Friday, May 21, 2004
Ridden like animals
More on the prison abuse scandal. I don't quite think this is how to win hearts and minds.
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'US soldiers started to shoot us, one by one'
Story from the Guardian about the wedding party incident in Iraq. This cost 42 innocent Iraqis - and for what?
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Video: Prison Abuse
From today's Washington Post, warning - graphic.
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Bush gives stump speech to... Republicans?
Link: In a "meeting" with Congressional Republican'ts, President Bush gave a 35 minute stump speech meant to "rally the troops", following the recent scandal and problems in Iraq. However, Bush simply gave the speech and left, not taking questions from his OWN party!
"The meeting did not satisfy dissidents in the party. "There was nothing you haven't heard at other, public appearances," said Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), whose commitment to the GOP was questioned this week by Hastert. Asked whether he felt better because of Bush's assurances about improvement in Iraq, McCain replied with feigned relief: "Oh, much better."" - John say you will!
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"The meeting did not satisfy dissidents in the party. "There was nothing you haven't heard at other, public appearances," said Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), whose commitment to the GOP was questioned this week by Hastert. Asked whether he felt better because of Bush's assurances about improvement in Iraq, McCain replied with feigned relief: "Oh, much better."" - John say you will!
Two months in a row!
Kerry raised twice as much money than Bush in April, while Bush has spent an estimated $150 million so far in the campaign to lie to the American people about John Kerry.
WaPo: "Kerry is now in a position to be competitive with [the president] through the convention," when both candidates will be limited to $75 million in federal campaign funds, said Anthony Corrado, a campaign finance expert at the Brookings Institution. "The issue was, could Kerry raise the money he needed to get his message out and campaign aggressively through the summer? He's done that. This is a completely different race from the last two because of his fundraising success."
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WaPo: "Kerry is now in a position to be competitive with [the president] through the convention," when both candidates will be limited to $75 million in federal campaign funds, said Anthony Corrado, a campaign finance expert at the Brookings Institution. "The issue was, could Kerry raise the money he needed to get his message out and campaign aggressively through the summer? He's done that. This is a completely different race from the last two because of his fundraising success."
Friday, May 07, 2004
Rumsfeld apologizes to Iraqi prisoners
Well, I guess the polls said it was acceptable for administration officials to apologize, following W.'s apology yesterday Rumsfeld did so today.
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Former Army secretary warned Pentagon on private contractors
Link: There are now at least 20,000 contract killers providing security for U.S. officials in Iraq. However, the Pentagon has no way of tracking how many of these contractors are actually there - so there are several people running around paid with taxpayer dollars that are unknown to the government. These contractors are also those responsible for the torture of Iraqi prisoners, but they are uncontrollable.
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Workers leaving Iraq
Three out of 10 "reconstruction" workers in Iraq have left since April, because of security concerns.
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"It is a common thing to abuse prisoners''
From a military policeman talking about prisoner abuses in Iraq. From today's New York Times.
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Thursday, May 06, 2004
Harkin to Rumsfeld: Resign!
Tom Harkin (D-IA) demanded that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld resign, and saying that if he doesn't resign right away - the President should fire him! Rumsfeld is scheduled to testify publicly tomorrow. My personal favorite Conservative, John McCain, also said today that "the Secretary has a lot of explaining to do". Also, in today's STL Post-Dispatch, their editorial board demanded that Rummy resign, and take the Wolf-man and Doug Feith with him.
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Times editorial on soldier images
The NYTimes talks about the images of the prisoners being tortured, and how this, and not our soldiers amazing performance in the war, has become the lasting image of our occupation. It's a damn shame.
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New prisoner images in today's WaPo
|"The dumbest policy on the face of the Earth"
That's Larry Wilkerson, Colin Powell's Chief of Staff, on Bush's foreign policy.
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Tuesday, May 04, 2004
47,000 more to Iraq
|Children Left Behind
Kerry is attacking Bush's record on education today. It's a big target, so have fun John.
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Kerry in a race to define himself
John F. Kerry has now released a series of biographical ads attempting to introduce himself to the American people before Rove and the boys finish and make him look like a big softy Liberal. These ads, which are excellent in my totally biased opinion, will cost $25 million in ad buys. The ads also feature his lovely wife, Teresa, and daughter Vanessa.
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Bush secrecy being exposed...again
The Bush Administration's secrecy comes under fire in today's Boston Globe. Relating to the Gorelick memo, as well as the 8/6/2001 PDB that was finally released after much pressure from the 9/11 Commission. The secrecy of this President is rivaled only by that of "Tricky Dicky" Nixon.
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Battlefield of Dreams
Krugman today. Basically talking about the private contractors and general privitization in the on-going Iraqi transition, and how it is a conservative's wet dream, including a flat-tax.
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Bush's love and support for Murderiel Sharon angers diplomats
Sixty former U.S. diplomats signed a letter to Bush scolding him for his unabashed support of Ariel Sharon, and saying that it is costing our country friends and prestige all over the world.
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More on the prisoners
The U.S. now says that military prison guards will no longer be allowed to use hoods to blindfold Iraqi prisoners. I don't really agree with what I'm about to say, but isn't this starting to look more and more like Vietnam?
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More Iraqis come forward
Not good news:
"I was blindfolded and handcuffed, we were dumped outside on a gravel yard for 10 days, we were given one bottle of water all day for cleaning and drinking"
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"I was blindfolded and handcuffed, we were dumped outside on a gravel yard for 10 days, we were given one bottle of water all day for cleaning and drinking"
W. in Ohio today
Good luck, 222,000 jobs have been lost in that state. It's John Kerry's state to lose, and it's his election to lose.
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"The beginning rather than the end"?
That's what Ted Kennedy thinks of the prison abuse allegations, as well as John McCain, Carl Levin, and John Warner.
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Monday, May 03, 2004
Credibility is on the ballot in November
And Bush has none, thanks to his support of the murderous Sharon.
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Small donors
Small donors are defining the fund-raising in this election. Good news for us.
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Saturday, May 01, 2004
On this anniversary
Since a year ago today, when Bush declared an end to major military operations in Iraq, 594 soldiers have died. He needs to go.
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Next stop on the war path:
Latin America. General James Hill, head of U.S. Southern Command, told a congressional panel that America needs to strenthen its Latin America armed forces. Can you smell a war?
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Fallujah families return to their homes, or what was once their home.
"My books have been burned so how will I study?," he asked. "Where will we live? Where will we live?" he cried.
The families of the Iraqi city of Fallujuh have returned to their homes after a U.S. military siege ended. Many returned home to rubble, but saw the absence of U.S. troops as a victory.
Story
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The families of the Iraqi city of Fallujuh have returned to their homes after a U.S. military siege ended. Many returned home to rubble, but saw the absence of U.S. troops as a victory.
Story
Iraq? Condi?
Chevron (Condi Rice's old company, and one of the biggest oil companies in the country) reported massive profit gains of about 33%. Could this have anything todo with the military intervention in Iraq, or Chevron's friends in high places at the White House? You decide.
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British troops guilty of atrocities, too
American soldiers are not alone in their mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners. They have a willing and able ally in the Brits. THIS is what happens when you leave your troops in the battleground for too long - they become insane.
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Veteran calls out Bush Administration
A National Guard leader from Iraq calls out Bush's leadership in this war:
"Our troops are still waiting for more body armor. They are still waiting for better equipment. They are still waiting for a policy that brings in the rest of the world and relieves their burden" - Well said!
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"Our troops are still waiting for more body armor. They are still waiting for better equipment. They are still waiting for a policy that brings in the rest of the world and relieves their burden" - Well said!
Sinclair sex offender
Via Atrios - Republican values
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New DNC Video
|Friday, April 30, 2004
Sinclair responds via its website
Link.
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Vietnam's Giap Gives Warning on Iraq
THIS is ironic.
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PBS Frontline
Frontline is airing a show called "The Jesus Factor" about Bush's religiosity, you can watch the full program online here, starting tomorrow.
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Today's Progress Report
More on Sinclair's Conservative agenda.
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Two more today, so far
Two Marines killed in Fallujah attack today.
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Update on Koppel
He is going to be on the O'Franken Factor today. It is on live right now on Air America Radio.
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More on Sinclair Broadcasting
In 2000 and 2001, Sinclair Broadcast Group gave a total of $132,400 to Republican causes.
And a quote from Sinclair:
"While the Sinclair Broadcast Group honors the memory of the brave members of the military who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our country, we do not believe such political statements should be disguised as news content," said Barry Faber, Sinclair's counsel, in a prepared statement issued in response to a request for comment.
Read Sinclair's entire statement.
Some Sinclair background info.
Article summing up the entire situation.
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And a quote from Sinclair:
"While the Sinclair Broadcast Group honors the memory of the brave members of the military who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our country, we do not believe such political statements should be disguised as news content," said Barry Faber, Sinclair's counsel, in a prepared statement issued in response to a request for comment.
Read Sinclair's entire statement.
Some Sinclair background info.
Article summing up the entire situation.
John McCain is a class-act
Yes, I know, John McCain is a Conservative. However, he is a hero to our country because of his service to our country and his honesty. He wrote this letter to Sinclair Broadcasting, a Republican contibutor, about the company's refusal to show tonight's Nightline. The company says that Nightline is pushing a political message, but how is HONORING our fallen men and women political?
McCain Letter to Sinclair Broadcast on Preemption of Nightline
Fri Apr 30 2004 11:29:49 ET
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) issued the following letter today to Mr. David Smith, President and CEO of Sinclair Broadcast Group, in response to the preemption of this evening's Nightline program:
I write to strongly protest your decision to instruct Sinclair's ABC affiliates to preempt this evening's Nightline program. I find deeply offensive Sinclair's objection to Nightline's intention to broadcast the names and photographs of Americans who gave their lives in service to our country in Iraq.
I supported the President's decision to go to war in Iraq, and remain a strong supporter of that decision. But every American has a responsibility to understand fully the terrible costs of war and the extraordinary sacrifices it requires of those brave men and women who volunteer to defend the rest of us; lest we ever forget or grow insensitive to how grave a decision it is for our government to order Americans into combat. It is a solemn responsibility of elected officials to accept responsibility for our decision and its consequences, and, with those who disseminate the news, to ensure that Americans are fully informed of those consequences.
There is no valid reason for Sinclair to shirk its responsibility in what I assume is a very misguided attempt to prevent your viewers from completely appreciating the extraordinary sacrifices made on their behalf by Americans serving in Iraq. War is an awful, but sometimes necessary business. Your decision to deny your viewers an opportunity to be reminded of war's terrible costs, in all their heartbreaking detail, is a gross disservice to the public, and to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. It is, in short, sir, unpatriotic. I hope it meets with the public opprobrium it most certainly deserves.
Thanks, John, now please accept the VP position on the John Kerry ticket.
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McCain Letter to Sinclair Broadcast on Preemption of Nightline
Fri Apr 30 2004 11:29:49 ET
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) issued the following letter today to Mr. David Smith, President and CEO of Sinclair Broadcast Group, in response to the preemption of this evening's Nightline program:
I write to strongly protest your decision to instruct Sinclair's ABC affiliates to preempt this evening's Nightline program. I find deeply offensive Sinclair's objection to Nightline's intention to broadcast the names and photographs of Americans who gave their lives in service to our country in Iraq.
I supported the President's decision to go to war in Iraq, and remain a strong supporter of that decision. But every American has a responsibility to understand fully the terrible costs of war and the extraordinary sacrifices it requires of those brave men and women who volunteer to defend the rest of us; lest we ever forget or grow insensitive to how grave a decision it is for our government to order Americans into combat. It is a solemn responsibility of elected officials to accept responsibility for our decision and its consequences, and, with those who disseminate the news, to ensure that Americans are fully informed of those consequences.
There is no valid reason for Sinclair to shirk its responsibility in what I assume is a very misguided attempt to prevent your viewers from completely appreciating the extraordinary sacrifices made on their behalf by Americans serving in Iraq. War is an awful, but sometimes necessary business. Your decision to deny your viewers an opportunity to be reminded of war's terrible costs, in all their heartbreaking detail, is a gross disservice to the public, and to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. It is, in short, sir, unpatriotic. I hope it meets with the public opprobrium it most certainly deserves.
Thanks, John, now please accept the VP position on the John Kerry ticket.
Editorial on Pat Tillman
This is some pretty strong stuff, from the UMass Daily Collegian.
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Wife of accused soldier speaks out
Following the 60 Minutes II piece that aired the other night, family members of the soldiers in charge of Iraqi prisons are speaking out against our military's leadership.
"Martha Frederick, of Buckingham, Va., said her husband, in Iraq since April 2003, told her his unit wasn't given proper training and equipment.
"I feel like things are being covered up. What has come to light has fallen on the burden of my husband," she said." - AP story
17 soldiers have now been suspended for their conduct, including a General.
Pictures from the broadcast can be found here.
A more complete overview of the piece can be found here, including more pictures.
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"Martha Frederick, of Buckingham, Va., said her husband, in Iraq since April 2003, told her his unit wasn't given proper training and equipment.
"I feel like things are being covered up. What has come to light has fallen on the burden of my husband," she said." - AP story
17 soldiers have now been suspended for their conduct, including a General.
Pictures from the broadcast can be found here.
A more complete overview of the piece can be found here, including more pictures.
YOU should know this, Paul
"It's approximately 500, of which -- I can get the exact numbers -- approximately 350 are combat deaths" - no, jackass, its 724 military deaths in Iraq, and 522 were combat deaths. Paul Wolfowitz yesterday.
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More massive job cuts
|Krugman today
Link: Commemorating the one year anniversary of "Mission Accomplished".
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Who's the guy that cut defense?
That would be Dick Cheney, NOT John Kerry. Cheney cancelled numerous programs while Sec. of Defense, yet he goes out and makes outrageous charges about John Kerry's patriotism! Cheney also managed to find time to tout Fox News as "the most accurate" - could it be because Fox owner Rupert Murdoch's company (NewsCorp) donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Bush team in 2000?
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