008 at 11:56 am#76 And the beat goes on Says:
Thanks for keeping me posted :)
August 28th, 2008 at 11:58 amPaul W Says:
Well if you think johnny will help you then he's your guy.
I'll stick with Barrack and Joe myself. I think my country will fare much better under thier leadership than the alternative.
August 28th, 2008 at 11:58 amI thought that Bankruptcy Law was going the reduce personal financial defaults?
For more on the Code Pink woman and her current state:
http://www.denverpost.com/politicswestnews/ci_10320263
August 28th, 2008 at 12:03 pmThe Denver Post has a story on the lack of toilets and water at the protest zone near the Pepsi Center.
http://www.denverpost.com/politicswestnews/ci_10320525
I find local news does a better job of telling the story. (I live in West Texas, where San Angelo's Standard Times had the most informative coverage of the Fundamentalist Mormon group in El Dorado).
August 28th, 2008 at 12:15 pmCheney: "The policies of our country comply with our law..."
Too bad the politicians don't. See, for example the Think Fast entry just above the Cheney story:
"Justice Department lawyers said they would go to court as soon as today to block a ruling by U.S. District Judge John Bates that forces the White House to cooperate with the attorneys scandal investigation.”
August 28th, 2008 at 12:43 pmmisshusseinmolly Says:
Because of McCain’s utter lack of economic savvy, conventional wisdom suggests that he needs a running mate with strength in this area.
The tough part is going to be finding somebody with knowledge of economic matters who will buy into McCain’s economic proposals.
Should be interesting.
Only Bill Kristol comes to mind.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:20 pmThis story ran in Forbes today:
Defense contractor accused of human trafficking
Defense contractor KBR Inc. and a Jordanian subcontractor are accused of human trafficking in a federal lawsuit filed in Los Angeles.
The suit alleges 12 Nepali men were being transported to Iraq against their will when they were killed in an insurgent attack.
The lawsuit filed Wednesday by an attack survivor and family members of victims claims subcontractor Daoud & Partners recruited the men in Nepal to work in hotels and restaurants in Jordan.
The company allegedly seized their passports when they arrived in Jordan in 2004 and had them sent to Iraq to work on a U.S. air base.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/08/28/ap5368234.html
August 28th, 2008 at 1:45 pm> A Washington law firm filed a
> lawsuit yesterday against KBR
God bless you my friends, may your arrow find its mark.
Hit these blood merchants where it hurts, thier pocketbook, and hit them hard..
August 28th, 2008 at 2:18 pmI've got it on very good authority (Phil Gramm) that those 967,831 who went bankrupt the past twelve months are a bunch of whiners who should try to have a more positive outlook! Because our economy is just wonderful, the Republicans have done nothing wrong , and it's all Bill Clinton's fault anyway.
August 28th, 2008 at 4:25 pm